Apples of Gold

Psalm 42:5

2010-05-02T23:15:00.000-07:00

Psalm 42:5
Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.
Psalm 42:5 NASB

Jobs are dwindling. Money is tight. Crime seems to be on the rise. Natural disasters seem to be increasing in both destructiveness and sheer number of events. People are angry and hurting. Life, if taken in through the television, print or electronic news, can be downright overwhelming and discouraging. It's easy to feel the weight of the world on our shoulders when we see so much need and hurt all around us.

However, if we could put a filter over the TV screen, the newspaper page or the computer monitor that would allow us to see things through God's newscast we would see that He never fails. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. He never gives up on us and will never leave us in the middle of a situation where He is not quick to save us if we would just cry out for His help. He loves us so much, and the heartache of this world is only amplified in His heartache knowing the full breadth of what He offers...and yet is continually rejected.

He is our hope. He is our fortress and our strong Deliverer. He offers us peace in ways that we will never understand or even begin to imagine, but He does.

Are you living as if He's really fighting for you? Are you walking through the valley of the shadow of death fearing no evil for the Lord, Your God, is with you? Are you offering help and hope to those around you in how you care for them, respond to them, or provide for their needs? Put the filter over the newscast of your life and ask God to open your eyes to the HOPE of His PRESENCE (presents).

Matthew 27: 63-66

2010-04-03T20:37:00.000-07:00

Matthew 27: 63-66
63 They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ 64 So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”

65 Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” 66 So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.

The Pharisees were used in this instance to set up the greatest lie Satan has ever told...that Jesus didn't really rise again. Isn't it interesting, though, how God took care of the hole in their story? They themselves were the ones who asked for the guards ~ THEY themselves said, "This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body...." And yet, when they discovered the guards ran away for fear of the consequences of not keeping His body in the tomb, the Pharisees immediately said they couldn't keep Him in the tomb!

The truth of the matter is, HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN! GLORY HALLELUJAH, HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

Happy Easter!

formspring.me

2010-03-23T22:20:00.001-07:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/TraycFoskett

THAT'S MY KING

2010-02-09T01:22:00.000-08:00

That's My King from Dustin Bankord on Vimeo.

Matthew 13: 1 - 23

2010-01-19T10:19:00.000-08:00

Here is an excerpt from the entire passage from The Message. It is the parable Jesus told to the multitudes of people standing on shore listening to Him as He taught from a boat.

3-8"What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road, and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled by the weeds. Some fell on good earth, and produced a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.

9"Are you listening to this? Really listening?"

In verses 18 to 23 Jesus explains the parable to His disciples, so follow the link in the title of this blog to read the entire passage (in 5 different translations)...you certainly won't be disappointed!

Jesus asks a question at the end of telling the parable. I chose The Message translation because of how clearly the question is asked, "Are you listening to this? Really listening?" Jesus speaks to us through His Word. Many people read it and debate it and learn of it. Some politicians and public speakers have people research it for "good quotes" that will fit their needs. Some mock it and refuse to believe anything about it other than the fact that it's a bunch of stories.

Even today there are those who hear it and don't understand so it goes nowhere. There are those who hear it and get all excited in the passion of it but don't spend time pondering it and letting it sink in to the transformational level in their lives and are soon back to being who they once were. Still there are those who hear it, love it and want to believe it, but they don't take their eyes off the worries and trials of this world so what they hear can really change them.

And then there are those who listen, ponder, embrace and bury it deep in their hearts...they fertilize it with more listening and their lives are changed. Many times from the inside out, subtly yet clearly changed for the better. Their minds, hearts, souls and strength are fertile soil thirsty for more and more of the Kingdom of Heaven brought to earth in God's Word. Their hands become His hands, their feet His feet. They speak truth to a lying world and love & peace to a world full of hate and fear.

It is these last ones we should be longing to be. Are you? Are you really listening? Is spending time alone...in silence...pondering His Word and simply being in the presence of the Risen King a priority in your life? Lest you think I have that one down pat all you really have to do is look at the sporadic entries in this blog to see it is a constant battle in my own life, too. But can I encourage you and me together to remember those days when we make it a priority? To stop and think about the peace that passes all understanding flooding through us as we sit and drink Him in? To think of how much more effective we are for His Kingdom ~ how much more patient, loving and truly kind we are when we have spent time really listening to the One who is all those things personified?

Today...take the time to listen. Take the time to really listen.

John 10:4

2010-01-12T11:21:00.001-08:00

"...and the sheep follow him for they know his voice." John 10:4

There are voices we know within the first syllable out of their mouths. We know them because we hear them...we listen to them...we spend time with them. Maybe it's a parent or a friend, spouse or child, boss or co-worker. No matter who it is, the reason we know them is because we have spent time hearing them. According to Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd..." Have you spent enough time with the Shepherd ~ through His Word (the Bible), through prayer (talking AND listening) ~ to know His voice amidst the thousands of voices calling out to you in your lifetime? Would you know the difference between the voice of the One True God vs. the voice of a god pulling you away? The only way we can know His voice is to get to know Him.

It's a great time of year to start a Bible read through. There are many available online ~ from the entire Bible in one year Genesis through Revelation to a chronological read through of the Bible in one year to a whole host of others. Here's a link to the Bible in One Year website: href="http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan.asp" No matter which one you choose, choose one and stick with it...even if you miss a day don't give up, just keep reading from where you left off and see it through to completion. The goal isn't just to read it in a year ~ the real goal is to get to the know the voice of the Savior through His Word. Praying for each of you who read this...that a fire of desire for the Word of God will be lit and fanned into flame in your hearts. God bless you in this New Year!

Matthew 2: 1 - 12

2009-12-23T13:11:00.000-08:00

Matthew 2
The Visit of the Magi
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
6" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

The beginning of this is an entry from a journal written on 12/4/02. As I stumbled upon it I was reminded of what God spoke to my heart that day. I have continued it with my hope for each of us. It's a little long, but maybe it will speak to someone...

Matt 2:8 says that Herod told the Wise Men he wanted them to come tell him where Jesus was "so he could go and worship Him, too." Evil is so deceitful! In reading the notes in my Study Bible it says Herod supervised the renovation of the Temple, making it bigger and more beautiful than before. Because of this he won some favor with many Jews ~ even though he was full of hatred and killed many people.

Isn't it interesting to see things today in the light of Herod ~ a Politician? 2000 years and politicians haven't changed. They still cover up the bad stuff they do by pointing out the good ~ and they usually make sure the good stuff is REALLY big and REALLY visible.

Its' also an important lesson to note that the Wise Men, once they had come to the end of their journey and found the child-King were "overjoyed" and worshiped Him. They knew this was more than just a child who would grow up to be an earthly king...and through listening hearts and minds they heeded the dream God gave them.

There's so much to get sucked into or "suckered" in to, but when we stay connected, and fully surrendered, and deeply entrenched in God and His Word the truth will come out and we'll see it. The key is to keep our lives completely focused on Him.

As the Wise Men did so long ago...we will find peace when we seek Him with all our hearts.
Not only peace, but we find freedom.
Freedom from governmental decisions that cause turmoil in our homes and countries. Freedom from fear of not being what we think we should be...or what someone else thinks we should be.
Freedom from not measuring up.
Freedom from having to be the best at whatever we do to be accepted.
Freedom from past failures and regrets.
Freedom from shame over who we think we are or have been told we are.
Freedom from all that holds us back ~ not physically, but deep in our souls. Whether it be fear of success, fear of failure, pride, anger, rage, addiction, piousness, self-righteousness, thirst for power, or that one thing that keeps us from truth ~not knowing who we really are, not knowing Who created us for His joy, and not knowing how deeply we are loved ~ in seeking the Baby King born so long ago, crucified on a cross and risen again to save us we find TRUE FREEDOM.

Merry CHRISTmas, everyone. May God shine His face upon you and bring you peace.

2 Timothy 2:19

2009-12-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

19Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
2 Timothy 2:19

There are few things that seem to stand firm anymore. Not only buildings are toppled, but even natural things ~ I'm thinking of "The Old Man in the Mountain" ~ what we think will stand is but dust.

There are so many people seeking out something that will stand firm. Marriage used to be a big deal ~ it was something that, although rarely perfect, would stand the tests of time. Jobs with companies that were strong and rewarded the long-term commitments of their employees are shut down. We seek things of this earth looking for a solid foundation, but we won't find it here. The only thing that will stand firm through the Ages is The Living Word of God. Such confidence arises in the knowledge of this!

Rest in that for a moment...but don't stop there.

Read that last part of the verse ~ if you call the God of the Bible YOUR God then you must take time to ask Him to reveal in you what you need to turn away from. What "wickedness" (anything that goes against or pulls you away from the Word of God) are you clinging to in hopes that it will bring you some satisfaction?

That's a hard question, isn't it? Even in writing it I tend to hesitate...but we must believe that if the Word of God is the one firm foundation, then God is who He says He is...and what He says we must do we must do. Our reward is peace that passes understanding on this earth, and a reward we cannot begin to fathom in the life to come.

Stand firm ~ stay strong ~ seek Him in all you do and He will give you the desires of your heart as He makes your paths straight. Difficult now, but oh, SO worth it in the end!

Have a wonderful day...be as the Wise Men and Seek Him with all you are.

Psalm 37: 5-9

2009-09-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you.
He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others ~ it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land."
Psalm 37: 5-9

There are days when what I share is exactly what God wants me to hear. Today is one of those days. Please stop reading what I write...go again to the Word of God and read HIS words of hope, promise, and love to you today. Go with God...Go in God...let Him lead your way today so you may trust in Him and one day possess the land.

Psalm 27:14

2009-09-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage." Psalm 27:14

That first word is probably the hardest word for many of us to hear....wait. We don't wait for anything. Red lights are too long, dial-up internet connections are dinosaurs, Postal Service mail is termed "snail mail," having to wait in line at a grocery store makes people angry, and if fast food takes longer than 1.5 minutes to get to our window through the drive through we're upset. Yet the Lord says, wait.

Are we looking to God the same way we look to our society? Do we expect our prayers to be answered instantaneously because we said them on the go between stops? Or do we truly STOP to sit in His presence, pour out our lives for Him to do what He will, and then take the time to listen to Him?

Wait...be strong...take courage. In His time we will see glory. In His time we will find and hear the answers we need. It is when we seek Him with all our hearts, souls, mind and strength that He reveals Himself to us.

Wait...be strong...take courage.

An apology, a request and a quest...

2009-09-03T23:45:00.000-07:00

I apologize to any of you who read this who are wanting a regular refreshing from the Word of God. I admit to a very busy life, but a convicted heart knowing I need to be spending more time in the Word. Martin Luther once said, "I have so much to do today, I must spend three hours in prayer." I often sense that urging, but admit failure in following through. I started this blog as a sort of "accountability partner" to keep me in the Word. Not that I need to do it for others ~ I need it most of all, trust me! Without my time with the Author of Life my life is WAAAAAY off track. However, knowing others are being refreshed, spoken to and encouraged in their walk through what I write is a motivator to keep this up. So, with trepidation I make this request, "If you read this, and are blessed and/or challenged by it, will you let me know? I believe our relationship with God is inward-changing so we can be more outward-focused in our service to others. Guilt can be a great motivator, and knowing there are those who read this and are blessed by it would be a nudge on my heart day to day. Thank you!

So, with that said, it is with this heart I write today's devotional. I pray you are blessed by what you read here.

Exodus 33:12-14

12 One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ 13 If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”

14 The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”

Isn't this an insight into leadership? Moses thinks he surely can't lead the people alone, "God? Aren't you going to send someone more, um, leader-like to help me here?" It's easy to think this way, "if you're really calling me, show me what I'm supposed to do so I can continue to be called." (then, under his breath almost, "I don't want to mess this up and lose your favor...these are YOUR people!")

God's beautiful reply is one we can grasp on to and walk forward confidently resting on our ears, "I will personally go with you....." What amazing grace!! To know the very Creator of the Universe, the One who calls us to serve, to share, to invest in those around us goes with us personally. What have we to fear, then? If God is for us...if God walks with us...if we are seeking HIM with all our heart, with all our strength, with all our might...what have we to fear? Really, what's the worse that could happen? As Paul said, if we are killed for our faith...if we lose it all and end up dead...we have truly gained because we are HOME.

Are you walking confidently today knowing you do not walk alone?

Philippians 1:6

2009-08-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6 NLT

6For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 NASB

What a promise! To know we are on a journey with God to a place of absolute freedom and fulfillment is the spur many of us need to "keep on keepin' on." If God has called you to fill a role you never expected; if God has shown you He wants you to make a change requiring more discipline and focus than you have ever been able to give; if you are seeing a need for more simplicity and less chaos...no matter what road we are on we can live in confidence knowing it is leading us to completion. Each day He will work in us to bring us to that beautiful place where we will hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Take the time today to consult your journey's GPS ~ God Positioning System. It is when we seek Him with all we are that we are able to be all we can be.

God bless you today ~ LIVE OUT LOUD!!

PS: bonus! On a side "note" read this article on what Japan has done to some of it's stretches of roads: "http://inventorspot.com/articles/melody_road_gives_whole_new_mean_8235" I can't help but think of the many times God has brought a song of praise or surrender or whatever to my mouth as I walk with Him! Japan ain't got nothin' on God!! LOL!

Jeremiah 17: 9-10

2009-07-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.”- Jeremiah 17:9-10

The God of the Bible ~ the One who created all things and holds all things together ~ He sees us as no one else can. In fact, He sees us even as we ourselves cannot. He sees us for who we really are. This can be a scary reality for some. Those who profess Christ as their Lord and Savior but live lives in opposition to His Word don't like to hear it. Those who don't know God personally and are looking for reasons not to approach the possibility can use this as a reason to stay away for fear of condemnation. Even those who profess Christ as Lord and Savior and strive to live according to His Word but are struggling with a secret sin want to gloss over this passage and/or point out it is from the Old Testament and therefore no longer necessary to apply to their lives since they now live under grace.

No matter who it is who is reading it, the verse is truth. The beauty is knowing we can approach the throne of grace with confidence in repentance and desire for a clean heart. Realizing the Jesus we interact with is the very One who didn't belittle the woman at the well but spoke truth and grace to her allows us to come out of hiding and live freely before Him. It also allows us...no, demands that we...live in love. Our actions ~ the ways we treat others, the ways we talk, the ways we do business, etc ~ those are what reflect our true hearts.

Ask God to show you (in His amazingly tender way) who you are. Allow yourself to be cleansed from the inside out and live in obedience to Him. Then, live in a way that allows others to, as well. People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. God cares...deeply, passionately, for each of us. If you are saying your life is devoted to Him, are you showing others how much you care or how much you know? What will your reward be?

Transformers

2009-06-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

Acts 9:15-16, 29-31 "But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! this man is my chosn instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name...(29)He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

I couldn't help but wonder when I read verse 16, "I will show him how much he must suffer for my name" if Saul/Paul had any idea what God was going to do in his life in order to use him to increase the Kingdom? To be met on the road by the very One you persecute and whose followers you kill, and to come "face-to-face" with the lies of what you believe and fight for? How powerful that transformation!! Anyone could live a life transformed in that situation, but to have your beliefs and not your personality changed, that is where the whole thing changes. Paul was a bold and confident man. When he believed something, he believed it was worth fighting to the death for. This is seen in how people reacted to him in the verses between the verses I have posted here (an amazing biography ~ you won't be disappointed in taking the time to read it!). They were fearful and cautious in accepting him. Even the very man God called to restore Saul/Paul's eyesight, Annanias, responded with, "I have heard many reports about this and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem..." Saul's reputation had gone before Paul the Transformed...the price he paid was great.

However, it is that last verse up there that shows the true power of transformation, "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. I'll venture to bet Paul's words had an impact, yes, but how much more powerful and impactful the power of his transformation in Christ!

How about you? Are you willing to accept the consequences of facing who you were in order to show who you are in Christ? How is the Word of God transforming you so you can share the Gospel with those around you...using words when necessary?

A beautiful reminder

2009-06-26T23:31:00.000-07:00

Stupid People

2009-06-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates correction is stupid.

There is a phrase I've heard a lot lately. It may not be a very nice phrase, but it fits perfectly with today's verse. The phrase has many variations, but in general it sounds something like this, "AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!! Stupid people irritate me!!"

Sometimes I find that *I* am the stupid person. I don't like to be told I'm wrong. I don't like to be disciplined because I have to admit I didn't get it right. Now, before you go looking at me in that tone of voice, you have to admit there are very few people in the world who *do* like to be corrected and/or disciplined...even you, probably. However, even though we may not like it, we need to learn to accept it. Correction...Discipline...they help us to become more of the person God has created us to be. When the correction is in line with the Word of God we have no wiggle room. We either conform to the Word of God and live a long life or we choose to avoid the way of God and suffer the consequences. The options are clear and easy...the choice? Not so much at times. But always worth it.

Today, as you go through your motions of living life pay attention to how you react to what people have to say to you. It may not be your issue that is causing the problem, but before you assume it's not ask God if it is. Then be willing to listen and fertilize knowledge. Listen and grow wise. You'll be glad you did.

Go with God...

Psalm 4:1

2009-05-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

Psalm 4
Evening Prayer of Trust in God.
For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

"Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!..."
It seems so....well, expectant, doesn't it? Maybe it's the "Mom voice" in my head that makes it sound so stern, but reading it and hearing it that way stopped me and made think about that very idea. It *is* expectant...it *is* desperate...and it is exactly how many of us have felt at times. We cry out and wonder if He even hears us. We pray because we know we can't get through it on our own and we feel like we need to say it so He knows just how desperately we need Him and His strength.

I re-read that first sentence with the entire verse and couldn't help but think that sometimes we use the "Mom voice" and we're so overwhelmed and think we're walking through it alone that we get stern and say it like, "*ANSWER ME* when I call...O God of my RIGHTEOUSNESS!!!" (are You there? YOU know I'm innocent! ANSWER!!)

Other times it's more defeated and hopeful. Much like an exhausted Mom or Dad who is at the end of one of "those" days with the kids and we wonder if what we're doing makes any difference whatsoever. It sounds like this (inserts mine, obviously), "*sigh* annnnsweerrrr me when I call. Ohhhhhhhhh, Lord of my righteousness *sigh* " (I really have to ask You to answer me? You declare me innocent and know the number of hairs on my head...You're going to answer, right?)

Maybe it's more desperate. In the midst of the news, the school involvements, the sports and the politics, the church duties and ministries, we cry out to the One Person we know truly knows us..."Answer me when I call, O GOD OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS!" (There's so much...people defile my name when they don't know who I really am, but YOU...YOU know me and declare me righteous. Answer me....please answer me.)

Whichever one it is doesn't really matter.But the rest of the verse brings it all to the thing that does. "You have relieved me in my distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer." Isn't it beautiful? Saying, "You've been faithful to me and relieved this stress before. Do it again, God. Realize my love for You ~ my faithfulness in knowing You are who You say You are ~ and hear my heart cry out to You in the midst of all." We don't have to convince Him to hear us. He does already. But to be so transparent and personal with the very God who intimately holds us together is simply beautiful.

What are you wanting Him to hear today? What is it that you desperately, or exhaustingly, need Him to carry you through? He will...and He's listening...cry out.

Jonah 3:10, 4:11

2009-02-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened....Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”

Because God changed His mind and granted mercy to the people of Ninevah (whom He had sent Jonah to inform He was going to destroy because of their wickedness), Jonah got mad at God. Isn't this just like us? We want justice, and when repentance is real we still want "justice." We can accept an apology as long as the consequences are still appropriate, but when we're called to accept the apology and see blessing in place of discipline we get upset and, like Jonah, pout. Maybe it's that you know the life's history of someone who seems to be blessed now and you don't understand. Maybe the consequences of someone's sin didn't end up like you thought they would (or should?). Who knows why we pout when God doesn't do what we think He should...but shouldn't we suck in our lower lips and instead be thankful that God doesn't deal with us as we deserve, either?

Cheating? Or Being Wise?

2009-01-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, this isn't a verse about cheating, and it really has little to do with cheating other than the fact that today's verse comes from the end of The Book. When you're reading a novel it's seen as cheating when you read the end, but when you're reading the Bible it's just plain smart. Here ya go:

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come " And let the one who hears say, "Come " And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. Revelation 22:17

For some reason I felt the need to read the end of the book today. Maybe it's because the words of Anne Murray sing in my mind, "I sure could use a little good news today." Not many would say they're going to Revelation for good news. For some it's downright terrifying reading about The End. However, as I was reading through the last half of chapter 22 this verse sang in answer to my song.

Isn't that a beautiful picture? God is the Spirit. We are the Bride. We are the voice saying to those around us, "come!" and may those who hear respond and say to others, "come!" And they, in return, tell others.....Oh! What a vibrant picture of invitation and the power of someone simply saying, "you're invited."

Look at the last two words. "...without cost." I know so many who say they don't want to accept Jesus as their Savior because they would have to give up so much. Yet this says when we respond and come to the well of living water we can drink and be filled...without cost. I believe we miss the mark when we say we have to sacrifice so much for our faith. The sacrifice has been made. Jesus paid it all. We are simply accepting the gift of an eternal life with our Savior ~ without cost. It doesn't mean there won't be pain on earth and we won't have to make sacrifices, but in the realm of eternity.......does it really cost us that much? Would you trade in your car for a brand new (insert your favorite ridiculously over-priced high-end car here) if you never had to pay a dime? Not even for gas or maintenance? You'd be a fool not to! We'd do it in a heartbeat if we knew there would never be a cost associated with it.

So who are you inviting? Who are you speaking to and letting them know about the eternal celebration that is going to happen? Have you, yourself, accepted the invitation? You've still got time...but there are thousands of people who will tell you over and over again we never know when our time is up.

Won't you come?

Isaiah 26:3

2008-12-25T23:40:00.000-08:00

3You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. Isaiah 26:3

As we bring the celebration of Christmas to an end and look ahead to the New Year this seems a perfect and fitting passage to focus on. In the anticipation of Christmas it's "easy" to remember the "reason for the season" and have our thoughts drift back to the birth of Jesus often. However, as the days get farther and farther away from that it gets harder and harder to keep that focus. We often find, then, that anxiety, stress and worry or fear creeps into our spirit without notice. However, this verse promises us something incredibly significant: perfect and constant peace.

Ah, peace. It's a toss-away word if ever there was one. It's that phrase so many shout at rallies and conferences looking to find some magical way of saving the world that hasn't worked yet. It's the beautiful script with a dove on cards that fill mailboxes at Christmas-time. It's elusive to many. I've heard people say that it is just out of reach and if only they'd get this or that taken care of it would be longer lasting. Forgive my paraphrase of the old country and western song, but they're looking for peace in all the wrong places.

Peace can be found in one place and one place only: in the arms of The Savior. If you haven't found the One True Savior, keep reading this blog and get to know Him...if you want to know more leave a message and I'll respond...if you can't wait for a response go here: http://www.insight.org . If you're looking for peace you'll only find it as you fix your mind on The Very One who loves you so much He sent His only Son to earth so we could have an advocate...a savior...one who will fight for us when it seems like no one else will. Lean on Him...put your hope for a better future in Him...fix your mind on Him.

John 15:13

2008-12-19T08:01:00.000-08:00

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

I wrote this one last night when I didn't have my Bible with me and I wasn't near my laptop. I remembered the verse differently ~ thinking it ended in "brother" instead of "friend," but there's a message here that goes deeper than the "treat your friends well and be willing to sacrifice for them." It's a message of how deep and wide and amazing our Savior's love is for us. So, based on the above verse, here is the (little bit longer than usual) entry for today:

This verse brings to mind soldiers, best friends (BFF's) and comrades in arms, but today I'm looking at it differently. God, as part of the Trinity, is The Father. Jesus, as part of the Trinity, is Son. When we accept the Son we become "joint heirs" of the Father's riches. (God) This means, then, that Jesus is our brother...and, in realizing He laid down His life for us as the ultimate sacrifice, we can then know we will never find a greater love than this! Isn't that amazing?

Sit with that.

Let it sink in.

You were died for.

Jesus laid down His life for YOU...His brother/sister! there will never be a greater love than that.

And, as they say on TV, "but wait! there's more!" Not only did He lay down His life for You, (insert your name here), and not only will you not find any greater love...you also can't make Him love you any more (as in quantity, not cessation). His love for you is like a credit card in the hands of a shopaholic ~ Maxed Out. He loves you with a love that does not end, sees the real you and says, "Wow. I love you SO much" and wants you to be all He created you to be without shame, guilt, fear or chains.

Can't wrap your mind around it? Neither can I, to be honest, but I also can't wrap my mind around how a deaf man could write some of the most brilliant piano masterpieces this world has ever heard. That doesn't stop me from popping in a Beethoven CD and getting lost in the brilliance. You'll never understand. God makes that clear when He says, "your ways are not My ways, your thoughts are not My thoughts."

Don't let it stop you from believing it and living it out. If you do, it will be your only true regret.

Proverbs 31:30

2008-12-17T22:32:00.000-08:00

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

There are days it is very difficult to read Proverbs 31. We read about a woman who seems to be able to bring home the bacon AND fry it up in a pan...and it's from the pig she bought, raised and butchered all on her own, too! However, this verse pretty much sums up the one true quality of what is praiseworthy in her. It isn't her ability to see a crop and buy it. It's not her ability to put together amazing menus and chore lists for her family. It's not even her beauty or ability to make her husband proud with how well she interacts with his colleagues. It is, instead, her fear of the Lord. It is her understanding that she does not work as unto her husband. It is her foundational belief that she was made by, loved by, and enjoyed by the very Creator of the Universe. It is the knowledge that she serves an all-powerful, all-knowing, all-sufficient God...and HE is in charge of her life. It is, as stated above, her fear of the Lord that brings her praise.

What will people praise you for?

More importantly, what will God praise you for?

Matthew 25:23

2008-12-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:23

Have you ever seen a child who knows that if they care for their chores and do them well that they will then have the opportunity to attend a movie or a special event with their parent? They want that time, so they put all they have into it to make sure it's done well...knowing that they will be rewarded in their parent's level of trust as well as time celebrating with that parent. Knowing they have completed a task gives them the confidence to do it well next time...and next time...and eventually they'll be doing more because the parent knows they can handle the responsibility. As a parent, I can say there is a level of excitement in me when I see my children putting forth effort to be the best they can be at something. I don't love them less if they don't, but I do know I can give them more responsibility...I can trust them with more opportunities for growth...I can honor them and bless them with rewards they couldn't know before.

That's how it is with God's love and with our responsibilities in life. He gives us a bit...sees how we do...gives us some more (or not, depending on our faithfulness)...and, the Bible says that we'll have mansions waiting for us in Heaven where we will celebrate with and worship our Lord for eternity! Today think about how you're living your life...are you living it in such a way that if you were to die today you would stand before God and hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful in a few things, I gave you more and you continued to be faithful...come in and share your Master's happiness!"??

Romans 8:6

2008-12-16T10:01:00.000-08:00

"For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace..." Romans 8:6

How many times do you catch yourself thinking of your Christmas shopping list? Are you mentally counting tablecloths, cups and dessert forks as you wander the aisles putting together the Christmas dinner? Maybe you're wondering how, in the middle of an increased work load, you're supposed to get it all done AND have time to reflect on the true reason for this season. In light of this verse perspective comes clearly: reflect on the things of this world and you are coasting toward a separation between you and the very Savior you're preparing to celebrate. (in the Bible, when speaking of "death" in these terms it means a separation between you and God, which is quite literally eternal death) Without taking the time to get away with God ~ mind and body ~ and surrender the weight of responsibilities (not the responsibilities...you're responsible for those!), the fear of expectations not being met, and all the other distractions that come with this time of year you are missing out on the peace so many stores, cards and banners pronounce all around us.

What a beautiful testimony that would be! A glimpse into one reason we love our Lord so much! Walk through a crowded mall with a look of absolute peace...and mean it. May God bless you and keep you as you keep your mind surrendered to the leading of the Holy Spirit. (don't forget to respond!)

Psalm 116:2

2008-12-11T21:33:00.000-08:00

Psalm 116:2
Because he bends down to listen,I will pray as long as I have breath!

Have you ever had those times when it seemed like praying must be such a burden to God and you wondered if He really even hears you? Sometimes when we pray the circumstances needed to be in place to answer the prayer take a while to fit together and we don't hear from Him a yes or a no...it's those times when this verse comes to mind. Those times when we wonder if He really hears us. This verse tells us that we NEED to keep praying! Keep talking to "the Father" as a friend of mine calls our incredible God. He hears us! I love the action...not only does he turn an ear toward us and hear in His omnipotent power, but He bends down to listen! What a glorious and amazing God He is! Put it to practice...He's bending down; He's listening; start talking!

Hebrews 12:3

2008-12-09T22:21:00.000-08:00

"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" Hebrews 12:3

If you hadn't noticed (who couldn't) Christmas is on it's way! What a season of hope and anticipation this Advent time brings to the world. People who wouldn't normally give Jesus Christ a second thought shout out, "Merry Christmas" and plan to attend church...because that's what you're supposed to do on Christmas, right?

However, as Christians we know that on this side of the story, the baby we are celebrating came to bring more than hope. He came to save us. We look at the manger and see a cross. We see the hay and we see the road that lead to our celebration... knowing that baby would be ridiculed, persecuted, lied about, falsely accused, rejected and scorned because of what He professed to believe and be. It sounds familiar, doesn't it? There are days when being a Christian is just plain lonely. However, in this verse we have our main reason for continuing on...He took all of it so we could know the strength available to us and keep on keeping on. We may be alone in our stand here on earth, but our party's waiting...

Philemon

2008-10-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

"I always thank God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing of your trust in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people."
Philemon, verse 4.

It is not unusual to read a passage like this and have people come to mind who have had that kind of impact on our own lives. Hopefully there are many who have invested in you and your walk with Christ of whom you can say, "I always thank God when I pray for you...". However, how many can say that of you? Have you taken the time to show kindness to someone in the store/at work/on the road who may not be having a very good day? Have you spent time listening to a child babble on and on about seemingly nothing just so they know they matter to you? Have you taken the time to pray over and with your spouse or significant other that God will work in such a way as to make the most of what God has made them to be? Who in your life would say to you, "I always thank God for you!" If you can't think of anyone right now take the time to ask God to help you invest in the lives of others...nothing else can be taken with us when we die.

One other thing...Paul took the time to encourage Philemon in his work...it's not wrong to want to be encouraged as well as to encourage. If you're needing some encouragement today ask God to bring it (and to open your eyes to see it when it comes)...He will not let you down.

Psalm 19:8

2008-09-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes." Psalm 19:8 NIV

Precepts: the laws, the ways the instructions. They give joy. Commands: the instruction, the direction, the motivation. They give light. Joy & Light are attractive ~ they are desirable attainments. Precepts & Commands are difficult ~ they require subservient action. You can't have one without the other, though. If you want joy then you need to do what you know needs to be done. If you want to be a light to those around you there needs to be a different set of actions at work in your life. You need to follow God's Word and His commands more than you do the crowd. (This includes the command, "love others as you love yourself.") The two, Joy & Light, go hand in hand. Have you ever seen a joyful person who wasn't also a light to those around? Or a person who just seemed to shine who didn't have joy? However, the hands don't work without the muscles in them...the tendons and the mind to tell them what to do. These are the Precepts & Commands. Without knowing and doing what is right in God's eyes there will never be Joy & Light. You can act happy and be nice to people, but without fully immersing Yourself in Him...body, mind and spirit...you will never know complete Joy & Light.

Ephesians 1:11

2008-09-09T00:06:00.000-07:00

"It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for."
Ephesians 1:11 The Message

So many times we hear it. "Who am I? What am I supposed to do with my life? Where am I supposed to go after this time in my life? What's Your Will, Lord?" I love how Eugene Peterson takes the fact that we are made for a purpose..."predestined according to His purpose" as the NASB version says...and takes away all the question of what does this mean? It means that when we seek HIM and HIS righteousness we will know who we are...where we should go...what we should do...and for Whom we do it all. As we draw closer to The Very One who created us in our mother's womb ~ who knit us together as He laid out His plan for our lives ~ we discern the road before us. And when we get there we know the path which we should take.

But only when we remember the first three words of this verse: "It's IN CHRIST..."

Exodus 13: 17

2008-06-05T22:50:00.000-07:00

Exodus 13: 17 (NIV)

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."

I will confess that I wonder at times what my life would be like if my path had taken me someplace else. Would I have the same sex and age of children? Would there be other similarities in my life? How would life really be different if (fill in the blank) had (or hadn't) happened? Well, this verse tells me I can wonder all I want but ultimately I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. How? "For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."" God knew the Israelites better than the Israelites knew the Israelites. This says to me what Garth Brooks says oh so eloquently..."Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers." He truly knows the path of least resistance...and He knows how to get us where He wants us to go. Our job is to follow Him and trust His hand implicitly.

Crushed to Glorify

2008-05-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Psalm 53: 10-11
10
But the LORD was pleased
To crush Him, putting Him to grief;
If He would render Himself as a guilt offering,
He will see His offspring,
He will prolong His days,
And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.
11
As a result of the anguish of His soul,
He will see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge the Righteous One,
My Servant, will justify the many,
As He will bear their iniquities.

When I first read this passage I went, HUH?! The Lord was PLEASED to crush Him? He's talking about His one and only SON, here!! But then, I kept reading.

I grew more and more astounded and humbled and loved....and positively on-the-floor in thankfulness that God was pleased to offer His Son (who, of anyone I know, would be the only One who could "handle" it) so that my sin...your sin...my "stuff"...your "stuff" could be crossed out with a big, blood-red X. Done so that when He looked at us we would be as white as that lamb He led to slaughter...for US. The Lord was pleased to crush Him because He KNEW that in so doing He was offering us a way Home.

If that doesn't bring tears of amazement, you don't know Jesus. And, if you don't...you can. John 14: 6 says, "Jesus said to him (Thomas), "I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes the Father but through me." Acts 4: 11 & 12 say, "He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." Romans 10: 9 says, "...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved..." All of this to say that Jesus, the Lamb of God who was slaughtered for us, is the only way to Heaven. We have a choice in the matter...will you accept a love so amazing and pure you can never fully grasp the "why" of it? Or will you continually deny you're lovable and know Him but not KNOW Him? 2 Peter 3:9 ~ "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for ALL to come to repentance." He's there...just like that picture we've seen where Jesus is standing at the door preparing to knock...or maybe He's knocking...just know this: He'll never pound on your door. He's just waiting for you to hear Him. Today?

Acts 17: 11

2008-04-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

"Now these were more noble-minded than those in (A)Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so."
Acts 17: 11

Also read: I John 4: 1-3

Just because someone speaks, writes or shares something that is intriguing or spiritual sounding doesn't mean they are of God! In I John 4:1-3 we find the secret to discerning truth in succinct and clearly laid-out terms. In Acts Paul & Silas were newcomers bringing a message of a new way of thinking, but the Berean church knew to search THE SCRIPTURES to discern the truth (or lies if it would have been the case) of their message. Keep your own mind in check ~ a trusted TV host, a well-0loved author accepted in Christian circles, a worldwide superstar and dream man, your pastor, or even a friend ~ just because they follow a certain line of thought doesn't mean they are speaking truth. You must search the scriptures yourself to discern the truth found in God's Word.

Nehemiah 8:5

2008-04-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

"Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book they all rose to their feet."

Earlier in Nehemiah 8 it explains to whom Ezra is reading...and what. He had brought the scroll (the Scriptures) before the men, the women and all the children who were old enough to understand. He had on either side of him leaders of all the people ~ I'm picturing a stage where someone is being honored and all these important people are up there with them to signify the IMPORTANT importance of this person. But in this case they are there to stand as "honored guards" if you will ~ these men are preparing the people for the HOLY SCRIPTURES to be read. And when the people saw that Ezra was ready to read ~ that he had opened The Scroll ~ they stood in honor of what they were about to hear. I like to think they stood as an action...to stand and lean forward a bit so as to make sure they didn't miss anything he read. In verse 6 it describes that when he finished the people yelled out AMEN! and raised their hands in praise as they bowed down and worshiped the One True God. What a BEAUTIFUL picture, isn't it? Imagine the masses...all raising their hands and bowing down, putting their faces to the ground as they worship...WORSHIP...submit themselves to His power...and give up their glory for HIS GLORY.

How about you today? Have you spent time in The Word? Read the passage above again...follow the link and read the beautiful description of what it looks like when the Scriptures are treated correctly ~ when they are taught so as to open the door of understanding and the essence of the very God we serve and love. Read it...soak in it...let go of you and grab more of Him.

"All of You is more than enough for all of me...for every thirst and every need...You satisfy me with Your love and all I have in You is more than enough."

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

2008-04-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (New International Version)

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong"

Have you noticed how off-track the world is lately? From a "webinar" with a popular TV host and an author who just doesn't quite get it right...to a book that says it can open up the knowledge of the garden of good and evil, oops! I mean the secret to being extremely wealthy and, therefore, successful. Then there's mediums and fortune tellers who can tell you your future and "give you a leg up." It's sad, isn't it? It is...it's downright heartbreaking. These people don't like to look, feel, or think they are weak in any way, so they look to lies to tell them they're powerful and they are gods. (little g...of course) But according to this passage, they're missing the real secret (which is no secret at all). According to this passage they're missing the boat completely because it's in their weakness, when they've got no one to give credit to but God, that they are made strong. As a Christian we need to embrace...not our god inside of us as there is no "god" in a human...but our human weakness. We need to admit regularly, "God, YOU are in control of this world. Not me. I can be successful by the world's standards on my own if I really want to, but to be truly successful, fulfilled and content in this life and the next, I have to give it over to You. I rejoice in the roadblocks You've given me in my life. They remind me I am a creation of the One True God, and through my struggles and weaknesses I am able to see more of You. THAT is success." Take some time today to realize your limitations...and thank God that He breaks through all limits and boundaries to amaze us again and again with His grace and power.

Habakkuk 3:18

2008-04-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

"...yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."

The book of Habakkuk, just three chapters found at the end of the Old Testament in the section of books called "The Minor Prophets", is such a picture of life. We, as Habakkuk did, ask God when He's going to do all He says...He says He's going to do it all the wrong ways (as to the way WE think)...so we sit back and wait to see how it's going to work because none of it makes sense. As we wait, we watch, and in the watching stand amazed at our great God.

In the end we realize that...

Though the future is unknown & sometimes scary,
Though our homes may not be peace & joy filled,
Though jobs and even friends may be beyond reach,
We will be faithful and trusting that the L-RD, our God, will be with us always.

He will care for us, and, if we acknowledge our sin and let go of the shame and guilt we sometimes wear like war medals, He will help us become the Child of God He intends for us to be...and we will rejoice!

Matthew 15: 8-9

2008-04-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men."
Matthew 15: 8-9

Jesus was speaking of the Pharisees when He said this, but I believe He could be speaking of so many people today who call themselves Christians. We need to read this and ask God, "Could you say this of me?" We need to immerse ourselves in God's Word, The Bible, and bring our hearts "home" to Him. Reading books by Bible teachers and Christian leaders is great, but our real teaching comes from God Himself. I know I have my favorite authors who open up the meaning of God's Word, and I will readily suggest some books to friends who ask questions about different subjects. However, we need to make sure we're learning (and loving) more of God that we are of the author ~ or even of ourselves. I learned long ago about those trained to reveal counterfeit money, and it has stayed with me as a catalyst for my own ability to know false teaching when it comes my way. A counterfeit specialist doesn't study counterfeit money...they study THE REAL THING. How are you doing? Could you listen to a popular TV host and have your stomach turn at the lies being believed by so many? Or would you believe the lie "because there's some truth there?" If you want to know the truth, then get to know the truth...SEEK GOD ~ may your rules be HIS rules.

Psalm 119:28-35

2008-04-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

28: "My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word."
35: "Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight."
Psalm 119

As the longest chapter of any book in the Bible, and a Psalm (a song) no less, you would think Psalm 119 would be a love song to God for who He is. Instead, it is a love song to God for His *LAW*. I'm not sure any of us would ever sit down and write a long letter to our governing body singing praises of our laws. However, when the law comes from the One who knows no time constraints, sees life from beginning to end, created each and every particulate in the Universe, and even knows our hearts better than we do, it seems foolish NOT to sing praises for the parameters He has laid out for us to follow in His Word.

Make it a study in your life ~ ask God to reveal to You what "law" of His Word He wants you to work on...whether it be learning HIS definition of sin or learning to love yourself through HIS eyes...it is in the doing so that you will find joy and peace. Yes, THERE you will find delight.

James 1: 26

2008-04-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he decieves himself and his religion is worthless."
James 1: 26

OUCH! This is one of those verses we read every once in awhile, remember how hard it hits, and try to smile through the pain as we quickly jump to verse 27 where we can feel good about serving orphans and widows! However, this verse really needs to be brought home ~ straight to our hearts. How often have you seen it in someone else? The person on the road with a Christian bumper sticker or symbol on their car who cuts people off while obviously calling them names.... Or how about the person at the office who is constantly complaining about anything and everything but makes it a point to let everyone know they're a faithful church-goer (and usually shares their opinion on anything anyone is doing, too).... Maybe it's the person who thinks off-color jokes are funny and okay to tell no matter how far over the line they step...Or maybe it's the person in ministry or on the leadership team who thinks the best way to pray for someone is by getting every juicy, er, um, necessary detail about each and every prayer request, and sees to it that they get as many people praying by sharing the requests ~ and the details ~ with whomever they see.... Now, take it a step further...how often do you see these things in yourself? I know I am duly convicted on many fronts about the rein I have (or don't have) on my tongue at times. What is God trying to say to you? Is there something you need to confess?

Thankfully God CAN change a surrendered life, and we can ask forgiveness from Him knowing it is given freely and fully. We can also ask forgiveness from, and make amends with, those we have wronged. All in the power and grace of Christ. Take some time today and ask God to open your ears to what He wants you to hear in yourself....

Philippians 4:8

2008-03-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable ~ if anything is excellent or praiseworthy ~ think about such things."
Philippians 4:8

True…Noble…Right…Pure…Lovely…Admirable…Excellent…Praiseworthy… Now THAT'S what I call a filter! This verse tells us to put the things we think about each day…or read, listen to or watch…through the filter of these questions:
Is it true?
Is it noble?
Is it right?
Etc, etc, etc. If we did this, our relationships would more than likely be deeper, our families would probably be stronger, and our lives would absolutely be richer. Do you want those things? Let us see what differences we can make in the world around us by using this filter regularly. Try it for just a day and see what happens…then another…and another….

Micah 7: 18-19

2008-03-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever, but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea."

Please read the scripture again. Let the amazing character of our Lord sink in and resonate in your soul.

Beautiful, isn't it? "...the remnant of His inheritance..." that's us! He forgives and pardons and hurls and treads, and He delights. Today, on Easter Sunday, I stand amazed at the confirmation that Jesus Christ ~ King of Kings and Lord of Lords ~ delights in me...the very one who nailed Him to a cross...whose sins were whipped across His back with threads of leather and bone chips meant to rip Him to shreds. The Lord's crucifixion...the torture and torment He endured right up to the final cry of, "It is finished!"...I think it's a very clear picture of what sin does to us in our lives. As a child of God I can say, however, that I am pure and clean before Him because He lives and because He delights.

We beat ourselves up and wear our faults like medals of honor and He wants to take them off and replace them with red badges of courage. Read it again...and again...and again. Read it until the lies being whispered in your ear meet nothing but the truth of God's Word and disappear.

Proverbs 5:21

2008-02-26T11:26:00.000-08:00

"For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all his paths."
Proverbs 5:21

I remember watching a movie with my cousins when I was younger ~ it was a great movie, and we were really into it. That is, until one of the characters said a swear word and one of my cousins got up and shut the TV off!! I was shocked and asked, "WHY?!?!?" Their reply obviously had an impact on me since that was probably at least 30 years ago. They said, "Mom & Dad trust us to only watch movies we would be comfortable watching if they were watching with us. They don't swear, and don't want us to, and we'd be embarrassed by that language if they were here with us. So, we shut it off."

I don't do this very well on my own, but I am challenged as a Mother to live that kind of moral life not only in front of my children, friends and "people," but in my alone times, too. Although God isn't some Holy Judge watching us and just waiting to ZAP us when we mess up, He truly does go with us wherever we go. How would you feel looking back on your last few days through His eyes? Remember ~ He is just, but He also loves you more than you can ever imagine. Confess and move on...only better.

James 1: 15

2008-02-25T23:20:00.000-08:00

"Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
James 1:15

Being a Mom, I resonate with the word picture of this verse. Having gone through the process of "thinking about conception" and then conception itself...the growth process leading to birth, and realizing that we all face the ultimate end: death. There is a vivid message here.

Affairs don't happen because a spouse (husband -OR- wife) looked at someone else and thought they looked cute. No, it happens when someone looks, lingers, thinks and contemplates how that person looked (or treated them so nicely, or seems so Godly a spouse, or was so much neater than..., etc, etc, etc). Over time the thoughts begin to settle in and become comfortable, and before you know it the sin has become full-blown and there's nothing ahead, it seems, but a slippery slope.

There are two things to remember, then:

1) Guard your heart, for out of it flows the well-spring of life. Don't let those thoughts take root ~ surrender the desire and the feeling to Christ. A companion to this is that God does not tempt us...but He does give us the strength (HIS strength) to walk away when we simply say, "HELP!"

2)There is no sin so great God can't redeem it. Confess and repent to God your sin. Then take hold of James 1:9 that says we can ask for wisdom when we don't know what to do...then look for His leading in what to do from there.

Sidenote: I am not so naive to think that sin always looks ugly. Sometimes we've become so comfortable with it that we really don't want to stop thinking about it or doing it. It is in those times that you can ask God to make it ugly to you....ask HIM, the One who created you, to change your mind about it. He is faithful, and He will, in the words of an acquaintance, "catch your conscience." If you still don't want to...see it through to the end in your mind's eye. Sin is never worth the end result.

I Thessalonians 4: 7-8

2008-02-10T18:26:00.000-08:00

"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you His Holy Spirit."

Something you may not know about me is that I am a Birth-Mother. In 1996 I had a baby girl. I was not married at the time, and I placed her in the arms of her God-chosen Adoptive Mother to be a member of their family. she is beautiful and vibrant, and very much a part of my life today. God has truly worked all things together for good in this part of my story.

However, I tell you this not to share me, but to point out the wisdom and urgency of the two verses Paul writes above. Purity is nto a Christian "buzz-word" like "WWJD" or (enter any popular phrase here). Purity is a mandate.

The Thessalonians were good people ~ Paul even urged them to do what they were doing "more and more." The fact that he addressed sexual sin and manipulation in the middle of it only points to the fact that it's so easy to get sucked in! An impure life ~ sexual, thought-full, immoral ~ only leads to pain. Giving your body to someone who is not your spouse; manipulating someone to get your way; using ill-gotten ways to further your cause, none of these lead to a peaceful, joy-filled Spirit. (I can say that with confidence that comes from personal experience.) No, these things lead to the death of your Spirit.

So lead PURE lives! The Spirit, if you are a Child of God, is yours ~ seek God and His righteousness and He will make your ways pure.......Don't reject Him. In doing so you're basically telling Him He is not enough ~ and I can also say with confidence that turning from what looks like it will fulfill you to what God insures will fulfill you will bring blessings and fulfillment you can only begin to imagine.

Extended leave?

2007-11-28T02:06:00.000-08:00

I apologize for not updating recently...I've lost internet access on my personal computer and am only able to access my blogs and all other internet related "stuff" on Scott's computer. And...since he tends to be at work in his office most days and well into the night...that's rather difficult to do on a regular basis. Please forgive me if you really, really look forward to reading these Apples of Gold! *grin*

Here's the latest entry....

Deuteronomy 1: 34-37

34 “When the Lord heard your complaining, he became very angry. So he solemnly swore, 35 ‘Not one of you from this wicked generation will live to see the good land I swore to give your ancestors, 36 except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see this land because he has followed the Lord completely. I will give to him and his descendants some of the very land he explored during his scouting mission.’

37 “And the Lord was also angry with me because of you. He said to me, ‘Moses, not even you will enter the Promised Land! 38 Instead, your assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will lead the people into the land. Encourage him, for he will lead Israel as they take possession of it.

This passage astounds me. God told MOSES he wouldn't enter the Promised Land because he didn't believe 100%!! MOSES!! But Joshua and Caleb ~ two men who simply believed that God would do what He said He'd do ~ would be the only Israelites over the age of 20 who would enter the Promised Land when it came time. Astounding.

So many of us call ourselves Christians and yet we never quite believe that God will do exactly what He says He'll do. So we live our lives as we wish ~ making sure we are "good" and "do mostly the right things ~ and don't give sanctification or repentence a second thought most days. But when things get tough we call on God to heal us...or bless us for our efforts...or miraculously make things better in our lives. What fools we can be!

Asking God to come into our lives is easy ~ He makes it so amazingly easy! But being like Caleb and Joshua? That's the hard part.

Because I am so aware of my Moses-like tendencies in my own life, I've come up with a way to help me pray more fully. Maybe it will help you, too. It comes from what I've said above ~ Christianity is not a One-Way street, we've got to do our P.A.R.T.

P: Praise God for who He is. Not for what He's done for you, but simply for who He is...the example I think of is Creator. Give praise for where you've seen His hand today.

A: Ask forgiveness for your sins. Repent and turn from them. Allow Him to clean your heart so there is no wall of separation between you.

R: Requests...this is the place to lift up whatever requests you have. Healing, guidance, comfort, strength, wisdom, etc. These are for yourself and others.

T: End with a Thankful heart. As Christians, even on the most horrible of days, we have something to be thankful for. Ending our conversation with God on a heart of thanks allows transition into "the world" with a better perspective.

God is not some fairy-Godfather waiting to bless us as we live sinful lives. (sidenote: I am NOT saying our Christianity is based on works!! Please understand that ~ what I'm saying is that we cannot live 90% for God and 10% for ourselves and expect Him to give us the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb believed 100%.) We need to do our PART.

Go with God today and everyday...

Philippians 1:20

2007-10-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

Philippians 1:20 “For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die.”

A life that honors Christ is a life of purity and surrender to Him in all areas of our lives. Today is a new day! If you are unlike Paul in being able to say you’ve been bold for Christ in the past then start being bold today. If you, like many others, cannot say your life has been a life of purity in the past you can rejoice in the fact that your sins are washed away and you are a brand new creation who is alive to tell the world of His glorious work in you. Surrender today. Pray for a heart that is pure and holy as you dig into the Word of God and allow Him to clear out the sin that so easily entangles and instead gives you hope for a future that honors Him.

Deuteronomy 31:8

2007-10-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Deuteronomy 31:8
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

What a verse of HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT! The very God who created the heavens…the earth…all things under the earth…and all things above the earth IS ON YOUR TEAM!! WOO HOO!! He’s watching the competition’s tapes. He’s studying your team members, and He’s bringing ‘em out of training and making trades at times when it will benefit the team the most. And in the midst of it all we are commanded to surrender the fear and to live in courage and hope. He never lets go!

Vote Now!

2007-10-19T17:00:00.001-07:00

You may have notice there's a little "survey" on the side bar ~ if you have, make sure you "vote." (even if you haven't...make sure you vote! :) )

It's not a formal survey, and there is no personal information gathered by it, it's just for my own curiousity. It seems that God works in so many different areas in different people...and it's always good to see where He's working...

Thanks!

2007-10-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 17:9
“Disregarding another person’s faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends.”

Here’s a personal zinger! As moms we are called upon to correct papers, fix mistakes, look for details out of place and formulate better, more efficient plans for regular duties. We do this so often, in fact, that it becomes second nature to look for what’s wrong…in homework, housework, and humanity.

As employees and bosses we're called to the same kind of "constructive criticism" type of mentality. We are constantly looking for a better way, a better employee, a better this or a better that...

Ask yourself what faults you regard…do those you're closest to have annoying habits? Do your children have character flaws you pray no one else will notice? Do you often think that “they” have a lot of learning to do? Then take them to the Father and release them asking Him to help you DISregard the faults of others and simply love them through His everlasting love.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

2007-10-17T00:50:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

This verse comes at the very end of the book of Ecclesiastes ~ the same book of the Bible from which, “to everything there is a season…” comes from. In one verse at the beginning of the book (1:3) the writer basically asks what this whole life is all about? Throughout the book, he says repeatedly, “everything is meaningless.” However, this statement often comes in response to looking for meaning in the things of this earth. Emptiness will always remain if we think we will find fulfillment in our jobs, our homes, our friends, our kids or activities…or even in our church/ministry involvements. We may find enjoyment for a while, but our purpose on this earth is to live in such a way as to bring glory to God knowing HE is God and everyone ultimately answers to Him.

Psalm 118: 5-6, 8

2007-10-15T23:16:00.000-07:00

Psalm 118: 5-6, 8
“In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered me by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?...It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”

I just found out a good friend of mine has breast cancer. It’s far enough along for her doctors to tell her on Friday and ask her to schedule a mastectomy and lymph-node-ectomy for the following Friday. She is understandably scared, and yet when I talk to her there is a foundation of trust that God hears her cries of anguish…and that through His Son, Jesus, He has already set her free. Although the future of her health and her family is uncertain they stand resolutely on the promises of Christ as life storms all around them. Amazing Grace! And you…? What storms are raging, or maybe just rumbling in the distance? If Jesus is your Lord and Savior you, too, can stand firm in His promises. If He’s not…it’s never too late to invite Him to be.

Philippians 3: 12-21

2007-10-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

"12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
15All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

17Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3: 12- 21

Whenever I read this passage I think of the story below...

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Olympian Hits Wrong Target

Matt Emmons had the gold medal in sight. He was one shot away from claiming victory in the 2004 Olympics 50-meter three-position rifle event. He didn't even need a bull's-eye to win. His final shot merely needed to be on target.
Normally, the shot he made would have received a score of 8.1, more than enough for a gold medal. But in what was described as "an extremely rare mistake in elite competition," Emmons fired at the wrong target. Standing in lane two, he fired at the target in lane three. His score for a good shot at the wrong target? Zero. Instead of a medal, Emmons ended up in eighth place.

It doesn't matter how accurate you are if you are aiming at the wrong goal.

Source: www.Sports.Yahoo.com (8/22/04)

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Could you imagine being that athlete? How horrible would you feel if you thought you had made the shot that would win you the GOLD medal ~ highest honor ~ but it actually left you in eighth place? Knowing you had worked so hard, but your target wasn't the real target? It seemed like the real one ~ looked like it, sounded like it, but it never quite lined up...it crossed that line that said, "nope, not this one." I have a feeling he probably wished with all his might he could go back and do it all over again. I know I would want to hide my face in shame for a very long time ~ or else I'd run from the rifle range, move away, change my name, and pretend I knew nothing about it so I could escape the awful reminder that when it really mattered I failed to do what I knew I could do.

It makes me turn to the verses in Philippians, though...knowing that like that shooter we all are standing before a target, if you will. We're all lined up and wondering if we're going to hit a bullseye with our works...with our efforts...with our yearnings and earnings. The problem is, our rifles are greatly flawed. Everyone has a rifle that is missing the one thing that will allow it to hit the target dead-on. Maybe it's that your sight is slightly off kilter, or the trigger has a stick to it, whatever it is, there is a crucial flaw in each and every one.

However, there is a perfector of rifles available to everyone. He is the one who makes the rifle ~ flaws and all ~ in order to let the shooter understand the need to be teachable in the ways of the rifle range. He's there, in the background, waiting for you to understand...and to look for Him. Because it's when we realize the need for help that we look for it...and when we look for His help we'll find it. It's beautiful when we finally realize it, too. When we see Him and hand over our rifle knowing that He is the only One who could make it shoot straight to the right target...and hit the bullseye...we will never shoot better. When we do, we can stand amazed at the glory of The Shooter ~ the Master Shooter to whom no one can be compared. And knowing we have become His student only makes us want to know Him more, for when we learn from Him, seek Him and learn from Him, our bullets fly straighter and we know that we have already made the ultimate bullseye ~ the one that brings us to Glory. The one that gives not a gold medal, but streets paved in gold.

Have you handed over your rifle today? Have you handed over the rifle that is your life and asked Him to make your paths straight? It won't be easy ~ our nature is to hold onto it and try to do it ourselves. To earn our way to a better rifle. To be a "good guy" and "do good" unto others. It's not enough. It's simply not enough...and yet, what is enough seems to be too easy...just ask Him to take over. And then let Him (that's the hard part).

Sorry, a little long today, but I can't think of anything more worthwhile to spend my words on. John 20:30 & 31...

Isaiah 42:16

2007-10-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth." Isaiah 42:16

Is God calling you to do something, but you're fighting Him because you don't think you have the skills or ability to do it? Is He relentless in His pursuit of you to this? I have learned two things about this subject:

1) He won't give up on His pursuit of you
and
2) He will give you His strength to do what He is calling you to do.

I've learned two other things about this, too:

1) Fighting God doesn't work
and
2) Surrendering to His ability to do through you what needs to be done is the most satisfying and fulfilling place to be.

What's holding you back? I recently watched "Akeelah and the Bee" with my boys...I encourage anyone who longs to do something with what they've been given to watch it...in it there is a quote Akeelah reads in preparation for the series of Spelling Bees she will be entering in order to get to the National Spelling Bee. The quote is from Marianne Williamson, and although I don't subscribe to all of her theology she hits it square on the head with this one. I pray it encourages you to put feet to your gifts and talents and do what God has prepared you for in this life ~ to do all things as to bring glory to Him. I leave you with the quote...have a wonderful, God-centered and eternity-focused life!

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to manifest the Glory of God that is within us...And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Psalm 139:14

2007-10-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Do you read this verse and grasp what David is saying? It is exactly what each and every person who has ever been formed by God's hand can say, "I am an amazing creation! I was made to be exactly who I am! I am not a mistake ~ my faults are there for a purpose as are my gifts and talents! I am an amazing creation!!" Even better is what we who have cosen to live for the Creator can say, "Lord, YOU created me for a purpose ~ I am a child of THE KING!! You did not create me and once say, 'oops,' You created me in Your image, and I am wonderful because I am one of Your works." Spend some time over the next month being amazed and thankful at what your body CAN do...and remember to thank God for creating you just as you are...and for not leaving you there. :)

For those who may find this difficult to find right now I'll be praying with you that God will open your eyes to the blessings He has brought even in the midst of pain...whether physical pain or the pain of looking in the mirror and not loving who you are. God never gives up on us...don't give up on Him.

Romans 12:2

2007-10-05T10:23:00.001-07:00

Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.”

I recently began to doubt how good, pleasing and perfect God’s will for my life really was as my marriage hit a low point. Looking back I can see the way I was thinking was the world in spiritual clothing. I wanted my husband to be a spiritual leader, but when he didn’t do it fast enough I stepped up and took on the role. I compared him to other Christian husbands I knew and sold him short every time. There were others, too, of course. Thank God, though, for transformation only HE can bring about…transformation of my thinking. My marriage isn’t perfect ~ it never will be ~ but I can say in releasing my stubborn will to allow God’s light in I can see a glimpse of His good, pleasing and perfect will in bringing my husband and I together. How is your thinking today? About your life….yourself…your relationships…how are you thinking about God today? Ask Him to reveal and transform your thinking and allow you to see His will being lived out in your life.