The Natural Order of Things

Philippians 4:12-13
New King James Version (NKJV)12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Sometimes we need reminders to be a little patient with ourselves. One came to me today as a part of my morning devotion routine. I love to read the words of Charles Spurgeon. I often find just the word I need in his “Morning and Evening” series.

This morning was one of those times.

I get very impatient with myself because I still fall so very short of the person I want to be in the Lord. I have so many human frailties and no matter how hard I pray I find myself slipping into old habits too easily.

Oh, how I know how to get angry, especially over hurt feelings; how easily I can personalize even the slightest affront; and that old monster, worry, how easily he can slip in and take root.

Philippians 4:11
New International Version (NIV)11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Contentment, a gift freely given by God, is a gift that is often very hard to hold on to. Then the cycle begins. How ungrateful we feel when we are not duly content in the midst of God's generous blessings. And how this further erodes our ability to be truly content.

A re-read of verse 12 and we see “I have learned”. This contentment was learned!

I, too, can learn to be content. I am already grateful for all that God is and does. I can stop the cycle by acknowledging that I am learning to be all that He would have me to be.

I would like to share here an analogy presented by Charles Spurgeon.

….contentment is not a natural propensity of man. "Ill weeds grow apace." Covetousness, discontent, and murmuring are as natural to man as thorns are to the soil. We need not sow thistles and brambles; they come up naturally enough, because they are indigenous to earth: and so, we need not teach men to complain; they complain fast enough without any education. But the precious things of the earth must be cultivated.

As I learn to be content in all things I will continue to cultivate an appreciation of the goodness of God. I will not let my journey of growth be sidetracked (at least not too long) by discontent at my imperfections.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I am grateful for encouraging, comforting scriptures. I truly rejoice in the Lord; I bend my knee and humble my heart in prayer and petition, I come to God with thanksgiving, especially for His peace which transcends all understanding.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Preparing to Abound

Philippians 4:12 New International Version (NIV)12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Many Christians hesitate to go to God with big requests because there still lingers a bit of embarrassment at looking greedy and a fear of being the young rich man whose riches stood between him and the possibility of salvation. (Matthew 19:16-30)
Much of my early church education revolved around warnings about the things of the world, money, lust, pride, and the snares that were around every corner.

My memories of the many sermons on Philippians 4:12 were focused on Paul's joy in praising God even in the midst of adversity. I don't remember one sermon on his ability to shine in the middle of plenty. That part was quickly skipped over.

Yet, scripture encourages us to reach for the stars in our relationship with God.

In Matthew 7:7 -11; Matthew 18:19; Matthew 21:22; Luke 11:9-13; 1 John 3:22; Philippians 4:6; James 1:5; 1 John 3:22 and many others we are encouraged to go boldly to the Lord with our requests. I don't believe we would have received so many encouragements to ask if there was inherent danger in the asking.

I have witnessed some incredible answered prayers of others. I have witnessed my own answered prayers, yet I still hesitate to step out boldly and pray for “big things” because of ingrained fear that doesn't even have a name.

I have decided to step out boldly and ask my hearts desires. I have decided to prepare myself to truly be content even if I end up living in plenty. I am prayerfully preparing to live with “the brimming cup of mortal joy”.

Father, God, I pray the guidance of the Holy Spirit as I reach out to expand my territory in all ways that You see fit. I thank You for all that You do. Amen.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Waiting in an Attitude of Praise

Psalm 40 King James Version (KJV)
1I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
4Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

One of the blessings I have is the writings of Charles Spurgeon sent to my mailbox every day. The words of this very prolific man who lived 19 June 1834 – 31 January 1892 have a way of warming my heart all these years later.

I can't think of a thing we have in common except our love of Our LORD yet his words reach across gender, nationality, denomination and time.

As I struggle in my personal life trying to make good decisions, I am encouraged by his words “We must mark God's providence leading us; and if providence tarries, tarry till providence comes.

David says “I waited patiently for the LORD", not just I waited as long as I thought it should take. It's the “patiently” part that gets difficult, but it's the “patiently” part that is critical.

As I re-re-read this beautiful Psalm I was lead to do a personal expository of the first 5 verses.

I feel so at peace on this my 72nd birthday because I know with assurance that my Lord has heard my cry. I marvel that I am still here. I marvel that He has given me purpose in my life. I marvel at His gracious provision.

We all have a story but I think the most important part of my story is that He has set me upon a spiritual rock and given me a true purpose in life.

We are taught that when the scripture says “fear” we are to interpret as “reverence” and my reverence for God has truly put a song in my heart and a dance in my step. I am so full of joy with every opportunity to sing praises to God.

The Lord, God, is truly my trust and the truth of His word provides guidance and comfort. How fortunate I feel that I have found His way.

5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

My blessings are truly more than can be numbered. My blessings are truly unearned grace and mercy.
I thank You, Lord. Amen.

I look forward to whatever He has in store for me in this journey and ask the help of the Holy Spirit in keeping me waiting PATIENTLY on the Lord.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Splendor in Earthly Bodies

1 Corinthians 15:40
New International Version (NIV)40 There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another.

One of our members who is most often called upon for Corporate Prayer takes the time to thank and praise God for the daily functioning of our earthly bodies. She recognizes that it is a gift from God that all of the parts are adapted to work together to form a symphony of perfection,. Even when one member is compromised or missing, the body adapts and other members take up the slack. There truly is splendor in our earthly bodies.

So, what then are we to do with this wonderful gift that we have been given?

Romans 12:1-2
New King James Version (NKJV)Living Sacrifices to God
12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

It is easy to forget that we are each different and that these differences are within the perfect plan of God. It is also easy to forget that we are all part of one glorious whole with every member serving a special purpose.

There are some basic structures and functioning that are common for every part of the physical body. Every part is made up of cells with blood flow and exchange of gases and nutrients, ahh but then comes the wonderful differences in the way each part utilizes what has been given!

We. the Body of Christ, have some basic structures and functioning which identify us to the Father as His Children, to each other as brothers and sisters, and to the world as set apart. Then comes the glorious differences.

Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice means a willingness to make ourselves available to the will of God. It means taking the uniqueness of the way OUR parts are sewn together and using ourselves for His glory. This is our reasonable service.

The splendor of our heavenly bodies is our ultimate goal but we cheat ourselves of half of the promise when we do not celebrate the splendor that is given to us right here and right now.

Father God, I thank You for the time in my earthly body and ask that the Holy Spirit keeps me prepared to perform my reasonable service in Your name. I pray your blessing on all that I do and thank You for every opportunity presented to minister for You. Amen

I pray that each of you will find your personal reasonable service and experience the joy and splendor of your earthly body as you prepare for the everlasting splendor that is to come.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Joy in Sharing God's Blessings

I was once coming home from an out of town conference and stopped for gas, grateful that I made it to the pump with a tank that read past empty. I filled up and grabbed my purse and found no wallet!!!
I envisioned being taken for a deadbeat and being embarrassed beyond belief. I envisioned having to explain this to the police. I started scrambling in my mind to guess who was home that I could call who would be able to come to another town to rescue me.

I imagine that the look on my face must have been stricken because the woman at the next pump walked over and asked if I was O.K.

I simply said “I can't find my wallet” and she walked away.

I went inside trying to figure out what to say to the cashier and was told that my gas was paid for. Disbelief was all I felt as I continued to try and explain how I was going to get money to the station. The attendant smiled and said “ma'am your gas is paid”.

Then I knew and I ran outside to try and thank that woman and she was gone.

Yesterday I was so excited!!! I prayed and my prayer was answered within hours!!! I was so happy to call a friend and share my blessing.

I had prayed that I be given some small opportunity to minister for Christ and received not one opportunity but two.

Anyone who has experienced the joy of seeing someone make a commitment to Christ understands that the reward of service is in the service itself. Anyone who has seen the relief on the face of someone who was in a desperate spot and had the means and the heart to help and did so understands that the joy is in knowing that you had a chance to serve.

Yesterday I fully understood that the woman at the gas station didn't need my thank-you. Yesterday I understood the warm hug from Christ Himself when I have done just what He asks.

This may be hard to hold onto for a while but just try it. Just go out and do some service for someone who has no way to pay you back. Try not to hang around too long accepting thank-you's. Just do whatever God puts on your heart and walk away!

Matthew 25:35 New King James Version (NKJV)
35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Opportunities

38But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
39For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. Psalm 78:38-39

Occasionally our Pastor will ask that we focus on a particular writer or area of the Bible for a week. This past week we were assigned to read all of the Psalms of Asaph and as much as we could find on his life.
One of the outstanding things about the Psalms of Asaph was his cry out to God for deliverance of His chosen people after a time when they had strayed far from him. This led to a search of articles by folks who identified themselves as “Cultural Jews”, those Jews who no longer identify spiritually or believe in God. As I read their comments and their chosen place in this modern world it was easier to understand the spiritual detours of Asaph's time.

Nothing has changed. We have our modern miracles of deliverance;Deliverances that are a part of near history and really no less spectacular than the parting of the Red Sea, so it is easy to see a parallel with biblical history.

The Bible offers opportunities to live a better life today. We have so many examples that we can draw on as guides and reminders. I remembered the patience of God with the Israelites, past and present and His patience with me personally during the times in my life when I was a Christian in name only. Like many whose stories I read this morning, I participated in some Christian “rituals”, enjoyed the feasts and celebrations and, if anyone asked, I identified myself as “Christian”, but my belief in God was shaky at best.

38But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

I think the greatest lesson for me so far in my study of Asaph is a growing sense of humility and gratitude to God for His continued mercy. I have increased humility because I identify with the children of Israel who seemed too stupid to get it despite all that God did for them when I think of the stupidity of someone reared in the church and taught about God from an early age who got sophisticated worldly and stupid enough to doubt His reality.

I have a great sense of gratitude to God as I witness His mercy and compassion on a personal level. I freely share that it is God's unbelievable grace that I was given so many opportunities to hear and believe.

11But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
12So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels. Psalm 81

I pray that all who read this will search their hearts and take advantage of His compassion and mercy.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

What's in a Name?

"I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to Prison both men and women, as the high priest and the whole council of elders bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brethren, and I journeyed to Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished ... And when the blood of Stephen thy witness was shed, I also was standing by and approving, and keeping the garments of those who killed him.'" Acts 22:4-5,20 RSV

I met a young man named Stephen this morning. He was in my home to provide a service, but there was something about this young man that transcended his chosen profession. Some people just bring a light with them when they enter your space; something about them that touches your spirit even though you can't quite put your finger on it. Stephen is such a man.

I found an opportunity to ask him the history of his name in his family. The reason he got the name had nothing to do with biblical origins but listening closely I heard that someone at some time understood about the Martyr, Stephen.

He shared that he had been encouraged to treasure the fact that he had the “right spelling of the name”, Stephen, and disclosed his knowledge of the biblical Stephen, the first known Christian martyr.

"Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch " Acts 6:1-5.

In my prayers this morning I asked God to put at least one person in my path to whom I could minister in some small way. Instead He chose to send someone who could minister to me with just his presence.

This young man is going to be a father this year. It is my prayer that his child be bountifully blessed his entire life and that Stephen will be a father “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit."

"And Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people" Acts 6:8 RSV

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!