Category: Purpose

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Don’t Be Annoyed

Oh my goodness – today we turn the page on the calendar to a new month. This year is half over, will the next six months go as quickly as these have?

My heart’s prayer is to have every day be one of purpose, filled with compassion and direction.

The words that came to my mind are from the book of James:

“My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry. 20 If you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things God wants done.” James 1:19-20 CEV

Listen more, speak less and don’t get angry! “Lord, that’s a big assignment.”

I read systematically from Psalms each day. I find such practical instruction there. This morning I read from chapter 37. Look here at what the Lord has to say:

“Don’t be annoyed by anyone
who does wrong,
    and don’t envy them.
2 They will soon disappear
    like grass without rain.

3 Trust the Lord and live right!
The land will be yours,
    and you will be safe.
4 Do what the Lord wants,
and he will give you
    your heart’s desire.

5 Let the Lord lead you
    and trust him to help.
6 Then it will be as clear
as the noonday sun
    that you were right.

7 Be patient and trust the Lord.
    Don’t let it bother you
when all goes well for those
    who do sinful things.
8 Don’t be angry or furious.
    Anger can lead to sin.
9 All sinners will disappear,
but if you trust the Lord,
    the land will be yours.” Psalm 37:1-9 CEV

There’s more to this chapter, another 31 verses to be exact. The theme of the whole chapter is trusting the Lord and following His lead.

Do you see how well this ties in with the verses from James?

Quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. Don’t be annoyed, don’t be bothered, don’t get angry. Trust the Lord and follow HIS lead!

Follow His lead. He has given us written instruction and He promises to walk with us each day.

“The Lord will hold your hand, and if you stumble, you still won’t fall.” Psalm 37:24 CEV

Christ is our example; we should keep our focus on Him. Don’t be annoyed by anyone who does wrong – Trust in the Lord. That instruction will serve us well as we continue through the second half of the year.

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A Spoonful of Sugar

Now I realize that isn’t good medical advice. In fact, quite the opposite. Too much sugar can be detrimental to our health but what Mary Poppins was teaching is that life needs more sweetness – and it does.

We had friends over for dinner on Saturday night and we were all so blessed with the food, the visit and the laughter. Everyone remarked on the laughter and the joy. One of the men made the comment that laughter is one of life’s greatest healers – and it is!

I think people need a good spoonful of medicine today, but good old fashioned Bible medicine.

” Happiness is good medicine, but sorrow is a disease.” Proverbs 17:22 ERV

“If you are cheerful, you feel good; if you are sad, you hurt all over.” Proverbs 17:22 CEV

If we allow ourselves to stay focused on the things in our world, or in our lives that are wrong, evil or contrary, we will be overtaken by the dis-ease of sorrow.

Dis-ease. Now there’s an interesting word. The lack of being at ease. When disease strikes our body, our whole system is ill-at-ease.

But a good dose of the medicine of a merry heart will strengthen us and bring us peace.

“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy the good food and sweet drinks. Give some food and drinks to those who didn’t prepare any food. Today is a special day to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy of the Lord will make you strong.’” Nehemiah 8:10 ERV

Jeremiah said: “I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you” Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

Look today not at the circumstances but at our God who changes circumstances and be filled with good medicine.

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

I pray that God will fill your heart with joy and that you will be healed of dis-ease.

On a side note: Dave and I will be on vacation this week in an area that has very weak cell and internet service so I might not be able to post each day. I am praying that your week will be filled with love and laughter! I love you all.

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Only One Spirit & One Lord

Now you may think that I get up each morning and do a word search so I can find verses in the Bible with the words follow or lead in them, but I don’t. I do pick up my Bible and say, “Father, show me where you want me to read”. This is where I ended up this morning.

“ My friends, you asked me about spiritual gifts. 2 I want you to remember that before you became followers of the Lord, you were led in all the wrong ways by idols that cannot even talk. 3 Now I want you to know that if you are led by God’s Spirit, you will say that Jesus is Lord, and you will never curse Jesus. 4  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 12:1-7 CEV

Do you remember the story of Winnie the Pooh?

Frankly I remember it more from the cartoons I watched with my children then from reading it or having it read to me but Winnie the Pooh is one of my favorites.

As I became older, I developed a philosophy that every person can be identified as one of the characters in that story, maybe you’ve even heard me say that. 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.

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 have 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. And Eeyore reminds us that everyone has fears and self-doubts that we need our friends to help us through.

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.

“A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. 5 That’s how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.

6  God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount of faith we have. 7 If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach. 8 If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:4-8 CEV

Who will come across our paths today? Some are there to help us grow and others need our help.

Let the Spirit lead!

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Greener Pastures

Living in rural areas it has been my privilege to see bands of sheep grazing in the fields. Sheep have healthy appetites and so they must be moved to new pastures on a regular basis.

“2-3 But the gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd, and he goes in through it. The sheep know their shepherd’s voice. He calls each of them by name and leads them out. 4 When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice…9 I am the gate. All who come in through me will be saved. Through me they will come and go and find pasture. 10 A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully. 11  I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep.” John 10:2-11 CEV

It’s a foolish sheep that would want to stay in a pasture once the grass has been grazed off. It’s a good shepherd who knows when it’s time to move to greener pastures. We had a good shepherd to follow.

“You are my hiding place!  You protect me from trouble, and you put songs in my heart because you have saved me. 8 You said to me, ‘I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.‘” Psalm 32:7-8 CEV

When we follow Christ, we can trust His leading. This morning, my Bible reading took me to the book of Daniel where I saw something in a new light.

“2  The Lord let Nebuchadnezzar capture Jehoiakim…One day the king ordered Ashpenaz, his highest palace official, to choose some young men from the royal family of Judah and from other leading Jewish families. 4 The king said, ‘They must be healthy, handsome, smart, wise, educated, and fit to serve in the royal palace. Teach them how to speak and write our language 5 and give them the same food and wine that I am served. Train them for three years, and then they can become court officials.’

8 Daniel made up his mind to eat and drink only what God had approved for his people to eat. And he asked the king’s chief official for permission not to eat the food and wine served in the royal palace…17 God made the four young men smart and wise. They read a lot of books and became well educated. Daniel could also tell the meaning of dreams and visions.18 At the end of the three-year period set by King Nebuchadnezzar, his chief palace official brought all the young men to him.19 The king interviewed them and discovered that none of the others were as outstanding as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they were given positions in the royal court.” Daniel 1 CEV

Most of us would not think that being taken into captivity was a leading to greener pastures but for Daniel and his friends it was. God elevated them to a place of authority and influence. He gave them favor and they were respected for their wisdom.

Further reading of the book of Daniel reveals multiple times that Daniel’s dependence on God opened the door for the Lord to do miracles and mighty works, prompting the kings he served to declare God’s might and power.

“King Darius then sent this message to all people of every nation and race in the world: ‘Greetings to all of you! 26 I command everyone in my kingdom to worship and honor the God of Daniel. He is the living God, the one who lives forever. His power and his kingdom
will never end. 27 He rescues people and sets them free by working great miracles.” Daniel 6:25-27 CEV

Even when we feel we have been thrown to the lions, if we are trusting God we will see we are in the greener pastures that He has prepared for us. Our focus should always be on following the Good Shepherd; He leads us to an abundant life.

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Ready to Lead?

When we follow the Lord there will be a time and place that He calls on us to lead. It may be a Sunday School class, a study group, a section leader, an administrator, a city, a nation or a family.

God is always looking for faithful people who have a heart for Him. He had Noah “lead” all the animals on to the ark. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. A shepherd boy named David was God’s chosen leader of the nation of Israel. The apostles were sent by Jesus to lead the world to salvation.

Each one of us has a purpose, designed by God to lead in some particular way.

This morning, I want to focus on Moses. He was a reluctant leader. He had all sorts of excuses when God first called him from the burning bush. However, he was obedient and led them out of the bondage they experienced to the Promised Land.

The Israelites weren’t always willing followers. They were often times rebellious trying Moses’ patience and God’s. The whole time that Moses was leading the people he was also following God.

Good leaders are good followers!

“God replied, “I will be with you. And you will know that I am the one who sent you, when you worship me on this mountain after you have led my people out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:12 CEV

Moses led the people by following God’s cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.

“Because of your great mercy, you never abandoned them in the desert. And you always guided them with a cloud by day and a fire at night.” Nehemiah 9:19 CEV

Moses was faithful in seeking God’s direction.

“Moses said to the Lord, ‘I know that you have told me to lead these people to the land you promised them. But you have not said who will go along to help me. You have said that you are my friend and that you are pleased with me. 13 If this is true, let me know what your plans are, then I can obey and continue to please you. And don’t forget that you have chosen this nation to be your own.’

14 The Lord said, ‘I will go with you and give you peace.’

15 Then Moses replied, ‘If you aren’t going with us, please don’t make us leave this place. 16 But if you do go with us, everyone will know that you are pleased with your people and with me. That way, we will be different from the rest of the people on earth.'” Exodus 33:12-16 CEV

When God puts us in a place of leadership, we need to have the same mindset that Moses had. “If You don’t go with us, then I’m not going”. When the Lord goes with us, we will have His peace. We can trust His leading.

The Apostle Paul started out as a persecutor of Christians but when God turned his life around he became the leader of churches worldwide.

“ But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life. 17 I pray that honor and glory will always be given to the only God, who lives forever and is the invisible and eternal King! Amen.” I Timothy1:16-17 CEV

We serve and follow the same eternal, invisible, Almighty God. He will direct our steps. When He asks we need to be ready to lead.

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Designed With Purpose

I’ve been sitting here for quite some time talking with the Father. It’s premature to share what He is putting on my heart and what I am feeling led to do so, I have sat quietly in His presence, listening.

On the credenza in my living room is this little pot. I’m not sure of its age but it is primitive in making. The surface is rough, not glazed; the rim has a notch out of it, possibly from years of use. The bottom isn’t flat, so it leans to the side and the bottom is discolored from smoke. Not an attractive piece but usable.

I guess that’s how I’m feeling this morning. Not an attractive piece, not fine china or a crystal vase but usable.

“But, Lord, you are our father. We are like clay, and you are the potter. Your hands made us all.” Isaiah 64:8 ERV

God has a purpose for each of our lives, for our entire life. We are never too young, after all God used Samuel when he was just a boy and never too old, Noah was 600 when he built the ark.

We are never too rich – Solomon used his wealth to honor the Lord God and never too poor, the widow in the temple only had two mites (half pennies) to give to the Lord and he took note of it.

“…Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ. 7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 CEV

We are just the vessel that God uses; it’s His power and glory that are seen through us. We simply need to be willing to be used.

Are you dealing with something today that you feel is just TOO big for you to handle? Good!

God isn’t looking at our ability; He’s asking for our availability!

“God, examine me and know my mind. Test me and know all my worries. 24 Make sure that I am not going the wrong way. Lead me on the path that has always been right.” Psalm 139:23-24 ERV

I would much rather be a clay pot that is used on a daily basis than a crystal vase that sits on the shelf and is rarely used.

Father, use us today in spite of our rough exterior and our bumps and smudges. You are deserving to receive all honor and glory and praise!

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New Road Ahead

This morning, I was surprised to see a photo I had taken three years ago come up on my FB feed. Alot has happened since then.

Dave and I left our home in Rio Rico for a month of camping. We were excited to be taking most of the summer away. Little did we know that our lives were about to change in a dramatic way. Less than two weeks later we had been hired to camp host at Big Lake for the summer.

New friends, new adventures, new challenges and new ministry. God had set our course on a path we had only briefly thought about.

“ The steps of a good man are led by the Lord. And He is happy in his way. 24 When he falls, he will not be thrown down, because the Lord holds his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 NLV

By the end of that summer we knew more changes were coming. We sold our home and moved into our RV. We were now fulltime RVers and were living closer to our daughters and smallest grandchildren.

“Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 AMPC

It was hard to imagine what those changes would mean. We have made so many new and wonderful friends during these past three years. Campers, co-workers, neighbors – the Lord has blessed our lives richly.

“The Lord guides our steps, and we never know where he will lead us.” Proverbs 20:24 ERV

We may not know the definite destination when the Lord begins to lead but we can be certain of one thing – it will be good!

“The Lord is my shepherd.  I will always have everything I need. 2 He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. 3 He restores my strength.  He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.” Psalm 23:1-3 ERV

Maybe you feel the Lord leading you to something new or maybe you’re like us and were just off for a fun camping trip when new doors opened, don’t be afraid to follow His leading.

“ Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV

Trust the Lord and His goodness to lead you. You won’t be disappointed.

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Let God’s Word Speak

This morning, I sat here for quite a while waiting for the words to come. In the quiet I listened and I read.

When our hearts are open to the Lord, when we genuinely desire to hear from Him, He speaks. Not in some big religious lights-in-the-sky way but in a quiet way that touches our hearts with a life-altering message.

“You, Lord, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. 6 You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright. 7 I praise you, Lord, for being my guide. Even in the darkest night, your teachings fill my mind. 8 I will always look to you, as you stand beside me and protect me from fear. 9 With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest.

10 I am your chosen one. You won’t leave me in the grave or let my body decay. 11 You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.” Psalm 16:5-11 CEV

All I want – reminds me of another of David’s Psalms. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I don’t want for anything”. A bright future, guidance, protection, and safety.

Here it is again, we are chosen (before the foundation of the world), we have been given life. God is always near to us and in His presence is a place of joy!

Before I started to read, the lyrics from a MercyMe song were my morning prayer. Word of God Speak:

“I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it’s okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You’re in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I’m finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice…”

I don’t know what specific word God wants to speak to you this morning however, I do know if you are still while you are reading the Word of God will speak to your heart.

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Hide and Seek

That’s certainly what yesterday felt like – everything was hiding, and I was the one seeking.

That’s one thing about being in a new place, it takes a while to remember where everything is. I wanted to make cookies but first I had to seek out the cookie sheets, my recipe book, the ingredients and my little food processor. I knew where my big KitchenAid mixer was, it was in storage so how will I cream brown sugar and shortening by hand – find the food processor!

But then where we the ingredients? The flour, sugar, eggs, salt, vanilla were easy to find. The shortening took a little longer and oh my, the baking soda was MIA. Dave had to go next door to see if my neighbor had any I could borrow. Thank you.

Cookies made and very tasty, success. Now on to the next search. I had appliance warranties to register. Find the receipts and the serial numbers. More seeking.

Friends coming for dinner so back to the kitchen for more searching – serving dishes, napkins, etc. Found them all.

That’s where my thoughts were this morning when a Scripture verse came to mind.

“Later that day Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘I will give half of my property to the poor. And I will now pay back four times as much to everyone I have ever cheated.’ 9 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 19:8-10 CEV

Jesus came to SEEK and to SAVE those who are lost! God’s efforts to seek us out are so much greater than mine to find the cookie sheets or the serials numbers.

I had to stop right then and thank Him for seeking for me and being persistent enough to find me.

So many times I have quoted the verses:

” Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks.” Matthew 7:7-8 CEV

But these verses took on new meaning this morning when I put them in perspective. God seeks us! Of course, He knows where we are just like Jesus knew Zacchaeus was in that tree. He seeks for us until we are wanting to be found.

God isn’t willing that any should perish; He wants us all to come to Him and so He continues to seek, lovingly seek a relationship with us.

We spend so much time seeking for things – peace, happiness, financial freedom, relationships, prestige but when we search for God we find it all.

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

When we search for God, we will find Him. He’s been there all the time – seeking a relationship with us and wanting to provide for our well-being.

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The Miracle of Love

This morning, I was praying for creativity. You see Dave and I just bought a tiny home, a park model, and we have 399 sq ft to make entirely our own. Yesterday it arrived; the first time we had seen it other than in pictures.

We spent a couple of hours measuring room sizes, the closet, height of the bar, cabinets, etc. Everything will need to fit into this space. Hence my prayer for creativity.

Who better to ask for creative ideas than the Creator of all things?

“I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and stars you put in place. 4 Then I ask, ‘Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings?’ 5 You made us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor.” Psalm 8:3-5 CEV

This prayer brought a song to mind. Over the years I have memorized hundreds of lyrics and I love when my heart begins to flood with song and the Lord uses those words to reinforce His word to my heart.

It Took A Miracle
My Father is omnipotent
And that you cant deny;
A God of might and miracles;
‘Tis written in the sky.
Refrain
It took a miracle to put the stars in place;
It took a miracle to hang the world in space.
But when He saved my soul,
Cleansed and made me whole,
It took a miracle of love and grace!
3
The Bible tells us of His power
And wisdom all way through;
And every little bird and flower
Are testimonies, too

My Father is omnipotent – all powerful and He’s omniscient – all knowing. Every little bird and flower are testimonies of His greatness. The intricate details of creation are a testimony to God’s power and design. He is a God of order and not of chaos.

“He renews our hopes and heals our bodies. 4 He decided how many stars there would be in the sky and gave each one a name. 5 Our Lord is great and powerful! He understands everything.” Psalm 147:3-5 CEV

What I’ve learned about the Father down through the years is that He is concerned with what concerns us. He doesn’t want us confused, worried or frustrated. He wants our lives to be filled with peace and wisdom.

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV

“Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.” Colossians 3:15 CEV

He truly desires for us to have wisdom in all our decisions.

“On this earth four things are small but very wise: 25 Ants, who seem to be feeble,
but store up food all summer long;…” Proverbs 30:24-25 CEV

He gives the ants wisdom and instinct to preserve their lives, so you know He cares for us and our circumstances.

Whether it’s how to best use a small space, a grocery list, a career path, raising children, financial advice, or which medical provider and procedure is best God has the answer.

When we ask for wisdom, He gives it freely. It’s a miraculous provision of His love and grace!

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