"Looking Out the Window"

LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW

Matthew 24:42

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.”

Looking out of my office window today, I see the most peaceful scene.  The trees in the forest are all leafed out in a brilliant green; the flowering crab tree is in full bloom with the deepest hot pink flowers covering every branch.  At this very minute I’m writing, a beautiful bluebird flew down to sit on its branches. 

I can only sit here and drink in this beauty and know that the peace in my heart is a gift from God.  The Bible tells us that Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” [John 14:27] 

I look out my slider window over the deck and see my gorgeous lilac bush with heavy magenta blossoms hanging over the railing.  Just beyond that is our bird feeder with so many birds flying back and forth; some sitting on the branches of the lilac bush.  Our visitors at the feeder range from bright orange orioles to rose- breasted grosbeaks to yellow and purple finches.  Now and then the bluebirds come to rest by the birdbath along with doves and red-bellied woodpeckers.  We sometimes just sit at the table watching all the activity.  Again, peace and contentment washes over us.

At times like these, it’s easy to forget the rest of the world is in chaos. Evil terrorists are on the move to conquer by cutting off heads, shooting down innocent people; men, women and little children.  In parts of the world many are starving and without drinking water.  Children are left to die in the streets and women are being raped and tortured.  Earthquakes are leaving thousands dead and thousands injured and homeless.  I’m sure they don’t sit around enjoying the trees, flowers and birds.  They are too busy just trying to stay alive.

Many of us complain because we want to spend money we don’t have, or take trips we can’t afford.  In fact, we find it difficult to give money to our churches; money we could use for pleasure.  If people didn’t give there wouldn’t be any churches.  We spend one or two hours a week in God’s presence and complain about it.  Jesus tells us that, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” [Matthew 18:20] That is why people go to church – because Jesus, our Savior is there also.  If we can’t spend that little time with him, how will you ever make it in heaven?

Our government is a mess and looks like it won’t change any time soon, but it is still the greatest country in the world.  You could have been born in any other country, but God chose for you to be here and whether you know it or not, you are blessed.  He has given you peace if you receive it.  He has given you joy if you accept it. 

You and I may not be able to fight in a war, or feed all the hungry in this world, or provide housing for all the homeless, but we can help those around us.  We can share God’s love with whomever we meet.  We can be thankful and content with where we are in life.  The apostle Paul tells us, “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.”  Philippians 4:11 (NLT)  

This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to better our circumstances, but I have found that when we are faithful to God, he is faithful to us and will prosper us in his time.  He loves us so much he wants to make us happy, but he also expects us to love him, give him first place in our heart and praise him for all he has done for us.  If you have faith, you will know that God is your provider.  He is surely my provider and fulfilled my needs by giving me food, clothing and shelter; he has promised that.  He has given me so much more like trees, flowers and birds.  I am so grateful for all of it.

I look out of my window again, Lord, and I give praise and thanks for each thing, but help me to remember those around the world who are less fortunate than I am.  I know you hear the cries of your people all over the world.  I pray you supply their needs and protect their lives.  Heal those who are sick and those who need a touch from you.  Amen!

 Psalm 23 (New Living Bible)

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, And I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Where Dandelions Grow

Where Dandelions Grow

“There is always something to be happy about; a comfy bed, a warm rain, a bird singing, or a dandelion growing against a wall.”

 

I was driving down our city street one day and as I passed a big cement wall butting up against a sidewalk, I noticed a very large bunch of dandelions growing out of a crack in the cement.  I could not believe how big the blossoms were or how bright a yellow.  After a long winter and cold spring, it was a cheery, welcome sight.

I know that most of you hate dandelions in your yard and dig them up if you can, but they intrigue me and I find a beauty in them.  They can grow in all kinds of places like a crack in the sidewalk or in the middle of a tree stump.  I am sure God gave us dandelions for a spiritual example. 

God, the Father, sent his son, Jesus to touch people hearts and help them to grow spiritually no matter where they are.  He sends his Spirit to those who live in palaces, or in the ghetto, or in the jungles of Africa to all countries and all peoples.  Just as He provides for the dandelion, he provides for people.  “He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures.” Psalm 147:8

I never saw a brighter yellow than those dandelion flowers.  We worry and get anxious if we don’t have certain clothes and brand names so we can dress well, but God had something else in mind for us.  “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin. Yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”  [Matt. 6:28-30]  God will provide for all of our needs and we don’t have to waste our time worrying about it.  God has a plan for you to grow and flourish, even greater than dandelions.

If you think dandelions are a lowly weed growing all over, I am going to share some facts about the amazing dandelion.  America had never seen dandelions until they were brought to this country when the pilgrims landed.  They brought them to grow because of their great medicinal power.  It was important as a tonic for the liver, its fresh leaves make a juice to get rid of warts, bee stings and even a facial to refresh the skin. It is rich in potassium and a variety of other minerals.  It can treat cirrhosis of the liver and cleanse the bloodstream and help with bladder problems. 

The dried leaf can be made into a tea and helps lower blood pressure.  The young leaves can be washed and cooked to make ‘dandelion greens’ which my grandparents and parents were very fond of and I remember eating them as a side dish along with fried morel mushrooms.  Many people used to pick the blossoms to make ‘Dandelion Wine’, bottle it and have it all year for a stimulant.  All parts of the dandelion are safe to eat in whatever form they are fixed.

Isn’t it amazing what God can do with the lowly dandelion?  It’s also pretty amazing what he can do with each of us.  Every one of us has gifts and talents that he wants us to use to honor him.  What we do with those things is up to us.  I like what is written in Colossians 1:10, “Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” 

 

God knows your value and he created you for a purpose, just like he created the dandelion with much value.  Don’t look down on other people, but know they have value in God’s eyes and a purpose to fulfill.  His question to you today is, “Are you producing good fruit?”  If not – what’s stopping you?  You may feel like a ‘lowly dandelion’, but God sees your great value.

 

 

 

A Blessed Mother

A Blessed Mother

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward.”

Psalm 127:3 (NKJV)

When Mother’s Day comes around, we hear about how we should honor our mothers, (God says we should honor our mother and father) and so we should.  I was blessed with an amazing mother who loved her children with her whole heart; in fact, her life was centered on them.  She also loved the Lord and shared Jesus with all of us. 

As a mother of four grown children, I want to explain that I have tried to follow my mother’s example and I am a blessed mother.  I don’t need to be honored on Mother’s Day, because I am so blessed to have the children God gave me that I want to honor them today.

I will begin with my eldest child who has blessed me beyond imagination.  She has struggled with health issues from the time she was 6 weeks old, but even then God has had his hand on her.  He has put amazing doctors in her life and she overcame all odds.  I was told she would never have children, but she has two daughters.  They said she would never be able to accomplish much in life, but she accomplished more than most who are more able bodied.  She has served God most of her life and has traveled around the world several times witnessing to those who didn’t know Jesus.  Only God knows how many lost she has led to the Lord. 

There are no riches or gold that can match her accomplishments and no one can ever imagine how much I love her and how my heart swells with pride at the wonderful Woman of God that she is.  I am a blessed woman to have her as a daughter.

My second daughter is an amazing woman.  Although she hasn’t been disabled, but is strong and healthy, she has had many struggles throughout her life. She has 3 sons.  She raised the two older ones mainly as a single mother.  In spite of all the struggles, she is an overcomer; an overcomer who loves the Lord with all her heart.  She has been able to reach into deep places in her relationship with the Lord.  From those deep places she communes with God in a way few people do.  She is a Psalmist who sings new songs that touch hearts and lift burdens.  She is a Burden-Bearer for me and never fails to pray for me and any problems I might have.

She is so gifted and talented and everything she touches, she makes beautiful.  She also works outside her home, but I know I only have to call her and she would be here as fast as she could come.  I am a blessed woman to have her as a daughter.

My third daughter is an angel in disguise, so I have had others tell me. I know of no other person with such a big heart.  She is beautiful inside and out. If there is a need, she is there; if someone is hurting, she will cry with them.  If a person needs food, she feeds them.  She ministers in many, many places where she touches the broken-hearted and listens to their shattered dreams.  She loves teenagers as no other could and they love her in return and trusts her, because she is always there for them.  She can love them in spite of failures.  She works very long hours in her business, but never too long to help others.  She is so generous with others, including me. She is not afraid to stand on the truths of the Bible.

She honestly loves to spend time with me, which she does every chance she has.  We are a lot alike in many ways and understand each other.  She is an outstanding woman of God whom I am so proud to say is my daughter (as with all of my children).  I am a blessed woman to have her as my daughter.

The youngest of my children is my son.  We have always been very close, but our roles have reversed.  I always tried to do everything for him that I could, but now he does everything he can for me.  He is a handsome man who stands tall and strong.  Not only is he brilliant, but he has a great heart.  He appears powerful and sometimes intimidating, but can’t hold back the tears when seeing a great move of God, or loving his grandchildren.  He is a powerful man of God who practices what he preaches.  He has ministered to untold numbers and changed the lives of youngsters from big cities to small towns.  He works in a profession where he touches lives every day. He loves the outdoors where he spends as much free time as he can. When he sings, he holds his audience in the palm of his hand. 

He is a generous man with many skills and many titles, but I call him, “son.”  I am so proud of him and what he has accomplished in his life and stands firm in his faith.    I am blessed to call him my son.

My children are far from perfect, but the bond that we have is rare.  I love them with my whole heart and will be there for them as long as I have breath.  Therefore, today I honor my children whom have blessed my life as a mother, and I praise God that he chose them just for me.

 

 

A FORK IN THE ROAD

A FORK IN THE ROAD

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT)

 Our journey through life begins with our first breath and only ends with the final one.  Just as a physical journey, it begins with one step.  As we grow and mature we begin to choose the direction our steps take.  The pattern for most of us is in a variety of directions and if we could look back on it, like looking at a map, it would appear like a maze in a corn field. 

Thinking back on my own life, I came to many forks in the roads I traveled.  Sometimes, I just took off in another direction without even thinking about it.  Others I thought about and then took the road that I thought would lead to joy and happiness, but lead to sadness and depression.  Then one day I met the Savior, Jesus Christ, and chose to follow him and it was the best decision I ever made.  I haven’t wandered far off that road since I started.

I call the name of the road, “The Christian Road.” Matthew 7:21 says that “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”   One thought on this is that many people call themselves Christians because they believe in God and they attend church, but is God the number one priority in their life.  Have they set themselves aside and don’t just go along with the crowd?  I want to make this clear, a lot of people believe in God, but so does Satan.  He knows there’s a God and he knows Jesus is the son of God. 

In Matthew 4:8-10, “Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, "All these things I will give you if you will fall down and worship me.”  So, you see it isn’t enough to just know about these things.  Jesus went even further in dealing with Satan and what he said tells you exactly what you need to do to be on the right road to heaven.  “Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, you shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.”

Here is the truth that makes the difference between taking the right road or the wrong one, ‘you must worship God and serve Him only’.   It isn’t as easy as it sounds. Some of the things people enjoy like, golf, hunting, sports, quilting, watching TV or going to the movies can become gods in your life.  None of these pastimes are wrong or bad, but if they take first place in your heart, then you are not where you should be on the path you have chosen.  Making money is a top priority for many people; they forget if they die tomorrow, they can’t take any of it with them. 

There will come a judgment day for each of us and if God is not our first priority, or if we have chosen the wrong road to walk, I never want to hear these words.  “On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But, (Jesus said) I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me’.”   Matthew 7:21-23 (NLT)

This is why we must keep our heart and mind on Jesus and not become distracted by the glamour and glitter; the sounds and colors of the wrong road.  I only know this; I don’t want to miss Heaven.  I don’t want my loved ones to be distracted by a life where they think ‘everything goes’.  Some say we need to change with the times and accept the life styles of today.  WRONG!  If God’s Word declares it a sin, then how can we turn our back on the Almighty and declare it to be right?  The Bible tells us that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow; He never changes and He never will. 

“Lord, as we walk through this life and come to the ‘Fork in the Road’, open our eyes to see the truth and open our ears to hear you speak directions in our hearts.  Your Word says that ‘few’ will ever find that narrow road that leads to eternity with you in your kingdom.  Lord, I pray that I will be counted as one of the few.  Forgive me when I wander and keep me on track.  I thank you for loving me and dying for me; be the only God in my life.  Amen”  

Pray this prayer with your whole heart and you will find yourself where, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”.  [Psalm 119:105] You will be on your way to heaven!

 

ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER

Encouraging One Another

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”                             1 Thess. 5:11 (NLT)

Every person at one time or another has times when they become so discouraged that they don’t know how to get out of it.  Some call it “down in the dumps”.  When I think of discouragement, I think about what David wrote in Psalm 40:2 (NKJV) “He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock.” 

In my own life I have gone through some deep places and honestly didn’t know how to pull myself out.  In time I realized that my only help was to call on the Lord.  There was the time I was on a dark, slippery road at night and my car began to spin out of control.  I did the only thing I could and I cried out, “Help me, Jesus” and still my car spun.  When it stopped, it was headed in the opposite direction in a ditch and rolled part of the way over and then righted itself.  I was on a back road in a ditch and praising God for not getting hurt, but here I sat, not knowing what to do.  Then I felt prompted to step on the gas and I came out of that ditch and turned in the middle of the road and continued on to my church.  I was directing a musical I didn’t want to be late.  I pulled into the parking lot, parked my car and went in to rehearsal.

 My husband was going to meet me there and so he parked next to me and saw the side of my car was smashed in, the mirror torn off and a flat tire.  He came running in to find me directing and stopped me to see if I was hurt.  I wasn’t and didn’t even know the car was damaged and tire never flattened until after I arrived.  Yes, God pulled me out of a miry pit and set my feet on solid ground.

Romans 12:8 (NLT)  gives this advice, “If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.”  I don’t claim to have the gift of ‘encouragement’, but there have been many times when on impulse (divine direction) to stop and visit different people.  The first words out of their mouth were, “You came right when I needed someone”, or “I know God sent you today.”  What we might think is just an impulse, can most likely direction from God.

The Apostle Paul knew how important it was to give encouragement to people and he sent messengers to a church in Antioch with a letter of encouragement.  It says that there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message. (Acts 15:32 (NLT)

In I Timothy 4:13, Timothy, sent a message to a church and here is what he said, “Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.”  These disciples in the early church knew what we have lost track of in the church of today.  He said, ‘FOCUS’, focus on these 3 things; read the scriptures, encourage each other and teach them.  The Bible is so full of God’s love and he encourages us as we study it.  Look around you; do you see anyone that looks discouraged?  Go to them and talk to them and God will give you the right words to speak to that person. 

Haven’t you noticed some people have this worried look on their face and you know how heavy their heart is?  God tells us just how to handle people that are anxious and worried.  “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” (Proverbs 12:25 (NLT)  Just one encouraging word can change the attitude. 

I had this happen to me not long ago.  I was feeling a little down because I was sick and I just plain felt ugly that day.  This woman sat next to me and said hello and I smiled at her in response.  Then she said, “I like your outfit; it’s really cute.”  It perked me right up and I no longer felt so dumpy.  We chatted a bit and shared some things.  To me, that was so encouraging and I felt better the rest of the day.  See, it can be a very simple thing to encourage one another.

Your Bible may not even have the word ‘encouragement’, or encouraging in it, but it uses other words that mean the same like, ‘edification’ or ‘exhortation’.  It may use words like ‘lifting up’, but it is full of encouragement.  God does not want us to be so down, we get stuck in ‘miry clay’.  We may have to encourage ourselves as it tells us in Psalm 42:11, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him.” 

God is the answer, my friend; go to him in prayer.  When you are in the deepest despair, he will hear you and lift you up.  Why wait, you may not be doing much for yourself – try God.  He understands your every need.  I hope I have encouraged you today.  Don’t give up, don’t be cast down; God has a plan and a future for you if you let him into your heart.

NEEDING WISDOM!

NEEDING WISDOM!

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,

 but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”   Proverbs 1:7 

It is so easy to turn to other people with our problems and hope for their wisdom to give us answers.  I can only say what I read in the Word of God.  Everyone has a certain amount of wisdom but not all wisdom comes from God.  There are many wise people on this earth that seem to have an answer for everything.  They may be highly educated, but only have the wisdom that comes from learning.  Not that that kind of wisdom is all bad, but what each of us needs is wisdom that comes from God. 

I know a great many people who are very smart, but have no common sense at all.  They get ideas and don’t even think them through before they jump in and try to make it happen.  Chances are these jump-start ideas are not the best thing to do and in times will fail completely.  Anyone who doesn’t seek God for wisdom has no common sense.

So where does one begin to accumulate wisdom?  Psalm 111:10 tells us, “The fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!”  This doesn’t mean we should walk in fear every day thinking God may strike us down.  It means that we should realize who God is and that all power comes from Him.  If we follow His directions which are given in the Bible and try to live righteous lives, we have nothing to fear.  He will direct our paths and give us the wisdom to follow Him. 

I love this verse in James 1:5 that says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”  There are so many things in our life that call for wisdom; relationships, finances, health and day by day living and we long for someone to give us advice and only God can give you that advice.   

I must say that we must also trust in others that have Godly wisdom.  Colossians 3:16 tells us to, “Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives.”  If you need to go to counselling, or send your children for counselling, make sure that counselor is a Christian who lives a godly life.  He or she will turn to God for wisdom.  God will give to them the spirit of wisdom and revelation knowledge.  [Ephesians 1:17] 

The Bible is a Manual for Living.  It has so much wisdom to be revealed for those who are open to receive it. The book of Proverbs is full of everyday wisdom and it would be wise to refer to it when needed.  King Solomon wrote most of Proverbs because God had given him more wisdom than others at that time.  However, in Solomon’s later years, he turned away from God and his fall was great. Ultimately, when you need wisdom, turn to God the Father and his Word.   

Let me give you an example from Jesus who was ministering with the disciples.  A wealthy young man came to him and said, “What can I do to have eternal life?”  Jesus answered him by saying “Keep the commandments”.  Jesus went on to tell him that he should not murder, commit adultery, or steal.  He should not lie and should honor his father and mother and then love your neighbor as yourself.  The young man told Jesus he had done all these things since he was young.  

Then he asked Jesus if there was anything else he needed to do.  Jesus really stretched him by saying, “sell everything you have and give it all to the poor, because then you will have treasures in heaven.  Then you can follow me.”  The young man was very sad because he knew he could not do that; he was very rich. [Matt. 19:16-22] 

This doesn’t mean you should run out and sell your house, your car, or whatever you have and give it away.  Jesus used this example to show us that our priorities are so important.  Do we give God first place in our life, or making money; trying to get rich or accumulating things come first?  Do you give God the first fruits, which means tithing 10% to your church home off every paycheck?  This is what God asks you to do. 

Even if we don’t think we can afford to tithes, where is your trust in God filling your needs.  In the last book of the Old Testament [Malachi 3:8-10] God says, “Try Me”.  Trust the almighty be putting Him first in your life.  This is called, “Wisdom”.  God will do what he says, try Him and see.   

Don’t be a fool, because fools “despise wisdom and instruction.”  [Proverbs 1:7]  Instead, stand up and be a man or woman of God and trust in His wisdom.

 

 

 

The Cross, Oh, the Cross

The Cross, Oh, the Cross

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.”   1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)

 

The Cross, Oh, the Cross;

What a sight to behold.

Though it signals defeat,

Its purpose unfolds. 

The Cross, Oh, the Cross;

It is covered with blood,

So salvation can flow,

A ne’er ending flood. 

The Cross, Oh, the Cross;

His blood washed me clean;

Jesus, my Savior,

My Lord and my King. 

Centuries have passed since the day Jesus, the Son of God, died on the cross for you and me.  The Cross has been a symbol of eternal life and not a symbol of death.  Yet today people are fighting against the Cross being displayed in public places because it offends people of other religions.  I have yet to figure how the minority of other religions can win out over the majority of Christians who regard the Cross as their symbol of life over death. 

I challenge you to think about this scripture in I Peter 2:24, “He personally carried our sins in his body on the Cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.”  Listen, we are saved so we can ‘live for what is right’.  What does that mean?  It means that as Christians, we need to protest against those, including our government, from taking away our religious freedom!  It is happening so gradually that one day we will find we have no religious freedom at all. 

I saw on the news today that ‘militant gays’ are demanding that any church that believes homosexuality is wrong should be shut down.  We know that isn’t going to happen – now, but what about in the future?  Who would have ever believed that Crosses would be taken down, or Christians would be called “Haters”?  That has come to pass.   

Who would have believed that businesses cannot make the decision as to whom they do business with?  What about the restaurants who decide people cannot come in without shoes or ties?  What about those who will not allow gangs to gather in their stores?  What about the places who won’t allow pets in their establishments? All of these things could be called discrimination. What comes next?  

 

When the Cross is called offensive and all over our country, it is being removed from public places, can you even imagine how God Almighty is offended?  The Bible tells us, “He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” [Ephesians 1:7]  This is talking about the Blood Jesus shed on the Cross.   

There is an old song I learned as a child and today it must become our theme song or we will lose so much of what our forefathers fought and died for.  Easter has turned into rabbits and colored eggs and is celebrated by most.  What Easter is really all about is celebrating the Resurrection of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, from death on the Cross.  Let this song become your theme song and make a difference before we, as Christians, lose all our rights. 

Stand Up for Jesus 

“Stand up, stand up for Jesus, You soldiers of the Cross.

 Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.

 From victory unto victory, His army shall He lead,

Till every foe is vanquished and Christ is Lord indeed.”