Category: Character

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Discover New Treasures

We had two of our youngest grandkids with us on Friday and Saturday. It’s always fun to see things through their eyes.

Dave and I took them in the side by side for a ride in the desert. We hadn’t gotten too far from the RV when we stopped to look for rocks and talk about the cacti. There we found a large number of quartz rocks and lava rock. Our granddaughter is particularly interested in volcanoes, so this was a real find for her. Our grandson is a learning sponge so everything we saw and explained was intriguing to him.

As we traveled down the road further, we discovered a catch pond filled with water. The road around the upper bank was narrow and rocky. I thought the kids might be a bit scared and I was ready with words of reassurance but then I heard our granddaughter giggle from the front seat and say, “Pappy this is fun”.

That’s how I feel when reading the Bible – it’s a new and exciting discovery!

“But there in these other lands you will look for the Lord your God. And if you look for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.” Deuteronomy 4:29 ERV

The Psalms which were written by David are filled with his life experiences and how he trusted God. He includes his successes and his failures. It was important to him that others could learn by what he had faced. This morning I was drawn to Psalm 34 and I read it from several different translations. I really wanted to put down the whole chapter here because it is all so good but am only going to share the first eight verses and you can read the rest in your Bible or an on-line source.

“I will always praise the LORD. 2 With all my heart, I will praise the LORD. Let all who are helpless, listen and be glad. 3 Honor the LORD with me! Celebrate his great name. 4 I asked the LORD for help, and he saved me from all my fears. 5 Keep your eyes on the LORD! You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame. 6 I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the LORD saved me from all my troubles. 7 If you honor the LORD, his angel will protect you. 8 Discover for yourself that the LORD is kind. Come to him for protection, and you will be glad.” Psalm 34:1-8 CEV

Notice how the word LORD is in all caps. It means Adonai, all that God is – all of His attributes and power.

We praise the LORD because there is no one greater; we look to the LORD because there is no one with more power and wisdom; we honor the LORD because there is no one that deserves more reverence or respect. We discover the LORD and find that He is all loving, kind, merciful and gracious.

Take time to discover the LORD. Let Him reveal who He is and He can be all we need.

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We Are Human Beings

As I sit here this morning, I realize again that God’s design for me is that of a human “being”.

We are all created in His image and He is not a god of inactivity or silence. Our heavenly Father is active, He is constantly in process of being. The Hebrew names for God tell us He is Lord God Almighty, our provider, our shepherd, the Living God, our peace, our Father and more.

Our Father has made Himself available to us every day and in every situation. Jesus showed that during His life on earth. He was involved; he attended weddings, funerals, dinners, feast days. He was at the bedside of the sick, in the streets with prostitutes, tax collectors, and the outcasts of society. He could be found at the seashore with fisherman and in the Temple with the religious leaders. He came to be involved.

Is it any wonder that we are called human beans beings? We are called to be His ambassadors on this earth. We are to be examples of His love and goodness. Let’s look at a few other things we are called to be.

“Be” still – Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

“Be” quiet – But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

“Be” ready – But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. I Peter 3:15

“Be” obedient – If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: Isaiah 1:19

“Be” rich – Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; I Timothy 1:17-18

“Be”lieve – Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23

There’s only thing the Lord doesn’t want us to be, we are not to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

What is God asking you to “Be” today? More than anything He wants you to be available!

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Watch Your Step

How well I remember my first winter in Washington state. We moved from San Diego to Spokane in November. Spokane was having record snowfall and here I was, a newbie to maneuvering in the snow.

I had never driven on snow covered roads before and the only walking I had done in snow was through the forest to cut our Christmas trees. I was invited to participate in a morning walk around the neighborhood with a family member and her friend. It felt good to get out in the brisk morning air.

All was going well. I was enjoying the beauty of the morning and the conversation, making new friends in our new city. We had made a loop through the neighborhood and were on our way back to the house when my feet went out from under me and down I came, landing on my bottom and my right wrist.

You guessed it! My wrist was badly broken. I had to get up and then wait for one of the ladies to get back to the house and bring help. (These were the days before cell phones) Dave arrived and took me to the ER to get my wrist set.

I don’t know how many medical professionals asked me about the accident – admissions, nurses, x-ray technicians and doctors, who after hearing what happened said the same thing. “You’ve got to watch your step when you’re out walking like that. You never know if you’re walking on snow covered ice. It’s so easy to slip and fall.” Good advice but really not helpful, the damage was already done. Little did I know that this break would require time in the surgery suite and an overnight stay in the hospital.

Yesterday morning this was the memory that came to mind as I was reading in the book of Luke.

“But the news about Yeshua was spreading all the more, and many crowds were coming together to hear and to be healed of their diseases. 16 Yet He would often slip away into the wilderness and pray.” Luke 5:15-16 TLV

Slip away – I’m not sure why those two words struck a chord in my heart, but they did. Jesus was intentional in His actions. He purposely made the decision to “slip”. It wasn’t accidental, it didn’t cause injury, quite the opposite. This type of slipping brought strength and refreshing.

A couple of times yesterday I found myself “slipping” into frustration and irritation and immediately the Lord reminded me to watch my step. I could have slipped into those emotions but I “slipped away” instead.

Just a quick silent prayer “Lord, help me keep it together. I choose to be loving and kind”.

It’s so easy to let ourselves slip into things like anger, frustration, criticism, gossip, fear and self-pity. But if we heed the advice that those medical professionals gave of “watch your step” we can follow the example of Jesus and slip away to pray.

Maybe we should all slip away for a time of prayer before we step into the new year.

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Doing Right

Years ago I read a book, Winners Never Cheat, by Jon Hunstman, Sr. It’s a short read but very powerful for people in business. A very successful businessman, Jon Huntsman, always led with integrity, even when it was detrimental to his bottom line.

He is a man of his word and would not allow circumstances to dictate otherwise.

Thank you Father for godly men and the example they set for the rest of us.

One such man was Joseph. Joseph discovered his fiancé was pregnant. She told him that she hadn’t been with anyone, after all, she was engaged to him. According to the laws of their day he could have her stoned to death or put her away in complete humiliation. Her tainted reputation would reflect on him as well. But, He did the RIGHT thing. He listened to God and raised a child that wasn’t his own as if he was.

“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:19-21

Godly men who are willing to do the right thing just because it’s the right thing are of outstanding character. They can impact their families, their cities and even the world. Joseph is overlooked many times in sermons but his godliness is an example to us all. We are so thankful for the Joseph-like men we have in our lives. They are a true gift from God!

“But now God has made another way to make men right with Himself. It is not by the Law. The Law and the early preachers tell about it. 22 Men become right with God by putting their trust in Jesus Christ. God will accept men if they come this way. All men are the same to God. 23 For all men have sinned and have missed the shining-greatness of God. 24 Anyone can be made right with God by the free gift of His loving-favor. It is Jesus Christ Who bought them with His blood and made them free from their sins.” Romans 3:21-24 NLV

We are all called to do the right thing, the Bible calls it righteousness. Being made right with God is what Christmas is all about. God sent His Son to be the way of reconciliation between God and mankind. We have all missed the mark of right living but through our trust in Christ we receive the free gift of God’s love and a relationship with Him.

Thank you Father for the gift of Your love!

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The Rich Life

A friend of mine told me that they went to the theater over the weekend and saw “It’s A Wonderful Life”.

A Christmas classic with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. George was looking for a better life, a richer life. He nearly lost it all until he realized that the life he was living was filled with unappreciated wealth.

Rich. Interesting Word. King Solomon talks about riches in the book of Proverbs.

“The lips of those who are right with God feed many, but fools die for want of understanding. 22 The good that comes from the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.” Proverbs 10:21-22 NLV

I think it’s interesting that these verses compare speaking life-giving words and the goodness we receive from the Lord as things that make us rich. Jesus said His words brought truth and life. The word of God reveals His goodness and fills our life with richness.

“The light of the eyes makes the heart glad. Good news puts fat on the bones. 31 He whose ear listens to careful words spoken will live among the wise.” Proverbs 15:30-31 NLV

Our conversation can be rich with laughter. The presence of family and friends fills our homes with rich conversations.

What things in life make you feel rich?

“Let the teaching of Christ and His words keep on living in you. These make your lives rich and full of wisdom. Keep on teaching and helping each other. Sing the Songs of David and the church songs and the songs of heaven with hearts full of thanks to God.” Colossians 3:16 NLV

Let the word dwell in you richly or let’s put it this way. When Christ, who is the word, dwells in us we become rich in wisdom. Now there’s a novel concept, rich in wisdom. Wisdom is a commodity that money can’t buy but dwelling in the Word makes wisdom available.

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful… 17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:15-17 ERV

Like George Bailey in A Wonderful Life let the true richest of this season fill our hearts.

A relationship with Christ, the Word, brings richness to our lives.

Merry Christ – mas!

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Renovations at Christmas

Last night we flew in after dark. The Christmas light display from the air was beautiful. Once on the ground we had quite a drive to get home, again I was taken by the lights. Someone, many some ones, had gone to great effort to renovate these homes into winter wonderlands.

That got me to thinking about our theme of yesterday, “Mighty God”.

“…and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 KJV

When you think about who God is and think about that phrase “mighty God” what comes to mind?

I think about the millions of lives that have been changed.

“On one of the days while Jesus was teaching, some proud religious law-keepers and teachers of the Law were sitting by Him. They had come from every town in the countries of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was there to heal them. 18 Some men took a man who was not able to move his body to Jesus. He was carried on a bed. They looked for a way to take the man into the house where Jesus was. 19 But they could not find a way to take him in because of so many people. They made a hole in the roof over where Jesus stood. Then they let the bed with the sick man on it down before Jesus.” Luke 5:17-19 NLV

Here was a man who was paralyzed. He had four friends who knew if he could get to Jesus something miraculous would happen. In comes the “home reno”. Not being able to get into the house where Jesus was, they went to the roof and began to dismantle it. They removed enough of the roofing material to lower this man, on his bed, to the floor below, just in front of Jesus.

I’m sure the homeowner was less that thrilled. Debris began falling on the religious leaders as the demo started. Jesus knew things were about to get real, someone was exhibiting great faith in Him, after all, He was Mighty God.

That man was completely healed, and his sins were forgiven. The vestiges of his old life had been completely demolished and a new life of walking free had begun.

Throughout the life of Jesus, we’ve seen many examples of renovated lives. A prostitute had the shame she had been living in destroyed and a new life of respectability was built. A rich man named Zacchaeus had his high-rise penthouse renovated, all greed removed, and compassion filled each room.

The demoniac who was living in a shack of fear, torment and disassociation saw his home, his life, rebuilt where there was no room for mental torment, anxiety, fear and humiliation.

All of these people, and more, were touched and changed by the one called “Mighty God”.

“ For if a man belongs to Christ, he is a new person. The old life is gone. New life has begun.” II Corinthians 5:17 NLV

Be open to renovating this Christmas. The “Mighty God” reconstruction company comes to work as soon as a prayer is made. He’s willing to change the home, the heart, of anyone who asks.

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Gift of Humility

Years ago, there was a silly county western song, “Oh Lord, It’s Hard to be Humble”, written and sung by Mac Davis.

“Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble
When you’re perfect in every way
I can’t wait to look in the mirror
‘Cause I get better lookin’ each day”

Humility is something that we have all had to battle at one time or another. Pride takes a variety for forms from self-exaltation to low self-esteem.

Think of Jesus. He was at the creation of the world; heaven was His home. He had the ability to do all things, to rule all things and He came as a baby with no reputation.

Who else had angels filling the sky and announcing their birth? Who else had the wisest men in the known world searching for Him and bringing Him gifts of incalculable value? Who else had an angel appear to His mother for his baby reveal?

“…and His name shall be called “Mighty God”. Isaiah 9:6

I still can’t get my mind around it fully – that Almighty God came in the form of a baby and subjected himself to a human life. Why? Because of His great love. From that love came His desire to see us (mankind) return to our right relationship with the Father.

“The Word became a man and lived among us. We saw his divine greatness—the greatness that belongs to the only Son of the Father. The Word was full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

How many times in a week do we complain when we are asked to do something menial, trivial, beneath us? Clean a toilet, help a co-worker with a mess they’ve made, a job that’s “below” our pay grade…

Do we take the same attitude that Jesus took? What if he had said to Father God, “ya, I’ve thought about it and decided I’m not going to earth. Those people won’t appreciate what I’m doing, they will only expect more. They won’t realize who I really am; some of them will really hate me and spend all their time discrediting me and telling lies about me. No, I don’t need that kind of treatment – I deserve better than that.”

“In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. 6 He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. 7 Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, 8 he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 CEV

When things get hard to handle and we feel underappreciated, remember Jesus, God’s own son – He left the perfection of heaven to come to earth – “mighty God” and became a servant to all. He gave to us the living gift of humility.

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Great Joy!

Joy.

It can be seen in the faces of little children playing in the sprinklers on a hot day, throwing snowballs on a cold day, giggling while playing with a new puppy. Joy is induced by many different situations.

Great joy.

Experienced by a couple on their wedding day, seen in the face of grandparents at the birth of their first grandchild. The arrival of loved ones. This kind of joy not only comes with smiles and laughter but also with tears of joy. It’s uncontainable!

“but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! ” Luke 2:10-11 NLT

Great joy to all people, not just a few chosen elite, but to all! An uncontainable joy.

God’s message of Good News is for all. Remember what Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” Everyone who experiences life on this earth is part of “the world”. This was an entirely new concept to some of the religious rulers of His day. In their eyes there we only two divisions of people, the Jews and the Gentiles. The Jews had been God’s chosen people for thousands of years but now, through Christ, the whole world could be adopted by God.

“And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 3:6 NLT

Our joy is very important to the Father. In fact, it is one of the characteristics that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives; the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.

The angels announced the great joy of Jesus coming and Jesus prayed for that joy to remain in us right before He was crucified. Joy was always forefront in the life of Christ.

“Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are…13 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word…” John 17:11-14 NLT

It’s so easy to become overwhelmed by life’s circumstances. These were some of the final moments of Christ’ life. He was praying for our lives to be filled with joy. How? By staying grounded on His word.

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” John 10:10 AMP

If the thief has stolen your joy, come to the Father and ask for a refill. We are a testimony and light to this world and He wants our lives to reflect His joy, to the full, till it overflows!

Great joy!

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Preparing the Heart

Thanksgiving is coming soon and there is so much preparation still to be done. Groceries to buy, miles to be driven, pies to bake, turkey to prepare and cleaning to be done – but in all of this it’s important that we don’t lose sight of why we celebrate on the 4th Thursday of November.

“Father, you so graciously brought those pilgrims through a year of hardship and struggle in this new land. They came with a desire to worship freely and seeking to build a land where men were equal. They willingly faced the perils of sea and land; weather and wild but they persevered with Your help and the help of their new found allies. Our hearts are grateful that because of their sacrifice we are able to call this land home.

We are also grateful that because of the sacrifice of Jesus we can call heaven home and spend eternity in Your presence. We are dependent on You and Your direction for our lives as much as those early settlers that came to Plymouth Rock. We come to our Rock, the solid rock, Christ Jesus and in Him we find life.

Our desire is to let the light of Jesus shine from us so brightly that the world may see your great love. This is my prayer to You, in Jesus name. Amen”

The Apostle Paul desired that the light of the gospel, the good news, shine through him and through us.

“We are not preaching about ourselves. Our message is that Jesus Christ is Lord. He also sent us to be your servants. 6 The Scriptures say, ‘God commanded light to shine in the dark.’ Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ.

7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. 8 We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. 9 In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again. 10-11 We face death every day because of Jesus. Our bodies show what his death was like, so that his life can also be seen in us. 12 This means that death is working in us, but life is working in you.” II Corinthians 4:5-12 CEV

Paul experienced the death of his fleshly desires – comfort, security, safety, freedom; so that he could bring the the message of new life in Christ to the world. Jesus sacrificed the desires and needs of the flesh to provide salvation and Paul was willing to crucify his flesh to continue to take that message around the known world.

As we finish our preparations for time with family and friends, let’s remember to do the same. When we’re tired, hungry, inconvenienced by long lines and irritable people, let’s let the light of Jesus shine through us to bring the power of God to others.

Let’s prepare our hearts, so that the light of God will shine for all the world to see!

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A Different Perspective

Today’s Thanksgiving memory takes me back over 40 years. Our oldest daughter was not quite a year old. We had gone to the grocery store to get the things we needed for our Thanksgiving dinner.

She was in the grocery cart, smiling at the grandparent-type people passing by. One older man was startled when she reached out to touch his hand. He scowled at her and made a grumpy comment. Her face puckered and she was on the verge of tears when an older woman and her husband stepped up. They told her how pretty she was, and the smile returned to her face.

May I say here that not everyone is happy about Thanksgiving. Theirs is a different perspective.

Maybe it’s there first year to be alone; no family will be around their table or maybe their spouse is ill. It could be they are just grumpy.

Today we’re going to look at thankfulness in another way – how do we treat the unthankful? I’m glad you asked. Jesus gave this instruction to his disciples.

 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:35-38 NLT

Jesus’ instruction was clear – we are to be an example of God to those we deal with each day. We were all sinners by nature but Jesus freely gave His life so that we could have eternal life and be brought into right relationship with God the Father. He gave freely and so should we.

Look at the second phrase in today’s verses, lend without expecting to get anything back. What have we lent, our time, friendship, our assistance, tools, car, money, our love, our compassion, our attention and genuine interest? When we lend without expecting to get things back then we’ve really made them a gift and in giving we’re an example of our heavenly Father.

Let’s look for an opportunity to give to someone who is by nature unthankful. Maybe they were raised to be skeptical and feel that anytime someone gave something there was a hidden agenda.

Give today, genuinely give. Give because God has given freely to us. Who knows, we may be the one God is using to bring out an attitude of gratitude.

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