I can't tell you how many times this past week alone, where I received a phone call letting me know that my Social Security Card had been used fraudulently in a different State so that it is no longer valid.
How about the phone calls letting me know that the warranty on my car is about to expire? Or what about the emails that tell me to just 'click on this link' because my identity has been stolen, or my credit card information has just been hacked?
Or my all time favorite phone call, "You've just won an all expense paid vacation for two to the Bahama's!"
Really?
Scams!
They are all around us.
If we aren't careful, we can be scammed by Religion.
There's lots of them out there to choose from.
How do we know we aren't being scammed?
God's Word. On that you can be certain.
Galatians 1:8 warns us, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."
And what is the True Gospel in which we stand?
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 tells us: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."
There will always be scams and their will always be Con-Artists.
There will be Truth, and there will be Lies.
John 14:6 says, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
I will choose Truth.
But that's just me.
Friday, July 31, 2020
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Family First
I keep my dog's water and food bowl on a washing machine pan in one corner of my kitchen. It's a large tray that protects my kitchen floor from scattered dog food and puddles of water. The other day I got down on my knees to wash this tray and when I stood back up to view my finished work, I realized that I had cleaned all the areas furthest from me and missed the one corner nearest to me.
I neglected the very area that was the easiest to reach.
That's easy to do when we witness as well. We tend to share Jesus through our missionaries around the world, or to a stranger we stand next to in the grocery store line, or even a neighbor we know a few blocks over-
But what about our own families?
Do we neglect to tell those closest to us what Jesus has done in our own lives?
In Luke 8, Jesus heals the Demoniac of Gadara, and in verse 39a, Jesus turns to this healed man and says, "Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee."
Go to your family first.
Lee Strobel once said, "I've seen far too many Christians who are more than willing to travel halfway around the world to volunteer for a week in an orphanage, but who cannot bring themselves to take the personal risk of sharing Jesus with the co-worker who sits day after day in the cubicle right next to them."
Our mission begins at home-
but that's just me!
I neglected the very area that was the easiest to reach.
That's easy to do when we witness as well. We tend to share Jesus through our missionaries around the world, or to a stranger we stand next to in the grocery store line, or even a neighbor we know a few blocks over-
But what about our own families?
Do we neglect to tell those closest to us what Jesus has done in our own lives?
In Luke 8, Jesus heals the Demoniac of Gadara, and in verse 39a, Jesus turns to this healed man and says, "Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee."
Go to your family first.
Lee Strobel once said, "I've seen far too many Christians who are more than willing to travel halfway around the world to volunteer for a week in an orphanage, but who cannot bring themselves to take the personal risk of sharing Jesus with the co-worker who sits day after day in the cubicle right next to them."
Our mission begins at home-
but that's just me!
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
What's in a Name?
Go ahead. Pick a name, any name. Once you think of a name in your mind, I want you to ask yourself a question: When you think of this name, what is the first thing that comes into your mind?
When you think of John Doe, do you picture a man of integrity, or a man full of arrogance? What about Suzy Q? Do you picture a woman of a grace, or a woman who speaks gossip?
This past week at Family Camp, we had a lot of young Singles who came to sit around our camp fire. We shared lots of stories from our youth. The things we did, the mistakes we made that brought us to this specific time in our lives. Stories that happened before our Salvation and stories that happened after our Salvation. It was a precious and fun time. There was one young man who was asked if he would ever consider repeating something he did in his past. I don't know if he realizes how profound his answer was, but he said, "No, I care about my Name."
Christian, do you care about your Name? After all, not only do we have a testimony to those around us, but as Born Again Believers in Christ, we represent Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:20a says, 'Now then we are ambassadors for Christ....'
An ambassador is an 'authorized representative.'
As Christians, everything we do and say represents Christ.
So-how are we doing?
When others think about our name, do they immediately think of Christ? Or are we dragging Christ's Name through the mud?
I don't know about you, but when someone thinks of me, I want them to see Jesus!
But that's just me!
When you think of John Doe, do you picture a man of integrity, or a man full of arrogance? What about Suzy Q? Do you picture a woman of a grace, or a woman who speaks gossip?
This past week at Family Camp, we had a lot of young Singles who came to sit around our camp fire. We shared lots of stories from our youth. The things we did, the mistakes we made that brought us to this specific time in our lives. Stories that happened before our Salvation and stories that happened after our Salvation. It was a precious and fun time. There was one young man who was asked if he would ever consider repeating something he did in his past. I don't know if he realizes how profound his answer was, but he said, "No, I care about my Name."
Christian, do you care about your Name? After all, not only do we have a testimony to those around us, but as Born Again Believers in Christ, we represent Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:20a says, 'Now then we are ambassadors for Christ....'
An ambassador is an 'authorized representative.'
As Christians, everything we do and say represents Christ.
So-how are we doing?
When others think about our name, do they immediately think of Christ? Or are we dragging Christ's Name through the mud?
I don't know about you, but when someone thinks of me, I want them to see Jesus!
But that's just me!
Monday, July 27, 2020
Hoodwinked
The last night of Family Camp, our Missionary from Germany warned us. He reminded us that Satan was not going to be happy about all the victories and decisions that were made during this past week. He told us not to be surprised when we fall under attack from the devil once Family Camp ended.
Little did he know that the attack had already begun.
And all because of the best of intentions.
Satan is clever that way. He likes to deceive in pretty packages.
I fell for it.
You see, I extended grace towards someone in need, or so I was led to believe there was a need. I rectified an injustice, or so I was led to believe there was an injustice. But I later found out that I had been played.
Hoodwinked!
Webster's Dictionary defines hoodwinked as: "to deceive by false appearance."
And because of that deception, my grace was used to offend a third person.
Where was Paul Harvey when I needed 'the rest of the story?'
I immediately went to that third person and apologized. She graciously explained 'the rest of the story' to me, and all was forgiven.
So what about the person who hoodwinked me?
I left her in God's hands.
You see, God showed me wonderful truths through all of this.
1-Discern even through Grace.
2-It's not my place to fix injustices.
Galatians 6:10 says, 'As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.'
I will continue to extend grace, but will let God do the leading!
But that's just me!
It is better to suffer wrong than to commit wrong - Amish Proverb
Little did he know that the attack had already begun.
And all because of the best of intentions.
Satan is clever that way. He likes to deceive in pretty packages.
I fell for it.
You see, I extended grace towards someone in need, or so I was led to believe there was a need. I rectified an injustice, or so I was led to believe there was an injustice. But I later found out that I had been played.
Hoodwinked!
Webster's Dictionary defines hoodwinked as: "to deceive by false appearance."
And because of that deception, my grace was used to offend a third person.
Where was Paul Harvey when I needed 'the rest of the story?'
I immediately went to that third person and apologized. She graciously explained 'the rest of the story' to me, and all was forgiven.
So what about the person who hoodwinked me?
I left her in God's hands.
You see, God showed me wonderful truths through all of this.
1-Discern even through Grace.
2-It's not my place to fix injustices.
Galatians 6:10 says, 'As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.'
I will continue to extend grace, but will let God do the leading!
But that's just me!
It is better to suffer wrong than to commit wrong - Amish Proverb
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Written in the Sand
Have you ever been caught in the act of a secret sin? Have you literally been grabbed hold of by a mob of self-righteous men and accused of a sin that you cannot deny?
I know of such a woman. You can read about her in John 7:3-11.
This woman was caught in the very act of her secret sin and brought before Jesus to see what He would do.
In the midst of a humiliating accusation, which was true, Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground.
The physical finger of God.
The same finger that wrote the Ten Commandments. The Commandments that include, 'Do not commit adultery.' The very sin this woman was accused of.
Scripture doesn't tell us what He wrote, but after He stood back up, He invited those who knew no sin to cast the first stone at her. Can you imagine the rocks being held in the clenched fists of those condemning this woman? Can you imagine the woman bracing her body, waiting for that first stone to hit her?
After Jesus told the crowd that the sinless could cast their stones, He again stooped down and wrote something else. Again, Scripture does not tell us what He wrote but I've often wondered if He underlined His words? When you underline words, it means to stress, show clearly or emphatically, to put emphasis on. It means 'this is important, pay attention!'
Whatever He wrote, it convicted the accusers enough to drop their stones and walk away. And then Jesus turns to the woman and asks her, "Where are those thine accusers?"
There were none.
Not even Jesus.
Verse 11 says, 'Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
As this woman walked away, I wonder if in her heart, she drew a line in the sand?
Did she make a decision to do as Jesus said, and sin no more?
She was given a fresh start from the Saviour!
Every day is a new day to draw a line in the sand and sin no more.
I'm thankful for fresh starts!
But that's just me!
I know of such a woman. You can read about her in John 7:3-11.
This woman was caught in the very act of her secret sin and brought before Jesus to see what He would do.
In the midst of a humiliating accusation, which was true, Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground.
The physical finger of God.
The same finger that wrote the Ten Commandments. The Commandments that include, 'Do not commit adultery.' The very sin this woman was accused of.
Scripture doesn't tell us what He wrote, but after He stood back up, He invited those who knew no sin to cast the first stone at her. Can you imagine the rocks being held in the clenched fists of those condemning this woman? Can you imagine the woman bracing her body, waiting for that first stone to hit her?
After Jesus told the crowd that the sinless could cast their stones, He again stooped down and wrote something else. Again, Scripture does not tell us what He wrote but I've often wondered if He underlined His words? When you underline words, it means to stress, show clearly or emphatically, to put emphasis on. It means 'this is important, pay attention!'
Whatever He wrote, it convicted the accusers enough to drop their stones and walk away. And then Jesus turns to the woman and asks her, "Where are those thine accusers?"
There were none.
Not even Jesus.
Verse 11 says, 'Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
As this woman walked away, I wonder if in her heart, she drew a line in the sand?
Did she make a decision to do as Jesus said, and sin no more?
She was given a fresh start from the Saviour!
Every day is a new day to draw a line in the sand and sin no more.
I'm thankful for fresh starts!
But that's just me!
Friday, July 24, 2020
Real I.D.
The other day, I met my son downtown at the DMV Office to take him his meticulously gathered documents, in order for him to renew his Driver's License/Real I.D. We live in a world where this is no longer an easy process, and in a world where we cannot even use our current Driver's License for proof of our identity.
Even when it is issued from the very DMV Office we were currently headed.
It had taken us two weeks to gather the needed information to prove who my son was, and where he was currently residing. Not an easy task considering our mailing address is different from our resident address.
In all, we needed to have in hand, four documents in order to get a new Driver's License/Real I.D.
A birth certificate, a Social Security Card, and two proofs of residency.
In the midst of the mayhem of gathering these four documents, I became thankful in the fact that I do not need any of these documents to prove my identity in Christ.
I only need One: The Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:13-14 says, In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchase possession, unto the praise of his glory.
The Holy Spirit is my Security. I do not need a Social Security Card to prove my Identity.
I also do not need a Birth Certificate, because my Father knew me before I was even born.
Jeremiah 1:5a says, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee;
Psalm 139: 16 says, Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
And as for my residence? Jesus has taken care of that as well. Even now, He is preparing a place just for me. In John 14: 2-3 it says, 'In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.'
I am so thankful that Jesus took care of every need required for me to have a Real I.D. in Him.
Do you have a Real I.D.?
"I've made a decision about my identity: I am nothing but what God says I am."
-Quote from Pinterest
I'm already seated in Heavenly Places,...
But that's just me!
Even when it is issued from the very DMV Office we were currently headed.
It had taken us two weeks to gather the needed information to prove who my son was, and where he was currently residing. Not an easy task considering our mailing address is different from our resident address.
In all, we needed to have in hand, four documents in order to get a new Driver's License/Real I.D.
A birth certificate, a Social Security Card, and two proofs of residency.
In the midst of the mayhem of gathering these four documents, I became thankful in the fact that I do not need any of these documents to prove my identity in Christ.
I only need One: The Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:13-14 says, In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchase possession, unto the praise of his glory.
The Holy Spirit is my Security. I do not need a Social Security Card to prove my Identity.
I also do not need a Birth Certificate, because my Father knew me before I was even born.
Jeremiah 1:5a says, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee;
Psalm 139: 16 says, Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
And as for my residence? Jesus has taken care of that as well. Even now, He is preparing a place just for me. In John 14: 2-3 it says, 'In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.'
I am so thankful that Jesus took care of every need required for me to have a Real I.D. in Him.
Do you have a Real I.D.?
"I've made a decision about my identity: I am nothing but what God says I am."
-Quote from Pinterest
I'm already seated in Heavenly Places,...
But that's just me!
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Random Acts of Kindness
I witnessed many beautiful examples of Christ this past week at Family Camp. People pitching in to help other families with their children, trash cans mysteriously being emptied when full, doors held open for one another. When someone saw a need, it was met with no hesitation.
Random Acts of Kindness.
Random means: without definite aim or direction.
It means that an act was fulfilled without a pre-made plan or purpose.
One person helped another person without premeditation. They saw a need and they stepped in to help.
There was one specific Random Act of Kindness that God allowed me to see that still remains so vivid in my mind it was like it happened only moments ago.
Children were out and about playing when it began to rain. Immediately these children all began running back to their tents, campers or cabins. All except for one little girl. Just moments ago she was surrounded in a flurry of fun activity with all of her friends, but as the rain began to fall, she was left standing there, alone.
And then, all of a sudden, I watched as our Pastor sprinted through the rain and swooped up this little girl into his arms. As soon as he wrapped his arms around her, he began to lovingly pat her back and whisper reassurances to her. As he did so, this little girl put her head down in the crook of his neck and allowed him to carry her to shelter.
Isn't that just like Jesus?
One minute we are busy in the everyday activities of life when suddenly a storm hits.
Friends and family seem to disappear, but then Jesus runs and takes us into his arms, whispers to us that everything is going to be OK and shelters us until the storm passes.
Psalm 46:1 says, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Random Acts of Kindness-
not pre-planned for show or recognition, but an opportunity to lend a helping hand in the midst of someone's situation or storm.
I don't know about you, but when God allows me to see a need, may I never hesitate to help.
But, that's just me!
Random Acts of Kindness.
Random means: without definite aim or direction.
It means that an act was fulfilled without a pre-made plan or purpose.
One person helped another person without premeditation. They saw a need and they stepped in to help.
There was one specific Random Act of Kindness that God allowed me to see that still remains so vivid in my mind it was like it happened only moments ago.
Children were out and about playing when it began to rain. Immediately these children all began running back to their tents, campers or cabins. All except for one little girl. Just moments ago she was surrounded in a flurry of fun activity with all of her friends, but as the rain began to fall, she was left standing there, alone.
And then, all of a sudden, I watched as our Pastor sprinted through the rain and swooped up this little girl into his arms. As soon as he wrapped his arms around her, he began to lovingly pat her back and whisper reassurances to her. As he did so, this little girl put her head down in the crook of his neck and allowed him to carry her to shelter.
Isn't that just like Jesus?
One minute we are busy in the everyday activities of life when suddenly a storm hits.
Friends and family seem to disappear, but then Jesus runs and takes us into his arms, whispers to us that everything is going to be OK and shelters us until the storm passes.
Psalm 46:1 says, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Random Acts of Kindness-
not pre-planned for show or recognition, but an opportunity to lend a helping hand in the midst of someone's situation or storm.
I don't know about you, but when God allows me to see a need, may I never hesitate to help.
But, that's just me!
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Family Camp
In 1969, a man with a vision for souls, purchased land that had an old Dancing Hall and Skating Rink on it that was used for all kinds of riotous events. Back in the day, they called it Bachelor's Grove. This Preacher turned that Dance Hall into a Pavilion we now use for Church Services during Family Camp. Through the years other buildings have been added as the church family grew, like a Speakers Cabin, a Dining Hall, Bathrooms and Showers for the men and women, a Nursery, a Canteen for after-Service-treats, and cabins for other campers. They've added power for those who bring their own campers, beautiful fields to tent camp, a basketball court, swing and a ball field.
This is a land now used for Junior Camp, Teen Camp and Family Camp. A place where God can be glorified, and have victory in the lives of the families who have the privilege of attending.
I have a lot of fond memories of Family Camp, especially when my sons were growing up. The many visiting speakers from around the world, and time spent with my family and the families in our church.
Family Camp is a place for families to grow closer to each other, and to grow closer to the Lord. Family Camp is a place of rest, healing and Salvation.
Family Camp is special to me because I was saved there. On July 5, 1995 I trusted Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour. After years of making false professions of faith in my own power, I surrendered to the Saving Power of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I met the Saviour there and my life has never been the same.
Fifty One years have come and gone. Many lives have been touched by the Saviour there. And Lord willing, many more.
I'm excited for Family Camp this year. Families will mend, Friends will Forgive, and I truly believe a Soul will be Saved.
I will be away from my blog during Family Camp, but look forward to sharing what the Lord will do this next week.
-More of Him, less of me, that's the way, I want to be-
But that's just me!
This is a land now used for Junior Camp, Teen Camp and Family Camp. A place where God can be glorified, and have victory in the lives of the families who have the privilege of attending.
I have a lot of fond memories of Family Camp, especially when my sons were growing up. The many visiting speakers from around the world, and time spent with my family and the families in our church.
Family Camp is a place for families to grow closer to each other, and to grow closer to the Lord. Family Camp is a place of rest, healing and Salvation.
Family Camp is special to me because I was saved there. On July 5, 1995 I trusted Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour. After years of making false professions of faith in my own power, I surrendered to the Saving Power of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I met the Saviour there and my life has never been the same.
Fifty One years have come and gone. Many lives have been touched by the Saviour there. And Lord willing, many more.
I'm excited for Family Camp this year. Families will mend, Friends will Forgive, and I truly believe a Soul will be Saved.
I will be away from my blog during Family Camp, but look forward to sharing what the Lord will do this next week.
-More of Him, less of me, that's the way, I want to be-
But that's just me!
Friday, July 17, 2020
Detours
I had my morning all planned out yesterday. After asking the Lord to direct my steps, I began my day. My morning was running like a well-oiled machine, scratching off errands from my 'To Do List' when my husband called. His folks needed help with something that couldn't wait. What to do? I needed to specifically be somewhere by ten, and no matter how I rearranged everything in my head, it just was not going to work with this added 'To Do' on my list. So I immediately called my ten o clock appointment to let them know I would still be there but probably thirty minutes later than originally planned. No problem.
So off I go.
Along the way, I met with road construction and ridicules long-lasting red lights. By now I was about 45 minutes behind schedule.
Detours.
Webster's Dictionary defines Detour as this:
A deviation from a direct course or the usual procedure.
Yes-my intended direct course for my morning was definitely deviated!
How did I handle my deviation?
Remember? Before I began my day, I asked God to direct my steps. So I realized that I was where I was suppose to be when God wanted me to be there.
We don't always know why this happens, but yesterday God showed me why He altered my original course.
As I was driving back into my little town in which I reside, I was stopped by a horrible car crash. The ambulance had already left, but the mangled car was loaded on the tow truck, and police were busy cleaning up the mess. A drunk driver had driven into town and struck a tree, approximately 45 minutes prior to my arrival back home.
Coincidence?
I don't think so.
Proverbs 16:9 says, A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
I believe with all my heart that God protected me from that drunk driver yesterday by allowing detours to keep me safe from harm.
So what about you? When a detour throws a glitch in your well-planned day, how do you react? Does it put you in a foul mood? Do you complain? Are you out of kilter for the rest of the day because things didn't go like you wanted them to? Or do you rest in the fact that God is in control?
I don't know about you, but I will thank God that He is directing my steps!
But.....that's just me!
So off I go.
Along the way, I met with road construction and ridicules long-lasting red lights. By now I was about 45 minutes behind schedule.
Detours.
Webster's Dictionary defines Detour as this:
A deviation from a direct course or the usual procedure.
Yes-my intended direct course for my morning was definitely deviated!
How did I handle my deviation?
Remember? Before I began my day, I asked God to direct my steps. So I realized that I was where I was suppose to be when God wanted me to be there.
We don't always know why this happens, but yesterday God showed me why He altered my original course.
As I was driving back into my little town in which I reside, I was stopped by a horrible car crash. The ambulance had already left, but the mangled car was loaded on the tow truck, and police were busy cleaning up the mess. A drunk driver had driven into town and struck a tree, approximately 45 minutes prior to my arrival back home.
Coincidence?
I don't think so.
Proverbs 16:9 says, A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
I believe with all my heart that God protected me from that drunk driver yesterday by allowing detours to keep me safe from harm.
So what about you? When a detour throws a glitch in your well-planned day, how do you react? Does it put you in a foul mood? Do you complain? Are you out of kilter for the rest of the day because things didn't go like you wanted them to? Or do you rest in the fact that God is in control?
I don't know about you, but I will thank God that He is directing my steps!
But.....that's just me!
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Fireflies
Sometimes it's hard to see in the dark.
Images that are familiar in the light take on different forms when left to our imaginations.
And other times, you can't see your hand in front of your face.
Life can be that way.
Tragedy strikes out of the blue. No warning. Your plans and dreams have suddenly been ripped away. Pain, heartache, loss. Your familiar surroundings are now distorted. You no longer see the light.
Everything is dark.
It seems like that, doesn't it? It's what the devil would want you to believe.
The circumstance you find yourself in hasn't allowed your eyes to adjust to the darkness....
yet.
You are still in the phase of asking, 'Why God?'
I remember one time while camping, I was in the middle of a field. Complete darkness. When I walked into this field, it was so dark I could barely see my hand in front of my face. I was alone. Or so I thought. But as my eyes began to adjust to the dark, I began to see them.
Fireflies! Hundreds of them!
God reminded me that sometimes, His beauty is most evident in the dark.
Isaiah 61:3 says: To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
That verse is the answer to our 'why.' So that God may be glorified. In. All. Things.
You may not think you see God in the dark, but He is there.
Og Mandino once said, "I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars."
The next time I find myself in a dark place, I'm going to look for the fireflies!
But that's just me!
Images that are familiar in the light take on different forms when left to our imaginations.
And other times, you can't see your hand in front of your face.
Life can be that way.
Tragedy strikes out of the blue. No warning. Your plans and dreams have suddenly been ripped away. Pain, heartache, loss. Your familiar surroundings are now distorted. You no longer see the light.
Everything is dark.
It seems like that, doesn't it? It's what the devil would want you to believe.
The circumstance you find yourself in hasn't allowed your eyes to adjust to the darkness....
yet.
You are still in the phase of asking, 'Why God?'
I remember one time while camping, I was in the middle of a field. Complete darkness. When I walked into this field, it was so dark I could barely see my hand in front of my face. I was alone. Or so I thought. But as my eyes began to adjust to the dark, I began to see them.
Fireflies! Hundreds of them!
God reminded me that sometimes, His beauty is most evident in the dark.
Isaiah 61:3 says: To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
That verse is the answer to our 'why.' So that God may be glorified. In. All. Things.
You may not think you see God in the dark, but He is there.
Og Mandino once said, "I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars."
The next time I find myself in a dark place, I'm going to look for the fireflies!
But that's just me!
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Church
A funny thing happens every Sunday morning at our house. My husband and I watch the clock to see when it's time to dress and prepare ourselves to go to Church.
We always seem to dress early, and then we stand around like goof-balls watching the clock to see when we can finally get in our car to drive over for the Service.
And we are always early for that to! The doors have barely been unlocked for entry when we find ourselves over at Church.
Why are we so excited to go to Church?
Because there was a time when we didn't go to Church.
That was our time of being in the Wilderness.
But that time is finally over and now we go to Church!
We are excited to go to Church, because that's where we Worship the One Who saved us!
We are excited to go to Church to hear the Preaching and Teaching of Sound Doctrine from the Word of God!
We are excited to go to Church to sing praises to the One Who is Worthy of praise!
We are excited to go Church to fellowship with other Believer's in Christ!
We are excited to go to Church to Serve the Lord, and to serve each other!
We are excited to go to Church!
Are you?
And if not, why not?
Is going to Church just something you do? Is it habit? A routine? Mechanics?
Psalm 122:1 says, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD."
Today is Wednesday. Guess what? It's time for the mid-week Bible Study and Prayer Service. I already know that my husband and I will get dressed too early for church, and again we will stand around like goof-balls watching the clock to see when we can finally head over to Church.
I can't wait!
But, that's just me!
We always seem to dress early, and then we stand around like goof-balls watching the clock to see when we can finally get in our car to drive over for the Service.
And we are always early for that to! The doors have barely been unlocked for entry when we find ourselves over at Church.
Why are we so excited to go to Church?
Because there was a time when we didn't go to Church.
That was our time of being in the Wilderness.
But that time is finally over and now we go to Church!
We are excited to go to Church, because that's where we Worship the One Who saved us!
We are excited to go to Church to hear the Preaching and Teaching of Sound Doctrine from the Word of God!
We are excited to go to Church to sing praises to the One Who is Worthy of praise!
We are excited to go Church to fellowship with other Believer's in Christ!
We are excited to go to Church to Serve the Lord, and to serve each other!
We are excited to go to Church!
Are you?
And if not, why not?
Is going to Church just something you do? Is it habit? A routine? Mechanics?
Psalm 122:1 says, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD."
Today is Wednesday. Guess what? It's time for the mid-week Bible Study and Prayer Service. I already know that my husband and I will get dressed too early for church, and again we will stand around like goof-balls watching the clock to see when we can finally head over to Church.
I can't wait!
But, that's just me!
Monday, July 13, 2020
Left Wondering
Do you live your life in such a way that those around you know exactly where you stand in Christ, and what you believe?
Or do you leave people wondering?
If you claim to know Christ as your Saviour, do you have to let other's know you are a Christian, or is it obvious?
Do you tell other's you're saved by your words, or by your actions?
Exactly how are you living, and for Who?
Are you sold out for Christ, or are you just going with the flow?
Do you serve Christ daily, read your Bible every day, or just on Sunday's?
Do people really know the real you? Or are they left wondering?
Keith Green wrote a song many years ago and one verse says:
"To obey is better than sacrifice,
I want more than Sunday and Wednesday nights,
Cause if you can't come to Me every day,
Then don't bother coming at all."
You may think that is pretty harsh. One might even consider it a 'hard saying.'
But if Jesus gave His all for us, shouldn't we give our all to Jesus?
Revelation 3: 15-16 says,
I know thy works, that thou are neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
You will either be on fire for the Lord, or you're not. There is no middle ground. There is no invisible fence you can sit on.
So let me ask you again: When other's come in contact with you, are they left wondering?
I don't know about you, but I want to mirror my Saviour in such a way, that those around me are not left wondering, they will know Who I serve.
But.....that's just me.
Or do you leave people wondering?
If you claim to know Christ as your Saviour, do you have to let other's know you are a Christian, or is it obvious?
Do you tell other's you're saved by your words, or by your actions?
Exactly how are you living, and for Who?
Are you sold out for Christ, or are you just going with the flow?
Do you serve Christ daily, read your Bible every day, or just on Sunday's?
Do people really know the real you? Or are they left wondering?
Keith Green wrote a song many years ago and one verse says:
"To obey is better than sacrifice,
I want more than Sunday and Wednesday nights,
Cause if you can't come to Me every day,
Then don't bother coming at all."
You may think that is pretty harsh. One might even consider it a 'hard saying.'
But if Jesus gave His all for us, shouldn't we give our all to Jesus?
Revelation 3: 15-16 says,
I know thy works, that thou are neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
You will either be on fire for the Lord, or you're not. There is no middle ground. There is no invisible fence you can sit on.
So let me ask you again: When other's come in contact with you, are they left wondering?
I don't know about you, but I want to mirror my Saviour in such a way, that those around me are not left wondering, they will know Who I serve.
But.....that's just me.
Friday, July 10, 2020
Below the Surface
Have you ever shared something that happened to you to someone else only to find out that the same thing happened to them? You could be talking to one other person or a whole group, and nine times out of ten, everyone has had the same story to share. Different versions, but the story remains the same. It makes for an amusing conversation-one that leaves us with laughter, smiles and warm feelings. We are reassured that those around us experience the same things.
But have you ever noticed that when it comes to hurts, fears, anxiety, illness, burdens, sin, or just needing a helping hand, that we remain quiet?
Why is that?
Pride? Fear of what someone else might think of us? Our pretense will be discovered?
The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
In Christ, we have a solid foundation to build 'under-the-surface' relationships.
We can talk about more than the weather, sports, and the News.
Maybe if we are brave enough to share our hurts, trials and struggles, we will realize that those around us have gone through the same thing.
And maybe, just maybe, if we let others see us for who we truly are, and not who we pretend to be, we will learn that by doing so, not only will we be able to help someone else, but we will be helping ourselves as well.
But then.....that's just me.
But have you ever noticed that when it comes to hurts, fears, anxiety, illness, burdens, sin, or just needing a helping hand, that we remain quiet?
Why is that?
Pride? Fear of what someone else might think of us? Our pretense will be discovered?
The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
In Christ, we have a solid foundation to build 'under-the-surface' relationships.
We can talk about more than the weather, sports, and the News.
Maybe if we are brave enough to share our hurts, trials and struggles, we will realize that those around us have gone through the same thing.
And maybe, just maybe, if we let others see us for who we truly are, and not who we pretend to be, we will learn that by doing so, not only will we be able to help someone else, but we will be helping ourselves as well.
But then.....that's just me.
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Used Or Used?
Webster's Dictionary defines used as:
1- Employed in accomplishing something.
2-That has endured use.
I'd like to introduce you to a woman who understood both definitions.
You will find her in John Chapter 4.
She was a woman who had a past that her whole community was aware of. She was married and divorced 5 times, and was currently living with a man who she was not married to.
She was a woman scorned, and a woman shunned.
But then she met the Saviour.
In fact, in verse 4 of John Chapter 4, the Bible tells us that 'he, (meaning Jesus) must needs go through Samaria.'
Jesus sought out this woman. A woman who others purposely avoided. A woman who was mistreated so badly, she chose to go to the well in the middle of the afternoon instead of in the coolness of the morning.
The people in her town were well aware of her past, and her present lifestyle, and chose to avoid her. Her community condemned her because of her multiple relationships with men. Maybe they thought that a woman used, is a useless woman?
Jesus didn't think so.
When you first read her interaction with Jesus, there is a hardness about her. I've learned that the hardness in a person is sometimes the result of being hurt deeply. I'm sure she was surprised to see a man sitting by the well, because she purposely went to the well while others were not there. She is surprised that this man is even willing to speak to her, let alone make a request of her. She asks him why a person like him, would be speaking to a person like her? But Jesus is about to show her a love she has never known. And the beautiful picture of this Scripture is that Jesus reveals Who He is to this woman. God, manifested in flesh, reveals to her, a used-up, sinful woman, that He is the Messiah!
The boundaries that chained this woman in her community suddenly fell to the ground. It no longer mattered to her what other's thought of her, she was going to tell everyone in town Who she just met!
The 'used' woman became a woman used by God to bring other's to Him.
And because she was willing to be used by God, many believed on Christ.
An encounter with Jesus will change your life.
Don't let others define you by your past.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says-Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
There were a lot of assumptions made about the Samaritan woman by those who knew her. They condemned her.
I like to view her as a woman who desperately wanted to be loved. And she found that love in Christ.
-But that's just me.
1- Employed in accomplishing something.
2-That has endured use.
I'd like to introduce you to a woman who understood both definitions.
You will find her in John Chapter 4.
She was a woman who had a past that her whole community was aware of. She was married and divorced 5 times, and was currently living with a man who she was not married to.
She was a woman scorned, and a woman shunned.
But then she met the Saviour.
In fact, in verse 4 of John Chapter 4, the Bible tells us that 'he, (meaning Jesus) must needs go through Samaria.'
Jesus sought out this woman. A woman who others purposely avoided. A woman who was mistreated so badly, she chose to go to the well in the middle of the afternoon instead of in the coolness of the morning.
The people in her town were well aware of her past, and her present lifestyle, and chose to avoid her. Her community condemned her because of her multiple relationships with men. Maybe they thought that a woman used, is a useless woman?
Jesus didn't think so.
When you first read her interaction with Jesus, there is a hardness about her. I've learned that the hardness in a person is sometimes the result of being hurt deeply. I'm sure she was surprised to see a man sitting by the well, because she purposely went to the well while others were not there. She is surprised that this man is even willing to speak to her, let alone make a request of her. She asks him why a person like him, would be speaking to a person like her? But Jesus is about to show her a love she has never known. And the beautiful picture of this Scripture is that Jesus reveals Who He is to this woman. God, manifested in flesh, reveals to her, a used-up, sinful woman, that He is the Messiah!
The boundaries that chained this woman in her community suddenly fell to the ground. It no longer mattered to her what other's thought of her, she was going to tell everyone in town Who she just met!
The 'used' woman became a woman used by God to bring other's to Him.
And because she was willing to be used by God, many believed on Christ.
An encounter with Jesus will change your life.
Don't let others define you by your past.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says-Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
There were a lot of assumptions made about the Samaritan woman by those who knew her. They condemned her.
I like to view her as a woman who desperately wanted to be loved. And she found that love in Christ.
-But that's just me.
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Lost Packages
Since Covid-19 has adjusted our shopping habits, I have found myself shopping on line more and more. Some say it's even more convenient than actually shopping, and most of my friends even prefer to shop on-line.
Not me.
I actually find it quite frustrating.
The shape of my body cries out, 'Please try on the clothes BEFORE you purchase!' So shopping for clothes on line generally never happens.
Books, accessories, trinkets and Do-Dads are the extent of my on-line shopping.
But even that is becoming more and more frustrating.
Why? Lost packages.
I ordered something three weeks ago, that was promised to be delivered in three to five business days. I was even guaranteed a sure-win-for-delivery-tracking-number. However, I have learned that tracking numbers do not always guarantee a delivery, and for that I am quite puzzled.
24 hours after ordering, I receive a shipping email! A tracking number! Excitement and anticipation begins to build! My to-die-for-item is on it's way!!!
Day two, I open my email, hit the tracking number, and I'm shown where my package is, and the
date it should be delivered. Day three, I open my email, hit the tracking number, and I'm shown where my package is....but wait a minute. My package is in the same City it was in yesterday? How can that be? Day four, the same thing. My package seems to have entered a City that it cannot leave! Day five, the day I was suppose to get my item.....it's still sitting in that same City! So, I walk up to my local Post Office, give my tracking number to the Post Master to look up to see where my package truly might be. She shrugs her shoulders and explains that sometimes packages get lost in transit and that they could really be anywhere. I stand there thinking, "How can this be? It has a tracking number. It's identified! It's been handled, scanned, transported and then, just suddenly lost?" The Post Master smiles and says, "I can keep looking up the number, but there is really nothing I can do."
Lost packages. Let downs. Re-orders. Waiting, wondering if the new order will get lost as well.
The world will lose it's packages, but I'm reminded time and time again, that the One who holds the Universe is the One who is holding me.
As a child of God, I will never be lost again. My salvation is eternal through Jesus Christ my Lord. He holds me in the palm of His hands. My name is graven there. His eye is ever upon me.
Isaiah 49:16a, "I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands;"
Ephesians 1:13b, "in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,"
Genesis 28:15 tells me that God is with me wherever I go.
I am not a lost package. My destination is heaven, and I am secure in the Hand that will take me there. No tracking number needed.
"In a world of uncertainties, one thing is certain: God loves us. And that one fact can make all the difference." Laura Story
I'm thankful that in Christ, I will never be lost.....
but that's just me!
Not me.
I actually find it quite frustrating.
The shape of my body cries out, 'Please try on the clothes BEFORE you purchase!' So shopping for clothes on line generally never happens.
Books, accessories, trinkets and Do-Dads are the extent of my on-line shopping.
But even that is becoming more and more frustrating.
Why? Lost packages.
I ordered something three weeks ago, that was promised to be delivered in three to five business days. I was even guaranteed a sure-win-for-delivery-tracking-number. However, I have learned that tracking numbers do not always guarantee a delivery, and for that I am quite puzzled.
24 hours after ordering, I receive a shipping email! A tracking number! Excitement and anticipation begins to build! My to-die-for-item is on it's way!!!
Day two, I open my email, hit the tracking number, and I'm shown where my package is, and the
date it should be delivered. Day three, I open my email, hit the tracking number, and I'm shown where my package is....but wait a minute. My package is in the same City it was in yesterday? How can that be? Day four, the same thing. My package seems to have entered a City that it cannot leave! Day five, the day I was suppose to get my item.....it's still sitting in that same City! So, I walk up to my local Post Office, give my tracking number to the Post Master to look up to see where my package truly might be. She shrugs her shoulders and explains that sometimes packages get lost in transit and that they could really be anywhere. I stand there thinking, "How can this be? It has a tracking number. It's identified! It's been handled, scanned, transported and then, just suddenly lost?" The Post Master smiles and says, "I can keep looking up the number, but there is really nothing I can do."
Lost packages. Let downs. Re-orders. Waiting, wondering if the new order will get lost as well.
The world will lose it's packages, but I'm reminded time and time again, that the One who holds the Universe is the One who is holding me.
As a child of God, I will never be lost again. My salvation is eternal through Jesus Christ my Lord. He holds me in the palm of His hands. My name is graven there. His eye is ever upon me.
Isaiah 49:16a, "I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands;"
Ephesians 1:13b, "in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,"
Genesis 28:15 tells me that God is with me wherever I go.
I am not a lost package. My destination is heaven, and I am secure in the Hand that will take me there. No tracking number needed.
"In a world of uncertainties, one thing is certain: God loves us. And that one fact can make all the difference." Laura Story
I'm thankful that in Christ, I will never be lost.....
but that's just me!
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