Category: Purpose

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A Time for Change

Christmas time has always brought change – it certainly did for Mary, Joseph and the shepherds. The change of a star in the heavens brought the wisemen half way across the known world.

It brought change for Anna and Simeon, two elderly people, who had been serving in the Temple and were able to see their long-awaited Messiah. Change came to Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, who was the mother of John the baptizer. She knew her son would preach the good news that the Messiah had come.

“Joseph registered with Mary because she was engaged to marry him. (She was now pregnant.) 6 While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby. 7 She gave birth to her first son. She wrapped him up well and laid him in a box where cattle are fed. She put him there because the guest room was full.” Luke 2:5-7 ERV

The time came and there was change.

We are also changed by Christmas. Yes, those of us who recognize Christ as our Savior celebrate His birth and His love. We desire to be more loving, more giving, more kind at Christmas.

We decorate differently. We sing special songs, watch theme movies, bake special cookies. All of these are things that change at Christmas. There’s a Christmas song that I heard many years ago and still enjoy, “One Night A Year”.

“One night a year we believe in peace on earth
One night a year we praise our Saviour’s birth
I wish every night the whole year through could be like Christmas Eve
When love’s pure light is shining everywhere, one night a year”

I like to think that we can live with Christmas in our hearts all year long. Jesus said He came for a very specific reason.

“‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor. He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. He sent me to free those who have been treated badly 19 and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.” Luke 4:18-19 ERV

The time has come for us to share the love that Jesus has for us with others. Christmas is a time for change!

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Light Up the Night

I remember my grandmother had a Christmas table decoration when I was a small child. It had four small candles and when they were lit the heat from the candles would cause the mobile to turn and the angels would strike a bell causing it to ring.

I would be fascinated for what seemed like hours just watching it.

This morning, as that memory came back, it was also accompanied with some words of Scripture.

“But you are his chosen people, the King’s priests. You are a holy nation, people who belong to God. He chose you to tell about the wonderful things he has done. He brought you out of the darkness of sin into his wonderful light. 10 In the past you were not a special people, but now you are God’s people. Once you had not received mercy, but now God has given you his mercy.” I Peter 2:9-10 ERV

The message of Christmas, Christ is born, is a message of hope and light. Through Christ we are brought into a right relationship with God, the Father. Our relationship with Him is one of mercy, grace and love. We no longer have to live in the darkness of our own futile efforts, we are given His light. After all, He is the light of the world.

Have you ever been to a candle light service where all the lights are off and then one person lights a candle and then they light the candle of the person next to them and so it goes until everyone in the church has a lighted candle and the room is fully illuminated? It’s a memorable experience to say the least.

That’s how we are to be in our world, our sphere of influence – we are to bring in the light, the light of God’s love.

“The sun will no longer be your light during the day. The light from the moon will no longer be your light at night. The Lord will be your light forever. Your God will be your glory.” Isaiah 60:19 ERV

The Lord is our light that shines forever!

When there’s no light we stumble in the darkness. I have stubbed my toe numerous times getting out of bed in a strange place with no light to guide me. The same holds true in our spiritual lives. That’s why God tells us that His word will be a light for our path.

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:105 ERV

God has chosen to let His light shine through us. He chose us to share His love and goodness with the world. Let’s go out and light up the night!

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Be An Example

Every day we are setting an example; whether we’re a good example or not is to be determined.

When you stop and think of people who have been good role models for you whose face comes to mind?

I think of one lady in particular. She was 20+ years older than I and she portrayed grace and kindness in all she did. Her home was comfortably decorated and neat, her personal appearance radiated with beauty and grace. She spoke words of kindness and her love for her husband and family were evident to all. I was blessed to know her.

Another woman I admired was an experienced horse woman. Her hands were leather tough from all the work she did. She trained horses, could build fence, tend a garden and put a meal on the table that would leave you asking for more. Her ways were rustic but her heart was tender and generous.

I haven’t seen either one of these ladies in years but the impression they made in my life has never faded.

The Apostle Paul wrote to a young preacher named Timothy and instructed him to be a good example.

“Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: 10 We hope in the living God, the Savior of all people. In particular, he is the Savior of all those who believe in him. This is why we work and struggle.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 You are young, but don’t let anyone treat you as if you are not important. Be an example to show the believers how they should live. Show them by what you say, by the way you live, by your love, by your faith, and by your pure life.

13 Continue to read the Scriptures to the people, encourage them, and teach them. Do this until I come.” I Timothy 4:9-13 ERV

Be an example by what you say, the way you live and love. Be an encourager. Be pure and faithful.

What a mandate!

The Apostle Paul also told us all to be imitators of God – like little children imitate their parents.

“Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children.” Ephesians 5:1 CEV

Each day we have a fresh start to be a good example. Let’s use it wisely. Let’s imitate the Father!

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Getting Ready to Leave

We only have a couple days left on the mountain, the place that has been our home for the last four and a half months. It’s been hard to say good-bye to friends and there are still good-byes to be said.

Yesterday, we spent time in the campground, going from campsite to campsite, making notes of things that need to be improved upon before the next camping season. We visited with the two families of campers that are still here. Only the hardy, with good generators, are here now. We had snow on Tuesday and the night time temperature dropped to 18*.

After that, there was the check-in station to finish packing up; all the bookwork and supplies have to be moved to the administration building. Bulletin boards, signs and windows have to be covered and there was one final load of laundry that needed to be done.

Almost all of the preparations have been made.

We have also taken time to pack away our own things – the bar-b-q, the outdoor canopy, and chairs. The closets have been rearranged, the cupboards straighten, awnings are pulled in, things are stowed away and secured. A little more cleaning and another load of laundry and we’ll be ready to pull out.

I began thinking of all the people in the Bible who had to leave some place they were accustomed too; Abraham and Sarah had to leave, Rebekah left her home to join her husband, Jacob’s whole family left their home to join Joseph in Egypt. Samuel left his mother and father to go to the Temple, Ruth left her home to follow her mother-in-law, Esther left her uncle to go to the King’s palace, Peter left his fishing business to follow Jesus, Paul left his place as an important member of Jewish society to become an itinerate preacher and Jesus left heaven to come to earth.

All of their leavings had a purpose. Esther was placed in the palace as queen by divine providence. She was used to save her people from genocide.

“And who knows, maybe you have been chosen to be the queen for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14b ERV

I believe that God has a purpose and a plan for every life, including yours and mine!

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you. This message is from the Lord. ‘I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.'” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ERV

Maybe your circumstances are changing too. You are making preparation for a new home, a new job, a new life. There can be insecurity and apprehension in this but when we trust the Lord, He will give us peace and direction.

None of us know exactly how the Lord will use us from day to day but we can be certain that His plan for us is good. Each one of us should always “be prepared for leaving” the old and embracing the new as we follow the Lord’s leading.

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Running Short on Time

I remember one of the first blogs I wrote from the mountains at the beginning of summer. I was recounting how early each morning the sun came up. The birds would start singing at approximately 4:15am to welcome the day. Here we are, four months later and the day doesn’t start to dawn until 5:45am, an hour and a half later.

The days are getting shorter.

Yesterday, we had quite a few campers check-in and they all remarked, one way or another, that they were here for their last camping trip of the season. We were asked repeatedly, how much longer will you be here. Our answer, just one more week.

We are running short on time.

It’s hard to think about not being in this beautiful place each day. We have loved our time in the mountains and we are praying, and expecting, to return again next year. But as I wrote in my journal this morning not only are the days getting visibly shorter in regard to length of daylight, and our time on the calendar has a definite end date, the days we have left on this earth are also getting shorter.

We need to make the most of the time we have before us.

While we’re here at this campground, we need to be diligent about the tasks that we’ve been given. The facilities need to be winterized. Things need to be packed away and building needs to be prepared to protect against the damage that the harsh weather could bring. We are busy examining each individual campsite, making notes of needed repairs before the next season. And we only have so many hours of daylight in which to accomplish these tasks..

The same applies to the circumstances of our life. We need to redeem the time, make the most of each day, so that our lives are lived well and we give glory to the Lord.

“You used to be like people living in the dark, but now you are people of the light because you belong to the Lord. So act like people of the light 9 and make your light shine. Be good and honest and truthful, 10 as you try to please the Lord. 11 Don’t take part in doing those worthless things that are done in the dark. Instead, show how wrong they are…15 Act like people with good sense and not like fools. 16 These are evil times, so make every minute count. 17 Don’t be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:7-17 CEV

I’ve heard it said that time is our most precious commodity. It’s the only thing we can’t get more of. We all are allotted the same 24 hours, the key is to use them wisely. Show love and kindness to those around us; be appreciative; let the world see Jesus in what we do.

Jesus spoke these words to his disciples. He knew something that we don’t; He knew his life would be short, He knew the number of his days.

“As long as it is day, we must do what the one who sent me wants me to do. When night comes, no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light for the world.” John 9:4-5 CEV

Jesus’ instruction was that we make the most of each day. He came to bring light to the lives of mankind and when He left, He gave us the same instruction. Bring light and God’s glory to those around us.

Let’s make every day count because we’re running short on time!

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What About Tomorrow?

Dave and I are planners – yes, it’s a blessing and a curse. We make “lists”; first in our heads, then in our conversation and finally we put them down on paper.

We only have a couple more weeks on the mountain. We’ve loved our time here and would really hate to leave except that the cooler temperatures are reminding us it’s going to get cold. After living in Montana where it could get to 25-35 below zero, we have decided we don’t like being cold.

So, thinking ahead to what’s next once we leave our mountain home, we have begun to organize our thoughts and our priorities. It’s a common question amongst camp hosts – where will you go and what will you do when you leave here.

The last few nights we have been sitting by the fire talking, organizing, making our list and to be honest, there is an anxiousness that has started to creep in. Almost a worry about some things. That’s where we were a few nights ago. That angst needed to be banished – it’s not from God, we know that. God’s plans bring peace!

“But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. 34 Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.” Matthew 6:33-34 CEV

When we are trusting God with our tomorrows we can leave worry behind. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that our Father isn’t capable of handling. Not one thing that will arise in our lives with catch Him by surprise!

“Look how the wild flowers grow! They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of these flowers. 28 God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. Won’t he do even more for you? You have such little faith! 29 Don’t keep worrying about having something to eat or drink. 30 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father knows what you need.” Luke 12:27-30 CEV

There’s an old song I used to sing, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”, that’s been running through my head lately. It brings me back to that place of peace that I know the Lord has designed for me.

“I don’t know about tomorrow
I just live for day to day
I don’t borrow from the sunshine
For it’s skies may turn to gray

I don’t worry o’er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today I’ll walk beside Him
For He knows what lies ahead

Many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand”

I’m writing this to myself today and if it ministers to you I’m glad!

“The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm. 4 So always trust the Lord
because he is forever our mighty rock” Isaiah 26:3-4 CEV

Lord, I give you my today and my tomorrow. I’ll hold Your hand and walk in Your peace!

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Order Up!

Have you ever been to one of those coffee shops or diners where the cook in the kitchen sets the food in the window and hollers out “order up”?  We had several places like that in Idaho and Montana. They were some of our favorite places to go!

But I want to talk with you this morning about a different kind of order.

The kind of order I’m going to talk with you about is the absence of confusion, order.  I woke from a dream this morning that was filled with confusion and disorder.  Saturday, I will be speaking at a women’s advance, not a retreat mind you, but an advance. In my dream I was trying to get myself and some others to church.

I wasn’t ready but grabbed what I would need to finish getting ready there. We started for the car and I realized I didn’t have the car keys, sent the others on a head and went back for the keys. Got delayed again to answer a question and so it went through out the dream.  I ended up getting to the church just as I was being introduced – I was late, unkept and harried.

The first thing I did when I woke was thank the Father that He is a God of order, not disorder; the Father who brings peace and not confusion.

“ God wants everything to be done peacefully and in order.” I Corinthians 14:33 CEV

Take a look at the Earth, it is in an orbit that is structured and methodical. Rotating around the sun, tilted on its axis so that just the right amount of sunlight hits its surface at the correct time. If we were any closer to the sun we would burn, any further away and we would freeze.

Animals live an orderly life. Right now, the animals in the mountains are preparing for hibernation or the cold of winter. Finding more food to eat or to store, coats are growing heavier and colors changing for better camouflage .

“You lazy people can learn by watching an anthill. 7 Ants don’t have leaders, 8  but they store up food during harvest season.” Proverbs 6: 6-8 CEV

I was just reading about the Israelites and their journey through the wilderness this morning. The Lord ordered the way the camp would be set up. Three tribes each set up on the north, south, east and west of the Tabernacle. They were to protect the holy place of God. They marched out in the same order.

Then the members of the tribe of Levi, the priests, all had particular duties when it came to moving and setting up the tabernacle. Each family group had different responsibilities for the items in the Tabernacle. Some carried the curtains, while others carried the lamp oil and incense. Still others were given the responsibility for the candle stands, the tables and the Ark of God’s covenant.

By no means, am I implying that we can’t be spontaneous or act in an impromptu way. The Bible teaches us to be prepared for the unexpected. Jesus was always being interrupted. He ministered to people and never made them feel as if they were ruining His plans or roadblocking His day.

Nicodemus came to him at night, Zacchaeus waited in a tree. He went to a wedding feast and ended up providing the wine.

“The Lord shows us how we should live,
    and he is pleased when he sees people living that way.
24 If they stumble, they will not fall,
    because the Lord reaches out to steady them.” Psalm 37:23-24 ERV

Start your day asking the Lord to guide your steps, to direct your way. It may surprise you to see how He takes your plans and make them “order up”.

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Power’s Out!

Last night we had friends come for a bar-b-q. About 8 pm, the power went off.

No matter, we were outside enjoying the light of the full moon and the outdoor lights, which were 12v. It wasn’t until everyone went home and we went inside that we had to begin using alternate sources of power. The electric heaters didn’t work so we switched on the gas heat. The water heater had been operating on electric and so there was enough hot water to do up the dishes but it did pose a question about our morning showers if the power stayed off.

I always get the coffee ready at night so I can turn it on when I get up. I filled the coffee maker but I also filled the stove-top percolator in case I needed to make coffee the old-fashioned way. My computer battery was fully charged, no problem there and our signal booster is 12v so that would be operational.

About 11 pm, I woke to the electric clock flashing. Power had been restored!

The Bible is filled with stories of God’s power being displayed in the earth. Each story had a specific purpose which demonstrated God’s love and holiness.  But, such displays were isolated and temporary, then the power would go out until the next occasion. Until Jesus!

His was a life of daily demonstration of the love and power of God. Everywhere He went, everything He did, He was God in action. The miracles, the messages, the compassion, the selflessness were demonstrations of God’s power. His life was the power of the Holy Spirit moving in concert with God’s plan and Jesus’ obedience.

“About that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 As soon as Jesus came out of the water, he saw the sky open and the Holy Spirit coming down to him like a dove. 11 A voice from heaven said, “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you.” Mark 1:9-11 CEV

He had told his disciples in one sermon that they would be light which would shine in the darkness.

“ and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. 16 Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16 CEV

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jesus commissioned his disciples, us included, to be His witnesses in the earth. As He was getting ready to leave earth, his disciples were concerned about political power. Jesus told them, that’s not for your concern. You need to be filled with spiritual power so you can change the world the way I have.

“While the apostles were still with Jesus, they asked him, “Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?” 7 Jesus said to them, “You don’t need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls. 8 But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.” 9 After Jesus had said this and while they were watching, he was taken up into a cloud.” Acts 1:6-9 CEV

Once the Holy Spirit filled them with power they changed the world with the message of Christ.

Do you ever feel that somehow your power’s been cut? You’re operating on alternative power? The promise of the Holy Spirit infilling our lives and giving us the power of God holds for us today.

There is no clearer promise for us to take to heart that what the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13:

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength”.

No need to be concerned about a power shortage when we have a direct line to the Omnipotent Father.

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Set the Table

Years ago I was acquainted with a lady named Dorrie. She was in her mid-forties, her children were grown and gone and she had been divorced and had no one to share her day-to-day interests with.

She told me that life had been lonely for her until she decided to set the table and welcome her lifelong Love to have coffee with her each morning and dinner with her each night.

“ I pray that you will enjoy the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.” II Corinthians 13:13 CEV

Each morning before she left for work, she would put 4 coffee cups on her kitchen table. She would fill hers and then she would sit and talk about her day, her children, her desires and her fears. She would have sweet conversation with Jesus, the heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit. She would ask them for guidance and direction. She didn’t do all the talking, she had her Bible open on the table and would read to get Their insight for her day.

When she came home at night, once again she would set the table for four. She would make her meal and over dinner they would once again discuss her day. Now, to some this may seem strange, even a bit bizarre, but not to Dorrie. She knew that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were as close as her next breath. She experienced a sweet fellowship that many desire but some never know. She made time in each day to spend, on purpose, talking with Those she loved the most.

“ Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.” Jeremiah 33:3 CEV

I remember after my grandpa died that I would go to my grandma’s house for lunch. She lived close to the elementary school and I could walk there and back during my lunchtime. She spent her day talking to the Lord, her closest friend. It wasn’t a “heads bowed, eyes closed” kind of prayer but a walking through the house dusting, vacuuming, washing dishes, kind of prayer. Whatever was on her heart, she talked it out with the Lord.

“Always be joyful 17 and never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 CEV

Dorrie said she was never lonely anymore because she realized she never was alone. She was always surrounded by the Ones would loved her most.

Maybe today would be a good time to set the table or at least grab the coffee cups and have time with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

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More of God, Less of Me

Have you ever wondered if your life has any measurable significance?  I have!

I’m a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and teacher. My experiences haven’t shaped society, nor have I ever invented a gadget that would make life better for millions of people.

However, I’m an ordinary person who tells others about Jesus and his amazing love.  I tell them about the Father, who is gracious, loving and kind.  He desires to have a relationship with us, a relationship of trust, love and forgiveness; He desires to protect and provide for his children. And I love to tell folks about the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit, who is our comforter, our counselor and our advocate.

Ordinary people have changed our world!

Moses was born to parents who lived as slaves in the land of Egypt and he was used by God to deliver over one million Israelites and lead them to what is now called the land of Israel.

Rahab was a harlot, that’s what the Bible says about her, and she hid some spies and was instrumental in the invasion of country by those Israelites.

Gideon was a timid man who was afraid of the marauding hordes and hid in his father’s shed to thrash wheat. He was the seventh son of a seventh son. He had no place of importance but he and 300 men were used by God to defeat a king and his armies.

Esther was an orphan and a refugee. She was raised by her uncle. No one of significance yet she became the queen of Persia and saved her people from annihilation. She was born “for such a time as this”.

John the Baptist, was an early day mountain man. He lived in caves, wore clothing man from camel’s hair and ate locust and honey. He lived of the land. Not quite the advance man that you would pick for the King of Kings but that’s what he did.

Saul, who became the Apostle Paul, was a religious zealot. He hobnobbed with the social and religious elites.  He was well educated and rose to a prominent place in society. But his stand for Christ and the message of redemption caused him to lose it all. He called all the accolades “dung”.

All of these people changed the world, although they may not have known it at the time. They were ordinary but when God called them to a task they accepted His calling. They lived a life of more of God, less of me.

“Don’t let anyone fool you by using senseless arguments. These arguments may sound wise, but they are only human teachings. They come from the powers of this world and not from Christ. 9 God lives fully in Christ. 10 And you are fully grown because you belong to Christ, who is over every power and authority.” Colossians 2:8-10 CEV

God has an extraordinary plan for each of our lives. We are complete in Him. We just need to be willing to let Him reveal it through us.

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