My Gift To Him

"Therefore, those who also suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." 1 Peter 4:19

What do you give the person who has everything? No doubt you have had that thought if not already spoken the phrase several times already during this holiday season.

I am purposely committing to step away from the shopping and planning and carve out some quiet time to think about what I want to give to my Lord this year. I know, we all want to give Him our love and devotion, our worship and adoration--all the things He so richly deserves and we so often neglect to offer. But what about me personally? What am I to offer Him this year and looking toward the year to come? As I think and pray, my mind continues to bring me back to the verse that I have committed to memorize for 2010--1 Peter 4:19. I am especially drawn to the last half of the verse, "...shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right."

Whether I like it or not, suffering is a very real part of life--even the life of the committed believer. But how I respond to suffering and trials is really my gift back to Christ. Am I going to get angry, kick and scream, panic and run? Or am I going to release my will and continue to do what is right, trusting that my God, the Lover of my soul will be glorified and bring something good and precious from my trial?

My gift to Him this year is settled. I will entrust my soul to my faithful Creator in doing what is right.

How about you?

Do The Next Thing

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." 1 Corinthians 4:2


Elisabeth Elliot often quotes this beautiful old poem. When I am so overwhelmed with care and responsibility and not sure how everything is to be accomplished, these words encourage me not to look too far ahead. Many times faithfulness in this walk with Christ is a matter of being determined just to "Do the next thing."

"At an old English parsonage down by the sea,
there came in the twilight a message to me.
It's quaint Season legend deeply engraven
that, as it seems to me, teaching from heaven
And all through the hours the quiet words ring,
like a low inspiration, "Do the next thing."

Many a questioning, many a fear,
many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
time, opportunity, guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrow, child of the King,
trust that with Jesus, "Do the next thing."

Do it immediately, do it with prayer,
do it reliantly, casting all care.
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand,
who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,
leave all resultings, "Do the next thing."

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
working or suffering be thy demeanor,
in His dear presence, the rest of His calm
the light of His countenance
be thy psalm, "Do the next thing."

Hope-Full

"...so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope."
1 Thessalonians 4:13

Henry David Thoreau said, "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them." I've heard and even shared the first half of that quote with others over the years but until recently had not been familiar with the last half, "...and go to the grave with the song still in them." How sad that for so much of humanity this statement rings painfully true. Fortunately for those of us who know Christ, that doesn't have to be the case.

Notice that I said it doesn't have to be the case. The Bible says in Colossians 1:27 that it is Christ in us "the hope of glory". As believers we possess what everyone else is desperate and longing for-- yet they don't know it. How sad. Perhaps even more grievous is that oftentimes we ourselves live as though we don't know it either! We have the song in us that others so desperately need to hear us sing.

Do you rub shoulders with people everyday who are headed to the grave with the song still in them? I don't want that to be me. Don't let it be you.

Sing your song!

Numbering Our Days

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
Psalm 90:12

It is fall in New England, one of my most favorite times of the year. I looked out my bedroom window this morning to see that my little backyard is totally covered in leaves--red, yellow, orange and brown.

On my walk I shuffled my feet through intermittent piles of those beautiful colors and my mind began to think some of "those thoughts". You know the kind I mean. The "Hmmm, time sure has flown by. Just yesterday the kids were tiny and we were taking nature walks together. Now they are all grown up and on their own and......" Yeah. Fall has a way of doing that doesn't it?

Psalm 90:12 kept running through my mind as I made my way back home. "Teach us to number our days...." You know I'm not sure that psalmist meant for us to try and numerically calculate just how many days we have left but maybe more so that we should keep in mind that our days really are numbered. We really are but a vapor, arent' we? After all, none of us really know how many days we have left, do we? Some of us may have 20 years, some 20 months and some just 20 minutes.

The last part of the verse says "...that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Sounds to me like we don't just come by hearts of wisdom naturally. If that's true then we should make sure we know how to get one. I, for one, am always asking for wisdom. The book of James tells us that if any of us lack wisdom we are to ask of God. I willingly admit that I'm in the lacking category. I want to sign up for as much as I can get.

If I keep in mind that my days are numbered does that affect the way I treat those that I love? How about those that I don't love? How about those that I don't know? How about the one who loves me most?

Numbering my days...... Yes, I need to spend a lot more time on that one.

Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

I find myself praying for peace alot lately. Not world peace, even though that is certainly a worthy prayer. We all know that there won't truly be peace in the world until Jesus, the Prince of Peace, returns. No, I am talking about personal peace--the "please breathe on me Lord before I lose my mind!" kind of peace.

We all have those days (or weeks or months or even years) when the best we can do is cry out for His help or His peace or both! No thou's and thee's, no "Dear Heavenly Father's", no praying around the world for everyone we know (which definately has it's place). Just a simple " I need your peace, Lord." He knows all that is really packed into that one line request. In fact, more than likely, He's the one who put it on our hearts to ask Him for it in the first place! Try to wrap your mind around that one. He often tells us what to ask Him for so that He can turn around and give it to us! Wow, really?

Need any peace?

Dwelling and Abiding

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1

What a precious week-end we shared together at the Women's Retreat! The Lord was so evidently present with us.

We learned that dwelling with Him means that we make our home with Him. We don't just pop in and out from time to time when we need something--we actually live there! When we live with someone we get to know who they really are. God wants us to get to know who He really is.

We also learned that abiding means that we stay even when we feel like running away. When we are committed to abiding in Him, we actually give Him the opportunity to prove Himself to us. Oh, how He wants to prove His love and faithfulness to us.

If you are a mother who has ever been separated from a child, you know how your heart breaks and longs to hold that child and pull them close to you. Our loving Father is no different. He longs for us to dwell and abide with Him--to live and to stay with Him no matter what happens.

Thank you ladies of HCF for the unconditional love you have for each other and for me. Thank you again for the beautifully engraved jewelry box you gave me. I am blessed to be a part of you.

God is faithful!

You Are The Light

"You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all." Matthew 5:14-15

What a powerful verse! Jesus said that we are the light of the world. Notice he didn't say we should be or we can be or that someday we might be. We are the light of the world.

If you're like me, some days you don't really feel like being the light of the world. Some days I would rather just turn my light off, take out the batteries and let someone else do the honors. This light stuff is pretty intense, though. We can't just decide when and where we want to be a light. This is a full time job. More than that--I guess it's really a calling. Once we receive His gift of salvation we are the light of the world.

Someone once said, "There is no plan B!" It's up to us to be the light that points the rest of the world to Jesus.

What a responsibility. What a calling. What a privilege. What an honor. What a Savior!

The Word

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.....and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...." John 1:1, 14

I know, I know--it's not Christmas. This verse is the stuff that some of the most beautiful Christmas cards are made of. I've just been thinking a lot about the Word lately--no, not the word--the Word.

I won't mention how many years it's been since I took New Testament Greek in college and to say I'm a bit "rusty" would be quite an understatement. In fact, I'm sure I've forgotten ninety percent of what I learned back then, I'm ashamed to admit. There are, however, a couple of Greek words that have always stuck with me. One of those is LOGOS or the Word. The English dictionary says of the term logos, "The creative word of God which is itself God and incarnate in Jesus. Also called Word."

If you're like me in your journey of faith, there are seasons that you "re-discover" the wonder of it all. I suppose I'm in one of those seasons. As my youngest will soon leave for college, I have been much more introspective lately. When I am introspective and looking at my life and life in general, my faith always plays a leading role. I find more and more that the Word, or Jesus Christ, is my anchor and my plumb line. As the scripture says, he is my "Rock". Without him, nothing else really makes much sense.

I am forever in awe of the language the Apostle John used when describing Jesus' entrance into our existence..."and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." In layman's terms I guess you could say that Jesus "put skin on and jumped down in this hole with us." Now don't go off on my use of the term "hole". I'm not referring to specifics in our lives but rather to the human condition in general. Let's face it, the scripture says that without Christ we were and are utterly lost and without hope. When the Word entered the picture--everything changed. If we surrender ourselves and our lives to Him we find the hope that our souls long for. With Christ we have a way out and a way up!

St. Augustine said, "Thou has made us for Thyself, Oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee."

Logos. The Word. Think about it.

A New Song

"He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:3

In this particular Psalm, David begins by giving us a brief overview of a recent trial in his life. He speaks of several things including: patience, crying, a slimy pit, mud and mire. His description then moves on to a picture of the Lord setting his feet on a rock and a firm place to stand.

Toss all of the above into a mixing bowl and "voila"! Out pops a new song--right! Not so fast. Don't forget who the cook is. God alone gives us the patience to wait as He is working. His gentle voice is whispering the melody in our ears. He knows when the slimy pit, mud and mire part is finished. He hums the harmony at that point. It is His hand that sets our feet on the rock and gives us a firm place to stand in His perfect timing. Then we have it--the new song!

Interesting thing about new songs; we usually end up teaching them to those around us while we are learning the words ourselves! Whether you are initially interested or not, you usually can't help picking up the tune if the person next to you sings it often enough.

The Psalmist says of our new song, "Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord". Why? Because of us! When we sing our song others will want what we have.

Learning any new songs?

It's All About Perspective

"My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the Lord, "and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

One of the cries of my heart these days is that the Lord would give me His perspective on life. It's taken me a while, but I'm finally understanding that I don't always see things the way they really are. In fact, most of the time I don't see things the way they really are at all. My perspective is often clouded with my sin, my desires, my fears and my weaknesses. I need to see my marriage and my husband the way He sees them. I need to see my children (and my grandchildren) the way He sees them. I need to see my ministry, my calling and my purpose the way He sees them.

If I don't have the Lord's perspective then I will likely make decisions that are not in the best interests of myself, my family, my friends and my ministry. Most of all, I could easily make choices that cause me to miss out on God's best for me.

My husband enjoys watching old westerns on television. From time to time I like to sit down and slide into the "old west" for a few minutes, too. I especially get caught up in the situations where a group of settlers on their way west stop for a brief reprieve at a rugged old fort or an outpost. They often feel secure and protected within the gates of the fort until the young man way up in the look-out tower starts reporting on who is coming in the distance. What they see on the ground is often totally different from what he can see from his perspective. Even though they may feel perfectly safe at the moment, he knows if danger is just over the next hill and moving their way. Because of his position, the look-out guy has a much better understanding or perspective on their situation. If they listen to him, they can be prepared for what is coming.

In the same way, the trusted look-out can see if even beyond the danger that's approaching, the cavalry is pulling up behind them and help is on the way.

The spiritual connection is pretty clear, isn't it? The people within the fort would be pretty foolish to only rely on what they can see to make decisions about their safety and their future. They desperately need to trust someone who sees far beyond what they are capable of seeing.

Ask God for His perspective on your situation. He can see much further ahead than you can and He's on your side.

Jars of Clay

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us."' 2 Corinthians 4:7

2 Corinthians 4:7 is hands down my favorite scripture. Maybe it's because it very honestly reminds me of who I am--nobody. Nobody without the Lord Jesus, of course. I have read that in biblical times homes usually had a number of containers of various sizes, colors and materials. Different occasions called for certain containers. However, the regular clay jar was what one usually had the most of.

If you were expecting special guests you might want to use the more expensive containers from which to serve them. If it were just you and the family, the basic jar of clay would do just fine.

A very interesting note that I picked up on here; someone remarked that oftentimes folks would hide their most precious possessions--perhaps some precious stone or a little bag of coins in one of their many clay pots. It would be unlikely for a thief to think to look in one of the numerous jars of clay for a special treasure. Thus, the unassuming jar of clay often become the vessel that held that which was most valuable. It wasn't the jar that was of lasting value. It was what it contained--a treasure!

The spiritual application is obvious, isn't it? We are the jars of clay. The gift of knowing Christ (the Good News) and his Holy Spirit dwelling in us is the treasure. My Dad always says, "Remember who you are and remember whose you are."

Jars of clay. hmmm. Yeah, I like that.

Rainy Days and Mondays

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:5

As my husband and I drove home from dropping one of our cars at the mechanic this morning we remarked about the fact that it is Monday and it is raining--again! I love living in New England and I love the rain but after a while something inside me longs for a glimpse of the sun again.

We reminisced about the old Carpenter's song, "Rainy Days and Mondays". Yes, that would put us smack dab in the middle of the 70's. I'll never forget the sad sound of Karen Carpenter's voice as she began the song..."Talking to myself and feelin' old. Sometimes I'd like to quit. Nothin' ever seems to fit. Hangin' around--nothin' to do but frown. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down..."

Even if you're an "Up" person, from time to time life can really get to you, can't it? Maybe it's a health issue, or a financial struggle, or a personal struggle involving your spouse or a child. Let's face it. We've all had those days when we just cried out to the Lord and said, "I can't do this anymore--it's too hard!" What do you think the Lord says when we cry out to him in that way? Does he say, "Don't be a baby," or "Come on. Pull yourself together. You're embarrassing us both!" No, I don't think so. He usually says something like this to me,"I know this is hard. I know you feel like giving up. But hold on to me--I will see you through this."

I love this verse in Psalm 42 because David is basically having a talk with himself. He's saying, "Why are you so down? Remember where your hope is. It doesn't feel like it now but one day you will praise Him for all of this!"

We sing a song in our church called, "I Still Run To You". The last part of the song says, "Though sometimes my mind's confused my heart still knows what's true: That you alone are faithful, the One that I run to. When all the world deserts me I still run, I still run, I still run to You."

Rainy days and Mondays will come and go. As long as our hope is Him--we're going to be OK!

I Need To Hear Your Voice

"My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27

As with all kids, when my children were young they would often find themselves in what to them were very "scary" circumstances. Perhaps a fall from their bicycle, a skinned knee, a finger accidentally closed in the door or a "monster in the closet" at bedtime. Even more terrifying for them (and for me) were the few times we got separated in a department store, a family picnic or playground. Panic sets in with children usually about the time they realize that no one who looks familiar is anywhere around and they know they need some help.

However, I noticed something very interesting when my children were separated from me--I usually discovered it long before they did. In fact, I was already looking for them before they realized that they needed me. I began calling out to them often before they knew they were lost. Because of that, they usually heard my voice long before they saw my face. The sound of my voice was such a comfort that it helped them calm down until they could see me with their eyes.

The spiritual lesson here is more than obvious, isn't it? Do you ever have those days when the enemy really does seem to be "coming in like a flood"? (Isaiah 59:19) Do you ever feel the need to cry out to the Lord, "I need to hear your voice!" Or as my children used to say, "I need you, I need you!" I have learned to do that more and more the older I get. And guess what I've discovered? He has started calling out to me long before I even realized I was working up to that panicky feeling. He already knew I needed to hear Him. His voice often sounds something like this: "It's going to be OK. I know what's going on better than you do. Don't make any quick decisions, don't panic. I really am still in control. Hold on to me."

Feeling better already? Me, too.

All My Ducks In A Row

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation of salvation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:3-5

Yes, I must confess I am one of those. I often operate under that familiar lie from the enemy that I can't be truly happy unless and until all my ducks are in a row. You, too? Where do we get that anyway? I don't know that there has ever been a time in all of my christian life when all my ducks were actually in a row. I'm not even sure how many ducks I have!

If you've ever been a student of ducks for long, you realize that getting them all in a row is pretty much an impossibility. While you are off chasing one, three others pack up and head out in a different direction!

Maybe instead of trying to line everything up the way I want it to be, I would be better off realizing that God is the one who is really in charge of all the ducks anyway. I love this section in Romans chapter 5 that reminds me that problems (or ducks out of line) are simply an opportunity for God to teach me to endure. Oh boy, there's a word--endure--but that's for another day. His ultimate goal for me is strengthening my character and building up my confidence in this gift He has given me called salvation. One of his expressions of His deep love for me is the gift of His precious Holy Spirit. John 16 gives us the "job description" of the Holy Spirit. Verse 13 says, that he will guide us into all truth. That must include ducks and how to deal with them!

I love the quote from Corrie ten Boom that we shared in Women's group last week, "God has no problems--just plans!"

Hmmm. I like that.

Day and Night Meditations

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night." Psalm 1:2

What a beautiful picture of what devotion to the Lord should be! The word meditate here is hagah which means "to reflect, to moan, to mutter to ponder; to make a quiet sound such as sighing: to meditate or comtemplate something as one repeats the words." Wow! There is no word for all that in our English language!

The Spirit-Filled Life Bible says that in Hebrew thought, to meditate upon the Scriptures is to quietly repeat them in a soft, droning sound, while utterly abandoning outside distractions.

I would dare to say that nothing is more precious to the Lord's ears than to hear His children repeating his words and letting them penetrate their spirit as they speak them. Conversely, I am sure that nothing is more repulsive to the enemy than to hear God's children speaking God's promises and declaring God's faithfulness.

When my kids were little and having trouble making right choices, I would often ask them, "Who loves you more than anything - God or the enemy?" Ofcourse they knew that God loved them. Then I would ask, "So whose side do you want to be on?" That one wasn't too hard either.

Delight in and meditate on his words day and night-- no matter what your situation. Don't wait for the feeling to motivate you, His word changes everything!

So whose side do you want to be on?

Hurry Up And.....Wait?

"...but wait for the gift my Father promised,.....in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."Acts 1:4-5

With the analytical mind of a physician, Luke describes to his good friend Theophilus the amazing events that occured following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. He begins by setting the stage for the awesome entrance of God's Holy Spirit into the picture.

The ragtag little band of 120 brothers and sisters likely didn't really have a clue regarding what they were about to be a part of. All they knew was that their Lord had given specific directions before he left. His directions weren't really difficult to understand. In fact, they could really be summed up in just one word.....Wait! Yep, that pretty much covers it--waiting. No mention of planning or strategy or worry--just wait. Not my favorite word. How about you?

If they didn't plan or strategize or worry while they waited, then what did they do? You guessed it--they prayed. Where do you think they learned that? They may not have been the theologians of their day but they knew what to ask for. In Luke 11:1 the disciples asked Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray..." We have no record of them ever asking so specifically for anything from Jesus as when they asked him to teach them to pray. Maybe they caught onto something that we still miss--Jesus' power came from his prayer time with the Father. Prayer unlocks the door that welcomes in the power of God.

Been directed by the Lord to wait lately? It's not easy, is it? Be committed not to plan or strategize or worry. Instead why not pray? It's likely that the Holy Spirit's power is waiting on the other side and your prayers will unlock the door for Him to move in ways you have not imagined.

Cemeteries

"It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and you should think about it while there is still time." Ecclesiastes 7:2

Taken a leisurely stroll through a cemetery lately? The writer of Ecclesiastes (likely Solomon) would probably recommend that you consider it once in awhile. Believe it or not, my husband and I actually like to visit old cemeteries from time to time. Kind of gets your perspective back to where it should be--you know what I mean?

There is one tiny little cemetery nestled deep in the heart of the Catskill Mountains that we often visit when we are there. As so often was the case in years past, it is right next door to a sturdy old house of worship. You can feel the history as you approach the first tombstone. The ground feels very--well, almost "holy". As we move from marker to marker we wonder about each life. What were they like? Did they go to war? Did they die young? How many lost children, husbands or wives at an early age? How many worn old leather shoes walked on these very paths as they said good-bye to those most precious? How many collapsed in utter grief and despair around the newly prepared mounds of mountain soil?

The most important question for all of them and for us as well will someday be, "Did they know the Lord Jesus as their Savior and Lord? Did they have that anchor through the joys and sorrows of their day to day lives?" As we take in that fresh mountain air we realize that they, too breathed that same air and looked at the same awesome and amazing views that still take our breath away. Were they ever mindful that they were on a brief journey?

Psalm 90:12 reminds says, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Visited any cemeteries lately?

A Truly Wise Person

"A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered." Proverbs 17:27

Some scriptures need very little explanation. I think we have one of those right here. Speaking from a "mid-life" viewpoint, I've learned the hard way that when it comes to words--less is more. Ever stop to think how in a split second we are somehow able to stuff quite a large foot into our relatively small mouth? I've been known to attempt cramming both of mine in at once! After accomplishing such a feat (no pun intended) we then spend the next hour, day, week, month, year, etc...trying to pry those multi-toed wonders back out again.

Sadly, I must admit that oftentimes at the same time I'm about to open my mouth unnecessarily, a faint voice in my ear says, "I really wouldn't say that if I were you". More often than not--I ignore the Holy Spirit get myself into some hot water.

Proverbs 18:4 says, "A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook."

Lord, please forgive my thoughtless chatter. Make my heart desire to speak "life-giving water".

No Other Name

"There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them." Acts 4:12



As the news stations and newspaper headlines scream uncertainty and panic where should we turn? As believers our hope should have never been in those things that will soon fade away. Wealth, possessions and reputations slip through our grasp in a fleeting moment. Who will save us anyway? We know--don't we?

The above scripture tells us that there is salvation in no one else. Jesus Christ is the only name that carries any weight in the life saving department. Our relationship with Him is the only thing of lasting value in all of the uncertainty and turmoil. Living for Him is all that really matters.

When our children were young we used to sing a song with them called "Live For Jesus". I can still hear their little voices as they belted out the chorus:

"Live for Jesus, that's what matters,
And when other houses crumble mine is strong.
Live for Jesus, that's what matters,
That you see the light in me and come along."

I think I need to sing that more often.

Not My Favorite Scripture

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." Jeremiah 17:9

Ever stop to think about how many ways we use the word heart? Come on, put your heart into it! He's all heart! Bless your heart! She has such a good heart! What a sweetheart! And so on, and so on... We tend to look at our hearts most often with warmth and affection don't we? But what about God? What does He think? After all, he is the one who has his finger on the "pulse" of things anyway, right?

The scripture paints a different picture than the one we like to carry around with us. "Deceitful above all things and desperately wicked." I have to say that Jeremiah 17:9 is not my favorite scripture--how about you? However, I learned a long time ago (and am continuing to learn) that just because I don't like something doesn't mean it isn't good for me. Just because "I'm not feeling it" doesn't mean it's not true. I can't trust my heart all the time. In fact, rarely can I trust the old ticker. That's why I need the Bible. That's why I need prayer and fasting. That's why I need godly mentors. For goodness sake--that's why I need God!

Let's face it. The only good heart is a surrendered heart. Father, forgive me when I keep taking back the very heart that I just finished surrendering to you. I don't deserve you, Lord. But you already know that. I'm the one that always needs reminding.

Remaining Faithful

"If we are faithless, he will remain faithful; for he cannot disown himself."
2 Timothy 2:13

At the beginning of each year it has become my practice to ask the Lord for one specific scripture that will be "my scripture" for that year. In the past I have attempted memorizing so many scriptures at once that I have become frustrated and given up. In my discouragement I felt the Lord speaking, "Why don't you just ask me for one and then build on that?" I did. He answered. Why does that surprise me?

2 Timothy 2:13 was the Lord's choice for me for 2009. It reminds me of how often I am so faithless. How often I ask for faith and direction and then without even waiting for the Lord to speak or act I just move right on with my own agenda. You'd think that after nearly 49 years on this earth I would finally "get it".

My God is so faithful! He just keeps doing what He does best--being himself. He can't help it! That's just who he is. That is such a comfort to me. He is not moved by situations or circumstances (whether they be in the government, the economy, the church or in my own little circle of family and friends).

The scripture says, "...for he cannot disown himself." It seems to me that means that if he were to stop being faithful he would cease being who he is---GOD!

Be encouraged, ladies. The faithfulness of our God is more than enough to see us through any and all trials that WILL come our way. (John 16:33)

Bless you!

Weary in Doing Good

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

The Apostle Paul surely knew how hard just trying to do the right thing can be. Sometimes it seems like doing the wrong thing would actually be much easier.

It's easier to hold unforgiveness than to release the person and the pain to the Lord. It's easier to pass along some juicy gossip in the form of a "prayer request" than to keep the information to yourself and pray earnestly for God to work in a person's life. It's easier to wear our feelings on our sleeves and come back with a quick "what did you mean by that?" when our spouse or friend simply points out an area we may need to grow in. It's easier to give into feelings of despair and hopelessness than to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. " (2 Cor 10:5)

I like the promise at the end of this verse: "for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up". Notice it doesn't say we might or could possibly reap a harvest. No it says that we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

I realized a long time ago that the enemy doesn't believe he will have victory in our lives because he's more powerful than the Lord--he knows that's not true. He's just hoping that we will give up before he does.

Giving up is not an option, is it?

Jars of Clay

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed,but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed...So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal!" 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 18

2 Corinthians chapter 4 is hands down my favorite chapter in the Bible. It reminds me what I am (a clay jar), it reminds me that the trials in my life are an opportunity for my God to show His power, and finally it reminds me that what I'm looking at right now for the most part is temporary. It's the things that I don't see with my eyes that really matter--they are the stuff that eternity is made of.

This past week I have experienced the highs and lows of life here on this earth. I got to meet my newest grandson, Garrett Randall, and the next day I drove several hours to be with my father and the rest of my family as my Dad had by-pass surgery. With each passing day I am more keenly aware that whether I like it or not, most of my life is pretty much out of my control. The only things I really have any control over are my own thoughts and attitudes and my willingness to surrender myself to Christ.

There is an old song that ends with these words"...Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow and I know He holds my hand."

Resolutions....

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"
Philippians 3:14

New Year's Resolutions. Have you made any yet? Have you broken any already? When I think of being resolute about something I get a picture of being very determined and focused on a particular goal. Maybe that's the mindset that the Apostle Paul had when he penned this verse. That's how I really want to be in 2009--determined and resolute in my passion for Christ.

When I hear the word resolution I always remember the old hymn written in 1896 by Palmer Hartsough and James H. Filmore, Sr. "I Am Resolved"

I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world's delight;
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.

I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, Greatest, Highest, I will come to Thee.

I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.

I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living way.

I am resolved to enter the Kingdom,
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still I will enter in.

God's blessings in 2009!