Shake it off....

There were times I wanted to strangle a few coaches for saying it. (…or yelling it.) No matter what the problem, their solution was to just keep going. No matter the hurt or injury, no matter the upset, the instruction was to just keep performing. (I yelled it myself at times but I was admonishing my sons to shake off the screaming from the sidelines more than anything else!) I was a momma, they were coaches, we had different ideas of what was paramount.

There are indeed times we need to be able to ‘shake it off’. We need to be able to put aside situations or circumstances, expectations or disappointments. We have to go on. And sadly, that includes the concept of leaving behind.

We leave behind places and things. We even leave behind relationships. It is a difficult call to make, and even harder to live out.

“But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:51-52 NASB)
In our lives, we eventually learn that we have to ‘shake it off’ or we live in a state of constant dysfunction, being shaken UP. And you know what?….shaking off the hard stuff is really easy to do in anger. It’s easy to get mad and walk away when we have a problem or when we are rejected. But being shaken up by a situation in our lives is not an excuse to completely quit. It is never ok for us to become calloused or uncaring. We may very well have to shake it off, but we are called to keep on, to continue on, not in anger, but with love and joy, in the power of the Holy Spirit of God.

　

Paul and Barnabas shook off the dust, washed their hands of the situation, and went on. NOT because they didn’t care, not because they were glad that people had rejected the Good New of Jesus Christ. They just simply understood that there was nothing else they could do. They had to ‘shake it off’ and go on.

It is hard. I tend to hang on. So many times I’ve thought that if I tried hard enough, I could change it. So many times the Lord has had to pry my fingers off of some situation or circumstance. I find it difficult to find that balanced spot of shaking it off and persevering in it. I have learned to pray in specific ways for Him to slam doors in my face, that way I have no other choice but to shake it off and go on. And He has answered. Often.

　

As my arms fail to serve me as they have in the past, I wonder if it is a door closing? And as I wonder, I attempt to ‘shake it off’. I struggle to surrender what lies ahead to The One Who knows exactly what does indeed lie ahead, knowing in my head and in my heart that He is always, and only….good.


　

Forget my head if it wasn't attached...

I remember being told that when I was a kid. My mind would be elsewhere and I would forget what I was supposed to do, forget what I was supposed to get or take. When I left work today, I forgot my cell phone. I didn’t miss it until I got home and it was a real temptation to drive back and get it but I was just too tired. I did, however, feel like I might just fly off the planet without it. I’ve managed to make it thru most of the night without having done so, but if you knew the time of this writing, you’d know that I haven’t slept much. I’m not sure if the missing cellphone has anything to do with that or not.

I blame my absentminded condition on an overloaded brain. I just get too many things bouncing around in my blonde head at one time and like this laptop I’m on right now, it just gets bogged down and often, some things just disconnect and I forget stuff.

I have developed a habit of forgetting to turn the burner off on the stove. Mr. Safety always catches it and I get a pleasant but firm ‘you really need to watch that Connie…’ from him.

I forget what I need at the store. I make a list, then I forget to take it. I forget what kind of ink cartridge goes in my printer. The list could go on and on.

Even God forgets.

There is only one thing He forgets, but He does forget that. He forgets my sin.
“… as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 NIV)



When I have turned from it and turned to Jesus, it is gone and forgotten. Oh, I may remember it and I can be sure that the enemy of my soul will remind me of it.

　

"Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God have come. The authority of his Christ has come. Satan, who brings charges against our brothers and sisters, has been thrown down. He brings charges against them before our God day and night.

They overcame him because the Lamb gave his life's blood for them. They overcame him by giving witness about Jesus to others……So be joyful, you heavens! Be glad, all you who live there! But how terrible it will be for the earth and the sea! The devil has come down to you. He is very angry. He knows his time is short." (Revelation 12:10-12 NIrV)

When the enemy reminds me of my shortcomings, I purpose to remind him….God forgives and forgets. Hallelujah.

That devil can just forget about it….

Meeting payroll....

As a business owner, it’s always in the back of my mind. I have to meet payroll. I only have two people on my actual payroll, but there are four more to whom I write a commission check every quarter. It is my responsibility to see that they are paid what is due them. I am fortunate to have people who take pride in our workplace and who do far more than what they are paid to do.

Hired people don’t always do much more than what is absolutely necessary. They may do that much only when they know they are being watched. However, they expect the signer of the check to do far more for them than just meet payroll!

I’ve been on both sides now. I’ve worked for people who gave me only what I earned, and then grudgingly. I’ve worked for people who were far more generous than they had to be. I purpose to be that sort….

My Father is.

He doesn’t give me what I earn.

He doesn’t have to worry about meeting His payroll, He can lavish me with far more than I deserve and never exhaust His resources. And because of that, it is my desire to do anything and everything I can possibly do to serve Him well.

I'm no saint...

I have heard that disclaimer many times. I always know what the person means to communicate by it, but often, it’s really just not true.

Let’s make sure we are on the same page about it. What is a saint? Looking at it from the negative, what is it NOT? Being a saint does NOT mean being perfect and living a perfect life because “Everyone has sinned” (Romans 3:23 NIrV).

There ARE saints. They are mentioned numerous times in scripture. The apostle Paul spoke about them and wrote to them many times. There are also many other references in the Bible to saints.

Most of the time we use the phrase “I’m no saint”, it is usually followed by a ‘but’. We might remark “I’m no saint, but I don’t ____________.” ( You can fill in that blank.)

We excuse ourselves because we don’t find the same fault in ourselves as we see in someone else. Problem with that is that we are comparing ourselves to some other person rather than the holy Creator God of the universe. He is the only Perfect One. The rest of us are flawed. So how could we possibly be saints?

Well, I am a saint. I’m not perfect, but I am being perfected. By the work of Jesus Christ, not my own, my imperfections are forgiven and erased. “It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process” (Hebrews 10:14 The Message)

I’m a saint. I have been made perfect. I am being made holy. And if you wear the Name of Christ, you are too. Hallelujah.

“For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” (Hebrews 10:14 NIV)

Hard to decide...

I don’t often have trouble making decisions. In fact, I am prone to make a decision in haste and later regret it. In my younger, even more foolish years, I’ve often said, ‘I’m going to do something even if it’s something wrong”. I would laugh then, but it was a very foolish attitude.

I’ve made decisions when I didn’t really like any of the options. I’ve made decisions with too little information and suffered the consequences of it. And I’ve even just flatly refused to make a decision. I think they call that ‘passing the buck’.

A decision is sometimes simply to wait. (…doing nothing was what I would have called that a few years ago. Waiting is NOT doing nothing….)

Life is a series of decisions. Every single one is important, and every single one effects far more than just ourselves. The prophet Joel described our situation, “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” (Joel 3:14 NIV)

Right now, I’m making decisions about some health issues. I don’t like any of the options but need something to change. I can choose a doctor to help with the issue, or plod along like I am….waiting. A wrong decision may mean my arm loses even more range of motion.

There is one decision that every single person needs desperately to decide “..for the day of the Lord is near..” (Joel 3:14 NIV). Whether it is today, tomorrow, or next month, your time is limited. Even if it is in the next century, your time will have long since ran out. If you choose to wait too long, it may mean you suffer some grave consequences.

It can be hard to decide .The enemy will lie and deceive and provide plenty of options. He kept me burdened and bound for a long time, until I decided to give up. It was the best decision I ever made. I gave up, I did not give in. I gave up to Jesus, I did not give in to the enemy of my soul, liar and devil that he is.

“But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. Then you will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion…” (Joel 3:16-17 NIV).

God decided before I was in my mother’s womb, He loves me. I can’t fathom it. And I wonder how it was not incredibly hard for Him to decide to do so. How could Jesus decide to lower Himself to a body of flesh like mine, just to help me in the valley of decision? For He did. And He stands waiting to help you in yours.

　

　
　

　

Love much, love well...

When the occasion gives opportunity, I like to give the gift of a Bible. Recently, an occasion came and as is my custom, I highlighted a couple of my favorite scriptures in an engraved Bible. This occasion was a wedding, I just love seeing the bride look at a new Bible with her new name engraved on the front!

I almost always echo Paul’s words to the people of Phillipi. “So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.” (Phillipians 1:9-11 from The Message)

Paul prayed that over the Phillipians pointing out to them that love grows and flourishes on purpose, not on accident. It’s not just about how we feel, it is very often a purposeful choice. We humans are apt to react rather than respond. Our nature doesn’t always make it easy to “discern what is best.” (Phillipians 1:10 NIV)

What a beautiful way to start a marriage, and a beautiful way to start every day: a look into God’s Holy Word and a prayer to love much and to love well.

My aching arms....

I am thankful for two arms that have served me well, arms I have used to do the work that has put food on the table and the extra things that our family has enjoyed.

I am also thankful that they have not always ached like they do today! And I'm so very thankful that they will not always ache like they do today.

"By His wounds I am healed." 1 Peter 2:24

I purpose to F.R.O.G. In the face of a faltering body, I purpose in my heart to rely completely on Him, not on my own two arms. He has never failed to meet and surpass my every need. He has even allowed some of my greed.

The enemy of our souls, deceiver of men, and accuser of the brethren, devil that he is, screams and tempts me to doubt. “How will you earn money if you can’t use your arms?”

I answer Him as Jesus did, with God’s Word. I will “do it with the strength God provides. Then in all things God will be praised through Jesus Christ. Give him the glory and the power..” (1 Peter 4:11 NIrV)

“ God is greater than my worried heart …” (1 John 3:20 The Message, personalized by me)

　

I want to “keep my eye on what I am doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.” (2 Tim. 4:5 The Message personalized by me)

I purpose that I not “put my hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides me with everything….” (1 Tim. 6:17 NIV personalized by me)

　

“He has given me new birth so that I might share in what belongs to him. It is a gift that can never be destroyed. It can never spoil or even fade away. It is kept in heaven for me. Through faith I am kept safe by God's power…..I have joy even though I may have to suffer for a little while. ……My troubles have come in order to prove that my faith is real. It is worth more than gold. Gold can pass away even though fire has made it pure. My faith is meant to bring praise, honor and glory to God.” (1 Peter 1: 4-7 NIrV personalized by me)

God does not make my arms hurt, but He allows it. And in everything, there is purpose.

　

“Pray for me. I have no doubts about what I am doing or why, but it's hard going and I need your prayers. All I care about is living well before God.” (Hebrews 13:18 NIV personalized by me)

Check your filter.

I depend on my husband for most of it. He keeps the filters changed in the vehicles. He sees to it that all of the equipment filters are clean and clear. He always shows me the air conditioner filters when he pulls them out and every time, he will ask me if I think they need changing. Of course they are always disgusting and definitely need changing.

I tend to forget to check them until there is a malfunction. He remembers.

I have another filter, one that filters my thoughts, my attitudes, my words, my behavior. Sometimes I pull it aside and proceed unfiltered, but it is always a mistake. I am instructed to not do that. “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thes. 5:29 NASB)

When through faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit of God came to dwell within me. He is a Person and He is real. And He is a great filter.


“Check out everything, and keep only what's good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.” (1 Thes. 5:22 The Message)

“Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” (1Thes. 5:19-24 NASB)

It is easy for me to see what needs to be filtered out of your life. I purpose that I be even more sensitive to what needs to be filtered out of my own.

I purpose to be obedient and cooperative as the Spirit sanctifies me, never quenching that still small Voice, always listening for His whisper, trusting His guidance.

I purpose to use His filtering, avoiding the disasters and destruction that result when I proceed in my own way.

I am thankful for the filter He provides.

Magic Kingdom

We raised boys who weren’t interested in magic kingdoms. Disney was not very well watched at our house. I’ve never been to the magic kingdom of Disneyland, nor had the desire to. Certainly, our boys never asked to go. 

There are lots of movies and television programs about kingdoms with magic. All are fantasy. But there is a kingdom that is very real and it far exceeds magic. It is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. And I am thankful…
　



“God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He's set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating. We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created.”(Col. 1:13-15 The Message)

I am thankful to be a citizen of the kingdom of God. I purpose to “..walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls me into His own kingdom and glory.” (I Thes. 4:12 NASB personalized by me)

Give thanks...

It is November, the month of our Thanksgiving holiday. Turkey, dressing, ham, pumpkin pie, and dozens of other dishes. We will gather our families, cook more than we can eat, and eat more than we should.

I purpose that this Thanksgiving season remain a season of giving thanks. Beginning today I purpose to recognize and count the many blessings I have.

I am thankful there are more than I can count.

I am thankful that it is so difficult to decide which to name first, and which to name next.

I am most thankful for my salvation. I am thankful for the security I have in Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the training I have had in scripture and the awareness I have of that still small Voice Who uses those scriptures to guide me, chasten me, and encourage me. I am thankful the fear of the Lord I have been taught, and thankful the absolute ease of coming into His Presence with my every need.

Feeling a little froggy...

Frogs jump.  Some further than others, but they all jump.  I suppose the phrase "feelin' a little froggy" means you might feel like taking a leap.  I'm not much one to take leaps.  I like the safety zones.  My boundaries are pretty tight and I am secure there. 

Opening a new business at my age was definitely a leap.  And I must say I didn't feel at all froggy.  But I felt secure. I felt confident, and I felt led by the One I rely on. 

Somewhere long ago I saw the word frog used to abbreviate a lifestyle of trust in God.  F.R.O.G.  Fully Rely On God. I struggle with relying on Him, especially when I can't see the what, the where, or the how of my situation.  Often, I succumb to the enemy's taunt, "it's all up to you."  

It is not all up to me.
It is not all about me.

The leap I took some months ago turned out to be a very smooth glide.  Things fell into place.  And even though I had said I had more than I could say grace over, there has  been an expansion.  

It is still not all up to me.
It is still not all about me.

I asked myself some days ago, "why am I doing what I am doing, how am I going to keep going, how CAN I keep going with this tired aging body?" 

I don't know.  I just continue to rely on the God of the universe.  It's about Him and it's up to Him. 

I purpose in my heart to fully rely on Him in every moment of every day, thru every trial, thru every ache, thru every transaction, every sale, every service, every client, and pray that I will not miss an opportunity to speak His Name and give Him the credit for what He has and is doing.

He is so good. 

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.