Category: Character

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Well, Then…

O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good!!

End of sentence, end of paragraph, end of story! To keep our peace, we MUST keep our focus – God is good. So far this year the Lord has had me share on His amazing grace, His unconditional love, the power of His word and now, on His peace.

“Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t stop the work of the Holy Spirit.” I Thessalonians 5:17-19 ERV

It took me a while to understand the verses written above. Growing up I would hear verses like this, and it would be followed with a comment like “we just never know what God’s going to do so we have to be thankful for whatever it comes our way”. No! Rape, murder, divorce, financial devastation, cancer – no, I don’t have to be thankful for those.

But, I do need to be thankful that no matter what comes I have Jesus in my life and greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I can be thankful because this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. I can and will be thankful because Jesus said, in this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

“For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” I John 5:4-5 NLT

Focus, Kristi, focus.

When my life is in Christ Jesus, it doesn’t matter what comes my way, I can give thanks knowing that I won’t be going through it alone. God, the Father, has sent the Holy Spirit to guide me through successfully.

“14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:14-16 NLT

Yes!

Now this is what I can be thankful for. I can be at peace because my mind is stayed on the Father and on the truth that He is good. It is God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, who empowers me each day, reminding me that I have been adopted and my Father has caused me to inherit His nature and His blessings.

Jesus is my example. He faced hard times – persecutions, riotous mobs, hunger, betrayal, a cross but He was victorious!

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” Romans 8:11 NLT

Well, then…since the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead now lives in us, we can be at peace and trust the Father in every circumstance. God is good!

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Make A Difference

Yesterday afternoon Dave and I went to the movies. The second time in a month and it’s not something we do very often but I’m so glad we did.

Earlier in the month we saw a movie with Kim and Austin which was fun, spending time with our kids always is. It was then we saw the preview for “Jesus Revolution”. That’s what we saw yesterday.

It really hit home with me. In the fall of 1971, I attended Biola College. Coming from Yuma I had never heard of Calvary Chapel or Pastor Chuck Smith and I had only heard of the “Jesus People” on the news. Friends invited me to go with them to some of Pastor Chuck’s Sunday evening services and a couple of times to the baptisms at the beach.

What an experience!

Hippies and regular church people praising and worshipping the Lord together. No judgement or criticism, just heartfelt worship. It was a small glimpse of heaven.

“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39 NLT

Why am I sharing this with you? One, I think you would really enjoy the movie – it will stir your heart and two, it challenged me.

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 NLT

At the start of the movie there were older people attending Pastor Chuck’s church who were offended by the hippies who began coming. Sad to say, we have that with every generation. In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees and religious leaders were offended by Jesus and His group of rough fishermen, tax collectors and women of dubious reputation.

“When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. ‘Zacchaeus!’ he said. ‘Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.’ 6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. ‘He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,’ they grumbled.” Luke 19:5-7 NLT

I think we can all agree that our world needs more of the love of Jesus. The only way this will happen is for His love to flow through you and I. We are called to a purpose.

“Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.” Matthew 4:19-20 NLT

I pray that we will all start a Jesus Revolution, first in our hearts and then reach out to those around us.

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The Heart of Serving

Each morning it is my duty, a labor of love really, to remind myself to act like Jesus. The first conscious thought is to say, “Father, I love you. Jesus, I love you. Holy Spirit, I love you. Good morning!” and then next is to remind myself to think like Jesus and honor Him with my thoughts, my words and my actions.

“But Jesus called the disciples together and said: You know that foreign rulers like to order their people around. And their great leaders have full power over everyone they rule. 26 But don’t act like them. If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. 27 And if you want to be first, you must be the slave of the rest. 28 The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people…

30 Two blind men were sitting beside the road. And when they heard that Jesus was coming their way, they shouted, “Lord and Son of David, have pity on us!” 31 The crowd told them to be quiet, but they shouted even louder, “Lord and Son of David, have pity on us!”

32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They answered, “Lord, we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Right away they could see, and they became his followers.” Matthew 20: 25-34

This is the verse that struck my heart. “The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people.”

I remember the first time that verse had an impact on me – I had a house full of people, was preparing for some special meetings at a hotel conference room, had my family responsibilities and my “help” had been called away. I did what any self-respecting woman would do, I started to complain. Not outwardly but from my heart; I grumbled, I murmured and I wanted to kick the dog but that wasn’t acceptable. So, I just kept going and when I finally had a few minutes to myself, I picked up my Bible and this is what I read. WOW!!

If Jesus, the Son of God, creator of the universe, said that His role in life was to serve others and not be served, how selfish and self-centered was it of me to be grumbling over my lack of help. As quickly as I could, I said “Lord forgive me, let people see Jesus through me.”

Jesus touched the blind men, restoring their sight. He was moved with the compassion of the Father and served those men with love. I want that in my life.

Today, we will all have opportunity to be served and to serve others. In both cases we should think and act like Jesus. Being grateful and appreciative when we are served, not expecting it and then serving from a loving heart, not out of guilt or an act of responsibility. We know we’re doing it with the right motive when it brings us joy and not complaint.

Thank you Lord for a servant’s heart!

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Spring Is Almost Here!

Last fall I purchased three mums at the home store. They bloomed nicely until we got our first cold snap and their growth was thwarted. Yesterday I noticed that the tops were spindly and dry. They need to be pruned, that will be one of today’s little chores.

That old dry growth needs to be trimmed away so the new leaves will thrive and the buds and blooms will return.

Much of the country is still experiencing cold and formidable weather. Crops are dormant, no evidence of growth. But don’t be fooled, the plants aren’t dead – they are resting. Some stock like grape vines and berry bushes are just waiting for the earth to warm and the sap begin to flow and new growth to appear. The tulip, crocus, daffodils and hyacinth are doing the same – waiting for the cold, frozen ground to give way to sunshine and they will blossom and color the landscape.

The vineyard stock has been cut back, pruned well so that the new fruit will be plentiful and rich.

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:1-5 NLT

Does it seem you have been through winter? Things have gone dormant and life hasn’t been as productive and full of growth as you had hoped? Take heart – spring is on the way.

We go through these seasons of pruning so that those things that are detrimental can be pruned and we can grow stronger. There are emotions that are unhealthy and ambitions that can sap our strength. The time of pruning isn’t meant for our destruction, quite the opposite. It is meant for our growth.

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NLT

When we are rooted in Christ we have the strength to weather the storms of winter and produce a new crop of peace, joy, kindness, gentleness, mercy, love and grace. The world needs the fruit that God has placed within us. They need to experience the harvest of His character that we embody.

“Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. ” John 15:5b NLT

Get ready – it’s almost Spring and time for your fruit to grow!

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Did I Say That?

A new day – a clean slate! What we write on it will impact the people we love and even those that we have a casual association with.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

As a mother and as a kid, I heard and said “Watch what you say!” An admonishment I didn’t always follow and so my mother made sure that there were consequences for those improprieties. We learn to discern what are the right and wrong things to say and when to say them. But as important as the words we speak are the meditations of the heart.

What do we dwell on? The word meditate paints a picture of a cow chewing her cud; in the same way we meditate by going over and over things in our minds. So if we want to say the right things we need to be thinking on right things. That’s what Jesus told his followers.

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

Our thoughts and our meditations will direct our lives and can bring us to a successful place or a place of turmoil. Think on what is good today.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9

When we keep our thoughts focused on the Lord we won’t have any trouble with our words.

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A Perpetual Harvest

I made mention yesterday that I don’t know how many bales of hay Dave and I produced while we were farming those few years in AZ. I kind of wish we had kept count. It was a staggering amount.

It was all about the good river loam soil and the type of alfalfa seed that was used.

Our specific alfalfa fields were planted by air. The seed was broadcast and then watered. When the growing season was just getting started, we would water twice and cut right before the alfalfa bloomed. This took about 28 days but when the weather got hotter, and the crop grew quicker we would cut every 21 days. We didn’t stop until we got the first frost which was normally the end of December or first part of January and would start again in March.

Alfalfa can continue to grow like that for seven years without being replanted. We would have a perpetual harvest. Rain or shine, it just kept growing and producing a crop.

“Jesus also said, ‘The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. 28 The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. 29 And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.’” Mark 4:26-29 NLT

I could physically watch the alfalfa grow. It was fascinating. Day after day the crop increased. It was a living example of the way God’s word will grow and produce in my life.

“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” Mark 4:14 NLT

God’s word has been planted in my heart. His word about peace and not worry has produced an abundant crop. Seeds of grace, kindness, goodness, generosity, faith, hope, forgiveness and joy are producing.

All of these verses that were planted through teaching, preaching and individual study keep growing and making an impact.

“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.” Psalm 119:11-12 NLT

Each day as I share these moments with you, I know I am planting seed and I pray that it is falling on good ground.

“ The rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there without giving water to the earth. This makes plants grow on the earth, and gives seeds to the planter and bread to the eater. 11 So My Word which goes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out My plan well. ” Isaiah 55:10-11 NLV

I pray that you will always have a perpetual harvest of God’s word in your life.

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Preparing the Soil

I have always enjoyed gardening and for the first time in a large number of years I live where I don’t have a garden plot.

For many of you, thinking of gardening is still several months away. I know when we lived in Montana I was advised to not put any plants outdoors until after Memorial Day. In Idaho it was a little sooner than that but not much, end of April. You see the ground was snow covered until then. But here in southern Arizona I started preparing the soil in February, however, this morning it was 33* when I got up.

There are so many stories in the Bible, parables they’re called, that teach us about our life in Christ through farming.

This morning I saw a correlation that I never noticed before and I have taught on the verses in Luke 8 many times. I love how God’s word is living, growing, always able to show us something new.

“After this Jesus went to all the cities and towns preaching and telling the Good News about the holy nation of God. The twelve followers were with Him…Many people came together from every town to Jesus. He told them a picture-story. 5 “A man went out to plant seed…”Luke 8:1-5 NLV

A man went out to plant some seed – that man was Jesus. You notice the first verse, “Jesus went to all the cities and towns preaching the Good News”?

Sharing the Good News of God’s kingdom is what Jesus did. He was the man sowing the seed. He was the one preparing the ground of men’s hearts. Some of the ground was hard as concrete, some was rocky, some was filled with thorns and some ground was prepared and ready to plant.

Now I know most of you are familiar with this parable but I’m going to take the next few days to show you examples of what Jesus taught, examples that occurred in the life of his followers just hours and days after He preached this message.

I would like you to take time today to read at least the first fifteen verses of Luke 8. When you do pray and ask the Lord to open your heart to the meaning of the message of the parable. For the next few days we will be looking at different soil and how it affects our growth.

I had to learn how to adapt the soil in each of the areas where we lived so that I would get a good harvest. Gardening takes work. If the soil isn’t prepared properly crops won’t grow, there will be no harvest.

“I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’” Hosea 10:12 NLT

Being a fruitful Christian also requires good ground. Each year I ask the Lord to show me what obstacles might thwart my growth. It’s time to prepare the soil!

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Bitter Fruit

We have a beautiful orange tree at the back of our lot. The fruit grows large and has a beautiful color but we warn everyone not to pick or eat the fruit.

It’s full of thorns and bitter as medicine.

They are called an ornamental orange, many of them have been planted throughout the Phoenix valley because they look beautiful all year round. But to give you an idea of how bitter the fruit really is even the javelina won’t eat them. Personal experience tells me to leave them alone.

This morning I was focused again on prayer. I remember a time when I was bitterly complaining to the Lord about a situation that just wasn’t right. I may have even used a swear word or too when I was talking to Him.

What a sharp contrast to the words of one of our verses yesterday, “Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done”. There is no room in our relationship with the Lord for bitterness and complaining. He wants us to rid ourselves of this destructive behavior and focus on His goodness and provision.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

That doesn’t mean that we can’t or don’t come to the Lord when we are upset, angry, heartbroken or even complaining bitterly but what it does mean is that when we leave our prayer time we leave the bitterness and murmuring there. The Father knows our heartaches and disappointments so we can be honest with Him, asking for His help. Taking on an attitude of joy and thanksgiving because we know He has heard us and will intervene in our situation.

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and sing praises to Your name, O Most High. 2 It is good to tell of Your loving-kindness in the morning, and of how faithful You are at night, 3 with harps, and with music of praise. 4 For You have made me glad by what You have done, O Lord. I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands. 5 How great are Your works, O Lord! How deep are Your thoughts!” Psalm 92:1-5 NLV

Murmuring is a lot like that ornamental orange tree. We can disguise it as concern or our desire to correct a wrong, making our complaining and criticism look good on the outside but inwardly there is bitterness.

“The Lord is right and good in all His ways, and kind in all His works. 18 The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. 19 He will fill the desire of those who fear Him. He will also hear their cry and will save them. ” Psalm 145:17-19 NLV

When we pray about the things that bother us or are unjust He hears us and will save us. Our job is to let Him do it in His own way and with His best timing.

Let’s not be like that bitter orange but instead be a sweet fruit of joy.

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Delighted

A few days back the morning blog was about being a light of hope and encouragement to the world. That’s what Jesus wants us to be.

Be delightful. That word was fresh in my mind this morning.

You see yesterday I had some much-needed dental work done. I had a tooth that required a crown. The appointment had been scheduled and rescheduled several times for the last four months. I was not looking forward to it but the dental technician, Lisa, was a delight.

She was cheery, genuine, concerned about my wellbeing and her focus was completely on me and meeting my needs. I would love to say I talked to her about the Lord but since her fingers were in my mouth the majority of the three hours I was there, I did very little talking.

As I said, she was a delight. That’s what I was thinking about this morning, how to be delightful. Her demeanor put me at ease. It made me smile.

By definition, delight means: a high degree of gratification: JOY; also: extreme satisfaction: something that gives great pleasure.

According to the book of Psalms I am to delight in the Lord. He becomes my joy – He brings me a high degree of gratification and gives me great pleasure. And, when I delight in Him I can bring that pleasure to those around me. I like that.

“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” Psalm 1:1-3 NLT

We should fill our days being delightful. We do that by focusing on the promises of God’s word. Do you remember a time when you were promised something special? You focused on that promise, and it made you happy – you were delighted.

That’s a crude example but our heavenly Father wants us to keep our focus on the promises of His word. His promises never fail because He never lies. We can trust Him – we can delight in Him.

“Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. 5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.” Psalm 37:3-5 NLT

When we delight in the Lord we find great satisfaction and joy in being with Him. When we delight in the Lord we bring His light and joy to the world.

“ Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10 NLT

Be delightful!

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I’m Hungry!

Those of you who have small children or grandchildren know those words all too well. They can be annoying sometimes because it seems all we are doing is finding another snack or making another meal. But those words come naturally to a growing child.

We just had the littles here and it seemed they were always hungry!

They ate good breakfast, lunch and dinner but in less than an hour it seemed they were hungry again. They didn’t want sugary snacks. No, they asked for cheese, crackers, oranges, yogurt (I didn’t have any) and other good foods. These are growing children and they need nutrients to make their bodies strong.

I kind of felt like a mother bird bringing in nourishment to the nest only to immediately fly away and find more. That’s the picture that comes to mind when I read this verse from the book of Matthew.

“Those who are hungry and thirsty to be right with God are happy, because they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NLV

Being hungry for God! What do those words mean to you? These words are part of the “Sermon on the Mount”. It was one of Jesus’ major teachings – the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, the Light of the World -are all teachings from that day.

We sit down several times a day to feed our physical bodies but how often do we feed our spirits? It’s vitally important that we have a hunger for God’s word.

Look what Proverbs says:

“Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. 11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom. I have led you on the right paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be stopped. If you run, you will not trip. 13 Take hold of teaching. Do not let go. Watch over her, for she is your life.” Proverbs 4:10-13 NLV

When we devour God’s word He promises to guard our step. Wisdom from His word gives us direction and we find our life, real life, in the pages of His word.

Studying God’s word is like being invited to a banquet. The Word of God is the life source for those of us who follow Christ.

“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 91:14-16 CEV

To truly know who God is, we have to spend time listening to Him and He speaks to us through His word. His word is filled with the promises of all the good things He desires for us to have.

He’s a loving Father and has so many good things prepared for us. He’s just waiting for us come and say, “I’m hungry”. When we do, we have His promise that we will be filled!

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