Category: Purpose

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Eating Well

I love to cook and I love to eat! I’m not really a foodie; I don’t really like going too far outside my comfort zone to try to new foods but I like to eat well, not always healthy, but well.

Yesterday morning we went out for breakfast. Since we live in a small community there aren’t a lot of places to choose from so we normally end up going back to the same diner. Not yesterday. We went to a Mexican restaurant down at the bottom of the hill. Had to look it up on-line to see if they were even open for breakfast, they were. Couldn’t find an on-line menu but figured we would try it anyway.

Oh, my goodness!! Delicious!

Dave and I both ordered the Mexican omelette. It was amazing. My mouth is watering now as I’m telling you about it. It was so good and I savored every bite. There was one small problem; no matter how flavorful it was and how generous the portion I was hungry again before the day was done.

I cannot depend on the nutrients of that savory, mouth-watering dish to sustain me for the rest of this week. Nor can I depend on the powerful message that Pastor Robert preached yesterday morning to keep me supplied with spiritual strength for the rest of this week.

We need to eat well, physically and spiritually, each day to stay healthy and strong.

“But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 NLT

I understand eating healthy, however, we can be more religious about counting calories, cutting carbs, and staying on the right diet than we are about feeding from God’s word. We should be getting fat on the good news of the Gospel. We can never overeat when we are feasting from the word.

“The light of the eyes makes the heart glad. Good news puts fat on the bones.” Proverbs 15:30 NLT

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

Feeding on a steady diet of God’s word will keep us strong and healthy. Eat well!

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Choosing Sides

Whose side are you on anyway?

Have you ever asked that question or been asked that question? Choosing sides in an argument can be risky business. Choosing sides in life is a necessity!

There are political affiliations, sports teams, environmental issues, auto preferences, dietary selections and those are just the trivial. Each day our life is filled with decisions, choosing one side over another.

But there isn’t always two sides to every story or situation. Joshua, the leader of Israel, found that out very quickly.

“One day, Joshua was near Jericho when he saw a man standing some distance in front of him. The man was holding a sword, so Joshua walked up to him and asked, “Are you on our side or on our enemies’ side?” 14 “Neither,” he answered. “I am here because I am the commander of the Lord’s army.” Joshua fell to his knees and bowed down to the ground. “I am your servant,” he said. “Tell me what to do.” 15 “Take off your sandals,” the commander answered. “This is a holy place.” So Joshua took off his sandals.” Joshua 5:13-15 CEV

It’s not my side or your side of things that’s important. It’s God side. If we want to be right, we need to be on God’s side and then there is no other side. Joshua immediately recognized what he needed to do, he needed to be on God’s side. He recognized God’s authority and made himself, and as a result the children of Israel, subservient to the Lord.

There are many choices before us. The important thing is to choose the premise or foundation for our lives that we are willing to build everything else on. Then we make the smaller decisions line up with our foundational purpose and we have true direction.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT

The winning side is always the best and when God is leading there should be no hesitation. Whose side are you on?

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Lessons in Your Closet

It’s so strange what’s on my mind this morning. I’m thinking about my closet and in particular the hangers. Now before you assume I am going to talk to you about cleaning out your closet, let me put your mind at ease. I’m not.

Our closet has two kinds of hangers. Dark and light. The light ones are for my clothes and the darker ones are for Dave’s. When I take shirts and pants out of the dryer the hangers are there in the laundry room and it makes it simple to grab the right ones. I know that everything will have a hanger when I do it that way. I guess there’s a bit of OCD there, however, that’s not what I wanted to talk about.

I wanted to talk about the way the hangers are placed on the rod. They should all be going the same direction. The hook should go over the top of the rod, facing to the back of the closet. If they don’t, they get all tangled and the clothes get jammed in and wrinkled. It’s very frustrating, to me anyway. And if I see backward hangers I have to turn them correctly before I close the closet door.

Those hangers are like our thoughts. Sometimes, our thoughts get backwards and it throws our perspective off. It takes the order out of our thinking and creates confusion. Just one or two misplaced thoughts can ruin an entire day.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT

When we commit our plans, our thoughts, to the Lord He will lead us and our path will be right, even if we fall He will lift us up and provide us with strength.

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. 25 Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:23-25 NLT

Let’s take time to examine our thoughts today. Is there something out of order? God will show us how to correct our thinking; get everything going the right way – His way! That’s the best.


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This Little Light

I was talking with a friend and recalling a time when the power went off. The house was completely black. I know my house well and usually have no trouble maneuvering even in the darkness but this was different. Before I could get to the oil lamps and the candles I had stubbed my toe many times. Searching in the darkness is frustrating but it can also be frightening if you’re unaware of your surroundings.

It reminded me of these verses.

“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. 15 People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

We need to let the light of God shine through us each day, reflecting His glory and love. We should reflect God’s love in the same way that the moon reflects the light of the sun and then shines in beauty. It would be silly of the moon to think that the light it gives is of its own making. It is just as silly for us to think that we have any goodness to radiate on our own – we must be reflective agents of the God who created us and chooses to share His love with us.

There are millions who need to be rescued from the darkness. Darkness can be another word for loneliness, fear, low self-esteem, anger, hatred and a life without Jesus.

So for me, I will say this little light of mine – I’m gonna let it shine!

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Big Catch – Big Question

Did you know that Simon Peter had a successful fishing business before he became one of Jesus disciples? In fact, he was involved in a fishing conglomerate; his partners were James and John.

They had been out fishing one night and came back empty handed. Their boats were on the shore line and they were cleaning their nets before they called it a day.

Jesus was there too. He was just starting in the ministry that God had designed for him. It had only been a matter of days or perhaps weeks, since He had been baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. People were recognizing that He was different; He had compassion and His teachings were like none they had ever heard. So on this day Jesus was being followed by people who wanted to hear him speak.

He saw the two boats and asked if he could get in one and speak to the people for a little ways out on the water. When Jesus finished speaking he looked at Simon and told him to go out to the deeper water and let down his nets.

Now Simon, the experienced fisherman, knew that late morning was really not a good time to fish. However, he did what Jesus said and caught the biggest load of fish he had ever encountered. It was a net breaking, boat sinking load of fish. He called to his partners and had them bring their boat to help handle the catch.

Amazing! This was the most successful day of their fishing careers. Never had they seen one like it.

Simon was overwhelmed, one verse says he was awestruck. He realized that Jesus was a special man of God and he felt unworthy to be in His presence.

“When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.” Luke 5:8-11 NLT

Some people think that they have to be at rock bottom to reach out to the Lord. Simon’s story is completely opposite. This was their best day; their biggest catch. Record breaking. And then came the big question “come fish for people”. I love the way the verse puts it, “as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus”.

Simon and his partners realized that it was Jesus who was responsible for their success that day. He was the influence that changed the circumstances. They were excited to leave all and follow Him.

A New Year lays ahead. I encourage you to follow Jesus whole-heartedly. He is the giver of abundant life and all good things come from Him.

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2020 A Year of Promise

2020

In the beginning…a New Year, a blank slate, a clean page, a new horizon, a fresh start. How many more clichés can I come up with? You get the point.

Will this year start any differently than those in the past? High expectations are easily replaced by disappointment unless our beginning has a solid foundation.

I want you to look at a couple verses this morning.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 KJV

“In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God.” John 1:1 CEV

The best way to start this new year is to have God there from the beginning! God the Father and His creative power are here to fill our beginning. And God the Son, Jesus, the Word, is here as our example of what life is like when we depend upon the Father.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 KJV

God, the Holy Spirit, has come to remind us of what the Word says about our relationship with the Father and this will bring us peace! What a great way to begin this year and it’s a great way to walk through each day.

When we start each day with “in the beginning God” we will experience a power and peace, a joy and focus that will carry us through anything that we may face.

Happy New Year!

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Heart & Purpose

Christmas night we sat around wondering what to do. We were ready to relax and not in the mood for playing games. My future grandson suggested we watch a movie; not your traditional Christmas time movie but a new movie that Disney had recently released, Togo. Willem Dafoe is cast in the starring role and his co-star is a beautiful and intelligent sled dog.

Disney tells the story of Togo, a sled dog, who was all heart. He ran with purpose. From the time he was a pup all he wanted to do was run. No matter how many obstacles were placed before him he found a way to run. (Now I won’t divulge the whole story but I will tell you, you won’t be disappointed if you take the time to watch it.)

This dog instinctively had one purpose – to run and he did it with all his heart.

Last night as I was sitting on the couch those two words, heart and purpose, settled in my thinking. I was reminded of three Scripture verses.

“I ask only one thing, Lord: Let me live in your house every day of my life to see how wonderful you are and to pray in your temple. 5 In times of trouble, you will protect me. You will hide me in your tent and keep me safe on top of a mighty rock.” Psalm 27:4-5 CEV

“The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, 42 but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 CEV

“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

King David, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, and the Apostle Paul all had their hearts set on “one thing”. They had purpose.

As we come to the start of a new year I am more determined than ever to live my life focused on God’s purpose. I want to life and love with my whole heart the way the Lord wants me to. I want my life to be free from criticism, bitterness, judgement of others – these will distract me from my purpose and cause me to get off course.

I choose to live guided by God’s word and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Then, and only then, will I follow the example of Christ and imitate the character of God, the Father. I say with the Apostle Paul I haven’t attained it yet but I forget my past failures and look ahead and press on.

Join me? Let’s live focused on one thing – a life with purpose and heart.

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Following Good Advice

I don’t know about you but sometimes I have difficulty following good advice, even my own advice. In my book, The Best Gifts of Christmas, I wrote about marking our calendars and taking a day of rest. This does so much to lower our stress levels and keep us focused on what’s truly important during the Christmas season.

I wrote R-E-S-T on December 19th, yesterday. I had fully intended to do just that. The only thing I had scheduled was a long lunch with a dear friend. My intention was to do nothing. I got my coffee, my Bible and went to my rocking chair to start a quiet morning. That’s when it happened, I opened my email and there were “things” demanding my attention.

No, not today. But I felt I had too…

Anyone else like me? I’m a fixer and I can’t just leave things lay if they call for a response and action. I hate to admit it, I got sucked in and my resting lasted all of an hour. What’s worse, once I had fixed the problem that faced me I decided my resting was already gone and so I decided I could get a batch of cookies made before I went to my lunch. I was deviating further from my promise to myself, and yes, even to the Lord, to rest. I went to the kitchen and discovered I was missing one crucial ingredient. No cookies would be made until I went to the store.

Refocus.

I had time to reset my day’s priority. I stopped, showered, poured another cup of coffee and rested. I visited with Dave for a bit and then I was out the door to my luncheon date. It was so nice; time to catch up with a friend. Work could wait; I was resting.

As I’m writing this I’m laughing at myself. How quickly I get absorbed into thinking that I have to get things done. Who else will do them? That’s a lot of pressure, carrying the world on your shoulders. The success of the Christmas traditions depends on me and my getting things done. That’s not God!

Following God’s word is like following a recipe. If we want a good result we have to follow the measurements and the instructions.

“Come to Me, all of you who work and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. 29 Follow My teachings and learn from Me. I am gentle and do not have pride. You will have rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NLV

This morning I hear the Lord calling me again to rest. He doesn’t want us burned out, used up and at wit’s end. He wants us to be refreshed, restored and renewed. I plan to be obedient to God’s calling and listen to my own advice. It’s a recipe for success.

Today I will rest. I hope you will too.

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Copy, Cut, Paste

Copy, Cut, Paste. It is a computer basic that has become second nature to most of us. One that my husband likes a lot. You know the concept was God’s idea.

“And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind…27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:25-27 KJV

God created us to be like Him – to be His representative, His counterpart on the earth. But when Adam sinned our nature was changed. God had to put a plan in place that would restore our relationship with Him.

Enter Jesus.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” II Corinthians 5:17-19 KJV

In Christ, we become new – a new creature – like the one that God created in the Garden. Jesus restored us to our place of being created in God’s likeness. He copies and pastes the origin blueprint into our hearts.

“But God is rich in mercy, and he loved us very much. 5 We were spiritually dead because of all we had done against him. But he gave us new life together with Christ. (You have been saved by God’s grace.)…8 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 2:4-10 ERV

In Christ we have been made new. It’s not something we work to earn but something we receive freely by grace. Salvation and restoration to a loving relationship with the Father God has been His plan from the beginning.

Since Christmas will be here in a couple of weeks, I give you permission to open the best gift you will ever receive – the gift of salvation, of renewed life and relationship with the Father.

Open it now and share it with others!

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Are You A Wise Man?

Would you have made a good wise man?

That’s the question I found I was asking myself this morning. Let’s examine their characteristics; they were studious, (they studied the skies looking for a sign), they were diligent, (they didn’t give up looking just because they didn’t see it right away), they were persistent, (they traveled a great distance and expended length of time to find the Christ child), they were consistent, (they weren’t distracted from their search) and they were dedicated (they committed to the task and didn’t stop until they reached their goal). Finally, they were reverent, they worshiped the Christ child and not the nation’s king.

It’s believed that the wise men’s journey took about 2 years. They found a child and not a babe. They traveled at their own expense and they brought gifts, lavish gifts, to the child. It cost them something – if they had been wrong in their search it would have cost them more than their finances, it would have cost them their reputation.

So I asked myself, what am I seeking? Oh, I have many things that I’m doing – preparing for the holidays, getting ready for company, baking and knitting but what am I seeking?

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” Psalm 27:4-5 KJV

Jesus told Martha that only “one thing” was needed to her priority – hearing His word.

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 KJV

Lord, my desire is to be wise – to seek only one thing, You!

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