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 . . .