Use It!

A beautiful morning sunrise as I drove the streets Monday.

Do you use His Word?

The beginning of May my friend, Kathy, told me about Tony Evans' audio teaching on Revelation. I had just started reading through  Revelation three weeks before. I've read through this book a number of times, but it's always beneficial to review and find understanding and new points each time you read.

So I began listening to his study. While teaching in the 19th chapter, Evans asks the question: "Do you use His Word?" He said we study His Word; read it and consider it, but do we use it? "The danger of Bible study is you become satisfied with study and don't use it," he said.

When is the last time you used the Word in a particular situation? When did you last quote God? When did I?

Evans said "Every believer carries authority with God to use His Word. The Word has intrinsic authority; built with His authority. His Word is real. God's power is more real than anything or anyone. Don't be ashamed of the Word of God and don't hesitate to use it."

Flowers along the side of the road are refreshing.

David Jeremiah said: "Jesus will strike down the nations with a Word, symbolized by His sharp sword shaped like a tongue." Revelation 19:15-16 . Out of Jesus' mouth comes a sharp sword and He strikes down the nations. Jesus fights with the Words from His mouth. We can too.

Satan doesn't have to win in our lives. We have the Book that tells us how to fight Satan. We just have to use it.

Little ones are getting bigger. Still hoping to find a few small ones.

We are living in a dangerous time. Our country is being destroyed as people have chosen to live against God. Our fall is inevitable. But what the masses do not know or understand is the power of god. He is in control. Only He will win.

Use His Word. Use His Word. Quote it out loud.

God's Word is real; God's power is more real than anything or anyone. 

My heart was encouraged hearing this point. I haven't used His Word enough. It's time to start!

 

That little face. Oh so sweet!

A Word Makes a Difference

                                                                               

These are the words I wrote last Thursday:

I'm tired. I've been writing mostly weekly blog posts since April 2009. Five hundred and eight posts. That's a lot of writing and a long time of doing it. 44,540 people have visited the site. Hello world.

I'm going to take a break. I don't know if I can stop writing forever. My life is different; my creativity is less, and sometimes it's a real struggle to come up with something new.

I've thoroughly enjoyed writing for this blog. It's certainly a reminder to me of moments in my life.

Thanks to all my friends who have given me encouragement, comments and laughs. I will miss your words.

Always remember . . .

"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."

Psalm 71:14

Since I wrote those words I've received encouragement from two friends telling me how much they enjoy my blog posts. It really makes it hard to stop doing something when you know others get a smile, are encouraged, or inspired by what you do.

So I will not stop writing blog posts. I may not have one out weekly, but I'll continue sharing words that may encourage another. That's what God has called me to do. Words.  They can make such a difference in one person's life.

They did in mine when I received a note from an acquaintance some 38 years ago. Her words changed my life. I've never been the same.

Thank you, Kim and Kathy, for inspiring me last week to continue writing for God.

The Real You

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

1803-1882

As I begin this post I'm thinking to myself, "Do you really want to do this?" It's revealing of the real me and the simple life I live. I've decided to share this because there may be someone who needs to read this. If you haven't already done something like this, maybe it is worth thinking about.

We record the sermons of Dr. Robert Jeffress each Sunday morning. He is the pastor at First Baptist in Dallas. The series he's now preaching on is titled: "Choose Your Attitude, Change Your Life" and the other Sunday he was talking about how important it is to have a goal in your life; to know what God has gifted you to do so you can have a productive life.

While he was talking I remembered my list that was created some 20-25 years ago about what I have to do to accomplish what God has called me to do. It helps me to accept my shortcomings and use them for good as I serve God. My list is on bright yellow paper, typed in bold print and laminated, so I will have it ever before me.

Even at my age the list is a constant reminder of why I'm on this earth, and it inspires me to do the work I'm meant to do.

I'm a simple-minded person and the list is as simple as I am. This is my life. I'm satisfied with my life and what God has chosen for me to do. This is what I wrote:

For Carol to be successful in life, through my relationship with Jesus Christ, I must:

1. Accept my spiritual gift of encouragement and exhortation and do all I can to implement this service for God.
2. Accept that God has made me sensitive, deep-feeling, and emotional so that I can utilize His gift in my life.
3. Accept that my gift is accomplished in solitude (writing notes), the quiet of my home, and no one will know that I'm doing anything for God.
4. Accept that I must spend quiet time with God to prepare my heart for the service He has called me to, and be filled with Him to succeed each day.
5. Accept that I must lead a disciplined, organized life on a daily basis, needing must rest and quiet.
6. Accept that I haven't been called to numerous actions and projects, nor important decision-making, but to empathize with people and touch hearts through God's love and care.
7. Do all I can to keep my eye on the goal set before me and not be distracted by self doubt.
8. Realize that only I can accomplish God's purpose for my life, not another, and it is good in His sight.
9. Doubt not that God knows my fears and is able to overcome all that inhibits me.
10. Be faithful in what God has give me to do and He will fill my life with good things.

 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

 Romans: 8:28

Well, there you have it. I've laid myself open and you know just who I am. I listed the things I have to accept and do in my life if I'm going to be successful in God's eyes. And really, He's the only one I need to please.

Do you know what God wants you to do in your life? Have you accepted the gift(s) He's given you and know the steps you need to take to accomplish His work? Do you accept your flaws and things you don't like about yourself?

Maybe you just need to make a simple list like mine, being completely honest with yourself, no matter how silly, stupid or simple it makes you feel, and do it.

There is nothing better in life than to know your true self and accomplish the work you've been put on this earth to do. Did I really want to do this? No. But maybe it's there just for you.

 

Shine Like a Light Post?

"I don't have to light all the world, but I do have to light my part."

Unknown

The above snap is my favorite picture of a light post. I'd see this light post on my way to work, and in the spring when the clematis bloomed, it would always make me smile. One spring morning the light was on when I drove by, and I was able to get this great snap!

I've always enjoy seeing light posts and lighthouses. They are a welcoming sign, whether in the yard or at the sea. One of my favorite songs is "The Lighthouse" written by Ronnie Hinson. Following is the first verse and chorus:

"There's a lighthouse on the hillside, That overlooks life's sea.

When I'm tossed it sends out a light, Tis a light that I might see.

And the light that shines in darkness now Will safely lead us o'er.

If it wasn't for the lighthouse, My ship would be no more.

"And I thank God for the lighthouse, I owe my life to Him.

For Jesus is the lighthouse And from the rocks of sin;

He has shone a light around me That I could clearly see,

If it wasn't for the lighthouse Tell me where would this ship be."

 

As followers in Christ, we are to be a light to the world. Your state, your community, your neighbor, your family. God wants your light to shine so that others see Christ and turn to Him.

Jesus said: "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light."

 I found this light post in Gettysburg one fall day. Another special snap to me.

Are you an attractive light to the world? I often see this quote in print: "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there me enough evidence to convict you?" source unknown. It's not always easy to let your light shine, especially when it causes division between you and people you love. But if you are sincere in your faith, you must stand for what you believe.

Jesus is the light of the world. And in that light is the hope I live with each day. One of my favorite Bible verses is: "But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."

Let your light shine! Share the wonderful hope of Jesus for all the world. The blessed hope. The only hope.

Shine like a light post!

Quiet What?

"All the troubles of life come upon us because we refuse to sit quietly for a while

each day in our room."

Blaise Pascal

1623-1662

For the first time in the 3 1/2 years we've lived in PA, a bear visited our backyard. It was a thrill to watch. Thankfully, both Abby and Jo were inside. It walked around for about 10 minutes. When it started climbing over the fence, Jerry opened the back door with a shout to hopefully send it away. Abby got out and chased it in the yard, and it jumped over the fence, running into the woods.

Quietism. Have you read about this movement before? In a devotion book of women in Christian history I read about Madame Jeanne Guyon, a French mystic, Wikipedia called her. She spearheaded a new movement that became know as Quietism. The definition: "getting quiet before God, praying silently, listening to him, and communing with him in the stillness."

It's the word mystical that threw me off about Guyon, but my dictionary defines it "as a person who seeks to obtain union with God by spiritual contemplation and self-surrender." That sounded okay.

"True silence is the rest of the mind, and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body,

nourishment and refreshment."

William Pee

1644-1718

The writers of the devotion book shared: "Seeking spiritual direction from Father Francois Lacombe, she began to write and teach from her own experience of mystical union with God. Spearheading a new movement that became know as Quietism. Madame Guyon attracted both followers and opponents." Randy Petersen and Robin Shreeves


 Madam Jeanne Guyon was a French Catholic, born 1648-1717. The writers of the devotion book said: "The well-known Twenty-third Psalm says the Lord 'leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul.' In a way, that's what Madame Guyon has done for us. She herself was led by Francis de Sales, Father Lacombe, and others, and she led Fenelon, Cowper and Spurgeon, who all led countless others. We are a centuries-long procession of believers who lead each other beside the still waters of God's restoration."

 

"I cannot be the man I should be without times of quietness. Stillness is an essential part of our growing deeper as we grow older."

Charles R. Swindoll

1934 - 

I do like to be quiet. I am restored and refreshed in solitude. The confinement we all have found ourselves in hasn't made me uncomfortable. Introverts love being by themselves. If I had to be in a room with other people for two months, I would be going crazy.

I'm not sure of Guyon's Quietism Movement, but being quiet before God so you can hear His voice is an important part of our spiritual development. So slow down, get quiet and just listen for what God says to you!

"What a sweet delight a quiet life affords."

William Drummond of Hawthornden

1585-1649

It's Time for Baby Leaves

This Is My Father's World

Maltbie D. Babcock 

"This is my father's world, And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres

"This is my father's world, The birds their carols raise
The morning light, the lily white
Declare their maker's praise

"This is my father's world, I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas
His hand the wonders wrought."

Baby leaves . . . God's sign of new life and hope.

Many of you know my story about baby leaves. I love to tell it because it shares how God encouraged my heart during a difficult time. As baby leaves are just about to open up here in NW PA, maybe there's someone who doesn't know my story, so I'm sharing it again to encourage your heart, and encourage my heart too! This happened many years ago as told in an article I wrote . . .

"The blistering wind hit my face as I opened the door. Winter was here. 'Come on, Sparkie,' I said. 'You have to go for a walk.'

"The wind slapped my face and tears dropped from my eyes. 'It's been a difficult year, Lord,' I thought. 'Winter has harbored in my heart leaving me cold and dead, just like the trees.' My eyes traveled around the yard taking in the bleak appearance.

"The trees, once full of foliage now stood bare before me. And the remains of our productive garden now showed hard, cracked earth. 'Even the geese took a detour on their way home,' I told the wind.

"The year had left stains, and the ache in my heart hurt. 'Hurry, Sparkie,' I yelled. 'I want to get back inside.'

"My eyes fixed on the maple tree behind our home. Stripped of all its colorful clothing, it looked dead. 'Just like my heart,' I thought. And then I remembered the baby leaves.

"Last February, I began watching the buds develop on the maple tree. I couldn't remember ever taking the time to watch leaves grow, and decided I'd see first hand how God gave them birth. Sparkie and I would stop every evening on our walk to look for any development. It was a slow beginning, but finally--one day in April--the buds opened.

Quickly leaves grow.

"Long tentacles reached out, as many as 15 or 20 from each bud, as I remember. At the end of the tentacles were blossoms and at their base were leaves. The leaves were bound together, just like the cold buds had been. As the weather warmed, they began to unfold.

"My heart tingled with excitement when the leaves began to open. My husband, Jerry, was at the garden and I remember yelling excitedly to him, 'Come quick! The leaves are opening.'

"Half-inch baby leaves, perfectly shaped, stretched their little frames for all the earth to see. In one week, some leaves had grown to 3 inches in length. My eyes couldn't believe the transformation. As the leaves grew, the blossoms were blown to the ground. I walked on yellow drops of sun splattered all over the place. I had witnessed the birth of one of God's creations.

"The cry of a lone bird brought me back to the present. Chilled, I headed back to the  house, shivering. But my heart was no longer cold.

"You see, it's February now--just the time I began watching the frozen buds last year. When everything looked dead, and no life was visible, God was working. And now I knew God was working in me.

"It's been a long year, but I know my heart will feel the warmth of God's love again. Why, in just a couple of months, He'll bring be baby leaves."

"The more I study nature, the more I am amazed at the Creator."

Louis Pasteur (1822-18950

Ever since that cold February day I look for my baby leaves with anticipation for God's reminder to me that there is hope.Here in NW PA buds are slowly beginning to open on a few trees, but I'm still waiting in our yard. In just another week or two I will have baby leaves. I'm so excited!

 

I hope you can take time over the next few weeks to see God's creation come into bloom and realize the hope God gives us each day.

My baby leaves story was published back in 1992 titled "There's Life in Winter," in Women's Touch, January/February 1992.  The above is an abbreviated version.

"The tree is full of poetry."

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Be Inspired!

If you follow my blog you know that I love to sing hymns. You've read about my "Melody of Hymns" and you've read about reading hymns during my devotion time. Starting at the beginning of my hymnal at the beginning of the year and working my way through to the end, I read a hymn each day of the year.

Do you pay attention to the words of a hymn? If your heart is 100% pure with God, the words you read will inspire, encourage, convict and refresh you. Those hymn writers of long ago wrote incredible stories in their songs. 

I just finished watching two 30 minute Gospel Music Hymn Sings on YouTube. If you want to be refreshed I definitely recommend joining in on the videos.

A number of years ago Gerald Wolfe, from Greater Vision, orchestrated the beginning of this congregational singing of amazing hymns. From their website I found their story:

"What began as a simple 'sing-along,' during a Gospel Concert in a small theater in Shipshewana, Indiana, eventually led to the first video recording of a "Gospel Music Hymn Sing,' in the Summer of 2014. Two local church choirs, along with 50 well-known Gospel Music Artists came together for the event at the First Baptist Church of Morristown, Tennessee, and a capacity crowd, with attendees from as far as 2000 miles away, filled the auditorium . . . for the Monday evening event. It was obvious to everyone in attendance that this was something really special, and there was obviously a real desire, a real hunger, for a revival of congregational Hymn singing."

You can find their website at: http://gospelmusichymnsing.com/about-us/

You'll see very quickly that most of the audience is of the older generation, and I have no problem identifying with them. I certainly knew hymns in my younger years, but it wasn't until I was saved in 1978 that hymns became much more than just singing. My heart was forever bonded to their messages.

When you're with a group of brothers and sisters singing God's songs, there isn't much that can equal the joy and inspiration received. Knowing their conviction of the Bible and Jesus is the same as yours inspires and encourages my heart.

One of the things I have enjoyed most in the church we landed in after moving to PA three years ago, is hearing our pastor sing a hymn or praise song to open the service. Knowing his conviction to the Gospel and Jesus is real and true makes that time special.

I sang in a choir when I was a young child, and when I first found Christ at age 28, but shortly after that, during a difficult time in my life I suffered from a muscle spasm in my throat and could not sing after that. I've never regained my voice. I can sing very softly at a lower level, but if I sing too long my throat begins to hurt. But you can be sure my heart sings out every word!

You may not think you sound very good singing, or have other concerns about singing like me, but I challenge you to sing with your heart and send your praise and worship up to our Loving God. What a blessing it will bring to your heart. Whether young or old, don't deprive yourself of the great hymns of our faith and the stories of the Gospel they convey.

Yes, I love hymns. I'm thankful to realize their importance in my faith and plan to be singing them the best way I can until my life ends on this earth. Then I expect to be singing in the great heavenly choir for all eternity!

I just lovely Magnolia blossoms!