A Lesson from Emma

We've had a few very hot days recently and it reminded me of a post I wrote in my book, "Changing Lives One Note at a Time." I put sample notes in it that I wrote to a women for a year. This is one of them, with my comments at the time:

"I watched my dog, Emma, soak up the afternoon sun as she relaxed on the hot blacktop driveway, just huffing and puffing away. I wanted to tell her: 'If you'd get in the shade, it would be cooler.' I know God says that to me when I'm huffing and puffing: 'If you'd get in the shade and be refreshed by My Word, you'll feel better.' God's breath would flow through me and calm my soul.

"If I don't stay consistent in my time with God, I feel the consequences: short-tempered, uninspired, and an unkind attitude. I also get mad at myself for getting away from my routine.

"That's why I try and live my life based on discipline. I don't want to get out of the shade!

"Discipline is good mental exercise and helps mold my willpower and self-control. Routine makes it easy to stay in a pattern each day and do what I have planned.

"Discipline and routine go hand-in-hand. the routine of life could turn mundane unless the things I have determined to do are in my best mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual interest.

"In his book:  'Lightposts for Living,' Thomas Kinkade agrees about the need for routine in your life: 'But I learned long ago that I need routine in my life--and that I have more freedom when my days can rely on a predictable rhythm . . . Such repeated and dependable activities anchor my days, providing a sense of stability.'

"I know that staying in God's Word is one thing that helps me go through each day. It keeps me balanced and in tune to the right way. I want to do all I can to make that a part of my day, Then I am refreshed and have the energy to do the things that come my way."

"Get in the shade!" Thanks, Emma, for the reminder! It still works today!

By His Grace . . . 

That Little Brick Home

 "There is nothing small in the service of God."

Saint Francis of Sales

1567-1622

Last week I was reminded of something that happened when Jerry and I lived in Maryland. We were part of an Independent Church at the time. Members were holding Bible studies in their home and Jerry and I offered our home for a study.

We lived in a small, brick home. It was only 1,160 square feet and was on a plot of land that was .64 acres. We had a little kitchen, 1/4 of a dining room, livable living room and three bedrooms of small size. It was just right for us.

My decorating style is cozy and warm, and our little home served us well for 32 years. It was big enough for the two of us, our son and daughter, and the dogs that lived with us. I never felt like my home was inadequate for company. We even had enough room to have four gardens in the back yard! 

That takes me to my memory. One Sunday morning a younger woman said to me: "I'd like to have a Bible study in our home but my husband says our home is too small." I replied: "Come to the next study. It's in my home."

The women and her husband came to the next study. We had to remove our dining room table and placed extra chairs wherever they fit to eat everyone. But we all fit fine and had a great study.

The next study was to be held at this women's home. We arrived and sat in the car for a few minutes and looked at her home. We decided our home could fit in it two and a half times. We went home that evening and thanked God for our little home and all it meant to us.

Why am I telling you this? It doesn't matter what size home you have; what size car you have, or what size yard you have. Don't ever let the size of your home or the shape of your furniture, or the decorations in your home keep you from inviting others to it when you can share the love of Jesus with them. When you could have a Bible study to learn about God's Word. When you could pray for others.

Your heart is big enough to share with all those within your sphere of influence. When it comes to sharing Jesus, if your heart is filled with Him, any place you are is big enough to touch hearts for  your Lord.

"Little is Much if God is in It"

"Little is much when God is in it,

Labor not for wealth or fame;

There’s a crown, and you can win it,

If you go in Jesus’ name."

By His Grace . . . 

Do You Have That Assurance?

 

"The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it."

1 Thessalonians 5:24

It is wonderful to know in your heart--to be absolutely certain, without a doubt--that God is faithful. I hope you have that assurance in your heart.

We are failed everyday, mostly by people, sometimes by circumstances, and those failures can be a weight in our hearts. But there is one who never fails us, who is always with us and who never gives up on us.

It all comes down to my relationship with God. Is it strong or weak? Sure or wavering? When something happens that makes no sense, can I turn to the One who knows all?

With the assurance that God is with me, I can get through any situation. Assurance means having the confidence of knowing something is true. I either have it or I don't. There's no in-between.

I believe that all things happen for good according to God's plan. Because of what Jesus did for me, His blood covers my sin as white as snow. I can see God through Jesus, because of His love. With complete trust in God's Word, it's easier to accept things I don't understand. And that happens a lot.

My husband, Jerry, and I prayed for five years that he would be hired to oversee all maintenance work at a camp we supported. The dream came true and we were ecstatic. But during the first six weeks of employment, Jerry knew he could not work there and resigned.

Those were stressful days. Without God's assurance that all things work for good for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose, it would have been difficult to go on. But because we knew of His faithfulness, we were able to pick up the pieces and continue moving forward.

His Word is faithful. Having that assurance makes all the difference.

By His Grace . . . 

A Refreshing Word

Refresh. The word inspires happy thoughts. Strength, renewal, invigoration--all are felt when we're refreshed. Maybe that's why I like the Scripture verse which says. "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

The pleasure of a cool breeze, the warmth of the sun on our face, smelling fresh flowers. God's creation. Being refreshed encourages us and promotes hope.

We're pretty good at refreshing others. A friendly smile, a warm hug, sending a note or calling someone refreshes the receiver and the giver. But what about refreshing ourselves spiritually?  How can we purposely refresh ourselves with our heavenly Father.

God's love does that for us. Remembering His loving mercies and living according to His Word reminds us of all He's done for us. He rekindles our love for Him which then flows through us: reading and studying His Word . . . singing hymns and praise songs . . . praying and thanking Him at all times. Staying in touch with God refreshes us.

God sings because He is pleased with all He has created. How refreshing to hear that! It helps us look at His creation with joy. God sings because He loves us. The more we remember that, the more we will be refreshed each day.

I love the song, "When God Sings" by Kim Hopper. Can you imagine these sounds? "The rustling of the wings of the angels . . . the hush of the saints bowing down . . . losing themselves in sweet submission . . . there's nothing on this earth like the sound . . . when God sings. The heavens fill with wonder . . . when God sings, it's a breath of holy thunder . . . when God sings. Every note and every measure dances with His delight in me . . . when God sings."

 "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. 
He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you
but will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17

Fill yourself and others with the refreshing joy of God. There's nothing like being refreshed by our Heavenly Father.

By His Grace . . .

Keep Your Eye on the Goal

 
I don't know what kind of tree these two are, but every spring I love to see the leaves! The green is bright and shining, and leaves a lasting impression in my mind of God's creation. These lovely trees were found on Roseville/Sigel Road.

In the office of the pastor at my home church in Maryland was a large sign that he referred to often: "Keep Your Eye on the Goal." 

So many things happen during the course of a day that it's very easy for me to lose sight of what's important. Ups and downs and challenges; defeat and victories, laughter and fear, we can all relate to the avenue of emotions we go through in the course of a day.

What is the goal? Maybe each of us have different goals in life, but there should be one goal that's universal in every Christian's life: live for Christ.

If we live for Christ, everything we go through in a day will take us back to our purpose: live for Christ. Our emotions and mental thinking can be changed in an instant if we call upon and remember who we live for.

I think of the hymn: "Living for Jesus." The first line says: "Living for Jesus a life that is true." That means through every day, every hour, every minutes being aware of who you live for, "striving to please Him in all that [you] do."

Pastor Crowley passed a number of years ago, but I still remember the training and knowledge I received from him as a new Christian. God placed me in an environment where I could grow and learn. One of the things Pastor Crowley did was teach a nine month class on the "Sermon on the Mount." He did it especially for new Christians.

I had all the tapes of those classes and listened to them through the years. Somewhere during those years the tapes were lost. As a mature Christian I would still listen to those tapes if I had them.

Philippians 314 says: "I [Paul] press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Matthew Henry wrote: "He who runs a race, must never stop short of the end, but press forward as fast as he can; so those who have heaven in their view, must still press forward to it, in holy desires and hopes, and constant endeavors. Eternal life is the gift of God, but it is in Christ Jesus; through His Hand it must come to us, as it is procured for us by Him."

"Keep Your Eye on the Goal." Don't let all the distractions in this world mess you up. It's worth the effort.

By His Grace . . .

Who Are You Considering?

 
The other day on my walk I saw the resident horses on the property on the far side of the pond. When they saw me they started heading my way . . .

“Who are you considering today?” That’s the title of a devotion by Rick Renner in “Sparkling Gems From the Greek.” It caught my eye quickly.

The Scripture text he wrote about is Hebrews 10:24: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Renner wrote: We must remember that although the local church is to be a place where we can come to worship and hear the Word of God preached and taught, it is also a place where believers should 'consider one another' as this verse commands. the writer of Hebrews uses this word to convey the picture of a loving community where people are vitally concerned about each other's welfare. In fact, they are constantly observing and contemplating each other to know how to encourage and provoke each other to love and to good works."

I enjoyed watching the horses slowly trot over to me . . .

What are you doing in answer to this Scripture verse? For those folks you know best in your fellowship, are you considering the things that are going on in their lives? Sometimes the entire fellowship is aware of a concern. Other times, only those closest to the person or family are aware of concerns.

It's easy to tell ourselves that someone else will handle the concern -- someone closer to the person, has ore time, more money, more anything. But it doesn't always happen like that. Sometimes all it takes is a word from an acquaintance to bring a smile. To forget a pain. To give hope.

They slowly walked along the fence line to say hello . . .

It is easy to give a smile, a word, a note, a call, a moment of interaction with another. Let’s remember these words from Renner: “The local church should be a place of victory where faith is built up, the soul is encouraged, and wisdom and strength are imparted. It’s a community where faith lives and triumphs through a family of believer’s love and concern for another.”

I enjoyed talking with them. Don't they look great in the field of buttercups!

Who are you considering today?

By His Grace . . .

Be True to Your Word

I have always been touched by Jesus' words in John 17, beginning at verse 20: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message." Jesus prayed specifically for you and me. In verse 26 He continues: "That the love you have for Me may be in them and that I Myself may be in them." What joy to know Jesus prayed for us and loves us!

It's so comforting when someone tells me they prayed for me! and to know that Jesus prayed for me, too. Well that's encouraging!

Telling someone "I'll pray for you" is a very serious statement. I've found in writing encouraging notes that making that statement puts a "burden upon my heart." If I write it, I better do it.

I've always felt strongly about doing what I say I'll do, whether it's 'I'll call you," "I'll have you over," or "I'll send you" it weighs heavy on my heart until I have fulfilled my promise.

When someone says they will call you and they don't, it hurts. Making idle commitments for conversation's sake has the potential to hurt someone who is already in need.

It's important to me that my word is true. Not only for the person to whom I give it, but it's important as a mature Christian. I'm reminded of Psalm 34, verses 12;-13: "Whoever of you love life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies."

Knowing Jesus prayed for me is awesome! I want to have that reputation.

Verse Four of "I Am Praying for You."

“When He has found you, tell others the story,
That my loving Savior is your Savior, too;
Then pray that your Savior may bring them to glory,
And prayer will be answered- ’twas answered for you!”

By His Grace . . .