You can’t know what you don’t know.

I have said it again and again. You just simply can not know what you have no knowledge of.

Ignorance is often bliss, not knowing something is often a very good thing. Ask Eve, she would certainly tell you that she was better off without the knowledge she gained from eating that forbidden fruit, that bite changed everything. Now, she did know what she had not known. And everything in her world and ours was affected.

I long struggled over the ‘curse’ that her sin brought on us girls. I still can’t wrap my brain completely around it but as I’ve learned more about the character and nature of our Creator God, I’ve come to know that He is not mean and nasty and does not get pleasure from ‘cursing’ us.

A particular phrase comes to mind tonight as I see photographs of a new great-nephew. I remember having told this new mother that she could not know what was in store for her. I know that her own mother offered words of instruction and admonition about what was in store but….you can’t know what you don’t know. The birth is over and now she does knows about childbirth, she knows about a heart bursting with awe and adoration, she has experienced the miracle of life and the pain of bearing it. And even though there is joy unspeakable right now, she has begun to know the sorrow of bringing forth children.

　

“…in sorrow, you will bring forth children.” (Gen. 3:16 NKJV)

I believe this phrase means far more than labor pains and the physical part of bringing forth children. I believe it reaches from the delivery bed to the death bed. I believe the joy mixed with the pain of those few hours of childbirth is only the beginning of the joy mixed with the pain of the next decades of years of child rearing, years that end only when we breathe our own last breath. Years of trying to prevent mistakes, trying to share what we learned from our own, and being ignored or dismissed in doing so, just like Eve did with her own Father.

Once we become mothers, everything changes. Everything is affected.

Once a parent, always a parent. And the deeper you invest yourself in it, the greater both the joy and the sorrow. How very complex it is. So joyfully painful, yet so painfully joy filled. The pain we girls feel in our bodies pales in comparison to the pains of emotion and mind involved in bringing forth those children.

Thankfully, we don’t know that pain all at one time. It is a life long process begun on that birth day….and it is worth every single pang.  A thousand times over.

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

What will I wear?

It is a question familiar to most of us especially us girls. Whatever the event or destination, we begin planning the wardrobe. We consider what will be appropriate, we consider comfort but we often value attractiveness over comfort, high heels proves that!

I’m about to enlarge the boutique portion of my salon. As I watch this happening I am reminded of so many teachings and admonitions from scripture. I hear the echoed accusations from the enemy, accusing me of vanity and worldliness. “For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down” (Revelation 12:10 NIV). He is a liar and a deceiver.

Vanity is a problem and can lead us straight into sin, being caught up in the world brings all sorts of harm. Yet I believe we are created to appreciate beauty. It is not sinful to be well groomed and attired in clothing that is becoming. It is when we become so enthralled with our own beauty that we disregard the beauty of our Creator and Savior that brings judgment.

So many times I have said “your hair is not who you are”. Hair should be easy to manage and it should be attractive, but it must be kept in proper perspective. Cancer patients learn that pretty quick, after the first few chemo treatments. Hair is not who you are.

So it is with clothing. Clothes are not who we are, they do not define us. But clothing can and should be attractive and easily maintained.

So, I embark on this endeavor with the boutique. Pray with me that I follow God in this and not miss the opportunities He presents to speak His Name and tell of His goodness.

Clothing and jewelry are pretty things to buy and wear but He is the epitome of beauty. In fact, He defines all beauty and all worth. I am again astounded at how He has blessed me and I am excited to see what He has in store for us. I purpose in my heart to serve Him well and trust Him with the days ahead.

What will I wear? Well, you can bet it will come from the boutique at A Total Change !

 

Happy, happy, happy...

Phil Robertson has made that phrase famous. With no trace of a smile, sunglass shaded eyes, and bearded face, he doesn’t necessarily look it as he talks about happy, happy, happy.

That was not the case these last two days. At my mother’s request, every one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered to celebrate her birthday. My brother took up the baton to carry out her wishes and hosted the event as well as cranking up his outdoor kitchen and doing some pretty awesome cooking.

My parents were happy, happy, happy and you could see it on their faces. My dad passed around a notebook to get a guest list and posed and re-posted for photographs without one complaint. Their eldest daughter was pretty happy herself since all my chicks were there.
“Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children” (Prov. 17:6 NIV)




I went obediently (and reluctantly), to many a family reunion, being introduced to people I didn’t recognize, wondering why my parents wanted somebody to know who I was. I am beginning to understand that concept. Yesterday, I looked on as my own children and grandchildren mingled with relatives they barely knew and I watched my parents enjoying a visible legacy they will leave behind. I’m part of that legacy. Even now I know that my children watch me in that same way as I enjoy seeing my own legacy, all of them in the nest again at the same time. Those opportunities become more and more rare.

Kerry and I sing the song about a family circle. “Will the circle be unbroken..?” I purpose that the circle of my family never be broken. I purpose that we are bound together with love and wonderful memories. But more than that, I pray that each one will intimately and personally know the risen Jesus as Lord and as Savior. THAT can never be broken. And THAT is what makes this girl happy, happy, happy.

The parties are great, the food delicious, but it comes to an end. The visits are heart warming and precious, but the visits end. There will come an end to all that is on this side of eternity, and when it does, all those who know Him as Savior will step into the other side of eternity to know the happiness that brother Phil preaches about. An eternal happy, happy, happy.

I will be there.

Need a little help here....

My man is prone to say that when he needs me to hold the flashlight, pump the grease gun, or some other chore that he can‘t do with just two hands. I know the feeling, I often find myself with more than I can do. It is hard for me to ask for help, but I do it sometimes and I am certainly grateful for those who come to my rescue and bail me out of a tight when I too need a little help. I have joked for years about being old and tired. It becomes less of a joke with each passing year. (Well, with each passing day even!)

When I need help at work, I look around to see who might fill that need. Sometimes there is someone. Often, there is not. Everyone else is as busy as I am ( even if they aren’t as old or as tired, they are still busy).

As usual, after I look everywhere else, I begin to tell God, “I need help, will You send someone? Or will You show me how to manage in another way.”


“ I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from GOD, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.” (Ps. 121:2 The Message)

The perfect salon assistant may come along tomorrow, but that won’t solve my situation. I need help in far more ways than somebody to shampoo, answer phones, and manage a salon and boutique. I need a divine Helper Who keeps me focused on what my purpose really is, One Who reminds me of what the main thing is. “One who will not allow my foot to slip; Who will …neither slumber nor sleep….One who be shade on my right hand…Who will protect me from all evil….One Who will keep my soul….Who will… guard my going out and my coming in…from this time forth and forever. (Ps. 121:4-8 personalized by me)



“I have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…” (Hebrews 6:19 personalized by me) 

Hallelujah.

Running on fumes...

My man fusses at me because I let my gas tank get too close to empty. He ‘tops off’ his tank often, it rarely ever sees the half-full mark. Mine sees that red ‘Empty’ on a regular basis. In fact, I’m apt to hear the bing and see the flashing light of the low fuel alarm.

It occurs to me that I do the same thing with my spiritual fuel tank. More than once I have found myself stranded in the middle of life, unable to go further. Having been speeding right along, suddenly things sputter and jerk to a stop. Perhaps I need to begin buying gas more often as a reminder to keep my spiritual fuel tank full. Perhaps I need to stop running on fumes.

I know in my head that “My help comes from the Lord” (Ps. 121:2 NASB). I know that like the disciples, I should be “continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52 NASB). But somehow I begin to be my own help and I stop filling up, choosing instead to just use and use and use. Why should I be surprised when I find myself used up?



“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit..” (Ephesians 5:18 NASB). The original word that is translated ‘be filled’ in this passage means the same thing as ‘top off’ means to my sweet and wise husband. It means to cram as much in as you can cram. It means to fill up level full.


I purpose to do whatever it takes to keep my tank from running low. I purpose to stop running on fumes.

In the good old days....

　

When were they? Was is the 1930s, the 40s, the 80s? Each generation has its own idea about when the good old days were. Today may be the good old days to my grandchildren.

What makes the good old days good anyhow? Is it a time when people were somehow better? Is it when we were younger, does youth make the days better somehow? Did grim economic conditions make the days good, or is it a flourishing economy that does it? Was it because religion was more fashionable, when people were more churched?

Job longed for the good old days. “How I long for months gone by….oh for the days when I was in my prime” (Job 25:2-5 NIV).

Wise old Solomon said not to wish for them, “Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.” (Ecc. 7:10 NIV)


I read an old oriental proverb, “Many say, This is a corrupt age. This mode of speaking is not just, it is not the age that is corrupt, but the men of the age.”
I wonder that there were never any good old days. Man has always been sinful. Since the catastrophe in the garden, obeying God has been an unfashionable thing. Godliness makes a little come back here and there, usually when things are the hardest. Then it seems to go out of style again.

I think back over my 50+ years and realize there were many good old days. But I purpose to live in this day. Today is a good day. It is the only one I have.

You be the judge...

I've been the judge of a few contests, I had a say in the decision about the outcome.  I've made many other judgments, decisions about what was best in a situation.  Many of my judgments have simply been guesses. Some of them dreadfully wrong.

We often say to each other, "you be the judge".  I wonder if we aren't simply passing the buck or maybe challenging one another's decisions. 

Joshua more or less said it the the people of Israel.   "...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.." (Joshua 24:15 NIV). He challenged them to judge for them self whether obedience to the God of heaven was the right thing to do, and brought them to a crisis of decision whether or not they would in fact follow His direction.  

I wonder if we think its ok to judge for ourself about every thing.  While it is true that God has given us freedom to choose for ourselves, judging for ourselves is not a good idea.  We lack the criteria to make good judgments, it is vital to have Him involved in every aspect of our being.  Jeremiah most likely was weeping when he said, "LORD, I know that people's lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps." (Jeremiah 10:23 NIV)

"But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:7-9 NIV)

When we judge for ourselves without the guidance of our Creator, we make our judgments based on shaky criteria...our own human heart.  And worse, we set ourselves up as god of our own lives, pushing aside the council of the Almighty.  When we turn to self, we are turning away from Him.  When we decide for ourselves what is right and what is wrong, we are idolaters worshipping our selves.

I purpose to give up my option to judge right and wrong, good and evil.  I purpose to judge for myself about only one thing..whom I will serve.  I purpose to leave the how of that up to Him and trust that He will show me at the appropriate time.  And when He does, I purpose in my heart to obey.  

In the meantime, I purposefully seek His Face, His heart, and search His Word. 

Get rid of....

Unwanted.  Removed. And glad of it...

I've heard people say they got rid of a lot of things.  We rid ourselves of things that have become useless or problematic.  We want to be rid of difficult people. We try to be rid of stressful situations.  We rid ourselves of things we don't need or use, things that clutter our lives and our homes.  And we feel quite liberated when we do rid ourselves. 

I know people who won't get rid of anything.  And I know people who will rid themselves and everyone else of whatever looks useless to them, regardless of whether anyone consents, I'm prone to do it myself!!

There is lots of stuff I need to get rid of.  Lots of things I need to let go of.  I put it off, but I always feel like a weight is lifted when I do get rid of things.  My kids won't know how thankful to be some day if I do get rid of the accumulated assortment of things that won't mean a thing to them. 

God has given us instructions about some things to get rid of.  Like my collections of stuff that I hang on to, I can hang on to things in this list, butive learned that He is always right and whatever He says is for a very good reason.  I don't want to hang onto things and wind up finding out the why of His instructions. 

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.." (Ephesians 4:31 NIV)

"So get rid of everything evil in your lives—every kind of wrong you do.."

 (James 1:21 ERV)

Some of the things I need to rid myself of are things I would really like to keep.  But I know they are weighing me down, taking up space, and perhaps reminding me of days past that will never return.  Spiritually, some of the things I need to rid myself of are also things I want to hang on to.  

I purpose to keep ridding myself of what God says needs to go.  He is always right. 

Wonders never cease....

Do we think they do?  Do we think that somewhere along the way God has become less powerful, in less control, weaker or less interested? When we find ourselves in difficult circumstances, is it because a God forgot about us? 

    "Pardon me, my lord," Gideon replied, "but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian."

   The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" (Judges 6:13-14 NIV)

God does not forget. His wonders have never ceased.  It is us who forget.  It is us who don't recognize the wonders He has worked.  It is us who continue to choose our own way, often bringing upon ourselves grave consequences... some of them come slowly, but they come.  

I purpose to look for His wonder working.  I purpose to live in expectancy of it. When difficulty comes, I purpose to look inward first, prayerfully asking Him to  reveal to me my own accountability for the calamity or problems I find myself in.  And I trust and expect His help, His guidance, His empowering, His healing, and His forgiveness and restoration.  He is God.  Forever.  And He is the embodiment of love.   How could He not extend Himself to me if only I admit my own shortcoming and place myself in His capable Hand.

I purpose to have a tender obedient heart, one that He will fill with Himself.  Wonders never cease.  

What do you expect...

We all have expectations.  What we expect sets us up for either disappointment or satisfaction and joy.  

We use the term 'expecting a baby' and would be greatly disappointed, not to mention shocked, were a puppy delivered instead.  With modern technology, the expecting has been further defined.  Now, we usually have the expectation of either a boy or a girl.  It rather takes the expectancy out of it.  

I purpose to live in expectancy.  When I narrow things down to expectations, I am often disappointed. I want to love each moment in the expectancy and assurance that He will lead and care for me.  I do expect that.

Does God 'expect',  and if so, what...?  Is He disappointed? 

"...... what do you think GOD expects from you? Just this: Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road he sets out for you, love him, serve GOD, your God, with everything you have in you.." (Deut. 10:12The Message).

Can I live up to God's expectations?  Respect, follow, love, serve, and obey....

Why should I want to? Do I comply simply because I am afraid NOT to? Or do I purpose to live according to His expectations out of a personal desire, borne out of love? 

I detest the notion of fearing God.  I relate that to being afraid of an angry Diety waiting anxiously to swat me with His giant fly swat, or maybe fry me with a lightning bolt.  

Yet love without respectful fear is negligent, certainly not intense.  When the obedience makes no difference in final outcome, what difference does it make if there even is obedience? When there is no respect for His perfect authority, obedience is of no more value than disobedience.  Fear without love has little value at all, it surely cultivates no relationship of any worth.  Obedience out of sheer fear leaves little room for love, if any at all. 

Yes, I purpose to live in expectancy. And I purpose to live reverently in the Presence of God.  I purpose to follow the path He sets before me, trusting Him to guide each decision.  I purpose to serve Him out of love and when I don't understand my situation, I purpose to remember that He is always and only good.  

Solid as a rock...

The theme slogan for my grandchildren's VBS was "Stand strong!"   They learned that no matter what the world around them throws at them, they have the choice to stand strong on the solid Rock.  

There is not much in this world that we can call solid as a rock, at least not for long.  Investments are recommended that are solid as a rock.  Often, in a few short years the company goes belly up in bankruptcy for one reason or another.  Our young muscles are solid as a rock, but a few years changes that drastically. 

Nothing in our realm is really solid.  Nothing except the Rock that my granddaughters sung about at VBS.  

So I purpose that 'On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand...'  I purpose to trust Him with what I am helpless to change, and ask Him to make it clear to me where to walk on the shaking ground before me.  

I've fallen and I can't get up...

There was a commercial that was well known for that line.  A service was sold that equipped an older person with a paging device to call for help should they fall and be unable to get up by them self.  

Sadly, as people age, they often fall and are helpless to get up.  

I'm not there yet physically, but I realize in a fresh way that I have always been there in a spiritual sense.  I have fallen, and try as I might, I can not get up by myself.  

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"  (Romans 3:23 KJV).

"   Israel did look for a law that could make them right with God. But they didn't find it. Why not? Because they didn't look for it by faith. They tried to get it by working for it. They tripped over the stone that causes people to trip and fall." (Romans 9:31-32 NIrV)

I am not of Jewish descent, but like the Jews, I once looked to law to make me right with God.  Like them, neither did I find it.  I had a long list of rules to keep.  I tripped many times, often down a church aisle, looking for absolution in public repentance.  I tripped over the same Jesus Who stands in the way with Arms outstretched offering to raise me up from this fall and every fall ahead.  

Yes, I have fallen.  But I have been raised up by strong and capable hands.  I am broken from the fall and healed by The El Rapha.  I am weak but He is strong. He did not turn away from the sight of my helpless human condition.  His love is perfect.  

Lord, give me the capacity to love as You do.  

Figure it out...

There is a law of cause and effect.  If you cut yourself, you bleed.  If you drop glass, it breaks.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out, it is simple law of nature. 

It is also truth that sin brings death, "..the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23 NIV).
We often don't see it with our eyes, many times it is not immediate, most often it is not physical but deadly in other ways, especially to those of us "who have been brought from death to life" (Romans 6:13 NIV). 


The Book of Job has been the focus of recent Sunday School curriculum, so I'm brought again to look at Job, his situation, his faith and trust in God, his defense of himself, and the friends who brought him little comfort and encouragement. 

Job and his friends were all of the understanding that if you obey God, you are blessed.  If you break covenant with God, you suffer.  So, when Job suffered, the quest began to figure it out.  What had Job done to cause this suffering? 

It is a hard concept, but this scripture bears it out....sometimes you just can't figure it out.  Even when you do all the right things, you might find yourself in difficult and hurtful situations. 

Job hashed it and rehashed it with his friends.  Even if they had 'figured it out', what is the point?  What does it matter in the big picture what the 'why' is?  The only thing of value is the 'how'.  How we respond.  How we endure.  How we grow and mature.  How we use the experience in the future.  How we submit.  How we repent. How we simply go forward.

Job couldn't explain what had happened in his life.  He didn't have the luxury of reading the Book of Job and knowing about the greater spiritual battle going on.  And when Job finally gave up trying to 'figure it out', God cleared up the issue.  "Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about?" (Job 38:2 The Message)
I purpose to learn this from Job today:  I purpose to stop trying to figure out what God is doing and why.  I purpose to simply live in the moment, step by step in obedient faith, for "I have not yet been made perfect. But I move on to take hold of what Christ Jesus took hold of me for.... I forget what is behind me. I push hard toward what is ahead of me.   I move on toward the goal to win the prize..." (Php. 3:12-14 NirV).

I will never figure out God.  I choose to believe, trust, and strive to obey.  Today. 
  
   




 


 

Have it your way....

It’s a popular marketing concept. At Burger King, you can order your burger any way you like it. Subway lays all the ingredients out so you can see and pick what you want piled on your sandwich. Frank Sinatra sang ‘I did it my way’.

I’ve known parents who caught their child smoking and simply said ‘ok, you want to smoke…smoke this whole pack tonight, we will sit with you while you do it’. I’m not so sure that was a good way to discipline, but that kid certainly had it his way and most likely didn‘t want it again.

And all of us have tried to pass on our own knowledge to others, knowledge we gained from our own hard experiences, and we’ve probably had to stand back and see our advice slung aside as that person had it his own way.



“Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes”(Proverbs 1:30-31 NIV).

God must shake His head in frustration as over and over we insist on having it our way. Even at all His warnings and instructions, His encouragement, the assurances of His love and best intent, we order up our own way, healthy or not.

It is so difficult to watch as a very, very wrong ‘my way’ unfolds. It is hard to see the consequences of bad decisions begin to materialize. When integrity and godliness disappear, arrogance, greed, and pride grow like weeds. When in obstinacy, leaders think ‘their way’ can be had at any cost, the cost gets greater and those who pay the price suffer in ignorance.

　

In this house, we sing along with Frank:
Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way


I can say in all confidence that this particular way, was God’s way. With integrity, compassion, and a pure servant’s heart. 

Your next payment is due....

I frequently check the balance on the credit card I use for business purchases. I like to pay more than just once a month. When I call the toll free number, the automated services gives me information about my account. Usually, the voice will say “no payment is due at this time”.

Had I not already paid on the debt, that message would instead be “your next payment is due”, and give me a deadline for that payment.

　

“For you know what was paid to set you free from the worthless manner of life handed down by your ancestors. It was not something that can be destroyed, such as silver or gold; it was the costly sacrifice of Christ, who was like a lamb without defect or flaw. He had been chosen by God before the creation of the world and was revealed in these last days for your sake.” (1 Peter 1:18-20 Good News Bible)

No payment is due at this time. Or any other time.

I was in terrible debt, “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NIV)

There is no going over the limit. No service charges, no yearly fee. My account is paid in full. Hallelujah. Thank You Lord Jesus. 

Search and rescue...

I watched the television as first responders began sifting thru the devastation left by the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. Listening to hear any faint cry, the goal was to rescue any survivor trapped under the rubble, snatching that life from the grip of death.

There were no prerequisites for rescue, no conditions to be met, no qualifications demanded. Everyone touched by this violent act of nature was searched for, rescued, then cared for.

For those left without anything except their life, the value of that life was profound. When found helpless, the offer of help was quickly accepted.

 
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”(James 5:19-20 NIV)

No matter where I am, there are cries to be heard if only I have ears and quietness of heart to hear. People are devastated and trapped. The violent nature of sin ravages and destroys all who find themselves in its grip.

Will I even take the initiative? Do I evaluate when, where, and to whom I will obediently be the first responder?

Why do those in such dire need refuse the only Hand that can rescue them? Often time and time again. Why do they resist when He sends His rescue workers?

Where have I become in need of rescue or wandered from truth? Who would turn me from the error of my way, and how would I respond?

I believe there is security in my salvation. Yet death still looms when I become distanced from pure truth and find myself wandering. Death of peace, death of purpose, death of usefulness, death of relationships, death of joy, sometimes even physical death, and certainly death of a fruit bearing life. Yes, I am secure in my salvation. But because of it, I have the desire to be fruitful and useful.

I purpose to hear and respond to any search and rescue call He gives.

　

Making our approach...

I’m not sure if I’ve heard a real airplane captain say it or if it is just a movie I remember. When it gets time to land the airplane, the voice comes over the speaker announcing “Ladies and gentlemen, we are making our approach”.

　

　

There is a promise from scripture familiar to many of us, “ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”(James 4:8 NASB)

That promise assures me that when I approach God, He approaches me. The airport doesn’t rise up and meet me. The prodigal son’s father didn’t wait on the porch, he ran out to meet his returning son. And God doesn’t watch and wait as I stumble and climb, trying to get to Him.

There’s much more information in that passage though, instructional advice about our approaching God.

“Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”(James 4:8-10 NASB)
If I truly intend to approach God, I am admonished to “ Say a quiet yes to God….. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet. “(James 4:8-10 The Message)

　

It is not all up to me. I’ll never clean up my life, get rid of the sin, and live a perfect life. I’ll never achieve the removal of the sin that all we humans share. He knows that, even if I don’t know just how true it is.

I am to become humbled and submitted to His authority, putting His will above my own. I am to resist the temptation to do what He says is wrong.

I will never be more than what He will raise me up to be. I will never attain any status or accumulate any credential that will elevate my status more than being His child.

Me, approached and exalted by the Creator of the universe. 


Hallelujah.


　

If at first you don't succeed....

….try, try again. Never, ever give up.Great mottos.
Persistence is a good character trait to cultivate, setting goals and working toward them. If we give up easily, we certainly will be defeated easily.

I’ve set a few goals in my lifetime. I am not one to reach for the stars, I’m easily satisfied. Where I am in life has come from a slow persistent pace. Life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon, we do well to set a steady pace and maintain….

I’ve enjoyed some success in business. I have success in some of my relationships… a solid marriage, children who love and respect me. And, I’ve achieved some meager spiritual success.

But there are a couple areas of life, both spiritual and physical, that are a constant battle ground. My mind and my mouth.

What is in my mind is likely to come out my mouth, and very often, it doesn’t need to be in either place. I am warned in scripture about what comes out my mouth, and I do well to rely on some help with it….I’ll am assured that I will have no success simply on my own determination.
“This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue--it's never been done.” (James 3:7-8 The Message)

My mouth needs a filter. I am convicted yet again for unleashing my tongue, and purpose that today will find me
“…fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. My tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building a life of obedience into maturity.”(2 Corinthians 10:5-6 The Message personalized by me)

It is hard to keep on keeping on. I have moments when I do give up and give in, giving too much rein to my tongue, spewing words of death when I need to filter my thoughts thru the thoughts the One Who died for all of us.

Not just me.

I purpose today for the Holy Spirit to tame my tongue. I purpose today that every word I speak will be words of life.  


　

Put under a microscope....

When stepping into the role of teacher, we open ourselves up to the possibility, and probability, of having someone be offended. And we subject ourselves to a scrutiny none of us will pass with a perfect score. Somebody will put us under a microscope.

“Don't be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified. We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. If you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true, you'd have a perfect person, in perfect control of life.” (James 3:1-2 The Message)

Teaching another person is a huge responsibility. In context, James was addressing a Jewish culture that valued and respected those in teaching positions of a religious nature. Spiritual life was at stake. Truth must not be compromised, but delivered in its entirety, with love and with firmness. Teaching is vital, and it is a high calling….

….but expect problems.

Expect to say the wrong thing sometimes, or say the right thing in a wrong way.
Expect to be scrutinized.
Expect fault to be found within you when you are scrutinized.

Makes you want to be a teacher huh?

I understand the context of James’ writing. I get the issues of the culture and the process of believers leaving behind the traditions and laws of Judaism. No longer was it only a Levite who could study and teach from the scrolls. Each believer was now a priest. Jesus Christ was the new high priest.

…and I understand the implications for those of us who have a call on our lives to teach in some capacity. For those of us who have children, we have assumed a role of teacher. Like it or not, intentional or not, we are teachers.

It is indeed a highly responsible work. We will certainly be held to strictest standards.


Those who want to find fault won’t need a microscope because we won’t get it all right. None of us are perfectly qualified, none of us will say and do all the right things.
Not a single one of us will refrain from saying or doing what we should not say or do. “We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”(James 3:2 NIV)

That anyone James mentions…? Well that would be the only One Who is without fault, Jesus Himself. The rest of us strike out before we pick up a bat….

Human life would be extinct if only perfect people could bear children.

Spiritual life would starve if we insisted on only perfect people taking teaching roles.

Emotional life would be pitiable if only perfect people could minister to hurting people.

I purpose to take the first look at myself under the microscope. I purpose to place myself under the authority and control of the only One Who has no fault to see, even under close scrutiny.

And for those who would like to take a peek at that microscope…? Don’t bother…I’ll tell you up front, there’s some nasty stuff to see, but Jesus is working on it.

　

Do as I say....

I hated being told to ‘do like I said’. Then I found myself echoing those same words years later. They hated it as much as I did, I’m quite sure. (…right boys?)

It is a process, this learning obedience. In rearing children, we are somewhat able to enforce our will over theirs. We insist they do as we say. And they do to a degree but that only goes so far. Eventually they either obey out of respect and trust, or they refuse.

Ideally, they come to know that you have only their best interest in mind. The ultimate goal is for their actions to line up with the direction they are given.

Parenting is not a perfect example, but I think about the process as I read James’ teaching about the relationship between faith and action.

I ‘say’ I believe God. Then I often don’t follow thru with how I act out my life.


"So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead.” (James 2:17 GNB)
Thank You Lord, for your grace that fills in the gaps, yet I am convicted to search my heart to identify any area of dead faith.

A young man I know recently repeated the phrase ‘Preach the gospel, if necessary, use words.’ It is not doctrinally correct in that we must use words, we must communicate the message of Jesus Christ. But when we just tell it and leave them with a ‘do as I say’….only to live in a way that doesn’t line up with what we say…

Well, imagine how your children respond to that kind of parenting.

That’s the way people will respond to the message of the cross, preached from a person with a dead faith.

I truly believe that we act out of what we really believe in our hearts. Lord God forgive my unbelief. I purpose for my conduct and thoughts to line up with what I say I believe. Forgive me and raise me up to get up and go on….doing as You say, simply because You are God.

Dress to impress....

I went thru a training once about presenting the right image. We were encouraged to buy that one pair of really great pumps, a tailored blazer that would multipurpose, and great fitting slacks in a neutral color… ( black, of course).

Dressing to impress would guarantee better response and higher income.

At another training, I remember being instructed to look outstanding, but NOT stand out.

Pitiful as it is, those strategies bring return in the marketplace when carried out correctly. If you look good, but not too good, your chances of success are great.

I’m in the business of image. I offer services that change what people see reflected in the mirror. I’m apt to offer fashion tips and trends. The old slogan comes to mind once again, ‘If your hair is not becoming to you, you should be coming to me’.

How we look matters. And it should. Yet again, it can get out of balance so easily. Worse still, how other people look matters to us. And maybe that shouldn’t…..certainly it should not change our behavior toward them.
“…believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” (James 2:1 NIV)

I’ve recently witnessed a reward of fleshing this out. After years of being in a position to show a great deal of favoritism, many words of appreciation and honor have been spoken.

Some of those words were spoken by those ‘..
wearing a gold ring and fine clothes’ (vs.2), but a great deal of the affirmations came from those who don’t look like they mattered so much according to our culture standards.

They matter to God, and they mattered to my man.

For those who took time to voice the affirmations, thank you for the pleasure you brought me as he received that gift or words, whether spoken or written.

God views us all equally, no matter the fine fitting suit, the killer shoes, or the great hair. Regardless of the battered old jalopy we drive, or the newest luxury vehicle, His mercy is available, and His perfect law the same.

We do not have to compete for His love and protection, they are extended to all of us

　

I purpose to imitate my Father in showing no favoritism, especially favoring on appearances.

No pain, no gain....

I just read the remarks from someone after a first session with a personal trainer. He was sharing the woes of muscle failure.

I identify. Not so much with the weight training at the gym, ( I’d surely fail there too though…), but I identify quickly with spiritual muscle failure. Thankfully not as easily as once was true.

I don’t really like building muscle. It is not fun, takes persistent resistance. You have to increase the load, increase the repetition…sweat, ache… ugh. But I would like the results, were I to commit myself to it.

　

I dread what the living Word of God will speak to me each time I come to the book of James. Every time I read it, it is hard. There are a lot of things that put another weight on the bar, stretching me, convicting me, challenging me to grow muscle. And as I said, I’m not fond of building muscle. Certainly not fond of the work involved.

But I do like the results of the work, once He has completed it in me. So, I begin in chapter 1.
“My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble…But this gives you a reason to be very happy.
You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.
Do any of you need wisdom?
Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. But when you ask God, you must believe. Don't doubt him.”(James 1:2-6 ERV)

No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Trouble comes. Often.

I still am not able to be happy about it, but praise God I do see trouble as an opportunity to re-present Jesus Christ and His power.

I purpose to live in His grace, depend on His empowering, and focus on His joy, anticipating the end result.

I do need wisdom, and purpose myself to not seek it from any worldly source, but instead to ask my Father for His wisdom.

……and enough of my own to use His.

We are not alone....

Remember the eerie space movies, where aliens come to inhabit earth? It was creepy to think that maybe ‘we are not alone’.

But it’s not creepy at all, in fact it is the most comforting thing I know….I am not alone.

I must admit, I was not at all comfortable with that thought at one time. The Presence of God so very present all the time was frightening. And I’ve never seen or heard Him….imagine the response of those Who experienced the God of Mt. Sinai, saw the fire, saw the cloud, witnessed the miraculous delivery from Pharoah’s army.

“I have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded..”(Hebrews 12:18-20NIV personalized by me)
“I have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant..”(Hebrews 12:23-24 NIV Personalized by me)


I am not alone. I am visited and indwelled by the Holy Spirit of God. He is both fierce and gentle. Wrathful and loving. “…for our "God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12L29 NIV)

There is sweet intimacy and deep respect. He lavishes His love, grace, and mercy, but at the same time metes out judgment. He is a consuming fire that engulfs every part of who I am, and a fire that burns away at any thing that is not good and right, removing what is not fruitful and eliminating what distracts me from what is for my ultimate good and His glory.

I remember fearfully singing, “There’s an all-seeing Eye watching you.”

What comfort it is to me now to know that not one thing escapes His notice. He is indeed watching, I need not beg or explain. He is already there.

"So I say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6 NIV personalized by me)

Fake it til' you make it....

Continuing in Hebrews this morning, I look again at these heroes of faith listed in chapter 11.

Some of these people had great victories. Some had terrible defeat, disappointments, and some suffered or even died. Some of them never realized the purpose of it all in the grand scheme of things.

I often get on my soapbox about faith. I can carry on and on about how our faith must be in the Creator God of the universe, not in our ability to believe something. We can’t just grit our teeth, set our jaw, and determine to set our mind to it., and be any better off than we were. ( …in fact, I think it just hardens us when over and over we believe the enemy lie that it’s all up to us..)

Yes, we can and must make a choice and a decision. Yes, we must purpose in our hearts. But if we are the only source and the only determining factor in this faith, we are idolatrous. We have faith in ourselves.

I have thanked God so often for the words of the sick boy‘s father, "I do believe; help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24 NIV)

What an honest approach to God. I wonder why we think we can fake it til we make it with Him?

　

　

Faith isn’t something you can build up like a retirement fund. It isn’t something you can store away for future use like a pantry of food. You can’t save it up and watch it grow like money in a bank drawing interest. And no matter how much you have, it alone will never be enough.

Faith is meaningless without an object Who empowers and brings life. When Connie Pinkham is the object, simply my own self determination and choice, it is empty and worthless, leading only to death in situations, in relationship, and ultimately, in eternal death.

Faith in the Father of humanity makes the unseen real and it ushers in His grace, mercy, and strength. Faith in God demands that I have less and less faith in myself. As faith in Him increases, I realize over and over again my own inadequacy and His complete adequacy.

I purpose today to not fake it with Him.

And friend, I encourage you to get to know Him, don’t just decide to ‘be good’ or ‘act right’. Don’t think you can put your ears back and ‘have faith’. Don’t fake it. Because I can assure you, you won’t make it without His aid.

　

　

L O L.......smh...

LOL….smh……

For those of you who don’t recognize modern day shorthand, those letters mean a big ‘laugh out loud‘, and then ‘shaking my head'.　

　

Hebrews chapter 11 is often called the ‘hall of faith’. Listed there are people we refer to as heroes of faith. I stop at Sarah’s name, remembering how she laughed at a promise of God.

"So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?" Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too hard for the LORD?”(Genesis 18:12-14 NIV)　

Then her name is listed in this hall of faith chapter, branding her a heroine of faith, a believer in the promise of God.

“ And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.” (Hebrews 11:11 NIV)　

I identify with Sarah. (….certainly not in the childbearing thing !!)

I understand how it feels to look at the circumstances of life and chuckle in disbelief.

I think about how long I have loved and claimed the promise of God as recorded by the prophet Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”(Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

I pray that it won’t be a long wait until I can laugh again with her, reflecting back on this day, marveling at how God has done exactly what He said. His plan is good. Whatever it is, however long it takes, it will bring a smile and laughter.

　

“Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." (Genesis 21:6 NIV)

I do laugh with you sister Sarah. And anticipate much more laughter in our future.

Standing on the promises of God ♫♪♪♫••*•♫♪♫•*•♫

　

People don’t always stand on their promises. Sadly, the trust factor between people is little to none these days. Even when something is documented, promises are broken.

I intend to keep my promises, but I too have often failed. I have learned not to make a lot of them.

Tonight, in some time alone in God’s Word, I’m thanking Him again for His faithfulness in keeping His promises. Whether any other human being is trustworthy or not, whether promises are made and kept, or made and ignored, God’s promises are sure. I can stand firmly on that.

　

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10 NIV)

People forget, at least some of them do.

God never forgets.


　

An officer recently called our home to share a memory of when he was a rookie in training. A call came in about a woman who was causing a disturbance at a business. Eager to get there, and anticipating that they would escort the woman out of town, he was surprised to end up feeding the distraught and troubled woman, finding a way to get her shelter, contacting help for her, all of which calmed her and brought the situation under control.

What a gift it was to hear that the young officer tell the story of that day and how he had learned a valuable lesson.

Some people don’t forget.

God never forgets.

Hallelujah.

Ignorance is bliss.....

The recent events in our lives are hard to discuss. It’s complicated. But should I care to discuss it to a trusted friend, they try to understand. Their hearing me goes beyond comprehending my words. They may have never known or suspected anything amiss, they were ignorant. At least by Webster’s definition.

Webster defines ignorant as “destitute of knowledge; uninstructed or uninformed; untaught; unenlightened”

There is a huge difference in ignorance and ignoring. It’s one thing to not know something, but the offense is multiplied when we simply ignore it. Ignoring is intentional.

Do we act on what is revealed to us? Of choose to ignore?

Discerning good, recognizing evil, responding in a right way, taking appropriate action….or take no action, no active response to the revelation of truth.

　

　

The writer of Hebrews warns us about such. He stresses to us that maturity must be our goal. Learning and growing are not accidental. It is purposed. Intentional. Goal-specific.

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.”(Hebrews 5:11 NIV)

I wonder, what has God told me to do that I have not been obedient in?

What has been revealed that I ignore?

What is it that is unclear to me simply because I refuse to engage my mind and heart to understanding?

Why should God go any further with me in the process of growing me up, if I refuse to act on the truth He has already revealed to me?

What is the last thing that you understood God instruct you to do? Have you done it? When is the last time you bent your ear to listen to Him? He still speaks, thru His Word, and has even provided a tutor, the Holy Spirit.

I purpose today to engage my entire self in understanding.

I purpose to act in obedience to whatever bit of understanding I gain, obediently participating with Him in establishing the line of communication between us.

I purpose to not ignore His still small Voice.