Whew, had a terrible dream/nightmare! Something bizarre had happened to a friend, and me trying to help them was hitting roadblocks… It woke me up at 1am. Ugh. I prayed for peace and I prayed for Jesus to rule over the evil one biting away at my peace. I lifted my hand in reaching for the Lord to pull me out of the water only to lower my hand to a position of realizing Jesus being NEXT to me, Him having my hand AND touching my shoulder. Two-handed Jesus. Saved AND guided. Whew – and me realizing I was NOT distant from Him at all, as He was guiding me thru that pothole-filled section of my dream all along. He really is in the healing business. The Spirit walks us thru Life.

So later this same morning, I had a second separate dream of checking in on this same friend and he was alright, whew. I told him about the dream, we reconciled about how worried I was and others were of him.

It’s been really good that I’ve slept more in healing ways with healing dreams over this past year. When I asked the Lord to guide me in the pandemic, He said “REST”. And I have actively taken much rest, repair, and realization that it is a gift. I truly have seen the Lord going back in my brain to heal those ruffles in my memories. I know He is actively repairing pieces of my peace… I’ve also had more quiet times this past year than ever – certainly also because my daughter is away to college and with my son doing his own thing, but the elephant in the room is not loneliness, it is bold quietness that permeates the space.

What’s more, thru all this processing, I have actively felt Jesus working. I’ve dreamt about my faith lately. I’ve never done that until about 3 or 4 months ago. It’s like the Lord had THAT MUCH repair to do in old ruffles before He could get me to my current me. We were in repair of backroad stretches for a while. Like you can only lay down new roads to peace AFTER the Lord and you together move all the messes blocking the paths. Plus, the LORD has to source all the repair materials when you give Him time to shop and when give Him the dimensions of your life into His Hands. He knows, but if you call out the measures of your pain, He will measure out your healing and then some. Even more, Jesus wants to write the next blueprints of what you and Him are going to build together in your life.

Potholes in the road to peace are sometimes patched, sometimes eliminated in road rebuilds, and sometimes LEFT ALONE but Jesus steps you OVER or AROUND them. Sometimes it takes quite a while to go around the big ones. Jesus ALWAYS takes the scenic route.

The Lord heals, a Lord-given PEACE measures at unfathomable levels, PEACE THAT SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING… We may not be at that peace yet or completely, or the pothole filling is so fresh that it may not stay in, but don’t stay down in that pothole, call out to the Living Water to float you out.

In between those dreams, I went to some of my failsafe methods of finding peace, including texting to that friend (but NOT hitting send in the middle of the night). I could shake off that nightmare knowing that the Lord would rescue. And of course, He does. I know where my anxieties lie, because the Lord leaves them on the ground to step over as you leave them behind. 

Actually, the Lord knows EXACTLY where to step with you because He IS the only one who saw ALL THOSE moments in the making. He remembers making wide open spaces on your life map. He would love for you to use Him as your blueprints for building the new you.

Keep walking with the Lord.

AMEN

“If you take care of your character, God will take care of your reputation.”

I heard a lot of things lately, but that quote stuck with me recently, it is still with me. It stopped me in my mental tracks while I walked listening to my radio app bible teaching, a great series about Samuel chapters 10-12.  Samuel warned the people about wanting a king over listening to God. And found himself defending his actions: “Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his anointed.” The people found no fault. 

We too must consult the Lord and walk in His steps. Like deep footprints in the snow, it’s a path that we are more sure in taking. We see the next step and we also see the set of steps way ahead of time. And we are more secure in following. The Lord knows where we are going.

I have had challenges big and small. surely you have too, This quote was and is timely.  “If you take care of your character, God will take care of your reputation.”

I can hear the judge in “Miracle on 34th Street” speak “I’ve consulted with the highest authority possible.” He was just saying that to say it. But I believe that if we consult with God, we will see that He HAS gone ahead of us to fight our battles. 

The radio biblical scholar quoted that famous “If you take care of your character, God will take care of your reputation.” quote within a segment of advice to walk with people who are on fire for the Lord. This is so good for us. We don’t want to walk with people dulled with their life experiences and shrinking from the Lord. We want to be on fire and keep with people on fire for the Lord. Iron sharpens iron. And their witness will help us to listen and obey.  The scholar reminds us: “If you will serve Him, and you AND your King will follow the Lord, He will go before you.” Yes, the Lord goes before us. We have to let Him lead.

Walking and listening to the Lord has pulled me out of a jumble of thoughts quite often.  It has protected me from the devil chipping away at my peace of mind.

Samuel continued:

… “do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.  Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own. As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. [This is when they slipped up and felt God’s wrath and begged Samuel] And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.”

So much I appreciate the scriptures and the support of the Lord. And I appreciate that when we are still, we and He have time to mull things over. When we stop worrying about tomorrow and focus on today, as Jesus suggested, we have more peace. 

Just recently I took time to be quiet, rare for me, but I had a burden that I shared only minimally, but maximum-ally with the Lord. Wow, the peace was real and the steps were there, and He kept me from getting ahead of myself. He allowed me family conversations that taught my children my thought process and developed theirs. And He gave me step by step peace. Another good thing about walking in the footsteps when they are nestled in snowbanks is that the sides steady your foot. The Lord steadies you when you step out in trying to follow His steps. He steadies your feet AND your leg AND your mind. The Lord supports you as you pause to rest too. With Him, it’s always “consulting with the HIGHEST authority”. 

“If you take care of your character, God will take care of your reputation.”

Go with God today.

Amen 

—-

Paul to the Galatians 

Doing Good to All (Galatians 6)

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

We do care about many things – but what to care about first?…  SO much going on in the world, and the scriptures remind us that it is a broken world – not a world will be fixed but the PEOPLE who will be made whole. Whole only if they remain holy. So, looking at life I think, “What would Jesus do?” Remind you to look for His direction for HOPE (and would help too). HOPE is not in earthly things but in Heavenly Power. Heavenly Power then powers the rest of what we CAN do…

We are not perfect, the world is not perfect, but if we tend to dwell on our non-perfections more than we dwell on the One who is perfect, we will miss out. And Jesus IS perfect…  What would Jesus do? Instead of dwelling on HIMSELF, HE did His Father’s Will. He had to pray hard to not focus on His own needs and temptations, and so do we. How can we keep sharing His message? spread the news of where our HOPE lives. My HOPE lives in Jesus. His Life is Life itself. I hope to remember that for me, sure, but more importantly, I HOPE for the world’s people to know that too. Hope for the people is different than the hope for the world as a whole. The HOPE of the people of the world relies on people following Jesus – I hope someone tells them that – yes, someone has to tell them that!

I was watching the news of thousands of refugees trying to migrate thru central america – wow (we have no idea how our lives compare to the lives of others outside America and even inside America, we are VERY blessed as privileged). Even if we take a wider lens to our news, we find that may still be limited to what is really happening in the outside world. These people, and many refugees, are trying to move ahead – move to safety – move anywhere but where they currently are. Is there anything we can do? These are not easy questions – there are not simple answers – the world is broken and so are our lenses… Tough times… But in all that, I would hope that there is HOPE. I would pray that the people themselves are driven by HOPE. God Bless those people. Also God bless the homeless of our area, the countries without clean water, still dealing with diseases that we have long forgotten about. The plight of the hopeful masses. God bless the workers who bring HOPE.

I visited Ellis Island and the train station to take people to places far and wide – we have nostalgia for this place but it was a rough road over rough seas to get here – and we have pride in our ancestor’s grit and determination.  But really what did drive them to a better future? Their HOPE.

In a pandemic we have fears, distracting circumstances – but we still need to HOPE. And we still need to sacrifice things in our lives to keep delivering HOPE to others…  If we were working in a warzone, we would venture out to spread HOPE. If we are staying inside, we can continue to call out, write out, type out, pray for the outside – send HOPE… And we show care for others by letting them know that someone is paying attention. Everyone HOPES someone is paying attention. Shining LIGHT, we HOPE that they will HOPE.

We can’t solve everything today – in a broken world – we are supposed to remember that God knows these situations – and we petition by prayer. If you don’t know where to start, start with the HOPE. 

“Jesus is a better HOPE, by which we draw near to God”.  Paul wrote to the Hebrews about the old law and the new HOPE. He compared the priesthoods of old and the sacrifices of old and spoke to educate about JESUS and how He fulfilled all these things and He is better than the law – He also IS a new covenant – He IS the HOPE.

Keep spreading the HOPE!

AMEN

From Hebrews 7, 8…

14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. For it is declared: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better HOPE is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”  Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.

Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.

…

This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.   I will be their God, and they will be my people.

A germaphobe I am not, I eat things that bounce off the ground. I do stop short however at stuff that gets covered in cat hair. And I’m a tosser of sketchy fridge stuff (which reminds me that the salmon I ate last night must have been OK – which means I know what I am having for lunch!). A superstitious person I try not to be, the Lord gives us direction and confidence that he has things under control. Superstition is distraction and the Lord is Truth. I still won’t walk under a ladder, however, that’s just plain not good. It’s not Irish luck I should pray for, but awareness and gratefulness of things I already have. I will laugh about wearing lucky socks, but the fact is that I am not lucky that I have many socks, even ones that match, but that I am blessed to have feet that need socks! Feet that take me places and I am grateful because they are just there and they still work… I am blessed and I do know that the Lord has provided… None of these blessings came by luck.

I went to Target, not my choice, and the massive volume of people, especially in these covid-concerned times, was a bit much. I put on my mask and my armor of God and increased my prayers for a hedge of protection. But I had to realize that I was just as much of the problem as everyone else there, because I was there too… I don’t know where they’ve been and they don’t know where I’ve been. Don’t think of me as virtuous because we all have this collective unknown of potential bubble bursts moments.

That very moment of these thoughts, standing in the sweetner aisle, I looked up and on the top shelf I saw the blue box with the word: “EQUAL“. Yup.  At that moment I felt the EQUAL of being just as much of a problem as everyone else. Humbling EQUAL. We are all the same. ALL IN THE SAME BOAT. We are all EQUAL. This is a wind out of your sails humbling, rather than a raise the sails for superiority. No one is superior here.

 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 ESV

“As it is written: None is righteous, no, not one…” Romans 3:10 ESV 

But OF COURSE this blog is not just about shopping and covid. When I say we are “all in this together”, I know that I’m not just speaking about a pandemic, I’m speaking about ONE BODY IN CHRIST. EQUAL is our sin weighing equal with everyone else. We are all equal. And we are all wanted by Jesus to be together in worship, in helping, in healing. Together.

SO, so many sins including ones we don’t even think about on top of original sin. Sins like “thou should not covet”… yup… and everything in between.

Jesus said: “And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible“. Matthew 19: 24-26

Equal, the sweetener, attempts to be thought of the same as any other artificial sweetener (of course they want to be considered better). There are pros and cons to the pink stuff the yellow stuff the blue stuff the green stuff and the white stuff and the brown stuff (raw and yummy but not any better for your waistline).  Sweeteners are not all equal. Sinners are. And we should not think of ourselves as better or less than the other sinners. All EQUAL. Humbling… Yeah…

We are not “lucky” that we have Jesus, we are BLESSED.

Jesus’s life purpose is EQUAL to the task.

AMEN!

How perfect these Proverbs scriptures! Proverbs 16:4,9

The Lord works out everything to its proper end.

In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

These scriptures came to mind when I think about how the Lord paces us – I felt that way with my shoulder surgery few years back, I feel that way when we have to pause and think of our next steps… you probably feel that way occasionally… PACED.

And the Lord is fair. The Lord knows to pace our steps for calmness and peace and precaution.

Scriptures of encouragement? The Lord works out everything to its proper end.

In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

That time had passed – almost forgotten now – and yet the Lord’s protection and pacing and peace will NEVER be forgotten.

This devotion email reminded me of the Lord’s Refuge:  Refuge in Times of Trouble 1/15/2021

Good Morning, Is Jesus Christ always your first choice for refuge in times of trouble?

Psalm 91:2 “I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

We live in an evil world and evil has the ability to find any of us at any time. As a family, in June of 2012 we experienced this evil first hand with the tragic loss of my daughter-in-law. I am thankful that this horrible, evil act did not cause me to live in fear each day. I am thankful that instead, it caused me to cry out even more for the Lord’s mercy and protection over my family and not take a day for granted. And while I often wrestle with the “Whys”, as do many other believers who have experienced tragedies on this earth, I still and always will trust in the protective power of our awesome, faithful God. I have built my faith around God’s word and it truth. One such verse I use is Proverbs 3:5-6, which I often say this out loud to myself throughout the day, “I will trust in the Lord with all of my heart, I will not lean not on my own understanding, I will acknowledge Him in all of my ways, and trust that He will always be faithful and make my paths straight.” The harsh reality is that our only true refuge is in God through Jesus Christ. Christ offers us an eternal refuge that is filled forever with His goodness, peace and joy.

And while there may be places on this earth that are safer than others, we are reminded so eloquently by David, that our only true refuge is in the Lord.” Psalm 11:1 Psalm 14:6 Psalm 16:1“God is our refuge in times of distress” Psalm 59:16 “God is our tower of strength against the enemy.” Psalm 61:3 “Our salvation and glory rest in God, Who is the Rock of our strength.” Psalm 62:7 “We must learn to take refuge in the shelter of His wings, and not the things of this world.” Psalm 61:4

Jesus Christ must always be our refuge in times of distress, as we fight to abide and remain in Him daily. John 15:5 As we approach the end of days, the safest spot in the universe is in Christ, the perfect refuge only God could design. “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” 2 he Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies Psalm 18:1-3.

One key to abiding in Christ is to discipline ourselves to set aside time each day, in order to spend some quality time with Him in the Word and in prayer. It is during these times that we insure that we are engrafted in Him, Who is our sufficiency. “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” 1 John 5:12. “Jesus Christ is the only Way, the only Truth and the only Life”! John 14:6 

Let’s all attempt to find our refuge in Christ each day and not turn to the things of this world first for our comfort and protection, as Jesus Christ is our only true hope, our only true refuge, and our only way to salvation. And Jesus is as close as a cry, an outstretched hand, or an upturned heart. He is only one thought or prayer away. From any location, anyone can instantly arrive in that safest of all places. That is our ultimate hope as we approach the end of days.

Lord, please help us to trust more in Your faithfulness to us. Do not allow us to be deceived into thinking that this world offers us any true comfort and refuge. Thank You for Your faithfulness to us! In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Have another powerful and prosperous day of remaining in the comforting refuge of God as you emulate Jesus Christ by serving others in the workplace and at home!

Bob Bennett, Real Men Ministries

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” — Philippians 2:3

Copyright © 2021 Real Men Ministries. All rights reserved.

How quickly our lives run thru the days…

Rest is often forced, not forged. Today is half gone before we know it. Tomorrow either never comes fast enough, or too fast. We just don’t embrace enough in the moment. But TODAY is a good day to be living in the present. TODAY is a day God has set aside for us to HEAR. Today if we soften our hearts… No wonder Jesus said let tomorrow worries take care of themselves. !!!!!!! Listen today, take care of today. 

Today is Monday, and I didn’t finish this writing on Sunday, the Sabbath, but it’s OK I was living in the present yesterday and I rested some too, and I was busy taking my daughter back to school, shopping, and sightseeing in a window of opportunity. I enjoyed yesterday. I also rested. I relaxed a little too. There’s a DIFFERENCE. The fortune cookie saying I have taped inside my cabinet says: “Take time to relax especially when you don’t have time for it.” That’s good advice, but that also is DIFFERENT, REST is NOT the same as relaxing, because rest is RESTing in God’s moments, LETTING HIM HANDLE THINGS, and also to HEAR to SOFTEN OUR HEARTS to  “enter His REST”… Ah, Rest takes movement to enter, takes understanding and it’s not just waiting, it’s actively understanding Rest – and for that we must take time to understand God.

Our rest is not just about napping, our rest is demonstrating that we comprehend that even God took a day to Rest from His Works, but not His Word. 

I appreciated the last bit of an online sermon, which put this end cap on my day while driving on Sunday night, driving home from my busy day. The pastor preached at the end of a sermon about John the Baptist, that Jesus said “follow me” to new believers and if we go to where He is, trusting Him, following Him, THAT IS where we will see Him working, see His power. If we follow Him. Today we need to be hearing His voice… and TODAY WE DEMONSTRATE OUR FOLLOWING OF JESUS.

We rest AND follow because of this scripture: “Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest,…, God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” …. “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

That’s why we take the Sabbath for the sake of REST, sharing the Word and living it too, take it so that we help others MOVE forward into where He is. Everyday and especially TODAY we pray for a moving rest for softening of hearts, ours and theirs.

Our dedicated following of powerful Jesus will let us see “where His power RESTS“… 

Amen (and please read the scriptures)

—-

Paul to the Hebrew church (ch4): 

A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.  For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,

    ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”

Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:

“Today, if you hear his voice,

    do not harden your hearts.”

For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.  Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

We are poured out like a drink, as we get older, that’s how Paul sees his life. And ours. We have such as a short time on this earth, ever being made aware of that as we get older. Let us pray that we also get wiser! 

Paul is really instructive on people getting wiser. If we have heard Jesus calling us, then surely we want to move deeper in our hearing of His Word touching our lives. Many times scriptures speak about spiritual milk, so when Paul reminds the Hebrews (chapters 4 and 5) that they are selected by God to grow in faith (just as we are, just as Jesus was), he tells them to desire maturity enough to EAT SOLID FOOD and not regress to just milk.

Craving milk then solid food as a progression, that’s basic growth in our human needs… my daughter just had her wisdom teeth out and it’s quite a process moving to solid food. There’s a time when you just don’t want to eat the soft yogurt or down protein shakes anymore and you just want a cheeseburger (and five-guys fries). With desires to heal, you have a motivation to not undo the stiches, but you need food. It’s a taste for more sustenance.

The sacrifices of old testament peoples were of real animals, probably ones they could have eaten, but didn’t. Their Spiritual feeding was met by meeting with God. What’s our sacrifice? Our time.  100% our time. Add sacrificing our desires to control our own lives and you can see where God wants your commitment. This is not all bad, this is direction. This is the ticket to peace. “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.” 

In our own motivation to mature, we move from faith sound bites to reading deeper into the foundations of faith, scriptures for the soul… We are given motivation to mature by God Himself who calls us not to be glorious in our own eyes but in His, to listen to our guts and inner spirits about our lives and where to take them. Our internal compass is set by God’s direction, if we take our hands off of it. 

It would be too easy to continue just on milk (or milkshakes) in our eating but that’s not going to keep satisfying our continued growth. So, as we all know, it is time for us to eat some solid food of faith, real meat, maybe some five-guys fries allowed too… We are to enjoy the Word and make it heard.  Make the most of your meal!

AMEN 

HEBREWS ch4: 1-5, 11-14: ch5:1-12 

Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. And no one takes this honour on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.

In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’

….

Warning against falling away

11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.

—

Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case – the things that have to do with salvation. 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. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.  We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

So busy yesterday, but in quiet moments I remembered that a good friend of our family, an uncle by love not birth, had passed away. He was my godfather, best man at my parents wedding, one of the sweetest people on earth.  A kid at heart and a man of God. I will still see him as forever young. 

We know he’s not gone in God’s frame of mind. He is physically gone from here, and he will be missed. We will remember his love. I spoke briefly with his daughter, she remarked that she couldn’t believe that she wouldn’t hear his voice anymore… that’s a missing sound that still runs thru our heads not our ears. A Spirit that permeates God’s space. He as father loved his children deeply and forever like God Father loves us. I can crisply see a memory of him holding each of his children’s hands taking them up the stairs to church. He held them IN love in his hands. 

“[Love has given me great joy and encouragement, because love refreshes the hearts of the Lord’s people].” from Paul to Philemon.

A Facebook post from his niece showed a video of him playing beanbag toss with her then 2yr old daughter. Every sense of who he was shines thru his SMILE in that archive snapshot video, 100% joy in the journey in individual steps. His smile WAS infectious. That’s a smile that we can’t see in person, but we can still feel in our hearts. A Spirit that permeates God’s space. As my dad did get to speak with him twice recently, I know my parents kept him close to their hearts always. Such friends like brothers and better as best friends, not always physically present but there. My thoughts lean on the hope that friends and loved ones’ voices will be some of the FIRST we will hear on that eventual day of our passing. I’m praying ahead. I’m thanking God for all the voices that will be present in Heaven ahead that will and do recognize our piece of the Godly puzzle and point out a space in heaven where we fit. And I know it is the Holy Spirit who tells us here on earth where we fit. A Spirit who fits into heaven and works from heaven is a Spirit that will never quit. 

I have a bump on my forehead, silly bump accident running into a door, it is not visible but when touched it still hurts. Pain in losing loved ones is not always visible but it still hurts. When touched by the heart, we remember. When touched by the memory, we smile. When touched by the loss, we tear. When touched by faith, we quiet and still ourselves to remember their and our very short journeys in this earthly place. Journeys of spiritual strength to keep moving thru God’s space. We teach our children to love, we model love. We teach our children to love God, we model God. 

God, we are thankful for long and short times with our loved ones. We share life with them, and they share life with us. God, we are all in a time of ache and heart break. We know that time is precious. We know that time is a gift. We pray to gift our time back to You Lord, by loving others in this space You currently place us in. God, Father, as we thank our earthly fathers for raising us, we also thank You for raising up all fathers and mothers in God and into Your forever peace. We will remember them by Your Love touching our lives. Forever we pray that our hearts may sing your praises and not be silent.

Amen and Thank You. 

Psalm 30:4-12

Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.” Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm;

but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.

To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit?

Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.”

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.

Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

I love reading the bible!!!

Three plays on words today in just one scripture chapter: CROSS-REFERENCE, FOOTNOTES, FOUNDATIONS…

In reading foundations of faith in Hebrews chapter 1, there are tremendous cross references and footnotes. Yes of course the CROSS of Jesus, but also CROSS-references to other scriptures seen in the electronic (and scholarly notations in printed versions). So much good information buried to be raised!!!

The author of Hebrews speaks of the old testament prophecies and matches them to Jesus. That is important both to learn about Jesus AND God’s plan for Jesus and angels and us, AND to learn that the old testament writings hundreds of years prior were LONGING for Jesus to come. Prophecy cross-reference “mix and match” never was so blessedly fulfilled… (FULL-filled, filled with the FULLness of Christ)

The FOOTNOTES not just signal the position of extra tidbits of notes, but note the FOOT position of Jesus “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” …

And in this great writing, we learn of FOUNDATIONS of faith by knowledge of the physical foundations of the earth at God and Jesus’s command:  “God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”  (Don’t you love Jesus Joy!)   “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the FOUNDATIONS of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain;  they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed.

But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”

So much information I have learned in stepping thru the bible these last few months… lots of “Oh, that’s where that’s written” – KEEP READING MY FRIENDS! There is no better foundation than that which God laid. Learning never ends. God never ends.

All of Hebrews 1 is below. The cross-references AND the footnotes AND the foundations. 

Cool!!! Amen…

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PS: Here’s a great history discussion about the authors of the bible, and Hebrews. The best conclusion is of course that the Holy Spirit wrote it regardless of who put pen to paper. An important note where the sections of the new testament are discussed: Hebrews “outlines our faith and defines faith itself in the same way that Romans defines the tenets of Christian living. It closes the chapters of faith alone and serves as a prelude to the chapters on good works built on a foundation of faith in God. Cool…..   https://www.gotquestions.org/author-Hebrews.html 

See: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%201&version=NIV&interface=amp#cen-NIV-29974Y

Hebrews 1 God’s Final Word: His Son

1 In the past God spoke(A) to our ancestors through the prophets(B) at many times and in various ways,(C) 2 but in these last days(D) he has spoken to us by his Son,(E) whom he appointed heir(F) of all things, and through whom(G) also he made the universe.(H) 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory(I) and the exact representation of his being,(J) sustaining all things(K) by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins,(L) he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.(M) 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.(N)

The Son Superior to Angels

5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son;    today I have become your Father” [a]? (O)

Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son” [b]? (P)

6 And again, when God brings his firstborn(Q) into the world, (R) he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.” [c](S)

7 In speaking of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels spirits,

    and his servants flames of fire.” [d](T)

8 But about the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;(U)

    a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

    therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions(V)

    by anointing you with the oil(W) of joy.” [e](X)

10 He also says,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,

    and the heavens are the work of your hands. (Y)

11 They will perish, but you remain;

    they will all wear out like a garment. (Z)

12 You will roll them up like a robe;

    like a garment they will be changed.

But you remain the same, (AA)

    and your years will never end.” [f](AB)

13 To which of the angels did God ever say,

“Sit at my right hand (AC) until I make your enemies

    a footstool (AD) for your feet” [g]?(AE)

14 Are not all angels ministering spirits (AF) sent to serve those who will inherit(AG) salvation?(AH)

Footnotes

1. Hebrews 1:5 Psalm 2:7
2. Hebrews 1:5 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chron. 17:13
3. Hebrews 1:6 Deut. 32:43 (see Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint)
4. Hebrews 1:7 Psalm 104:4
5. Hebrews 1:9 Psalm 45:6,7
6.     Hebrews 1:12 Psalm 102:25-27
7. Hebrews 1:13 Psalm 110:1

CROSS references

1. Hebrews 1:1 : Jn 9:29; Heb 2:2, 3; 4:8; 12:25
2. Hebrews 1:1 : Lk 1:70; Ac 2:30
3. Hebrews 1:1 : Nu 12:6, 8
4. Hebrews 1:2 : Dt 4:30; Heb 9:26; 1Pe 1:20
5. Hebrews 1:2 : ver 5; S Mt 3:17; Heb 3:6; 5:8; 7:28
6. Hebrews 1:2 : Ps 2:8; Mt 11:27; S 28:18
7. Hebrews 1:2 : S Jn 1:3
8. Hebrews 1:2 : Heb 11:3
9.     Hebrews 1:3 : Jn 1:14
10. Hebrews 1:3 : S Jn 14:9
11. Hebrews 1:3 : Col 1:17
12. Hebrews 1:3 : Tit 2:14; Heb 7:27; 9:11-14
13. Hebrews 1:3 : S Mk 16:19
14. Hebrews 1:4 : Eph 1:21; Php 2:9, 10; Heb 8:6
15. Hebrews 1:5 : Ps 2:7; S Mt 3:17
16. Hebrews 1:5 : 2Sa 7:14
17. Hebrews 1:6 : Jn 3:16; S Col 1:18
18. Hebrews 1:6 : Heb 10:5
19. Hebrews 1:6 : Dt 32:43 (LXX and DSS); Ps 97:7
20. Hebrews 1:7 : Ps 104:4
21. Hebrews 1:8 : S Lk 1:33
22. Hebrews 1:9 : Php 2:9
23. Hebrews 1:9 : Isa 61:1, 3
24. Hebrews 1:9 : Ps 45:6, 7
25. Hebrews 1:10 : Ps 8:6; Zec 12:1
26. Hebrews 1:11 : Isa 34:4; 51:6; S Heb 12:27
27. Hebrews 1:12 : Heb 13:8
28. Hebrews 1:12 : Ps 102:25-27
29. Hebrews 1:13 : ver 3; S Mk 16:19
30. Hebrews 1:13 : Jos 10:24; Heb 10:13
31. Hebrews 1:13 : Ps 110:1; S Mt 22:44
32. Hebrews 1:14 : Ps 91:11; 103:20; Da 7:10
33. Hebrews 1:14 : Mt 25:34; Mk 10:17; S Ac 20:32
34. Hebrews 1:14 : S Ro 11:14; Heb 2:3; 5:9; 9:28

A friend of a friend thinks about the world dynasties that come and go – like the Roman Empire, the British Empire, and maybe maybe the US fading in the future. Maybe the rise of China or India will have the next global impact. Maybe we don’t know the future!

How IMPORTANT therefore that we remember the world is BIG, History is LONG. How important, even in these tumultuous times in the US (and especially in these times), that we remember the end of the world is not dependent on our observations or on any ticking time schedule, but ONLY in the timing that the Lord has. (and it sounds so very elaborate!!) ALL in ALL we are present on Earth in a VERY short blip of time.

When we stress about the brokenness in the world, we also worry about the rips in the American melting pot, the pockets of coldness, the boiling over factions, the segments flying off the ladle handle. What should we do with America? (perceived or actual) The #1 thing we should NOT do is NOT worship it…. We are NOT to worship the ground we or anyone walks on, it is beneath us. (I just made up that quote – cool…) We are to worship the Lord.

Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE AMERICA – I LOVE the freedom – I love the opportunity – I love the flag – I love to wear my red white and blue. No matter who is in ruling power, the red white and blue are a blessing to me and you…  I do love America and freedom, yet I am reminded to NOT worship it. I am reminded to NOT worship people (even rock stars). I am reminded to NOT worship the world. Don’t worship what won’t last. We are to WORSHIP THE LORD AND THE LORD ONLY!

The best thing we can do for America is to do something for Americans – teach them about God. The best thing we can do for the world is to do something for the people – teach them about God. Teach and show them Jesus in our lives. Model Christ-like behavior. Acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers but know the ONE who does. Stand strong sharing the Word not for the Word’s sake but for the World’s HOPE.

Do we know the future? NO. We actually don’t even know much about the past and we repeat history all the time…  Therefore we don’t know the immediate future. What we have learned in the Book of Revelation is that the world does not last. God knows the World is broken and knows what happens. In this truth is where we learn that we have to be lifted from this world, be in the world but not of it. And in the Book of Revelation is where we learn that God and God alone sets the new Kingdom into place. 

How do we get to this new Kingdom? Walk. Keep the Walk. Walk the Faith.

I love this quote I just heard from St Francis of Assisi: “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching”. 

Be prayerfully worshipful – put your prayers in the Peacemaker not in the place – and put your place into Peacemaking

Amen!

(all my opinion – just to put that out there)

(God IS in change – that is the truth!)

I had a great dream, I had to write it down.  I was flipping through an illustration of the birds in the bible – coloring pages and beautiful pictures nestled as inserts for each time there was a reference to birds.  (Please do run with this idea if you know a book publisher)…  The books in my dream were exquisitely detailed and beautiful. My dream reminded me if God takes care of the birds, then how much we are loved, enough for me at that moment, in my dream and as soon as I awoke, to have a connective moment of peace. In watching me in my own dream, I was watching my peace, knowing God, and just being alive. 

Think of how much our Heavenly Father cares for us, and in my dream and just after, I had been thinking of how my earthly father loves to watch the birds, so many do, and how much it gives a connection between my mom and my brother with him. This whole 10 months of self-isolation for them, in our covid pandemic, I thank God the birds have been there, to entertain. I look out my windows too and a beautiful red cardinal reminds me of them. All our lives as a family, birds figured in, designs for their club pins, artwork, and arts and crafts all around the house. There are lots and lots of feeders, windows and even perfect porch seats.  The porch is the only place I got this year. I sat WITH the birds in my Father’s and Mother’s view. So this Christmas I gave my dad a calendar, 365 days of pages of colorful bird photos. My mom (who is always easy to please) also loves it. (I got it at Hallmark). And gave them lots of bird themed presents (you have to love Hallmark). Sadly, or fittingly, the cookies I sent, which I felt SO strongly about making 4 weeks ago for them, arrived crushed and so old in the mail delay that they now were best to feed them to the birds too. It’s OKAY, this is the year that “the thought counts”. The birds and the squirrels will enjoy them. They will return to God their intended purpose, the joy of just being sent, the joy of loved ones being remembered.

Everyone it seems loves to watch the birds… My friend told me about her mom, in the nursing home, who loved to watch the birds. She was not able to communicate much, but seeing the birds and listening to music were known to soothe her.

In the scriptures, Jesus is telling us directly just as much as he was telling his listeners (Matthew 6) how important we are to God. He will take care of us. In daily life and in transition life and in forever life, God loves and cherishes us.  “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?“

I watch the birds on a livesteam webpage from my hometown. I can hear and feel my connection to home, and this gives me more a peace while working on the computer. Isn’t that what Jesus connecting us to God is all about? Our connections to HOME while we work and live give us PEACE. God wants us to think of HOME. Home is a place of mind, not just physical place. Home IS where the heart is. Home is where we lay our heads. Home is a comfort. Home is a gift.  This whole pandemic, our homes are supposed to be the safest place. Home is where we can just be.

The cat will get so confused about the feeder sounds on the computer and dart from window to window to try to see the activities. We too don’t want to be left out. We too know that it is not always peaceful patience between different birds at the feeders. Hope that they would take turns, but no the little birds wait their turns while the aggressive birds grab food. And that squirrel!!!??? Ugh!!!

I am going to make an effort to start hanging feeders in my yard. My neighbor put up a big fence, her feeders are now hidden. I should take the opportunity to start my feeding zone at my home. I love to nest at home. Nest – now that is a term that the Lord allows us to enjoy His Nest for us – right inside the palm of His hand.

So, heaven on earth is where we find our glimpses of HOME. This may mean that we also can participate to bring the peace closer, make the opportunities for peace ourselves and for others, be the little birds looking for a crumb or waiting our turn, be the earthly birdfeeder and provide… be the watcher and intervene.

Our Heavenly Birdfeeder Vinedresser Creator Father watches us like we watch the birds. He feeds, keeps an eye on us, ready to intervene, and certainly simply watches how we interact with our fellow humans. Watch out for squirrels in life, but know that they are simply after the food, not you.  Use your wings in trouble, rise to safety, squawk in alarm, sing in delight. Roost safely  and warm. Be fed. Nest. Rest. 

Like the birds, we must look for our food, spiritual food. Yes it is provided and plentiful – the light dawns and we are up to read our nourishment… the biblical Word feeds our souls. 

It would be nice to see pictures of bird in the bible, it would could should remind us that every biblical Word is a seed. Every page a place of feeding. Of course, we can look for ourselves in the bible – we ARE the results of God planting seeds in us…

There might be a few birds in the bushes, but how much MORE precious is a bird in the hand – and you in God’s Hand. We are forever held in God’s Hand. 

Be fed.

Amen 

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I love how the Word is SO TIMELY and fittingly TIMELESS… 

Ministry moments are most important to vocalize. Certain times like these call for EXTRA care to hold the tongue from controversies, to go above the fray to teach peace, and to keep and share the Word in a broken world. The people need perspective, the preaching needs purpose, and the power comes from pursuing peace. A great message from Paul, writing to Titus (ch1 v1-9) for encouragement of what an elder (AND ALL OF US) should TRY to be: “To further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time“…

An elder must be: 

blameless, 

faithful

whose children believe

not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient

not overbearing

not quick-tempered

not given to drunkenness

not violent 

not pursuing dishonest gain

and:

must be hospitable

love what is good

self-controlled

upright

holy

disciplined

hold firmly to the trustworthy message

encourage others by sound doctrine

refute those who oppose sound doctrine 

(Paul also says to rebuke the cretins…)

Paul in chapter 2 urges Titus to: 

teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine:

be temperate

worthy of respect

self-controlled

sound in faith, in love and in endurance

be reverent

not to be a slanderer

not be addicted

teach what is good

to love

be self-controlled and pure

be busy at home

be kind

Always to be meaningful so that no one will malign the word of God.

To set an example by: 

doing what is good

teach to show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned

so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

For the Grace of God:

offers salvation to all people

teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions

to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age 

while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Paul continues (ch3 excerpts):

Remind the people:

to be subject to rulers and authorities

to be obedient

to be ready to do whatever is good

to slander no one

to be peaceable and considerate

to be gentle toward everyone.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. 

He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.

And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone….

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

(All from Titus ch1-3)

I wrote this just after the riots… we must keep going!!!  Keep running the good race!!!

REFOCUS

“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry”. Paul to Timothy… 2nd Timothy 3-4

It’s not like we have time to lolly gag, stop ministering, even though crazy times will just get crazier, BECAUSE Christ IS coming again.  Keep running the good race. Yes, rejuvenate and rest up and regroup, but do so in a Spirit of Revival… Like climbing a mountain, get to the next step and don’t dream of getting down, dream of reaching the top. Keep running the race and rallying the team.

The chaos of the world does not change Christ nor should it change Christians. Our cause to teach is just as strong, never-ending and never-wavering…

It’s not like saying: “Don’t sweat the small stuff” in this day and age, because the bad stuff IS bad. INSTEAD, say: “Don’t sweat the satan stuff” and KEEP WORKING FOR THE WORD. Keep your hearts and minds and souls strengthened and secure in the Spiritual Armor of God and keep moving forward in ministry.

Paul kept working, so can we. Paul urged Timothy:

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”

Paul realized the marathon of ministry was both a good race and a baton-passing relay race where the runners continually get back into the race. They run and rest, they relay and root each other on. They share in the victory too.

Jesus Christ has passed the baton of sharing the truth onto you, keep running until your Timothy runs up beside you to take on his leg… then don’t head out of the arena, keep keeping the faith and keep watching until all knees bow crossing the finish line.

Doesn’t matter if satan runs next to you, faking you out, mocking you, or seemingly in front, you have to believe that Jesus lapped him 2000 years ago. You keep running the race set out for you. Don’t let the false facades make you think that he might win. Know better. KNOW THE TRUTH.

And KEEP TRAINING:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOUT YOU.

“They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”

KEEP RUNNING THE GOOD RACE.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

LEAVE A LEGACY OF LOVE.

Amen

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What if God Painted Your Smile?

If you remembered that God painted your smile, would you smile more? You would.

If you thought that God knows what makes you smile, would your smile become more warm? It could.

If you thought about Him making your spirit to knit you into your mother’s womb, would you smile for Him even if no one else was around? You should.

When God Painted Your Smile, did He repaint and retouch it or just make it ONCE and say “Good”. 

He would actually say: “Very Good.”

God would.

Your smile to Him is uniquely understood.

Smile His masterpiece more, that is what you should.

We are to be selfless in the Lord’s plans for us, and that means take on a “what would the Lord have me do?”  type of mentality. We are not to be selfish. We are not to selfishly say: how is this better for me? And yet if we think about what’s better for me, isn’t being humble before the Lord the best plan?

The Lord goes before us, so take a moment and try to focus on Him. Witnessing blessings from obedience convinces us that’s a good plan. We are purchased by Him to be His, forgiving our sin, made clean in His eyes. We have to be selfless and let the Lord do His Work in us. He always does a better job of us in us then we do in us.

Selfies, I love selfies for they show my joy. And I wonder, if we thought about our actions (if the people who are entangled in crazy times thought about their actions), would you be posing with angels or devils? Would you be posing in encouragement or mockery? If I scaled a mountain, I would post a selfie in joyful victory. If I did something scandalous, I would not post it (or at least limit the audience LOL)… I pray to not selfie in selfishness but Lord knows I am human!

We forget what we are doing, we have oops moments, or know of stuff that is none of anyone’s business. Yet we still can have the selfless moment to double check with the Lord.  If in selfishness, we ignore the Lord, then we will face His scrutiny. Better to have Him and we search our hearts than close them up (and He won’t allow that – see Psalm 139). If we oops, we can fall on our knees to beg forgiveness. If we don’t drop on our knees, well… consequences… If you ask me, I would rather crawl on my knees than walk boldly on that eventual day I am called on the carpet by the Lord. 

The day of our deaths, how will our photo albums be displayed at the gates? Did we take more selfies with the selfless angels than in fishy selfish moments? How will we approach the throne? Well, with Jesus and Jesus alone. 

And all those people in oops moments? Jesus will guide them too… we must WAIT and see what develops. God is His Own Publisher and Punisher. We just are called to pose in poise. Don’t worry about your hair, only your soul to bear.

Can I have a selfie with you Lord? You hold the camera. 

Thanks and Amen 

—-

Psalm 139

You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand—
    when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
    Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
    your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
    and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
    I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

We are not always above the fray, but Jesus certainly points us that Way.

Jesus spoke of weeds planted by the evil one, that get entangled amongst the grain of a farmer’s filed, and how his workers had to endure the growing season without yanking out the weeds because they did not want to disrupt the good seed that also was just starting to take root. They were reminded that the farmer for the field (and likewise the Lord with the people) will harvest it all LATER, burn the bad, keep the good… At some point, God will look at His people, there will be a time for separating the sheep from the goats… Therefore, we are not to judge it all now, not to avenge everything in the entangled mess of the world right now but we are called to keep planting new seeds of peace… That requires us taking the long view. I have faith, we will get thru this too, we always do.

So, the writings from Paul to Timothy pertain here… behave “like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.” Our Commanding Officer? God. Please God.

Paul felt blessed in His mess, keeping his eyes to his future above. Life is messy, Paul felt the disarray of people that were once good in progressing places and saw church folks he established sometimes go corrupt and wayward. Paul urged Timothy to keep working, keep teaching, keep being the good example. He said DON’T get caught up in the world. Don’t get entangled.

Life keeps moving and so should we. Jesus gives us the Way above the Fray.

For the Lord’s sake, we pull our children closer.

For the Lord’s sake, we keep moving.

For the sake of PEACE, we do our piece of praying and planting. The thorns and the thistles may try, but the Lord knows how to find His peace people in the piles… The Lord knows all that gets entangled, let Him lift you up away from the fray.

Amen to a new day.

---

Paul to Timothy: And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith.

—-

2nd Timothy 1

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself…

Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene…. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.  Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Put down your stone,

It’s not your judging throne.

Put down your stone,

Where has your sense flown.

Put down your stone, 

We all have something to atone. 

Put down your stone, 

Writing in the sand, feel it’s tone. 

Put down your stone, 

Quiet your moan.

Put down your stone, 

Our lives are earth are just on loan.

Put down your stone, 

Forgive and forgive alone. 

I want to run at the mouth. 

Satan get behind me.

I want to run and hide.

Satan get behind me.

---

I want to self-indulge slide. 

Satan get behind me. 

I want to cuss and fume. 

Satan get behind me. 

I want to clear a room. 

Satan get behind me. 

---

I want to stare and stop.

Satan get behind me. 

I distractedly pause from the walk.

Satan get behind me. 

I want to ignore this broken world. 

Satan get behind me. 

I want to call out from fear.

Satan get behind me. 

I want to reduce into a tear. 

Satan get behind me. 

---

Jesus hear my plea.

Satan got behind Thee.

Jesus rule my heart.

Satan got behind Thee.

Jesus make us a fresh start. 

Satan got behind Thee.

Jesus help me do my part.

Satan got behind Thee. 

Satan, get behind me. 

Satan, Jesus did crush thee.

---

Jesus, hear my plea.

Jesus, tell Satan to flee.

Jesus, be ahead of me.

Jesus, mark me free with Thee.

Jesus, Thee are in front of me.

Amen

---

The world sometimes makes me feel like a made-up Disney Princess with sweet compliments and fans.

The Lord, however, makes me His and tells me that I really AM the daughter of the KING. 

The world sometimes makes me scrub on my knees and feel like Cinderella in rags, not in a kingdom.

The Lord, however, clothes me with garments of salvation and arrays me in a robe of his righteousness.

In the world: time stops when the clock strikes midnight.

In the Lord: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”.

The world fades. 

The Lord shines. 

The world stops short. 

The Lord goes on forever. 

The world chases the wind, never has enough.

The Lord gives gladness of heart to enjoy one’s lot in life.

The world hates, moves on, forgets us.

The Lord forever holds and protects us.

The world is not prayed for.

The Lord PRAYS FOR US.

In this world, we are incomplete like chains of a broken necklace. 

In the Lord, we are restored to whole.

In the world, we are dust – but the Lord’s dust.

In the Lord, WE ARE HIS JOY.

The World vs the Lord.

In HIM we are won.

In HIM we are ONE.

Amen 

—

Jesus says: I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.    John 17:9-19

Also see Ecclesiastes.

A friend mentioned that their life-long friend had passed of covid – and just after I saw this story of a Swedish artist who made metal flowers to place in a field – he was using this as a way to wrap his mind around the numbers so they weren’t just numbers.    https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-55415765

What I appreciated was what the artist said at the end – that he wanted each person to have the place where they felt respect. 

We are always talking numbers – so when we have a memory of a person we become the mental planter of that flower using our love, which comes from the Lord… sometimes if someone passed that I knew, that next spring I would think of them when planting my flower beds…

Scriptures tell us of how flowers fade. Scripture also tells us that the Word of the Lord endures forever – therefore we are to love fervently – and that love will last forever… If we love and share love – then we are actually planting and cultivating that person INTO the Love and Word of God – and hopefully they bloomed in love too – whether they knew the Lord or not they were planted in love that originated from Him. He then could water that field of their souls… 

Love is eternal and that loved one is never gone from the love that permeates the world – just the soul is relocated home – closer to the Source…

Peace and keep planting…

PS – Be Unto Your Name https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLOt2DlhdrY

———

1st Peter 1:22-25

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.

“The only one who was qualified to hold a stone, didn’t.” Anonymous Author but a real Amen

Stone Hold Truth

We aren’t qualified to judge, but we do.

We aren’t supposed to whisper, but we do.

We aren’t supposed to shun, but we do.

We hold the stones just as much even more as they are held poised at us.

Instead of holding a stone, throwing a stone, by choice Jesus instead HOLDS your hand within His. 

Guidance over judgement.

The Rock holds your hand, not a stone.

That is Truth to hold on to.

Amen

A friend gets a new faith word of the year, each year… This year her Word is “Love”. Love is a great Word because God is Love, Love is God, Jesus is the Word of God. Jesus says to LOVE. “Love one another as I have Loved you.”

Perhaps you have a new/old faith word as well.

I believe that my word should be this year, 2 words, “By Faith” –  That what we ask for, as in things, we should ask for in the Lord’s name and what we asked to do or to go we should ask to do them “BY FAITH”.  Lord-willing. Not spoken boldly but quietly and under the breath even. Spoken in faith by asking the Lord, not demanding… Always in an ask, confident that the Lord will answer!!! Either it will happen or it won’t.

By Faith… 

The Lord has plans for you that you can NOT imagine.

Imagine that the Lord has BETTER plans for yoy than you have for yourself. Believe it.

Plan to follow the Lord. (And try really really hard to listen and obey.)

Really – this is a Godly pursuit but it has a positive human side-effect: “By Faith” gives CONTENTMENT, as well as self-discipline, especially for the realization that there are things we can and cannot do, places we can and cannot go, plans we cannot have unless the Lord agrees and builds them for us. There is nothing that helps us more into peace than to follow the Lord’s plans. Sometimes we will ask: “Why am I here Lord?” – “Why am I waiting” – “What is this side-tracking for?”. We may not get an answer we understand – or it may take a while – but CONTENTMENT (not compromise or complacency) true CONTENTMENT only comes with the PEACE you accept from the Lord’s pace for you and how He has you placed.

Peace by Place and Pace.

Amen

—

… Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” James 4:14

—

“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24

—

Advancing God’s work—which is by faith. Paul to 1Timothy 1:4

—

Fan into flame the gift of God… For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. Paul to 2Timothy 1:6-7

—

You have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Paul to the Colossians 3:1-4

—

Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the word, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

Fight the good fight of the faith.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Paul to 1Timothy 6:6-12, 17-19

—

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

—

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10

—

AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS.  Philippians 4:4

I’m SO thankful Lord in Thee.

When I thought I had two, You and me, I see I have actually three: God Father, Jesus Word, and Holy Spirit – All in Thee.

When I thought my finances stretched thin. It was only You I needed within. 

When I thought my cupboards bare. You told me You were sufficient to feed me anywhere. 

When I had enough money in my eyes, You allowed me to go get goodies, sweets, and even Five Guys Fries.

When I could replace my old green then old blue car, I realize it is You Whom has driven me sucessfully safe this far.

When I got to hold my loved ones dear, it was You who gathered them near. When I sat quite alone, You said it was OK, I only needed You and You alone.

Someday we won’t be steady, but You will make us ready. Secured in Jesus we need to atone. Someday, He will hold our hand while You will call us each HOME. 

We LIVE and LOVE by Thee and Thee Alone.

I thank You Lord, Thee Alone 

Amen 

Jesus in Our Cup

Perhaps Jesus is filling your coffee cup:

With a BOLD blend, strong and mighty. 

With a delicate aroma, sweet and welcoming. 

A percolator type, traditional and long-processed.

Sanka, on the go and doesn’t give you the shakes.

Instant, there when you need Him.

Espresso, steaming, noisy in the ears and concentrated in small sips.

All sugary, easy to down. 

Black, straight and no nonsense. 

A mug you barely wash, home brew.

A takeout cup, still will do.

Half full, there’s still more to savor. 

Half empty, don’t miss out on all sips of Savior. 

Drips, spill out on the ground. 

Floods, whole carafe rendered down. 

Beans crushed and brewed, broken, it smells of Heaven.

Jesus, the best Savior in town. 

Flavoring life, Jesus in the cup, the perk to bring you around.

The essence of Jesus, nothing compares. 

Our cup He fills, He will always make you aware.

Filtered He still runs thru.

Rip open the filter, temple curtain, God’s Jesus made a Way for you.

Jesus in our cups.

Filled with Love.

Drinking Living Water.

Savor everything sent from above.

Amen 

A friend said she wanted to work on her faith in this New Year. Actually, God is working on us!  So as for me, in my limited knowledge of the Lord, I have mostly learned that it is HE who works on us.

Apostle Paul, with Timothy his scribe and student, aspired to advancing God’s work—which IS by faith. “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 

Sincere means listening and not quenching the lead of the Lord, doing what He says. Faith knows peace without understanding it.

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians church folk whom he taught: “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by HIS POWER he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed PROMPTED by faith.  We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

I’ve experienced in me that Jesus as the Vine is the One who connects and feeds us as branches (gospel of John). It can be like growing the Grinch’s heart when he saw and experienced love. The vine valves we squeaked open. If we want to grow our faith, really all we need to do is start listening to the flow better – tap into it – grease up the valves – LET IT FLOW  – and faith will be ebbing thru us, overcoming as it overflows. 

Like leaves on the branches, we turn our faces to the sun to absorb the light, open special stomata underneath to take in carbon dioxide, absorb the water flowing from the vine deeply rooted, and growing gets to work. Do we produce sugars, vitamins, minerals, nourishment for ourselves? Not exclusively as the creations, work, products become fruit of HIS Vine. An orange tree or tomato bush grows fruit for the picking, giving up its best. We should too.

Like He desires in us, from us, as His Vine branches, we need to leaf out in spring, absorb the Shine of His Light, intake the flow of Spirit, be fed by the Living Water – and be His strong branches to bear fruit. Our Vinedresser watches and prunes us for the good of His crop.

Psalm 90:1-4, 12, 16-17

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.” A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night…

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom…

May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.

AMEN 

Jesus said:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:1-12

AMEN AMEN 

Jesus doesn’t always have to come to us because we experience a tragedy.

Often He speaks to us when we are simply sipping a cup of tea.

Jesus is not hiding or scarcely found.

His Spirit is ever-present and all around. 

Jesus grows THRU, not on us like fungal decay.

From inside He is changing your heart, your soul, your mind, in His Way.

Jesus in us doesn’t get thrown off by our sinful spots.

God made us by faith to ask and receive grace, unlike the lost of those blind “have nots”.

Jesus’s forgiveness makes us NEW in a new creation way.

Listen to Him teach you a new lesson today. 

Jesus puts the purpose in our LOVE. 

His LOVE is all in all, grace given from God above.

It’s good to listen to Jesus, read His Word, and just be.

Faith can strengthen you, motivate you, simply while sipping a cup of tea.

Thank You Jesus for flowing Your peace in me.

I love to ponder Thee.

Amen

OKAY OKAY Lord, it’s time to get up and rhyme. 

OKAY OKAY Lord, You’re right I am feeling just fine.

How come You give me an early wake up time?

Let me write, of course I am living on Your dime.

—

OKAY OKAY Lord, it’s New Year’s Day. 

OKAY OKAY Lord, another day to play. 

Play? Instead what’s that You say? 

Oh, You gave us ANOTHER DAY TO PRAY. 

—

OKAY OKAY LORD, I get Your drift.

You are repairing this big listening rift.

You want to give everyone a lift?

Ah, I see, You want to give lost people Your greatest Gift.

—

OKAY OKAY Lord, today is that day. 

For another soul we should always pray.

Lord, what really do You want me to say?

JESUS IS THE ONE AND TRUE WAY.

—

I believe that Lord, but there are those who DON’T. 

I believe in You Lord, but there are those who WON’T. 

Those blind to Your ways will rant, pay You no mind.

Awake them Lord, not to punish but for them to know that You are KIND.

—

You need us to live Your Word. 

You want us all to retell Your Word.

Open ears hear, eyes see, hearts are stirred. 

Jesus, You NEED to be heard.

—

Your New. Your Year. Your Day.

Lord, who will NEWLY hear You TODAY?

To open more eyes and hearts, You need us ALL, yes everyone to PRAY.

Open Ears to hear, for TODAY is NEW EARS DAY! 

—

I will pray Your Way, OKAY!

It’s not just about me, that’s OKAY! 

I will petition for all to have an awakening DAY. A NEW EAR DAY!

Thank You Lord, please Light their Way.

—

You put the NEW into this New Year’s Day.

You made the YEAR of this New Year’s Day.

You own the DAY on this New Year’s Day. 

Open ears as You are light, truth and the WAY.

—

I will pray for what to say. Your Word works everyday. 

Thru me, Lord, I hope You ALWAYS get Your Way. 

Amen to those who become NEW in YOU on this Day.

Wishing new EARS for You Lord, every day.

—

Lord, HAPPY NEW EARS DAY!      

Amen

I got advice for a work document I was writing by asking someone who had recently written a similar document. I joked that I was cheating off the smart kid – but really it was and is handy to have help. I then thought this concept is just like us and Jesus. We don’t have to guess, we have to confess that He knows better than us. How fitting that we get to get to Salvation because we have Jesus. We are kind of riding on His coat tails – but not really – because to make it to Heaven, we have to NOT ride but WALK alongside Him. We do have to commit to the journey.

Recently I called a friend and he helped me fix the pipe leaking under my sink (silly I just had to tighten this ring). It is handy to have a phone a friend – phone a plumber – cheat off the smart kid… That is Jesus too – handy to have His Hand guiding ours – cheating yes by cheating death because He crushed it. The smart kid? Oh Yeah – Jesus is the smartest kid you can imagine – and He is NOT hiding His paper – and He is not even testing us. Jesus IS showing not just His paper to us but HIS OPEN BOOK.

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JESUS IS THE ULTIMATE OPEN BOOK.

He doesn’t open His book to just mark up our pages based on His.

He does open His book to hint His answers to us.

He doesn’t open His book to read us the riot act.

He does open His book to teach us His righteous acts.

He doesn’t open His book to write down our wrongs.

He does open His book to copy it onto our hearts.

He doesn’t open His book to cut us with the pages.

He does open His book to cut open our ears, hearts, minds and souls.

He doesn’t open His book to simply be wordy.

He does open His book to make us simply worthy.

Thank You Jesus for reading us the Way – one Word at a time.

Amen

I have no clue, Lord, what’s vining thru me from You. But You do.

I have no clue of today’s challenges, but you do. 

I can’t interpret my dreams, no clue what they mean, but You process them for me, don’t you?

I have no clue. I have to rely on You.

No clue but You.

I get rest, get to rise, get to move, get to live because of You.

Good is good all because of You.

I can know of good things because I know You.

I can fear not small things, because I respect You.

Why am I awake, alive, ready to thrive?

Well, all because of You.

You are my clue, better yet, You are my answer too.

If I don’t know what to do, I will ask You.

If I can’t comprehend, I will figure on You.

If I am lost, I will look for You.

If I am scared, I will feel for You.

If I don’t know what to say, I will speak about You.

If I need a clue, I will listen to You.

You always see me thru. Better than a clue, You are You.

Lord Your Name is So Powerful too.

True.

Amen and Thank You.

I held this writing in drafts for 2 weeks, and I appreciate the chance to revisit it. After one of my writings helped their situation, a friend said “keep doing your job” – meaning acting on this feeling of writing for the Lord’s purposes… 

Classically I had written that same thought in this note I started writing below, about my friend a servant of the Lord, grateful for him for just “doing his job” for the Lord… We don’t work for men, we work for the Lord. The Doors lyric: “keep your eyes on the road – your hands upon the wheel”

Isn’t that the truth!!!  Keep going my friends, doing the best you can to serve the Lord – it DOES make a difference – it made me SAVED!

———-
1000 and Forever More, 12Dec-DEBBIEtime2020

I am often writing from “having to write” – but this time I simply want to write this note – I am quite taken by the fact that I have approached then gone over 1000 devotions/blogs/processing writings especially since I begged the Lord to stop making me write at about 100 or so writings… I asked for my brain back. Well, He said: NO!

It’s not an accomplishment for the writing but I will take credit for paying attention to feeling an urgency of the curation of the writings, what I describe as me having no choice. I have to “contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me”… YES!

But today I want to write this as a thank you note – specifically for the Lord for picking up a task for me that I would have NEVER picked for myself – for showing me the better way when I myself was “in the way” – and for giving me an abundant feeling of blessings. I am thankful that this is not a chore, like mowing the lawn, but a direction to keep walking. Whatever I am doing or supposed to be doing, this feels like being the puzzle piece in You Lord moving around the box. I pray, Lord, that you move me to the parts of the picture where I connect. I often ask “Lord, where do I fit?” He says “Don’t worry where you fit – just be happy that you do.” And I am Lord, I am happy to know You in me and me in You. I am handmaiden of the Lord (Luke 1:38) and “feel to be a cog in something turning” (like Joni Mitchell sings).

And I want to add to this thank you note a great THANK YOU LORD FOR MY FRIEND “A” – in musical notes, sermons of note, and notes written and exchanged. I know he doesn’t want thanks – never did – because He knows, like I know, that anything we do for the Spirit is FROM the Spirit… so I will say THANK YOU to the Holy Spirit for Your servant! Thank You for placing me in timing and space – or thank you for not moving your servant onto some other place before the Lord caught me up to catch up with him.

I would not be anywhere without the Lord – none of us would be, but with servants placed in that particular place and time, paced and placed by the Holy Spirit, in my earshot, I had the most important pieces falling into my puzzling,  I had people to talk to whom didn’t know I was talking to them!. My conversations were not many at the beginning, and servants were not interveners but guides being placed in advance to when I caught up to listening with opening ears, someone to talk to whom I just felt would not ridicule me, someone who “got it”, and who wasn’t just randomly placed. I knew I had someone to trust in for whom I could hide my thoughts, not dismiss me or even try to change or affect me – but he could tell something was turning in my head… I won’t recap the whole story (which of course I have written out) but just state that this servant was just doing his job of teaching and reaching – He was placed – and participated in the work from his calling. Just doing his job.

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. (Paul to Philippians)

The best advice this servant gave me about serving the Lord, when I was preparing my first sermon, was “You just do the best you can to present the scriptures.” That’s true – God wants to use each of us – just do the best you can to help Him shine thru. He already did everything – nothing can be added or taken away – so just present the truth. People will listen to and seek the Holy Spirit.

I will always need someone to talk to – just do – that is my known brokenness in me – a gift of brokenness so why not pour LIGHT out – and because I like to talk, at least Lord, I can always talk to You. Please Lord forever take all my brokenness in order to shine You…

I don’t know how this life or writing journey will bend or end, Lord, but I know it will continue, until You Lord change my direction of what I do. I don’t know this next stage of my journey Lord, none of us do, but I do know this: that You will push us thru – pull us thru it – lift us thru it – especially to understand more of You. Our job? My job? Share You!

Whether 10,000 years or 1000 writings and forever more, I’ll have no less days to sing God’s praise, than when I first begun. I will write in my brokenness because He is making us all whole. 

Thanks Lord. 

Thanks all Your servants. 

Thanks all for listening. 

Thanks. 

These few days after Christmas are a gift especially to a working mom/Mrs Santa/Julia Child Chef/pleaser to the workplace and world, just trying to get everything done by Christmas and now Christmas joy can now be enjoyed by me because the pressure is off. I’m blessed to be at work to reset my brain but hold onto my Christmas heart. 

I appreciate that the word the Lord has given me all throughout this covid season has been “REST” – both rest physically for health and rest assuredly in His love. Rest has allowed me to process in my sleep, and all of us to reduce stress resting assured that we are doing our best each day. At least we are trying.

I appreciated hearing in a sermon video today the great story of Simeon at the temple when Jesus was brought as a baby for dedication.   I can see/hear a song from Michael Card in my head and I can see the image of Simeon holding the baby, so touched that he was allowed to see his and the world’s Savior come to fruition. Anna was also gifted seeing our Gift. They KNEW.  And the sermon pastor spoke of how they were allowed rest, no not slack-off in faith or life, but to simply rest assured of a promise fulfilled. 

It brings me to tears to know that Jesus not only entered my own temple to teach me about His love for me, but He created it to house His Word and in doing so, gave me an empty slate wiped clean on which to write on my heart… if you have accepted Jesus rest in His arms, rest your future in His love. If you have not fully accepted Jesus – this is a good time to – at Christmas when He is a gentle as a baby to behold and then hold you. He really is the only comfort that satisfies what we need. We accept Him because He chose us first.

And Simeon did not sugarcoat the hardships that Jesus would endure, that Mary had in store. But Simeon saw and praised the glory first. We also will not rest in or on easy street, but we CAN see the glory of the Lord. We can feel Christmas rest, Easter best and our temple blessed. 

We have God with us. Let that sink in.

Be blessed. Merry Christmas rest.

Amen 

—-

Luke 2:22-40 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord  (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”),  and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,  so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

——-

Michael Card’s song:

Now that I’ve held him in my arms

That old man in the temple

Waiting in the court

Waiting for the answer to a promise

And all at once he sees them

In the morning sunshine

A couple come and carry in a baby

Now that I’ve held Him in my arms

My life can now come to an end

Let Your servant now depart in peace

Cause I’ve seen Your salvation

He’s the Light of the Gentiles

And the glory of His people Israel

Marry and the baby come

And in her hand five shekels

The price to redeem her baby boy

The baby softly cooing

Nestled in her arms

Simeon takes the boy and starts to sing

Now’s the time to take Him in your arms

Your life will never come to an end

He’s the only way that you’ll find peace

He’ll give you salvation cause

He’s the Light of the Gentiles

And the glory of His people Israel

The year ends, some call it horrible, a trying year. I call it a teaching year. Did we really put our money where our mouths were? Did we really flip over the rocks and look for hidden blessings? Did we help over hinder? Did we focus on things above? I didn’t always, but I tried. Let’s hope 2021 is not a trying year but a year of trying even harder in whatever we do, working at it with all our hearts, as working for the Lord….

Let’s reflect on NOT the year but the opportunities. Let’s think about what worked out and what didn’t. Learn from our past but then let it go and don’t glory in our glory or gloom in our gloom. Tomorrow isn’t today – focus on today. Yesterday isn’t today – focus on today.

Above all, focus all on all above.

Don’t look to 2021 as a focus ahead as much as focusing on the Lord ABOVE.  There WILL BE challenges in 2021. I know that we cannot avoid earthly pain. But as a friend once told me, life has valleys, but you don’t have to stay there.

I often wonder about my older family members their health and hard decisions and then remember to take one day at a time. I wonder about my children and their futures and then remember to take one day at a time and to keep going, best I can for them, nesting and resting and investing time into them and their future.

In 2020 hindsight, wouldn’t we all have been better each time we focused on things above. Heaven’s call to pause, pray and PRAISE takes the sting out of earthly life, allowing us to see, stand and SING.

Let us chime in 2021 as a year for Christ. He is the model for us. We think we have so much to focus on, forgive and figure out, but God has ALREADY gone ahead of us, to win our battles. Praise Him and in 2021 walk the lighted path that only He will blaze. It will be a path leading ABOVE.

Amen

—-

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ (Paul to Colossians 3:1-4, 12-17, 23)

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ……

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. …..

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…

It was a blessed Christmas Day, to rest in the Christmas prepwork now DONE (except the dishes, but they can wait), and just as blessed on Christmas Eve – this is how that day played out:

It’s fair to say that Christmas Eve, it was God’s choice for how my game plan would go.  I thought I had a plan for the day but He rearranged it HIS Way. I WAS going to travel the hour South to be at one church for outdoor living nativity caroling and smores and a church service in an open air tent. I still believe that the less time you are inside, the better – just GO OUTSIDE!!!… of course, I had so much to do in the morning first, still shopping and wrapping and life… so, in the afternoon I planned (God willing) to go to church(es), even though my kids didn’t want to go. I thought I would be blessed to see my friends, and sing and feel the Christmas love, especially outside and it was 60 degrees in December! BUT, the weather changed all that. No tent, no smores outside, just DOWNPOURS!!!… I still was considering going, even packed my car, it’s an hour drive, but then my son asked to do some shopping with me, SO RARE, and it became more and more CLEAR – God had me CHANGE my GEAR. Lord knows it’s my children, His children, and time with them which I hold most DEAR.

and then, my hip. Owww… I did something – or God touched it – because my wrestling decisions were solved by asking Him, the Lord to help me – AND HE DID by stopping me by temporarily stopping me in my tracks!

Owwww… what did I do? Twist it getting out of the car? hoping over a snowbank? No clue, but out it went. It’s fine now. I’ve done that before, then it takes a good mini rest to click it back in – old bursitis rears its wacky ways on occasions. I knew I had to pause and lay down to reset it, you can’t ignore it or walk it off. No worries about it but home I was and the couch I went… So, no attempt to get anywhere for a couple hours – off the table, and I went off my feet. Watched some parts of a movie. Watched (heard) my daughter cook herself some food (yes!). Watched my neighbor drop off goodies – yum! 

I did get up after an hour or so – the hip was fine enough and I did walk it mid-afternoon – fabulous 60 degrees and not raining at that point. So, in my walk I started noticing people outside – then a little boy (maybe 4?) said: “Get out of the road, you don’t want to get hit by a car!” and he wanted me to stay on his driveway with mom and him and dad because Santa was coming!! I then heard the sirens – oh Santa was indeed coming on his firetruck after all!!!  wow – I was so amazed at the social nature of this little boy but especially looking out for me and others – his mom said he was always social – I get that! and so we waited and talked and waited…  Santa makes his rounds so you hear him FOREVER until he gets to your road – so I excused myself from this driveway party – and thanked the little boy (how blessed to be in a Christmas moment with a child – my teenagers were not amused to see Santa or even his firetruck – but I love a parade!) – and I kept walking – I waved “Hi” to like 20 sets of neighbors – like walking a parade route – and then I got home to my house and chatted with our neighbors, gave them cookies, and gave Santa a HUGE wave on his amazing fire truck. Blessed to hold my fingers in my ears, he was so LOUD!

My hip was totally fine by evening. I cooked dinner for the kids, got out my Grandma’s fancy china and tablecloth, and honestly enjoyed playing house…  we enjoyed “a fancy dinner”, the gift of chocolates and a candle and sparkling grape juice from neighbors who brought gifts. We enjoyed playing a video game they choose after dinner. And I FINISHED MY WRAPPING!!! I then had enough time to go to late 9:30 local church with services outside in the parking lot in my safe and snug Subaru, eating peanuts from Five Guys, as if it were the messy floor of the Ground Round… (and how blessed that our new pastor is crazy enough to put on a raincoat and preach in the rain! surrounded by faithful boyscout-like assistants who certainly have been in a rainstorm or two – at least it WAS 60 degrees!!!

And then I got to sing in the Subaru – and this brought tears to my eyes because all the times I didn’t sing in church this year, it is still the most TOUCHING to the Lord that we are singing to Him. I ALSO sang with the online live feed from my other church – both blessed times to sing my heart out. Silent Night Holy Night. Subaru, hold Thy Light. 

Isn’t that just like the Lord to remind us – if we value spending time with our kids so much that HE DOES TOO. The Lord our God values EVERY precious moment that we spend WITH Him. Every thought, every tear, every nap and every awake moment. Every smile, wave, tear in love. Every wrestling moment and move we do – God can let us wrestle and then STILL bless us. Our looking to Him is touching His Heart. 

I feel like when we wrestle with decisions and directions and THEN we place it into God’s hands, we are blessed to watch Him decide the best plan of action. It’s not watching a Christmas movie, it’s actually watching the director’s cut: “and then I placed her over there…”  And even when the results are not what we thought, He gives us peace to accept them. I wrestled with my schedule, my busy-ness, my decision process but I did have lots of options that day – and we do EVERYDAY. Putting it into God’s Hands is the ONLY WAY. He fits in time His Way. We ask to see His face – and turns out all we really need is our faith.

BLESSED

WRESTLED

Lost to God, Won by God, Blessed even more.

Amen

Genesis 32: 24-32 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob’s hip was touched near the tendon.

And in my 1000th blog, “Christmas is still Christmas”, I should have added that the Christmas Tree LEANS big time!!!  https://debbieupper.blog/2020/12/25/christmas-is-still-christmas-even-this-year-1000/    It’s wired to the banister to lean less, but it still leans. It doesn’t need wiring, the tree stand is stable no problem, but I wanted it to look like only a small leaning tilt, oh well…

It’s a year NOT for perfect Christmas but a remembrance of leaning into our PERFECT Christmas counselor Jesus for sure… I could not have made it thru this day, this month, this year, these past few years especially, AND my whole life without listening in and LEANING IN for HIS PEACE… none of us would be here without Jesus. 

The cookies I made? Half didn’t even get to their destinations, stuck in NY or PA trucks, maybe they will still be edible in January.  Better yet, cast off the calories and feed the cookies to the birds. It’s a year where at Christmas and every day, this message rings true: “it’s the thought that counts.” When we let the Lord stabilize us, speak into our thoughts, decisions and lives, we get a glimpse of PEACE so that we can make the decisions big and small… He’s always helping with it ALL. 

Even though I placed 1000 writings into the ethernet to date, I am STILL convinced at the same conclusion that it is the PERSONAL TOUCH that makes our faith grow. I appreciate both the local connections and perceived personal touch connecting with people globally, all can be comforted to realize the deepest meanings of the Lord being ALIVE and active… Just like we have spent more time locally this year, speaking with neighbors more than extended family, our faith comes from the close connections with our Lord, daily, moment by moment. (and the local people got to eat those cookies 3 weeks ago!).

I can’t think of any other reason that I write than I am supposed to promote the process of leaning into the peace that ONLY Jesus can bring. So today and always, please lean into your faith, it’s the best possible Christmas and life plan!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! LOVE YOU ALL!

(PS – Lately in my statistics I see that people in China have clicked on the links. Blessed! There must be OTHERS WHO STILL NEED TO HEAR!)

When I walked up to the outside prep area of a church living nativity last night, looking for my friend Liane, I recognized her from behind, all bundled and standing still on the steps but I KNEW it was her. Had not seen her in a year, although we talk on the phone when we can. She heard me speak and instantly knew that it was me.  We are old FOREVER friends (not old but forever young) and there’s no distance in our friendship in time or conversation even when we are physically distant in our dust for a long time. She was completely costumed and covered by her fluffy coat, hood and mask, yet I knew her in an instant. She had also expected me that evening and was holding a present, of an inside joke, for me in her hand. It was a moment in the making when you know that the Lord Himself made the moment possible, because He makes our moments meaningful.

There’s no distance between old forever friends because the Lord has made each of us from His Dust. We may swirl around in different circles, but our Spirits are connected. Often I meet new people who are old souls to me and we connect instantly. A friend of mine says that’s my “superpower” but I know that is the Lord’s dust aligning.  I am often meeting old friends for the first time.

We are we and He is He, we do hope to abide in Thee!

That’s also why when we meet Jesus in our hearts, we connect in Spirit, Truth, Life. Truly His Way gives us Life. Jesus and you are old friends. He whom made you is always looking for you from the inside and the out. God, in God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit together, brought you into life on earth in order to move you thru the World, however you are given free will on earth and your eyes of your heart may be nearly closed for you, or occasionally we all put blinders on. We must ask the Lord to open the eyes of hearts around the world, for our friends and family and ours, to see Him more clearly.  There’s no distance in time or conversation with Jesus, even when we have emotionally distanced from Him, when we forget to call Him up. But we see His old friends around us all the time. 

I saw the Lord moving yesterday and shepherding and protecting and busy. Mom-mom as Mary, members of this big family who make me feel right at home. My parents and extended family in another state, so I get included in my big church families down here. A witness for me in that I saw the little children, the fourth generation of this family, dressed as angels, shepherds, and a donkey.  The little angel girl, maybe 6 yrs old, saw her cousin donkey and adorably said “Here, let me fix your ears.” That was after watching her grandma helping dress people. Helpers, Witnesses, Workers. We are watchers and learners, so if we watch Jesus and watch Him work, we learn from the best. If we imitate Jesus, others may learn about Him, understand our deep love for Him and look for Him too.

Amen and Amen to keep going…

PS – Perhaps you can call an old friend today, see what their dust has been up to. Shake the dust of God from your heart and spread it around like Christmas cheer… Jesus will be with you, our old Forever Friend, every step of the Way.

I don’t mind the shortened X in “XMAS” for representing Christmas,  I use both words Christmas and XMAS because the Word, being Jesus, is more alive than any notation we can make anyway. 

Here’s what the X can be in XMAS:

X is the Cross which bore Jesus and on which He said “It is Finished” – while still IN human form, Jesus spoke of that salvation was eternally accomplished thru Him. The X means Jesus came from Heaven for us.

X is a “t” tipped sideways – representing the Cross being tipped sideways, the Heavens dipped onto Earth, lowered to raise us.

X is the Cross with Jesus’s human dead form, the tree, tipped sideways lowering the arms of Jesus into the arms of the people God sent to love Him, carry Him, bury Him, anoint Him, witness Him and remember Him. The X represents care for Jesus and all He stood for.

X is the eXtraordinary plan that God put into motion to bring us Home. 

X is the eXcitement of Christmas and Easter. Glory in eXcelsis Deo.

X is the eXclamation of Jesus as the Message of God’s Grace, Forgiveness, Mercy, Love. The X represents the hope to share Jesus for all to hear.

X is the eXamination of hearts and the erasing of sin. The soulful searching of the saved.

X is the eXtinguished banishment of eternal separation.  The body and the temple curtain ripped open. The brokenness bringing Openness and Wholeness. 

X is the multiplier. One God One Love One Life multiplied (not divided) into us. Times for eXpanding knowledge time and time and time again so Christ could be made known. 

The X of XMAS is the celebration for His eXacting LOVE. 

Merry XMAS. 

eXactly Jesus eXactly us.

Amen

People enjoy sitting down for a meal, to open presents and just rest at Christmas. Many of us enjoy sitting in a church service, listening to the carols, bells, organ, squirming children and of course feeling the reverence of Christmas. I can hear/feel it now in my memories… It’s going to be different this year for many reasons, but maybe it is OK after all to feel different. If it’s NOT a Sit-Down Christmas this year, that doesn’t mean the Christmas Spirit has to stall. Not at all.

This year, be ready for NOT a sit-down Christmas, but stand up, walk-around, active, outside the box, sharing Christmas to spread the message of Christmas in a new way which is the never-changing Way, with a personal touch of Christmas Spirit… You have to get out, send out, ring out, call out. Christmas does not ever run out.

This year and always we are to remember the Way who made His Way into our world so we could make our way home to Heaven, forgiven and in peace. That’s a message for the moment and the masses. Jesus came to bring us HOME. Jesus is the Way to Light our Way.

Take time to see the lights, you can still go outside to see live Living Nativity scenes, because Jesus IS ALREADY HERE. You might need to walk a little bit outside as well as outside your comfort zone. Mary rode a donkey to her Christmas outing, but you can take your car. You might not find it “perfect” a Christmas, but what in life is? You can find imperfect scenes populated with imperfect people every year. However, there IS a PERFECTION in Christmas this year (and every year). You can find Christ in Christmas.

So this year, shake out of your old chairs, don’t worry about the parties or plays. Go with the praise. Share your gifts with those you find near. Focus on sharing the REAL Christmas Cheer: the peace and love and hope and heart of Christmas, ESPECIALLY this year.  You might have to find a new route, a new normal, but that is OK – Jesus did too – and travelled with Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem then to Egypt and back, they all had to make do too. 

Joy to the World, the Savior is Here!

Christ and Christmas still arrived right on time. 

They still do.

Amen 

I always thought I wrote about black ice, and every year when I see some, I think back to writing about it. Apparently, seeing a black ice photo in my draft email folder indicates that it was one Subaru ago (blue Forester) when I started to write something but didn’t.  Ice and life has come and gone but my thoughts are still here: Watch out, there are black ice days and black ice times of life. This deep freeze is one of them where areas not treated or cleaned up have frozen up. The black patches of ice look like water or disappear under a snow drift. Step wrong and watch out!!! These are also the times when we forget to praise the Lord as we are so blinded by the show (or snow) of the worldly things that we forget to praise. All good things are from God and He is a jealous God! Don’t forget to praise – it warms the heart and the step.

There are black ice days and black ice times. Because we can trip up and fall when we neglect to pay attention to life and when we don’t count our blessings and even freeze our gaze and only focus too short. Life is not a bowl of cherries, but at least if the road was covered with cherries, you would see them and step more carefully. Life cannot and will not be perfect to human hopes and dreams. Life would be boring that way anyway. Our greater danger is multi-fold, we go on autopilot without looking where we step and we don’t remember Whom is better as our pilot. And we don’t take the long view and get caught in a blind spot. 

We need to see. We need to look. We still have to step out into life. We need our Lord and His Spirit to guide us. And remember He does have work for us to keep driving, keep stepping forward to share His love. We cannot become complacent nor get riled up and start running at distractions. Hit the ice and crash and burn. Stall the car and sit and stew. Slam on the brakes of living and spin out of control. 

When I learned to drive, in snowy and icy weather, we didn’t have antilock brakes or all-wheel drive. I was taught to turn into a skid to regain control of the car. I was taught to pump the brakes to slow down. It was about regaining safety by giving up some control and working WITH the vehicle you had (plus the sheer weight of the tanks that old cars were, you often spun into snowbanks unscathed). So even when your mind was racing, your autopilot of learned driver reactions took over to listen. Isn’t that life too? Lean into the issues, this time with guidance from above, give up a bit of control and pump on the brakes a little at a time to NOT lock up your options.  Each time you let up on the brake and release the steering wheel of life, this becomes a time to let the Lord steer. We must give up control and let the Lord steer.

Black ice will catch us when we stop paying attention. The Lord knows His way around it for you.

Sometimes we are best to think ahead and add salt to a situation to prevent freeze ups, to shine light on situations and dry up the danger, sometimes add salt to conversations to smooth things over and give our best apt reply so that we can continue on our way.  Always we can ask to see where the Lord has ALREADY stepped into our future and knows our best way. We must pay attention! He is trying to get our attention! And after any near miss, we can warn, help and yell for others to steer clear of danger too. Always watch for the Lord when the going gets tough!

Scripture reminds us to help others survive and thrive no matter what life throws their way: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.  Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.    1 Thessalonians 5:11-24

Saved from the black ice for another day, we look for the Lord’s Way. 

Have a safe and blessed and skid-free day.

Amen 

We have blessings, so many blessings – and in (or on top of) all that we “HAVES” have the Lord AS Lord, who helps in the crises as well as in blessings. I mean if you fabulously won the multimillion dollar jackpot you would STILL need a good accountant! Isn’t it a blessing that the Lord is our accountability accountant, who blesses us with direction, gives us skills and outlets to use them, then sorts thru our skill sets to reinforce that He wants us to work FOR Him. The Lord is the One Who carries us thru.

Everyone COULD be a “HAVE” – after eyes opened. Sadly there are people who HAVE NOT – I don’t mean financially, but meaning they have NOT realized that they HAVE the Lord, as they can’t see Him, feel Him, comprehend Him. Some shun Him but others just plain don’t know. They don’t know WHERE to place their HOPE. Without HOPE how can they cope?… Maybe they just lost track of hope under the piles of stress. One of the first line items in our personal Accountability Accountant Audit should be to PRAY for them to see and know the Lord as Lord, to understand Him more, to grow in faith, to hold on to HOPE.

Paul, the prisoner apostle who got to write and write, actually had so much HOPE. He felt blessings for He KNEW that others GREW in faith. He KNEW the Lord was expanding the devoted follower base from jews and gentiles. Paul even saw the workings of the Holy Spirit, a force above all forces, a re-in-forcer to the gospel of Jesus which “came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” Re-IN the Holy Spirit re-in-forces the force of Jesus.

I think back to when I didn’t understand my faith as much as today, I wasn’t shunning as much as ignoring, but I still understood that I was blessed. And I believe that many we know are in understanding of their blessings even if they can’t see the complete connection to the Lord. Their deep conviction only could come after convincing conviction, but we are always “works in progress”. I have hope in that Hope IS building. If we, who HAVE faith, don’t display HOPE, who will???

HOPE should be tops of our skill sets. It’s a blessing to be able to use your skill sets. Yesterday and especially yesterday, I was blessed to be at work to help logistics for a big party – not the normal party sense but in distancing terms for covid, you can still think of it as a party for 150. My joy usually is to find my niche of where I am needed and just show up there and be there. Nowadays many are planning, but the need is in the doing. Smiling, and displaying Hope is right in my skill set. Lord, how you bless me to be me. It honestly was the only holiday party that I will likely attend this covid year, and I got paid to be there, go figure. But I didn’t get to be in a big room to mingle, no one did, we don’t even have a big room anymore. Everyone ate at their desks. And I instead I got to chat with each of the 100 to 125 people at work that day in a socially distanced way continuously over the course of 4 hours because they had to stop into the room I was in! I did nothing but show up and see where I was needed, set up items already waiting for me, and START. There are blessings this year to figure out how to keep going. When one door is closed, look for the window of opportunity. There’s ALWAYS a window of Hope, if YOU choose to open it.

The hot turkey lunches were bagged and safely handed out like takeout. I was SO busy, I didn’t even have time to finish eating that until I opened it again, safely unmasked and at home from the snowstorm. I realized that I got to see everyone – and to me that is the party gift that never could have been wrapped. Then handing out the goodies of candy, cakes, and electronics as a small big thank you was icing on the cake I didn’t actually eat because I was giving them away. Great gifts for these behind the scenes but CRUCIAL workers who test the safety of therapeutic and preventive medications many take. They didn’t take much vacation this year, they worked in as best socially distanced ways as they could. They masked faithfully and never grudgingly, ever since March. Half these workers already wear masks in the labs, so not an issue to just put on a simple stretchy mask at their desks too and continue working … and they are appreciated! They give HOPE.

Aren’t we blessed to see where the Holy hope and saving help comes from? Even in and especially in a pandemic, you can look for the LIGHT of HOPE.

Hope IS raise-able and remember when we take our Hopeful watch of our Holy Host, the Holy Spirit, we see Him watching how we react when He places His Power into play. One should say “OH! THAT’S the Holy Spirit Way!” Yes, the Holy Spirit is Powering the Power, so if you lean into His Spirit Breeze, you can catch a drift of saving help.

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” (from Psalm 70).

Rejoice with the “haves”, but work for the glory of God catching up the “have nots”. Work as if the world depended upon His Hope, because it does.

Just like accounting for everyone getting their holiday gift, have your Holy audit sheets of sharing HOPE ready to be checked. Help where you can, HOPE in all, because God already powered you to HEAR.

We should all be Thanksgiving all throughout the year. We “have” the Lord – rather He has and holds us!

Amen

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Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith (a 1st letter from Paul)

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.  We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.  You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Paul to Colossians 4:5-6

! YEAH !

I walked into a small business yesterday, looking for a few Christmas items to mail. Nice that downstairs they had an upscale thrift shop stuff. When I came back up, neither the owner or worker were wearing their masks, were 1 foot apart discussing prices. I’m NOT a germaphobe, never was, but it AMAZES me that these people in this business are not as responsive to customers as you would think! This is not March, this is December in a post-thanksgiving spike. Many businesses ARE wonderfully compliant, some aren’t, and if front of the store workers aren’t wearing their masks, higher chances the backroom workers aren’t either). 

We must rely on GRACE.  GRACE UNDER PRESSURE. 

What do I say to the shop folks? So, you know as consumers we/I could have chosen a course of responses to the unmasked ladies. I wanted my items, didn’t want to walk away and not say why. I waited 6 feet away until I finally said I was ready to check out, they were oblivious to me standing there. The cashier lady scrambled for her mask, a cute Christmas motif even, complimented me on my purchases, and made nice. The owner lady in oblivion to mask wearing or my frown (couldn’t see it because I was masked). Even if she was certified clean, a proper mask would go a long way in comforting me that she cared. Perhaps and probably she cared and was ignorant to my opinion? GRACE. 

Let your conversation be always full of GRACE, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 

I was stunned quiet, and if you know me, if I’m quiet, there’s a PROBLEM. But as the cashier apologized for her mask being down, I mentioned loud enough for both of them to hear that I have a friend and his wife and her mother all down with bad cases of covid, it’s still out there, he said it feels like a marathon to walk from one room to another. The cashier showed genuine concern, the other lady either did not listen or I just don’t know where he head was. She was being silly and showed the new baubles of Christmas decorations she was pricing, but really that didn’t amuse me. I cannot hide my quietness, it’s earth shattering quiet in my opinion, knowing me. I cashed out and dashed out. Open air, open windows, open prayers. And prayers for her too. Granted, cases are still scattered, still rare enough, but they are spiking because of traditional winter close quarters, it IS cold and flu season, why are we surprised at this covid spike?… Customer service could be consistent regardless of spikes, year-round. I just remember good advice: don’t challenge others, unless crucial. Keeping quiet was not hard when stunned quiet, but I could write volumes, of course. Seasoned with salt, our responses SHOULD be after prayerful pondering. 

I’m not a perfect mask wearer, I’m terrible to judge, I make my own faux pas in other crucial things, I know – take the log out of your own eye before trying to see the splint in someone elses.

This is a season of thankfulness and GRACE, actually EVERY SEASON is a season of GRACE. Jesus came to share GRACE. There are not as many “enemies to us” but “opposers to us” these days. We are judgmental folks, me too, and what can be done but for us to try to be better… In conversation try to speak up or shut up. Let life finish out its course with God’s judgement not ours. Meanwhile GRACE is needed. 

We are a world in need of GRACE. We are a people who are told to give GRACE, even under pressure. WE WERE GIVEN GRACE UNDER PRESSURE. God really really wants us back Home with Him – Grace thru Jesus is the only way He could make it – He loves us too much to not give it.

Why are we supposed to share and show GRACE? Share yes, because the Lord forgives us. Show? Because we are to model Christ-like behavior. Others are to know that we are Christians by our love.  And seasoned Christians are gifted seasoned answers and conversations. PRAY ON YOUR ANSWERS.

It is ours to speak up after seasoning-up or we are to shut up.

Grace under pressure is just the start…

Amen

It’s kind of cute the excitement of the two moving planets to create a double star image in the sky near Christmas time, but those planets are there all the time, and those planets have been edging closer every night, and those planets have been ignored most everyday and those planets are really very far apart and honestly when they come together it’s not gonna be that bright… but it’s ok, people like some good excitement. I’m all about good excitement, especially this year.

It’s NOT ok the excitement I just saw on video playback of a church shooting, at an outdoor concert in NYC. It’s NOT ok that people were forced hiding behind a light post, a traffic box, a trashcan. It’s not ok that the shooter was deranged and uncooperative and seemed to be seeking “suicide by cop”. It’s not OK that I could sense that either. It’s not ok that life and death situations are deliberately forced. It’s not ok that the world is broken. It’s OK to be sad. It’s OK to wish peace on earth. It’s our mission to seek PEACE ON EARTH.

The police officer on the right, behind his trash can barrier, was the first to run over to the scared people behind the traffic box, as soon as the shooter was downed, the cop yelled “move move move” and helped the two run further back. Then he crisscrossed the stairs with the other trashcan cop, and made his way to the ladies on the ground huddled behind a deep concrete step. “Move move move”. The crowd filming yells” “It’s ok, your ok” – the video picks up the crowd comforting the ladies. The crowd also praising the police who put their lives on the line. Those are the bright connections in the light of day. Those are people connections from a heavenly Spirit that shines BRIGHTER than humanity is darkened. Those are Spirit connections. That’s the planet we live on. Connection between good people outshines the bad people. Light overcomes darkness.

It’s ok and not ok that we don’t understand evil or even sadly mental illness that we can’t understand. It’s ok and not ok that we wish to ignore bad things.

Move move move. The stars are already moving everyday, and so are we. The human condition is movable and not. The Spirit desires to be moved away from humanness. The humans are to desire Spirit.

There’s nothing OK with the human condition, but know that it will eventually be OK after all evil influences are destroyed. It’s not us that can dispel the evil for all time, but we can wait and watch the Spirit use us and others for good. Remember, Mr. Rogers’s mother always said: in tragedies, look for the helpers.

That’s an alignment of human hope and sacrifice. Time is inching closer to the time the Lord will be overcoming all evil. Let us look to overcoming and practice peace now.

Move move move.

Amen, I believe in the Lord overcoming.

Of course I wasn’t going to eat a candy cane, too much sugar, but when offered last night at a tree lighting by the lady handing out song sheets, I changed my mind and took one anyway, figured I could pass it on to my son. But then ICK, a rainbow one? I’M A TRADITIONAL CANDY CANE SNOB. ICK… I put it in my pocket. 

I was excited about the song sheet! Singing Christ-containing Christmas songs! Outside!!! And I loved the quaint village and opportunity to be in Christmas Spirit. Yay singing!!! Joy to the World! I had visited Saturday, came back Sunday both to see the lighting and hang an ornament of a pinecone rolled in peanut butter and birdseed on the tree. These were free projects placed on the porch of the historical museum antique shop where I finished much Christmas shopping. The lady said “they’re not just for kids! Adults can do them too!” Yup, that’s me and hearing her plea touched me. Her concerns on the tree event and livestream. I took a bag, I really enjoyed making it, it’s a theme of birds weekend as the presents I bought were birdhouses. I made it and placing it on the tree and being present at the lighting was my present to myself in this Christmas covid complexity craze. 

Be present as my own present. 

Afterwards, I took my photos and the people (less than 30) dispersed, but this little boy was crying in an escalating tantrum, the kind a mother knows, the kind that can’t be smoothed over until the ORIGINAL issue is solved. Yeah, been there A LOT.  Crying but not my business, not mine to solve, but I listened in prayerful concern as I took a photo. Mom tried and said: “I will get more rainbow ones!”

OH!!!!!!!!

Rainbow connection, that RAINBOW CANDY CANE – not for me after all. A rainbow to remedy the pain. A candy to soothe the crying. All wrapped up in a disregarded pocketted rainbow candy cane of my discontent. Wasn’t for me after all. I can still hear the thank you and the crinkle of cellophane. I said Merry Christmas. 

But the thank yous from mom should not be at all placed into me, I was placed and paced, I can not take credit for something that I didn’t intend but walked into because of my brokenness to want to be in a collection of Christmas spirits. No, the thank you goes to the invisible Spirit who works all things for good, IF WE ONLY LISTEN!

My Rainbow Connection is Your Rainbow Connection too, it’s JESUS who came as the Promise, God’s promise symbol to Noah, God’s Promise to us. JESUS.  Jesus also Who ascended as the One to leave and to make Way for the Holy Spirit to guide. It’s a Spirit thing to hang NOT our ornaments on a string, to place our lives on a tree but to place them in Thee. Thee from hanging on a tree made us free.

Merry Christmas to not just the children, but to the moms who soothe, peace on earth and wishing peace in her ears. God’s watching out for you. God’s gift is for you. These Rainbow connections like candy canes are for blessings others. That’s God for you! 

Jesus’s present was and is to be present. See that His Spirit at Christmas Shines. 

Amen 

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We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:10-12