Sunday, February 24, 2013

Remember Me

"The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot."
Proverbs 10:7

How do I want to be remembered? Sometimes a celebrity will punch a paparazzi, shoplift or have a torrid affair causing their popularity to soar as tabloids spread the news. At the same time, a philantropist in Haiti tirelessly labors to feed the hungry or build a shelter for the desitute. They may never see their name in print under the sun, but their reward will be great in heaven.
When Jesus walked the earth, there was a penitent woman who poured expensive perfume on the feet of Christ and washed them with her tears. He said of her, "I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." (Matthew 26:13). Although Jesus is no longer physically with us, we can still perform such acts of love. How?
Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." We will always have the poor among us, those who need a well dug or a goat to provide milk, seeds for planting or reconstruction of their homes. There are organizations who reach out to such, Samaritan's Purse being one of them. Consider donating to one of them today.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Candyland

"Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."
Proverbs 3: 25 & 26

Life is like a game of Candyland. Sometimes, you're doing really well, gaining an extra turn or landing on a shortcut, but other times, you're mired in the Molasses Swamp.
Bad things do happen to all people, Christian or not, because we live in a broken world. A tsunami can sweep over me or a meteor can land smack dab on my house, but I don't have to succumb to an utter feeling of hopelessness or desolation when I trust in God. He will be my confidence! The definition of confidence is "someone or something to be trusted; firm belief, trust, reliance." He will always extend a helping hand to pull me out of the swamps of life. He is my Shepherd!

Words Of Life

"My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body."
Proverbs 4: 20-22

How many times has a portion of scripture that was memorized long ago, or perhaps a stanza from a favorite hymn, risen to the surface at just the right moment?

"Fear not for I am with you always."
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son..."
"The Lord is my Shepherd."
"Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me."
"Thou shalt not steal."
"My ways are not your ways."
"Trust in God, trust also in me."
"Today, you will be with me in paradise."

I cannot imagine a life devoid of these marvelous words of life! Lord, may I tuck them deep into my heart, never letting them out of my sight, until I am brought home to you. Amen.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

I Don't Get It

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3: 5 & 6

Think about all the things that are beyond our understanding. How does a FAX machine work? How does a microwave heat my food? How is a baby formed in the womb? Why do bad things happen to good people?
I know a sweet, Christian couple whose infant son suddenly died, perhaps from SIDS. Why? They were loving parents with a firm foundation in the Lord. One day, they were tucking him into his flannel lined crib and, too soon, their tears dripped on the tiny coffin as it was lowered into the sod. Why did this happen?
There is so much I just don't get, but then, I am not asked to understand, but to just trust Him with all of my heart. Just keep giving it over to Him and He will straighten it all out someday.
That is a very hard thing to do, to surrender all. God, help me to do so!

Building a Good Rep

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."
Proverbs 3: 3,4

How can I build a sterling reputation? What if I have done something in my past that I am ashamed of? Is it too late?
Jesus said "today is the day of salvation." It is never too late, as long as I have breath in my body. I can begin each day, determined to let love and faithfulness guide me. Ask God to forgive me as I, in turn, forgive others. Be true to my word. Say things to build others up, not to tear them down. Steer clear of gossip, cursing, arguing or avarice. Stand up for what is right. Vow to give people a chance to explain themselves rather than jump to conclusions.
Listen to his Word, then act upon it. That is the way to building a good reputation, one act at a time.

The Dangers of Drifting

"For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."
Proverbs 1: 32 & 33

If I were floating on a raft in Lake Erie, idly daydreaming, enjoying the sunshine and harmony of the day, I'd look up and find myself miles from shore in danger if I were not careful. The Bible warns me of being complacent, just listing a bit at a time from where I should be in Christ. When the disciple, Peter, walked on water, he did okay as long as he looked at Jesus. When his vision strayed to the windy elements, he began to sink. To stay safe, I must listen to the Voice of Wisdom, feel the proddings of the Holy Spirit. Only then may I relax at ease, without fear of harm.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Love Is

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

The word "love" is often overused. We say we loved that movie or we love a new haircut. I love chocolate, kittycats and delicate blossoms. But true love can only be defined by God because God is love. Take him out of the equation and nothing adds up. For every time the word "love" is used in the above verses, I can replace them with "God" and it totally makes sense. The Bible tells me to be Christ-like so I must strive to love others in this way. Every day, I must give other people a clean slate erased of grudges or envious feelings, mistrust or prideful gloating. Am I always patient or kind? Ha! Just ask my family; they know. But I can ask God to step in and help me. He knows me better than my family does. All I have to do is ask.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

The Barbs of Self Doubt

"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
Ephesians 4: 11-13

     In these recent weeks, I've keenly felt the Enemy's attacks as I've questioned my validity as a writer. Am I worthy of writing a blog pertaining to God's precious word? After all, there are far more mature Chrisitians with deeper insights and cleaner pasts than me. Satan asked of me: "Who are you that any reader should listen?"
     Having prayed about it, today God reassured me with the above scripture that is was He who appointed me to be a writer that, in this way, even with my life's scars, I may help prepare God's people, encouraging them along their walk with God. Aren't we all trying to mature in Christ, grow in faith, find our way? Attaining that "whole measure of the fullness of Christ" the Apostle Paul refers to is a lifelong process. Had I listened to that nagging voice of my enemy, The Accuser, and stopped writing my blog, he would have silenced another voice whom Jesus uses.
     Dearest God, I thank you for bestowing upon me a gift of expression through words so that I may tell others about you. May Christ increase, while I decrease, so that you, and you alone, are glorified.