Something To Share

What A Joy She's Found!

2011-07-02T08:10:00.000-04:00

God blessed me with the privilege of writing the opening note when Deborah (MaMa) agreed to begin a blog. I am equally blessed with the privilege of writing this last note in her blog. Deborah went home to Heaven just after midnight on July 2, 2011. Read her blog archives and learn about her and the Savior she adored. We will miss her...but only until our own vapor vanishes. Then we will see her again! - Jeff

The Attitude of Gratitude!

2011-06-09T10:50:00.001-04:00

Most parents can relate to the disappointment that we feel when we shopped in five different stores, dodging traffic, and being bone-tired from waiting in the long lines and then two days after Christmas, finding the SUPER-DUPER-GOTTA HAVE IT-MOST WONDERFUL CONTRAPTION IN THE WORLD toy thrown over into the corner. Worse yet, when asked, they say- "I don't know where it is!" UGH!! I am not finding fault with wee ones today because they must be steered into the direction of thankfulness. Parents must model and teach it to them because they don't arrive on Planet Earth as very thankful little creatures, do they? We are seeing in this generation, just as Paul told Timothy, that people in the last days would be unthankful and they are more and more about their sense of entitlements and "give me, give me" attitudes than maybe ever before. Even we, Christians in America, have been so blessed that we tend to focus more on what we don't have than being humbled and grateful for what we do have.

I bought a book (can you imagine?) last week in the Christian bookstore by an unfamiliar author but the title kept drawing me back to the shelf where her writings resided- One Thousand Gifts- A Dare To Live Fully Right Where You Are. Let me share a quote which resonated heavily with me. "Here dies another day during which I have had eyes,ears, hands And the great world round me; And with tomorrow begins Another.WHY AM I ALLOWED TWO?" G. K Chesterton- Collected Poetry- Part 1. How many people do you know who realize and live that truth as opposed to the "I have my rights" attitude today? We are all about what is fair, like children. Have you heard those words from their lips before? "That's not fair!" We tend to talk so much about the adversities instead of the blessings. Let me give you a timely example right now and it doesn't apply to people who have to work outside. I found myself the other day complaining about the oppressive heat this early in June. Do you know what I did that particular day? I woke up in an air conditioned house, drove an air conditioned automobile to the too cool air conditioned Longhorn and then to the air conditioned grocery store and back home to a cool house. What is my problem? I asked myself. Our flesh leans toward complaining and murmuring like the Israelites who were tired of the manna. They had forgotten how bad that Egypt was!

Just last week while reading in the Gospel of Luke in chapter 17, God spoke to me through His Word again when I meditated on the ten lepers who were as good as dead from a loathsome disease and ostracized from everyone except other lepers. They cried out to Jesus for mercy and in an instant He healed them and only one, a Samaritan, returned to give Him thanks. We look at them and think how could they be that ungrateful? Yet, I look in the mirror some days and realize that I am in their camp. I was dead and on my way to Hell and He died in my place and now I am on my way to Heaven and on top of that, He daily loads my life with benefits and what does the world see if we are people who, as a rule, complain instead of praise?

The author of the aforementioned book started a journal, really keeping it by her wherever she was and began to record one-lined blessings as she went about her day as a busy and tired wife of a farmer and six home-schooled children. She reached 1000 gifts as she would thank God for simple things like toothless smiles from little boys, still warm cookies out of the oven, hair bows holding back curls, and Mama delivering chicken soup to the back door. I remember a lady that was in one of my S.S. classes once reminiscing about the time I taught on gratefulness and remarked that instead of complaining of how much laundry we have to do that we should be grateful for the clothes. It must mean we are amply clothed and yes, I know that throwing them into an automatic washer and dryer can just exhaust us, can't it? I remember the first one I saw my Momma using, yes, that one where you sent them through this contraption piece by piece to wring the water out of them and she was grateful she wasn't washing them down at the creek like Caroline Ingalls did.( Yes, I love Little House on the Prairie). I loved the tenor of Ann Voskamp's thought of how we take the little things for granted like watching the sunrise this morning from my comfy recliner that the kids gave me one Christmas with a hot cup of coffee flavored with Irish Creme. I intend to follow her lead because see, I would love to have something like that from my precious Mother- things that she enjoyed and saw God in every day. Yes, you can find Him even in your picnics, I read on John Piper's blog one day last week. This morning, I began with "I am thankful for the gift of a compassionate dentist who will see me on the same day." I have a jaw ache this morning and I don't know if it is from a tooth or Lyme affecting another joint but when I wrote the words down that medical expertise is five minutes from my house, I realized how blessed that I am. John Piper says- ""that there are eyes in pencils and in pens." I think it does help clarify when we write it down, at least, it works for me.

Lord, help us, as your dear children, to not throw our gifts into the corner or forget about them as time goes on but rather be reminded each day of your past grace in our lives and be reassured of the future grace that is promised. Help me, Heavenly Father, to live in a way that others know by observing that I serve a faithful, gracious, and giving Lord "Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings on me! Help us not to miss You even in the seemingly little things. Are there really any little things when it comes to You and Your gifts?

- Deborah

   I just entered my second of 1000 gifts list- thankful for you who read because it gives me a way to minister and hopefully glorify my Lord!

The Author of our Stories!

2011-06-06T10:19:00.001-04:00

How many of you have ever read a good book or saw a movie and were disappointed with its ending? I think of one of which we all are familiar- Gone With The Wind- and we probably would not have let Bonnie Blue fall off the horse and die and depending on our personalities, some of us would have wished Rhett had stayed with the pouty Scarlett, others were happy that she got what she deserved. Yes, if we could have reviewed and edited, we would have ruined Margaret Mitchell's bestseller!

Today, I write to encourage myself and, hopefully, you, in the truth that God is the Author of our stories and He is too wise to try to edit. I will not and cannot explain the theological concept of His sovereignty and our free will but I do believe them both because the Bible teaches both and I believe that He is in every detail of our story. I know that isn't easy to accept but when we do, we find ourselves at rest as never before. I don't write today as one who has mastered being the pliable clay in the all-wise Potter's hands but as one who, like you, is learning to be still and learning (emphasis on learning) to refrain from resisting while trusting that His ordained purpose for me is perfect. Yes, like you also, that is easier on the good days, when the sun is shining, not so easy when the black clouds are forming on the horizon. On those particular days, I find myself asking like the Psalmist-"Why are thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me?" Then I begin to praise Him for His goodness toward me and soon, I am asking the same question again. You relate, right?

Think with me that if Joseph could have rewritten his story, maybe he would have left out the chapter entitled- "Betrayed and Sold by Jealous Brothers." Maybe Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth would have kept their husbands alive and we would have missed the beautiful love story or Boaz and Ruth who became the great grandparents of the great king of Israel, David. If David had not been on the run for his life from Saul, we would not be challenged by some great psalms that he wrote which encourage us that we can go on too. Esther would have rather stayed with Mordecai but found herself in the king's palace and realized that she was there "for such a time as this." The Bible is filled with these kind of stories, all of which God authored. In the N.T. Testament, we see many of our most beloved epistles written by the Apostle Paul from a prison cell, not exactly the location we would have chosen. It's from his pen in the Book of Romans that he reminds us that "all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." It doesn't say all things are good but all things work for our good, dear Child of God.

No, we don't understand and won't, fully, here. I have bought many little palettes of paint for the grandchildren for inside activities at our house. Rarely, do they include the color black and never have I seen gray in the mix but the artist in his masterpieces will often use those shades as a backdrop and the vibrant hues become brighter because of it. It's why the jeweler who wants the sale places that diamond ring in a box of black velvet. The brilliance is glorious against the background. I do not understand cancer in kids- I pray for an 18-mo. old named Andrew with stage IV neuroblastoma. He is in Ireland with his parents who, I believe, are missionaries. Each day as his daddy updates on FB his blood transfusion and chemos and sleepless nights, I weep with them but rejoice at his little smile in extreme adversity and his parents' thanksgiving for a Christian doctor and caring nurses.

My children in the ministry got a much needed vacation this week but Jeff has been crippled in much of it because of the painful condition of gout. I wonder why this would happen because he so diligently serves and desired some time with his precious three. I have prayed for them and have trusted that God knows exactly what is going on. "Deborah", you might say, "Do you think God is in vacations gone awry?" I am learning that God is sovereign or He is not. It can't be both ways so yes, He wasn't taken aback by this mishap.

One of my dearest friends, a sweet lady who shared discipleship classes with me, is on her way to Wisconsin today to see a specialist concerning "possible" pancreatic cancer. She kids with me on my birthday that I am older than her, from September to November and as she goes, she leaves behind in a hospital an aged mother who is recovering from bypass surgery. My friend retired from work to take care of her elderly parents and now she is too ill to to do so. I am sure she has questions. Would you join me in prayer for her?

Do we understand? No! Do we trust God Who does understand fully? Yes! We trust His wisdom and His grace and His love for His children. Does He work all things out for good and His glory? Help us, Lord, to trust in You and Your truth! I posted a song last time that I blogged called Blessings. (Please listen to it if you are a fellow struggler today.)There is a particular line that ministers to my heart this morning. "What if the trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?" It meant even more when I read that the young woman wrote the song after hearing that her husband had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. I began with our desire to rewrite sections of stories because we think that we have a better grasp on the outcome. But let us be reminded and reassured today that God's story ends perfectly. The ending is really our beginning and from Heaven one day, we will say Amen and amen to His story and our chosen role in it. I am just thankful this morning that He gave me a part, aren't you?

Praying for perseverance for you and desiring your like-minded prayer for me, Pilgrim! These temporary trials serve to remind us that this is not our home. Hallelujah!!

- Deborah

Laura Story Blessings (lyrics)

2011-05-28T20:43:00.000-04:00

Two Truths about Trials!

2011-05-28T08:52:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite O.T. characters is a man named Joseph, the great grand-son of the Jewish patriarch, Abraham. All who read my writings all familiar with this faith-filled man and his story so I will just take up in chapter 45 which I was reading this morning during my quiet time with the Lord. In this chapter, Joseph, now in authority in the land of Egypt, is about to reveal himself to his brothers, those same brothers who had sold him at the age of seventeen into the hands of the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver and then lied to their father about his whereabouts who had no doubt mourned every day since. That is one of the saddest parts of this story to me that as those ten boys saw their daddy sad every day that none would open up and tell him the truth, that maybe his beloved son was still alive.

Probably in chapter 45, Joseph must be now close to forty years of age. He was thirty when Pharoah placed him in charge of managing the years of plenty to prepare for the years of famine and it's after the seven years of plenty when the famine begins that the brothers show up to buy some food as they have heard that Egypt has enough to sell. We tend to read the chapters of Genesis in the life of Joseph and forget that those years were long- we may can read about them in minutes- but Joseph lived every one of them day by day and minute by minute. Let me share with you two truths, although there are many, that I see in his life that I asked God this morning to make a part of mine. After all, that is what Bible reading and meditation is all about- not so we can mark that chapter off on our daily Bible-reading plan but that the truths sink down into our hearts and change us. Joseph had experienced betrayal and lies and hate and estrangement from his homeland and his family for around twenty years through no fault of his own and I love his transparency that he reveals in this chapter. I don't know how many tears Joseph has cried since that day out in the field when his brothers cast him into a pit but here, he cannot control himself as he tells his brothers- "I am Joseph whom you sold into Egypt." The Bible says that all the Egyptians and Pharoah's household heard him as he cried. Saints, transparency and tears are okay! We tend to think that we may look less than super spiritual if we admit to others that we just are not on top of our game right now. Coming to terms with that does not mean we don't trust God- it means we are human and people relate to that. Joseph's question of "is my father still alive?" brought tears to my eyes this morning as I sense his love and tenderness toward a man that he has missed for many years.

Trials, especially long ones, tend to strip the veneer of self-confidence away. We learn to get" over ourselves" in today's vernacular. Now, it isn't so much about what others think about me but how my life is affecting how they think about God and there is my second point. In all of Joseph's pain and denial, he has trusted God and those observing have noticed that. The Scripture repeats several times concerning this young man that God was with him and Joseph knew that God was with him. The brothers, rightfully so, are scared to death but Joseph said- "God sent me here..". Child of God, I don't know what your struggle is today but I know that God is with you and there is a purpose for the pain. One day last year I was reading my Joni devotional book and physically was not well as I was doing so. Joni was writing about the sovereignty of God and made the statement that God was sovereign over diseases, one of which she referenced was Lyme Disease. Now, of all the many, many diseases that she could have mentioned, there it was before me in print and I felt that God led me to that page on that particular day to remind me that nothing takes Him by surprise just as Joseph assured his quaking in their sandals' brothers- "God sent me here!"   When Joseph's daddy dies after their reunion and seventeen years together (that is interesting to me), the brothers are afraid again that now that Daddy is gone, Joseph will give them their just due. He again repeats this phrase- " Fear not: for am I in the place of God? As for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." Again, note the assurance of purpose in pain.

Saints, as we grow in the Lord and go forth in this fast-fleeing journey, may our trust in a loving Heavenly Father flourish. A verse written by Bill and Gloria Gaither comes to mind this morning- "We've come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, trusting in His Holy Word, HE'S NEVER FAILED US YET!. We've come this far by faith." Amen!

    "For we walk by faith and not by sight!"
    Deborah

Come Just As You Are!

2011-05-27T11:10:00.002-04:00

By now, I guess we have all seen the gaffe by the president of the United States as he toasted the "snippity" queen of England. At least, that is the way that I see her- you know- like Laura Ingalls defined the little rich and bratty girl, Nellie- "just snippity, Pa"! I am a Laura student and I like that word," snippity", for people who think they are above the commoners of this world. I must admit, I could not illicit much sympathy at our Commander in Chief as the band struck up before he was finished with his eloquent toast. The picture of his condescension to the prime minister of the country who has been and should stay our staunchest ally kept coming to mind and I just didn't feel very sorry for him. He, probably, would surmise that the band was in error and should have waited on him and I am sure in either case, the queen set it right!

Let's imagine for a minute and I know that it will be a long stretch but suppose you and I were invited in two weeks to Buckingham Palace. Well, I said it was a l ooooooo ng stretch but just give me some liberty here, okay? We would never learn the protocol in that length of time, you know, the important questions to be asked and learned- "do I curtsy or not? at what time do I curtsy or not? Can I touch Her Majesty or what is the safe distance at which to stay? Is it alright to laugh at anything because she seems awfully serious? Do I call her Queen Elizabeth or Your Majesty or can I just forget the jargon and call her Liz? :) :) :) " I know that would get me sent to my room or maybe the dungeon- oh no, I am getting terribly stressed- now I want out of this imagined daydream because I don't even know which fork to use. Silly, I know, but as I viewed that humongous dining room the other night as all the" elites" were gathered, the thought came to me that entering our King's presence is so very different. And, mind you, this is the KING of all kings, the One Who beckons me and you and welcomes us at any time. I love the verse in Hebrews 4- "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Our Heavenly Father is in that throne room and we, as His children by grace through faith in His Son Jesus, are welcomed there. I love the picture from the 1960's of Pres. Kennedy working in the Oval Office where lots of important decisions were being made and under his desk are Caroline and John John playing. I remember a well-known and busy minister once remarking that his secretary knew that if the call was from his children, he was not too busy to take it. I love that and Saints, that is our Father's position to us.

I believe, with reverence, we approach Him today but as His children, we can confidently approach Him without the fanfare of protocol. My preacher boy, Jeff, wrote a Monday blog recently and asked for feedback on how those in ministry deal with those bone-tiring mornings after a day-long of pouring out yourself to those you shepherd. I didn't respond but for the last few years, most of my mornings, not just blue Mondays, start out with weariness and a fog in my head that I find myself crying out three words as I rise from my bed- "Lord, help me." Now, in what I refer to as my spiritual "teen" years when I thought I knew everything, I would have thought that to be a pretty pathetic prayer but it is what Peter prayed when he was sinking and really, when you are about to drown, there just isn't much time to diagram and paragraph correctly your prayer, is there? Let me assure you, dear Reader, that my quiet time in His Word and prayer amount to more than that regularly with intercession for others and thanksgiving because He has been so good to this lady who so little deserves it but there are times when words just fail me, whether from sorrow or pain or confusion. We have this promise- "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Rom.8:26

Amy related this Landon story to me a couple of weeks ago. He is very inquisitive of spiritual issues lately, things concerning Heaven and death and sin and salvation. As they rode down the road, a cd was playing and Amy had a grocery list on her mind so she wasn't paying attention to the lyrics and thought her little son wasn't either as he was playing his ds game in the backseat. LESSON101 to parents: They are listening when you think they aren't! "Mom", my precious grandson said, "could you turn the music off for a minute- I have a question for you." "Sure, Son, what is it?" The theme of the song was the secret place with God and Landon wanted to know how he could get there to that place. There was a particular line in which he was interested and as Amy rewound the cd, he stopped on the verse that emphasized where you go when you are tempted to sin. As Amy tried to explain to a 5-yr. old little boy about praying and reading the Word, he sadly said that he didn't even know how to read yet and Amy wisely responded, I believe, with these words: " Landon, when you are afraid or sad or tempted to do wrong, just call His name- just say Jesus, Jesus, Jesus- He will hear and help you, Son." Does that sound too simplistic to you, dear Believer, this morning? Jesus put it pretty simply when He said- "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt 11:28

Sometimes I find that secret place because I have sinned and He stands as my Advocate, ready to forgive and restore. In wiser moments, I run there while tempted and He is my Strength to overcome. When I am sad and confused, I breathe out His precious name and find He is my Comforter and Guide. He is my Companion when I am sick and I call His name- Jehovah-Rapha- for He is my Healer. Many times I find myself in that place with plain weariness and He is my soul Sustainer and Refresher. Often before I am finished speaking, the music breaks forth and I remember the verse from Zepheniah- "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy: He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing." Oh, I am so blessed when His music interrupts, yes, He can and does interrupt because He is our Sovereign Lord and we are the clay. The important message and I guess I took a long time to express it is that He beckons us to come- just as we are. He is the Creator and Sustainer of this great universe but He is never too busy for any one of His children, especially the one who feels the lowest today. I encourage you to find that secret place today- there are wonderful nuggets that He longs to give you, much more precious than anything that the palaces around the world hold today! "The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver." Ps. 119;72

- Deborah

More Precious Than Silver

2011-05-27T11:10:00.000-04:00

Fernando Ortega - All Flesh Is Like The Grass

2011-05-21T11:34:00.000-04:00

"Every Word of God Proves True."

2011-05-21T11:33:00.002-04:00

I read that verse from Proverbs 30:5 this morning and then turned to a chapter that I have read often in the last few days- Jeremiah 36. A foolish king supposed that he could negate the truth that every word of God proves true by taking a knife and cutting the scroll and tossing it into the fire. Ps. 12:6- "The words of the LORD are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." Matthew Henry writes- "Enemies may prevail to burn many a Bible, but they cannot abolish the Word of God, nor defeat the accomplishment of it."

God told Jeremiah to write the words that He would give to him and then to present it to the people for this purpose- that they might repent and escape the disaster to come. But like today, King Jehoiakim was rebellious, would not hear wise counsel, and thought he could protect himself by destroying the scroll. Interestingly enough, these are the words that close the chapter- "Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there were added besides unto them many like words." Our pastor read the verse last week as he preached on Hell, (yes, the truth of its' reality is still being proclaimed in some pulpits) from Rom.2:5- "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God." We are just adding wrath to wrath when we refuse God's Word. Now, with that introduction, let me say that I have found myself angry lately at the blatant refusal and dismissal of God's Word and not from the world and unbelievers- I don't expect them to take it as God's Word- but at those who say they have been called by God to preach His Word yet are misleading many because they "cut-out" whatever verses that doesn't suit their agenda. I followed an argument recently between two pastors with whom I went to high school, one, a Presbyterian, and one, a Methodist. (I don't even care anymore about denominations- I care about what individual churches are preaching the whole counsel of God.)

One was concerned that his affiliated church had decided that homosexuals could be ordained into the ministry and the other said that she hoped that her church would get onboard because she "is tired of homophobia and sexism." Yes, she apparently doesn't like the Apostle Paul's requirements for filling a pulpit anyway. "After all", they argue, "Jesus didn't have anything to say about it." Let me tell you what I am tired of, people of God. I am tired of leaders carrying only a red-lettered Bible and probably some of that has been omitted because some of the words that Jesus spoke in the one I read are not easy to swallow. No, our Savior had some hard things to say because He knows that the most loving thing we can do for hell-bent sinners is to lovingly and compassionately tell them the truth. (What would you think, personally, about a doctor who sees the tumor on the scan but just doesn't want you to have a bad day so he tells you all is okay?) Now, to say that His words are all-important is an understatement but to use the argument that if Jesus didn't address a situation that it isn't relevant is like taking a knife and cutting out most of our Holy Scriptures. I read in 2 Tim.3:16 these words- "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Therein is our problem- we proud and rebellious sinners don't want any reproof or correction, like spoiled children we are going on in our own way and this generation seems militant when confronted, do they not?

Saints, it is going to take some courage to stand in these last days and I pray that we have it. If you don't notice the escalating assaults on those who will dare to hold forth the Word of God as the inspired and authoritative Book that it is, then your head is either in the sand or the TV. Just last Sunday, upon the announcement that Pastor John Hagee's church would be holding a "Stand With Israel" Sunday, protesters gathered and shouted him down as he preached. As they were escorted out by security, Pastor Hagee remarked that if it took to 6:30 p.m. to finish the sermon, he intended to do so. These people are recruiting others who want to stand against sexism, Zionism, homophobia, and other subjects to come and help them in their protests. A mainstream denomination just this week in a publication headlined these words- "It's Time For Palestine." There is a cry against Israel such as we have not heard in a long time, sadly even from our government. Why is that concerning to us? Because we believe the Book! Gen. 12:3- "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." Ps. 122:6- "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee." Yes, my subject today is that we either believe the Bible or we don't and for those who stand and instruct in churches, if you don't, I wish you would go sell Amway or Mary Kay or something else.

Saints, when I used to teach and even now, when I blog, I check my Scriptures and ask God for clarity because I take James 3:1 (because it is part of the Book) very seriously. I wonder about those who are standing behind lecterns with a copy of the Word of God before them and then deliberately begin to explain away Scriptures that are not palatable to our rebellious flesh. Unlike Jehoiakim who thought that he could cut it up and burn it, oh that we would have hearts to believe and obey it. God, as our Designer and Owner, knows what works best for us- His instructions are not to harm us but to bless us! My prayer for you and hope yours for me is that we "would hold forth the word of life" because "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

- Deborah
p.s. The mantra today for much of Christianity is "Open minds, open hearts, and open doors", all of which hold a portion of truth but how about this if you are searching for a church- "Firstly, Open Bibles!" ?

The Forgotten Two-Lettered Word!

2011-05-10T10:27:00.001-04:00

Recently Danny and I were watching the evening news when the subject of the end of the high school year proms was introduced. The sound bite just before breaking for commercial was enough to keep me hanging on for the whole story, always their strategy. "Adding to the already exorbitant expense from the dress to the coiffure to the shoes and the appointment with the make-up artist and the manicure and the pedicure and the......... , see why some parents are spending an extra $1300.00 this year, when we come back." Wow, while I waited for the seemingly endless commercial about the side effects of cholesterol medicine, I thought to myself what could be driving up the cost of the prom date? Could it be the limousine and the fine dining and maybe the swanky motel where the dance would be? I just couldn't imagine. What? Pray tell!

Are you ready for this? Botox injections! Yes, you read it right, you did. My husband who had been immersed in a checker game with some guy from China, had not been paying much attention to the news coverage but he looked up and asked "Who is getting Botox injections, Honey?" (I started to reply "not me, Darling, I had skin cancer on my nose once and I still cry when I feel that syringe going into a bony nose with no fat to help absorb the impact.") "High school girls going to the prom, Dear." "Aren't those shots for wrinkles, Deborah?" "Yes, Dan, haven't you noticed lately how many 16-18 year old girls are developing all those crow's feet, fine lines, and wrinkles? I mean, it is really sad, isn't it?" The young girl being interviewed, a beautiful seventeen year old, was asked how her parents felt about it to which she replied- "Well, my Dad struggled because he is so protective of me but he finally gave in because he understands that this is my last prom and I totally want to look the best that I have ever looked."

One responder to the TV station poll suggested that any doctor who does elective plastic surgery on a teen should have his license revoked. Well, people, many and maybe most doctors are concerned about the bottom line which is money so maybe the blame, if there is blame to be had, should lie with the people who are forking out the money because it seems more and more parents are having a difficult time with the word- "no." It is a simple two lettered word that even babies learn very quickly so the enunciation isn't really a problem. I remember that around maybe 9 months that Mark and Amy said it rather forcefully at bedtime until they learned that we could say it but they, not so much to us. Since I am bloviating today, let me share a cute joke that I heard lately concerning a child in a doctor's office about to receive an injection and he was dancing around and yelling "no." His mother rebuked him and said- "Honey, that isn't polite" and his response in the same volume was "no, thank you, no, thank you, no thank you." :) :) :)

Now, let me assure you that I feel for kids who are raised in a rigid, frowned upon everything home where everything fun is taboo. I believe that where "yes" is appropriate, it should be employed as much as possible but my subject today is the extreme opposite of that, the permissive parent who is afraid to say "no" to anything. Many years ago, I knew of a woman who kept an extra gallon of paint on hand because her precocious 2-3 yr. old delighted in expressing his artistic creativity and his favorite canvas was the walls of a dining room in a spacious, magnificent house. His mother, having a degree in Psychology remarked that she didn't want to "squash" his creative abilities. (My husband assured me that Mark and Amy would have something else "squashed" if they persisted drawing on walls after the first warning.) Now I always thought that it would be less expensive to buy five or six of those huge Crayola marking pads than expensive paint and just let that kid create until he was happy but I guess that was just me. Let me suggest that parents can't or won't say "no" these days because somehow we have bought into the erroneous notion that our first aim is that our kids like us, that they think we are "cool" and we won't them to be our friends. Now, I know that as a kid, I thought my parents were too hard sometimes but as I matured, I realized that to be a balanced citizen of society, there has to be some "yeas" and some "nays." When some of these kids meet up with the law later in life, they are appalled that they don't really care about their inner needs and their self esteem. They just aren't as "cute" as Mommy and Daddy told them.

Amy and and I discussed the Botox report and she made what I thought to be a brilliant observation, actually two. She wondered how many girls lay on that table as that dreaded needle came for their forehead and wished that parental authority had overruled peer pressure. And she said that parents should have looked at them when first approached about the procedure and assured them that they were beautiful just as they were. She and I discussed, her being a Mom of a little girl, of how the inordinate obsession with physical appearance is very disturbing to us today and how she can raise that precious granddaughter of mine to realize her worth is not about how she looks or how pencil thin she is. Character should be our objective, should it not? Well, that is another thought for another day but today, I want to encourage you parents that you are wiser and have much more experience and at times, the best thing that precious one underfoot today can hear is the word "no." Our Heavenly Father Who parents perfectly says it to me when it's for my good and His glory and yes, at times, I don't understand but I trust His love and His wisdom and His perfect plan. "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Cor. 12:9-10. I know this present church culture thinks that He doesn't deny anything because "After all, He just wants us to be happy and paint on whatever wall we choose because we are free spirits trying to express ourselves and sing our own song and He totally understands that."

No, He isn't as interested in my happiness as He is my holiness. He cares more about my being Christlike that He does about my creativity. My song from my heart today is about Him and not about me but a child who is never denied anything tends to live a narcissistic life. Danny and I were just discussing recently the events lately where we see young people being attacked and people are spectators, actually, reveling in the fights instead of becoming involved and helping. It's a sad world when it is just all about us and that may come from children who have been permitted to do whatsoever they please. I close, I didn't want to write this one in particular but every morning for a few mornings, the thoughts were cogitating in my head so there it is. I hope you will think about it!

- Deborah

Bringing Others Forward On Their Journey!

2011-05-07T16:13:00.001-04:00

Thank you, dear Readers, for allowing me to think out loud and then put on paper my thoughts lately on how I could come to the end of my life and not consider it a waste, that I had not lived in vain. Know that I write firstly to me and if you are blessed or encouraged, then I am thankful and if I have ever sounded condescending or in a manner that suggests that I have it all together, please forgive me. I know that I have far to go but I also know that my goal is to know more of God, to love Christ my Savior in a deeper way, and then to walk worthy of that calling in Him!

Several times in the N.T., (Eph.4:1, Phil.1:27, Col.1:10, 1 Thess.2:11-12, 2 Thess. 1:11, and 3 John,6), we see the phrase- "walking worthy" or I think being everything the Lord desires and empowers us to be. "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."John Piper defines it thus: "Acting in a way that fits the great value and glorious nature of God and the Gospel and your calling." When I saw the phrase in 3 John, 6 today, I read and meditated on those short 14 verses and noted that three characters are mentioned, two positively and one the opposite. Here's some thoughts from that passage which instruct us about some attitudes of walking worthily. I can model Gaius' example who was a generous giver in extending hospitality to his fellow laborers. I read a simple statement as I studied different commentators, one asking- "What's more important to God- your carpet or people?" I will waste my life that God has given to me if I value my possessions more than people. One is temporary and the latter is eternal! We live in a materialistic culture and if we don't guard our hearts, we will find ourselves competing with "the Jones". (I wonder how that cliche came to be- they must have been the wealthy family in that day??)

Now, I reiterate that having things isn't necessarily wrong and taking care of those things isn't evil but we must take constant inventory that we own our possessions (actually, God does) and that they don't own us. Here is a good test- are we happy when others gain what we don't have or do we become envious and seek to outdo them? If you think I jest, then you haven't been very observant because this goes on even in the church world. People or possessions? Trivialities or truth? Demetrius is commended as a lover of truth. It seems that truth has been relegated to a low spot on the scale these days. Some think it's relative and so long as one is living their "own truth", then being true to yourself is your greatest virtue. My deepest concern is not that the world operates on this theory, they are supposed to do so. Blind people don't see but Saints, our churches debate over issues today concerning if there is a hell, if homosexuality should exclude such from the ministry, if pre-marital sex is wrong so long as they are committed and even questioning if Jesus really meant that He is the only way to the Father. It's time that we let the Bible say what it says and get back to some bedrock truths.

Truth is important- we can't walk worthy if we don't even know and then adhere to the basic fundamental tenets of our faith. Gaius rejoiced that his children were walking in the truth. America is more concerned that theirs are walking in popularity, power, position and pleasures, all temporary trivialities at the end of life. Truth lasts! Jesus said "Heaven and earth shall pass away but My words shall not pass away." Matt.24:35. Two men are commended and the other, Diotrephes, is rebuked and denounced. A very sad statement is made about this man, basically, that he always looks out for number one. A wasted life equals one that has been lived selfishly for itself, always looking out for ourselves and being divisive because of our pride. Diotrephes' life was filled with control instead of compassion, putting others' out instead of receiving them as the beloved Gaius had done. Gaius did well because he sent them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. Let me try to encourage you who are doing that. I think of and pray for pastors and especially on Saturdays as you prepare and study to feed the flock of God. We know who you are and we recognize your labor of love for the saints and you aren't forgotten here and won't be when the Chief Shepherd appears. Keep on keeping on, Preacher! We need the truth today and need examples to follow.

If somehow, we encourage other pilgrims to continue on their paths, our lives will have meant something. I think of my precious Mother on this day before Mother's Day and how her godly life inspired me and countless others. She cared more about people than what she owned and I never can recall when she put herself first, even if Dr. Phil and Oprah were preaching that is necessary. (Actually, I think she was before their time.:) ) She had an approachable way which drew people in and didn't put them at arm's length because of a divisive spirit. (I wrote about her last Mother's Day- if you missed it, it is listed in May 2010.)

Well, this has probably been scattered thoughts in the last three blogs but when my Jeff and Pastor Scott come to speak over me, if others know that I knew God, loved His Son, Jesus Christ, and had purposed to walk worthy by serving people, by helping to bring them forward on their journey, then my life was not wasted.

To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done!

Deborah

All I Once Held Dear (Knowing You) -- with Lyrics

2011-05-03T10:38:00.000-04:00

Our Passion!

2011-05-03T10:34:00.001-04:00

"It is beyond comprehension that soldiers of the cross would be satisfied in retiring from the battle just before the trumpet blast of victory or just before admission to the coronation ceremony." This rich quote from John Piper aids me in setting the stage for my second thought on how I, as I reflect on my life, believe I can waste it. Last time, I noted that pursuing God should be my lifelong goal. Read with me a verse in Hosea 6:3- "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD..." Following on, running hard after is what the Psalmist was teaching in Ps. 63 when David said- "O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary. In one of my favorite chapter in Psalms, in 42, he writes- "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God."

Yes, I know that compared to the vast and immeasurable ocean of His glory and grace and power, it may look like I have a "thimble-size" grasp but I think it's not as important how much I know as it is how hard I am following on to know more of His heart and His love. From the same book of Philippians where Paul said that He was following on to know Him, I want to say secondly that I believe I can waste my life not only if I fail to pursue God but if I forget that my passion should be for Jesus Christ, God's Son, Very God Himself! All through Paul's writings, he emphasizes the Reason that he lives and in the first chapter of Philippians, we read that most familiar verse- "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain." He reminds us in this chapter that his imprisonment is about Christ, that his rivals who preach out of envy are at any rate preaching Christ and he rejoices about that fact. And in verse 21, he shows that he has a "holy indifference" (Matthew Henry) regarding whether he stays on Planet Earth or leaves for Heaven because life isn't about him but about HIM!! If living glorifies HIM more, then he's ready to live and if by dying, Christ is glorified, then "beam me up, GOD!"

Danny and I watched the Passion of Christ a couple of weeks ago and parts of it were hard to watch as the Savior was ridiculed, mocked, scourged, spat upon, and ultimately crucified on a cruel and lonely cross and that film couldn't touch what really went on that day at Golgotha. I was reminded of His passion for doing the Father's will and dying for me, an unworthy wretch of a sinner. Yes, that is who I am, I don't buy into this pseudo gospel today which claims we are really good and a good environment will further breed that into us. That sounds good and soothes our already over- inflated egos but the Bible doesn't teach that, Saints. Paul saw himself as the chiefest of sinners and I believe that we all see ourselves as that too. It was for me that He died and how that love should constrain me to live passionately for Christ and His cause. We all are passionate about something. I don't use this illustration to criticize because lost and unenlightened souls live thus but when I see grown men sitting in bleachers in -10 degrees and snow falling all around them and their bare chests have their team logo on them, I understand that many are passionate about their sports teams. And, by the way, they endure those elements for 4-5 hours and pray for an overtime while we, as God's people, hope the worship service doesn't go over an hour. "Oh me", maybe we sigh.

There are many examples I could use today of people being passionate about many things and maybe will, God willing, next time but I will close with the thought-provoking challenge to search our hearts and see if our lives are summed up in Christ, if we live that others know that Jesus Christ is our Passion, that He is our Reason for living, our Hope while dying and our Everything in between.

Lord, may it be!

Deborah

Our Pursuit!

2011-04-30T12:32:00.001-04:00

In my last blog, I spoke of God's infinite riches of grace that He has lavishly bestowed upon His children through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. In the first three chapters of the Book of Ephesians, we read of His immeasurable power and provision which He gives us and in chapter four, Paul begins with the word-"therefore"- now pointing out our rightful response to the blessings from our heavenly Father and none being deserved by any of us. I thank Him again and again for His grace.

On the heels of that thought last week, a couple of things happened to me that began to stir my heart in preparation for this particular writing this morning. As I was dusting my desk, I picked up a book that I have read a couple of times called Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper. I didn't open it to reread it right now but the title just bore heavily on me and never more so than on Wednesday night as Danny and I were in our basement after receiving three calls from the county offices warning of a possible tornado on the ground. After seeing the force of the ones which left Alabama in devastation, now barreling down on Georgia, my thoughts went to that if God chose to take me Home via a storm, how would a wasted life look like and here is my first observation. I feel that my life would have been lived in vain had I not pursued God with passion and energy after He has lovingly found me. The Apostle Paul said it like this- "That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death;" in Philippians 3:10. Our Savior, in His High Priestly prayer in John 17, put it like this- "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom Thou hast sent."

Knowing about God and knowing God are two totally different things. I know the sheriff of Dawson County- I recognize him when he comes into Longhorn for lunch because I have seen his picture in our local papers but I don't really know him- I have never even had a conversation with him. I know some of you readers and some of your spouses and children but I don't really know them- not like I know mine. I know what makes mine happy or sad, I know their strengths and weaknesses, and I know why they, in many instances, think like they think. Sometimes I can complete their sentences and that is probably annoying to them- oops- sorry, family. I really know them because I have spent time with them, studied them, and have invested in their lives because I love them so much. Are we, may I ask, in response to His love and grace toward us, spending time with Him, being a lifetime student in His classroom, and learning of Him and from Him as we live these lives which flee like a shadow? There were over 300 lives taken in that Wednesday evening storm, some old and some young, some black and some white, some lived in mobile homes but some lived in nice upscale homes that still couldn't stand against the force of EF4 and EF5 tornado winds. They were gone in an instant just as the Scriptures explain to us how transient our earthly lives are. Webster's tells me that transient can mean temporary lodgers. Yes, exactly, that is what we are, Saints. This world is not our home, we are just passin' through.

Because He is infinite, we can never know Him fully here but that shouldn't mean we give up and quit pursuing Him. No, actually, it's just the opposite. Because He is beautiful beyond description means He, above all, should be desired. What temporal trinkets are we so enamored with that we have quit pursuing the wonderful Lover of our souls? In one of my favorite Psalms, David writes this- "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple." 27:4. For me, my life would have been wasted if I have failed to gaze on His beauty and meditated on His glorious attributes and forsook my pursuing Him in all of His glory. As I grow older in Him, I should be able to finish some of His sentences, if you will. Not all, mind you, because His ways and thoughts are far above mine but certainly we should be acquainted with His pattern of His faithfulness, His wisdom, and His love for His kids. We sang the song recently in the Resurrection Season entitled O Sacred Head Now Wounded and may this verse be our prayer today, as I close. "What language shall I borrow to thank Thee dearest Friend,for this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end? O make me Thine forever! And should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never outlive my love for Thee!"

Reflecting on my life and what I pursue!

Deborah

THINK ABOUT HIS LOVE - Don Moen (With Lyrics)

2011-04-25T11:33:00.000-04:00

Children of the King or Paupers?

2011-04-25T11:29:00.001-04:00

Many years ago, I read the story of a woman named Hetty Green who died in 1916 and left an estate valued at over $100 million dollars yet she ate cold oatmeal (yuck) because it cost too much to heat it. Her son had a leg amputated because she prolonged treatment while looking for a free clinic. Why a person with seemingly limitless wealth would live and die like a pauper stirred my mind and heart this morning as I read from Ephesians, chapter one. We who have been bought by the precious blood of Christ must say "oh me" because we choose to live often as spiritual vagabonds instead of sons and daughters of the King.

Don Moen sings a song with lyrics that go like this: "Think about His love, think about His goodness, think about His grace that's brought us through..." and this morning I have meditated on how good and gracious He has been to this lady. In the Epistle to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul outlines in chapters 1-3 their and our privileged position because of the grace of Christ and in chapters 4-6, the practical outworking in accordance to that position. Oh, the treasures we find in His Word and we can't help but to rejoice as we meditate on some of them that we have in Christ from this book of Ephesians. We are chosen by Him, according to verse 4. Surely, we still get excited when we realize that fact, don't we? Why, I ask myself often, did He desire me? I have written before about how happy we would be when we were kids and were chosen for the team. I still remember the day that my name was called out, as a 9th grader, that I had made the varsity basketball team. I was thrilled to go home and tell Daddy that I did not have to play JV but would play with the Juniors and Seniors. Now, as surprising and exciting that the news was, today, it means little but to have been chosen by the Maker of the universe to participate in His plan for the ages, well, I just can't get over that especially when I remember that my 3-pt. and layup ability didn't impress Him at all. I had nothing to offer to Him, actually, felt like the last person He would choose for the team, yet He chose me. While I was a sinner, He set His love upon me!

We see that in all of these spiritual blessings that the purpose was "to the praise of His glory", not because of who we were and are. He has accepted us, Saints. Isn't that a glorious thought? All children want to be accepted- they go through their young years wanting to know that someone thinks they are okay and worthy of love. Well, in the spiritual realm, we don't deserve it but in the Beloved, we are accepted by the Father. That should thrill us and change us as we see with eyes of faith a Heavenly Father Who isn't scowling and "tolerating" us but One Who delights in His kids. Chosen, accepted, and redeemed we are, bought back from the old slave master who sought our demise and set free by our new Owner to live abundant lives. By His precious blood, we are redeemed! "Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child and forever I am." Fanny Crosby may not have seen with her physical eyes but spiritually, she knew the score.

Brothers and sisters, we are forgiven, according to vs 7, "according to the riches of His grace." You, like me, this morning, know your sins, even today there is the struggle between the flesh and the spirit as it will always be until we see Him in glory but He has forgiven us. We have an Advocate, Jesus Christ the Righteous Who pleads our case and because of the event that we just celebrated this weekend, the cross and the empty tomb, His sacrifice is sufficient and complete and when He cried- "It is finished!", it was finished. We are completely forgiven and clean today, Praise His Name!! People of God, we have an inheritance, one that will not fade away, we read in 1 Peter 1. Now, I don't know about you but Danny nor I came from wealthy families so there is no huge financial allotment for us and that is fine because it will all burn up one day anyway. If you have been blessed in that way, that is good too. God has done whatsoever He has pleased, the Scripture tells me. As believers though, there is an eternal inheritance that belongs to us- yes, we are joint heirs with Christ. I praise Him this morning for His lavish riches of grace shed upon us.

I will close with this though I have not scratched the surface. We are sealed, the transaction is authentic and finished. We can't lose it- we are His forever- "to the praise of His glory." Note with me again that we are the recipients but the story is all about Him! It begins with Him and will consummate with and about Him. We are humbly blessed to be a part of it , aren't we? Oh, to realize our riches in Christ and to live accordingly is my aim for writing to you dear people today. When Mark and Amy were small and would ask for something, there were times when we had to decline because there was not enough money.All parents have probably heard this line- "Well, Daddy, just write a check- you have plenty of those." We laugh because they just didn't get the concept that there must be money in the bank for those checks to be valid. Children didn't understand but I submit that on the reverse of that, we, the children of God don't understand either at times or at least, our lives don't manifest that we do. Our Heavenly Father owns it all and has an immeasurable supply of mercy and grace and strength and peace and anything else we need today. He has signed His Name in precious blood and as Paul was reminding the Ephesians of His lavish grace,let's be reminded, blessed, and encouraged today of "Him Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

Thinking about how rich I am!

-Deborah

Wake Up!

2011-04-15T10:25:00.001-04:00

While listening to the story of the sleeping air traffic controller this morning, my mind was awakened to some Scripture passages where the Apostle Paul exhorted believers to wake up! The planes were flying in the dark skies and the pilot needed the opened eyes and alert discernment from one in the tower so they could safely land but he was fast asleep. "We are coming in for a landing- is anyone there? Are you there, tower?" We cannot imagine the frustration and fear of the one who is trying to get his plane and passengers on the runway but can't get his guide to hear his cry. He's in dreamland!

Saints, don't we sense the urgency that Paul was conveying to the church when he wrote in Rom.13:11? "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light." He tells the Thessalonion church this: "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." I found myself in Ephesians 5 where I was reminded that we should be awake and alert because the days are evil, the Greek word being poneros, from which we get our word, pornography. Do you think that is applicable for our day? There are few places we can go today without being inundated with the permissive and promiscuous attitudes that permeate our society. "Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to purposely seek that circumspect wisdom or we will find ourselves apathetic instead of alert. Our children and grandchildren will be adversely affected by our sleepy indifference. Parent, you have every right and the responsibility to monitor what your child sees on the computer and on the television shows which for the most part are working against everything that you are trying to impress upon those little hearts. I have written lately about the childhood attributes, good and bad, but the one I love maybe the most in little people is their innocence and the evil one who schemes for their demise seeks to steal that innocence as soon as possible. Please be alert to it because they are so worth our best. They so want to know their boundaries and feel safe there. I love the illustration that I have heard for years about a daycare backyard which was surrounded by trees but no fence and the wee ones huddled close to the teachers at recess When a fence was erected, they scattered and played freely because now they knew how far and were constrained from going further than they felt safe. Isn't that good? I fear that we have become so callous to the evil, actually adopting and justifying it in many cases because "actually, it's the day we are in , things have changed and a little acceptance is pretty benign and ...." when really, we have just been lulled to sleep by the world's philosophies which are just packaged differently today. Oh, how convicted I am this morning of my spiritual tiredness and sleepiness while those we love are flying in the darkness and some are "silently" crying out- "Is anyone there? I need some help. I don't know where the runway is."

I am sure some who read wish that I could be lighter from time to time and the truth be known, I do enjoy life and have good laughs. I just finished a book by Chuck Swindoll entitled Laugh Again taken from the Epistle to the Phillipians. If anyone has the reason to be joyful, it is we who are born again. But in that rejoicing, we must be aware of the sobering fact that many are lacking discernment and direction and are staggering around like drunken people. We who are being filled or controlled by the Spirit of God are acutely aware of the time and it's late, Friends, so let us wake up!

Hoping to help!

Deborah

An Appeal to Unity!

2011-04-02T15:10:00.003-04:00

Recently, a couple of my blogs have been about the troublesome times in which we find ourselves today. I believe that because of that hard fact that there is no better time for the church, those blood-bought by the Lord Jesus Christ, to stand together and put away a childhood trait that Jesus illustrated in Luke 7. I remember when growing up that there was always a baseball game going on in our backyard, (Mother preferring an "infield look" to her lawn so she could keep her eyes on us) and there was one boy who was a very good athlete but we were always cautious about choosing him because when things didn't go his way, Billy bailed. Yes, that is right- left the game even if we were in the 9th inning and the score was tied, he would take his glove and ..."no, Billy, please leave us the ball, please....aww", we would sigh as we saw him heading for his house.

In Luke 7, Jesus uses an illustration of children being petty when He says to the Pharisees and lawyers that they did not like John the Baptist because he was too stern and "weird" and now because I socialize and mingle with the people, you have a beef with Me also and call me the "Friend of sinners!" (So glad He is!!). Jesus said-"Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!' Can I paraphrase? "You guys are like a bunch of children who just cannot be pleased!" They would have understood His illustration because children would play the game in the streets where they would imitate a happy occasion like a wedding and the other side was to follow their lead but would whine and say "we don't want to play happy games!" "Okay, then, let's sing a funeral dirge and you all join in." "Nope, we aren't in the mood to weep either." They had made up their minds that they would not cooperate, regardless of the message and so it is today, sadly, in our churches. As the war rages, we are preoccupied with our pettiness. My Daddy was a pastor and I have been in church all of my life and have observed much, often being wrong myself and am sorry for it,but have made the statement at times over those many years that I didn't think that particular pastor could get an "Amen" any more from some of the congregation even if He said "Jesus is Lord!, simply because immature people had made up their minds.

It isn't a new problem because so long as fallible people make up the Body, there will be disagreements like the one that I was reading about in Phil. 4 this morning. The details are left out but two women were not getting along and I love that Paul simply instructed "...stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved... be of the same mind in the Lord." Note that these two women were believers and had helped Paul and he doesn't tell them to "stand fast in what they believe and don't back down." No, standing fast in the Lord and being like-minded in the Lord means we can give up our "have to have it my way" attitudes and and stubborn "my great great great grandpa did it this way" silliness for the greater good of the team, for the all- important cause of Christ. It is good to be reminded that great Granpa didn't have air-conditioning and 24-hr. ESPN coverage either. I have been told that most church splits aren't about essential doctrinal issues but rather about preferences and traditions and Saints, we can agree and worship together even when our particular "likes" are not lined up. There will always be those differences and I, for one, am glad that God did not make "cookie cutter" Christians. Study the disciples and see how those few men that were chosen were very different in style and temperament but were used to turn many hearts to Christ. Peter and John had different approaches and in Luke 7, we have made note of the differences of John the Baptist and His Master and their style of ministry.

Saints, we need to grow up. Paul said in 1 Cor.13 that when he became a man, he gave up childish things. The mature don't pick-up their bats and gloves and march off angry because they just knew they were "safe" when all other players and umps saw the play and called them "out." I love the comment made by a long-time nursery worker once when she was asked if she would like to relinquish some of her responsibilities since she had been with the children for so long and she replied "No, I prefer working with babies who are supposed to act like babies." I agree with her that we adults, we who have traveled many miles with our Lord, just aren't very winsome when we whine and insist on our own way. Let's stand fast together in the Lord and ponder and pursue His way. His is perfect- ours isn't. His leads to unity- ours doesn't. He's never wrong and there isn't one of us who has not erred and been in the wrong. I saw a church sign today with the sermon entitled for tomorrow- Blind Spots. Yes, we all have them, don't we? Children aren't especially anxious to "fess up", are we?

I close with a quote from the Puritan writer, Thomas Brookes: " For wolves to worry lambs is no wonder, but for lambs to worry one another, this is unnatural and monstrous." (The Golden Treasure of Puritan Quotations Moody Press 1975.) May we be found "endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph.4:3

- Deborah

Keith & Kristyn Getty - O Church Arise

2011-04-02T15:10:00.000-04:00

Keeping Our Eyes Upon Jesus!

2011-03-27T18:31:00.045-04:00

In my last blog, I wrote of the unsafe world in which we find ourselves living, not only from "natural disasters" but from the rampant evil that we see perpetuated today. The city of Athens said "good-bye" to a police officer today who was shot in the head by a man who had carjacked a vehicle and was on cocaine as law enforcement officers negotiated his surrender. A friend of his (the alleged assailant) said that he was a good man. My definition of a good man differs. I believe the good man was the one who told his pastor that he knew being a policeman was dangerous but thought it was God's will for his life. Now, his wife is left to explain to a 2-yr.son and 5-yr. old daughter why their Daddy won't come home. They won't understand- I don't understand but I do know that those guilty of crimes like this are not good men. I pray and hope you do too for our men and women in uniform who are called to defend our communities and cities from criminals. My husband usually buys their meals if they happen to be in the same restaurants that we are. The least we can do is to tell them we appreciate their sacrifice on our behalf.

My preacher boy, Jeff, posted a short clip from Fox 5 news concerning the jewelry heist at a local store last week because it was Meadow's Senior Life Pastor who was hit in the head with a hammer (I guess, by another good man?) while he and his wife of 57 years were resizing her anniversary band. Now, you could never meet a kinder and more gracious man than Bro. Don and as I saw him fall to the floor and his dear wife lovingly respond, a thought came to me of what we are to do as the perilous times which Paul describes in 2 Tim.3 are upon us. Surely, no one would argue with me that we are in them or else, your head is in the sand or your rose colored glasses are stuck on your nose. I know it must be a surreal moment to be in a store and all of a sudden, four armed robbers burst in but as chaos was all around them, people lying down as they were ordered to do, and glass being shattered as thieves were helping themselves to others' belongings, Ms. Shirley was totally focused on her husband. She says that she thought he had been shot until she pulled his bloody hand from the wound and lovingly began to attend to him.

Saints, as chaos escalates and yes, we will be aware of the noise and the clamor, and yes, we will be frightened at times because we are, after all, only human- remember this- as we live our everyday lives, focus on our Savior. Heb.12:2-3- "Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." Now, our Bridegroom's wounds do not need attending to but they do warrant our attention because we need to be reminded often of His love for us which He showed as He hung on the cross of Calvary. Being confident of and grateful for His love and care for you and me is essential as we sojourn in this strange land. Secondly, we must follow the Scriptures. In the account on the perilous times that Paul gave to young Timothy, I am encouraged that he didn't leave us without instruction but he reminds us after painting a pretty bleak picture of what the end times would look like, that we are to continue in the Book. "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

A pastor that I went to school with and recently saw on FB had posted a link but it was gone before I could carefully watch the 10 min. clip but the title read "Emerging Christianity- Wide is the Gate". I don't understand the whole concept of the article because it was deleted before I could read it but if it fits into today's evangelical shift that maybe Heaven isn't for only those who know Jesus as Lord then we need to stick to what the Book says.Jesus said "Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."There is a book out now authored by a pastor who questions hell. If the reporter I saw was quoting correctly, she said one of his arguments is that Jesus only mentioned it 12 times in all of the N.T. My question, Pastor, is how many times does our Maker and Master have to say something for it to be legit? Once, I would submit and also, other Scripture is God-breathed, not just the words in red letters as others want to argue today their case of "What did Jesus say? It must not have been very important if He didn't address it." One blogger said this- "I would rather act like Jesus and not know so much about Him than know about Him and not act like Him." Well, agreed, we should walk what we talk but how do we know Him apart from His Book? There is the trouble- we all want to see Jesus as we want to see Him instead of seeing ourselves as He reveals who we are- poor and hopeless sinners. No, we don't go to church to hear that- that is too uncomfortable and not very seeker-friendly. America, especially, is so man-centered instead of God-centered that the results are tragic. We need to be careful today at the new or maybe just the old repackaged that truth is subjective and relative and that we go to church to "feel" and "share" our experiences which may or may not be Biblical. What we need to "feel" when we leave worship is a love for God and His Word and a conviction over our sin and a repentant heart to move forward in holiness. Holiness,too, isn't a very popular theme today. When a church quits prioritizing the Bible, dear one, it is time to get out of that church!

Finally, as we focus on the Savior, follow the Scriptures, we should faithfully serve. In Matt 24, another Scripture concerning the last days, Jesus asks this question- "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." Jesus reminds His disciples and us in this passage to be ready, to be wise and faithful, and to be about the business of our Heavenly Father. I saw a calm demeanor in Ms. Shirley as she focused on her love and as she attended to what was at hand. All around us, there are elements out of our control. Yes, we are to be the salt and light and there will be some we will win but evil will continue and at times it will bulldoze through the doors of our lives. Keep in mind that the quieter, more subtle is just as and probably is more dangerous. Jesus warned of wolves in sheep clothing. Let us keep our focus on the Lover of our souls and do with all our might what we can do to stop the bleeding in a world running amuck. I close with a verse I read in Prov. 13 this morning- be blessed as I was: "The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out." Don't we long for the day when our Lord rules and reigns in righteousness and the wicked are no more? Even so, come Lord Jesus!

- Deborah

Are We Safe?

2011-03-16T11:48:00.002-04:00

Much of the media's coverage in America has been focused around this question since last week when a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and a devastating tsunami hit Japan. Now the nuclear threat is at the forefront and let me say quickly that my heart breaks and my prayers go up daily for the people who have been affected in that country. With that said, let me answer the question that Americans are asking...

NO! From a natural standpoint, we are not safe from the time that we draw our first breath. Some have not been safe even while in the womb. The good news for us who have believed in Christ Jesus as our only Hope is that we don't view life from a natural position. Danny and I were talking at breakfast this morning as the Good Morning America hosts were exploring how we can be safe. Yes, parts of the USA sit on fault lines and some of those cities have nuclear reactors there. Could a catastrophic earthquake hit these areas? YES! I said to my husband as we sat at the table that when I saw an armored vehicle parked in front of Kroger this week, I asked God to comfort the family of the driver who was gunned down just a few days ago as he delivered in broad daylight with customers entering and exiting the store. Criminals are emboldened today. Are we safe at the grocery stores, the malls, the restaurants, (Longhorn, in particular :) ), our schools, our playgrounds, even our churches? NO!

Danny shared with me a few days ago that a friend had sent him a satellite image of the world showing all the planes overhead night and day. Are we safe as we fly and as we sleep underneath those skies in our homes at night? NO! Think about this- every time that you get out of your car safely, even if it was a half-mile trip, we need to thank God because the statistics of people on the roads who are taking prescription and illegal drugs and drinking alcohol are staggering. Are you safe on those highways? NO! Now that you are thoroughly depressed and hiding in your downstairs storm closet, (because tornadoes strike with no warning ), let me give you the good news from the Good Book! From Proverbs 21:31, let me answer the argument of "well, Deborah, if the picture is as bleak as you paint it, do we just throw it all to the wind and hope for the best?" The wise man wrote- "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD."

I think, as our parents were prone to remind us, we are to use the good sense that the Lord gives us. I wear my seat belt, I watch my surroundings, especially when I am out and alone, we lock our doors when we sleep at night. I go to the basement when the skies turn green and the siren blows uptown BUT I know that in doing all those things and more, my safety and my deliverance comes from the Lord. We can and should eat healthy and have preventative check-ups but a new name is on my prayer list who is only 17-mo. old. Andrew has neuroblastoma, his parents are missionaries in Ireland, and isn't a baby having cancer unexplainable? I read their story and their trust is in the Lord! We don't control life, do we?(Go to Pray for Andrew Mullins (Ireland) ). Pray with me for this little fellow and his family, will you?)

Ps. 33:17 instructs us that a country's safety is not in their military might. "There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength." Should we have a strong military? YES! Is that where our ultimate victory resides? NO! Verse twenty of the same chapter tells us that "Our soul waiteth for the LORD: He is our help and shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name." I have always loved Proverbs 18:10: "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it and is safe." I know that I write to Christians today and you did not panic at my worst case scenarios and the news doesn't keep you up at night. You, like me, have read the back of the Book. We are confident in Whom we have believed and are persuaded that He is faithful and fear doesn't rule our lives, even in these perilous times in which we find ourselves.

Just maybe, though, one reads today and does not have that confidence. Maybe that is the reason God impressed my heart this morning to muse the thought of "are we safe?" Run to Him as He draws you to His side and you will be safe, no, not from all of life's problems, burdens, and yes, even seemingly catastrophic events but safe in the hands of a Savior Who is safe in the hands of His Father. I was reading in 1 Sam.22 this morning where Saul is seeking David's life and he kills 85 priests and a whole city of men, women, children, and animals because he resents their help to David. One escaped and told King David of the terrible events and I was so blessed to read what David says to him- " Stay with me; do not fear. For he who seeks my life seeks your life, but with me you shall be safe." The King resides in our hearts and our lives today and therein, we are safe. Oh, for sure, the body may be and will be destroyed, sooner or later, maybe by disease, natural causes or some tragic happening. I don't know that but I do know this- never will we be safer than when we step from this life to Home with our King forever!

Are we safe? You can bank on it- safe and sound in the presence of our KING!

- Deborah

"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe." Prov. 29:25

Are You Listening?

2011-03-12T10:25:00.001-05:00

Lately, I have been trying to draw parallels between our natural children and God's children by grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. Children, I have noted previously, are hungry, humble, and trusting, all qualities that we need to be growing toward as we walk with our Lord. This morning, in my reading of Ps. 81, I saw a similarity of a negative component of children as God says "If my people would just listen to Me!"

I don't have to remind parents that children do not listen very well, at times. (That is, unless it is something they are not supposed to hear :) ). Their attention span isn't very long and we who have raised them can remember the times when we had to call them back as they "flew" to their bedrooms or outside to play and repeat our instruction because we knew they did not "get it." I recall the procedure now of getting them "eye to eye" with me so they would clearly understand the thought that I was trying to convey to them. You see, "eye to eye" cuts out the distractions, kind of similar to the husband into the football game and the wife asking- "did you hear, Honey, I wrecked the car?" And his reply is "Yes, Dear, that is great. Oh, stupid ref, that guy was out of bounds!"

I write to myself today and hopefully it will also be a challenge to you who take the time to drop by and read. Am I listening to Him? Am I, like Martha, too distracted with lesser things and missing the best? He is speaking, you know? What is He saying to me? Am I so busy that I am not even discerning that it is His voice? Are the other loud, tyranny of the urgent, shouts drowning out His wooing? Jesus told us in John 10- "And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice." Do we need to get "eye to eye" with Him again? Has it been too long as we hurry on our way- doing what?, I ask myself. David said in Ps.141:8 "But mine eyes are unto Thee, O God, the Lord..." and we can assuredly believe that His are on us, His beloved children. 1 Peter 3:12:" For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." I love the verses in Ps. 32 when David says of God- "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." Oh, if we would gaze on Him in His Word and meditate about His wonders. They are all around us- are we missing them? David say in verse 9 "Don't be like the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee."

The writers of the N. T. often reminds us to not be ignorant, especially concerning the last days. "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men." 1 Cor.14:20.I look and grieve as I realize that America isn't listening. There are sobering words in Prov. 1 concerning those who refuse to listen to God's wisdom which isn't anything like man's puny reasoning. Wisdom has cried out but a stubborn people refused to listen and these words are powerful: "They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices." I heard an argument recently stemming from a comment that "radical" Christianity is as dangerous to the world as "radical" Islam. Their example was the Westboro Baptist Church, whom, may I say, I find sickening and nothing like our Lord. But to equate people who hold signs and shout despicable things to enemies who fly planes with little children excited about going to Disney World, into buildings with hundreds of working people, is ludicrous. One probably has freedom of speech issues and the other is the killing of human beings. I asked myself- "How do minds get so hardened and darkened?" The answer is, of course, they have refused to listen to the instruction of God's Word and now we live in a sin-sick society. Yes, I believe the Bible. I don't apologize about it and am not of the persuasion that any way is a good way so long as you are sincere, regardless of the argument from the enlightened generation who thinks we in the Bible belt need to go to college and get a degree. America has refused the Book, thinks it was for another era, that only the foolish believe it any longer and as Preacher Bud used to say- "Put me in that camp- a fool for Christ!"

Dear Reader, is He gently calling to you to look Him in the eye and hear what He has to say? Many believers even shy from this Biblical principle of discipline but some times, He will do what He has to do to get our attention, just as you have done with your kids whom you love so much that you would die for. I remember a time when Danny gave his nephew a spanking and Jamie still remembers it today. He had admonished him, rather strongly, about three times to not ride his big wheel into the street and I heard a commotion as I saw my husband running as fast as I had ever seen him go to drag the 5 year old from the curvy car-approaching highway. As he threw the big wheel aside, he gathered up that boy in those strong arms and spanked him all the way back to the house. Do you know why he did that? He loves his only sister's only child and wanted to get his message across loud and clear. Jamie admits that he made his point and his mark on his backside.

Be assured, dear one, that what He is saying is good, He is wiser, He has been ahead of you, He sees the bigger picture and He is passionate for His glory and for good to proceed from your journey on earth. He still speaks- are we listening?

- Deborah

"He Giveth More Grace!"

2011-03-09T13:31:00.001-05:00

I heard this old hymn this morning and rejoiced in the truth that God's Word promises us. "My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness," Paul tells us in 2 Cor., chapter 12. James writes in chapter 4 as he addressed conflicts in the assemblies which really are started because of conflicts in hearts, that the Holy Spirit is powerful to master and to the humble, God gives more and more grace.

Peter writes in 1 Peter 5:5 -"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." I read this definition in a study book this morning: "To be meek and humble is to accept what God commands and ordains and to seek help from God rather than trusting in one's own abilities." I simply write today with the hope of encouraging all of us because all of us need and have God's grace today. I update my readers about my W.V. friend who has fought a good battle against melanoma and on Saturday morning, God said it was enough and called him from the pain of earth into the glories of Heaven. I like to think of saints who have made the crossing as soldiers who are finally Home. Brian O. Perry was a Marine so the analogy seems to be very appropriate for his homegoing. will you join with me in prayer for his precious wife and children- Jennifer, Jason, and Jackson?Also, he leaves behind his mother, sister, and brothers. In the coming days, they will need God's grace, comfort, and strength and God is faithful to supply all and more!

In the same church where we met the Perry family several years ago was one of the most humble men I have ever met and on Sunday, the 27th of February, God also called him to his eternal reward. Bro. William (Bud) Boss, known to us as "Preacher Bud" was a soldier of the cross and our family joined under his ministry in 1986, less than a year after my precious Mother had left this earth and that faithful, Bible-saturated saint of God ministered healing and renewal for God's work in this writer's grieving heart. I will forever be grateful for the role that he played in our lives as he faithfully preached God's Word. Both of these dear men suffered much before God called them, Brian, having only lived half the time that Preacher Bud had. We don't understand God's ways but we know that He is holy and just in all that He does. He always has the perfect plan. I read a verse in Psalms 77:19 that I have meditated on much lately."Thy way is in the sea, and Thy path in the great waters, and Thy footsteps are not known." (Maybe you who are wiser than me can tell me your thoughts on that verse.) We, like Job, don't always see Him and rarely understand all that He does but we trust Him. In fact, I first heard the phrase "when you can't see His hand, trust His heart" from Preacher Bud.

Preacher Bud leaves behind his precious wife of probably close to 60 years, their only child, Rick, dying of cancer while they served at Northside. She needs our prayers as she faces life without her beloved husband. Maybe it sounds like I just ramble today but I simply write from my heart concerning the frailty of life, one of these men was 81 and the other was 41. I write because we don't know what the day holds but we do know and trust the One Who holds all of our days in His hand. I write to remind us that there are hurting hearts all around us and to encourage those who find themselves there that "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." i share with you a song that Annie Johnson Flint wrote. She lived from 1866-1932, was a teacher until arthritis rendered her unable to walk. Then she turned to writing poetry and such beautiful and ministering words that God put in her heart as she penned "He Giveth More Grace." Yes, He does- Praise His Name!

-Deborah

Joni Eareckson Tada writes- "Some of us suffer more than others but wherever God places you on the scale, He gives us accompanying grace to handle it." Words with clout from someone who knows.

"He Giveth More Grace" By Larry Ford

2011-03-09T13:30:00.001-05:00

'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, Casting Crowns

2011-03-05T12:16:00.000-05:00

Hungry, Humble, and Trusting!

2011-03-05T12:12:00.003-05:00

If the saints of God would show up at their corporate places of worship tomorrow with these positive attributes that children have, such a blessed day it would be, wouldn't it? Or better yet, that we would aspire for them to be in our lives every day as we walk in the Spirit. Yesterday, we saw from 1 Peter 2 that we are to desire the Word of God as babies do their life-sustaining milk. Of course, as we grow in the Lord, we are to progress toward the meat as Heb. 5 and 6 instructs us to do. Having tasted the grace and goodness of our Lord, we thirst and hunger for more of Him all our lives. Jesus told us in the Beatitudes in Matt. 5- "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."

Also, in that passage, the first blessing offered is the one I want to tie in with my analogy of children today- "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Little children are not only hungry but they are humble. I read two different passages in Luke's Gospel this morning where our Master sets a child before the disciples to teach them a lesson. I believe He still uses them today to do the same thing for us. In Luke, chapter 9, just after Jesus has foretold His death to those few men He has chosen to surround Himself with, they are arguing about who of them was the greatest. We like to point our fingers and ask how dare they be so far from Jesus' heart as Jerusalem appears in the distance. I submit that too often we are just like them as we enter our churches, often with the same attitudes. It's manifested in thoughts of who is dressed the best, whose Sunday School class is the largest, who was the best soloist today........... The smallest children will arrive with none of that- they recognize they wouldn't even be there if not totally depending on their parents' help. They won't be trying to outdo- in fact, if their taped bow in their hair falls out or the nursery worker removes the tie from the six-mo. old boy, they will be happy!

Now, I know the analogy breaks down as they grow and the seed of sin in their hearts begins to blossom and as they observe, sadly, how their parents and peers handle different situations but as "little tykes",we must admit, they are humble and did not show up to impress anyone today. Jesus explained to the haughty disciples as they gazed upon the child in their midst that greatness is dependent upon humility. They did not get an A+ on that lesson, apparently, because later in chapter 18, He has to give them a do-over. (Thank God for second and third and fourth and..... chances...). As the custom was, parents were bringing their babies for the Rabbi to bless and His disciples rebuked them, thinking that the busy Master couldn't have time for the least of the least. I am so blessed by the thought that those are exactly who He makes time for. "Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosover shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." Charles Swindoll comments- "We need to stop galloping through life on our high horse, slow down, and dismount, for it is only when we take the time to make room in our hearts for the 'least of these' that we have the time and room for Jesus Himself." Why did Jesus use children for His object lesson? I believe there are many reasons but for one, they are hungry. They are humble, they aren't "know-it-alls." Haven't you noticed how teachable that young kids are? It is why they exasperate you, at times, with their why and how questions. They don't know- they know they don't know- and they want to know and on top of that, when you give them the answer, they trustingly accept it. Oh, for God's children, myself first, to be like that!

Yes, they are utterly dependent, teachable, they are unworldly as babies. What the crowd says and socialites offer, doesn't move them at all. Prestige, they say, "what is that?" I could go on about the things that I love and find so refreshing about kids- like their joy and their zest for life. A friend of Amy's remarked today that her Emma was up at 7:00 on a Saturday morning because she is so excited about a 2:00 p.m. birthday party. Now, I know the argument comes in that as adults, we have responsibilities and life isn't so carefree. I understand but maybe we should realize, Saint, that we are not as responsible and important as we think we are. May I remind us that Jesus said these words in Matt 7:7-11- "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, HOW MUCH MORE SHALL YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN GIVE GOOD THINGS TO THEM THAT ASK HIM?"

Help us, Lord, to be hungry, humble, trusting and joyful children as we know that we rest in Your Sovereign Heavenly Father hands!

- Deborah

Speak O Lord - Kristyn Getty

2011-03-04T12:05:00.000-05:00

"Dad, Mom, I'm Hungry!"

2011-03-04T12:04:00.002-05:00

We who have raised children or are now in the process of doing so have heard this "mantra" as they grew. From the time in the nursery at 2:00 a.m. until the teen-aged boy who we thought must have a bottomless pit, these words burst forth from their mouths. Children are hungry! Reading in the Gospel of Luke recently, I noted our Lord referring to little children, once in a positive example- Luke 9:46-48- and on another occasion- Luke 7:31-32, a negative aspect of children- I began to have the idea of writing maybe a couple of times about some of my favorite people on the planet- children. I love children and today, I want to start with their appetites and draw a parallel for us, God's children through faith in Christ Jesus.

Peter, in his first book and chapter 2, writes to us that we should be hungry for God and His Word much like that newborn baby is for his or her Mommy's milk. In fact, if that baby doesn't have an appetite, doctors will begin running a battery of tests to determine why. At the time in my life when I find my desire for God's Word is waning, I must put myself through spiritual exams and see what is going on in my heart. We look at children and comment- "Wow, I cannot believe how they are growing!" Well, all of that good food that you have been setting before them is the reason. And, though, this seems elementary, apparently it isn't because all around us we see anemia in the church of Christ and we had rather argue over the version than to eat and digest the volume. For spiritual growth, reading, studying, and meditating on God's inspired Word is essential. I had a friend once whose mother was in the hospital and she took her a copy of the Book because she was concerned for her soul. On a particular visit, in came her mother's priest and and as he viewed the Bible on the bedside table, he assured both my friend and her mother that she needn't worry about reading that because that was his job when or if she showed up for "church". Now, it is our Pastors' calling to study for and explain to and feed the sheep but just as we don't go from one Lord's Day to the next without feeding our faces,we cannot get enough to keep us strong by hearing him on Sundays. No, in the natural realm, we want three "squares" and some snacks in between.In the spiritual, we want a 20 minute sermonette on Sunday and then wonder why we are losing in our battles.

Saints, it is essential for growth in our spiritual lives. Jesus said to the devil in Matthew 4, as He was being tested in the wilderness - "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word tht proceedeth out of the mouth of God." It was our Lord's weapon as He put the devil to flight. In Ephesians 6, we are reminded by Paul that it is our offensive weapon against the schemes of the enemy of our souls. Example- are you weary today? I know some of you are. Know and believe and meditate on these words today from your Savior- "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Are you fearful about the failing economy? "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." Couldn't we go on and on about how His Word comforts our hearts? Let me close by tying in verse 3 of 1 Peter 2 with a quote by John MacArthur- "At salvation, all believers experience how gracious the Lord is to those who trust Him. That should compel believers to seek more of that grace in pursuing His Word." Remember when you were first introduced to that steakhouse that your friend kept talking about? He or she finally took you there and they were so right and now every time that the restaurant is mentioned, your mouth waters, right? I don't have to remind believers how precious and satisfying those times are that we spend with our Lord in His Word. Nothing takes the place of it, does it?

I remember walking into Mark and Amy's rooms when they were tiny babies and not only were their mouths getting ready- their hands and feet were excited too as they anticipated the meal. They were healthy and they were hungry and could hardly wait. Let me share another picture that just came to mind as I wrote that. I recall a man named Herschal who always sat up on the bench as the preacher preached and I mean UP on the edge of the bench. He really was like a little bird with his mouth opened when God saved him and changed his life as he soaked in all that Bro. Glyndon Bennett gave him to grow from God's Holy Book. Oh, for that appetite in my heart and Christian hearts everywhere. Grant it, Lord.

Deborah

p.s Verse 1 of 2 Peter 2 lets us know that some things we are eating on harms our appetite for good food- think about it.

Grace - Michael W Smith

2011-02-24T14:39:00.000-05:00

The Kindness of the King!

2011-02-24T14:35:00.001-05:00

For several days now, I have been meditating on the beautiful Scripture from 2 Samuel, chapter 9. The Bible tells us that "the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went" and at a peaceful time in his reign, he remembers his love covenant with his best friend, Jonathan. Jonathan, along with his father Saul, David's enemy, even after David's graciousness to him, have died in battle and David, no doubt, is reflecting about the wonderful friendship and communion that he and his friend had enjoyed in days gone by and the promise he had made to him.

Now, it was the norm to seek out any left of the former dynasty and to destroy them but here is what the "man after God's own heart" asks- "Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" In verse 3, he reiterates the thought along with "that I may show the kindness of God unto him?" Note with me David's initiative- He is the seeker- if Saul has any descendants, they are hidden away, unable and unwilling to look for the king. I know the parallel is clear to you believers who read but I am always thrilled again when I see the picture of grace in this O.T. passage. Romans 3 explains to us that there is none good and none are seeking after God but praise the Lord for Luke 19:10- "For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Rejoice with me over the richness of this verse from Eph. 2:7- "That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." And from Titus 3:4-7 "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost: Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour."

Listen to the words of a servant who knows about Jonathan's son- "There is a son of Jonathan and he is crippled in his feet." Did Ziba quickly add the handicap problem as if to say- "he probably won't fit too good into the royal palace- you see, King, he is crippled by a fall when he was five years old. He doesn't have much to offer, Your Majesty."? I don't know but David responds as if he didn't hear that because it didn't matter. In fact, who better to show kindness and grace to, may I ask? "Where is he?", the king asks and is informed that he lives in Lodebar, a word that I understand to mean- "no pastureland." So, we have a cripple living in a barren and dry land and the king is diligently pursuing him? Yes, yes, amazing grace, how sweet the sound! Now, someone goes to fetch the young man and now in the palace in Jerusalem, probably trembling and fearful, he falls prostrate before the king. David calls him by name and tells him to not be afraid. We see the initiative of the king and the humility of the servant. "What is thy servant that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?"

Maybe Mephibosheth knew as the prodigal son in Luke 10 did upon returning to his daddy, that all they could even hope to ask was to be servants but grace makes them sons. David tells this child of Jonathan that he is delighted to restore all of his grandfather's land to him. Dear one, are you like me and have a difficult time thinking that God delights in doing good for His children? Well, maybe not all of His children but me- that is a different story. Yes, I know, I envision Him tolerating me but delighting- not so much. I took down my Strong's Concordance and began to read the Scriptures with that word, delight, in them. David said later in 2 Sam. 22 in his song of deliverance-" He brought me forth also into a large place: He delivered me, because He delighted in me." In Proverbs 12:22, we are told that God delights in those who act faithfully. One might ask- "Why, Deborah, because we are good and deserving?" (the world's and some churches' philosophy, sadly to say). No, we are lame and undeserving but grace is grace because it is offered to the undeserving, it is unearned, and it is unrepayable. I love this verse from Micah 7:18- "Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy."

King David returned all the land to Mephibosheth and told him that along with handsome Absalom, strong Amnon, beautiful Tamar, and all his children, that he would eat always at the king's table. Charles Swindoll says this so beautifully- "The table cloth of grace covers his feet." Thank You, Lord Jesus! Let me fast forward to chapter 19 with which we aren't as familiar. After David's sin with Bathsheba and the revolt of his own son to overtake the kingdom, David returns home brokenhearted and asks Mephibosheth why he didn't accompany him. He explains that Ziba deceived him and when David informs him that he will divide the land between Ziba and him, he utters these words: "Oh, let him take it all since my lord the king has come safely home."

I listen to and love the lyrics of a song by Shannon Wexelberg called Cling. "May Yours be the only smile I need to see..... I set out on this road, so many voices call to my soul, They try to fill my cup but I have found, sweet Lord, that You're my Enough!" Just being in the presence of king David was enough to this graced one.His kindness had won over Mephibosheth's heart and affections. I know this has been long but one more note of interest. Verse 13 ends with that he would always eat at the king's table but then adds again that he was lame in his feet. Why close with that reminder again, I have pondered? Just this week, I have spoken with believers who struggle with their lameness. In fact, I speak with one quite often. Her name is Deborah and I know her so well. A wise pastor counseled me recently that just our awareness and struggle that we aren't all we will be is a work of grace in our hearts. Mephibosheth knew as he climbed the palace's stairs at night that he still was crippled but grace takes care of that. In fact, grace is more precious to us as we continue to realize our inadequacies. Now, as Paul said, I am not saying that we deliberately keep sinning so grace may abound. He said "may that never be!" But, Saint, until we reach Heaven, the flesh will war against the Spirit and at the end of many days, we will weep because we failed again but remember, you sit at the King's table with your crooked legs under the table cloth of grace! All glory and praise to Him Who made it possible!

Deborah

"Pray For Us!"

2011-02-23T11:13:00.003-05:00

Tears welled up in this grandmother's eyes this morning as Amy related this story to me. As Landon walks from the car to the front door of the schoolhouse each morning, he turns around as many times as distance allows to wave and say good-by again. "I love you, Mommy- have a good day, Mommy." but this morning, as he stood on the last step before entering the room, he turned around and said loudly enough for her to hear these words- "Pray for us!"

I could go several ways on this today but I'll try to be brief and I hope to be an encouragement to you who read today. At 6:30 this morning, I was praying for that little guy and his sister as I knew they were about to begin their day. "Oh, God, keep them from the evil one and Lord, give them hearts for You!" When I see them this week, I will assure them again that their MaMa prays for them everyday. I heard a story, I believe, from Dr. James Dobson, after Sept. 11, 2001 where he shares that as kids returned home from school that day, they were anxious to call their grandparents- to hear a voice of reassurance that things would be okay. Isn't that an interesting observation? I, for one, never had grandparents but I do know this- they are a tremendous influence in those little ones' lives. Do you realize that, Grandparent? If so, are you praying for them and for what are you praying for them?

I, also, prayed for all our children- those going off to school today with heavy hearts- with increasing peer pressure- with difficult home situations. I prayed for America's children today. My heart is tender for the kids- we abort them, we abuse them, we neglect them, we ignore them and then we wonder why they are so "messed-up." Pastors, I prayed for you today! The responsibilities are tremendous but the One you serve is Awesome in power and provision! I prayed for strength and clarity and humility and for you to constantly find yourself at His feet realizing your own inadequacy and His all-sufficiency. I prayed for one who has had a huge impact in my life who is in India right now sharing God's Word with other men who are preaching in a hostile environment. Do you pray for missionaries in dangerous places who are obeying the Great Commission as God has sent them?

Pastors' wives and children, I prayed for you today. I know that at times, maybe you feel forgotten but know, dear Sister in Christ, some of us think of you as you share your husband and your childrens' daddy with the people in your congregation. I remember a dear pastor's wife teaching many years ago that she never wanted to let her disappointment or resentment show to her children as her husband was called again from the dinner table to the hospital or to a family in a crisis. She wanted her kids to grow up to serve too and praise the Lord, they all do today. I prayed for the sick this morning. A message came from our friend in West Virginia yesterday and as she explained "this will be in all lower case letters because I type with one hand and hold Brian's hand with my other." Her beloved husband, in his early forties, is at the end of the journey with this ugly disease of melanoma and they wanted me to know that a message that I sent yesterday concerning our Advocate, Jesus Christ the Righteous, had encouraged their hearts. The real encouragement was on this end as I realized how simple it is to be a blessing to those who hurt today. I pray for the sick and the suffering. For parents who have buried thier children, we haven't forgotten, hurting ones. Your names were lifted up to our Heavenly Father today. One mother recently told Amy that " the holidays are hard." Her daughter has been with the Lord for over two years now and I pray for her because I know time doesn't heal that hurt but I know that God is the God of all comfort and I know there is a great day coming when we will be reunited with those who sleep in Christ! "Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thess. 4:18

My list of who I pray for could go on for awhile but let me close. I prayed this morning for this country- for mercy on this country and for the peace of Jerusalem. I have never been a prophecy student but I have heard those who are say that we need to be aware of the Middle East. Have you noticed what is transpiring there today? Surely, people of God, our redemption is drawing nigh. Rom. 8:22-23- "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." Don't you hear the groaning, Saint? Aren't we groaning along with them? Because of the times we are in, I prayed this morning for family members, friends, and friends' family members who don't know Christ. I prayed that Christ would open their eyes and draw them to Himself and they would be "delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of His dear Son in Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins."

Well, Little Landon didn't know it but he asked for the same thing as the Apostle Paul did on several occassions. In 1 Thess. 5:25, he simply asked "Brethren, pray for us." I rejoice that my 5-yr. old grandson knows that prayer is needed and effective. Do we realize that today and if we do, we are praying. Regarding the pastor's wife who wanted to be an example to her children concerning ministry, she and her husband still serve today and I get an e-mail from their site "First We Pray!" I love their insights and I love their title because, yes, that is what we do.

Praying for you!

Deborah

Open Our Eyes

2011-02-18T16:02:00.000-05:00

Open Our Eyes, Lord, That We May See!

2011-02-18T15:56:00.003-05:00

This morning, as I was reading in 2 Kings, chapter 6, I meditated on the account in Elisha's life when his prophecy had thwarted the king of Syria's plan to ambush Israel. The king is greatly agitated and asked- "Who is it in my kingdom who is betraying my trust?" I am sure that his subjects feared for their lives and one answered quickly-"It is Elisha, the prophet; he apparently knows the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom."

The King of Syria wanted to silence the man of God (always the enemy's tactic) so he sent a vast army when hearing that Elisha was in the city of Dothan. Early the next morning, the prophet's servant went outside and saw the giant encampment of horses and chariots and cried to Elisha- "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" The man of God prays what I believe is a totally appropriate and necessary prayer today- for myself, our loved ones, our churches, our nation, and yes, for all people everywhere- "O LORD, open his eyes that he may see." I have learned during my pilgrimage that until He does, the blind remain blind. That's a good thing because it takes the pressure off us. We can do our part but God must enlighten minds and hearts. What was it that Elisha wanted his servant to see? I suggest that it is the same thing, Brother and Sister, that we need our eyes opened to today- the presence and the power of our Almighty God! The servant only saw the problem- a vast Syrian army about to overtake him and his master but when God opened his eyes, he saw the mountain filled with horses and chariots of fire- the presence and the power and the protection of our Sovereign God!

Matthew Henry writes- "The clearer sight we have of the sovereignty and power of Heaven the less we shall fear the calamities of this earth." Christian, isn't that good news as we see the tumultuous uprisings all over the globe today? Do you find yourself unsettled after watching the nightly news coverage? Here's some good news for you right from Elisha's mouth to his servant- "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." The New Testatment explains it in this way- "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Rom.8:31. "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1John 4:4 The Syrian army came down in all their vengeance and God struck them blind. Yes, he opened one's eyes, He blinded an army and later gave them their sight back. He's God- He can do what He pleases and does! The events that we are seeing are sometimes scary, aren't they? We must admit that at times we relate perfectly to the servant. "Alas! What shall I do?" God is unfolding His plan for the ages, Saints. We tune into the news but He doesn't. He doesn't need to read any headlines today nor does He get breaking news over His TV. He wasn't surfing the web this morning to find out what country is rioting today. He knows- He cares- He sovereignly controls all of it and oh, that our eyes may be opened to the reality of His presence and His power and then rest therein.

I couldn't help but recall an eye-opening in the N.T. as I meditated this morning and excitedly turned to Acts 9. A man named Saul was persecuting Christians even to putting them to death and thinking that he was doing a good thing. While on his way to another town to round-up some more of these "in the Way", Saul met up with the One he was so bent on persecuting and in fast time, he goes from persecutor of Christians to preacher for Christ. He, later to be known as the Apostle Paul, was blinded from this encounter and as the servant of Elisha, he experienced the presence and power of God but he also came to the realization of his new purpose and passion. That is also a worthwhile prayer for all of us. The Lord sent Ananias to Paul with this instruction- "He is a chosen vessel to me- He's going to preach My Name to the Gentiles." Do you ever examine and reflect on this question of "what am I here for in such a time as this?" Did you know, dear child of God through faith in Christ, that you are a chosen vessel also? That dash _ between your birth year (which God knew) and your death year (which God knows) is to be filled with passion and purpose for what He is purposeful and passionate for. I read John Piper's mission statement again today- "Everything that we do is done to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ." Yes, God is passionate about His glory and God loves people so much that He died for us. Paul spent the rest of his day, mostly in hardships like we cannot imagine, spreading the Name of Jesus Christ to people- loving and ministering to people. I like to think that his life verse was Phil.1:21- "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Heavenly Father, open our eyes that we may see Your presence and Your power! Forgive us, Lord, that our selfish lives are more about our possessions, prestige, popularity, and pleasures than they are for Your purpose and passion for Your supremacy and for Your people whom You came to save. Help us, Father, to know that often providential problems (Ps.119:67, 71) lead to the awareness of blindness and thus that we would desire more that we and our loved ones be holy instead of happy. Thank You, Lord, that You are still in the eye-opening business! "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not Thy commandments from me."

- Deborah

Life in the Trenches!

2011-02-17T11:17:00.002-05:00

I must admit the title probably doesn't entice many to read today, does it? For about a month now, the Lyme Disease battle (for about 11 yrs. now) has heated up and last week while talking with Amy, she reminded me not to be discouraged because the doctor assured me that halfway through this new treatment, the symptoms would worsen. When I remembered an expert's words that this would be a good thing, that the Lyme "critters" would fight back aggressively when challenged, I was encouraged and could not help but to see the spiritual parallel while reading Paul's letters to young Timothy this morning.

Just eighteen verses into the first epistle, he exhorts his "son in the faith" to fight the good fight.We, American Christians, don't favor this analogy that we see often in Scripture. We prefer being sheep, children, heirs, brides, friends- all which are true- but soldiering is too hard and requires too much discipline, does it not? Yet, we cannot ignore that Scripture is filled with instruction about the fact of that we have an enemy. You see, Lyme has set up camp in this frame of mine and has gotten quite comfortable there and when I begin to come against its' stronghold, a warfare viciously ensues. Saints, when we are unaware anymore that the Christian life is a warfare, then surely we aren't taking captive those old attitudes and actions in our lives that aren't pleasing to our Captain. When Christians look at you funny at the suggestion of fighting opposed to fun, then they must not be any threat to the head of the kingdom of this world.

A soldier anticipates the fight. Peter tells us in chapter 4:12: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange things happened unto you." Can you imagine the U.S. soldier winding up on the battle fields of Afghanistan and saying to his comrade- "Oh, you mean there really is a war going on over here? I didn't sign up for this." Saints, they are in enemy territory, they aren't on vacation in Kabul. They knew they were invading enemy territory, that they are not welcome there and that the battle is fierce at times. We know that if we know the Book so why do we expect life to be fun and comfortable and mostly about us for the most part? Not only does a good soldier anticipate the fight, he also arms himself against the foe. "Wherefore (because we aren't wrestling against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places) take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." We hear that our U. S. military goes equipped with the best available and rightfully so. Christian, our Commander-in-Chief, our God, has given us the armor- "weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." How are we doing , Brother and Sister, when it comes to appropriating those pieces of armor listed in Eph. 6? How foolish I am to think I can escape the fiery darts on my own!

Finally, a soldier advances in faith. Thoughts of victory keep us going! My doctor exhorted me not to quit when it seemed I was losing the fight. On every antibiotic bottle that your pharmacist has ever handed you is a warning to TAKE IT ALL! Medical experts actually believe that stopping treatment midway is worse than never starting because the "bugs" multiply when treatment is discontinued before they are "killed off." Do you feel that you are losing some battles? So do I. Many days I feel like Paul when he lamented "O wretched man that I am." But, soldiers advance in faith, believing our Savior's promise that He will complete the work that He has started in us. In fact, in His economy, the work is completely done already. John MacArthur reminds us that "believers are to assault the error with truth." Yes, soldier, believe the Book. You who are doing that today are going to encroach the enemy's territory and he will fight fiercely but shout Hallelujah with me today that he is a defeated foe. All praise goes to the One I read about in Rev. 19 this morning, the One Who rides on a white horse and His Name is Faithful and True and from His mouth comes a sharp sword. He will strike down His enemies because He is King of kings and Lord of lords.

I read the statistics this week that one-third of people on this Lyme Disease treatment get better, one-third stay the same,and one-third get worse. I hope for the former as I begin the last three months but this I do know- 100% assured- we win in the spiritual war so anticipate the fight, arm yourself against the foe, and advance in faith, Christian soldier! It's worth the fight- He's worth the fight!

Deborah

By Faith - Keith and Kristyn Getty

2011-02-17T11:17:00.001-05:00

Onboard With Jesus!

2011-02-11T16:16:00.001-05:00

"If we want to fish with Jesus, we're going to have to set sail into the waters of faith." And with that quote from Charles Swindoll, I launch my thought today from one of my favorite Gospel writers, Luke, the physician. In chapter 5, we see a story very familiar to students of God's Word where Jesus has begun His public ministry and the people are following Him by the throngs to see His miracles and on this particular morning, to hear the Word of God.

Simon Peter has been washing his nets after a long and unproductive night of fishing and Jesus has borrowed his boat as his pulpit to teach these hungry people on the shore. No doubt, Peter and the other ones who have been fishing with him, are listening to the words of Jesus, the greatest Teacher anyone has ever heard. I wonder what His subject was as He began to graciously speak. Luke doesn't expound to us His exact words but I guarantee you it was good because the Master was speaking. I wonder if the subject to set up the miracle ahead might have been from Ps. 127:1- "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." I know that is speculation but it is a verse that came to mind as I meditated on the disciples' frustrated plan this morning. Saints, are we eager to read for ourselves and then thirsty also to hear others teach the Scriptures? Are we excited to listen to what Jesus said? We should be! Our lives are spiritually anemic when we aren't engaged in this delightful discipline of listening to His words. I fear we are allowing too many loud voices to drown out the life-giving Word today. Have you noticed that the world is so very noisy and their clamoring is so anti-Biblical instruction?

Simon listened to His words and then Simon launched at Jesus' command. Now, Simon may have thought that he knew more as a seasoned fisherman than this Master Teacher knew. (We can relate, can't we? At times, we just feel the need to let Him know that" this doesn't seem like it is going to work, Lord.") "Nevertheless, at Thy word I will let down the net." Oh, we can never go wrong at obeying the command of Christ as Peter, James, and John are about to see. They are experiencing the Sovereign Lord- that He is Master over the sea and all the fish in the sea. Maybe as He taught from the boat a little earlier, the fish had begun to swim toward His direction at the sound of their Creator. If that is a little simplistic for you, then you read the wrong lady's blog. I am simple. I believe the winds and waves obey His voice! I believe a donkey spoke in the O.T. because He deemed it to be! I believe a fish swallowed up Jonah and then got sick to its' stomach at the appointed time! Even later in this same Simon's life, a rooster crowed when Jesus told it to do so! Peter recognizes the Sovereign Lord and also realized the sinner's lament, as Isaiah did in chapter six when he saw the LORD high and lifted up. "Woe is me!" That is the response, Brother and Sister, when we see His marvelous power in our lives. We don't get pompous and puffed up but rather, we wonder why He would choose to use us and yet, here is the truth- the empty vessel is the one which can be filled.

We see them listening, launching and lastly- leaving all to follow their Lord. Leon Morris writes- "They left the greatest catch they had seen in all their lives." They knew what the Apostle Paul explained in Phil.3:7-8- "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." Dear Pilgrim, are you tired and disappointed as probably these fishermen were on this morning? They had toiled all night but little did they know what or Who awaited them in the dawn of a new day. Jesus was on the shore- up to something good! He always is! "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, worlds without end. Amen." Jesus changed their occupation that day to fishers of men and on the day of Pentecost, this same Peter preached and the Scripture says that "the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

- Deborah

A prayer from Ken Gire- "Call me, Lord, out from a shallow faith near the shore, which requires no risks and offers no rewards. Call me to a deeper commitment to you. And when you call, grant that I would be quick in my boat, swift to my oars, and fast with my nets. And I pray, grant me the eyes to see Who it is Who labors by my side- an awesome and almighty God. Take me to a place where I have worked hard by my own strength and yet ended up with empty nets. Take me there to show me the depths of your dominion and the net-breaking fullness of your power. Keep me ever aware that you are Lord. And ever aware that I am a sinful person. And in that knowledge keep me ever on my knees before You. At your bidding, O Master, I will let down my nets. And at your bidding I will leave them forever behind. For what you have to offer is infinitely more than all the seas of this world ever could. " Ken Gire, Intimate Moments with the Savior (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Publishing House, 1989)

What's the Name of That Song?

2011-02-09T11:33:00.002-05:00

My daughter, Amy, usually checks in with me every morning after dropping off the precious ones at school. This morning, when the phone rang a little earlier, I thought maybe someone was ill but was nicely surprised that the two of them just wanted to talk to me before they headed off to school. They wanted their MaMa to tell them a story so I shared a funny one about their Uncle Mark and their Mommy when they were little kids. Alicia and Landon really enjoy the escapades of these two as they grew up.

On many Sunday afternoons after church, the kids loved to go visit a man who lived in Roswell who owned horses. He would let them get close and pet their noses and they got a real kick (not literally) out of it. On this particular afternoon, as we rode to the farm, Amy was in a singing mood as she was most of the time, especially in the car much to her brother's sensitive ears. :)The lyrics went like this: "Going to the barn to see the horses, going to the barn to see the horses, going to the barn to see the horses, going to the barn to see the horses....................................". You get the picture, right? Mark was begging us to make her hush when Danny said to me "I bet you that I know the name of that song!" About that time, our two-year daughter chimed in "Yes, Daddy, it's called the Hattachoochee Fiver." (aka the Chattahoochee River.) I quickly quipped to her Daddy that he would have lost that bet.

Now, I don't know if that story is as funny to you as the two grands who were belly-laughing in the backseat of their car this morning but I thought of it again as I took my Bible down this morning and was meditating on Psalm 136. In all of the 26 verses, this phrase is repeated: "For His mercy endureth forever." In my last blog, I made mention of the singers in 2 Chronicles 20:21 and that was their song too. I noted that in one translation that the words are: "His steadfast love endures forever." I looked up the word in the Hebrew concordance and it is "chesed", kheh'sed and can be translated in these terms- lovingkindness, steadfast love, grace, mercy, and faithfulness. I like the sound of all of those, don't you, dear one? One author writes: "In general, three basic meanings of the word which always interact are strength, steadfastness and love." Be blessed as you contemplate those three character aspects of our wonderful Lord today.

Oh, people of God, it is a good thing to remember and a wonderful song to sing today that our God's steadfast love endures forever. Matthew Henry said it is "an inexhaustible fountain." This Psalm was probably sung in two parts- one group proclaiming the truth of the beginning of the verses and another responding in worship with "His mercy endures forever." If we had a choice as the worship leader was teaching us the song, I would have wanted the second part- easy to remember. :) Or, is it? Do our lives reflect that truth that we know that His mercy endures forever? We have a song to sing today concerning God's goodness- vs.1-3. We worship Him today because of Who He is, the God of gods and the Lord of lords. He's to be exalted today in our lives because of His greatness- vs. 4-9. We stand in awe of only Him- He Who spoke and created this world and did so according to this Psalm because of His steadfast love. Ps. 33:8 tells us to "Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast." The older that I get, the less impressed that I am with anyone or anything but my fascination with His greatness increases all the time. He's good and He's great and that is a comforting combination to this traveler.

He is our guiding God today, just as He was and is to His people, Israel- vs. 10-22. He led them out of Egypt and destroyed their enemies. He will again! Nations may gather and are rallying to the cry of destroying God's chosen people but they will not prevail. God is the Victor and we, as His redeemed people, are more than conquerors today. Let's not be dismayed nor anxious, Christian friend, as we see the uprisings and the tumults around the globe. God's steadfast love endures forever and He is not taken by surprise this day by any leader nor country's plan. God is our governing God! HALLELUJAH!!!! I see in verses 23-26 that He is our gracious God. Praise Him for that today- that He found us and remembered us in our low estate. "Who am I that a King would bleed and die for?" He rescues us from our foes and feeds us- oh, yes, our daily benefits are bountiful, aren't they?

Well, children of the living God, we know the name of the song- let's sing it in our hearts today- "O, give thanks unto the LORD: for He is good : for His mercy endureth for ever. His mercy endureth forever. His mercy endureth forever and ever and ever.............."

He's worthy of our praise!

Deborah

Maranatha singers The steadfast love of the Lord

2011-02-09T11:33:00.000-05:00

I Bless Your Name - Selah

2011-02-07T12:54:00.000-05:00

Sing, Christian, Sing!

2011-02-07T12:53:00.001-05:00

I love good music or have I told you that already? :) It is the reason that at times I will post on my blog site a song that has particularly ministered to me and we like to share with others the things we enjoy, don't we? I think that we don't sing enough, Saint! I am not talking about down at the church house on Sunday but in our homes and cars on Monday through Saturday. I was reading three different passages this morning and noted that all had reference to singing. In Psalm 137, the writer asks this question: "How shall we sing the LORD's song in a foreign land?" And how can we in this foreign land in which we dwell?

We remember that He is with us and that we are marching to Zion, that's how! That is exacty the song I want to sing- the Lord's song. Paul and Silas sang it at midnight in a prison cell after being beaten with many stripes for doing the right thing. I often wonder what it must have been like for the other prisoners, tired from the day's duties and they too, maybe smarting from a beating, and now they are trying to sleep, and all of a sudden they hear the two "new guys", maybe even off key, praying and singing in the dead of night. The Scripture says they were singing "to God." Yes, there we have it- we sing the Lord's song back to Him and He delights in hearing it.

There were some amazing things that happened that night at Philippi. Paul and Silas sang, God sent an earthquake to shake the place and loose all of their chains, and the jailer and his household were born again. The scene shifts to the jailer's house where he is bathing their wounds, feeding them, and rejoicing that he is a believer in the God that his prisoners were singing of. (Really, he was the prisoner before. Paul and Silas were free in the Lord.) I believe that he and his family were learning the words to the Lord's song and lifting up their voices in praise. Yes, I believe that God loves to hear us sing. If it is the Lord's song, it will oftentimes be used as an instrument to put the devil on the run. I read in 2 Chronicles 20 that King Jehoshaphat received the message that a great host was coming to battle against him. He knew exactly what to do when the threat of the assault came-do we? He immediately sought the face of the Lord. After praising God in the prayer and reminding God of Who He is and what He has promised, (God likes that- us praying His Word back to Him), the king of Judah closes with these words, words that I often use- "We do not know what to do but our eyes are on You."

I love that in this narrative of Scripture, the instruction was to sing the Lord's song to the Lord and it had a verse that went like this: "Give thanks to the LORD , for His steadfast love endures forever." And when the people began to sing and praise, the LORD so confounded the enemy that they began to destroy each other. Yes, dear Brother and dear Sister, that is our GOD!! I read this quote from Charles Spurgeon in my study time this morning: "It is easy to sing when we can read the notes by daylight, but the skillful singer is he who can sing when there is not a ray of light to read by. Songs in the night come only from God; they are not in the power of men."

One of my fondest memories of my precious Mother, in the presence of God now for almost 26 years, is as she worked in her kitchen, she always was singing the Lord's song to her Lord, many times with a heavy heart, I am sure. Now, she probably couldn't have been the first soprano in the choir but sweeter music I have never heard. I think God thought so too because her heart was lifted up to Him in praise and adoration for the One Who rescued her soul by dying on the cross for her. I can close my eyes now and hear Rock of Ages coming from that kitchen which was beginning to smell with the aroma of her delicious cooking and in Heaven, the sweet smell of praise from Amazing Grace and Near the Cross was reaching Heaven's throne room.

Sing, Christian, sing! "Yet the LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." Ps. 42:8

- Deborah

Change My Heart Oh God by Eddie Espinosa

2011-02-02T11:31:00.000-05:00

"And Lord, Please Forgive THEM!"

2011-02-02T11:27:00.001-05:00

I want to use a funny illustration to open up a most serious thought on my mind and heart today. And yes, it again comes from the two "grands." You who have been around children know that there are many hilarious examples that come from around age 2 to 6. The funniest thing about them is that they don't know they are and aren't trying to be. And with their "out of the mouth of babes' " statements come life lessons and so is the case today. On Sunday evening, with Jeff at a pastor's conference...

...Amy had to be the teacher as she confronted the misbehavior of two siblings on the way home from church. Landon was aggravating his sister, (I have noticed that trend in brothers and sisters, haven't you?) and Alicia had grabbed Landon's little army man with the parachute and with that action, the army man now had no parachute. (Hope he didn't have far to fall! :) ) Consider the two different prayers as she prepared them for bed while lecturing to both of them their offenses in the matter at hand. Alicia: "Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the day and for Mr. Richard and Ms. Maria taking us to the Olive Garden after church. Help me not to miss Daddy so much while he is away and forgive me for breaking Landon's army man." Amy related to me that by this time, tears are flowing and my precious granddaughter ends with these words: "Help me Lord Jesus, to do better! Amen." Landon, my precious grandson's prayer: "Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for this good day and thank You for Mr. Richard and Ms. Maria taking us to the Olive Garden (yes, they both like that place) and Lord, please forgive Alicia for tearing up my army man! Amen." Somehow, I said to my daughter, I don't think Lando quite got it.

I have been reading through the Sermon on the Mount lately to soak in what our Savior, our Teacher taught that day on the mountain because there are life principles in these verses. He wasn't wasting time that day (He never did, of course) and He wasn't giving a little sermonette (He never did, of course) but He was teaching timeless principles that will still revolutionize our thinking and our lives today. Of course, I speak to Believers- the unregenerate trying to live kingdom principles doesn't get them in- "You must be born again!" But when we know Him as forgiven sinners relating to our forgiving Savior, His Holy Spirit living in us enables us to obey Christ's commands and the one I am interested in today is found in Matt 7:1-5.

Our local churches and quite naturally then would bleed over to the whole Body of Christ would be benefited greatly if we, as individuals were as passionate about our wrongs, our sins, our failures, and our offenses as we are about our brothers' and sisters' wrongs, their sins, their failures,and their offenses against us. Jesus didn't beat around the bush, (no, He never did) when He commanded us to check upon that plank in our eyes before we so meticulously examine that speck in our neighbors' eyes. It's pretty clear, isn't it? Do you know of watchdogs in local assemblies who have taken it on themselves to constantly be looking out for the offenders? Better question- am I that person? The best attitude as we enter the worship time would be- Lord, speak to me and change me. Now, let me quickly add because I hear the argument and it's a valid one in this "live and let live" spiritual climate we experience today. I know that Scripture teaches that pastors must rebuke as well as exhort. Church discipline and accountability among members is Biblical and must be exercised in the case of unrepentant church members. In Galatians 6, we are told that there will be times of confrontation head-on but let me also say this- if we "chomp at the bit" to be involved in this process, then we are automatically disqualified because we firstly need to get the plank of pride out of our lives and then maybe we can help someone else who is struggling.

If God is showing me anything as I grow older, it's the awareness of my own sinful heart- not the focus being on another's sinful heart. Now, in my spiritual teen-age years when I thought I knew everything, I would have been the first to raise the question- " But I thought the longer you walk with Jesus, the better you get?" And, yes, our goal is to become more like Him and should be our aim every day but no, my flesh is not getting better. He's glorious, He's magnified, He's awesome but anything good in my life is because He is at work and I am being pliable clay in the hands of My magnificent Potter! As I mature in Christ, I see that as I grow closer to Him and see His holiness, so I also see my utter hopelessness and my sole dependence on Him and His grace every morning that He awakens me.Yes, He even does that, naturally and spiritually and hopefully He will use these scattered words and thoughts today to awaken some of us to the question of "are we more concerned with being the offender (I tore up the army man and hurt someone) or are we more focused on being the offended? (their sin is greater than mine.)

I might add that the different responses from a five-yr. old and a ten-yr. old who is indwelt by the Holy Spirit do not surprise me. They both are learning as they grow. I think one sign of maturity in God's children is that we don't carry our feelings on our shoulders just waiting for someone to rub us the wrong way. They will! The truth is - the offenses will come and if it's all about "us", we will reel for days or months or years and we will be the police to go take into custody all those who aren't doing it our way. But if it is all about HIM, we will refuse the hypercritical and judgmental attitude toward others and say like Paul- "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Praise God for the immediate answer: "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord...." Praise His Wonderful Name!

Prayerfully checking in on my own heart,

Deborah

Come, People of the Risen King

2011-01-30T19:04:00.000-05:00

Joyful Kids!

2011-01-30T18:55:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, Grandanny and I enjoyed one of our favorite things- we spent the day with the two precious grandchildren with whom God has so graciously blessed our lives. We love to hear them laugh and they laugh alot. At the restaurant, while awaiting our food, we were playing the game "Guess the animal." You have heard of that one, haven't you? Someone thinks of an animal and gives one clue at first and the one who guesses wins. Simple enough, right? When it was Alicia's turn, we were up to two clues, this animal is gray and you might see it in the air. Landon's answer, in not his "inside voice"----" An ephlenant." (Yes, I see spellcheck but this is how he pronounced the huge mammal.) Alicia said, "Landon, you are silly, you don't see elephants in the air." "You might," he exclaimed, "if they had been jumping on a trampoline." He has inherited his Daddy's quick wit, I believe.

Oh, how we all laughed at that table when we pictured that idea of Dumbo on a trampoline. I take much pleasure in seeing and hearing those two kids laugh and enjoy life. This morning, we were instructed by our pastor from the Book, Philippians 4:4, being the text to "Rejoice in the Lord alway and again I say rejoice." I believe, that just as we parents and grandparents relish those smiles and laughters from our children, our Heavenly Father takes much pleasure as we rejoice in Him. He is our Source of joy! John MacArthur writes- "In the Lord' signifies the sphere in which the believer's joy exists- a sphere unrelated to the circumstances of life, but related to an unassailable, unchanging relationship to the Sovereign Lord." Paul, from a prison cell, writes this short letter to the church at Phillipi and he knows very well the Reason for his joy. Pastor Scott so whet my appetite today that I came home and read the letter from start to finish and noted the times that the words "joy" and "rejoicing" are mentioned. The world, it seems to me, has gone crazy but praise God, Christ is still being proclaimed. There were preachers and teachers all over the world today, some underground, who stood in pulpits and behind lecterns and boldly told listeners that there is no other Name by which they can be saved. In that, I rejoice!

We rejoice, with the Apostle, that there is a proclamation of the Gospel and there is a partnership of God's people for the same purpose. We are to be likeminded over the central issue and there is too little time left, I believe, to be quibbling over the non essentials. As a parent's heart is joyful when their children pull together, so is there an ache when they murmur and complain with each other. Paul rejoiced over the people being passionate about being poured-out for those growing in their faith. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth," John writes to us. In this day in which we live, Saint, our circumstances won't always bring joy. Right now, they may be dire and changing minute by minute. The reason that we don't despair but rejoice in the Lord is that He never changes! His promises are true and one that Paul gives us in chapter 3:20 brings tremendous joy to my heart every day." For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself."

There are so many reasons this undeserving writer has to rejoice today but if nothing else, we can rejoice today that He promised that if He went away and He did, then He would come back for us and He will. All of His promises are true and we can rejoice in the Lord, even when our hearts are heavy and our tears roll down our faces. Circumstances may change- our God will not! Priase His Name!

Desiring that my Father sees a joyful child.

- Deborah

Prodigal: An Animation

2011-01-21T13:04:00.000-05:00

"A Man Had Two Sons."

2011-01-21T13:01:00.001-05:00

We refer to the story that Jesus told in Luke 15 as the parable of the prodigal son yet the Master Teacher, Himself, begins with "A man had two sons." While recently studying the first two beatitudes in Matt. 5, this portion of Scripture came to mind because I see the younger son returning "poor in spirit" and comforted because he mourned over his sin. John MacArthur entitles these first two beatitudes "Happy are the Nobodies" and "Happy are the Sad." I think the young prodigal realized both of these facts about himself while he was on his journey.

We are all familiar with the younger son coming to the father and asking for his part of the inheritance, seemingly dissatisfied at home with a loving father. It must have broken his heart as he saw his boy walk away. It didn't take very long though until he had squandered all he had and was left with no money, no friends, and no more thrill. The eat, drink, and be merry philosophy had failed him as it always does sooner or later. As he fed the pigs, the most detestable thing that a Jew could be doing, I love the words when the story begins to turn around- "He came to himself." He remembers his father's love and no doubt, he mourns over his sin as it is evident when he returns home. He realizes his sin and plans to return home to be a servant, not to enjoy the privileges of a son any longer. After all, he has lost all that is rightfully his in the far country as he has lived it up. No doubt, his true repentance is seen as when his daddy runs to meet him and embraces him but he doesn't change his rehearsed words of " Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee and am no more worthy to be called thy son; make me as one of thy hired servants." He is broken in spirit and has mourned over the fact of hurting his daddy. Oh, the celebration begins as the two are reunited- he left proud and frivolous and has returned broken and serious. He quickly learned that the world isn't what it is portrayed to be. Their advertisements, young people, lie. Their shouts to you of allurement will leave you disillusioned and desperate. The father's house is safe and secure and satisfying! Amen and amen!!

Now, let's look at the latter part of the story that most of the time is not emphasized. Remember that Jesus said there were two sons. The older may have stayed at home and done his chores but his heart was just as rebellious. Observe his attitude when learning that his little brother has returned home and his father is rejoicing. (Maybe this pious, sanctimonious attitude was one reason the younger left. I don't know but it's food for thought, isn't it?) The elder was angry and refused to go in because there is a celebratory event inside the house because the daddy is thrilled that his son who was dead is alive, that his boy who was lost is now found. Note the brother's pride as he begins on a discourse filled with "I's" and "me's". "I never transgressed your commandments." "You never gave me a party." Well, he is breaking his father's heart over his refusal to love and rejoice with him over good news. He cannot even bring himself to call him his brother but rather "your son." Of course, he has to remind him what he has been doing while he was out there. Pharisees are good at bringing up the past of others but not so good at looking in their own hearts.

It is quite sad that there was a party going on at the father's house and the older brother was entreated by that same loving dad to come in but his pride wouldn't allow him to forgive. The younger son returned broken and mournful over his sin. Jesus leaves the narrative never telling us if the older came around. In Matt. 21:31, Jesus makes an interesting statement to the self-righteous crowd - "The tax collectors and prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you." This younger brother who had experienced the disappointment of the mud holes was rejoicing at the celebration of grace. We, church members, need to check our hearts and see if we are prone to stay outside and criticize and compare ourselves with others. Do we think that somehow we earned something because we stayed at home and begrudgingly did the chores? It's grace in every case, dear one, whether we left and wallowed in the filth or stayed home and judged others around us. Both of these boys should have delighted at simply being in the presence of their loving daddy.

I hope we mourn over this today if it applies because "blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." I suppose the younger brother lay down his head that night on a pillow of grace and slept well for the first time in a long time. Ken Gire writes: "For the son's lost dignity, the father bestows on him a robe of honor. For his bare servant's feet, he puts on them the sandals of a son. For the hand that squandered an entire inheritance, he gives a signet ring that reinstates the son's position of authority in the family business. For his empty stomach, he hosts a feast fit for a king. A robe, a pair of sandals, a ring, a feast. Symbols not only of forgiveness but of restoration. Gifts of grace, lavished on the one who deserved them least."

Grateful for the Father's great love, merciful forgiveness, and abundant grace in my life!

- Deborah

Rock of Ages

2011-01-17T10:31:00.000-05:00

Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit

2011-01-17T10:26:00.003-05:00

At the dinner table on Christmas Day, sports being the topic, Amy remarked that she could hardly stand to watch professional football players as they pump their chests, flex their biceps, and "strut their stuff" as they make plays. Really, after all, shouldn't men who are making millions of dollars to play a game catch passes and sack quarterbacks? I remember the day when athletes played because they loved the game and they left the cheering to the fans in the stadium. In fact, those are still my favorite players. Watch them, though they be rare- they excel at what they do and walk back to the huddle.

Recently, one of my favorite coaches had a microphone on her lapel during the game and when one of her players was relishing her accomplishment a little much, she called her to the sidelines and stressed emphatically these words: "This is not about you and one more escapade like that, you will be benched, do you understand?" Yes, I appreciate the team concept, don't you? "Okay, Deborah, how does the sports headlines for today have anything to do with Matthew 5:3?" I am glad you asked! :) I believe the poor in spirit realize that "it's not about me."Matthew's Gospel, written primarily with the focus being to introduce Israel's King, He now goes up on a mountainside and in 107 verses, Jesus speaks to them words that turn the world's philosophies upside down. They went against the grain as they still do today.

John MacArthur, in his book on the Beatitudes, entitles this chapter "Happy are the Nobodies." I doubt that a book entitled that today would make the best seller list but we, subjects of this kingdom to which Jesus refers, listen to His wise words, not the antithetical shouts from the world. Jesus challenges their thinking that day and to us today, He still reminds us that there is a way to live which either focuses on the eternal perspective or the temporary outlook. One kingdom is passing away and the other is forever. One's mantra is "assert yourself", the other, as Christ speaks here, is "humble yourself." It would serve us well today to examine our lives and see if these attitudes are the rule in our lives. No, we aren't perfected yet, I know, and every day, the flesh will rise up to rule, the world's system- the TV ads, the billboards, the magazines and yes, the athletic prowess will try to pump up our egos but I believe the lack of these kingdom principles in our lives should give us grave concern to whether we are a citizen of His kingdom or not. Now, I know in these Beattitudes, the world thinks these sound like a bunch of losers but our Lord says the opposite. These people are the real winners and their lives are blessed. Someone defined the Greek word, makarios, as the inner joy that is a fulfillment of every longing in the human heart." Happiness, Saint, and I don't have to tell you, you already know, is walking with the King.

Being poor in spirit means I am over myself. We hear that phrase much these days, don't we? We wish that Hollywood stars, Washington "elitist" politicians, and yes, gifted athletes would get over themselves. The poor in spirit do not get carried away with the applause, (as rare as that is) not do we quit when the applause turns to accusations, (and it will.) We realize that our egos, our agendas, and our dreams are not the issue. Our eyes are not on ourselves any longer but have turned to gaze on the One, the Only One, Who is worthy to receive our adoration. Here is what we realize as we do just that thing- the more I gaze on Him and the longer I walk with Him, the more that I realize my own sinfulness. When I am poor in spirit, I am more concerned with my failures and sins than I am about judging everyone else of theirs. Oh, how we look down on people at times and fail to remember that "but for the grace of God, so go I."

The poor in spirit goes to the throne room often because we realize we are bankrupt paupers and our King has all the resources that we need for this journey. The self sufficient and proud believe that they can somehow get through on their intellect, their strength, and maybe their wealth. The poor in spirit know that none of those satisfy the deepest need in our hearts. We hear of wealthy and "seemingly" successful people who commit suicide and attempt to drown their sorrows in drink and drugs. The poor in spirit praise the King because we have come to the knowledge of the truth that without His sovereign grace in our lives, we would be on the same path of the unjust. We are receiving grace upon grace upon grace and know that He is responsible for all the good in our lives. Now, we expect the world to do what an unregenerate world does, but let's keep a check as Christians, as followers of the King, to make sure we aren't looking down our noses at anybody. How can we when we have stood at the foot of the cross, destitute and hopeless, and see the sinless, spotless, and perfect Lamb of God dying for us think that we are superior to anybody? I ask you, who can we look down on? Here's a thought provoking quote from my Preacher Boy this week: "Pride is the sin that we are blind to in ourselves, but appalled at in others. Turning up your nose while bowing your head is impossible."

A pastor who had just been called to a little church was out canvassing the area and asked his deacon who was driving him why they didn't stop at that trailer park that they had passed a couple of times. "Oh, Pastor, those are not the kind of people in which we want to build our church." This seems unreal, doesn't it? This man of God told me those words and I said that I was glad that Jesus didn't have that attitude when He looked down from that cross. I know He wouldn't have chosen me. I had nothing to offer. I don't know the man who made that prideful statement but there is reason to doubt that He knew Christ with an attitude towards "those kinds of people." How are we doing, dear one? Do we have a self serving agenda that when challenged, we lash out instead of repenting? See, Brother and Sister, we are on the same team. It is not about us- it's all about Him and He said "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Forgive us, Lord, when we have had a superior mentality toward anyone. Thank You, that You stooped real low for me and help us that the mind of Christ be in us, Your Church. Forgive us that we have ever walked off the field thinking that you got a real catch when you "drafted" us. "Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling."

Deborah

A God For All Seasons!

2011-01-12T12:26:00.001-05:00

Yesterday on FaceBook, I posted this simple message: "38 years ago today, while most of Georgia was reeling from the effects of an ice storm, we were warm and safe in Northside Hospital welcoming our new and beautiful baby boy. Happy Birthday, Mark!" A friend commented that it was a good story and at first I thought that I had merely related a happy time in mine and Danny's life. Then, it hit me that there was a "good story" to be expounded upon and this Scripture from Ecclesiastes 3 came to mind.

The Preacher, as he identifies himself in chapter 1, King Solomon, son of David, reminds us that there is a time to all things. He firstly says these words: "A time to be born and a time to die" and in verse 4- " a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance." I believe that we need a balanced and more importantly, a Biblical perspective on this truth about life in order to maintain stability and yes, it seems, even our sanity in this seemingly crazed world. Someone once said- "Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans." All of us can affirm that reality, can't we? There is an ebb and flow, a waxing and waning, a transition from cold, hard, wintry blasts into warm, softer, spring breezes in all of our lives. I pray that I can make a clear point today about how just as there is a "time to all things", there is a Sovereign God in control of all seasons of life. I was reading in Ps. 147 recently and noted again that He rules over the natural order of the earth. Meditate with me on these words of the Psalmist. " Who (GOD) covereth the heaven with clouds, Who prepareth rain for the earth, Who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains." "He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He casteth forth His ice like morsels: Who can stand before His cold? He sendeth out His Word and melteth them: He causeth His wind to blow and the waters flow." In chapter 148:8- "Fire and hail; snow, and vapour: STORMY WIND fulfilling His Word:"

Just as He providentially ordains the elements, so is He totally in control of the seasons of our lives. That, to me, is a most comforting thought. Some in that hospital on Jan. 11, 1973, were rejoicing like the Samples and Womack clans were. We had a new and healthy baby boy. (Danny quickly informed me that he would be his little Bulldawg and I knew not to argue- and so he is!). But as we counted fingers and toes and wondered who he favored in appearance, on another floor in ICU, another family,no doubt,was sitting in a tiny conference room hearing words from a doctor that were heart-rending. I and I am sure you too, have been in both places- "a time to dance and a time to mourn."

Outside those hospital walls, thousands of people were still without power- we, ourselves, were at Danny's parents from the 8th of the month when the storm hit because we had no electricity at our house in Forsyth County and too, the hospital was closer to PaPa and MeMa's house. (My husband has always been a jack of all trades but I did not want him to be my obstetrician when the labor pains arrived!) Today, I write sitting beside my roaring fire, (thank you, GranDanny) because we have 7-8 inches of snow on the ground and we are pretty much home-bound.I am okay with that but do recognize that for some, it is a hardship, especially for those who must try to travel. I feel for doctors, nurses and emergency workers who must show up even if travel is treacherous. My sympathy always goes out to Ga. Power people who must repair downed power lines because we are cold in our homes. I praise God that we have a home. The satellite dish had so much ice on it Monday night that I could not watch the football championship game. Dan asked -"Do you want me to try and fix it?" "Are you kidding?" I asked- "Risking you getting hurt so I can see the War Eagles beat the Ducks- not hardly." (Maybe if Gunsmoke was being interrupted----- just kidding. :) :) :) )

If I lost you while on that rabbit trail concerning American priorities, let me summarize by asking- "Are you in the winter season right now wondering if you will ever be warm again?" You will! "Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning." Spring flowers will bloom again. Remember, as the Body of Christ is commanded to do, we weep with you, hurting Saints."Is life good and is the summer sun warming your heart today?" Rejoice, Christian, and as the Body of Christ is commanded to do, we rejoice with you, happy Saints. But let us remember that those two seasons and the ones in between are subject to change and often with a frightening pace. The good news is that God never does!! "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever." The outside world or at least the state of Georgia was very cold and icy on that Thursday morning in 1973 but inside there was a necessary powered generator keeping the activities going in that hospital.

Praise His Name that He is our Power Source, our Shelter and Fortress that we can run to and hide and be safe and warm from the fierce blasts of life. And even in those wintry times, good things happen, like births. What better news could we hear than someone being born again because God used a dark storm to open their eyes to their deepest need- a Savior Who loves them so much that He gave His life for them?

Thanking God for being my Constant Companion in all the seasons of life, Deborah

Yet Will I Praise Him!

2011-01-07T10:21:00.001-05:00

Following up on yesterday's thought from the ending Hallel Psalms, while looking for a song to go along with the blog, I ran across- no, let me rephrase that- I believe God directed me to it called Yet Will I Praise Him!. I had never heard the words to this one and am blessed as I hear it sung. The song comes straight from one of those books in the Bible that we don't find so easily when the Pastor directs us there. Just last week on the way to Knoxville, Alicia and I were playing "Bible Questions." She loves to do this when we are in the car and when she asked me to name all the Books in order, I quicky confessed that I get those minor prophets turned around most times. She soared through all with great ease, I might add.

The prophet, Habakkuk, begins his writings with the question we all have had at one time or another, I believe and that being "How long, O LORD?" As he viewed the wickedness of Babylon and the oppression of His own people, the Jews, he complains to the LORD in chapter one. In chapter two, the LORD answers him but I am captured by the last verse which assures Habakkuk and us- "The LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him." Have you, like me, ever looked up and asked-" LORD, are you there and if so, why are You so silent?" Job lamented that he looked in every direction and couldn't find God on any side. I hope I can help you today by reminding you, hurting Child of God, that He is on His throne in His holy temple and He sees you and He loves you and He surely has not forgotten His child. He has reminded Habakkuk in this same chapter that " the just shall live by faith." Oh, I know the frustration that goes along with not seeing the big picture at times, but we are not supposed to- "We walk by faith, not by sight." Really, we are probably very blessed that we don't see the future like we think we would enjoy doing.

After Habakkuk's plea in chapter one and his prayer in chapter two, the book ends with his praise. It is very familiar Scripture to some of us. Soak it in as you read the words of the LORD. "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: YET I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds' feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places."

One of my heroes of the faith is Corrie ten Boom, a dear saint of God whose family was thrown into one of Hitler's concentration camps because they gave a safe haven for the Jews. Only she of her family was released and at age 91, five years before God took her to Heaven, she had a stroke. Her caretaker records this as Corrie's prayer all those last years- "Lord, keep me close to Your heart so that I may see things as it were more and more from Your point of view." That perspective is where Habakkuk found himself to be as the small book ends. Though all around me, things may be crumbling, God is still my salvation, He alone is my strength, He stabilizes me like the graceful deer treading upon the high places. "To the chief singer on my stringed instruments" seems a strange way to end his writings, doesn't it? God is still our song, Believer, even in the midnight hour! Praise His Name!!

I close but not without mentioning someone on my heart today. A dear couple in West Virginia has been valiantly waging a fight with melanoma for the last year. Right now, all treatment has been stopped and the prognosis is dire. My friend, Brian, a loving husband and daddy, a Marine, and most importantly, a lover of Jesus Christ has not complained nor questioned why this dreadful cancer found him, his dear wife, Jennifer tells us. She, also, a faithful companion and loving mother and follower of the Lord and my friend, has been by his side and her heart breaks this day. I write this example today because I want them to know that their testimony in the midst of the storm has inspired and encouraged thousands around this world, many who are fighting the same disease. I, also, want my readers to lift up their names and their needs to our gracious Lord today. I read this quote from Kay Arthur's book on Habakkuk- "Habakkuk's days were draped in darkness, just as yours may be. But the darkness did not overwhelm him! In faith he pulled back the curtains and saw the rising Son, coming in glory to dispel the dark night of the soul. Where is God when bad things happen? He's behind the curtains, directing, and overseeing it all. Walk with hinds' feet on faith's mountaintops!"

Grant it, Lord, in my life. Deborah

Yet will I praise him

2011-01-06T11:47:00.000-05:00

"Let Everything That Hath Breath Praise the LORD!"

2011-01-06T11:21:00.002-05:00

Amy and I laughed yesterday when we were talking about losing phone service in the middle of a call without realizing it. I told her that my last 2 minutes of my "mini-sermon" to her was not even heard when I realized "Failed Call" was appearing on my phone screen. My humorous remark to her that I had wasted my breath led to a serious reflection on how much we really do that exact thing, using our ability to breathe air and articulate words to do everything but praise the LORD.

I love reading through the Psalms and this year I started in the back of that packed book and from chapters 145-150, I discovered again how we can use our breath that God has allotted us to glorify Him, which is our chief aim. John MacArthur says this about these last Psalms penned in the Holy Scriptures: "Psalm 145 begins the great crescendo of praise that completes the psalter and might be called the Final Hallel." These chapters are filled with the admonition to praise the LORD- the Hebrew word being Hallelujah! Some things in Scripture are difficult for our minds- this one, we can all understand and so I ask myself- "Deborah, is your life consistently obeying this command?" In chapter 150 alone, we are told to praise the LORD 13 times. (I don't know what those who don't like musical instruments do with this passage.) As I have meditated on this portion of Scripture for a few days, let me try to be brief and also encourage you to read them and see things that God will show you concerning this facet of the Christian life that may be too rarely seen in our day to day lives.

I praise Him this morning because of Who He is! David said that He is my God and my King and that every day he will bless His Name forever. We, too, Christian Brother and Sister, can say that along with the sweet Psalmist. We cannot praise Him enough because His greatness is unsearchable so we should get started today, shouldn't we? In these few chapters, we read of His greatness, His goodness, His righteousness, His mercy, His kindness, His faithfulness, His nearness, His provision, His liberty, His enlightenment, His healing of broken hearts, His Words, His works, and His power, and that is just to name a few. HALLELUJAH!!! We need to praise Him for Who He is and for what He has done. I love chapter 148 as all His creation, even the heavenly bodies and weather elements speak of Him and obey His Word. I fail with this pen as I try to write of His power and His majesty and then especially as I remember that He, the Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all, has time for me- little ole me. Who am I that He should give a fleeting thought to today? Yet, my Bible assures me that His thoughts and concerns for me today are too numerous to count. Surely that should prompt me to praise and bless His Name forever and ever!

Saints, our children need to see our lives praising Him. In chapter 145, the psalmist says "One generation shall commend Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts." King Hezekiah, in Isaiah 38:19, after he was recovered from his deathly illness, writes: "The living, the living, he shall praise Thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known Thy truth." Sometimes, our children are too filled with the "mumbly-grumblies" (sounds like a word out of Pooh-land- :) ) and maybe we, the parents, should check to see if they caught the disease from us. We should tell them how great our God is- we should purposely make note of and rejoice with them when a prayer is answered. In essence, our words and lives should make much of our great God! It will benefit the generation coming behind us, a generation who seems to be entitlement oriented and ungrateful for what they have.

I praise Him today, dear one, because His kingdom is everlasting and one day, He will put down the wicked, once and for all. Aren't you weary with me of the injustices, the oppressions, the refusal of the good and the exaltation of the evil in this present world system? Well, praise the LORD, He has it all in control and one day and I believe soon, we who are blood-bought and have bowed ourselves to His Lordship, will gather around the throne and just imagining the beautiful sound that will reverberate as all believers- O.T. and N.T. and the church praise perfectly the Perfect Lamb of God, brings a thrill to my heart and soul!

So, in closing, let's get to practicing what we will be doing for all eternity and use the breaths that we have left and none of us know the number thereof. "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise ye the LORD!"

Tuning up, Deborah

You Heavenly Father Knows!

2011-01-03T14:33:00.002-05:00

When we attended Northside Baptist Church in Roswell many years ago, our Pastor, Billy Wallace, had an evangelist come a few times named Lavon Boatner.He was, I believe, from Kentucky, wearing cowboy boots and a bolo tie and he could preach. He would read his passage from the blessed Book and then say these words, words that I have never heard any other man of God say- "I'm interested in this phrase" and that would launch his sermon in that Southern drawl and we, the listeners, would go home blessed and challenged. I thought of Bro. Boatner who may now be with the Lord- God knoweth- this morning as I was reading the Sermon on the Mount. I love to imagine sitting on that mountain as the Master Teacher expounded on kingdom principles. In chapter six, "I became interested" in the phrase repeated twice by our Lord and thus, the thought for this blog.

In verses 8 and 32, our Savior and Lord reminds those gathered on the hillside and to us also, He reassures us- "Your Heavenly Father knows." He knows, according to Psalm 103:13-14, our frames. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him. For He knowest our frame; He remembereth that we are dust." Listen, dear Brother and Sister, according to Ps. 139, He not only knows our frame but He designed that frame intricately in our mother's wombs. Knowing that He knows me, my make-up, my inner design that makes me tick, brings me comfort. I believe that there are some basic human needs and along with peace, I think and know for myself that the need to be understood is one of them. Experts in psychology tell us that the melancholic temperament especially needs for people to understand them. (It's why we repeat ourselves if we think you didn't get it. SORRY- I am working on that weakness. :) ) Knowing that my Heavenly Father and He alone understands my frame completely and perfectly draws me to His throne. I am comforted to know that I don't have to try to explain. In the Book of Romans, we are told that the Spirit intercedes for us when words fail us. Some times, just tears flow down my face and my Heavenly Father knows!

Our Heavenly Father also knows our fears and knowing He is aware of mine dissipates my confusions. In this Matt. 6 passage, He says these words that we fail to grasp when the storms rise. "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." And "Your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." We hear Job, the man who seemingly lost it all, say that the thing he feared had come upon him. I ask you, dear reader, what is your greatest fear? I know what mine are but more importantly, God knows what makes my heart tremble and Hallelujah, He is the Calmer of my soul! Remember when the disciples awoke Him and asked "Master, don't you care that we perish?" Yes, Yes, Yes, a million times yes, He cares about what concerns you. And you, like them, are not perishing because the Master of the troubled seas is onboard!

Maybe one reads today and says "But, Deborah, this that I feared is coming to pass. The sickness is no longer controlled, We are going down financially........" We cannot lose the fight when He has anchored our souls in the haven of rest. The body may succumb, in fact, all of ours will due to one thing or another if Jesus doesn't come first, but the spirit is alive and at peace in the presence of the Lord, which is far better, dear Child. He also told them in this passage that He takes care of the birds and the flowers of the field. If we, as fallible earthly parents know what our children need, do we not know that our Perfect Heavenly Father will provide. Jehovah-jireh!

Finally, our Heavenly Father knows our future and that brings much confidence to one who has no clue what the next five minutes may hold. If any one lesson encouraged me in my walk during 2010, it is the one concerning God's sovereignty. If any good has come from a failing body, it is that I awake on any given day to extreme fatigue but I also awake to a God Who is abundantly strong on every given day. Jesus told Simon Peter in John 21 the manner of his death. Our times are in His hands- He knows our futures and we can walk confidently with Him, ever learning that our lives are for His glory and He has promised goodness and mercy to pursue us all our days. Remember, when you were children and the playground argument went something like this- "Well, my Daddy knows everything and He says.....". Now, we knew deep down that our earthly parent was not that smart but let me assure you, Saints, our Heavenly Father knows everything and He says....- get into His Book and soak in what He says. Listen to a quote from My Utmost For His Highest- " Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you Who He is." Help me, Lord to be quiet and be interested in this phrase "My Heavenly Father knows!" I long to rest in Your hands and leave the driving to You, You Who knows the way and has a plan that is good. Also, that I walk in confidence that You walk every square mile with me. Oh, Lord, my heart longs for that to be enough!

Desiring to rest and trust more. Deborah

After Jesus Was Born, Wise Men Came!

2011-01-01T12:13:00.002-05:00

On this first day of 2011, I was reading and meditating on the magi's visit in Matthew, chapter two, and thought I would share a few insights into a lesson that, I think, their example can teach us. When the Christmas season is over, there is still a Savior to be worshiped! These wise men were from the east,( and we don't know the number and there is much speculation about who they were,) and I imagine it was a large caravan, traveling probably thousands of miles to see Jesus, now a young Child in the house with His mother, Mary. "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy," and when they "saw the Child, they fell down and worshiped Him."

After the tree is down and put back in the attic, the house returns to "normal", there remains gifts to be offered. The wise men brought gold, representing kingship. An Episcopalian minister from Pennsylvania, John Hopkins wrote a song in the 1800's called We Three Kings and although the title is probably not accurate, the verses, I believe, represent the truth. Listen to the words of the one concerning the gift, gold. "Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never over us all to reign." Of frankincense, the writer says:" Frankincense to offer have I : incense owns a Deity nigh; prayer and praising, all men raising, worship Him, God on high." And then to the gift that maybe Mary and Joseph pondered about was myrrh which was used at death. "Myrrh is mine: its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom: sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb." But, not for long, Hallelujah!!

The application for me as I studied and prayed this January 1st, 2011, is to worship and focus on my Savior and my King this day. You thought I would say this year, didn't you? That is a lesson I am learning the past few years with a body that wakes up more weary than not- that I can live today- not tomorrow nor this year because tomorrow or this year may or may not be mine. Someone said we should take life off in bite-sized chunks and I believe that is Biblical as our Lord instructed "Take therefore no thought for the morrow:... and then James put it like this: " Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." The old saying that "wise men still seek Him!" is so applicable for us today. I rejoice that He came seeking and saving us and we now have the blessed privilege of worshiping Him for Who He is. I want to know Him better because when we know Who He is, we cannot but help to love and trust Him more! I want to take the gifts that He so graciously has given one so undeserving and offer them back to Him- not to gain favor- that has been freely bestowed because of His grace- but as Paul exhorted, I want to "walk worthy of the vocation, wherewith ye are called."

He is my King, He is Deity, and He died for a hell-bound sinner like this lady writer and He deserves my all, does He not? Lastly, from the magi's example, I want to walk a different way today and will when I worship and give myself to Him. King Herod had instructed them to let him know when they found the King of the Jews so he could also come and worship Him. Of course, he had no intention of doing so because he was greatly agitated at the thought of competition and wanted to kill the Holy Child. The wise men went another way and the king was so enraged that he had all the baby boys who were two years and younger killed. Saints, there is a Savior to be worshiped, gifts to be offered, and a world system to be denounced and denied. Now, I know, that this point is very unpopular in this present culture and I guess, in truth, always has been. Romans 12:1-2 is still in the Bible instructing us to not be conformed to this world but to be transformed as we keep our gaze horizontally and not vertically at every passing whim and fancy that shouts at us. This world's system and my flesh will not aid me in my journey to know my King, to offer my gifts and to seek those things which are above, the eternal perspective that our Pastor reminds us of so often. In my life, I know, and am reasonably sure in yours also, that there is still work and the exciting part is that He has promised to complete it. Even our desire to walk a different way(just as the wise men followed God's instruction) is a work of God's grace in our hearts. Isn't He a wonderful Savior and Lord?

Let me close, dear Reader, by reminding you that I pray for you and desire your prayers for me. We don't know what the year 2011 holds but we know Who holds 2011! Maybe it will be the year we see Him face to face- I don't know- but I do know this- He is worthy of our worship, our offering of our gifts, and our refusing to love this world system that is opposed to our King and all that is good.

May we all have a Christ-filled New Year!

Seeking His Face, Deborah

A White Christmas

2010-12-27T14:22:00.002-05:00

Just a few random thoughts today to let you know that I am still among earth's inhabitants. The past week has been very busy for me and I am sure, for you readers also. GranDanny and I are enjoying the quiet, no where to go, the Christmas tree, Starbuck's Christmas blend coffee, and the beautiful snow on the ground, now beginning to disappear as it runs from the sunshine. For all of my 58+ years, I have heard and enjoyed the classic song by Irving Berlin, sung best by Bing Crosby, called I'm Dreaming of A White Christmas. Basically, that is all we ever did- dream of one- because here in the south, we are usually in the 50-60- temperature range and that isn't conducive to snow.
My preacher boy, Jeff, looked on the computer and told us that the last time there was any measurable snow in the Atlanta area was back in the 1880's. None of us were here then. :) BUT, this year our dream came true! I listened all week to my weather radio and anticipated that at any minute, being the pessimist that I am, that they, the weather experts, would remove Frosty from the forecast but was thrilled around 11:00 a.m. on Christmas morning when from a crowded family room came this announcement: "Hey, everyone, look outside, it's snowing!!!" And, I mean, it was snowing. When I can see it without my glasses, it is snowing.

We are blessed every year at Christmas to be surrounded by precious family and friends. Jeff, Amy, and those two special "grands" arrive on Christmas Eve and there is nothing quite like hearing those little (well, they aren't so little anymore) feet coming down the hall on Christmas morning, probably awakened by the smell of bacon, sausage, and GranDanny's famous deer tenderloin that he cooks once a year. Alicia is growing up on us and she is a little more patient but Landon, still with "sleepy" in his beautiful eyes has a first question at 7:00. You, who are parents and grandparents will recognize it. "When are we going to open presents?" "When Uncle Mark and Aunt Charity get here." "Awwww" They soon arrive along with Mark's friend, Justin, who spends every Christmas Day with us. Soon after, Jeanette, Darlene, Rupert, Kelly, and Wayne join the festivities and then last of all, another of Danny and Mark's friends named Dan arrives, his family living in Chicago so he joins us too.

That was trivia in which you probably were not interested but it is important to me. Such fun we had as we ate plentiful food, THANK YOU, LORD!, sat in a warm house, THANK YOU, LORD!, and exchanged gifts around a Christmas tree, THANK YOU, LORD! And watched it snow! THANK YOU, LORD! The grandbabies got lots of things- Amy remarks that their truck resembles the Beverly Hillbillies' vehicle when they leave on Christmas afternoon. We gave them both a pair of boots and that preceded maybe the funniest line from our 5-year old. "Look, Mommy, I look just like GranDanny- I 'm just shorter and do not have a beard." :) :) :)

Such a beautiful day as we celebrated the greatest GIFT ever given- JESUS- GOD come to earth to save us from our sins. THANK YOU, LORD!!!!!    After a brief snowball fight in the backyard, yours truly being popped in the forehead (I felt like I knew a little how Goliath felt- only I didn't fall down nor was I defying the armies of the living God) by a 80 mph snowball intended for my brother, Wayne, everyone had to leave early because the roads were getting slippery. Danny and I eagerly awaited the phone calls from all our loved ones assuring us of their safe arrivals back to their abodes and then from my precious granddaughter' new IPOD, came this message which she gives me every year as they leave but because of their hurry, she sent it later: " MaMa, this was the best Christmas ever!" Yes, it was, Baby Girl, yes it was! THANK YOU, LORD!!!

Looking for Jesus, Deborah

Love Came Down at Christmas, Love all Lovely Love Divine.

2010-12-19T12:37:00.000-05:00

"If He Had Not Come"

2010-12-19T12:36:00.001-05:00

While reading through the Christmas story this morning from the Holy Scriptures, from Gabriel's announcement to Zechariah concerning his son, John, to the Magi's visit to the young Child, maybe around age two, our supposition being because of Herod's seeking out all the baby boys who were two and under, I kept thinking of the words of a new song entitled If He Had Not Come. Amy is singing it at church today and maybe I can post that later. The words are wonderful and I am sure it will be sung beautifully.

We all are busy at Christmas time and look forward to this coming Saturday when we gather with family and enjoy the festivities and the food but if we miss why He came, then we have missed Christmas. If He had not come, there would be no salvation, our greatest need. Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her the name of the Holy Child that she would conceive and later to Joseph as he considered what to do with the news that his betrothed had told him. Hear what the angel said: "And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins." At the birth of his son, John, the priest, Zechariah, rejoices with these words concerning the Christ Child: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: for He hath visited and redeemed His people and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David:" In Luke1, the old man, Simeon, and the aged widow, Anna, had been waiting and now were rejoicing at the coming of the Redeemer. They knew their hopeless plight if He had not come. Simeon, after seeing and even holding the Savior, was ready to depart this stage of life. We don't fear death either when we have seen and believed and know why He came, that is to rescue and redeem poor and hopeless people like you and like me.

If He had not come, there would be no Sunrise. Again, from the tongue of Zechariah: "Through the tender mercy of our God: whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Oh, how the night sky must have brightened that glorious night as the shepherds watched over their flocks when all of a sudden, the multitude of heavenly hosts appeared. The wise men followed the star which led them to the Child and they worshiped and rejoiced with "exceeding great joy." He is our Dayspring, our Day Star arising in our hearts. The nights are dark and long at seasons in our lives but there is nothing quite like watching the sun rise in the morning. I saw a beautiful one just this morning , one filled with vibrant pink hues surrounding that fire ball and it was breath-taking as I considered the true Sonrise. If He had not come, we would still be grappling and groping around in the darkness but praise God, He has brought light to our hearts and to our lives.

If He had not come, there would be no Sympathizer. There is always, at least to me, a sense of sadness during this season because I realize that hospitals, cancer treatment centers, homeless shelters, and yes, even funeral homes don't close their doors for the month of December. Just this morning, I prayed for those who suffer today, many I know and most I don't. I have been there on the first Christmas that the chair that was usually occupied now is empty and there is an ache that is unexplainable. The best that another human can do, as well intentioned as they are and as appreciative as we are of their effort, is just not good enough. But I know One, the Great High Priest, Who, according to Heb. 4:15, sympathizes with your pain perfectly and comforts with a peace that is beyond comprehension. Precious hurting Brother or Sister, be encouraged that because He did come, the places I mentioned in line 2 of this paragraph and places like them are temporary. One day, because He did come, there will be no more use for these locales.

Dear Reader, if that paragraph is where you are today, firstly, know that the Body of Christ has not forgotten that some Christmases are hard and we lift up you and yours today but know even more so that there is One Who loves you beyond measure and will hold you and comfort you and sympathize with your pain today. Run to Him and climb up into His lap and lay your weary and confused head on His shoulder. He knows, He sees, He cares!

If He had not come, we would have no song. I love the carols that I have been listening to for weeks- some old and some new. They are all about Him and His arrival that night in a stable and His purpose for leaving the glories of Heaven and coming to a cruel and callous people. A favorite of all was written entitled Silent Night. I think it was because Peace had come to invade a noisy, clamorous world. O, Come, All Ye Faithful was penned and we still do just that- we come and adore Him every day for He is worthy! Yes, there is Joy to the World in the place of sorrow and futility. Because He came, He has traded for us "beauty for ashes, the "oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." In 1893, a lady named Christina Rossetti wrote Love Came Down at Christmas. Yes, He did and pity you and pity me if He Had Not Come!

"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift."

Deborah

"While You Were Sleeping!"

2010-12-18T09:37:00.001-05:00

Danny and I left Dawsonville on Wednesday afternoon to go pick-up a part for our broken heating system (yes, quite the cold week for a heater to break) in Lawrenceville. Well, as you might expect, that is a little too close to the babies, especially with the little one being sick for a week, so we swung by to see them even though we had vaguely heard of a winter storm advisory in our part of the state. Around 4:00, I didn't pay much attention when Grandanny reminded me that it was beginning to sleet because we were having so much fun with our Alicia and Landon but when it took us three hours to make a one hour drive home, I wish I had listened to the warning.

Our little country two mile road was nothing but a sheet of ice and my husband is the best I have ever known to navigate through snow-covered roads(we even go looking for those :) ) but as he has reminded me many times and I found out on Wednesday evening, "no one can drive on ice." We, basically, slid on a skating rink until we reached our driveway. Home had never looked so good and I thanked God when I climbed into bed that we did not have to sleep on the side of the road although we would have made it because my "Country Boy can survive" guy is prepared! You should see his Ford 250! We could probably be stranded for 3 days and be well taken care of. Now, let me try to tie my thoughts together today concerning tuning our ears heavenward. In 1865, a man named Phillips Brooks worshiped in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve and was so moved by the experience that three years later penned the words to one of most-sung Christmas carols, O Little Town of Bethlehem. He desired a song for his Sunday School children to sing in the Christmas program and gave the words to his organist, Lewis R. Redner who put them to music and here we are, 145 years later, still enjoying the beautiful words and music.

Just in recent years, another song has been written and performed by Casting Crowns concerning this little town entitled While You Were Sleeping and I think the message is so applicable to that generation who were going about their day to day business when Jesus was born and certainly to this one in which we have been chosen to live. I don't know all the dynamics that were going on in that little town on that night when two weary travelers rode into town, probably traveling about 70 miles on rough terrain and on a donkey a young girl "being great with Child" and the most significant birth ever was about to take place. They were in Bethlehem at the edict of Caesar Augustus, the king who thought he had concocted a great plan to have all the people go to the place of their lineage and register but really, he was a pawn in the hands of God Who had declared that His Son would be born in Bethlehem and there we find Joseph and Mary because they were of the house of David. The Prophet Micah had prophesied some 700 plus years earlier- "But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Juidah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel: whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." My heart, like yours, jumps for joy as I am again reminded that "the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will." Prov. 21:1. God had decreed the place of His Son's birth and His plan to move people where He desires and when He desires cannot be thwarted. I find much peace and consolation in that facet of my God, don't you? Praise His Name!

I can only imagine what the busy city looked like on that blessed night but they were not paying attention to the all-important event in the stable. I think it was Jeff, my preacher boy, who wrote and maybe quoted someone recently this- "The donkey and the oxen knew more of the night's events than the religious leaders did." (paraphrased). The learned should have known- it was recorded in the Book! My thought is brief but very important today. The prophecy went out concerning the first advent and finally, He came, just as God said He would. Scriptural reference after reference prophecy that He will come again and not to our surprise, the world is oblivious to it, American numbs themselves to the reality of the times through entertainment. But, I write to the church and Paul exhorted us to wake up- "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." Rom. 13:11

When I hear and I do hear people say- "I have heard that all of my life," I remind them of Peter's words in 2 Peter -"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." It may have taken what seemed like a long time for the birth of the Son but in Bethlehem that night, there was the Baby's first cries and yes, it has been over 2000 years now since that scene, but the King is coming and I am listening for the shout this time, aren't you?

Thank You, Lord, that You came as a Babe, God wrapped in flesh, Emmanuel! Thank You, Heavenly Father, that Your Son will come again and help us, as Your people, to be awakened to the truth, to be aware of the time, and to be alert as we see current events coming together for Your return, our blessed Hope! Amen!

Merry Christmas! Deborah

While You Were Sleeping - Casting Crowns

2010-12-18T09:36:00.000-05:00

"Joseph the Husband of Mary"

2010-12-15T11:08:00.001-05:00

Listening to one of my favorite (there's many of them, aren't they?) Christmas cds this past week, I heard a song that Michael Card wrote and performed called Joseph's Song. As I like to ponder what it must have been like for the young Jewish virgin girl, Mary, I also imagine myself in the story alongside another pivotal role player in this Christmas story. Little is said about the young man who God in His sovereignty chose to be the earthly guardian of His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ but what is recorded for us in the Scriptures, I believe, has insights for us concerning this son of Jacob from the lineage of David. The Bible says that he is Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus Who is called Christ.

I noted as I read the few Biblical references given to Joseph that he was a consecrated man. We are told that he was a just man, "a Hebraism suggesting that he is a true believer in God who had thereby been declared righteous and who carefully obeyed the law." John MacArthur. At some point from the time that Gabriel visited Mary with the unexpected news, she had told Joseph and in Matthew 1, we see this consecrated man's contemplation and surely the two are always connected. Sidebar here, if you will- this generation seems to fear and shy away from quiet times. We like noise, entertainment, and react often without thinking. It is said of Mary that she kept the happenings of this birth in her heart- she pondered over them and here, we observe her future husband doing the same thing, in thoughtful prayer, no doubt, concerning the news he has just heard.

Imagine, if you will, the conflict that is going on in his mind and heart as he contemplates the story he has heard from his betrothed. He, no doubt, has been working and building a place for Mary and is excited about taking her as his wife and building a life and a family together and now she has told him she is with Child. It seems that everything has changed within a matter of a few minutes. Life does that to us, doesn't it? The law in Deut. 22 prescribed stoning if your betrothed (legally binding as marriage but no physical intimacy) commits adultery but I see Joseph's compassion as he does not want to make a public example out of his beloved but is thinking of just quietly giving her a bill of divorcement. I love Joseph's cooperation with God. Here, in Matt. 1, after hearing from the angel the confirming words that Mary had already told him- "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost", "Then being raised from sleep DID as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn Son: and he called His name, JESUS." In chapter 2, the angel gave instructions again and said "Arise, and take the young Child and His mother, and flee into Egypt,... and the response is "When he arose, he TOOK the young Child and His mother by night, and departed into Egypt." And again, when the angel told Joseph to take the Child and His mother and return to Israel, he OBEYED and they dwelt in Nazareth.

The home that God chose in which the Baby Jesus would be sheltered was headed by a consecrated, compassionate, cooperative carpenter. I wonder at what thoughts went through his mind in the carpenter's shop with the young Child at his feet. The wonder of it all- the carpenter Joseph showing skills to the Creator of everything. We cannot comprehend the humanity and the Deity wrapped up in flesh but it is a joy to ponder the thought! The Bible tells us in Luke 2 that when they (he and Mary) found the 12-year old Jesus in the temple answering and astonishing the learned that they were amazed.

In closing, Joseph must have been a courageous man as he knew some of the hardship and ridicule that would ensue from the moment he married Mary. After the temple experience, we don't see him anymore in Scripture other than one asking the question- "Is this not the carpenter's son?" No, no, this is God's Son but I am blessed by Joseph's example, brief as it was. Maybe he didn't live very long because we know that at the cross, Jesus turned His precious mother over to the care of His beloved disciple, John. My final thought and maybe I have taken some liberty here in this writing, is that length of life isn't the issue but rather, what we did with the assignment that we have been given by our gracious and Sovereign Lord. I pray often when I pray these words straight from the Book of Psalms: "Show me Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths,. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation: on Thee do I wait all the day." I think Joseph knew and lived that Scriptural precept. My prayer is that you have been blessed by thinking on this man chosen to be guardian of our Lord as He grew. A verse in Michael Card's song: " Lord, I know He's not my own, not of my flesh, not of my bone- but Father, let this Child be Son of my love."

Love the season, Deborah

Joseph's Song -Michael Card

2010-12-15T11:07:00.000-05:00

"My Soul Magnifies the Lord!"

2010-12-07T15:16:00.001-05:00

To people who know me well, if they were challenged to list 50 things about me, (well, maybe that would be too difficult- how about 25?...15?....10?... I sound like Abraham, don't I?), that I am a music lover would be one. And of course, it goes without saying that Christmas music, good Christmas music makes me happy. I retrieve my green rubbermaid container from the top of the closet about two weeks before Thanksgiving and have a day of mourning around Jan. 15th when that wonderful music goes back to their designated shelf.

It seems that every year I have a new favorite and I was listening to it on the way to church on this past Sunday. For those, like me, who love worshipful Christmas songs, may I recommend Shannon Wexelberg's "Love Came For Me" cd? Our Amy will be singing that title song the Sunday before Christmas and the words are so thought-provoking. The selection that was ministering to my spirit on Sunday as I worshiped on the way to service was one entitled "My Soul Magnifies the Lord." Of course, we are taken to Luke chapter 1 to the song, the Magnificat from Mary. Let's visit there today, okay? I like to meditate on what it must have been like for this young teen-aged girl named Mary when the angel, Gabriel, appeared on a normal day and announced to her that her life is about to be totally transformed because she has been chosen by God to be the mother of the promised Messiah. In verse 29, we see Mary's anxiety at the proclamation. She was greatly troubled, the Scriptures declare, and of course, she was. She has been recently betrothed to a fine man named Joseph who trusts her purity and surely questions were flooding her mind and heart, one being- "How can this be, seeing that I know not a man?" I love the angel's confirmation that nothing is impossible with God. Aren't you glad that this promise continues to bless, comfort, and encourage God's people some 2000 years later?

Not only, her anxiety at the proclamation, but I love this about Mary and long for it to be the motto of Deborah's life from this point forward- her acceptance of God's providential plan. Verse 38, after Gabriel tells her what is about to transpire in her young life, Mary says "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord: be it unto me according to thy word." This wasn't going to be easy for this young virgin girl. Oh, I know, she was blessed among women to be chosen to bear this precious Baby but she faces misunderstanding, ostracism, and eventually the pain that Simeon prophesies in chapter 2 , that a sword will pierce though her soul. She loves this Baby, she tends to Him as He is a Toddler, and watches Him grow to be a Man, One Who at the tender age of 33, is nailed to a cross for us. This mother is there for that. But, to the angel, she says that she is the servant girl and she accepts and believes God's Word.

Finally, from verses 46-55, we see Mary's adoration of the Planner and the Potentate of this magnificent work of grace and salvation. Note that Mary was aware of her own need of a Savior. She realizes that He is holy and she is humbled that He sought her because of His mercy. She sings about His strength and His plan to bring down the proud and exalt the lowly. She rejoices, as we do, Saints, that He will set right all things one day. Pastor Scott preached from Jeremiah 23:5-6 on Sunday and emphasized that Christmas is about Christ coming to display the righteousness of God. I thought of the Name- Jehovah Tsidkenu- The LORD our Righteousness. Yes, one of those many names of God that blesses my and your heart because we realize we have no righteousness, no merit of our own, "nothing in our hand we bring, simply to Thy cross we cling." He is our righteousness, praise His Holy Name!

Heavenly Father, I pray for those who are anxious this morning and we all have been or are now. Initially, Lord, there are things that enter our lives that trouble us deeply but help us, like Mary, to be quiet and listen for Your instructions and to rest in Your perfect providence and plan and purpose for our lives which are always to work for our good and Your glory. I thank You, Holy Father, that we can sing about our Savior today and everyday. We praise You that because of Him, we are comforted and encouraged to go forth, even in the midst, oftentimes, of confusion and just not seeing how this is supposed to be working out. Oh, Gracious Father, we need You to continue teaching us how to walk by faith and not by sight.Help us, Lord, to adore You so much that our lives reflect attitudes that resound with the message that holiness is desired above happiness. Oh, that we sing the praises of our Lord today knowing in our hearts that He is worthy, not only at Christmas time but every day and every moment. "When I am happy in Him, December is pleasant as May!"

Amen, Deborah

That Beautiful Name

2010-12-04T15:23:00.003-05:00

I love the study of the names of our Savior in the sweet Scriptures. Just in the Book of John alone, I have been blessed this week as I read that He is the Word, the Light, the Lamb of God, the Messiah, the Son of God, the King of Israel and we aren't even out of the first chapter of the Apostle's writings. Psalm 9:10 tells us that "And they that know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou,LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee" and here in the Christmas season, I want us to look at a few that the Isaiah prophesied concerning our Lord hundreds of years before He lay in a manger. In chapter 9 of that O.T. Book, He is called Wonderful.

My heart was stirred again this morning as I prayed and realized afresh that He is truly wonderful. If your life seems drab and the world's fleeting excitements are leaving you dry, fix your eyes on Jesus- He is Wonderful! He won't disappoint you, the wonder won't wear out ( as the presents under the tree do). Actually, because we can never in this lifetime learn everything about Him, our pursuit and awareness of His awesomeness grows daily. The word, awesome, is used frequently but really, only One is awe-inspiring and His Name is called Wonderful! Are you in a season of life where you just don't know what to do? He is Counsellor, (KJV spelling). Look to Him for life's answers. I love the verse in Psalms which says "This God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our Guide even unto death." Jesus came as the Light to the world, a world staggering around in darkness, and He graciously shows us step by step how we are to walk in this pilgrim's journey. Don't we all struggle with questions at times? Ask Him- He is our Counsellor! He is our Wisdom! He is Mighty God! He asked Abraham this question- "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" Don't you rejoice along with me, fellow Saint, that you are on the side of One Who can speak and the thing is accomplished? Giving a son to an old man and woman was not a challenge for our powerful God. Isaac was promised and none of God's promises fail. No one nor anything nor any circumstance can withstand Him. He is All-powerful! He has won so we do also. We are more than conquerors through Him because He is Mighty God!

He is the Everlasting Father! We cannot comprehend everlasting or eternal because we are confined to an element called time. He isn't. All of life for us is transitory- even people we love and trust pass out of our lives so if you are looking for stability and something or Someone Who lasts, then set your affections on Him for He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. He always has been- He always will be because He is our Everlasting Father! We are transitory but He is transcendent! Is your heart restless and fearful in this "tottering on the brink" world? I find tremendous comfort in knowing that He is the Prince of Peace. To us who have believed, He reigns there now in our hearts and one day, and I believe it is sooner than we think, Jesus Christ will reign and rule with justice and righteousness. All hearts cry out for that yet it is never achieved in this world because rulers can be bought off, their hearts are selfish, and many times they care nothing for their constituents but imagine with me the exhiliration we will experience when the government rests on King Jesus' shoulders. All will finally be right, Amen!

There is another old Christmas song written in the 1900's that I used for my title today- That Beautiful Name. I can't find it on any site that I can share. Here are some words from it that I heard just today on a Christmas CD by Damaris Carbaugh. "I know of a Name, a beautiful Name, that unto a Babe was given; the stars glittered bright throughout that glad night, and angels praised God in heaven. That beautiful Name, that beautiful Name from sin has power to free us! That beautiful Name, that wonderful Name, that matchless Name is Jesus." When the angel came to Joseph concerning the Child that his betrothed, the young and virgin Mary, would bear, He said His Name will be called Jesus for He will save His people from their sins. I praise the Bearer of that Name because no greater need did we have than for One to save us from our sins. He didn't come to help us find salvation or aid in our "path" to find what fits us- no, no, He came to save us from our sins because we are utterly hopeless unless He does so! Praise that Beautiful Name, that Name of Jesus!!

Rejoicing today over being forgiven! Deborah

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Cherish That Name

2010-12-04T15:21:00.000-05:00

Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

2010-12-03T11:34:00.001-05:00

"Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne"

2010-12-03T11:32:00.002-05:00

So far, we have looked at two Christmas songs which in essence are the prayers of the people- crying out for the long expected Jesus to come- our same cry today! Imagine, with me, the scene on earth before He came the first time- the weary and oppressed people awaiting and we know, that some were eagerly anticipating His arrival. We see two of them in Luke 2, two elderly people, one named Simeon, "a just and devout man, waiting for the Consolation of Israel." Anna was another who served God in the temple "with prayers and fastings night and day and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem."

Now, that was the scene on earth but far away in another galaxy, :) One is about to step away from His heavenly throne and thus the title of the song for today from a lady named Emily E.S. Elliot who taught children about Jesus in the 1800's. The message in the song, though, is like the one in Jesus Loves Me, This I know- all of God's children, young and old, are blessed by the words. " Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown when Thou camest to earth for me." This thought is so unsearchable that I hope I can come close to doing justice to it today. The Christmas story message is that a king, no, not a king, but the KING stepped out of that realm, one where He had been with the Father for eternity-John1:1-2, where He had shared in the Father's glory since before the world began- John17:5 , but looked upon a sin-sick , desperate, hopeless world and willingly left a celestial place where the angels cried Holy, Holy, Holy and came to wrap Himself in flesh and dwell among a people who would hate Him, mock Him, misunderstand His purpose, and eventually crucify Him. I have always wondered if angels cry because surely they would have cried that day when He left.

Yes, from a heavenly throne to a virgin's womb to a manger of wood and later to another wooden object- a cross. He made the tree from which it was constructed. He created the water yet He thirsted and Saints, He, according to Phil 2, didn't grasp nor clutch tightly His position but humbled Himself and became obedient- even to death on the cross. Sometimes, we quit what we are doing and simply worship because it is the only response to such a giving of Himself for us. We are the reason that He came and died! There is a frenzy right now about the wedding about to take place in England. Our country, almost bankrupt and blinded to our impending plight, scurried our reporters on planes so they could be there, firsthand, to report the announcement of the date of the nuptials. Quite frankly, I don't understand the fascination. The future king and his intended probably would not give the people, "the commoners", the time of day. I mean, you haven't received the gold-embossed invitation yet, have you? There is, however, one Royalty to commoner,sinners act that still enthralls my heart , that being that the KING left a throne for a manger, took off Kingly garments and was wrapped in swaddling clothes, He swapped adoration for humiliation and He became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Now, that still amazes me! That, Christian brother and sister, captures my attention and my heart.

Ponder, dear one, this thought on this December 3rd, 2010, that the KING left His throne for you and me. He vacated the Kingdom and became a citizen here for a short 33 years so we could be a citizen here for a short time but really are by grace through faith in His finished work on our behalf, already a citizen of His heavenly Kingdom. Our Pastor preached last week from the last two verses in Phil. 3 on how citizens who have pledged allegiance to another Kingdom are to conduct their lives. I have feasted on the message this week. Yes, Col. 1:13 tells us that "Who (GOD) hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son." We are to be freed from an inordinate affection for earthly things and we are not to look to Washington DC to fix our problems but we, as those looking for His first coming, are looking for our KING to leave once again and take us back Home with Him where we will forever be. He is our blessed Hope!

I saw a billboard on TV last night that the atheists love to erect in the month of December- that explains to us that they celebrate reason "because we know", they say, "that the manger scene is a myth." NO, NO, it isn't a myth, rather- it is MARVELOUS! Thank You, Lord, for leaving Your throne for me. Thank You, that as You heard the peoples' cries the first time, Your ear is attentive to the righteous today and in Your perfect timing, You will come again and it will be different this time. We eagerly anticipate and welcome Your return. We love You and long to be with You and behold Your glory! Thank You, Lord, that we can. Such a gracious, merciful, and forgiving GOD we serve! HALLELUJAH!!

Deborah
"When the heavens shall ring and the angels sing at Thy coming to victory, let Thy voice call me Home saying "Yet, there is room-there is room at My side for thee:" My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus, when Thou comest and callest for me!"

Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel (with lyrics)

2010-11-29T08:06:00.000-05:00

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!

2010-11-29T08:05:00.001-05:00

I spent a quiet and wonderful Thanksgiving Day with Jeff, Amy, and the two precious "grands". After lunch, the three of us nestled on the downstairs couch and watched a movie that, in the ending, seemed that the good had died so the wicked would perish also. Alicia and MaMa were tearing up and my boy, who seems to live life this way, announced "Let's look on the bright side of things!"

Today, I want to share that there is something, rather, Someone, Who makes Christmas far brighter than the dazzling light displays, the glistening tinsels, and the beautiful wrapped presents underneath the tree. We, as a culture, I know, have forgotten the real Reason for the season. (Pardon the cliche.) If you doubt that, listen to the "Christmas" music, watch the "Christmas" specials, and too, you might note the threatened lawsuits every year that a city might would even think of putting a nativity scene on their square. What are they thinking, the politically correct crowd, exclaim?!?! If it wasn't so sad, it would almost be humorous, wouldn't it? To the world, I say, Christmas is, by definition, the celebration of Christ's birth so it makes much sense to us that a manger scene is totally appropriate! To Christians, I write today to remind us how easily we can get caught up also with the peripherals instead of keeping the main theme of Christmas the main theme. The glory of Christmas is that the prophecy of Isaiah, some 600-700 years before Christ came as a Baby, actualized in a stable in Bethlehem. "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Translated from the Hebrew, the word means "God with us." Don't rush over that but try to fathom the unfathomable that God came to us and praise His Name for it because, we like stubborn, silly sheep, would never find our way to Him!

Amy shared a new Christmas song last year with me by Casting Crowns and the beautiful female voice singing the beautiful lyrics ministered to my heart yesterday morning as I traveled to worship services. She sings- "God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Immanuel." As I drove my car, I thought of the verse which says- "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" Col.1:27. Rom. 8:3 rang in my ears :"If God be for us, who can be against us?" Of course, the answer to the rhetorical question is that no one can. In fact, while reading Isaiah 7 yesterday morning, I continued into chapter 8 because it was so good and was captured and comforted by these words in vs. 10."Take counsel together and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us." There it is again, Immanuel. I love the way the word sounds but love even more the One Who bears the Name, He Who is with me today come rain or shine, He Who is in me as my Guide and Comforter, and He Who fights my battles because He is for me. He is for you, Christian brother and sister. Soak that up, it will bless you. Your enemy wants to accuse and try to convince you that He is against you but no, no, no, if you are His by grace through faith in His finished work on your behalf, He is in you, He is for you, He is with you- Immanuel!

Rejoice with me, Pilgrim, that He came and dwelt among us. That's the crux of the Christmas story and my hope in the following month is to share it with you by using some of the Christmas music that has been written, this one today back in the 12th century and some that is rich with meaning that has recently been penned by people who still know what Christmas is all about. Meditate on these rich words from O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, today, words like He is the Lord of might! He is El Gibbor, the Mighty God. He is strong for you today. The writer of the old hymn uses the term DaySpring- yes, He is our Light. "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light." He is the Key of David! Praise His Name- He has unlocked the prisons and set the captives free!

"O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. O come, O come, Thou Lord of might who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height, in ancient times didst give the law in cloud and majesty and awe. O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny; from depths of hell Thy people save and give them victory over the grave. O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here; O drive away the shades of night and pierce the clouds and bring us light. O come, Thou Key of David, come and open wide our heavenly home where all Thy saints with Thee shall dwell- O come, O come, Emmanuel! Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel."

Looking on the bright side of things today, Deborah

Chris Tomlin - Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

2010-11-27T11:40:00.000-05:00

"Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus!"

2010-11-27T11:39:00.002-05:00

I like the word, anticipation, don't you? Mr. Webster said it means "to look forward to, especially with pleasure." We see an excellent example of it, I think, in the eyes of the little children as they look forward to Christmas morning. They can "just hardly wait!" In Genesis 3, after walking in sweet communion with their Creator and God, Adam and Eve fall to temptation and sin and we hear the dreaded word, curse, for the first time. From the first Book of the canon of Scripture to the last, we see the fall's consequences and Malachi ends his revelation with the same word, curse.

The theme would be depressing were it not for the promise all through the O.T. Scriptures, even beginning in that same sad chapter of Genesis 3, where the curse has been pronounced. Read these words with me in verse 15:"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Yes, Satan would spell suffering but there was One Who would land the crushing and fatal head wound to our old nemesis- Praise the Name of Jesus!

When God spoke to Malachi and he penned those last words, there was a 400 years' silence and I am sure some of the Jews became weary yet some remained watchful, believing the words of the prophecy that Messiah would come. "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His Name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14 In 1744, Charles Wesley wrote one of his more than 1655 hymns and maybe voiced what many of the Jewish people were feeling in their hearts. "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free. From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel's Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. Born Thy people to deliver, Born a Child, and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring."

I rejoice this morning to know that although that period from Malachi to Matthew is known as the silent period, that God was not asleep nor silent (neither is He in our lives although it may seem like a long time) but sovereignly governing His gracious plan for the ages and when the N. T. writings open, Matthew pens "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham." Yes, yes, dear one, He came just as He promised- we are about to begin the month where His birth is celebrated or I probably should backtrack and submit that the world has little idea why they are celebrating Christmas and we who believe by faith in Christ and His finished work, celebrate Him and His sacrifice January through December. We love and worship Him every day for He alone is worthy!! Remember, weary and anticipating Saint- as Israel languished for 400 years awaiting the Promise, Christian pilgrims have been waiting now for over 2000 years for His next return. We groan because of the curse yet we rejoice because of Christ Who bore that curse for us on the cruel cross of Calvary and we sing too the words "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus", along with John who ends the Book of the Revelation with the words "Even so, come Lord Jesus!" He will- His promises never fail- BLESS HIS NAME! "I can hardly wait!"

Anticipating and looking up, Deborah

My A-Z Thanksgiving List!

2010-11-24T14:03:00.002-05:00

For fourteen years, I taught a dear ladies' Sunday School class in which we studied many books of the Bible straight through, sometimes taking months. I love a thorough and topical study of the Scriptures. Many of them remarked that they looked forward to the time of the year when I would share the Thanksgiving lesson and I did too. The preparation for that Sunday would be fairly easy because I don't have to think too long to come up with a thankful list, no, rather, this pen that I hold in my hand would run out of ink first before I could write of all that the Lord has done for me. But, here we go with a few, ok?

I am thankful for Amy and Alicia. Almost 36 years ago, with the Samples' clan running about 4-1 odds that Danny and I would have a girl ( boys were winning big time) and before the day of predictable ultrasounds on the gender of the baby,we were elated and surprised when Dr. Phillips announced that we had a perfectly healthy baby girl who now has grown into a beautiful lady. With her, I laugh and find comfort. Twenty-five years later, I was privileged to be in another labor and delivery room and heard the first cries of another beautiful baby girl, my first grandchild! This special girl knows she holds a treasured spot in this MaMa's heart. Thank You, Lord!

I am thankful for Bibles which instruct and encourage me as I travel here. For brothers- I know all four would be here if I needed them. For books and babies.

I am thankful for Charity, our beautiful and sweet second daughter whom God brought to Mark three years ago. In her, I see a kind and giving heart and there is such an ease being in her presence.We love her! Thank You, Lord!

I am thankful for Danny, my husband of forty years. Just this past week, as I have been very sick, he has shown his love again for me, tending to my every need. I love him and hope I have never taken for granted the tender man he really is in his heart. On the phone just now while I was writing, he called and somehow the memory came up of when I wrecked the car when the babies were young. We were on the way to the doctor, AGAIN, with an ear infection and I hit his truck which was on the side of the driveway. Yes, you heard that right. Two vehicles in our own driveway. At supper, as I began to tell him about it, he remarked that everyone looked ok and I said, "Don't you want to go see the damaged goods?""Not until I finish eating, I mean, is there anything that we can do about it now?" That's my man, what can I say?

I am thankful for encouragers! For ears to hear their words and eyes to see God's marvelous creation!

I am thankful for friends, old and new. Two stopped in for cheesecake and a cup of Starbuck's recently and I sure was thankful for the fellowship. For family and fireplaces on cold wintry nights.

I am thankful for God's grace. The older (and tireder in body) and wiser I become, the more I realize that it's all about Him, all for Him, all to Him! I trust and rely every moment on His saving grace, His sustaining grace, His strengthening grace, yes, Praise His Name for His sovereign grace!!

I am thankful for Heaven, our real Home. We are closer, fellow Sojourner than we were yesterday.

I am thankful for ice cream, especially on "wee-ones'" noses and running down the sides of their sweet faces. They know how to enjoy simple pleasures.

I am thankful for Jeff, our second son whom God brought to Amy thirteen years ago. I call him my preacher boy. He loves God and God's Word and God's flock and leads his little family with wisdom and we love him. I, also, love his sense of humor. Thank You, Lord!

I am thankful for Krispy Kreme doughnuts. YUMMY!!! I am thankful for Kelly, Dedene's(Alicia and Landon's name) "special" child" whom we all love dearly!

I am thankful for Landon! When he was about 9-10 weeks old , we were very concerned for his health. He, today, at 5, is healthy, energetic, and very smart. I know, I sound like a typical grandparent, don't I? :) He, also, holds my heartstrings in his smile. Thank You, Lord!

I am thankful for Mark, my firstborn. In January of 1973, Danny and I could not have been happier when God presented us with a baby boy. He has grown to be a fine and compassionate man and we love him! I love to go to lunch with him at Longhorn's. He is fun to be with.Thank You, Lord!

I am thankful for November and for normal days. Let me share a quote I read recently in a Joni book by Mary Jane Iron:" Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are... Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in my pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return."

I am thankful for opportunities to help others! I am thankful for ornaments on Christmas trees which every year remind me of those loved ones, some now in Heaven, who gave them to me wrapped in love!

I am thankful for prayer, the access we have as God's children, to enter the throne room and find grace and mercy in our time of need and for His promises which cannot fail! I am thankful for parents who prayed and believed God's promises!

I'm thankful for quilts and quiet nights. For quarterbacks who can run and throw. :)

I am thankful for rest, physical and spiritual. Learning to relax knowing that Jesus Christ has His hands on the wheel of my life sure is a blessing!

I am thankful for sisters, Darlene and Jeanette who help me so much and for countless others in Christ, most of whom I have yet to meet but will one day. I am thankful for sunrises and sunsets and soldiers and snow!

I'm thankful for teachers and for the trials that have only served to make me stronger in the Lord!

I am thankful for understanding people and for unity!

I am thankful for victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! AMEN!!

I am thankful for winter days beside a roaring fire with a good book. For watermelon on summer days and for the wonder of God's handiwork and the worship in our hearts for Him!

I am thankful for (yes, this one is usually a challenge).......x-rays so the doctor knows how to set the broken bone. Xylophones are nice too! :)

I'm thankful for YOU, Dear Reader, I am humbled that you drop by here to read with all you have to do and all the great blog sites out there. Thank you. My aim is to be a blessing!

I am thankful for zealous Christians, excited about serving the Lord. He is worthy!!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving from one who is blessed beyond measure from her Lord and Savior!

Deborah

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves: we are His people,and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting: and His truth endureth to all generations." Psalm 100

Praying for the Perplexed!

2010-11-20T15:33:00.001-05:00

Today, I have attempted to do many things- house things, retrieving my Christmas cds out of the closet, etc. and my mind and heart keep drawing me to His Word and this computer because my thoughts, today, are on people who are questioning the paths that God has chosen for them. And we have all been there, haven't we, to some degree or another? I am reading Joni's new book entitled A Place of Healing; Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God's Sovereignty. At the beginning of one of the chapters, John Stott is quoted saying this: "The fact of suffering, undoubtedly, constitutes the single greatest challenge to the Christian faith, and has been in every generation."

In her latest book, Joni relates that the wheelchair has become her normal for the last 40-plus years. It has been so long since she walked that she doesn't concern herself with it but knows she is closer to the day when she will be completely healed, when God calls her Home. There have been some along the way who have questioned her faith, to her face, because they "just know that God wants to heal you, Joni." Could you imagine saying that to this dear saint of God who has so faithfully persevered through enormous disappointment and now has been introduced to a new pain which confines her to bed for long periods of time. Since the book has been written, she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. I wonder if those who just know what God wants to do would be crying out "How long, O God?" were they in this challenging predicament? In the midst of this searing agony, Joni decided to write a new book to help us, the reader, to understand how you can find a place of healing even in the midst of the relentless, never-go-away trial. Now, that blesses and encourages this lady and I hope I can help some of you today.

I write to some, today, who are in a long season of perplexity and quite frankly, you are not looking forward to the Christmas season- you are just barely getting through the day. You feel you have prayed right, taken the appropriate actions and God's silence is deafening. I know that is true because I and all believers, if they have lived very long, have experienced this heart-rending season. I find myself in 2 Cor. 12 at these times and read that Paul prayed three times that the thorn would be removed but God did not answer that prayer but reminded Paul and reminds us of His power. I am so comforted, dear one, that our God is able. Nothing nor no one can stay His hand while He works! And He is working whether we detect it or not. He can calm the storm and I believe the greater miracle is that He can calm us in the storm. Joni exclaims that she has found her place of healing not in spite of the wheelchair but because of the wheelchair. "My power," God tells Paul, " is made perfect in weakness." I remind myself, when I am struggling, of His power and His provision. "My grace is sufficient for you," God encourages His apostle and us. I love this verse of Amazing Grace- "Thru many dangers, toils, and snares, we have already come. Tis grace that brought us safe thus far and grace will lead us Home." I remember His power, His provision, and am comforted more and more as I grow and know Him better by His providence. I find myself reading many times the verse in Ps. 115 which says:" But our God is in the heavens, He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased." Now, the natural man might mock or maybe tremble at that truth but learning to rest in that Scripture brings tremendous peace and trust to our hearts who know Him. He is good and He is gracious and He is merciful and He is committed to His glory and His children's good. Paul's three prayers bring to mind Another Who prayed three times but said "Not My will, but Thine be done," knowing the cross loomed ahead in the distance. Yes, we can rest in One Who loved us so much that He laid down His life for us.

Christian Friend, the providential plan that He chose for you and for me will all make sense one day and in the meantime, we can rest "as the power of Christ rests on us." I pray for you who walk through the valleys today of which I have yet to travel. Just on Thursday, I spoke with a dear lady who has had kidney cancer and she shared how she ministers to others in the same way that the Body reached out to her during her battle. She was such a blessing to my life last week. My friends, Brian and Jennifer in West Virginia, are being such an encouragement to many, I being one, as they valiantly fight the same disease. I pray daily for them and know that God will give them comfort and direction as they look to Him. For a couple of weeks, I have prayed for a family here in our county who lost their 3-yr. old baby girl in a car crash. I am sure they are asking questions and desperately hoping that they can sleep through the Christmas season.

I don't have answers for all of life's perplexities but I want others to know that your brothers and sisters in Christ are lifting up you and your needs to the One Who does fully understand- He, actually, designed the plan and purpose of my life and your life and we can say with Job: "Behold, I go forward, but He is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; On the left hand, where He doth work, but I cannot behold Him: He hideth Himself on the right hand, that I cannot see Him; BUT HE KNOWETH THE WAY THAT I TAKE ; WHEN HE HATH TRIED ME, I SHALL COME FORTH AS GOLD." 23:8-10

Praying for you today! Deborah

Praying for the Poor!

2010-11-19T10:41:00.001-05:00

This morning in my prayer time, I was meditating on a new blog I could share and turned to my Proverb passage for the day. I , along with my other Bible reading, try to read one chapter from Proverbs a day, much wisdom to be gleaned from that book and today was the 19th chapter. I began soaking in the wise words from this passage and noted that the word, poor, showed up 5 times. I, particularly, was captured by verse 17: "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD: and that which he hath given will He pay him again."

I thought of the excellent time, here at the beginning of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, that it would be to explore what the Instruction Manual of Life, our Bible, would exhort us to do concerning this subject of the poor. Before I get into the essential message that I hope we understand today, let me quickly say that I am not a proponent of the social gospel message that we hear extolled today. I saw a book in a Christian bookstore the other day by one of the leading voices in this culture who has said that Jesus certainly taught socialism and I wondered why that book would be on the shelves. (I started to hide it but thought better.) I read that Jesus said that the poor would always be with us and nowhere is the "spread the wealth around" philosophy taught in the Bible. In this chapter of Proverbs, the subject of laziness and idleness is addressed and many are on welfare because they won't work, emphasis on "won't" and not "can't", which is another story and one I hope to tell today.

I don't believe that our hard-earned assets are to be seized and given to others who prefer the "give to me" life. Remember, in Acts 5 when Ananias and his wife were severely punished for lying about their contribution as the other disciples were bringing their offerings? Peter basically asked him- "Why did you lie, Ananias?While it remained unsold, it was yours to do what you wanted and after you sold it, it was still in your power to give it or keep it." No one was being forced but were of their own will giving of their possessions. Now, with that negative aspect out of the way, what are we taught, as children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to do? Glad you asked! :) John addressed it this way in chapter 3:17 of 1 John: "But whoso hath this worlds good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" James puts it like this: "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled: notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" chapter 2. I note the words, brothers and sisters in these passages and no doubt, we are to look for opportunities in the community of faith and in our local assemblies to serve those who are going through tough times and many are today who have never walked that path before. Because of this rocky economy we are facing right now, there are husbands and daddies who have lost jobs and are concerned about keeping shelter for and providing food for their families. Grace Presbyterian Church here in our city is providing free meals and medical help for struggling families right now. Praise God!

It is Christmas time and maybe we , who can, need to buy a turkey or ham or find out what kind of doll that little girl would like to have or the bike the little boy wants and doesn't understand why there might not be anything this year. "Wow, Deborah, you are pulling my heart strings." I hope so because we should be filled with compassion for those who are trying very hard but are barely getting by. Last year, it was such a blessing to let Alicia and Landon place a new toy, one for a girl and one for a boy, in the Toys for Tots bin at Publix, along with the explanation that some kids won't get anything this year unless someone helps. Isn't it difficult, Brother and Sister, to pass by that red kettle with the ringing bell of the Salvation Army as we go into the stores to try to figure out what to get the person who has everything? When I place my dollars, usually, as I go in and out, I picture a smiling face on Christmas morning, don't you? Now, I certainly don't recommend indiscriminate giving but when we know of the worthiness and integrity of the cause, we should help if we can. Last week, in the local grocery story, preboxed meals were sitting at the counter ready to be carried over to a place called Ric-Rac, owned, I think, by a local church. Yes, Danny, (one of the most giving men I have ever known) purchased them and some child and we hear that many are in poverty in our county, will be enjoying some mac n cheese, along with some other staples. Praise God!

I am always reminded as I awake to a roof over my head, the central heat running, and food in the kitchen that there are others who don't have that today. I am also cognizant of the fact that it could be us wondering how we will make the next house payment. Let me add something on a sidebar here: Giving doesn't save us- I heard one of my favorite TV commentators the other night say that he gives much to charity because he is trying to get into heaven. I pray for him because he has been taught that since he was a little boy but giving doesn't gain our way into heaven but it is an evidence, dear Brother and Sister, that we do have God's love shed abroad in our hearts. Heaven is wrought for us because of His giving, Christ Jesus becoming poor for us, His grace and mercy toward undeserving sinners- that is how we get to Heaven. He is the Giver- we simply receive!

Now, I entitled this blog "Praying for the Poor" and I do. I pray that man can find the job to secure the essentials that his family needs to live but my gist of the blog is that there is more that we can do. If we just observe and tell them to be filled and be warm and we will be praying, then we are not accomplishing much, are we? Now, you know what you can do, I know what I can do, some of us are not as able this year as we have been before but I am comforted by the verse in Acts 11 which says that the disciples, after hearing of a famine, "determined everyone ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITY to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea." There is that word, brethren, again. I am so glad that I am in the family of God. I am blessed immeasureably by it and will look today for an opportunity to be a blessing to others. Our Lord said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." How many of us have not experienced the truth of that statement? Praise His Name!!

Looking to be a blessing, Deborah

Praying for Parents!

2010-11-12T15:19:00.001-05:00

Maybe one of the most challenging yet most fulfilling roles is that of parenting. I pray for parents today. I wasn't a perfect one in Mark's and Amy's formative years, looking back, I can identify many errors that I made and today, I still fail but believe that God and experience have taught me a few things in my journey from being a first-time parent at age 20 to now, 38 years later, enjoying the pleasure of being a grandmother. (Jeff set up my new blog site- how about those grandkids?) :) :) :) )

Can I begin by stating that I am glad that I am not parenting in this day in which we find ourselves living? Yes, I know that God's wisdom and grace is still just as sufficient as ever before but when I look around and see the challenges in this society that were not as prevalent when Danny and I were hearing the pitter-patting of little feet in our home, I pray for you who find yourselves wanting to excel at the task that God has given you.

I share a quote from Ted Tripp from his book entitled Shepherding a Child's Heart- "Recognizing that God has called you to function as His agent defines your task as a parent. Our culture has reduced parenting to providing care. Parents often see the task in these narrow terms. The child must have food, clothes, a bed and some quality time. In sharp contrast to such a weak view, God has called you to a more profound task than being a care-provider. You shepherd your child in God's behalf. The task God has given you is not one that can be conveniently shceduled. It is a pervasive task. Training and shepherding are going on whenever you are with your children. Whether waking, walking, talking or resting, you must be involved in helping your child to understand life, himself and his needs from a Biblical perspective."

I pray that our children know that they are a priority to us, their Christian parents, that at the top of our list is the objective to raise them for the glory of God! I remember praying when I felt that first kick, the one you ladies know that took your breath away by the creation going on inside your body, (and yes, literally took your breath away about the 8-9th month when the 8 pounder kicked.). I prayed- "Lord, let this child have a heart for You and Your ways." We, like Hannah, presented them back to God even before they were born.

I am definitely not a psychologist nor M.D. but I ache for the kids that we see acting out and wrecking their lives and many (NOT ALL) simply have not had the question answered yet- "Does anyone care? Where are Dad and Mom when I need them?" I weep as we see this culture's teen-aged icons destroying their lives because parents are exploiting their beauty and talents for money's sake and the drug dependent kids are shouting that things and money are not the answer! I believe they want to know they are a priority and they long for our participation in their lives. Proverbs 22:6 is a familiar passage to Bible students- "TRAIN up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Training takes effort and time and we don't even know the way God wants our children to go unless we are participating in the process. Yes, I know that godliness is the way for all but I am speaking of particulars here. I used to think that verse meant all kids were cookie-cutter models and you just line them up and shape them all alike. You know, give them all the same spanking with the same amount of licks, right? When the two that God blessed my husband and me to have came into our home, we quickly saw that the same two parents could produce two very different personalities and temperaments. I, myself, as a child, aimed to please and most of the time, could be broken with a firm word. There are children who come here, I believe, a little more strong-willed than others and who knows, maybe, God is preparing them to be a leader. We, as parents, are to help chip away that which hinders and hone that which is advantageous to His call for them. That is where the training comes into view and it is easier just to get the cookie- cutter mold out. That way, we don't have to take our precious time from other things to study and know our kids.

I pray, Parent, that you prioritize and that you participate (I remember how it made me feel to see Daddy and Mother in the bleachers as I played basketball) and I also pray for persistence. They are worth it- stay at the task and yes, I know, at times it seems thankless and very tiring. Stick with your "no's" when you, the wiser and more discerning adult know the dangers that they don't yet see. Our children need us to protect them today. I shudder at the avenues of evil that they have access to today. Know, dear Parents, what they look at, listen to, and their peers who are so influential. Remember that as God has a plan and you, as the people who love them the most beside Him, want them to follow His plan, so does the enemy have a bulls-eye target on those precious ones. This morning, in my prayer time, I prayed that God would keep them, from the day-care kids all the way to our college young adults from the evil. I love children and am saddened by the abortion of them, the abuse upon them, and the neglect we see in various forms today.

Finally, I pray for you to have patience. I picture Jesus holding the wee ones, making time for those whom people think are a bother. I know, Christian Sister, that the early days are trying at times but believe me, it will pass before you know it. Be patient with them- they are just little people and I reminded someone recently in a conversation that we adults don't act right toward each other at times- we certainly ought not be so hard on the little ones' mistakes. Recognize the difference between disobedience and childhood mistakes- they will make them- it is all in the process of growing up. I am glad our Heavenly Father is patient with us- "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust." Ps. 103:13-14. I close with a quote I read today in my study- "Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it." Praying for you, Parents who read. I pray that your children will make a difference in this dark world, that they will shine like lights with the love of Christ and for the glory of God!

Praying for parents, Deborah

Praying for Pastors

2010-11-09T14:47:00.002-05:00

I love pastors, God-called men who fill pulpits and shepherd the flock and are burning with a passion to walk worthy of the ministry that God has entrusted to their care. Danny and I both grew up in pastors' homes, my brother,Lamar, was one before health issues arose in his life, and now, my second son, Jeff pastors a congregation in Lawrenceville. I say that about those men to qualify that I know a little about the triumphs and the struggles in this particular arena.

Pastors are on my prayer list- some well known ones like Chuck Swindoll and John MacArthur; others here in rural Dawson County whose names would not be as familiar but being used just the same for God's glory. I call regularly the names of men of local churches that we used to attend and for one whom has been a pastor for me for twelve years now, Pastor Scott Kay. He told me the first time that we met that he was here to help me in my ministry and I will never forget that servant- leader mentality that he so displayed and still does to this day. I asked him one time that if I go Home via death, would he preach to my family about God's goodness and grace? It's good that he is young enough to be my son so maybe he will outlive me. Yes, he and Jeff will make a good combination for a glorious homegoing service, won't they? Maybe we will go via the rapture! I pray for pastors because there is no greater work to be done than what is being wrought for God's kingdom. Because of that undeniable fact, the assault against the work and workers is fierce and brutal, at times. In many of Paul's letters, a man who definitely knew the dangers and pitfalls, he reminds the people to "pray for us."

From Biblical instruction, here are some things I pray for pastors. I doubt that there are many who read these blogs but I know of two and I want to be an encouragement to you who are aiding us and encouraging us because you are sold out for the cause of Christ and have made it your mission to minister to the saints. You are being prayed for often, many times in the middle of the night, hopefully while you are getting some much needed rest. From Col. 4 and 2 Thess. 3, I pray for the proclamation of the Gospel and for its clarity as you preach from week to week. I praise God for preachers who have refused the gimmicks and the "mini-nothings" to tickle ears but are preaching the Word in season and out of season. Preach it, Brother! There are those of us who desire to hear it- yes, it smarts at times like salt in a fresh wound but it is a cleansing agent and is good for us and let me remind you, it is still the "power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth...". It has always been God's method and will continue to be so until He comes. I pray not only for your clear and bold proclamation but for your purity. Paul writes to young Timothy and exhorts him to flee some things, to run from the dangers that lurk, things we have seen that brought down men who once ran well. I pray that money nor power become a snare and reading in Proverbs recently, I prayed you would find yourself reading chaps. 2, 5,6,7, and that you note the consequences that follow from failing morally. Chapter 6:26 has always intrigued me- "For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will HUNT for the PRECIOUS life." Not only is the pastor's family hurt but the church family as they experience the victory of the enemy as she sought and captured the precious life, the word in the Hebrew being valuable and bright. Maybe it is an uncomfortable thought but the truth is she is so emboldened today, on billboards, on TV, on computer screens and she thrills to devalue your ministry and put out the light. Run if you must, like Joseph did when he asked "How can I do this and sin against God?"

There's much more I pray for pastors, like their protection, their being kept from the evil, but let me close with that I pray for your perseverance. Aim to say with Paul- "I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished my course." I don't pretend to empathize completely because I am not a pastor nor will be because God calls men for that office. But I do know some of your struggles- I have lived in a pastor's home- I was a sounding board for my brother when the load was so heavy that he needed to talk. I know that many tears are shed when no one else is aware, messages weigh heavy on hearts in the middle of the night as you long for the people in the congregation to move forward in their faith, people that you love and want to minister to, misunderstand and leave angrily, family activities are postponed because the unexpected call comes from the hospital. Sometimes, it just helps to know that someone knows and cares and prays for you. I do! I, also, pray for the wives and children in these homes. I adjure you in the words of the old cliche- "keep on keeping on." It will be worth it all when we see Jesus! I will let Peter have the final word inspired by the Holy Spirit- "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."

Praying for pastors, Deborah

Pray For One Another

2010-11-08T09:12:00.002-05:00

On the heels of my last blog, concerning fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing trying circumstances at this present time, I thought it would be an opportune time to remind us that we are to pray for one another. In the Epistle from James, one who is said to have been called "Old Camel Knees" because of the humps on his knees from praying often, he reminds us in 5:16 to "pray for one another." Some Bible teachers remind us that the theme from this book is practical Christian living and with the "one anothers" that I have been studying, that is my thrust lately- to remind us that there are some things we cannot do nor understand but there are others that we can and should for others, especially in these seemingly increasing dark days.

Often times we hear and maybe have even said something like this- "Well, I can't do anything else so I will pray", sounding like we think prayer is the last resort when we have tried all other avenues. No, no, Christian friend, prayer is essential and the best thing we can do. I receive a regular e-mail from a dear Christian couple, Carol being one of the best Bible teachers I have ever had the privilege of learning from and her husband, a beloved former pastor. They, now, minister to missionaries and young pastors and their wives, helping those who are now where they have been and their e-mail always reminds us that "first we pray." Yes, I am always encouraged when a fellow brother or sister tell me that they are praying for me. Recently, someone that I love and respect very much not only reminded me that he prays for me but asked how he could specifically pray about me and my needs. We don't realize how encouraged and blessed people are to know someone cares enough to lift their names up to the Father when they go to their prayer time. Dear ones, who take the time to read my posts, I pray for you before I hit the "send button" because my heart's desire is to help you, never to harm you as I write my simple thoughts. Know you have been prayed for today.

I love this message from James 5:13-14 where three questions are posed. "Is any suffering? Pray!". "Is any cheerful" Praise!" " Is any sick? The response - prayer!" From a book by David Jeremiah comes this quote- "Both in periods of suffering and trouble, and in times of joy, prayer and praise alike acknowledge that He is sufficient. To pray to Him is to acknowledge His sovereign power in appointing our circumstances. Whether as the source of supply in need, or the source of gladness of our joy, God is our sufficiency."( Alec Motyer, The Message of James) Yes, He is our sufficiency,both when life is going well and we are singing loudly and when it seems the bottom has fallen out and we are on our knees calling out in desperation. And all believers will experience both along their journey from earth to our real Home. As a parent delights to meet their dependent child's need, our Heavenly Father awaits to hear our praise, our call, our cry this day. "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Praying for you today, Deborah

In the next day or so, I long to share with you who I pray for on a regular basis and why. I, probably, will begin with pastors. Looking forward to it, dear ones!

The LORD on our Side!

2010-11-05T11:56:00.002-04:00

I, a struggling pilgrim, write to others who need a good word today. I hold in my lap, as I pen these few thoughts, the Good Word and find much comfort and encouragement for the journey these days in the blessed Psalms. This week, I have been reading through chapters 120-134, the ones entitled in my Bible, the Songs of Ascents, those probably sung by those who said they felt they were sojourning in Mesech and Kedar (their enemies and haters of peace-chap. 120) but they were setting their eyes and hearts toward Jerusalem (the city of peace) and more importantly, toward the King of Jerusalem, their LORD Who made heaven and earth. (chap. 121).

That's us, fellow traveler. Can we not see the parallels, even more clearly, as the day of the King's most welcome return approaches? I have had conversations lately with believers and about believers who feel an intensity of the heat that they haven't experienced as of yet. Remember, we are soldiers and the enemy is busy scheming, lying, and throwing fiery darts- we can expect it. I confess, myself, that I must daily wage war against thoughts of uselessness, apathy, even depression which wants to seize me probably stemming from a long season of physical struggles. It is so liberating to know that I can say that I struggle because there was a day when I was a spiritual teen-ager and knew everything and thought that "my theology" wouldn't allow weakness. Who was I kidding? I, certainly, was not a student of the Apostle Paul's, was I? Let me ask you- how can someone who has never been in a spiritual battle ever minister to another who is there now?

I picked up Joni's new book yesterday at Lifeway and tears ran down my face last night as I read from a precious saint of God concerning a new unrelenting pain that she is in now. Do you know why Joni's words are so powerful? Because, as she sits in a 40-yr. wheelchair and ministers, as she begins to cry because she feels the room is tightening in around her, her husband, Ken, must come and hold the Kleenex while she blows her nose. Those are her words- it's real to her- it's her life and millions have been blessed and inspired by this saint of God who gives her great God, her merciful Savior, all the praise and all the glory! Let me share a quote from her new book called A Place of Healing. It will whet your appetite to go buy it. "The adversary knows very well what my example of trust and confidence in God has meant to Christians throughout the years, from the time I published my first book, Joni, back in 1976 through the present. Has Satan read my books? I seriously doubt it- there is way too much Jesus in those pages for his liking. Nevertheless, he knows my love for the Savior and hates me for it. My enemy has most probably assigned some captain in his lowerarchy of hell to harass me. My wicked adversary knows I have at least become accustomed to quadriplegia. He recognizes that total and permanent paralysis is no longer the struggle it used to be for me. He is aware that my profound disability has helped me develop the prized characteristic of needing God desperately when I wake up in the morning. And quite frankly, he despises that. He hates knowing that my trust in God resounds to the Father's glory. He detests thinking of my increased eternal capacity for worship and joy in heaven as a reward for my perseverance these forty-plus years in my wheelchair. He loathes the way my fellowship with Christ in His sufferings turns up the wattage on the Savior's glory. He considers it odious that I have yielded to the Hebrews 12-type discipline of the Lord in years past, and he sneers as he watches me walk deeper into that fellowship of suffering with Jesus." WOW!

She carries on and so will we because of the Psalm that I just read this morning. "If it had not been the LORD Who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD Who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed be the LORD, Who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. " chapter 124.

I remember, as a child, as we played in the backyard, seeing the bat tossed from my brother, Wayne, the best athlete in Liberty Heights, to Max, the boy who caused me to break my toe. (refer to former blogs). You, who have done this to see who chooses first, know that the one who reaches the top of the bat with his outstretched thumb,wins the privilege of selecting the remaining twenty, yeah, we had lots of kids in our neighborhood, to be on their team. Wayne, probably, hated to do so but if he won, he chose his little sister because I was the next best shortstop behind him. The best got chosen first because everybody likes to win but here's my thought, one that I hope will bless your day as it has mine already.

God chose me and you, Christian friend, to be on His side and definitely not because we were good but simply because of His love and His desire for us to be objects of that love, mercy and grace which redounds to His glory! That declaration, as the Jerusalem bound people made as they traveled was my declaration as I got up from my bed this morning. His love and amazing grace on behalf of this lady who writes who deserves it the least of any one I know, motivates me. See, we all face dilemmas. These pilgrims sang about that they were a bird in a snare. Matthew Henry says it like this- "God's people are taken in the snare, and unable to help themselves out as any weak and silly bird is: and then God breaks the snare, and turns the counsel of the enemies into foolishness." That's our God, Saints! He will turn the accusations of the enemy back on his own head. I am sure that satan thought he would destroy Joni when she dove into the shallow water at age 17 and broke her neck. He, maybe, thought he had Paul and Silas silenced in the dark dungeon but what is that sound we hear? Praying and singing at midnight, huh? He is trying to convince some of us that we are through because of our weaknesses and fears and failures. Let's don't listen to him- he is a liar. He mocked and partied, I am sure, at the cross, but it was there and at the empty tomb three days later that he was defeated. He is a defeated foe and knows it and no doubt, is working 24/7 because he is aware of the time and that it is almost up. HALLELUJAH!!!!

We may, at times, feel we are a bird in a trap but God is on our side- He never loses- it's impossible for Him to do so. In verse 8, the sojourners remind themselves again that "Our help is in the name of the LORD." They reaffirm over and over that their Companion on this arduous journey never sleeps nor slumbers but is leading all the way, yes, through the valleys for our good and up the mountains, Brothers and Sisters.

Oh, my aim is that you be encouraged. I prayed for people this morning who I have never met but know through others that you hurt today. I also prayed for you who I do know and know well that your valleys, whether physical, emotional, financial,relational or any other way are wearing you down. I just want you to know that brothers and sisters come alongside you today to pray because we love you. Let me close with another quote from Matthew Henry concerning this chapter- "The more desperate the disease appears to have been the more does the skill of the Physician appear in the cure." And I say amen.

Standing with and kneeling for you today, Deborah - "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"

Exhort and Encourage One Another!

2010-10-28T11:02:00.001-04:00

This morning, as I flipped pancakes in the kitchen, my husband tuned in to the TV to see if the rain would be gone so he could call his crew to roof today. There was quite the commotion going on as the sports broadcaster was in a packed gymnasium of exuberant,(to say the least- a little much so for me at 7:00 a.m.) fans of the Griffin Bears football team. Yes, the pep rally brought back some memories of the late 1960's, pleasant memories, I might add. As I watched that blueberry pancake sizzle in the pan, I pictured a 15-17 yr old girl at a free throw line in a noisy gym and hearing fans and cheerleaders, dressed in blue and white like me, exhorting and encouraging me that I could sink the shot.

As the ball swished through the net and the roars went up, I was one happy girl because I had found something of which I was good and there was just something special about the feeling that others believed that I could come through for the team. I can still hear Coach Fitzpatrick exhort me to take the outside shot because he had confidence that I could make it. Following the theme now of our "one anothers", let me replant the thought that all believers, those on God's team, those in Christ Jesus, need encouragement from time to time and many need it today. I was looking through the O.T. and N.T. this morning and I read that God told Moses and Israel to encourage Joshua, who was being handed the mantle to lead them into the Promised Land. It was said of King Josiah in 2 Chron. 35 that "he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD."

We Bible students are familiar with the N. T. example of Barnabas, who was called the "son of consolation" or "son of encouragement." We need a tribe of Barnabases today, people who are aware that there will be those, especially those on the opposite side, (those in the other stands at Norcross High School "booed" me as I sank the shot) who will always be members of the wrecking crew. But, we who are concerned that the work get done and really don't care who gets the credit want to be the builder-uppers, right? (Builder-uppers? Is that a word? Should be- I kinda like it:) In Heb. 10:24-26, the church is instructed to "stir up one another" and to "exhort one another", and especially even more as we see the Day approaching. John MacArthur comments-"There is an eschatological urgency to the exhortation which requires an increased activity as the coming of Christ approaches." We are to consider how to urge others forward in the work, to study how to stimulate other believers to keep doing what they are called to do for Christ.

A little encouragement goes a long way, Brother and Sister in Christ! I'll be brief because these "one anothers" we are looking at are simple, we can understand them so why aren't we doing them? I love the study of deeper theological truths and think we can delve as deep as God will let us. I often tell my daughter when her husband is having lunch with some of the wise minds that I would love to sit at the table and just listen because I would doubt I would have anything to add but I love to learn. Again, I think that is good but if we are missing the simple truths of the "one anothers", which even we who don't have the high IQ's can understand, are we really accomplishing anything? Let me encourage us today that if a singer sings for Jesus and the song ministers healing or encouragement to our hearts, let's tell them. If your Pastor is feeding your soul, tell him that you are blessed and that you notice his faithfulness in season and out of season. Go find the nursery worker who gets little recognition but changes lots of diapers and give her an encouraging word or the guy who is always working behind the scenes so the worship service can run more smoothly. I can't name all- I know I would omit someone- you know who they are- go tell them.

Maybe there are parents who would love to hear that their children recognize the sacrifices that have been made on their behalf. Parents, are your children despairing because "good enough" is never "good enough" for you? I know that in a balanced Scriptural lesson on exhortation, there will be negatives at times, but how are you balancing out that? Some times, the little ones and the teens need to hear that you notice their progression in an area. They will want to do better. Alicia was practicing her Christmas lines for the play-(Thank you, Mr. Thomas and Ms. Sheila), and she asked "MaMa, do you think I am saying them right? I want my Daddy to be proud!" That home is filled with affirming and encouraging exhortations from both Jeff and Amy but Alicia likes to hear it. So do my children and your children. Wives, does your husbands know that you appreciate what they do for you? Danny went to get lunch for me one day this week and when he brought it to me, I thanked him and he said, "You don't have to thank me because it's my job." I replied with a question- "Whether it is your job or not, I don't know, but doesn't an appreciative "thank- you" go a long way?" "Yes, it does!", he said. Lest I leave out the male spouses, does your wife hear more compliments from you than any other woman does? She should! She's encouraged when she feels that your eyes and your heart belong solely to her.

I remember walking off the court and hearing from my Coach and fans these words- "Good game, Deborah." Someone needs to hear that from us today, fellow pilgrim. It will encourage them to go forward today. It's my opinion that never in my lifetime have fellow believers needed each other as much as today and that probably will only increase as the pressures step up a notch or two. So, in closing, go be a Barnabas today. Their life will be blessed, your life will be blessed and only God knows how far the chain will go from there!

Looking to encourage today, Deborah

Forgive One Another

2010-10-22T16:04:00.002-04:00

A couple of blogs ago, I began the "one anothers" of the New Testament with Jesus' words "Love one another" launching us into the study. I thought I would take two lessons to talk about the characteristics of love that Paul gave to us in 1 Cor. 13 but decided I would proceed when I saw that in that chapter, some of the other "one anothers' are included such as the last one we looked at- "love is kind."

Today, I write from the same verse I referenced last time in Eph. 4:32 which says -"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,(I love that word.) forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Many Bible teachers believe that the description of love in 1 Cor. 13:5- "love thinks no evil" simply means that we are not to keep a record of wrongdoing committed against us. I ask us today- how are we doing with that? Do we keep a scorecard and if so, may we be challenged today, as the family of God, to tear it up and throw it away? Maybe there is no better lesson taught on this matter of forgiveness (other than the cross scene) as our Lord did in Matt. 18 when Peter, more concerned over being wronged, asked the question that, I think, might have exuded some pride, just like us, might I add. "Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Seven times?" The rabbis, I read, thought that three times was enough so I suppose that Peter thought he was really being generous in this arena of overlooking his brother's wrongs.

Jesus, as He was and still is prone to do, deflates our ego with His answer- "I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven" and that, of course, implying an innumerable time that we are to forgive our brother or sister. In Luke 17, when Jesus was again speaking to His disciples concerning forgiving their brothers, they replied- "Increase our faith." Now, whether they are reacting to Jesus' forgiveness sermon or to all the other issues He is expounding to them, I don't know but I do know this- forgiving doesn't come easily from a natural standpoint (our egos and justifications for being bitter stand in the way) but remember, Believer, we live in a supernatual strength and too, Jesus surely doesn't command us to do something that He won't empower us to do and He said we are to forgive. From Peter's question, Jesus gives a story, one we are very familiar with but let me reacquaint us with the significance of it. A certain king has a servant brought before him because he(the king) has discovered that he(the servant) owes the king ten million dollars or so I read that is the equivalent to the ten thousand talents. Imagine with me, that this man who in no way can pay that tremendous debt, is me and you. See our pitiful position as we see the king view our spouses and kids and grandkids and all we own and demand they be sold as slaves to work off the debt. Our hearts break and we fall on our knees and plead that he would be merciful and have patience with us until we can try to pay it back. Look into the face of the king, filled with compassion (love is kind) and hear the words that you did not expect- "I release you; I forgive the debt." O, WHAT JOY!!

Now, as we head back to our place, free and completely forgiven, we meet a brother or sister who we remember owes us seventeen or two thousand dollars. In my study, one commentator said the hundred pence equaled seventeen dollars, one noted two thousand dollars in our economy. I didn't even bother to look up the money measurements because regardless of the amount, it is not even comparable to ten million, and that being the point. We grab our creditor by the throat and demand that he or she pay us back. We, who was just shown such mercy, offer none as we throw them into prison. Pretty sad, isn't it? Pretty familiar, isn't it? Verse 31 is interesting to me as these two servants' fellow laborers are grieved by what they have just seen transpire. Yes, I think the lesson is that we hurt the church when we fail to forgive. There is more at stake than our petty grievances. The forgiving master is angry when he hears what has taken place and asks- " Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?" Now, I know that I may have a reader today who has suffered tremendous hurt in a short time that I will not realize even in a lifetime and I do not downplay for an instant the hurt that comes from wrongdoing. I, also, realize that we all have worn both shoes at some time in our lives- either we have been offended or we have been the offender. Before the King of Kings, we all stand guilty of a debt that is impossible to pay and yet, see with me, His swollen, beaten, unrecognizable face, crown of thorns pressed into His head, and hear the words our dying Savior utters as He looks and hears from a mocking crowd- "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Let's be challenged and ask ourselves today- can we not forgive the much less debt that we feel is owed to us? He has set us free- why do we want to imprison ourselves by refusing to forgive our brother or sister?

I close with a quote from Charles Swindoll- "Forgiving is not so much excusing the offender's guilt as releasing the person in God's grace and freeing ourselves to live without pain. It's as much for our benefit as the other person's. For by unhooking the offender, we unhook ourselves from the bitterness and anger that can sour our lives and turn us into stumbling blocks to the people around us. Our forgiveness gives people a sweet taste of Christ's forgiveness, a taste that will draw them to Him rather than point them away."

Looking to forgive and be forgiven,

Deborah

On a footnote: I was visiting with a friend yesterday who conveyed the story of a 15-yr. old boy in her neighborhood who committed suicide last week by hanging himself. His younger brother discovered the awful scene. I prayed and want you to do the same for the grief-stricken family (the Trautwein family) who I cannot even imagine the pain they are feeling. At times like these, I am again reminded that to hold onto hurts and unforgiving spirits just really make no sense in the light of some things, do they?

Be Kind One To Another

2010-10-16T17:40:00.001-04:00

WARNING: Here comes another example from my adorable grandson! A few weeks ago, I told you the story of Alicia and Landon observing the beautiful, pink sky and discussing the reasons for the brilliant color to which Landon exclaimed that he thought God wanted to bless someone and he also thought He wanted to bless him. He went on to relate his reasoning to his Mom and Sister. The day before, on the playground, he was winning the race, (apparently a rare event for him to be in the lead), and when he saw Timothy fall, he went back to help him up and then said later to his mommy and sister, "I think that made Jesus happy!"

I am with him on this because I think it brings a smile to our Savior and Lord's face too when we practice this art of kindness. I believe it is getting rarer and rarer in the world, but I write to believers who can make a great impact just by that fact- that the world sees little of it today. They are almost suspicious of us when we shine with kindness. As I studied Paul's description of love in 1 Cor. 13, I noted that he said "love is kind." That list from verses 4-7 informs us that love is active and not just a "feeling". That is how the world describes it and sadly, we believers adopt their definition often when we sit in the pastor's office and say things like "I just don't love her or him anymore." Now, being that I am speaking about kindness today, I want to be careful and gentle but, for believers, you need to start loving him or her again. It is hard to resist a kind, caring, and gentle pursuer. It's hard to say "no" to one who you see is more interested in your concerns than they are their own. And, yes, I know there are exceptions but my point is that we define love correctly- it isn't that starry-eyed, tingly up the spine feeling but it is a commitment and Paul says that it is kind.

In Galatians 5, in the list of the fruit of the Spirit, the same Greek word is used and translated gentleness. In Ephesians 4, as Paul again stresses "putting off" the old man and his deeds, those things which grieve the Holy Spirit, he reminds us, as new men and women, to put on some kindness. It looks good on us as His children. John MacArthur defines kindness in this way- "A tender concern for others, reflected in a desire to treat others gently, just as the Lord treats all believers.." Ps. 117:1-2 "O Praise, the LORD, all ye nations; praise Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD." Pity us were it not for His kindness!! I love the Scripture in Titus 3, as Paul describes us in vs 3 before God saved us- not a pretty picture, was it? "BUT after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost: which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;" Ask ourselves again, where would we be without His kindness and mercy toward us? Contemplating that thought more often would cause us to be kind to others more.

Oh, I love His gentleness, don't you? I can hardly read Matt 11:28-30 without crying over the fact that He is kind to the weary. In Matt. 19:13-14, He is kind to the weak- the little children whom the disciples were going to send away lest they bother the Master. The weary and the weak are no bother to Him. He, rather, beckons those groups to come and be blessed. Let us ask ourselves- how do we treat those two groups? Are they a deterrent to our agenda or are we reaching out to them in kindness, with gentleness? Our Lord did and does! It is so refreshing to be around a genuinely kind individual today. We live in such a scurrying, sarcastic, and self-serving world that they are jewels indeed- those who when they walk away have spoken a gracious word or done a kind deed that now the result is that you feel you are rejuvenated. My beloved mother, gone now for 25 years on the 18th day of this month, comes to mind when I think of kindness. Her longtime doctor, with tears in his eyes, remarked to us as he attended to her in ICU on her last day on earth that she motioned for him to take the oxygen mask away (she, being too weak to do so) and then she thanked him for being a good doctor to her and her family and told him how much she appreciated him. She was still making people feel good on her last day and "I think that made Jesus happy."

The good news is that we all can do this because the Holy Spirit lives in us to produce that fruit. Oh, for the relinquishment of that old attitude that "it's just the way I am." No, it's just the way you were before King Jesus came to reside on the throne of your heart. Tomorrow, as we go to church, let's purpose to be compassionate instead of critical, gentle in the place of grilling either our pastors or fellow parishioners, merciful instead of malicious. And, then of course, pray that we put it on and walk in it everyday, not just Sundays. It would be good to practice it on the highways on Mondays and in our homes daily. Would those living under our roofs have a heart attack if they saw some kindness? Do they see that happy face just as we exit the car to go into the church doors?A good motivation is to remember the kindness and mercy of our Lord toward us - we deserved neither. Let's go with the intention that if we see a fellow runner fall that we will put our agenda on hold and go back and help them up. I'm sure that makes the Master smile.

I close with what I thought was a wonderful quotation from Phillip Keller concerning kindness: "Perhaps no other fruit of the Spirit has such far-reaching effects. It comes without display or ostentation, performing its sublime service almost in secret to slip away unseen. Yet its benefits remain to do their divine work in a weary old world." Amen, we sure look good in that kindness, fellow pilgrim!

Looking up, Deborah

God has used His Word and my lesson here to convict and compel me toward kindness - just wanted you to know! I feel like Paul who said that he had not "arrived" but was pressing on. Thank You, Lord. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." Phil. 2:13

Love One Another

2010-10-13T13:36:00.002-04:00

When my 5 year old grandson started to kindergarten this year, he was introduced to a new piece of apparel, one that 0-5 little boys have no need of and that being the dreaded belt. (You thought that I was going to say the necktie, didn't you?) Well, his Mommy bought him one a week or so before school started so they could practice buckling it. She even got the magnetic type to make it easier and for the first day or two, she noticed when she picked up the children that the belt was barely hanging on the hips and maybe through one loop of the khaki uniform shorts he was wearing. They practiced some more and toward the end of the week, she noticed an improvement and asked him- "Landon, are you getting better at clasping your belt?" And I love his reply-

"No, me and Alex can see each other's belt better so we do one another's- it's easier that way." From the solution of a problem from two precious, innocent little boys comes my first entry on the "one another's" in the New Testament. Yesterday, I reminded us of some things we, as God's children through faith in Christ, should be wearing, some attributes that the Holy Spirit provides which looks good on us. Col. 3:14- "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." In fact, of all the ways we are to relate one to another in the Body, none is more repeated than the one from our Lord Jesus in John 13:34-34, as He prepares His disciples with some powerful last words. "A new commandment, I give unto you, that ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." Jesus said that love is our badge, our identifiable mark that we are His disciples.

Jesus, Who is getting closer to the cross, (no greater example of love than this), has just washed the disciples' dirty feet; think of this, even Judas' feet who He knows will betray Him in a few short hours . He also washed "foot in the mouth" Peter's feet knowing that soon, as he stands around a fire, warming himself, Peter will deny that he ever even knew Him, after affirming quite dogmatically that he would not ever do so even if all the rest did. Jesus loved the disciples, He loves you today, He loves me, and He loves a lost and dying world. Love is the theme over and over again in Scripture. 1 John 4:7-8 "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God: and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God: for God is love." God is love and if He lives in us, we are loving too. And yes, I know it can wax and wane depending on our pursuit of walking in obedience to Christ's command but if it isn't the rule in our lives, we have reason to examine our hearts to see if we are in the faith or not. Love is the first of the fruit of the Spirit to be named in Gal. 5 and fruit is a supernatural byproduct of our abiding in Him and His Words abiding in us. According to Rom. 5:5, "the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

I want to write at least two times on this first "one another" and show you some markers we can gauge at how we are doing in our love walk but today, I just want to pose a challenging question. According to Jesus Who said "all people will know you are my disciples, if you love one another" what are they observing as they look at the church today or, maybe more importantly, as they look at me and you today? I note that there is too much petty divisiveness today- too many "isms" and "schisms"- too much of the attitude of "I cannot fellowship with that brother or sister (even if they are a brother or sister?) because they__________... you fill in the blank. Shame on us and yes, I have lived there before and have repented of ostracizing and alienating other believers because they didn't cross every t and dot every i like I preferred. Who of us don't realize that when we get to Heaven, we will see that we missed it on some issues? Isn't it sad that the statistics say that most church splits occur not from doctrinal, foundational truths which we can't compromise but on petty preferences and selfish saints?

Jeff wrote an excellent blog yesterday about sideliners getting back into the game because we are in the fourth quarter. I believe that and further think it is late in the fourth quarter. Isn't it time we banded together in love (and, yes, it must be truth-based from God's Word) , instead of shooting at each other. They call it friendly fire but it is neither friendly nor loving. When the soldier is marching next to me in combat, I am concerned that He is on my side and fighting the same enemy that I am shooting at. I don't care if he's white or black, if he prefers the KJV or ESV or if Southern Gospel music is blasting from his earphones or if he prefers the quieter hymns like I do. It does not matter to me if he sings in church from a hymnal or if the song is printed on the bulletin or the words are on the big screen on the wall. (Yeah, I know - it's pretty silly, isn't it?) It is fine with me if his or her church has 2 services in the morning and none at night or if they are a group of people who just stay there all day on Sunday. It really doesn't matter if they meet in the Family Life Center or if they rent a school to hold services. The building is not the church! I will stop with the examples because I am sure you get the point. No, I want to know does he love God's Son, does he love God's Word, does he love God's people and does he love a lost and hurting world?

Now, I am trying really hard to shorten my blogs because I know we lose people if we go on and on so I try to close. Remember, yesterday, I said we are too caught up in the trivial, the trite- "how ya doin? you sure are looking good." Today, I ask the serious- how is your love walk going? Are others observing and exclaiming- "See how they love one another"? Love works, Saints! Everyone, whether they admit it or not wants someone to love them- from the tiny baby to the older senior in the nursing home to the messed-up Hollywood starlet. They wish someone loved them, really loved them, not a one-night stand, sensual love but real love. Someone once said, "They won't care how much we know until they know how much we care!" How are we doing spiritually, fellow saint? Are we lovingly helping others with their belts of truth? Love sure looks good on you, Brother and Sister!!

Looking up, Deborah

A Spiritual Makeover

2010-10-12T14:00:00.001-04:00

We have all, probably, watched one of those TV shows where Ty, I believe is his name, goes into a house and completely makes it over, so much so that you can hardly believe it is the one and same. Then there is the show where you have the before and after transformation of a dowdy woman, (not right hair, not right clothes, not right make-up, pretty much not right anything :) ) and together with the make-up artist, the hair-dresser, and the fashionable wardrobe consultant, the new woman has changed from frumpy to fabulous in about an hour. Together, with that example, let me use a couple of TV ads which make me laugh and frustrate me all at the same time, to try to show where I am going today in this writing.

Have you seen the one speaking to ladies which asks them- " Have you noticed now at sixty that there are more wrinkles?" WELL, YEAH! Or, to the male species, how about the one who asks- "Have you men at forty-five noticed that you don't have the stamina and energy level that you had at twenty-five?" WELL, DUH! Grandanny and I often laugh as we collapse on the couch after having those two precious ones over for a sleepover and we ask the question- why do they have all that energy, even at bedtime? Simple answer- they are ten and five - and we ain't! It's why we were raising Mark and Amy when we were in our twenties, not in our late fifties and early sixties. I could keep up better back then with that browned-eyed boy who got into everything (he turned his MaMa Womack's mixer on one time with the beaters up and coconut cake was on the ceiling- true story) and that blue-eyed girl who did not believe in naps.( I used to take my fingers and close her eyelids- didn't work!)

Now, understand, please, that I am not anti-looking good or anti-feeling good. I understand that looking presentable is right- I don't think the more bland we look, the more spiritual we are. I do feel for our young girls today though because there is so much emphasis on the appearance. We need to impress upon them that "who they are" is more important than how they look. I mean Lindsey Lohan and Miley Cyrus are beautiful but they both seem to be headed down the wrong paths. Can I insert this without sounding too meddling? Parents, pay attention to whom your little girls are looking to and why do we want them to look provocative? Are we afraid they will be deemed different? I write to Christians- we are called to be different! I also know that we have high demands and schedules today and the better we feel, the more we can accomplish so I am all for feeling better- in fact, I am on a new herbal regiment to see if I possibly can improve my quality of life. But, with that said concerning the outer man or woman, I want to give you a couple of verses from Scripture and convey what is really on my heart today. 2 Cor. 4:16- "For which cause we faint not: but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." Col. 3:10 "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him."

My concern for myself this day (and if it applies to you) is that I spend more time looking in the mirror of God's Word (James 1:23-25) than I do in the bathroom mirror. One is fading, deteriorating, at best, and going back to the dust but the new self should be glowing and becoming more attractive to the point of others noticing and wanting to be like Jesus because He is Who is shining in and through me. Christian friend, it is impossible to gaze upon Him at length and not be transformed. Back to 2 Cor. 3:18, which says "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." I love the O.T. verse from Proverbs 4:18 which, I believe parallels with this thought - "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." My desire should be to shine brighter and brighter for Him as I press on. I know it is yours too and hopefully next time, I will share something that looks good on all Christians. The "experts" on the physical body will tell us that certain colors and styles don't accentuate our best features. For instance, orange is not a good color for me but my sister, Darlene has skin tones that it works very well for her. (I wear my Tennessee Vol shirt anyway on Saturdays and I am sorry the Dawgs took their wrath out on them this past week.) When you find a color, though, and people remark "Hey, I love that color- it looks good on you", you shop for things in that color, don't you?

Well, I have been studying some things that the Master, the Creator, the Potter, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ says "That looks good on my children!" Doesn't He create in us a desire to put them on and wear them for Him and His glory? Lord, give us hearts to know You and pliable hearts that long for a spiritual make-over, to throw some things out and to put on some others which look like You! Amen and Amen!

Looking up, Deborah

Rich In What Matters!

2010-10-09T19:22:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago, the precious ones had a sleepover with us and as Landon looked around the house, I guess to see if anything had changed since the last trip, he asked me- "MaMa, are you rich?" I had to smile, firstly, because Grandanny and I have a very humble home and secondly, I remembered that Alicia, around age five, had also asked me the question one day as she accompanied me to the bank to deposit twenty $100 bills so we could pay SOME of the bills for that month. She thought it was a lot of money! :) Maybe, when they start to school, they begin to hear "rich and poor", suppose?

I thought of their question to which I answered "no, we aren't" this week when I pulled from my bookshelf a book entitled When The Game Is Over, It All Goes Back In The Box by John Ortberg. All of you remember playing the game of Monopoly, don't you? I, being the "too-reflective, safe" personality, was never very good at it but my "risk-taker" husband always won because he had bought all the properties he landed on, acquired the houses and motels and all the money seemed to always pile up on his side of the board. I always lost but I also always gained a little satisfaction as my "smirking sweetie" put all of that "stuff" back in the cardboard box. "See", I muttered under my breath, "it really didn't mean a thing!" Jesus told a story in Luke 12 of a rich man (materially wise) who thought his life consisted of what he owned (note his greed indicated by all of his "I"s" in his plan) but discovered too late that "it all goes back in the box." Jesus reminded the disciples in vs 21 that it didn't mean a thing. "So is he who lays up treasures for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Now, quickly, Scripture doesn't condemn being wealthy- "the love of money is the root of all evil", not money itself but if you are one who reads today whom God has entrusted with wealth, you are instructed not to trust in it and to look for opportunities to use it to help people and glorify God. 1 Tim. 6:17-19. I answered my grandchildren with an honest "no" because I knew they both were speaking monetarily wise. But there is a richness that the Bible speaks of, the things that are laid up eternally, that I want both of them to see in my life. There are assets that don't go back in the box. Actually, these tents that the "real us" dwell in, our bodies, if Jesus doesn't return first, will go in a box one day (regardless of how healthy, how beautiful, how well-adorned- I know some think it is a morbid discussion- its reality, people) but what we did for Him and others in His Name will be laid up in Heaven.

Why, if we, as Bible-believing people really believe that - why do we spend so much of our time, energy, and resources as if we don't? We are so prone, because of our fallen nature, to focus on the temporal which will pass away while ignoring the eternal values for which we should be living our lives . Yes, Alicia and Landon, your MaMa is rich- rich because of the riches of God's grace- Eph. 1:7. Rich, because of the riches of God's kindness, forbearance,and patience and hopefully extravagantly pouring those out for others because He has lavishly given them to me. I want them and others to see a life from me "rich in faith" James 2:5 and "rich in good works." 1 Tim. 6:18. Yes, just those two phrases from His precious word bring to mind what is most important - God and people. Growing in faith toward God and doing good to people- those attributes do not go back in the box. It's a challenging thought today, isn't it, for all of us who are in God's family through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ? What are we spending our lives on? Let me leave you with a quote from a man named Epictetus- " "This is our predicament. Over and over again, we lose sight of what is important and what isn't." Help us, Lord, to discover and apply what it means to be "rich towards God." Help us, Lord, to hold loosely to that which can fly away in an instant, not to be greedy nor proud about what we do have but to realize that all gifts come from You and are to be used for Your glory! Help us, Lord, if we are in the class of living paycheck to paycheck and many are today in this failing economy, to know our Heavenly Father is our Provider. Help us to come to terms with the truth that our children value our time more than our things. Help us, Father, to leave a legacy that our loved ones know we were rich in those things that matter to You!

Looking up, Deborah

Reflections on Finishing Well!

2010-10-06T11:24:00.003-04:00

In my last blog, I left off with the thought of finishing well and today I was reading one of my favorite prayers in the Bible offered up by one of my favorite O.T. characters. I thought that from one of the final prayers of King David, I could offer some insight from a man who finished well. I love to read the prayers in Scripture by the men and women of God. I think of Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel concerning her heartfelt desire for a child and Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1 as he desperately wanted the people to know the God that they served.

The prayers in the Scriptures are, often so different than the ones we hear and pray ourselves today. David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29 is one of my favorite and as Israel's beloved king is about to pass off this stage of life, I believe he leaves us some valuable insights to finishing our race well. David started well, as a tender, humble shepherd boy and an obedient son of Jesse who was chosen by God over his more impressive brothers to be king of Israel. And, yes, he had lapses, (and we all do), and the Bible doesn't hide them but God sought a "man after His own heart" and during his lifetime, David learned some things that, I believe, we see in this closing prayer of his.

King David realized Who God is! Verses 10-13 "Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be Thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and Thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of Thee, and Thou reignest over all: and in Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name." During his years of failures and triumphs, David had learned that he served a great God, a powerful God, a glorious God, a victorious and majestic God. I am concerned that we, the church of today, have forgotten Who He is! He is not the "man upstairs" nor "our buddy in the sky." No, no, He is our Awesome God Who owns it all and sets one up and brings another down and gives us strength for the journey. He is Almighty God- El Shaddai- and is Ruler over all! Do we see Him that way today or has our view and reverence of Him diminished? As we grow older, Christian, we should be growing in knowing Him, as the Apostle Paul prayed in Philippians 3:10.

David realized God's power and His providence. In chapter 28, he told the people that he had wanted to build the temple- vs2- but God said "no." We, like spoiled children, seem to think a loving Father never says that forbidden word but He does and did to David . As we grow in the Lord Jesus Christ, we should quit clenching our fists, which, in my case, stresses my spiritual heart, and we should cease from our striving over God's providential plan in our lives. I have been following my contemporary heroine, Joni, paralyzed now since she was 17 and now around my age, forty years later, is receiving treatment for breast cancer. I can't remember the quote exactly but she wrote on her website recently that she and her husband, Ken, are accepting what God has ordained for them. Oh me, how that sweet lady's testimony convicts me.
Joni and David have a good plan to follow when God answers in the negative. (Or, at least, from our perspective, is negative). In chapter 28:2, he says "I wanted to build the temple" and had the right motivation to do so but in verses 4-6, he rehearses for all to hear what God has allowed him to do. So often, dear brother and sister, are we not more prone to dwell on what we don't have and what dreams were not reached instead of the many, many, blessings that have abundantly been bestowed upon us?

King David, at the end of his life, realized God's power and relinquished to God's providence and then he recognized who he was. Vs. 14-16. Oh, my friend, this combination sets up worship- seeing Him and recognizing with David of "who am I?" Israel rejoiced and worshiped on this particular day when they were reminded of this. This is who we are- pilgrims passing through and what possessions we have came from Him in the first place so why do we boast? I love what the Apostle Paul said in 1 Cor. 15:10-"But by the grace of God, I am what I am:.."

The world's mentality and slogan today is "it's all about me!". No, no, a hundred times, it isn't! IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM! Col. 1:15-20. Don't you want to bow your head and "bless the LORD your God (vs20) when you recognize that He chose a peon and a pauper (Sorry to those of you who buy into the self-esteem gospel that makes people strut), to partake in this glorious and gracious plan? So, at David's end, he realized Who God is, recognized who he was, and reminded the people whom he loved and served (Solomon, his son and Israel) to be passionate and purposeful in their pursuit of the glory of God. "Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?" Here we go again being reminded of our children and those in our paths. Do they see a willing, joyful consecration of our lives-sold out to the cause of Christ? He, also, requested of the LORD that "He keep forever such purposes and thoughts in their hearts." He knew the frailty of people and knew we all need to be reminded of our priorities. You, who do that consistently from a pulpit or a lectern or a blog or in conversation, keep on keeping on. Oh, that we still be prayer warriors as our bodies fail and our years draw to an end.

Finishing well- think about it- will you?

Looking up, Deborah

I heard a song from Robin Mark on YouTube recently entitled When It's All Been Said and Done. Listen and be blessed!

Thoughts on September!

2010-10-04T11:30:00.002-04:00

I just turned the calendar from, perhaps, my favorite month of the year. September, in many ways, seems more like a new beginning than January to me. Maybe it has to do with the the wonderful change of season (although it was very hot in Sept.) or the new routine that we learned as children as the school buses began to run again. Yes, when I went way back in the day, everyone started after Labor Day. When I used to teach Sunday School, I would have the new series planned for the ninth month and would eagerly go shopping for my new study books and my 3-subject wide-ruled notebooks to make my many notes in for my new upcoming lessons.

On another note, I like football and falling leaves and chilly mornings such as we experienced this morning as we left for breakfast. (39 in Dawsonville- love it.) It, no doubt, is a beautiful time of the year and I am thankful for eyes to see it and soak it all in. September is also the month that our sovereign Lord ordained that a baby named Deborah Jane Womack would be born to two precious people, Ed and Bonnie, now in the Lord's presence. In the year of 1952, on the 29th day, I was born the seventh child (a baby brother in Heaven at that time), four brothers and a sister at home to welcome me (?) and then sixteen months later, the baby sister came along and finished out the family. I am sure my older sister who shared the duties with Mom said "thank goodness!"

I had a wonderful birthday last week, sharing some food and fellowship with family and friends. On the actual day, I spent it with the person I most want to be with these days, my husband, who took me to Ellijay for good food and a short shopping spree. (I tired out before it even started and he was probably glad.) I did come home with a pair of shoes and two blouses to go with a couple of suits I have. On Saturday, I went with Grandanny to see our two precious ones and Jeff, Amy, Alicia, and Landon presented me with a new Bible which I hold in my lap as I type. I love the feel of the leather- I have never owned one made of Highland Goatskin.(Alicia reminded me that she wished I had kept that fact to myself. She even loves goats, I think! :)) As we left their house on Saturday, I told Jeff that I treasured my new Bible and he said to me- "And we treasure you." That brought tears to my eyes and maybe we ought to tell someone that today. We have this moment and are not promised future ones. Always, there will be serious thoughts from me, right? You have come to expect it, I am sure.

The Author and the words in this leather bound Book is why I love it so much. I heard an avowed atheist say on TV last week that it amazes him that 60 percent of the American people actually believe the account in Genesis about Noah's ark. I believe he called us "Dunderheads." I, also, believe that is what God calls people like him. Oh, yeah, I believe the word is fool from Psalm 14:1. This dunderhead believes the Scriptures!! My God is big and He can make it rain as long as He wishes; He can keep a man alive in the belly of a fish if He chooses, and praise His Name, He also can open eyes and ears to the Truth when He deems it to be so and I am thankful that He did so with this simple lady who knows she doesn't have the intellect that some have but contrary to the name-caller's assessment on TV, there are some bright minds out there who believe- names like Ravi Zacharias and John Piper and John MacArthur and Jeff Lyle and Scott Kay and Mr. David Price, and Charles Swindoll and C.S. Lewis come to mind. In reality, though, it isn't intellect that matters but hearts that have been humbled and honest before the Lord and He reveals Himself to those people. If the world wants to label me a dunderhead for believing God, then I will proudly wear the title.

Let me close these random thoughts with a verse that I considered as I celebrated my 58th birthday. Young people rarely consider their mortality but we who are approaching sixty and know that more days are behind us than ahead of us do. Moses, the man of God, prayed these words: "So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom." I know that I am a bit analytical at times but I took a calculator and figured that I have lived approximately 21,170 days and if I should be granted the allotted time of 70 years (vs.10) and I hope Jesus returns first, I would have 4,380 left to bring Him glory. WOW, the difference between those numbers is sobering to me.

On grave markers, you see the name of the deceased and the date, in my case 1952, and then a ~ and then the day of departure. The dash is what captures my attention today because I had nothing to do with the birth year and will not be the decider on the finishing day but I do desire to live in that allotted time the ~ with a steadfast faith in my Trustworthy LORD and a servant love for my family and friends who were divinely placed in my path for such a time as this. I was speaking with one of my favorite preachers recently and telling him how his ministry had blessed my life and he said-"Pray that I finish well!" May all of us, Lord, do that, starting today!

Looking up, Deborah

Fight On, Soldier!

2010-09-27T11:47:00.001-04:00

I read an article in the newspaper yesterday that brought tears to my eyes and a heart-felt appreciation for our men and women in uniform. Let me give you the headline and first paragraph to launch my thought for the day. "Double-amputee returns to war. Norcross (my home town) native loses his left leg, part of right foot in Iraqi blast. When a bomb exploded under Dan Luckett's Army Humvee in Iraq two years ago-blowing off one of his legs and part of his foot- the first thing he thought was: "That's it. You're done. No more Army for you." Disappointedly, he thought that his dream of being in the military was over and I wondered how many more would have said the same words but in a different tone and attitude, maybe something like this: " Yep, I'm done, I have given all I can give. Now, Walter Reed Medical Center and the government can take care of me- poor, pitiful me besides."

Less than a year later, now " Captain" Dan Luckett was running a mile in eight minutes. Months later, he passed a physical fitness test which required running twelve miles in three hours with a 35- pound backpack and in May, he returned to Afghanistan. I can't proceed until I say "thank-you, Capt. Luckett and thousands like you who love this country and lay aside your personal health and security and determine to get back up when life has knocked you flat on your faces." (Read the entire story at AJC.com. Sunday, Sept 26th,2010- he even has a sense of humor).

My blog (as all of them) is firstly to me today. I have always tried in my teaching and writing to first examine my own heart concerning the issues that I present and today, even more so on this subject of being a good soldier of Jesus Christ and what it takes to make us quit. 2 Timothy 2:3-4- "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life: that he may please Him Who hath chosed him to be a soldier." Believer, all soldiers expect and prepare for conflict. Far too many pulpit messages are deceiving people into thinking that comfort is God's goal for His soldiers. Ephesians 6 is clear about the conflict we face and the process of being effectively suited up for it. This world system, our sinful human nature, (my biggest foe), and satan are our fierce opponents and fight doggedly against us every day. Expect it, Christian friend- the guys and gals packing up today to deploy to Afghanistan know they aren't going to a party or on a vacation where they will sit by the beach, eat donuts, and tell jokes all day. Rather, there will be constant dangers to face, decisions to be made, and dilemmas to be addressed.

In verse 3, I see the expected conflict and in verse 4, note the enlisted consecration. What, or better asked, Who are we dedicated to? Matthew Henry says it like this- "The soldiers of Jesus Christ must approve themselves good soldiers, faithful to their Captain, resolute in His cause." David asked "is there not a cause?" when he faced the giant enemy bellowing against the children of God.

There is a cause, dear one, and maybe someone needs to be encouraged today with these simple words. Don't quit! or Get back in the fight! Like Captain Luckett, maybe you have been wounded but those scars will serve as a reminder of God's grace and will be a source of encouragement and inspiration to other fellow soldiers! I love the Steve Green song- May All Who Come Behind Us Find Us Faithful!. I look at my two precious grandchildren and know there is a cause to stay at the task. That generation needs us to hold fast to the faith and to the doctrines of the Book!

Let me close with the positive truth concerning the conflict and our consecration to the cause. Suppose the U.S. Dept. of Defense could promise every soldier that the victory is already secure, that all they need is to show up for the little skirmishes but they guarantee victory. We would probably have more enlistments, I would think. Well, here is a blessed thought as we see the expected conflict and the enlisted consecration- on the near horizon is an endless, enjoyable consummation. The word, according to Webster's means perfect and complete. Shout Hallelujah, Christian brothers and sisters- the war is already won and we are showing up for the battles everyday but the Winner has already been decided and declared. Aren't you glad you are on Jesus Christ's side? 1 Cor. 15:57 "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Looking up, Deborah

Happy, Honest, and Hidden Hearts

2010-09-26T12:11:00.001-04:00

This morning, I began my Bible study with praying what David prayed in Ps. 119:18- "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law." I turned then to Ps. 32 and began reading and meditating on a Psalm that I needed and was benefited much from today, one of the Penitential Psalms simply entitled A Psalm of David, Maschil. I read that that word could mean instruction or contemplation and from the writings of the man after God's own heart and my contemplation on them, let me share some things that I saw and was blessed by in my quiet time this morning.

In verses 1 and 2, we see the happiness that being forgiven brings. The Hebrew word is esher and in my Strong's Concordance was this definition- blessed or how happy!. It is the reason that Leah gave her newborn son in Genesis 30, the name Asher. Verse 13- "Happy am I for the daughters will call me blessed. So she called his name Asher." Believers, we are happily blessed because our record has been cleared. Imagine with me that you once were in trouble with the law and you know that the crime stands forever on your record down at the courthouse. One day, you receive a call and appear before a judge and tremble because you know that foolish thing you wish you could forget is about to be dredged up again and wonder if there is an additional penalty about to be imposed but surprisingly, the judge tells you that new evidence has been presented and he erases your guilty record; no longer can anyone use it against you. How happy would we be?

The truth is that we all are guilty but for those of us in Christ, God does not charge our account with it any longer because Jesus paid it all! Yes, there at that courtroom table stands One Who paid our penalty for us, our Advocate, the Righteous Lamb of God. That is a million plus times better than receiving a temporary earthly pardon here. This pardon from God though Jesus Christ our Savior has eternal ramifications. Col. 2:13-15 "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you ALL trespasses: Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross. And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Guilt is an enemy of our soul and let me share a quote I read recently concerning this- "Guilt harbored in the heart rather than confessed openly to God is deadly. Guilt entrusted to God is dead- freeing the sinner to enjoy God's love."

I see David's happiness over God's forgiveness and it came about because of his honesty over his sins. I kept coming back to verse six which, quite frankly, didn't seem to fit because wrongly we surmise that the godly surely aren't praying about their own sins. Sure we do- our sins bother us the most. Ungodly people aren't grieving over what grieves God- else they would repent and turn from their sins. Rather, it is the godly man or woman who is sad when they fail and we all do. David was miserable (vs 3-5) and when Nathan confronted him, he, according to Ps. 51, said these words "For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when Thou judgest." Simply put- "Lord, You are right, I am wrong." It will be a happy day in our lives when it dawns on us that we can be honest before God. Do we, actually, think we can hide anything from Him? He knows our hearts, even better than we know them ourselves. Amy and I were speaking this morning about how refreshing ( although seemingly rare these days) it is to be around a person who knows who they are in the Lord and they are not trying to hide nor impress. It is foolish for us to try either on the Lord. We cannot hide and He certainly isn't impressed! Most of the time, people aren't either. One holds our attention and awe and His name is Jesus!

This Psalm teaches me that being forgiven brings a happy life, an honest life, and a hidden life. I love this aspect that Paul reminds us of in Colossians 3:3- "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." In this dark world of demands, deadlines, and devilish devices, don't you love the picture of being hidden where the enemy can't find you, try as he might? I love running and hiding in my safe place, rather my safe Person. Hidden with Him, I hear songs and sense mercy that surrounds me. (vs 7and 10). There, we have instructions to guide us. (vs 8). While hiding in Him, we will be reminded of the senselessness of stubborness. (vs 9). He is the Lord, He's the Ruler, He wins, He is the Supreme, Sovereign Conqueror! We, like Saul, who has been pursued and caught by the Lord in Acts 9, need to ask as we hide in Him- "Who are You, Lord? (we will never learn all of Him in this earthly journey) and "What is it you want me to do, Lord?" Then, with confidence in Him, march forward.

The chapter begins with happiness and ends with "Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, you righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" Our desire is that You own and rule every inch of that heart, Lord, that You be at home in our hearts. Thank You, Lord, that we don't have to hang our heads with guilt but just as David did, we can confess and turn from our sins and leave the guilt at the cross where You, lovingly and mercifully, forgave ALL our iniquities as You died. Even now, we hear by faith those amazing words of grace- "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." We sing with the songwriter "Amazing love, how can it be? That Thou, my Lord, should die for me." Thank You, Sovereign Lord!! Thank You that what You accomplished at the cross on our behalf brings to us- hearts that are happy, honest, and hidden in Thee.

Looking up, Deborah