Category: Purpose

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Perseverance

Never give up!

Around Christmas time a friend gave me a book by Samuel Rodriguez, “Persevere with Power”. It sat on my shelf until a couple weeks ago. It is such an encouraging read.

Pastor Rodriguez uses examples from the life of Elijah and Elisha on staying the course, regardless of the circumstances and opposition. Most of his examples are lessons I have taught on about the faithfulness and provision of God. Yet, his personal perspective has given those examples fresh insight.

I would like to share some of what I was reading last night:

“You may have grown tired of waiting on God, but He will never give up on you. You may have let go of God, but He has never let go of you. You may even have stopped believing in God, but God has never stopped believing in you! He has equipped you for times such as these. Right now, you are about to receive a new outpouring of His Spirit that will sustain you for the next race to be run.

Yes, others will try and stop you. As we have seen, the devil will try to derail you and deride you and destroy you. But what heaven has launched, hell can never halt. Even if it appears foolhardy to enter the race, to tuck and run, to expect anything other than second place, it is time to trust God and run. I love the way Peter coaches us to keep going no matter how many obstacles we may face:

 ‘Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.’ I Peter 5:8-11 MSG

When you run the good race to the full extent of the divine power bequeathed to you, then you can leave the results to God…”

Tempted to quit?

I have been many times. I’ve even sidelined myself and felt I was no longer fit to be used even though I knew the Father had a message for me to bring – a message of hope and encouragement.

Persevere! Trust the Holy Spirit to give you the strength you need to run the race God has called you too.

Don’t quit!

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A Lesson from Pooh

I hope this morning’s image makes you smile. It does me.

The Lord brings so many different characters into our lives; each one of them are beloved by Him. I sometimes forget that. Years ago, I gained insight on giving “others” more value while reading some of the stories of Winnie the Pooh. Each day I meet new characters and the Lord reminds me that although they are different from my norm, they are valuable.

I developed a philosophy that every person could be identified as one of the characters in that story, Christopher Robin, Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga & Roo. All very different personalities yet they all work together to bring love & understanding to their world and to accomplish their tasks.

While reading I Corinthians 12 I am reminded of these characters and how they interact when I read these words that Paul wrote.

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. 5 There are different ways to serve the same Lord, 6 and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do. 7 The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.” I Corinthians 12:4-7 CEV

God the Father has written our story with purpose and design, Jesus came to show love to all of us and the Holy Spirit is here to lead us each day.

While some of us act like owl with the gift of administration, others show hospitality like Tigger. Pooh is always encouraging, and Rabbit makes sure everyone has a task to do. Piglet and Roo are there to remind us that we should always reassure those who are younger and inexperienced while Kanga provides the nurturing and love that we all need. Eeyore reminds us that everyone has fears and self-doubts that we need our friends to help us through the tough times.

Instead of looking at those around us and either being jealous of their gifts or critical of them it’s important for us to remember that it is God who gives the gifts, and they are not for our benefit but the benefit of others.

Who do you see around you? Some are here to help us grow and others need our help.

Let the Spirit lead!

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Following His Lead

In a parade or a race there is only one leader. A train is pulled by an engine, not a freight car. So in our walk with Christ, we need to determine our source of power and strength and let HIM lead. Just like the rich young ruler, we won’t be really following unless we are willing to give all and go for it!

“Jesus replied, “If you want to be perfect, go sell everything you own! Give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and be my follower.” 22 When the young man heard this, he was sad, because he was very rich.

23 Jesus said to his disciples, “It’s terribly hard for rich people to get into the kingdom of heaven! 24 In fact, it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into God’s kingdom.”

25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly surprised and asked, “How can anyone ever be saved?”

26 Jesus looked straight at them and said, “There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything.” Matthew 19:21-26 ERV

Now look at Jesus instruction to his disciples on the pull of riches. Jesus wasn’t saying that you can’t have money or riches and be a dedicated Christian. These were successful businessmen that Jesus was talking too. Peter and Andrew had a fleet of fishing boats; James and John were the CEO and COO of their father’s fishing business and Matthew had been a director at the regional IRS office. Success ran through their veins so they were shocked when Jesus commented that it is hard for rich men to enter the kingdom.

Jesus quickly responded to their question and said that with God all things are possible. If a man is trusting in his riches, his trust is misplaced but when a rich man trusts God – all things are possible.

Peter reminds the Lord – we left everything to follow you. We just walked off the job and came with you. See there it is – the heart attitude. They weren’t seeking their own advancement any longer, they were following Jesus. They weren’t seeking their own success but they were advancing God’s kingdom. The difference between the disciples and the rich young ruler who had just left was an attitude of the heart.

Jesus went on to point out that although they had given up everything they had to follow him, they had gained eternal life and that they also would receive 100x as much as they had given. Didn’t Jesus promise that He came to give us life and life more abundantly?

Following Jesus is never a step down – that’s what the rich young ruler thought – but it is always a promotion in life, this one and the one we will share in eternity.

Again, today I ask you to check your heart. Follow the leader – Follow Jesus!

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The Right Thing

Yesterday morning after breakfast Dave and I decided to walk the campground. It was a nice morning, no wind, and we could hear laughter from some of the different sites. We weren’t working, it was our day off. We stopped and visited with campers along our way.

We are in what the Forest Service calls “Stage II Fire Restrictions”. No wood or charcoal fires, propane only. Limited generator hours. No smoking except in enclosed vehicles or buildings. Every camper was given a list of the restrictions when they arrived and we also told them verbally. Obey the restrictions but have a good time.

As we walked, we had to stop and tell a few campers it was time to turn off the generators and remind them of the restrictions. They were quick to comply. They definitely didn’t want to cause a fire!

They were eager to do the right thing!

This morning I’m not writing a thought that will inspire or encourage. No, it’s a reminder to do what we have already been taught. We should never stop learning, never stop receiving good teaching but it’s imperative that we LIVE what we’ve already been taught.

“17 Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.

19 My dear brothers and sisters, always be more willing to listen than to speak. Keep control of your anger. 20 Anger does not help you live the way God wants. 21 So get rid of everything evil in your lives—every kind of wrong you do. Be humble and accept God’s teaching that is planted in your hearts. This teaching can save you.

22 Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves. 23 Hearing God’s teaching and doing nothing is like looking at your face in the mirror 24 and doing nothing about what you saw. You go away and immediately forget how bad you looked. 25 But when you look into God’s perfect law that sets people free, pay attention to it. If you do what it says, you will have God’s blessing. Never just listen to his teaching and forget what you heard.” James 1:17-25 ERV

God’s instructions were written for our protection and to provide us with a better way of living. Each of us need to make practical application of the teachings in Scripture and do the right thing.

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Wah, Wah, Wah, Wah, Wah

Today’s thoughts go hand-in-hand with yesterday. God’s word never fails so why do we put such little value in the words we speak?

Do you remember the old saying, “My word is my bond”? People used to give value to what they say, to the words they used. Words had importance, value and meaning and now it seems it has just become so much noise like the words of Charlie Brown’s teacher.

We turn on the TV and words come spilling out bringing unrest, frustration, fear and even anger. Words do have power.

To God, words are important. With them He framed the world and all that is in it. “And God said, light be and there was light”. When God promised Abraham a son, we’re told that Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as right standing with God. David wrote the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, about God’s word and the importance of it.

Jesus was referred to as the Word. What He said had value and power! People were healed when he spoke a word; his words cursed a fig tree and caused it to die from the roots up; those words turned the water into wine and raised the dead.

Jesus told the Pharisees in Matthew 12 that out of the abundance or fullness of their hearts, the mouth speaks and that by their words they would be justified or condemned. He went on to say that they would be judged for every idle word that came from their mouths.

Jesus wasn’t referring to profanity although those aren’t good words. He was pointing out their words of judgement and criticism, gossip, religious error and jealousy.

The Pharisees had been plotting against Jesus earlier in this chapter and even went so far as to say that the works Jesus was doing were of the devil. They were trying to stir up the people against Jesus using their words and Jesus wanted them to know that those words would come back to judge them.

King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, wrote these words: “Your words can be as satisfying as fruit, as pleasing as the food that fills your stomach. 21 The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.” Proverbs 18:20-21 CEV

Let’s make our words bring life. Life to us and our situations, life to our mate & children, life to our colleagues, words of life, peace, health, prosperity and salvation.

“People cannot see their own mistakes, so don’t let me commit secret sins. 13 Don’t let me do what I know is wrong. Don’t let sin control me. If you help me, I can be pure and free from sin 14 May my words and thoughts please you. LORD, you are my Rock—the one who rescues me.” Psalm 19:12-14

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Loud & Boisterous

Yesterday was so busy that I almost forgot to look for the Lord’s blessings, that is until this big guy came bouncing across the prairie grass on the side of our RV.

I don’t normally take much interest in the crows, they’re just not an attractive or interesting bird but he caught my attention. He was headed for the mouth of the underground spring at the back of our campsite.

He wasn’t cautious at all. The little birds that come to drink are timid and will light on a branch for only a few seconds, look around and take off again but not him. He strolls in boldly knowing that all others will clear out when he arrives.

Oh my, he’s noisy but he was created by God for a purpose!

This is what Wikipedia says about the crow: “Crows appear to show appreciation to humans by presenting them with gifts.”.

Nothing appears to be said about crows in the Bible but they are very much akin to the raven who is spoken of.

My favorite story involving ravens is found in I Kings 17. Elijah, the prophet, had just told King Ahab that the Lord was going to withhold rain for the next several years. It would only rain again when Elijah said. After that proclamation, the Lord told Elijah to head to a ravine where there was water.

Enter the raven…

“Then the Lord said to Elijah, 3 “Leave this place and go east. Hide near Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan River. 4 You can get your water from that stream, and I have commanded ravens to bring food to you there.” 5 So Elijah did what the Lord told him to do. He went to live near Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan River. 6 Ravens brought Elijah food every morning and every evening, and he drank water from the stream.” I King 17:2-6 ERV

I wonder what kind of food they brought him.

The crows in our campground are always finding morsels and tidbits of food in the trash dumpsters. I don’t think I would be too open to be partaking of the food they would bring. However, if the Lord said he sent them, I probably wouldn’t argue.

My takeaway from watching this feathered friend was this. The Lord is willing to use anyone who makes themselves available. It’s not just those who are petite, beautiful (brightly colored), and sing with a sweet melodious voice. He will also use those who are big, unattractive, loud and boisterous.

If I had to give human characteristics to the crow/raven I would say that the Apostle Peter would be a crow – loud, impetuous, foot-in-mouth kind of guy and the Apostle John would be more like the meadowlark with a sweet song and attractive appearance.

The Father uses all kinds of people and birds. Let’s learn to truly appreciate all those God brings into our lives.

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I Love My Job

Campers have started arriving and I truly enjoy hearing the voices of small children giggling throughout the campground.

Moms and Dads are bringing their kids to the same place they came as children with their parents. Fisherman are leaving the campground at “0-dark30” to find that special place on the shoreline or to be the first to launch their boats. Each one in pursuit of that record rainbow or cutthroat trout.

Folks are walking their dogs and exploring nature. There are so many sites to see!

Dave and I pray for each of them – we pray for safety and protection, for enjoyment and relaxation. This year we are facing another Summer where Winter snowpack and Spring rains were sparse, so we are praying against fires and for good rains to moisten the ground and add water to the lakes.

This morning I found these verses in my Bible reading. I know I’ve read them before but this morning they stood out and made an impact.

“ We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them. 3  Even Christ did not try to please himself. But as the Scriptures say, “The people who insulted you also insulted me.” 4  And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope. 5 God is the one who makes us patient and cheerful. I pray that he will help you live at peace with each other, as you follow Christ. 6 Then all of you together will praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:2-6 CEV

Patient, cheerful, doing good – that shall be my motto for the summer. In all I do, I want to follow Christ and give God praise.

The Lord has us all in different places, touching different lives. Let’s look for opportunities to be an example of His love in all we do!

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People I Don’t Know

I was reflecting on my Mother’s Day. It was a good day but not typical. Communication with my kids and grandkids came in the electronic form, not the oh-so-special face to face hugs and kisses kind.

There were attempted phone calls but without a strong signal the calls dropped but the attempt was made and that warmed my heart. One call with a daughter was successful and it was the nice end to the day.

We worked in the morning, there’s quite a bit to do before we welcome campers at the end of the week. Mid-afternoon we enjoyed a nice lunch in town with three friends. And then this morning as I sat here thinking of that time of fellowship I began to wonder about our waitress.

Was she a working mom? How was it that she was scheduled to work this day and not be with family? Were we kind and compassionate to her? I hope we made her day more pleasant. She wasn’t able to be waited on, instead she served a room full of people.

“Finally, all of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble. 9 Don’t be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God’s chosen ones, and he will bless you. ” I Peter 3:8-9 CEV

Treat everyone with kindness.

How often do we fall back on social media to help us make connections? We like or love a post or a photo. We say congratulations to engagements or births or weddings. All to people we don’t really know.

But our calling of kindness and compassion is greater than that. We are to see people the way the Father sees them. Remember Zacchaeus? He climbed a tree to get a glimpse of Jesus. Jesus was surrounded by a crowd as He walked the streets that day. So many were wanting to see the Teacher, the Miracle Worker. Zacchaeus wanted to see Him too.

“Jesus was heading his way, and Zacchaeus wanted to see what he was like.” Luke 19:3 CEV

Jesus noticed him. He stopped. Jesus spoke to Him. Zacchaeus’ life was changed.

“Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today you and your family have been saved, because you are a true son of Abraham. 10  The Son of Man came to look for and to save people who are lost.” Luke 19:9-10 CEV

Zacchaeus was a hard man to love; he was a tax collector and a cheat. Jesus was drawn to him, He looked for him and he was saved.

We were talking at lunch about people with lots of tattoos. One of our friends has many, each one tells a part of her story, her struggle and her victory. She said how much she enjoys sharing when someone asks her about why she got them. People may be judgmental at first but when they know the underlining story, they soften and meet a wonderful woman. They see the lady that Jesus loves!

Our world is filled with people who want to be seen. Meet them with a heart of compassion. You never know, you may end up liking people you don’t know.

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“P’s” in a Pod

One of the things our grandchildren enjoy doing when they come is filling the bird feeder. Then they sit back, quietly, and watch for the birds come.

On one of their visits we ran out of bird seed. It was then they discovered the seeds which were in the pods which fell from the Palo Verde trees. They would crack the pods and save the seeds for Pappy, Dave, to put in the bird feeder. On Friday, they introduced this discovery to their two-year-old sister.

Who knew looking for seeds in a pod could be so much fun?

This morning in my Bible reading I felt like my three littlest grandchildren. I was discovering, or rediscovering, the p’s in the pod of God’s word. I would like to share with you what I found.

  • Power – “God is able to do much more than we ask or think through His power working in us.” Ephesians 3:20 NLV
  • Peace – “The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NLV
  • Provision – “The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need.” Psalms 23:1 NLV
  • Protection – “ I will say to the Lord, “You are my safe and strong place, my God, in Whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2 NLV
  • Praise – “ Praise Him for His great works! Praise Him for all His greatness!” Psalm 150:2 NLV
  • Purpose – “He is the One Who saved us from the punishment of sin. He is the One Who chose us to do His work. It is not because of anything we have done. But it was His plan from the beginning that He would give us His loving-favor through Christ Jesus.” II Timothy 1:9 NLV

I started thanking the Lord for the wonderful blessings of His word and it seemed that each new thing I was thanking Him for began with a p. It caused my heart to chuckle, much like the laughter I heard from our grandchildren as they discovered more and more pods to break open.

I hope I never lose the excitement of opening God’s word and finding these little treasures. I also hope this is an encouragement for you, keep looking for the Father’s promises.

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Imperfect & Usable

After reading yesterday morning’s blog were you consciously aware of the many opportunities you had to be humble?

I was.

One of the things I find most humbling is God’s desire and ability to use us in our imperfection.

He used Adam in spite of his disobedience. Abraham was a man used mightily by God but he had times that he lied to protect his own life instead of trusting God to defend him. David served the Lord faithfully for many years and then committed adultery and murder. Samson was used by God to destroy the Philistines but had anger issues.

Peter denied the Lord and Paul persecuted the Christian believers. Each of these men had issues with humility, however, they repented and were forgiven.

How many times have thoughts from our past side-lined us from doing what we felt God wanted us to do?

Thoughts of failure, fear, unworthiness and shame.

“Some of the teachers of the Law of Moses were Pharisees, and they saw Jesus eating with sinners and tax collectors. So they asked his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’

17 Jesus heard them and answered, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. I didn’t come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners.'” Mark 2:16-17 CEV

Jesus didn’t come to the religious elite; He came to those who knew they needed a Savior. He came to people like you and me.

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. It’s a day that commemorates Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. The people who had heard Jesus teach, been healed by his touch and seen the miracles that he performed were lining the streets, awaiting His arrival.

“The disciples led the donkey to Jesus. They put some of their clothes on its back, and Jesus got on. 8 Many people spread clothes on the road, while others spread branches they had cut from the fields. 9  In front of Jesus and behind him, people went along shouting,

“Hooray!
God bless the one who comes
    in the name of the Lord!
10 God bless the coming kingdom
    of our ancestor David.
Hooray for God
    in heaven above!” Mark 11:7-10 CEV

Now it’s our turn to praise Him!

We have been made new, by His grace. Our imperfections don’t disqualify us. In fact, it is those very things that make us recipients of His grace.

“I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. 9 You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about. 10 God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things he had already planned for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10 ERV

Fully aware of our imperfections, Father, we say thank you for your grace. Thank you for making us new and giving us a life filled with good things. Amen!

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