Category: October2019

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Golden Arches

Sometimes I just get so overwhelmed by the glory of God. Take yesterday for example. As we were coming up the drive to the campground I was taken back by the beauty of the golden leaves of the aspens. I’ve been waiting weeks from them to turn from green to yellow to gold.

So beautiful!  Almost majestic.

Driving under the branches of the trees, as they stretched across the road before us, I was stirred in my thinking to some verses in Psalms.

“Gates, proudly lift your heads! Open, ancient doors, and the glorious King will come in.
8 Who is the glorious King? He is the Lord, the powerful soldier. He is the Lord, the war hero.9 Gates, proudly lift your heads! Open, ancient doors, and the glorious King will come in. 10 Who is the glorious King? The Lord All-Powerful is the glorious King. ” Psalm 24:7-10 ERV

The King of Glory is none other than Jesus Christ. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

“On his robe and on his leg was written this name: King of kings and Lord of lords” Revelation 19:16 ERV

Revelation goes on to say in chapter 20 that we will rule and reign with Him. The majesty and splendor that are His are unrivaled in all the universe but we have an open door policy to be in His presence whenever we choose. He does not turn us away.

We are welcome there because we, too, are called the children of God and we share in the inheritance of Jesus, our brother, who died for us.

“And the Spirit himself speaks to our spirits and makes us sure that we are God’s children. 17 If we are God’s children, we will get the blessings God has for his people. He will give us all that he has given Christ. But we must suffer like Christ suffered. Then we will be able to share his glory.” Romans 8:16-17 ERV

Christ suffered by denying Himself and putting His love for the world ahead of His own pleasure. That’s what children of God do, we act like the Father.

I have imagined the heavenly throne room. The streets are gold that lead to His throne, I can only imagine that there would be columns and arches of gold too. After all, it’s the Father’s throne.

“ With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 ERV

We come boldly to the Father’s throne with grateful hearts because we are His children, we’re royalty!

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Given Not Earned!

There’s an old song that we sang when I was a girl, Calvary Covers It All.

I was thinking about that song this morning. How thankful I am for Calvary!!

Thankful that the blood of Jesus, the sacrificial lamb, blotted out my sin!

In the Old Testament the priest would offer a lamb once a year for the forgiveness of sin. The priest would lay his hands on the head of the lamb, signifying a transfer of the sins of the people to the perfect lamb of sacrifice. When this transfer was complete the Israelites could experience freedom and cleansing for another year. The blood of the lamb “covered” their sins but never completely blotted it out. Each year they would have to come again, offering another sacrifice, to receive their forgiveness.

“The Law of Moses is like a shadow of the good things to come. This shadow isn’t the good things themselves, because it cannot free people from sin by the sacrifices that are offered year after year. 2 If there were worshipers who already have their sins washed away and their consciences made clear, there would not be any need to go on offering sacrifices. 3-4 But the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins. It only reminds people of their sins from one year to the next.” Hebrews 10:1-4 CEV

But Jesus Christ, as our lamb of sacrifice, only had to be offered once for the forgiveness of sin! We, who have accepted that sacrifice don’t just have our sins covered but we can rest knowing those sins are completely blotted out.

“You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God’s people. But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins. 14 God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross. 15 There Christ defeated all powers and forces. He let the whole world see them being led away as prisoners when he celebrated his victory.” Colossians 2:13-15 CEV

This is significant. If something is just covered, we can lift the covering and find what was being hidden. However, if it’s blotted out or wiped clean, there is nothing to be found.

Remember when we were in school and the teacher erased the blackboard. Sometimes you could still see the shadow of the writing on the board but when she wiped it clean with that chamois eraser, all the words were gone – completely gone. That’s a crude illustration because the blood of Jesus is so much greater than a chamois eraser but I think you get the point.

“The priests do their work each day, and they keep on offering sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But Christ offered himself as a sacrifice that is good forever. Now he is sitting at God’s right side, 13 and he will stay there until his enemies are put under his power. 14 By his one sacrifice he has forever set free from sin the people he brings to God. 15 The Holy Spirit also speaks of this by telling us that the Lord said, 16 “When the time comes, I will make an agreement with them. I will write my laws on their minds and hearts. 17 Then I will forget about their sins and no longer remember their evil deeds. 18 When sins are forgiven, there is no more need to offer sacrifices.” Hebrews 10:11-18 CEV

Forgiven! Forgiveness is not something that is earned. There is nothing we could do to earn the forgiveness that God has FREELY GIVEN. By the very nature of the word it is given. We can’t rationalize or justify or make enough excuses for our actions to “earn” forgiveness. It is an act of pure love that leads to restoration. Restored in perfect relationship with the Father.

We have been wiped clean by the blood of Jesus. The next time the devil, or some well meaning person, tries to remind us of the things we’ve done wrong, we should stand up and remind them that the precious blood of Jesus has wiped us clean. And because we are forgiven we should be willing to give that same forgiveness to those around us.

It’s given not earned!

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A Winner!

Going to talk about exercise for a bit this morning. When we first realize that we “need” to exercise it’s never pleasant. Accepting that we are out of shape and not as healthy as you should be is the first step. When we were kids it was called recess and it was fun but now that we are adults if just seems like work.

The first few days we have a real commitment or at least that’s what we tell ourselves. But then comes day 7 or 8; and it becomes harder to stay committed to the goal. Our muscles hurt, we’re not seeing any results yet, we start making excuses and when we do that we are on your way to failure. I know, I’ve failed many times.

Never once do I ever remember moaning and groaning about going out to recess. There were a number of times that I had to sit on the sidewalk, next to the teacher and miss recess. It was horrible, I wanted to be out playing (ssh, exercising).

Now think back to our childhood days exercise wasn’t a bad word, it was called fun. To be outside with our buddies playing ball, running through the yard playing tag or football. Going hiking to our favorite fishing spot or walking the mile to the swimming pool in the afternoon heat (my personal favorite). It was fun and we were in shape.

Of course you know this is going to have a spiritual correlation.

When we face trials and temptations it is an opportunity to exercise our faith. James tells us to count it joy because we will be developed and end up lacking nothing.

“My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. 3 You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. 4 But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.” James 1:2-4 CEV

Facing trials is like building muscle. At first, we see little victories but then to continue to develop a muscle we must increase the weigh, the repetition or both. In walking with the Lord, we’re never left to do this on our own.. We have a great coach who is with us every step. Under His direction and inspiration we come out the winner.

“13 You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations.” I Corinthians 10:13 CEV

Jesus knows what this is all about because He went through every temptation we experience while he was here on earth. Who better to coach us than someone whose been there, done that and emerged as the Champion of Champions!

“We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him. 15 Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:14-16 ERV

Thank you Lord for coaching me through life and providing all the help I need to develop and finish a winner!

Time for recess!

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The Great Pumpkin

Many of you have taken your children and perhaps, your grandchildren to the pumpkin patch. It’s so much fun!

I remember one particular time that we went on a school field trip to the farm; each child got to find, and take home, their own pumpkin. There was apple cider, donuts, pies to be purchased, a corn maze and a hay ride. Everyone had a wonderful time. The air was crisp, Fall was in the air. It was a refreshing day.

At our house, pumpkins are for baking not for carving. Years ago, we attend a Harvest Party at our church in California. One of the men from the church, who worked in the agriculture field, acquired a large pumpkin for the photo area. It was a 75 pound pumpkin and when the night was over there was a quandary as to what would become of the pumpkin.

It came home with us. I spent the next several days washing, scooping out seeds, baking pumpkin shell and flesh, then pureeing it for pumpkin pies and pumpkin breads. Oh the house smelled wonderful. There were pumpkin pies on every counter in the kitchen and as they cooled they went in to the freezer. Twenty-eight, ten-inch, homemade pumpkin pies with crust from scratch – it was truly a labor of love! My kids still talk about those pies to this day.

A few years back I found this analogy of Christians and pumpkins on the internet. I’m not sure who wrote it originally but it certainly rang true with my heart.

“A lady recently being baptized was asked by a co-worker what it was like to be a Christian. She replied, “It’s like being a pumpkin:  God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off… Then he cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.”

This is the Father’s promise to us; He takes what we were and makes us into something new.

“The Son shows the glory of God. He is a perfect copy of God’s nature, and he holds everything together by his powerful command. The Son made people clean from their sins. Then he sat down at the right side of God, the Great One in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3 ERV

“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:16-17 NLT

“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT

Chosen – Cleansed – Filled with life and light. Like a great pumpkin, God has blessed us with a delicious new life!

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Prayer Warrior

This morning I found myself on the front lines of battle for friends of mine. I was dressed for the offensive, taking back ground that circumstances and the devil have stolen from them.

I knew it was going to be that kind of morning because each time I woke up during the night the lyrics of the song, Prayer Warrior, were going through my mind and settling in my heart.

We may see her in the grocery with her children
Or in the city nine to five each working day
She’s a mother or a teacher or a woman all alone
But she’s someone else entirely when she prays

She’s a prayer warrior down on her knees
Wrestling with power and principalities
Standing in the gap for others
For her sisters and her brothers
Reaching heaven with her heart – prayer warrior

We don’t see her lonely nights of intercession
Or that tear she shed with every whispered name
We may not see the simple things hidden in her heart
But the eyes of God are watching her with care

Bridge: And we’ll never wholly know the debt we owe her
For we’ll never know the evil we’ve been spared
Many nights she’s crushed through Satan’s strongholds
Reaching heaven with her prayers

Yes, prayer warriors! When someone tells me they are praying for me, it strengthens me. I honestly believe there is nothing more powerful that we can do than pray. When we pray, we take our need into God’s throne room and He provides the help we need.

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT

Prayer is getting God involved; using the power He has given us in His word and we have His promise that His word does what it is sent to do.

““The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. 11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT

We have specific instruction from the Apostle Paul on what we need to do when we are facing battle whether it be spiritual, physical, financial, emotional or relational.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:1-18 NLT

Our command is to pray all the time, on every occasion and for all believers everywhere. I hope you never say, “well, all we can do is pray”. That makes it sound like prayer is a last resort – we’ve done everything else so we might as well pray. No, prayer is an offensive attack on the enemy.

Put on your armor. Join me and become a prayer warrior!

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Love Sweet Love

Just two days ago I shared with you the prayer that Jesus prayed for us. He wanted us to know that the Father loves us as much as the Father loves Him – that concept is beyond mental comprehension and can only be received by faith.

Then yesterday I shared with you what Jesus has done to redeem us, to purchase us – He paid a price that no one else could.

So what do we do with this wonderful outpouring of love from the Father and from Jesus. We can never repay what’s been given, however, there is something we can do to express our gratitude for so great a love.

What the world needs now is love sweet love, it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of. What the world needs now is love sweet love, no, not just for some but for everyone. We must follow the example that Jesus set for us and love others.

“We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about Jesus. He patiently endured the angry insults that sinful people were shouting at him. Think about him so that you won’t get discouraged and stop trying.” Hebrrews 12:2-3 ERV

Since we must never stop looking at Jesus let’s go back into that room where Jesus and his disciples were celebrating Passover. Jesus has washed feet, Judas is gone to betray Him and this is what happens next.

“Jesus said, “My children, I will be with you only a short time more. You will look for me, but I tell you now what I told the Jewish leaders: Where I am going you cannot come. 34 “I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. 35 All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:33-35 ERV

Love one another…how is this love examplified – by washing the feet of others (taking care of their base needs), by being patient with those that betray us, and by loving those with good intentions but little follow through.

We are often critical of Judas and his betrayal because it was intentional – he used his connection with Jesus for monetary gain. However, Peter’s betrayal was just as damning but instead of being prompted by greed, he was motivated by fear. That night Jesus wasn’t surrounded by just one man who would betray Him but by a room filled with men who would run off and leave him alone.

“Simon Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow now. But you will follow later.” 37 Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I am ready to die for you!” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you really give your life for me? The truth is, before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t know me.” John 13:36-38 ERV

We mustn’t let the end of the chapter stop us from continuing with the events of that night. We must go into chapter 14 to see the instruction that Jesus continued to give. How can we live free from fear and love with the unconditional love that Jesus did? It’s by realizing that God, the Father, has a much bigger and better plan for us than just life on this earth.

“Jesus said, “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back. Then I will take you with me, so that you can be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-3 ERV

Here’s Jesus answer to fear. Don’t worry, trust the Father and trust me. I’m going away but I’ll be back for you so don’t worry!

Let’s come back to our song – what the world needs now is love. They need to see us loving them, loving other christians, living without fear in a pretty unsettling time and doing all of it because we trust the Father and know that He is in control!

How do we express our gratitude for the wonderful love we have received from our heavenly Father? We share it with those around us, the deserving and the undeserving.

What the world needs NOW is love, the sweet love of Jesus!

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Going Once, Going Twice, Sold

Dave and I are off on a fun adventure today. Going to do something we both really enjoy. We’re going to an auction! I can tell you we are both excited. We haven’t been to an auction since we moved back to Arizona. We used to go to farm, ranch and estate auctions frequently. Sometimes we go a couple times a month.

What’s so great about an auction? Finding a treasure!

And when we go it’s generally a full day’s event. We stay to the very end; some folks only come for one or two items and others just grow weary from standing there all day but we’ve found, that by staying until the end, we can always find one or two more treasures at a really great price.

Yesterday we went for the preview. We had an opportunity to look things over; pick them up and look for flaws. We tested electrical items and look closely at glassware for chips, nicks and utensil scratches.

Do you realize that we too have been to an auction? Each of us has been on the auction block and we were sold to the highest bidder. The bidders came and evaluated our worth, and they paid the price. Some of the bidders who registered for bidding rights were wealth, fame, success, family, education, career and Jesus. They all looked us over and waited to put in a bid, hoping they would be the high bidder.

When the auctioneer had us lift our hands to show that we were the next one up for bid, they watched with anticipation. Each one increasing the bid a bit more, each one hoping to hear “final warning, last bid, sold”. But only one could walk away with the prize, only one had unlimited resources, only one was willing to pay all to take us home.

That one…Jesus!

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” I Corinthians 6:19-21 NLT

“Lord, you have come to my defense;  you have redeemed my life.” Lamentations 3:58 NLT

There is a term in the auction world, “buy order”. It means no matter the cost, win the bid. That’s what Jesus did with us; He issued a buy order. The price of our purchase was great; it cost Him his life.

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.” Romans 5:6-10 NLT

Today we will go to the auction and come home with a few treasures. We will be purchasing inanimate objects that can be picked up and carried home. They have no choice in the process.

What Jesus did in purchasing us is beyond compare. He gave His life for all. He is not willing that anyone would be left out. But we have a free will; we choose if we will accept His offer.

“He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:10-14 NLT

Many years ago I chose to give Him my life. Each day I choose to live for the One who purchased my freedom. I hope you have done or will do the same!

Going once, going twice, sold to the Man who hung on the cross!

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Praying in the Garden

Anyone remember cassette tapes? A few of my favorites from the early 1990’s were by a group called Heirloom. But alas, I no longer have a cassette player so I thought that music was gone. I recently found a CD of their music, all the songs that were on that cassette, I purchased it right away. The harmony is angelic and the words of the songs fill my heart with such joy.

Yesterday I was out running errands and had the CD playing. One of the songs that is particularly meaningful to me is titled, Crying in the Garden. Here are just a few lines:

Can’t you hear Him crying in the garden
A broken hearted Savior that day
Weeping for His straying children
And those who have turned Him away.

While the city slept in the distance
There on a hillside I see
Jesus with heart heavy laden
Kneeling in Gethsemane.

This song talks of Jesus last hours on earth. He knew the cross was before Him, soon the soldiers would come to arrest Him. He went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. This morning I re-read the words of His prayer.

I had to ask myself, if I were in my last hours of life how would I pray. Jesus’ prayer, His conversation with His Father, was one of love and gratitude. He was resolved. He willingly gave His life for our redemption. He was praying for us, for those of us who would accept His gift of new life and He was praying that everyone would take advantage of this wonderful gift.

He was praying that we would experience the same wonderful, loving relationship with the Father that He had. Here’s the last few verses of Jesus prayer, it’s recorded in John 17. This is what Jesus was praying for us…

“I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. 21 I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me.

22 I have honored my followers in the same way that you honored me, in order that they may be one with each other, just as we are one. 23 I am one with them, and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then this world’s people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me.

24 Father, I want everyone you have given me to be with me, wherever I am. Then they will see the glory that you have given me, because you loved me before the world was created. 25 Good Father, the people of this world don’t know you. But I know you, and my followers know that you sent me. 26 I told them what you are like, and I will tell them even more. Then the love that you have for me will become part of them, and I will be one with them.” John 17:20-27 CEV

Jesus heart was heavy. He knew that He would be separated from God’s presence for the first time since time began. He knew that when He took all our sins on Himself that God, the Father, wouldn’t be able to look at Him. The heavens grew black at that hour. But He knew that He would come out of the grave victoriously and that all of mankind would be free to have relationship with the Father once again.

He knew the sacrifice would be worth it and He prayed for us!

“We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side[a] of God’s throne! 3 So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won’t get discouraged and give up.” Hebrews 12:2-3 CEV

I’m so grateful that Jesus prayed for me in that Garden. I believe His prayers are answered. I believe that God the Father loves me as much as He loves Jesus and that I can show the world His love.

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Surrounded With Patience

I had some very good English teachers when I was in Junior High and High School. They taught me to love language; to look for the familiar in unfamiliar places. So this morning while looking at the word patience I wasn’t surprised by what I found in the center of the word.

I – I am in the center of patient, three letters before and three letters after. The same holds true with the word impatience; five letters before and four letters after. No wonder “I” have trouble with patience sometimes, I want things centered around me.

Impatience is a fruit of selfishness! Think about that, it is something I heard Joyce Meyer say years ago and I haven’t forgotten it.

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

How contrary that is to God’s character! He waited for just the right time to send Jesus. Jesus walked this earth teaching the same thing over and over, God’s love for us and His plan for our restoration. People didn’t get it. And now God is waiting again, He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

In John 13, we read the story of Jesus final Passover celebration with his disciples before His crucifixion. He takes the role of a servant and starts washing the disciples feet. Peter objects, he didn’t understand what Jesus was doing but Jesus doesn’t become impatient. He took time to explain His purpose to Peter and still he misunderstood…

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

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

6 He came to Simon Peter. But Peter said to him, “Lord, you should not wash my feet.” 7 Jesus answered, “You don’t know what I am doing now. But later you will understand.” 8 Peter said, “No! You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “If I don’t wash your feet, you are not one of my people.” 9 Simon Peter said, “Lord, after you wash my feet, wash my hands and my head too!”

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

Countless times the Lord has been patient with our failings, our shortcomings, our wanderings. He has been there to pick us up, welcome us home and encourage us to “go our way and sin no more”.

And now He is asking us to become patient with ourselves and with others, to show them the same love and compassion He has shown to us. When we are patient, we are Christ-like and our lives will reflect His love.

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

Remember, “I” am surrounded by patience. Patiently love those surround you today!

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True Treasure

One of the things I value most is the cedar chest I have in the guest bedroom. It was my Mom’s hope chest. I loved it when Mom would open it and let us go through the keepsakes that were inside. I remember seeing a newspaper that told about the end of World War II and then there was the program from the Ice Capades, a date night that she and Daddy had so many years ago.

It’s interesting that my kids, grown adults now, also enjoy going through the cedar chest. It’s contents are my most valued treasures. There are the family photo albums which contain pictures of my parents as young adults; my grandparents wedding picture and then the treasures that our kids made in Sunday School or public school. There’s a plastic candy cane wrapped in eyelet, a wooden board that has been sawn in wood shop and painted with red letters that say “#1 Mom”. There’s a sweet letter that tells me how much I am loved and a bud vase with a red rose that was made in ceramics.

My treasures!

All this has me thinking this morning, what have I given the Father that He would deem worthy of putting in the cedar chest for safe keeping? What is valuable to Him? It was then I remembered the story of a widow who gave all. I’m sure her two little pennies are in the Father’s treasure chest.

“Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. 43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44 NLT

What the widow gave was an insignificant amount but the way she gave was priceless!She held nothing back; she gave her all.

When I was little, before we would head out the door to church, Mom would take some coins and tie them in a hankie for us to take to Sunday School and place in the offering. I remember being so excited to carry that hankie, my offering, and give it to Jesus. Sometimes I would pull the knot so tight, I didn’t want to loose the coins, that I would have to use my teeth to loosen the knot at offering time. I loved giving all I had to Jesus!

If the Lord had a cedar chest I’m sure my hankie would be in it. It was the symbol of a child’s love, a cheerful heart, giving all.

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.” II Corinthians 9:7-11 NLT

True Treasure isn’t measured by the amount given but by the attitude of the heart. It’s just like that candy cane, wooden sign and sweet letters that are in my cedar chest. Those items have value because they were given from the loving heart of a child to their parent.

Whatever we give to the Father should be given from a heart of love. We can give money, time, possessions, attitudes, kindness. When we give, we are planting seeds and those seeds will return a harvest in like kind.

Give the Father your best; that is the treasure He desires!

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