Have you ever known mischievous children who went through the neighborhood and rang the doorbells or knocked on the doors for a joke? They sneak up to a door and ring or knock one time. Then they run like crazy.
All too often our prayers are like those childish pranks. We don’t expect to gain entrance into the Father’s throne room; so why should we bother to stick around? Perhaps we don’t believe we are worthy of receiving an answer. In human terms we are not worth anything, and Satan delights in reminding us that we are worthless. In God’s terms though, we are His chosen children – the apples of His eye, the recipients of grace freely given. When we approach Him, He does not see our unworthiness. Instead, He sees His beloved Son, Jesus, who shed His blood for us.
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Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Women's Program at New Hope Baptist Church, Choudrant, LA
The Women's Group will meet June 10, 2009, 6:30 pm, at New Hope Baptist Church, Choudrant, Louisiana. The program will be about Christ and the Church. Mary Lou Cheatham will be the speaker.
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Revelation's Books & Gifts
Revelation's, a Small Shop with a Big InventoryRevelation's Books & Gifts is a quaint little book and gift store on the Sterlington Highway (Highway 2) in Farmerville, Louisiana. It is located on the east side of town. It's loaded with Christian books and well-selected gifts. Before the holidays people buzz in and out of that little shop to select the sweet nectar of beautiful and meaningful gifts that will be remembered by the recipients.
The owner has invited me to sign Do You Know How God Loves You? in Revelation's on June 12, 2009, from 11 am to 1 pm. This big devotional book will make a unique Father's Day gift. Dad, the spiritual leader of the home, will benefit from the thoughts shared here.
Paul Elliott, the editor, gave me his input. This way the book has the perspective of both men and women.
Do You Know How God Loves You? goes beyond light devotionals. There are deep discussions of theology as it has been presented through the ages; practices of Chrisian living such as tithing, witinessing, and praying; and examinations of trends that are leading people away from traditional beliefs. Although the book has over 400 pages, the reader is asked to read an introduction each month and then only a page a day.
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Monday, May 11, 2009
What Is Different about Do You Know How God Loves You?
You don't have to look very far to find a daily devotional book. You can buy several online or in stores, and you can probably pick up a free one each month in your church.
What am I offering you that is different? People have told me they enjoy the stories about my friends and my family, as well as my own experiences. Others have told me that the thoroughness of the studies present sound theology. Perhaps you can find other books that offer these characteristics.
Several people have described the book as one that is easy to read, one that takes complex thoughts and expresses them in down-to-earth terms. I have written as God led me to so that I can show you how much He cares about you. Still others tell me it has good ideas with a more thorough treatment of each idea than they had expected.
There is something more: accessibility. Do You Know How God Loves You? is an interactive study to help you live successfully every day. Since I published the book five months ago, I have communicated with hundreds of people, who were either old friends I had not heard from in years or new friends who have blessed my life.
Many people I have talked with have deep concerns. I thank God that I am at a stage in my life in which I can take time to talk to people or merely to listen. The great blessing of interacting is the unique quality of the ministry of Do You Know How God Loves You?
Visit Do You Know How God Loves You?
What am I offering you that is different? People have told me they enjoy the stories about my friends and my family, as well as my own experiences. Others have told me that the thoroughness of the studies present sound theology. Perhaps you can find other books that offer these characteristics.
Several people have described the book as one that is easy to read, one that takes complex thoughts and expresses them in down-to-earth terms. I have written as God led me to so that I can show you how much He cares about you. Still others tell me it has good ideas with a more thorough treatment of each idea than they had expected.
There is something more: accessibility. Do You Know How God Loves You? is an interactive study to help you live successfully every day. Since I published the book five months ago, I have communicated with hundreds of people, who were either old friends I had not heard from in years or new friends who have blessed my life.
Many people I have talked with have deep concerns. I thank God that I am at a stage in my life in which I can take time to talk to people or merely to listen. The great blessing of interacting is the unique quality of the ministry of Do You Know How God Loves You?
Visit Do You Know How God Loves You?
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Participating in God's Family
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)
Every holiday when young children give their parents gifts, the same happy drama is played out much to everybody's satisfaction. The preliminary is always the same. In order for the children to buy their parents gifts, the parents must make arrangements for the children to shop.
If it's Mother's Day, Dad discreetly slips away with the little person to buy something special for Mom. It is always special, whether it is a card or a diamond necklace. Even if the child makes the gift or card, a parent must help acquire the supplies. Suppose the child “works” to earn some money. No matter how the money is obtained, the parents usually furnish it. Whatever the child gives, the parent receiving the gift is thrilled to receive it, and the child beams with delight about pleasing the parent.
Suppose the children decide to prepare breakfast for Dad to celebrate Father's Day. Mom will make sure the right groceries are available, she will coordinate the meal, and finally she will make sure the kitchen is cleaned afterward. No matter how hard the children work on the project, a parent is assisting somewhere in the background. Everybody is thrilled with the outcome.
That's the way it is when Jesus graciously stands and knocks at our door. Jesus owns the door and the whole house, the earth beneath it, and the sky above it. The Father God wants us to open the doors of our hearts with joy. God describes Himself as our Father and us as His children. The Holy Spirit is ready and eager to move into every believer's heart. As any parent knows, it is an absolute delight to have your children help you. God in His grace does not rely upon us, but He delights when we participate.
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him? (Luke 11:13)
God tenderly loves the children everywhere, and He loves that which is childlike in us. He gives us His salvation and more gifts than we ever realize.
And they brought unto Him also infants, that He would touch them: but when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:15-17)
Every holiday when young children give their parents gifts, the same happy drama is played out much to everybody's satisfaction. The preliminary is always the same. In order for the children to buy their parents gifts, the parents must make arrangements for the children to shop.
If it's Mother's Day, Dad discreetly slips away with the little person to buy something special for Mom. It is always special, whether it is a card or a diamond necklace. Even if the child makes the gift or card, a parent must help acquire the supplies. Suppose the child “works” to earn some money. No matter how the money is obtained, the parents usually furnish it. Whatever the child gives, the parent receiving the gift is thrilled to receive it, and the child beams with delight about pleasing the parent.
Suppose the children decide to prepare breakfast for Dad to celebrate Father's Day. Mom will make sure the right groceries are available, she will coordinate the meal, and finally she will make sure the kitchen is cleaned afterward. No matter how hard the children work on the project, a parent is assisting somewhere in the background. Everybody is thrilled with the outcome.
That's the way it is when Jesus graciously stands and knocks at our door. Jesus owns the door and the whole house, the earth beneath it, and the sky above it. The Father God wants us to open the doors of our hearts with joy. God describes Himself as our Father and us as His children. The Holy Spirit is ready and eager to move into every believer's heart. As any parent knows, it is an absolute delight to have your children help you. God in His grace does not rely upon us, but He delights when we participate.
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him? (Luke 11:13)
God tenderly loves the children everywhere, and He loves that which is childlike in us. He gives us His salvation and more gifts than we ever realize.
And they brought unto Him also infants, that He would touch them: but when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:15-17)
Who Am I?
Scott McKain's book Collapse of Distinction: Stand out and move up while your competition fails (NelsonFree)
is one I've been studying. McKain teaches that only the businesses that differentiate themselves from others survive. He is asking me, the reader, to ask myself what makes me stand out from the crowd.
My business is encouraging you to buy my books, I must first let you know who I am. In the context of Do You Know How God Loves You?: Successful Daily Living
Here is the answer to the question, “Who am I?” Whatever I am on a deeply personal level is irrelevant. When you look at the book, you want to know why I am qualified to answer such a profound question and to ask you to spend a few minutes every day for a year examining the answer.
First, let me tell you that I am a sinner saved by grace. In my lifetime, even after I was saved by God's grace, I have not always lived a sinless life. Frequently, God has chastised me and brought me back into His will.
Second, let me tell you that I am not a scholar who has attended seminary. My careers have included teaching and nursing. I have diligently studied God's word, received instruction from Bible teachers and pastors, read extensively, and prayed for guidance.
Third, I have a compelling desire to share with you the knowledge that Jesus Christ made the supreme sacrifice for you – that He loves us enough to pay your sin debt and my sin debt. Please refer to January 1 in DDo You Know How God Loves You?: Successful Daily Living
Beyond that desire, I want to share with you a way to walk in the love and guidance of our Lord every day. My business is to place this book in your hands so you can experience my ministry of showing you ways to walk daily in the light of Christ's love. I am an ordinary person with an extraordinary desire to help you realize how much God loves you.
is one I've been studying. McKain teaches that only the businesses that differentiate themselves from others survive. He is asking me, the reader, to ask myself what makes me stand out from the crowd. My business is encouraging you to buy my books, I must first let you know who I am. In the context of Do You Know How God Loves You?: Successful Daily Living
Here is the answer to the question, “Who am I?” Whatever I am on a deeply personal level is irrelevant. When you look at the book, you want to know why I am qualified to answer such a profound question and to ask you to spend a few minutes every day for a year examining the answer. First, let me tell you that I am a sinner saved by grace. In my lifetime, even after I was saved by God's grace, I have not always lived a sinless life. Frequently, God has chastised me and brought me back into His will.
Second, let me tell you that I am not a scholar who has attended seminary. My careers have included teaching and nursing. I have diligently studied God's word, received instruction from Bible teachers and pastors, read extensively, and prayed for guidance.
Third, I have a compelling desire to share with you the knowledge that Jesus Christ made the supreme sacrifice for you – that He loves us enough to pay your sin debt and my sin debt. Please refer to January 1 in DDo You Know How God Loves You?: Successful Daily Living
Beyond that desire, I want to share with you a way to walk in the love and guidance of our Lord every day. My business is to place this book in your hands so you can experience my ministry of showing you ways to walk daily in the light of Christ's love. I am an ordinary person with an extraordinary desire to help you realize how much God loves you.
Friday, May 8, 2009
A Real Book
A friend of mine was astonished when she realized that Do You Know How God Loves You? is a paper book – what she calls a “real book” printed in ink on paper. She had been looking at the videos on You Tube, including the book trailer by Misty Taggart, Do You Know How God Loves You?, “Ten Ways to Listen” , and “Thoughts for Meditation” . Also she had been reading the blogs mentioned on Facebook and following the links there. She is a member of the group, Do You Know How God Loves You? on Facebook.
When she saw the big book with its beautiful cover, she was astonished. BookSurge suggested the price of $26.99 for it because of the amount of material and the size of the book. It is 416 big pages in readable but not large print. The pages are 10 X 7 inches and the book is 1 inch thick. Its shipping weight is 2 pounds.
The plan for using it is to read 1 page per day during individual quiet time. Since there are 366 individual inspirational devotionals,1for each day of the year, the price for each day is less than 7 ½ cents.
In addition to the daily devotionals, there are 2 extra pages of material at the beginning of each month. These studies help the reader to focus on the monthly subject.
Another friend commented on the thorough index, which is 5 pages with double columns of topics that make this book a good topical study.
Some people have told me that they plan to read the book again next year. Others have started at the beginning and have read several days at a time.
As I wrote this book, I prayed, meditated, and studied. It was my aim to give the reader something to bring spiritual comfort while supplying knowledge of God. Whenever possible I included the portions of scripture related to each subject on the pages with the devotionals because I believe that God's holy word will show us what we need to understand about Him.
“So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
When she saw the big book with its beautiful cover, she was astonished. BookSurge suggested the price of $26.99 for it because of the amount of material and the size of the book. It is 416 big pages in readable but not large print. The pages are 10 X 7 inches and the book is 1 inch thick. Its shipping weight is 2 pounds.
The plan for using it is to read 1 page per day during individual quiet time. Since there are 366 individual inspirational devotionals,1for each day of the year, the price for each day is less than 7 ½ cents.
In addition to the daily devotionals, there are 2 extra pages of material at the beginning of each month. These studies help the reader to focus on the monthly subject.
Another friend commented on the thorough index, which is 5 pages with double columns of topics that make this book a good topical study.
Some people have told me that they plan to read the book again next year. Others have started at the beginning and have read several days at a time.
As I wrote this book, I prayed, meditated, and studied. It was my aim to give the reader something to bring spiritual comfort while supplying knowledge of God. Whenever possible I included the portions of scripture related to each subject on the pages with the devotionals because I believe that God's holy word will show us what we need to understand about Him.
“So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Goodness and Mercy
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness. . . .” (Galatians 5:22)
When we follow the Lord, goodness goes before us, follows us, and surrounds us. Having accepted the grace of salvation, we are the children of God. Goodness is a feast at the spiritual table prepared for us. God's good blessings are everywhere we look: in the beauty of the little sparrows at the bird feeder, the red camellias in the snow, the cup of coffee with chicory.
Even in our adversity – especially in our adversity – we see God's goodness! When we ask God to show us the world through His eyes, we see all things in a new way. It becomes easy to thank Him in all circumstances. It is a great irony that we never know how much we need God until the events of life show us. Then our eyes are opened, and we can clearly see His goodness. In our hearts, the Spirit places hope that rises to strengthen our faith. Every day we have challenges that strengthen us like exercise.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)
The mercy of God is a manifestation of His goodness. Flowing like a stream coming from the sacred fountain, it is provided to us in marvelous ways. There is pardoning mercy. We know that we deserve punishment, but He excused us from the sentence that we have earned. In His goodness, our Father has sought us and offered us redemption through His Son's cleansing sacrifice. He has given us new birth.
Our Father has adopted us into His family of love and given us a new name, Christians. He has placed a banner of love over us, surrounded us with His angels, placed a shield of protection around us, and sent His Spirit to dwell within our hearts. He has in these ways extended our protecting mercy.
He has sustained us with all the good things we need. Not only has He supplied our physical needs; more significantly, He has nourished our spirits with His outflowing of His spiritual wisdom when we have asked for it. When we fall into sinful behavior and repent, He provides His forgiveness. In these ways, He continues to give us His sustaining mercy.
Whatever we have needed, He has provided. He has promised that if we ask within His will, He will give us whatever we ask. He knows what we should have before we know. From the Lord's fountain of goodness flows His supplying mercy.
How do we respond to the Lord's goodness evidenced through His mercy that pardons, protects, sustains, and supplies? We offer praise for who God is and thanks for what He has done. There is an ongoing dialogue between the Creator and His Creation. The Holy Spirit nudges us to share goodness and extend mercy to other people, not because we want it to return to us as in the popular pagan concept of karma, but because we feel a desire to bear fruit.
When our lives here on earth are finished, He will change our residence to His house, where we will live forever in bliss. We are pleased with the goodness and mercy He provides; we are delighted with what He has promised. God is good!
When we follow the Lord, goodness goes before us, follows us, and surrounds us. Having accepted the grace of salvation, we are the children of God. Goodness is a feast at the spiritual table prepared for us. God's good blessings are everywhere we look: in the beauty of the little sparrows at the bird feeder, the red camellias in the snow, the cup of coffee with chicory.
Even in our adversity – especially in our adversity – we see God's goodness! When we ask God to show us the world through His eyes, we see all things in a new way. It becomes easy to thank Him in all circumstances. It is a great irony that we never know how much we need God until the events of life show us. Then our eyes are opened, and we can clearly see His goodness. In our hearts, the Spirit places hope that rises to strengthen our faith. Every day we have challenges that strengthen us like exercise.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)
The mercy of God is a manifestation of His goodness. Flowing like a stream coming from the sacred fountain, it is provided to us in marvelous ways. There is pardoning mercy. We know that we deserve punishment, but He excused us from the sentence that we have earned. In His goodness, our Father has sought us and offered us redemption through His Son's cleansing sacrifice. He has given us new birth.
Our Father has adopted us into His family of love and given us a new name, Christians. He has placed a banner of love over us, surrounded us with His angels, placed a shield of protection around us, and sent His Spirit to dwell within our hearts. He has in these ways extended our protecting mercy.
He has sustained us with all the good things we need. Not only has He supplied our physical needs; more significantly, He has nourished our spirits with His outflowing of His spiritual wisdom when we have asked for it. When we fall into sinful behavior and repent, He provides His forgiveness. In these ways, He continues to give us His sustaining mercy.
Whatever we have needed, He has provided. He has promised that if we ask within His will, He will give us whatever we ask. He knows what we should have before we know. From the Lord's fountain of goodness flows His supplying mercy.
How do we respond to the Lord's goodness evidenced through His mercy that pardons, protects, sustains, and supplies? We offer praise for who God is and thanks for what He has done. There is an ongoing dialogue between the Creator and His Creation. The Holy Spirit nudges us to share goodness and extend mercy to other people, not because we want it to return to us as in the popular pagan concept of karma, but because we feel a desire to bear fruit.
When our lives here on earth are finished, He will change our residence to His house, where we will live forever in bliss. We are pleased with the goodness and mercy He provides; we are delighted with what He has promised. God is good!
10 Ways to Listen
With the realization that you will spend eternity with God comes the concept that you can start enjoying a more intimate relationship with Him here and now on earth. Now is the time to become accustomed to spending time in the presence of your God by sitting before the Lord and humbly listening for His voice as you meditate and pray.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Thoughts for Meditation
The entire month of October in DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU? is dedicated to growing closer to the Lord. Near the beginning of the October chapter, I have placed this meditative prayer on page 300. We often fail to realize that meditation focused on the one true God is to be practiced. I am sharing here with you so you can meditate with me about the love relatoinship available with the Lord.
Lord, I give myself to You.
Fill me with Your love and power.
Show me how I must serve You and let Your blessing fall on me
So that I can do Your will.
Lord, I give myself to You.
Fill me with Your love and power.
Show me how I must serve You and let Your blessing fall on me
So that I can do Your will.
Growing Closer to the Lord
When Ruth, my sister seven years older than I am, was young she had a baby duck. (This event happened before I was born.) For sport, she was chasing her duck through the yard. Our dad had removed the wooden frame that protected the well so he could repair it. The results were not as bad as they could have been.
Monday, May 4, 2009
How do you see Jesus?
Do you see Jesus with pity when you contemplate Him at Gethsamane as He lies there on the ground praying to God the Father? There are drops of blood coming from His face as He anticipates being separated from His Father because the other Persons of the Godhead will turn away. Do you see Him being whipped, spat upon, and ridiculed while He stands there and says nothing? Do you see on the cross Jesus going through hideous torture? Or do you see Him ascending into heaven?
You have seen Him at the head of the bed of your dying loved ones, haven't you? And you have felt His comfort when you suffered. In the good, giddy times, the image of Jesus has slipped away. Why is it that we don't see Him except when we are broken? I believe that we don't remember to seek Him in the really easy times in life. During the good times, He seems too far away, as we lose sight of Him.
We shall see Him in heaven as He is! John told us we will see Jesus Christ in His glorified form. His clothing will be a glorious brilliant garment with a golden belt, His hair will be pure and white, His eyes will be as a flaming fire, His feet will look like fine brass. and He will be in the midst of His glory. (Revelation 1:13-15) In Revelation 4 and 5, we read details of the glory of the triune God with more brilliant light emitting from the throne than we can imagine -- a light far brighter than that of the sun, yet painful to our eyes. As we pass through the Bema judgment and when we see Him in the glory that exceeds the power of words, we will not pity Him for His suffering, and He will not comfort us for our pain or chastise us for our foolishness. We will see Him only with love and adoration. He will discard all that is not good in our thoughts and remembered sins.
Beloved . . . we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. (I John 3:2)
He will transform us to be like Him and to enjoy complete fellowship with Him. He will shed His glory on our beings, and we will stand boldly before God's throne.
You have seen Him at the head of the bed of your dying loved ones, haven't you? And you have felt His comfort when you suffered. In the good, giddy times, the image of Jesus has slipped away. Why is it that we don't see Him except when we are broken? I believe that we don't remember to seek Him in the really easy times in life. During the good times, He seems too far away, as we lose sight of Him.
We shall see Him in heaven as He is! John told us we will see Jesus Christ in His glorified form. His clothing will be a glorious brilliant garment with a golden belt, His hair will be pure and white, His eyes will be as a flaming fire, His feet will look like fine brass. and He will be in the midst of His glory. (Revelation 1:13-15) In Revelation 4 and 5, we read details of the glory of the triune God with more brilliant light emitting from the throne than we can imagine -- a light far brighter than that of the sun, yet painful to our eyes. As we pass through the Bema judgment and when we see Him in the glory that exceeds the power of words, we will not pity Him for His suffering, and He will not comfort us for our pain or chastise us for our foolishness. We will see Him only with love and adoration. He will discard all that is not good in our thoughts and remembered sins.
Beloved . . . we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. (I John 3:2)
He will transform us to be like Him and to enjoy complete fellowship with Him. He will shed His glory on our beings, and we will stand boldly before God's throne.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Send Me!
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then said I, 'Here am I; send me.' ” (Isaiah 6:8)
The seraphim have the responsibility of hovering over the throne of God. We know that God does not need them, and He does not need any of us. He does not need the universe. No matter what He creates or if He allowed all His creation to disappear, He would still be God. And yet the seraphim have the vocation of guarding God's holiness.
We have our jobs too. After the seraph placed a coal on Isaiah's tongue, God asked a rhetorical question. Any question He asks is rhetorical. Since He already knows the answer, He asks to help us get our hearts right. He is running a volunteer army, not a draft board. He knows our answer to every question before we ask; yet in His perfect wisdom, He does not make us feel coerced. After Isaiah was cleansed of unrighteousness, God asked, “Whom shall I send?” Then He went on to ask, “Who will go for us?” (I believe that the word “us” referred to the triune nature of God.)
For the first time in his life, Isaiah was learning what he was supposed to do . . . what his mission in life . . . his purpose . . . his reason to be was. “Here am I: send me!” Can't you just imagine that he shouted those words with reverent enthusiasm. It was not a tentative response. He was a transformed man. His unclean tongue became a spirit-filled, heaven-sent flame.
At Christmastime we love to listen to Handel's Messiah. Most of the words in that magnificent cantata are quoted directly from Isaiah's book, which foretold the events of the coming of the Messiah to the earth. Also he prophesied much about the end times. Few men have been more inspired by the Holy Spirit than Isaiah was.
The mission God gave him on the day of the vision was a strange one. He was to go and tell people about the Lord, but God let him know that most of them would not believe. (6:9) His job was to tell, whereas the Holy Spirit's role is to convict. God told Isaiah to go to the children of Israel. He told us to go into all the world and to preach the gospel to everyone. (Mark 16:15)
Like the seraphim and like Isaiah, we need to have an attitude toward God that says “Only Thou art holy” and “Here am I.” After we have given our hearts to Him, He will commission us to do what He has planned for us in His own way and His own time. Meanwhile, we must pray with bold fervor, “Send me!”
The seraphim have the responsibility of hovering over the throne of God. We know that God does not need them, and He does not need any of us. He does not need the universe. No matter what He creates or if He allowed all His creation to disappear, He would still be God. And yet the seraphim have the vocation of guarding God's holiness.
We have our jobs too. After the seraph placed a coal on Isaiah's tongue, God asked a rhetorical question. Any question He asks is rhetorical. Since He already knows the answer, He asks to help us get our hearts right. He is running a volunteer army, not a draft board. He knows our answer to every question before we ask; yet in His perfect wisdom, He does not make us feel coerced. After Isaiah was cleansed of unrighteousness, God asked, “Whom shall I send?” Then He went on to ask, “Who will go for us?” (I believe that the word “us” referred to the triune nature of God.)
For the first time in his life, Isaiah was learning what he was supposed to do . . . what his mission in life . . . his purpose . . . his reason to be was. “Here am I: send me!” Can't you just imagine that he shouted those words with reverent enthusiasm. It was not a tentative response. He was a transformed man. His unclean tongue became a spirit-filled, heaven-sent flame.
At Christmastime we love to listen to Handel's Messiah. Most of the words in that magnificent cantata are quoted directly from Isaiah's book, which foretold the events of the coming of the Messiah to the earth. Also he prophesied much about the end times. Few men have been more inspired by the Holy Spirit than Isaiah was.
The mission God gave him on the day of the vision was a strange one. He was to go and tell people about the Lord, but God let him know that most of them would not believe. (6:9) His job was to tell, whereas the Holy Spirit's role is to convict. God told Isaiah to go to the children of Israel. He told us to go into all the world and to preach the gospel to everyone. (Mark 16:15)
Like the seraphim and like Isaiah, we need to have an attitude toward God that says “Only Thou art holy” and “Here am I.” After we have given our hearts to Him, He will commission us to do what He has planned for us in His own way and His own time. Meanwhile, we must pray with bold fervor, “Send me!”
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Jesus, Always the Same
“Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
How have you changed? How has our nation changed? How has the environment changed? But Who never changes?
He is our Prophet, Priest, and King. As our Prophet, He came and spoke to us about His Father, the Holy Spirit, Himself, heaven, all our relationships, and the future. Now He sits on the right hand of His Father and fills the roll of the Great High Priest. One day He will come to earth as the King and will reign forever. His circumstances and His occupation have changed, but the essence of who He is, was, and shall be never changes.
He is the always the same. What never changes about Him? First, let’s consider the term Jesus Christ. Jesus is His name. Derived from the Hebrew name “Joshua” (Y’shua or Je-Hoshua), it means “Jehovah is salvation.” Christ, His title, means “the Anointed One, the Messiah.” True theology never changes. We may learn more from studying, but the truth of Jesus Christ is always the same.
What is the unchanging Jesus Christ like? He is God. To discuss all His characteristics would take years! Jesus is powerful: as a man, strong enough to walk miles every day and drive the money changers from the temple; as God, powerful enough to calm the sea with a word, wither a fig tree with a word, create the entire universe – omnipotent!
Jesus is gentle. He has always had a wholesome, compassionate, and loving relationship with the children, the weak, the lame, the downtrodden, the retarded, the widows, the orphans, and the bereaved. With all His tenderness and sweetness, He is, however, no pushover. His meekness is the essence of His almighty power submitted to the will of His Father so that He could become the sacrificial Lamb to pay for our sins.
Jesus is the God of grace and forgiveness; yet He is intolerant of sin. For some, this statement represents a contradiction; but for Jesus and the believer, there is no problem here. If there is any doubt about these two sides of Jesus Christ’s personality, study the book of James. He receives us through His grace and saves us unto good works. (Ephesians 2:10)
Jesus is the God of Glory. Only He, who has made Himself low and given His life for us, is worthy to open the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 5) The glorified Jesus is so dazzling that our human eyes are overwhelmed. Like His Father and the Holy Spirit, His glory shines likes a flame. In one word, He is perfection.
Jesus Christ is unique when He is compared to all other gods. Only Jesus has been crucified and resurrected. He is also unique in that becoming a follower is not the result of works. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9) Quoted from Do You Know How God Loves You?: Successful Daily Living
If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)
The following is a delightful video. At the end there is a request for money, which I did not add.
How have you changed? How has our nation changed? How has the environment changed? But Who never changes?
He is our Prophet, Priest, and King. As our Prophet, He came and spoke to us about His Father, the Holy Spirit, Himself, heaven, all our relationships, and the future. Now He sits on the right hand of His Father and fills the roll of the Great High Priest. One day He will come to earth as the King and will reign forever. His circumstances and His occupation have changed, but the essence of who He is, was, and shall be never changes.
He is the always the same. What never changes about Him? First, let’s consider the term Jesus Christ. Jesus is His name. Derived from the Hebrew name “Joshua” (Y’shua or Je-Hoshua), it means “Jehovah is salvation.” Christ, His title, means “the Anointed One, the Messiah.” True theology never changes. We may learn more from studying, but the truth of Jesus Christ is always the same.
What is the unchanging Jesus Christ like? He is God. To discuss all His characteristics would take years! Jesus is powerful: as a man, strong enough to walk miles every day and drive the money changers from the temple; as God, powerful enough to calm the sea with a word, wither a fig tree with a word, create the entire universe – omnipotent!
Jesus is gentle. He has always had a wholesome, compassionate, and loving relationship with the children, the weak, the lame, the downtrodden, the retarded, the widows, the orphans, and the bereaved. With all His tenderness and sweetness, He is, however, no pushover. His meekness is the essence of His almighty power submitted to the will of His Father so that He could become the sacrificial Lamb to pay for our sins.
Jesus is the God of grace and forgiveness; yet He is intolerant of sin. For some, this statement represents a contradiction; but for Jesus and the believer, there is no problem here. If there is any doubt about these two sides of Jesus Christ’s personality, study the book of James. He receives us through His grace and saves us unto good works. (Ephesians 2:10)
Jesus is the God of Glory. Only He, who has made Himself low and given His life for us, is worthy to open the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 5) The glorified Jesus is so dazzling that our human eyes are overwhelmed. Like His Father and the Holy Spirit, His glory shines likes a flame. In one word, He is perfection.
Jesus Christ is unique when He is compared to all other gods. Only Jesus has been crucified and resurrected. He is also unique in that becoming a follower is not the result of works. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9) Quoted from Do You Know How God Loves You?: Successful Daily Living
If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)
The following is a delightful video. At the end there is a request for money, which I did not add.
Friday, May 1, 2009
It Is Well with My Soul
"It Is Well with My Soul"
The Story Behind the Hymn Quoted from Wikipedia:
"It Is Well with My Soul" is a very influential hymn penned by hymnist Horatio Spafford and composed by Philip Bliss.
This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the S.S. Ville du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sailing ship, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
Bliss called his tune Ville du Havre, from the name of the stricken vessel.
The Spaffords later had three more children, one of whom (a son) died in infancy. In 1881 the Spaffords, including baby Bertha and newborn Grace, set sail for Palestine. The Spaffords moved to Jerusalem and helped found a group called the American Colony; its mission was to serve the poor. The colony later became the subject of the Nobel prize winning Jerusalem, by Swedish novelist Selma Lagerlöf.
My Story:
When my husband, Bobby, died after suffering five years of paralysis caused by a variant of Guillain Barre Syndrome, I thought about all the meaningful hymns he used to play in church on his trumpet. Since this was one of my favorites, I decided to ask the congregation to sing it, and Mickey Cloud, the music minister, listed it in the funeral program. Most of the men who were pall bearers at his funeral were musicians. All of them sang beautifully. I wish I had a recording of those men and the congregation, including former music students, singing "It Is Well with My Soul." It was one of the most touching performances of it I've ever heard.
After all we went through, my family and I could truly say, "It Is Well with My Soul" because we understood it was and is well with Bobby Cheatham's soul. Bobby had such a special gift that I believe God was ready to call him home to join in the music of heaven praising the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
The Story Behind the Hymn Quoted from Wikipedia:
"It Is Well with My Soul" is a very influential hymn penned by hymnist Horatio Spafford and composed by Philip Bliss.
This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the S.S. Ville du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sailing ship, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
Bliss called his tune Ville du Havre, from the name of the stricken vessel.
The Spaffords later had three more children, one of whom (a son) died in infancy. In 1881 the Spaffords, including baby Bertha and newborn Grace, set sail for Palestine. The Spaffords moved to Jerusalem and helped found a group called the American Colony; its mission was to serve the poor. The colony later became the subject of the Nobel prize winning Jerusalem, by Swedish novelist Selma Lagerlöf.
My Story:
When my husband, Bobby, died after suffering five years of paralysis caused by a variant of Guillain Barre Syndrome, I thought about all the meaningful hymns he used to play in church on his trumpet. Since this was one of my favorites, I decided to ask the congregation to sing it, and Mickey Cloud, the music minister, listed it in the funeral program. Most of the men who were pall bearers at his funeral were musicians. All of them sang beautifully. I wish I had a recording of those men and the congregation, including former music students, singing "It Is Well with My Soul." It was one of the most touching performances of it I've ever heard.
After all we went through, my family and I could truly say, "It Is Well with My Soul" because we understood it was and is well with Bobby Cheatham's soul. Bobby had such a special gift that I believe God was ready to call him home to join in the music of heaven praising the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
J. B. Coats
Summerland, Mississippi, is a little community not far from Hot Coffee and Taylorsville. This is my old stompin' ground. My cousins live at Summerland, and we go to their church there for the Gregg family reunion. My cousins, who can sing like birds, pitched in at our last family reunion and made the good old-old time J. B. Coats songs come alive. They invited me to come up to the front and join in, but I could not have added anything to their lovely music.
Summerland is the place where J. B. Coats used to live. Actually, he lived at Gitano, Mississippi, a tiny dot on the map near Summerland. His claim to fame is based on one wonderful song he wrote. (He wrote others, but this one is the most famous.)
Many musicians have recorded this heartfelt song. Here is the version Elvis Presley did:
Quoting the Biography of J. B. Coats:
J.B. Coats was born on April 6, 1901, in Summerland, Mississippi. He attended the schools of his area and was both a student and lover of music all his life...His formal education was continued with study at Mississippi Southern College and Louisiana State University. He also studied music with Julius Rishing, J.E. and Alvis O. Thomas and T.B. Mosley. When just a lad about fourteen, he began teaching music classes and conducting evangelistic singing. Mr. Coats was a teacher in public schools most of his life...He was the composer of many loved gospel songs with "Where Could I Go" haveing been printed and sung most widely. Others of his outstanding songs are "A Wonderful Place", "My Soul Shall Live On", "I'm Winging My Way Back Home", and "Tomorrow May Mean Goodbye". Many of his songs have been recorded by leading quartets and singers...Mr. Coats was associated with Stamps-Baxter Music Company and a lifetime staff writer for them...He joined the Baptist Church and served more than thirty years as a Deacon before answering the call to the ministry. He died on December 15, 1961.
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When Myrtle was a little girl, J. B. Coats used to go to the church she attended, Fellowship Baptist Church, near Taylorsville, Mississippi, and conduct singing schools in the summer. He taught her to sing alto.
Summerland is the place where J. B. Coats used to live. Actually, he lived at Gitano, Mississippi, a tiny dot on the map near Summerland. His claim to fame is based on one wonderful song he wrote. (He wrote others, but this one is the most famous.)
Many musicians have recorded this heartfelt song. Here is the version Elvis Presley did:
Quoting the Biography of J. B. Coats:
J.B. Coats was born on April 6, 1901, in Summerland, Mississippi. He attended the schools of his area and was both a student and lover of music all his life...His formal education was continued with study at Mississippi Southern College and Louisiana State University. He also studied music with Julius Rishing, J.E. and Alvis O. Thomas and T.B. Mosley. When just a lad about fourteen, he began teaching music classes and conducting evangelistic singing. Mr. Coats was a teacher in public schools most of his life...He was the composer of many loved gospel songs with "Where Could I Go" haveing been printed and sung most widely. Others of his outstanding songs are "A Wonderful Place", "My Soul Shall Live On", "I'm Winging My Way Back Home", and "Tomorrow May Mean Goodbye". Many of his songs have been recorded by leading quartets and singers...Mr. Coats was associated with Stamps-Baxter Music Company and a lifetime staff writer for them...He joined the Baptist Church and served more than thirty years as a Deacon before answering the call to the ministry. He died on December 15, 1961.
-----
When Myrtle was a little girl, J. B. Coats used to go to the church she attended, Fellowship Baptist Church, near Taylorsville, Mississippi, and conduct singing schools in the summer. He taught her to sing alto.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
I’ll Tell You Why I’m Not Going!
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.” (II Peter 3:18)
How many times have you heard someone say, “I’ll tell you why I’m not going to church”? The reasons go like this:
I cannot abide the preacher...the choir director...the deacons. On the front row every Sunday there are a bunch of hypocrites, who lie, steal, and cheat. Sunday they are the biggest Christians you’ll ever see, and Monday morning they are scoundrels. They are keeping me from church. I don’t want a part of God if these are His people. I’ll get more out of going to the lake than sitting in that church with that bunch of sinners calling themselves Christians. I don’t want anybody like that preaching to me or teaching my Sunday school class.
There are a few things to keep in mind. Don’t let anyone steal your joy in the Lord! Realize that these people are growing in grace. Try to see them as God sees them: through the love of Christ. Be sure that God is seeing you through the grace of Christ’s love. If you have not already claimed Christ’s saving grace through His shed blood, do so.
Turn your eyes toward Jesus and away from other people’s faults. Forgive them as you wish people would forgive you for the most stinking thing you have ever done to anybody. When you see mean-spirited persons on the front pew of the church (or even in the choir!) and you cannot help noticing them, thank God that they are in church. How much worse would they be if they were not there? How much has God already worked on them?
Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Remember that they are sinners saved by God’s grace. We are all growing in the Lord, and He hasn’t finished with us yet. Pray for them and thank God for the opportunity. Be especially kind to people who have offended you. Read and reread Matthew 5, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
Go to church for encouragement from the Lord and to assemble yourselves with others to encourage them. All those other sinners saved by grace in God’s church need to see you there, where they can receive a hug and a handshake with your smile. They need to hear you say something sweet.
Did you know that there are little children who never receive kind and encouraging words except on Sunday in church? Did you know that there are elderly people who go all week without touching another human being except for the ones they hug in church?
How many times have you heard someone say, “I’ll tell you why I’m not going to church”? The reasons go like this:
I cannot abide the preacher...the choir director...the deacons. On the front row every Sunday there are a bunch of hypocrites, who lie, steal, and cheat. Sunday they are the biggest Christians you’ll ever see, and Monday morning they are scoundrels. They are keeping me from church. I don’t want a part of God if these are His people. I’ll get more out of going to the lake than sitting in that church with that bunch of sinners calling themselves Christians. I don’t want anybody like that preaching to me or teaching my Sunday school class.
There are a few things to keep in mind. Don’t let anyone steal your joy in the Lord! Realize that these people are growing in grace. Try to see them as God sees them: through the love of Christ. Be sure that God is seeing you through the grace of Christ’s love. If you have not already claimed Christ’s saving grace through His shed blood, do so.
Turn your eyes toward Jesus and away from other people’s faults. Forgive them as you wish people would forgive you for the most stinking thing you have ever done to anybody. When you see mean-spirited persons on the front pew of the church (or even in the choir!) and you cannot help noticing them, thank God that they are in church. How much worse would they be if they were not there? How much has God already worked on them?
Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Remember that they are sinners saved by God’s grace. We are all growing in the Lord, and He hasn’t finished with us yet. Pray for them and thank God for the opportunity. Be especially kind to people who have offended you. Read and reread Matthew 5, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
Go to church for encouragement from the Lord and to assemble yourselves with others to encourage them. All those other sinners saved by grace in God’s church need to see you there, where they can receive a hug and a handshake with your smile. They need to hear you say something sweet.
Did you know that there are little children who never receive kind and encouraging words except on Sunday in church? Did you know that there are elderly people who go all week without touching another human being except for the ones they hug in church?
Saturday, April 25, 2009
What Is Hopeless When the Lord Almighty Is in Charge?
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 15:13)
Walking with the Lord in the brilliant illumination of His word and grace, we cannot avoid experiencing the aura of His glory shining on our path. Having inherited the riches He shares with us, we realize that we need to rely on Him to clean up our activity. We do what He wills, which is to do good. He never leaves us because desertion is not part of His plan and because He loves us too much to discard us. Instead, He repairs, cultures, and guides us. He goes before, beside, and above us. His Spirit abides within us. How could we fail to trust and obey Him?
If we say a situation is hopeless, we dishonor God so much that we are speaking profanity. How could any state of affairs be hopeless when the Lord Almighty is in charge? To say so is to pay homage to the devil. Rather than empower the devil, we must cheerfully and competently bear the burdens placed upon us with the realization that the Lord will reward our willingness to work in His kingdom.
When we are sad, He will comfort us. When we have losses. . . and there will always be losses as long as we are here on earth . . . He will console us. When we cry or frown, He notices. He matches the tasks He gives us to our abilities. Whenever we suffer, He blesses. When we suffer much, He blesses more.
We can never know the extent of His love for us until we sit at His feed and relinquish all. The more we obey and trust Him, the more He will bless. The closer we draw to Him, the closer He will draw to us. Like Martha's sister Mary, we need to spend time at His feet where we can receive His teaching. (Luke 10:38-42) We can spend time there without fear. No matter what we may have thought about God's character, we realize that He is the God of hope, not hopelessness.
With the God of Hope, the Lord of Light, the Prince of Peace, the Lord of Love, we can celebrate the joy of our lives. Hopeless situations? When we walk with God in the light of His love, nothing is hopeless!
Walking with the Lord in the brilliant illumination of His word and grace, we cannot avoid experiencing the aura of His glory shining on our path. Having inherited the riches He shares with us, we realize that we need to rely on Him to clean up our activity. We do what He wills, which is to do good. He never leaves us because desertion is not part of His plan and because He loves us too much to discard us. Instead, He repairs, cultures, and guides us. He goes before, beside, and above us. His Spirit abides within us. How could we fail to trust and obey Him?
If we say a situation is hopeless, we dishonor God so much that we are speaking profanity. How could any state of affairs be hopeless when the Lord Almighty is in charge? To say so is to pay homage to the devil. Rather than empower the devil, we must cheerfully and competently bear the burdens placed upon us with the realization that the Lord will reward our willingness to work in His kingdom.
When we are sad, He will comfort us. When we have losses. . . and there will always be losses as long as we are here on earth . . . He will console us. When we cry or frown, He notices. He matches the tasks He gives us to our abilities. Whenever we suffer, He blesses. When we suffer much, He blesses more.
We can never know the extent of His love for us until we sit at His feed and relinquish all. The more we obey and trust Him, the more He will bless. The closer we draw to Him, the closer He will draw to us. Like Martha's sister Mary, we need to spend time at His feet where we can receive His teaching. (Luke 10:38-42) We can spend time there without fear. No matter what we may have thought about God's character, we realize that He is the God of hope, not hopelessness.
With the God of Hope, the Lord of Light, the Prince of Peace, the Lord of Love, we can celebrate the joy of our lives. Hopeless situations? When we walk with God in the light of His love, nothing is hopeless!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Lollie Ready Teaches about the Spirit of Elijah
Lollie Ready and Mary Lou CheathamLollie Ready, who leads the women's ministry at River of Life Worship Center, Port Vincent, Louisiana, where her husband is pastor, spoke at the Ruth Guilbert Women's conference April 18, 2009, at First Baptist Church, Simsboro, Louisiana.
She brought to life the ministry and annointing of Elijah. Also she discussed the special request of Elisha for a double portion of grace.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
I grew up in Mississippi . . . .
I grew up in Mississippi and now reside in Louisiana. I am the mother of one precious daughter. I have had careers as a teacher and registered nurse. Using the name Jane Riley, I have published a novel, SOLOMON'S PORCH and a story cookbook, FLAVORED WITH LOVE.
I have co-authored a story cookbook, THE COLLARD PATCH, with Paul Elliott. In preparing DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU? I have benefited from Paul’s editing and spiritual guidance. Uniquely qualified to assist me, he is a devoted follower of Christ, a retired physician, a marketer, and a lover of language.
When my mother, Myrtle, was a little girl, she understood that her family loved her as long as someone was near and giving her constant attention. As a small member of a large bustling family, she would lose sight of her parents’ and sisters’ love occasionally and act out to gain reassurance.
It was time to hoe the crop in the field near the house. The parents, Mary Jane and Bud, left Katie and Rosa with household chores, including preparation of lunch, and also taking care of mischievous Myrtle and baby Idell. Most of the time the parents would be within earshot of their girls.
By midmorning when Katie and Rosa were busy attending to cooking lunch on the wood stove and changing the baby’s diaper, Myrtle, who had been instructed not to go outside unaccompanied, sneaked out to gain some attention. She had a plan. She knew how she could scare her sisters enough that they would play with her. If they loved her, they would have entertained her, she thought.
On the far side of the house, where she was never allowed to go alone, there was a loose board. She had heard it bump in the wind and observed that it sounded exactly like another sound that came from the nearby well. To draw water from the open well with its big hole large enough for her to climb into and fall 100 feet before hitting water, it was necessary to unhook the rope and place the attached bucket into the hole. (The water bucket was a long narrow cylinder with a flap at the bottom.) The rope uncurled from the crank beside the frame to lower the bucket until it made a noise as it hit the water. Then the flap would open to allow water to flow into the bucket. When it filled, the flap would close. I don’t know quite why, but we described that second sound as “the water sinking.” It was the signal to start drawing the water from the well.
Myrtle knew how to get Katie or Rosa to come looking for her. She popped the board on the side of the house and crawled under the house to hide. Katie and Rosa did not hear the noise, but Mary Jane, her mother, hoeing on the end of a row nearby did! Mary Jane yelled, “Myrtle’s done fell in the well. I heard the water sink! Come on, Bud! I shouldn’t have left my babies and gone to the field. Run, Bud. I heard the water sink! Myrtle’s in the well!”
They went running and yelling to the house. Bedlam broke loose. Katie went running out, and Rosa came behind her with baby Idell in her arms. By then Myrtle was too frightened go come out. She knew what would happen to her. Finally Bud called, “Myrtle!”
She could not resist his call. She had so much respect and love for him that she never wanted to disappoint him. “Yes, Papa!” she said from underneath the house, and she crawled out to face her punishment.
(Shared from my new book, DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?)
"For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." (Proverbs 3:12)
I have co-authored a story cookbook, THE COLLARD PATCH, with Paul Elliott. In preparing DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU? I have benefited from Paul’s editing and spiritual guidance. Uniquely qualified to assist me, he is a devoted follower of Christ, a retired physician, a marketer, and a lover of language.
When my mother, Myrtle, was a little girl, she understood that her family loved her as long as someone was near and giving her constant attention. As a small member of a large bustling family, she would lose sight of her parents’ and sisters’ love occasionally and act out to gain reassurance.
It was time to hoe the crop in the field near the house. The parents, Mary Jane and Bud, left Katie and Rosa with household chores, including preparation of lunch, and also taking care of mischievous Myrtle and baby Idell. Most of the time the parents would be within earshot of their girls.
By midmorning when Katie and Rosa were busy attending to cooking lunch on the wood stove and changing the baby’s diaper, Myrtle, who had been instructed not to go outside unaccompanied, sneaked out to gain some attention. She had a plan. She knew how she could scare her sisters enough that they would play with her. If they loved her, they would have entertained her, she thought.
On the far side of the house, where she was never allowed to go alone, there was a loose board. She had heard it bump in the wind and observed that it sounded exactly like another sound that came from the nearby well. To draw water from the open well with its big hole large enough for her to climb into and fall 100 feet before hitting water, it was necessary to unhook the rope and place the attached bucket into the hole. (The water bucket was a long narrow cylinder with a flap at the bottom.) The rope uncurled from the crank beside the frame to lower the bucket until it made a noise as it hit the water. Then the flap would open to allow water to flow into the bucket. When it filled, the flap would close. I don’t know quite why, but we described that second sound as “the water sinking.” It was the signal to start drawing the water from the well.
Myrtle knew how to get Katie or Rosa to come looking for her. She popped the board on the side of the house and crawled under the house to hide. Katie and Rosa did not hear the noise, but Mary Jane, her mother, hoeing on the end of a row nearby did! Mary Jane yelled, “Myrtle’s done fell in the well. I heard the water sink! Come on, Bud! I shouldn’t have left my babies and gone to the field. Run, Bud. I heard the water sink! Myrtle’s in the well!”
They went running and yelling to the house. Bedlam broke loose. Katie went running out, and Rosa came behind her with baby Idell in her arms. By then Myrtle was too frightened go come out. She knew what would happen to her. Finally Bud called, “Myrtle!”
She could not resist his call. She had so much respect and love for him that she never wanted to disappoint him. “Yes, Papa!” she said from underneath the house, and she crawled out to face her punishment.
(Shared from my new book, DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?)
"For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." (Proverbs 3:12)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
We Are the Sheep
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
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Greatest Plea Bargain of All Time
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
Since the heart is the most important part of you, it is no surprise that Satan makes his strongest attacks on it with darts of malice, resentment, anxiety, discord – whatever fruits of carnality that he can use to entice you. Because of his hate for you, he loves to see you live in the flesh.
As the author of confusion, he seeks to destroy your peace by presenting two or three convincing but conflicting ideas at once. These poisonous bombs are programmed to pollute your peace. For example if he can lead you into adultery, dishonesty, pagan worship practices, bulimia, or self-deprecation, he is dancing in the streets.
Remember that what God promises you is stronger than anything the devil can deliver. He will promise you and possibly even deliver power here on earth, but God will have you help Jesus Christ judge the angels when you join Him in His kingdom. “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in this world.” (I John 4:4)
The Father God has relinquished the job of judging to His Son, who will judge all of us. Once you have become a child of God, you have a special relationship with the Judge. The peace of God exists between you and God the Judge. He has made a special arrangement with you before court goes into session.
The Son went to a phony illegal court for You about 2,000 years ago. He was ridiculed, beaten, spat upon, and crowned with thorns. He endured an execution of torture on a Roman cross. Above Him there was a sign saying, “King of the Jews.” He is the King of the Jews, the Ruler of the world, and the Judge of all mankind.
You only plea – that Christ died for you – is the greatest plea bargain of all time. Having had your fine paid by the Judge, You will not have to appear before Him at the Great White Throne, where He will judge sinful human beings according to their works. At the Great White Throne all works that sinners consider good will be discarded like filthy rags. The evil works of evil men will outweigh whatever they thought was good.
Instead of going there, you will appear before Jesus at the Bema judgment, where He will remember that the blood is the payment for your sins. With the peace that passes understanding – the salvation bought by the blood of the Lamb – you will not have to pay the price for your sins. He will give you a crown for the works you have done that were to glorify Him.
Your trial is fixed with the Judge!
Since the heart is the most important part of you, it is no surprise that Satan makes his strongest attacks on it with darts of malice, resentment, anxiety, discord – whatever fruits of carnality that he can use to entice you. Because of his hate for you, he loves to see you live in the flesh.
As the author of confusion, he seeks to destroy your peace by presenting two or three convincing but conflicting ideas at once. These poisonous bombs are programmed to pollute your peace. For example if he can lead you into adultery, dishonesty, pagan worship practices, bulimia, or self-deprecation, he is dancing in the streets.
Remember that what God promises you is stronger than anything the devil can deliver. He will promise you and possibly even deliver power here on earth, but God will have you help Jesus Christ judge the angels when you join Him in His kingdom. “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in this world.” (I John 4:4)
The Father God has relinquished the job of judging to His Son, who will judge all of us. Once you have become a child of God, you have a special relationship with the Judge. The peace of God exists between you and God the Judge. He has made a special arrangement with you before court goes into session.
The Son went to a phony illegal court for You about 2,000 years ago. He was ridiculed, beaten, spat upon, and crowned with thorns. He endured an execution of torture on a Roman cross. Above Him there was a sign saying, “King of the Jews.” He is the King of the Jews, the Ruler of the world, and the Judge of all mankind.
You only plea – that Christ died for you – is the greatest plea bargain of all time. Having had your fine paid by the Judge, You will not have to appear before Him at the Great White Throne, where He will judge sinful human beings according to their works. At the Great White Throne all works that sinners consider good will be discarded like filthy rags. The evil works of evil men will outweigh whatever they thought was good.
Instead of going there, you will appear before Jesus at the Bema judgment, where He will remember that the blood is the payment for your sins. With the peace that passes understanding – the salvation bought by the blood of the Lamb – you will not have to pay the price for your sins. He will give you a crown for the works you have done that were to glorify Him.
Your trial is fixed with the Judge!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Pour Out Your Heart!
“Our Father...” (Luke 11:2)
Tell your heavenly Father what is on your mind and in your heart. Although He already knows, He wants you to tell Him. Great men in the Bible – such as Job, Abraham, Moses, and Joshua – told God exactly what they thought. He responded, and He blessed them.
When we express ourselves to our heavenly Father (in Jesus’ name as we are instructed) He hears us. If we expect to hear Him, we should give Him honest communication.
There was a woman who was bitter because she could not have a baby. She cried until she was sore. She prayed. All the feelings in her heart she poured out to the Lord. “O Lord of hosts,” she prayed, “if Thou will indeed look on the affliction of Thine handmaid...” (I Samuel 1:11) Her name was Hannah. As she knelt in the temple in Jerusalem, she prayed with her heart. Her lips moved, but no words came out. Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk.
She promised God that if she could be given a son she would give him to the Lord. When she went back home, she and her husband Elkanah tried again. “The Lord remembered her.” (I Samuel 1:19) And she called her son Samuel, who became God’s prophet and the last ruler-judge of Israel. He anointed Israel’s first king, Saul, and Israel’s greatest king, David.
The Bible has some wonderful promises related to prayer such as this one: “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22)
Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms.
Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 15:13-16)
Nowhere in the Bible is there a verse that forbids us from respectfully pouring our hearts out to our Father as we take a walk, lie in bed, or drive home from work. Instead, God’s word says, “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5:17) As our warm, caring Father. God wants to have a loving, personal relationship with us.
Tell your heavenly Father what is on your mind and in your heart. Although He already knows, He wants you to tell Him. Great men in the Bible – such as Job, Abraham, Moses, and Joshua – told God exactly what they thought. He responded, and He blessed them.
When we express ourselves to our heavenly Father (in Jesus’ name as we are instructed) He hears us. If we expect to hear Him, we should give Him honest communication.
There was a woman who was bitter because she could not have a baby. She cried until she was sore. She prayed. All the feelings in her heart she poured out to the Lord. “O Lord of hosts,” she prayed, “if Thou will indeed look on the affliction of Thine handmaid...” (I Samuel 1:11) Her name was Hannah. As she knelt in the temple in Jerusalem, she prayed with her heart. Her lips moved, but no words came out. Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk.
She promised God that if she could be given a son she would give him to the Lord. When she went back home, she and her husband Elkanah tried again. “The Lord remembered her.” (I Samuel 1:19) And she called her son Samuel, who became God’s prophet and the last ruler-judge of Israel. He anointed Israel’s first king, Saul, and Israel’s greatest king, David.
The Bible has some wonderful promises related to prayer such as this one: “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22)
Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms.
Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 15:13-16)
Nowhere in the Bible is there a verse that forbids us from respectfully pouring our hearts out to our Father as we take a walk, lie in bed, or drive home from work. Instead, God’s word says, “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5:17) As our warm, caring Father. God wants to have a loving, personal relationship with us.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Teaching -- is it really from God?
How can we know whether teaching is really from God?
All teaching from God honors the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
"No man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and . . . no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (I Corinthians 12:3)
(Quoted from DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?)
All teaching from God honors the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
"No man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and . . . no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (I Corinthians 12:3)
(Quoted from DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Take a few minutes to relax and enjoy the imagery of this brief video while you listen to a soothing version of "Amazing Grace."
The trailer for DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU was written and produced by Misty Taggart. A Hollywood screenwriter, she was one of the first women to write for animation such as SCOOBY DOO. Other credits include ANOTHER WORLD, FANTASY ISLAND,and KNOTS LANDING. Misty is an author, speaker, and certified Christian life coach. Her mentor was William Hanna, of Hanna/Barbera fame. She produces exciting video trailers for authors, speakers and event planners. To view more of her extensive repertoire, visit TrailertotheStars.com or youtube.com/booksinmotion.
Misty is a pleasant, efficient professional person, who is a delight to work with. I respect her creativity and high standards.
My portrait for DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU was taken by Nicholas Hurkes II, a highly sought after photographer based out of Louisiana with over 34 years. He has photographed Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, President Reagan, President Bush, Governor Foster, Governor Blanco, Terry Bradshaw, and Reba McIntyre. Having worked on assignments throughout the United States and abroad, he is happy to travel anywhere to document your story with images. For more information visit AmazingShots.net
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Jehovah-tsidkenu, the Lord Our Righteousness
From Do You Know How God Loves You?
“ ‘Behold, the days come,’ saith the LORD, ‘that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.’ ” (Jeremiah 23:5-6)
A highway running through our town becomes two one-way streets for several blocks. When people go the wrong way, wrecks occur. If the friendly folks and the policemen decided to be nice to strangers and allow them to go up it the wrong way, disasters would result. Drivers must travel the one-way streets the right way. I don’t think the law enforcement officers are arrogant when they require the traffic to flow in one direction.
The majority of church goers in the United States today feel that the idea of having one way to get to heaven is arrogant, uncharitable, and politically incorrect. They have decided that if people are sincere, there must be more than one way. If the people following other paths should terminate their life-journeys at the destination of heaven, where they would have to spend eternity with Jesus, the God they do not know or love, they would, I believe, reject Him there. Why would He want to let uninterested, ungrateful guests into His Father’s house?
Throughout history, human beings have sought to avoid the simplest path to salvation by traveling all kinds of circuitous routes. We human beings have taken raw materials that God has given us and shaped them into objects to worship, we have found exotic alien systems of religions to follow, we have tried to attain righteousness by pretending we are capable of obeying every law of God without loving Him, or we have taken a self-absorbed and self-achieving path to pseudo-righteousness.
All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6)
No matter what perspectives human beings have, there is only one Way to righteousness. As human beings, we have no true righteousness, except through the one Way...the Lord, our Righteousness, Jehovah-tsidkenu.
Our Father God is kind and loving. His nature is goodness. If there were some other way He could remedy the central problem in the world, if there were some other way He could correct the underlying sin nature of mankind, if there were some other way besides a blood sacrifice for our sins, He would not have sent His beloved Son to earth to live without material possessions and then to suffer from the ridicule of scoffers, not to mention laying down His life in a death of torture for us. If He had another way to save us besides through the blood and sacrificed His Son anyway, He would be a cruel, hateful deity; but we know He is all love, kindness, purity, life, light, and intelligence. There is only one Way.
Jehovah-tsidkenu, the Lord Our Righteousness, is all righteousness and the only provision we have to make us righteous. This name applies to the Father, the Provider; the son, the Giver; and the Holy Spirit, the constant Presence. We have no righteousness of our own except through Jehovah’s righteousness.
Copied from Do You Know How God Loves You? by the author, Mary Lou Cheatham
“ ‘Behold, the days come,’ saith the LORD, ‘that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.’ ” (Jeremiah 23:5-6)
A highway running through our town becomes two one-way streets for several blocks. When people go the wrong way, wrecks occur. If the friendly folks and the policemen decided to be nice to strangers and allow them to go up it the wrong way, disasters would result. Drivers must travel the one-way streets the right way. I don’t think the law enforcement officers are arrogant when they require the traffic to flow in one direction.
The majority of church goers in the United States today feel that the idea of having one way to get to heaven is arrogant, uncharitable, and politically incorrect. They have decided that if people are sincere, there must be more than one way. If the people following other paths should terminate their life-journeys at the destination of heaven, where they would have to spend eternity with Jesus, the God they do not know or love, they would, I believe, reject Him there. Why would He want to let uninterested, ungrateful guests into His Father’s house?
Throughout history, human beings have sought to avoid the simplest path to salvation by traveling all kinds of circuitous routes. We human beings have taken raw materials that God has given us and shaped them into objects to worship, we have found exotic alien systems of religions to follow, we have tried to attain righteousness by pretending we are capable of obeying every law of God without loving Him, or we have taken a self-absorbed and self-achieving path to pseudo-righteousness.
All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6)
No matter what perspectives human beings have, there is only one Way to righteousness. As human beings, we have no true righteousness, except through the one Way...the Lord, our Righteousness, Jehovah-tsidkenu.
Our Father God is kind and loving. His nature is goodness. If there were some other way He could remedy the central problem in the world, if there were some other way He could correct the underlying sin nature of mankind, if there were some other way besides a blood sacrifice for our sins, He would not have sent His beloved Son to earth to live without material possessions and then to suffer from the ridicule of scoffers, not to mention laying down His life in a death of torture for us. If He had another way to save us besides through the blood and sacrificed His Son anyway, He would be a cruel, hateful deity; but we know He is all love, kindness, purity, life, light, and intelligence. There is only one Way.
Jehovah-tsidkenu, the Lord Our Righteousness, is all righteousness and the only provision we have to make us righteous. This name applies to the Father, the Provider; the son, the Giver; and the Holy Spirit, the constant Presence. We have no righteousness of our own except through Jehovah’s righteousness.
Copied from Do You Know How God Loves You? by the author, Mary Lou Cheatham
Monday, March 9, 2009
Holy Kissing
Yesterday, Ronnie Cathey, our worship leader, suggested we greet each other with a holy kiss. We have a very short time to greet the people around us. I kissed three people on their cheeks. (I realize we have to be careful about this kind of thing. None of the people I kissed were men who belonged to other women.)
How many people go through lonely days without any touch except from a pet or a handshake or hug at church?
How many people go through lonely days without any touch except from a pet or a handshake or hug at church?
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Angels in a Hospital Room
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6BOfyHS4AI
Angels are servants who glorify God and do whatever He orders. With His permission and direction, they watch over human beings and deliver messages. In this video, I share a personal experience about the presence of angels.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
A Hiding Place for Work and Travel
The following is an excerpt from a new book in progress:
As a child of the Father God – a child bought by the sacrificial blood of Christ, the Lamb – you are blessed with protection. God keeps you safe as you travel. Consider Psalm 121:
1.I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2.My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3.He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4.Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5.The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6.The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7.The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul.
8.The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Psalm 121:1-8)
David describes in this Psalm what he would have seen when he was traveling from one place to another. Perhaps David was looking at Mt. Zion and Mt. Moriah. Obviously he did not mean that his strength came from the hills, for the pagans worshiped idols. Instead he is setting up a contrast. Place a question mark at the end of the first line. (Many translations interpret this part as a question.) The answer is the second verse, which shows us that he was looking higher than the hills to the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Jeremiah 3:23 clarifies the concept:
Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from multitude of mountains; truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.
God spoke the world into being. He who made heaven and earth, night and day, hills and valleys is powerful enough to watch over you always. And He loves you enough to make sure that you don't fall or stumble as you travel along the roads of your life. Whatever you are going through He understands and knows about. He will use His power to comfort you and relieve you. He will protect you.
I do not understand all the ways our God works, for His ways are higher than my ways, but I do know that when you face the most problems in your life – the most sickness, the most financial difficulties, the most misunderstandings among our loved ones, the most danger – the list could go on . . . when you face hardships, your Shepherd is near to lead you to a safe place. He sends His angels to keep you from stumbling or falling.
Trust Him. He is your protector and keeper. Realize that He will watch over you without a need to sleep or turn His head away from you. Realize that He loves you that way. I used to work as a nurse on the night shift. More than once a patient who needed help would ring his bell to call me and make a slightly disoriented apology: “I'm sorry to wake you up.” Some patients did not realize that we were wide awake and busy at the work of watching over them. They forgot that they were wearing monitoring equipment so the staff could watch every beat of their hearts. They did not see us sneaking into their rooms while they slept to make sure they were all right.
Not only does God protect you: He also provides for you a shade. When I think of shade, I visualize the shade of a big live oak tree or a beach umbrella. God's protection is much more than those. His shade is a place of refreshing. The eternal Being who is the infinite Source of all that is good, and the everlasting Substance of life, reaches down to comfort you.
Keep close to Him the way your shadow keeps close to your body. There He will shelter you from the scorching trials of this world. His shadow will be for you like a huge rock in a land that is weary, dry, and thirsty. There He will provide streams of fresh cool water to quench Your thirst. You can sit there in the shade of your God's comfort and delight in the pleasure. (See Isaiah 32:2.) You can be sure that He will provide protection from the roaring lions that are lurking about.
He will protect your right hand; or if you are left handed, he will protect your left hand. What is meant here is that God will protect your working hand. Since He is protecting your working hand, the logical conclusion is that He has work for you to do. Also He will help keep you from temptation. Your feet will not slip off into a way they should not no matter who is trying to take you away from your comfortable place near your God. Although there is evil all around, there is no need to be frightened. Your God will take care of you.
When God spoke the world, everything on earth was in harmony and beauty. After sin came onto the scene, evil, hurt, and ugliness appeared. God will protect you from the evil of sin if you stay in His shade – His umbrella of safety. He will protect you when you go out into the world and when you go home to your house. He will guard your soul. Realize that your soul belongs to Him. He will lead you in love as a child, through your adulthood, and your old age. He will take care of you as you live and as you die. He will preserve you fro all time in heaven. The Holy Spirit will remain with you forever.
<><><>
Form some new habits. Now that you have read about God's help for you, make a conscious effort to rely on the divine protection freely given you.
Meditate today on your relationship with your God as your protector.
Pray that God will protect you; in other words, accept graciously what God is giving you.
Let Him know that you trust Him to keep you safe.
Promise Him that you will stay in His safe shade.
Ask God to lead you away from temptation.
When you travel, ask God to keep you safe.
When you go out of your house, ask God to go with you and to send His angels to keep you from stumbling. Although you can assume that He will lead and guide you, talk to Him about it. You, as His child, will need to be reminded.
When you come home, ask God to bless your house and all that live within.
Thank Him.
Love Him.
Trust Him.
Remember that God is protecting your working hand. Ask Him how what work He has for you.
What a blessedness you have as a child of God!
As a child of the Father God – a child bought by the sacrificial blood of Christ, the Lamb – you are blessed with protection. God keeps you safe as you travel. Consider Psalm 121:
1.I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2.My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3.He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4.Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5.The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6.The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7.The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul.
8.The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Psalm 121:1-8)
David describes in this Psalm what he would have seen when he was traveling from one place to another. Perhaps David was looking at Mt. Zion and Mt. Moriah. Obviously he did not mean that his strength came from the hills, for the pagans worshiped idols. Instead he is setting up a contrast. Place a question mark at the end of the first line. (Many translations interpret this part as a question.) The answer is the second verse, which shows us that he was looking higher than the hills to the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Jeremiah 3:23 clarifies the concept:
Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from multitude of mountains; truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.
God spoke the world into being. He who made heaven and earth, night and day, hills and valleys is powerful enough to watch over you always. And He loves you enough to make sure that you don't fall or stumble as you travel along the roads of your life. Whatever you are going through He understands and knows about. He will use His power to comfort you and relieve you. He will protect you.
I do not understand all the ways our God works, for His ways are higher than my ways, but I do know that when you face the most problems in your life – the most sickness, the most financial difficulties, the most misunderstandings among our loved ones, the most danger – the list could go on . . . when you face hardships, your Shepherd is near to lead you to a safe place. He sends His angels to keep you from stumbling or falling.
Trust Him. He is your protector and keeper. Realize that He will watch over you without a need to sleep or turn His head away from you. Realize that He loves you that way. I used to work as a nurse on the night shift. More than once a patient who needed help would ring his bell to call me and make a slightly disoriented apology: “I'm sorry to wake you up.” Some patients did not realize that we were wide awake and busy at the work of watching over them. They forgot that they were wearing monitoring equipment so the staff could watch every beat of their hearts. They did not see us sneaking into their rooms while they slept to make sure they were all right.
Not only does God protect you: He also provides for you a shade. When I think of shade, I visualize the shade of a big live oak tree or a beach umbrella. God's protection is much more than those. His shade is a place of refreshing. The eternal Being who is the infinite Source of all that is good, and the everlasting Substance of life, reaches down to comfort you.
Keep close to Him the way your shadow keeps close to your body. There He will shelter you from the scorching trials of this world. His shadow will be for you like a huge rock in a land that is weary, dry, and thirsty. There He will provide streams of fresh cool water to quench Your thirst. You can sit there in the shade of your God's comfort and delight in the pleasure. (See Isaiah 32:2.) You can be sure that He will provide protection from the roaring lions that are lurking about.
He will protect your right hand; or if you are left handed, he will protect your left hand. What is meant here is that God will protect your working hand. Since He is protecting your working hand, the logical conclusion is that He has work for you to do. Also He will help keep you from temptation. Your feet will not slip off into a way they should not no matter who is trying to take you away from your comfortable place near your God. Although there is evil all around, there is no need to be frightened. Your God will take care of you.
When God spoke the world, everything on earth was in harmony and beauty. After sin came onto the scene, evil, hurt, and ugliness appeared. God will protect you from the evil of sin if you stay in His shade – His umbrella of safety. He will protect you when you go out into the world and when you go home to your house. He will guard your soul. Realize that your soul belongs to Him. He will lead you in love as a child, through your adulthood, and your old age. He will take care of you as you live and as you die. He will preserve you fro all time in heaven. The Holy Spirit will remain with you forever.
<><><>
Form some new habits. Now that you have read about God's help for you, make a conscious effort to rely on the divine protection freely given you.
Meditate today on your relationship with your God as your protector.
Pray that God will protect you; in other words, accept graciously what God is giving you.
Let Him know that you trust Him to keep you safe.
Promise Him that you will stay in His safe shade.
Ask God to lead you away from temptation.
When you travel, ask God to keep you safe.
When you go out of your house, ask God to go with you and to send His angels to keep you from stumbling. Although you can assume that He will lead and guide you, talk to Him about it. You, as His child, will need to be reminded.
When you come home, ask God to bless your house and all that live within.
Thank Him.
Love Him.
Trust Him.
Remember that God is protecting your working hand. Ask Him how what work He has for you.
What a blessedness you have as a child of God!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
What to Do if You Pray and Your Prayers Aren't Answered
When something doesn't work, it's time to analyze the process. Let's approach the problem the way journalists gather news. They ask the five “W” questions. This method has worked for centuries. Here are the questions:
1.Who?
2.What?
3.When?
4.Where?
5.Why?
Now let's look at the answers . . .
Who? The answer seems obvious. Who? Me. I'm praying. No, the question is not about who is praying but to Whom you are praying. It is not about you. Real prayer is about the Maker of the universe, the Ruler of the world, your loving Father. Until you realize that God created you for His pleasure and that He loves to hear from you, His precious child, you are not praying. Instead you are thinking to yourself – worrying about your problem.
What? What are you asking? You can ask anything you wish. God will answer what you ask as long as you ask according to His will, through His Son, and in His Spirit. God will answer your prayer according to His will, your need, and your desire.
When? God will hear one little whispered prayer. The Bible speaks out against vain repetition, but it encourages repetition. Your Father pays attention to the fervent prayer of a righteous person. (The only righteousness that any human being has is the purity of Jesus on our behalf.)
Where? As a child of God, you can pray anywhere, but don't make a show. Jesus warned against praying in the street corner to get attention. The reward becomes the attention that men give, not the answer that God gives. No matter where you find a physical location to pray, the relevant answer to this question is the spiritual location: near to the heart of God. Now that Christ has come and paid the ultimate sacrifice, we can walk into the Holy of Holies under the cover of Christ's blood.
Why? Why does God not give you what you ask? If the answer is ”no” or “not now” you may think there was not an answer. Your Father who loves you will give you the good things you need. Sometimes the greatest gift is what you may have been calling unanswered prayer.
1.Who?
2.What?
3.When?
4.Where?
5.Why?
Now let's look at the answers . . .
Who? The answer seems obvious. Who? Me. I'm praying. No, the question is not about who is praying but to Whom you are praying. It is not about you. Real prayer is about the Maker of the universe, the Ruler of the world, your loving Father. Until you realize that God created you for His pleasure and that He loves to hear from you, His precious child, you are not praying. Instead you are thinking to yourself – worrying about your problem.
What? What are you asking? You can ask anything you wish. God will answer what you ask as long as you ask according to His will, through His Son, and in His Spirit. God will answer your prayer according to His will, your need, and your desire.
When? God will hear one little whispered prayer. The Bible speaks out against vain repetition, but it encourages repetition. Your Father pays attention to the fervent prayer of a righteous person. (The only righteousness that any human being has is the purity of Jesus on our behalf.)
Where? As a child of God, you can pray anywhere, but don't make a show. Jesus warned against praying in the street corner to get attention. The reward becomes the attention that men give, not the answer that God gives. No matter where you find a physical location to pray, the relevant answer to this question is the spiritual location: near to the heart of God. Now that Christ has come and paid the ultimate sacrifice, we can walk into the Holy of Holies under the cover of Christ's blood.
Why? Why does God not give you what you ask? If the answer is ”no” or “not now” you may think there was not an answer. Your Father who loves you will give you the good things you need. Sometimes the greatest gift is what you may have been calling unanswered prayer.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Questions
Since I was ten years old, I have always been a writer. Most of the projects I completed I tore into shreds. When I wrote something that I kept, it was always directed to a specific person. A few years ago, I started writing without concern about who reads it. The result is publishing.
At this website for BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE http://www.brmcwc.com/ there is an excellent,very brief blog by Alton Gansky. He calls it "Two Questions." One of them is, "Suppose God told you that your current project would change only one life. Would you write it anyway?" Many authors have responded to this question with thought-provoking answers.
Last week, I started a new project, and I needed to think about that question. Having recently completed DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU? which was a huge book -- 400 pages with a devotional for each day of the year -- I find myself needing to think about who will read the new book I've just started.
When a friend told me that DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU? had touched her life, I realized that all the work in that book was not wasted. If DO YOU KNOW . . . did not ever touch another life besides the ones it has already touched, I would still know that God has used my book for His purposes.
As one person said, writing a book always changes one life -- mine.
At this website for BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE http://www.brmcwc.com/ there is an excellent,very brief blog by Alton Gansky. He calls it "Two Questions." One of them is, "Suppose God told you that your current project would change only one life. Would you write it anyway?" Many authors have responded to this question with thought-provoking answers.
Last week, I started a new project, and I needed to think about that question. Having recently completed DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU? which was a huge book -- 400 pages with a devotional for each day of the year -- I find myself needing to think about who will read the new book I've just started.
When a friend told me that DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU? had touched her life, I realized that all the work in that book was not wasted. If DO YOU KNOW . . . did not ever touch another life besides the ones it has already touched, I would still know that God has used my book for His purposes.
As one person said, writing a book always changes one life -- mine.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
How Do You Know God Loves You?
In God's word, the Bible, which is full of love letters to you, He explains how you can know:
-He made you in His image. (Genesis 126-27)
-He made the world beautiful and placed you in it. (Genesis 128-31, Psalm 23:1-6. Look around you!)
-He created you for His pleasure. (Revelation 4:11)
-He watches over you at all times (Psalm 139:1-24)
-He surrounds you with His protecting angels. (Matthew 4:6)
-God the Holy Spirit lives within your heart when you become the child of the Father. (John 14-16)
-God the Father chooses you to be a member of His family and adopts you. (Romans 8:15, Ephesians 1:5)
-He wrote your name in His book before the foundation of the world. (Revelation 17:8)
-He values all you feel so much that He saves your tears in a bottle. (Psalm 56:8)
-He saves your prayers in a bowl and savors them as incense. (Revelation 5:8 and 8:3-5)
-He will share His glory with you when you enter into His presence. (Isaiah 6, Revelation 21:23)
-God the Father loved you so much that He sent His Son Jesus to shed His blood for your sins. (John 3:16)
-He is preparing an eternal home for you. (John 14:1-4)
Jesus, God the Son, came to the earth to die for our sins and waits in heaven for you. (Revelation 1:6)
-Jesus, serving as our High Priest, intercedes for you. (Hebrews 10:12-21)
-The Holy Spirit intercedes for you (Romans 8:26).
Here is more information about DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?
-He made you in His image. (Genesis 126-27)
-He made the world beautiful and placed you in it. (Genesis 128-31, Psalm 23:1-6. Look around you!)
-He created you for His pleasure. (Revelation 4:11)
-He watches over you at all times (Psalm 139:1-24)
-He surrounds you with His protecting angels. (Matthew 4:6)
-God the Holy Spirit lives within your heart when you become the child of the Father. (John 14-16)
-God the Father chooses you to be a member of His family and adopts you. (Romans 8:15, Ephesians 1:5)
-He wrote your name in His book before the foundation of the world. (Revelation 17:8)
-He values all you feel so much that He saves your tears in a bottle. (Psalm 56:8)
-He saves your prayers in a bowl and savors them as incense. (Revelation 5:8 and 8:3-5)
-He will share His glory with you when you enter into His presence. (Isaiah 6, Revelation 21:23)
-God the Father loved you so much that He sent His Son Jesus to shed His blood for your sins. (John 3:16)
-He is preparing an eternal home for you. (John 14:1-4)
Jesus, God the Son, came to the earth to die for our sins and waits in heaven for you. (Revelation 1:6)
-Jesus, serving as our High Priest, intercedes for you. (Hebrews 10:12-21)
-The Holy Spirit intercedes for you (Romans 8:26).
Here is more information about DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?
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