Category: September2024

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Encouragement for Seniors

When I was a girl, I loved to hear the stories of David the shepherd boy, young Samuel, Esther the girl chosen to be queen and Mary the young Jewish girl called to be the mother of Jesus.

It was important for me to know that the Lord used young people; they had an important role in Biblical history. The Apostle Paul even told Timothy “Let no one despise your youth”.

Then there are those middle-aged giants of faith, Naomi, King David, Solomon, Isaiah, Daniel, Peter, James, Luke and Paul. They had such strength of body and strength of character. It’s easy to see how they made an impact on their world.

But now that I’m in my seventies, it’s encouraging to know that God has a plan for the senior generation as well. The picture I used today is of the cedars of Lebanon that the Bible frequently talks about. Read to the end and see why this stately tree is an example to us.

Moses was 80 years old when he went to pharaoh and demanded that the Israelites be released from bondage. He died at 120.

“ Moses was 120 years old when he died. He was as strong as ever, and his eyes were still good.” Deuteronomy 34:7 ERV

Joshua took over for Moses at the age of 80 and led the people of Israel in to conqueror the promised land. He was a mighty leader and so was Caleb who had walked side by side with Joshua for the last 40 years.

Some mornings I get up with those little aches and pains like many my age experience. Some mornings it more intense than others – you know what I mean. But, each day I get up with praise in my heart and thanksgiving on my lips for all the Father has done and is doing in my life. I am blessed with strength, health, a sound mind, a pretty strong body and God has given me wisdom, hope and joy.

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind.” II Timothy 1:7 NLV

I’ve said all of this to encourage you, no matter what your age, God has a purpose and plan for us at each stage of our lives. I want to share with you what I read in the Psalms, and I pray that it speaks to you as it spoke to me.

“It is wonderful to be grateful and to sing your praises, Lord Most High! 2 It is wonderful each morning to tell about your love and at night to announce how faithful you are...12 Good people will prosper like palm trees, and they will grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. 13 They will take root in your house, Lord God, and they will do well. 14 They will be like trees that stay healthy and fruitful, even when they are old. 15 And they will say about you, ‘The Lord always does right! God is our mighty rock.'” Psalm 92:1,2, 12-15 CEV

Healthy and fruitful, strong and prosperous even when we are old. We will say “the Lord always does right”. We have a testimony that those younger have yet to fully understand. With length of years comes a confidence and a trust that the Lord ALWAYS does right. He is faithful.

Waking up this morning means that God has something planned for us to do. Let’s do it with a grateful heart and begin by telling others about His love!

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New Life

Our granddaughter shared a post yesterday. She is 37 weeks, almost to her due date. We are so excited – she is about to give birth to our second great granddaughter!

I remember those days of being an expectant mother. I wanted everything to be perfect. As I sat here thinking about those days and my emotions, the excitement is fresh in my mind. Wanting the best for them – little outfits to wear, everything perfect in the nursery, what to feed them, and who they would grow up to be.

I’m so blessed by their lives and by the Lord’s faithfulness to them. Thinking on all of this I was reminded of a teaching I did years ago on our spiritual birth and how God planned it all.

Our heavenly Father prepared for our arrival.

Read the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3 – you must be born again. Then look at the question Nicodemus asked Jesus.

“Don’t be surprised that I told you, ‘You must be born again.’…9 Nicodemus asked, “How is all this possible?” …16 Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world. He did not send him to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.” John 3:7-17 ERV

From the time of Adam’s sin in the garden, the Father began planning for our arrival with great expectation. He sent His Son to bring spiritual birth to all of those on the earth.

He planned what we would wear.

“You have taken off those old clothes—the person you once were and the bad things you did then. 10 Now you are wearing a new life, a life that is new every day. You are growing in your understanding of the one who made you. You are becoming more and more like him. ” Colossians 3:9-10 ERV

“Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks.” Ephesians 6:11 ERV

He also planned what we should eat and drink.

“Then Jesus said, ‘I am the bread that gives life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who believes in me will ever be thirsty.'” John 6:35 ERV

“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 14 But anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give people will be like a spring flowing inside them. It will bring them eternal life.’” John 4:13-14 ERV

And then He planned for all of life’s other necessities as well.

“Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 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 6:31-33 ERV

The Father has meticulously planned for our every need. His plan is perfect. Our responsibility is to trust Him and make relationship with Him our top priority.

He has given us new life!

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Thank You for You

This time of year, I get a warm feeling of nostalgia. Early in the morning when I hear the pop, pop, pop of shot guns being fired I remember my days of going dove hunting with my dad, my brother and their friends.

Oh, I was never a very good shot. In fact, I hardly did any shooting at all. My main purpose for being asked to go was so I could “bird dog” the dove. But the thing was I got to go, and it truly is one of my fondest memories. Those times with my dad are more special than words can describe.

This morning, I began to pray I said “Father, I want to thank you for” then I paused and thought for a moment. What is the most precious thing that the Father has given me? What do I want to thank Him for the most? Then I continued, “I just want to thank you for being my Father.”

Not for things, not for blessings, not for getting me out of bad situations. I want to thank you for relationship! Thank you that I have been adopted into the family of God. Thank you that I have been given the privilege to have time with my heavenly Father.

Just like that little 10 year old girl who was always on the ready, waiting to hear my dad say “Come on Kris, let’s go hunting”, I hear my heavenly Father, who has my name on His lips 24/7, inviting me to go and do, to be with Him and to enjoy His presence.

Jesus was talking to Nicodemus in John 3 and told him this:

“Jesus answered, ‘Believe me when I say that everyone must be born from water and the Spirit. Anyone who is not born from water and the Spirit cannot enter God’s kingdom. 6 The only life people get from their human parents is physical. But the new life that the Spirit gives a person is spiritual. 7 Don’t be surprised that I told you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants to. You hear it, but you don’t know where it is coming from or where it is going. It is the same with everyone who is born from the Spirit.'” John 3:5-8 ERV

New life, born by the Spirit into God’s family! Yes, that’s the best. The whole purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to provide a way of relationship for us with the Father.

” He came to the world that was his own. And his own people did not accept him. 12 But some people did accept him. They believed in him, and he gave them the right to become children of God. 13 They became God’s children, but not in the way babies are usually born. It was not because of any human desire or plan. They were born from God himself.” John 1:11-13 ERV

So as I sit here this morning, remembering Septembers of dove hunting past with my dad, I am also mindful of the relationship I treasure most.

Thank you heavenly Father, thank you for You!

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In the Shadow

Do you ever have things come to mind that you just have to mull over for a while? Things you need to think on, to ponder. The Bible calls that meditating – that’s what I have been doing with the beginning verses in Psalm 91.

“Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. 2 Then you will say to the Lord, ‘You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.’

3 The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases. 4 He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall.5 You won’t need to worry about dangers at night or arrows during the day. 6 And you won’t fear diseases that strike in the dark or sudden disaster at noon…14 The Lord says, ‘If you love me and truly know who I am, I will rescue you and keep you safe. 15 When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you. 16 You will live a long life and see my saving power.” Psalm 91 CEV

Stay in the shadow – living in the desert, shadows are a good thing. It means that something is providing shade for our protection.

It became clear that God is asking us to stay under His shadow, in the shade of His protection. Look at all that happens when we stay in that place where we are close to God.

a. live under protection

b. be in a place of safety

c. kept secure night and day

d. no fear of disaster or disease

e. truly know God and His love for us

When we are in His shadow, we are under His protection. Even when there is a “shadow of death”, we can be free from fear. God is with us, and He casts a bigger shadow than death.

“Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me.” Psalm 23:4 NLV

When we stay close to the Father, we are always in the protection of His shadow.

“Your love is faithful, Lord, and even the clouds in the sky can depend on you. 6 Your decisions are always fair. They are firm like mountains, deep like the sea, and all people and animals are under your care. 7 Your love is a treasure, and everyone finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm36-5-7 CEV

What fears are holding you captive? The known and the unknown are no match for the protection of the Father. When fear comes and it will, put yourself under the shadow of the Almighty God and rest.

His protection casts a big shadow!

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Come & Sit

Do you know what I love about my mornings? It’s the quiet.

The only sounds I hear are the quiet hum of the air conditioning and the tick of the coffee maker. Other than that, it’s completely silent.

The first thing I do each morning is write my heart’s impressions in my journal, only a couple of sentences of gratitude and love. Then I say a short prayer for guidance before I open my Bible and begin to read. Many days during that writing and that prayer the Holy Spirit prompts me with what I should share with you, sometimes that comes once I begin reading.

This morning as I was writing, these four words were what I penned on the page. “Come sit with Me”. Oh, how I love that – time just sitting here, coffee cup in hand, when it’s just the Father and I. He bringing Scriptures to mind and flooding me with His presence.

Those of you who have read my writings for any length of time know that one of my most favorite old hymns is “In the Garden”.

  1. I come to the garden alone,
    While the dew is still on the roses,
    And the voice I hear falling on my ear
    The Son of God discloses.
    • Refrain:
      And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
      And He tells me I am His own;
      And the joy we share as we tarry there,
      None other has ever known.
  2. He speaks, and the sound of His voice
    Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
    And the melody that He gave to me
    Within my heart is ringing.

I know exactly what the writer of this hymn experienced.

“You will show me the way of life. Being with You is to be full of joy. In Your right hand there is happiness forever.” Psalm 16:11 NLV

Come, sit with me.

“Martha had a sister named Mary. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to all He said. 40 Martha was working hard getting the supper ready…42 Only a few things are important, even just one. Mary has chosen the good thing. It will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:39-42 NLV

“Jesus told the people to sit on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and gave thanks to God. He broke the bread into pieces and gave them to his followers. He told them to give the bread to the people, and they did as he said. 7 The followers also had a few small fish. Jesus gave thanks for the fish and told them to give the fish to the people.” Mark 8:6-7 ERV

Sitting with the Lord is a good thing!

Something to be chosen above all else. It’s a place of learning, of resting and refreshing. It’s a place of miracles.

Listen with your heart. When you hear the Lord say “Come sit with me”, take time to stop and enjoy His presence. It will fill you with joy!

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Protect the Fruit

For the last few weeks, I have given a number of teachings on soil, seed and getting a harvest. Good soil, great seed should equal a good harvest but there is one other thing that we need to watch out for. Varmints.

“Catch the foxes for us— the little foxes that spoil the vineyard. Our vineyard is now in bloom.” Song of Solomon 2:15 ERV

In my case it wasn’t foxes but the gophers that spoiled the vine.

Years ago, I made a serious attempt to plant a garden. It was a difficult task because we lived in an area where the soil was good but the water wasn’t. I had to keep the water slowly running in the garden because if it didn’t soak down into the soil the surface would become dry and a salty crush would form.

I took good care of my garden and protected it from the varmints with a rabbit fence. It discouraged the coyotes as well. I watched as the watermelons developed and could hardly wait to cut one of those delicious dark green beauties open.

The kids kept asking if they could pick them, but I said they weren’t quite ready – I was checking every day and then the day of harvest came. We went to the garden, with mouth watering we bent down to pluck the melon from its vine. To our shock and great disappointment, the melon was ruined.

It looked beautiful – a rich, dark green – big and round. It was going to be the best melon ever and it would have been if the gophers hadn’t come up from underneath and eaten a hole in the rind and devoured the middle!

A life lesson here – as Christians we are to bear fruit – love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faith. But if we aren’t careful, the little foxes and the gophers (varmints), will come in and destroy the fruit. We know those critters better as worry, fear, self-reliance, peer pressure, overwork, laziness, etc. These varmints will try to destroy the fruit that God wants to produce in us.

“I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything. 6 If you don’t stay joined to me, you will be like a branch that has been thrown out and has dried up. All the dead branches like that are gathered up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 Stay joined together with me, and follow my teachings. If you do this, you can ask for anything you want, and it will be given to you. 8 Show that you are my followers by producing much fruit. This will bring honor to my Father.”

…16 “You did not choose me. I chose you. And I gave you this work: to go and produce fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:5-17 ERV

When we follow Christ’s teaching, we will produce the fruit that He has instructed us to. We will love each other as Christ loves us.

We need to protect the fruit and keep the little foxes out of the garden.

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Organized & Peaceful

I woke up very early this morning; my mind was hurriedly making lists. For the next few weeks things are going to be quite busy for me and I want to make sure that I don’t forget anything. That’s why I have lists.

I got up, fully intending to come out to the living room and write a few things down, but instead, I picked up my Bible first and went to a few of my favorite passages on organization and peace.

There are some lessons the Lord teaches us and it’s to our benefit to revisit them often.

“ My son, don’t forget my teaching. Remember what I tell you to do. 2 What I teach will give you a good, long life, and all will go well for you. 3 Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. 4 Then God will be pleased and think well of you and so will everyone else.

5 Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil. 8 If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body.” Proverbs 3:1-8 ERV

Solomon’s words for a long and healthy life are simple. Trust the Lord and not yourself, walk a road of love and loyalty, it will keep you on the right path all the days of your life.

Further along in this book is a verse that the Lord used in my life many, many years ago and has repeated it to me hundreds of times throughout my life.

“Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 AMPC

This verse serves as my stress meter. Am I anxious? Am I frustrated? Am I stressing out over the details? If I answer yes, then I know that I have not rolled my works on the Lord and that I am trying to do them in my own effort and wisdom.

This morning, I wrote in my journal “Father, thank you for a peaceful heart and an organized mind”.

Did you know that Moses wrote one of the Psalms? This is his prayer for us.

“Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.” Psalm 90:12 CEV

Moses seems to be saying the same thing here that Solomon said. Trust the Lord and not our own wisdom.

I have one more verse to share with you.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

You may have a long list of things to accomplish; there are unknowns and there is the temptation to worry and fret. I’d like to give you some Biblical advice, roll it all over on the Lord and let Him direct your path.

His way will give you a peaceful heart and an organized mind.

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Consequences

How many of you have heard these words?

“No temptation has taken you that is not common to man and the Lord will give you the ability to escape it” I Corinthians 10:13

That verse comes from I Corinthians chapter 10. Paul was giving instruction to the Christians about the example they had received from their forefathers who had murmured and complained in the wilderness.

They had seen all of God’s power when He delivered them from Egypt; crossing the Red Sea; living under the pillar of cloud by day; eating manna from heaven; drinking water from a rock and still they complained and rebelled.

So now Paul is giving strong admonition to them. Don’t let the temptation to complain and murmur about your circumstances cause you to stray from the Lord.

God is faithful and He will provide a way of escape. Don’t be confident in your own abilities because when you are, you will fall but be confident in Christ and what He has done for you.

“So anyone who thinks they are standing strong should be careful that they don’t fall. 13 The only temptations that you have are the same temptations that all people have. But you can trust God. He will not let you be tempted more than you can bear. But when you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape that temptation. Then you will be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:12-13 ERV

Good word for today. How many times a day do we find ourselves complaining about something? How many times are we trusting in our own strength and not His?

Over the last week we have talked about planting seed. The seed, Jesus said, is God’s word. That’s good seed. Our words are also seed; when we murmur and complain it is far from good and we need to pull it up before it takes root and produces a crop. Some of us should pray for crop failure.

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing. 15  Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world” Philippians 2:14-15 CEV

Paul was instructing the Christians in Corinth and in Philippi on godly living. It’s good instruction for us as well. He wanted them to see that words have consequences. Words of praise and words of complaint both produce a crop.

“You can trust this: Every word that God speaks is true. God is a safe place for those who go to him.” Proverbs 30:5 ERV

Let’s remind ourselves of how the Lord has been faithful in the past and it will keep us from complaining about the present or worrying over the future. It will bring about a consequence of peace.

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The Beginning, Middle & End

Our lives are like a book. Different chapters, different characters, different locations, but God has a definite story to fill each page. Here we are starting a new month and it won’t be long until we welcome a new year.

So, let’s start at the beginning.

“In the beginning God…” Genesis 1:1a

In the beginning of creation – In the beginning of my life – In the beginning of my current situation – In the beginning GOD!

God was there at the very beginning and He’s still here halfway through and He will be there at the end! He has chosen to invest Himself in my life, in my world, in my total existence. As the King David said in the Psalms, “Selah”. Stop and think, meditate, ponder deeply these words.

He hasn’t pulled back yet and He won’t. He will continue to be involved in all He has created for all eternity – He is the eternal, the everlasting God and Father. And He’s here for us because He loves us!

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV

Jesus spoke these words. He had referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd who leads us, His sheep. He leads us to green pastures; He protects us from our enemies; He gave His life to save ours.

I grew up singing this hymn, He Lives, and the older I get the more I realize the message in the words.

“I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.

He lives, he lives Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!”

Amen! He lives and, in His living, He provides for all that we need.

“Jesus is the one who says that all of this is true. Now he says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all people.” Revelation 22:20-21 ERV

It should give us great joy to know that He is coming soon.

Yes, with all the uncertainty in the world one thing is certain, He is coming soon. And He was and is and will continue to be kind to all. That’s the reason He came, out of love, He became our substitute, the sacrifice for our sins so that we can be reconciled to the Father. Forgiveness is ours; new life is ours; restoration is ours – we simply need to receive it as the free gift that it is.

When we focus on our beginning, we’ll find God and as we look to the end, we will see that He’s coming. And in the middle, He is reaching out to us in kindness, wanting to be involved in our daily lives in a powerful way.

Beginning, middle and end, Lord, we place it all in your hands.

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