Bitter or Better

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."    -Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)

The world can make you bitter, or it can make you better. This is a simple truth I try to teach my boys. Without question.... there will always be, in their lives, plenty to find "wrong" in the world. You can take that to the bank. You don't have to prepare or ramp up for it. You don't have to stock your life, as you would with an insurance policy, "just in case" bad things happen. They will !! Bad things do, and will, happen. We live in a fallen world, full of sin (greed, selfishness, covetousness, lust, and hatred). It is what it is, whether you or I like it or not. Good grief Steve, I really hope there is a BUT in this message. There is.

However, as absolutely inevitable as undesirable outcomes, bad things, unwanted things, are in this world..... so, too, is the individual's choice to become bitter, or become better. Circumstances can be, and will be, thrust upon us. Choices cannot. They reside with the individual. Join the bitter crowd.... and you're done. You've lost your flavor, your saltiness. Good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled ....if you choose to remain there. But I do not believe this is a nature which the Lord has given us. No matter what our circumstances, I believe we desire, we crave... better.

But don't even base your decision on circumstances. Instead of considering what the world may think of your "become better" attitude (...and I believe it cannot help but be perceived as positive, admitted or not...) consider what Abba Father thinks of your decision to choose "better". It is Him who we please.

Be Still

"A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot." -Proverbs 14:30

Covetousness, envy, greed, wanting what others have. All are certainly "human" characteristics, but that doesn't make them desirable characteristics. Not only are these characteristics indicative of a starving spiritual life, but they are also characteristics which health experts indicate lead to physical stress. The constant struggle with greed and envy brings "stress" upon the body. While these may be natural characteristics, they are, nonetheless, characteristics of our "fallen" nature.

Stress is not altogether a "bad". I recall a story of a mother who's child was trapped under a concrete slab during a tornado. As the emotional stress took effect (heart rate increased, breathing increases bringing more oxygen to muscles, blood flow to your brain and muscles increases up to 400 percent, digestion stops.. to conserve energy, & muscle tension increases) this mother found the physical strength to lift a slab, which later took 3 men to move.

Yet, like most things, too much stress has a very negative effect on the human body (chronic fatigue, digestive upset, headaches, back pain, stress can affect blood cells which help fight infection, increased blood pressure, makes asthma attacks worse, etc.).

Psalm 46:10 reminds us... "Be still, and know that I am God." Proverbial wisdom instructs us... "A tranquil heart gives life to the the flesh,....".

Whatever is applying stress in your life.... breathe in, breathe out, pray, and repeat.

The Brevity of Life

"O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah" -Psalm 39:4-5

Whether or not we act on it in any positive way we, at least, realize the brevity, the shortness, of "life". The even shorter days of youth and invincibility are soon replaced by a humbling reality that we are frail, and that "life" truly is precious. Our bodies degrade and eventually fail us. Not being a Danny-Downer. We are simply designed that way.

As I read this particular Psalm this morning a thought occurred. Reading these very words from the mouth of David ....do you realize that David, this man after God's own heart, has been departed from this life for 2,981 years? How many generations have come and gone since then? How's that for perspective? David is calculated to have lived from 1040–970 BC. All accounts indicate that he certainly "lived the life". He chose to live it for God. By no means perfectly, but one who was repentant and lived his life in submission to God. I'm talking BIG PICTURE here; not hair-splitting.

If someone were to read an account of your life, 3,000 years from now, what would be reflected? I suppose knowing what you did for a living, where you lived, etc. would be interesting. I find it interesting that the Apostle Paul was a "tent-maker". I find it fascinating that David was once the little brother who kinda' got looked over, and was a shepherd-boy turned king. But these things are far from what I focus on when I review their lives. Whatever they did as a livelihood, wherever they may have lived, "how" they lived is what typically fascinates us. Did they wring life's sponge for every ounce? Did they love others? Both of the persons in these examples recognized the brevity of life. David made it clear in words, praises, and songs. The Apostle Paul made it clear in his "no-hesitate" attitude and willingness to lay down his very life for the cause of Christ; and he did.

It has been said... "You haven't lived until you've found something worth dying for." You and I are going to die for something! It may, sadly, be for ourselves. It may be for our families. That is noble. Or, it could be for the cause of Christ. That is eternal.

Good times, Bad Times, You know I've Had My Share

Soooooo ...why do bad things happen to good people? We've heard that question many times. For that matter ...why do "bad things" happen? The older I get, the more I realize the importance of "definition". What is "bad"? Is losing a job "bad"? Losing a loved one? I lost a brother a few years ago. We would say... "way before his time" ...which, by the way, is not before God's time. I know the pain of losing someone so close. I had never lost someone so close. The reality sunk in. We "all" will die. These particular bodies aren't meant to last for eternity. In that line of thinking ...wouldn't you say it is "good" to shed the old skin? Well, it depends on your destination. Jesus said....

"Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." -John 15:2

The Christ-follower, especially, should be able to fight off the element of surprise ....when difficulties come. What if we, when feeling the sting of difficulties, use that circumstance as a check-point?

• Is there anything in your life that is outside of God's will? Give thanks that He provides discipline, as any loving father would do. Then, be willing to submit to His will, which should align with His word, and use that moment as a first step of repentance and change.
• Or maybe there is nothing that is deliberately, and consistently, outside of His will (and if you're His ....you'll know. His sheep know His voice.). Again, give thanks. He is preparing you to grow closer to Him, to be a more effective testimony of His glorious grace.

Just as a loving father disciplines a child, and just as a gardener prunes dead branches ....every move of our Abba / Father is for His glory ...and our benefit.  He will not throw you under the proverbial bus! He "will never leave you nor forsake you."

Can one live, too much, under grace?

"But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." -Hebrews 9:26

I have a good friend who told me that ...he was once told... "you live too much under grace." That's an odd statement. Can you? Is it possible ...to live, too much, under grace? Alternately, our eternity is dependent upon ourselves, and our own "good works" (Rom. 3:23, Rom. 3:10, Eph. 2:8). If God is righteous ...then there is no way we can believe this would suffice. Not to disregard the simplicity of what was likely meant by this statement to my friend ....no doubt, if we choose to live in any manner of direct, and deliberate disobedience to God ....then I'd say that statement would be an "under-statement"! If one is living in deliberate disobedience to the Father ....he / she is not "living under grace", but living under the sovereign righteousness, and pending judgment, of God Himself. Yet, the Lord is "not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

But can a blood-bought, repentant, believer, actively following Christ ....live, "too much" under grace? I submit that one cannot live ENOUGH "under grace"! It is the law, and God's righteousness, which establishes, and convicts, the sinner of his depraved condition, and it is "grace" which exemplifies God's glory to the sinner. God is glorious, righteous, and He is sovereign. We can demand nothing of Him, and we are entitled nothing by Him. Grace is a provision, based on His nature. He can, and does, demand righteousness, and at the same time, provides grace for you and I to achieve what we could not otherwise.

Hebrews 9 is a beautiful, awe-inspiring picture of God's demand of righteousness, and His provision of gracefulness. The first agreement (the law of the Old Testament) made clear God's demand for righteousness and submission. His new agreement (New Testament), was always intended. God didn't have an "aHA moment", or realize that He had underestimated our ability to sin. He knows our nature, and Jesus' provision was intended from moment one! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

This is why salvation comes down to a faith and a choice. If we believe, and "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) He owes you and I nothing... "but as it is, He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself."

A Sure God In A Shaky World

The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. -Psalms 33:11 He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His steadfast love endures forever. When the world around you is shaken, inconsistent, and untrustworthy ....remember that the One who created it stands undetered. Trust Him.

The Horse Before The Cart

²⁴Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. ²⁵He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. ²⁶He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately. ²⁷And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, ²⁸for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. -Acts 18:24-28

An encouragement to those of us who preach the gospel of Jesus Christ (I'm speaking of more than even vocational preachers); know the word, but know the Living Word ...who is Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith; the One by whom, and for whom, we even preach the truth of the gospel.

Scripture amazes me. I'm speaking of jot and tittle! (Matt. 5:18) How much can be gleaned from every single word of "truth" in Scripture! And while I believe that "every word" of which God originally inspired was, indeed, "inspired" by Him .....this, in no way, lessens our responsibility, no less the sensibility, as receivers of the word, to see it, to study it, and certainly to proclaim it in its full context. (2 Tim. 2:14-19)

1. Apollos was a man to be mimicked!

A few things we can learn, even from this brief introduction to this preacher of the word.

a. He was "eloquent". Apollos was gifted to express himself; more importantly, to express the Scriptures. Stumbling over his tongue, skewing his words, or being unclear were, apparently, not an issue.
b. He was "competent in the Scriptures". He knew God's word. Another reference to 2 Tim. 2:15.
c. He was "fervent in spirit". It has been said.... "those who stand for nothing will fall for anything." Apollos was bold, and direct.
d. He "spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus." He was, technically, "spot-on".

These are wonderful traits for a proclaimer of God's word! Not an absolute requirement ....but boy it helps! But "the word" must speak for itself, more than we speak it. The Holy Spirit must be present to give utterance. 

2. Apollos was "teachable".

Though he was fervent in spirit, eloquent, and competent in the Scriptures.... he wasn't too prideful to learn more. This is the mark of a Christ-follower. One who, though not leaning to every whim, can be lead by wise counsel. (Proverbs 27:17)

3. Apollos was "taught". 

Let's not miss the impact, the wisdom, and the stature, of the "teachers" in this story.

a. Priscilla and Aquila's hearts went out to Apollos. They saw his fervency! The heard his passion! They understood His heart to proclaim the truth of Jesus ....the Living Word.
b. They knew more than the baptism of John. They knew the Word, the Logos, the incarnate 2nd person of the Triune God! Their passion was more than academic. It was more than social. Friend, it was more than even the desire, and right desire, to dutifully fulfill what Christ had commissioned them to do. They had the horse appropriately leading the cart. They knew the loving heart of Him to whom they had surrendered. This, alone, covers a multitude of academics .....though by no means excusing you and I from the fervent study and proclamation of His word.

Study God's word! (2 Tim. 2:15) Know it well. Hide it in your heart! Memorize the Scriptures. But never, never let even these healthy academic practices preclude the over-arching truth that Jesus loves "you"! He died for "you"! Love Him as One who sacrificed for your very soul and eternity. I firmly believe that when we recognize Jesus for who He is .....the study of Scripture will no longer be academic, but simply amazing! It is a means by which to know its Author more each time we breathe it in.

The question is not "where" do you "go to church" ....but who, and what, is the church

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. -Acts 2:42-47

As you "go to church" this Sunday, consider what you're doing there. Does your purpose there align with the church modeled in the New Testament? And the question should be asked... are you, by definition given in Scripture, a "Christ-follower"? Anything otherwise is a social-club membership. The book of Acts gives us the model of the "New Testament church." No question ....times have changed since the early church met together. We have different bents, different dependencies ....simply a different way of life. As an example... my wife and I traveled to Kenya in 2009-2010, and we saw, even in the poorest of circumstances, people living lives of much more attainable means than the early church had. Yet, in Kenya, we saw a level of poverty which we could not begin to appreciate or pretend to relate to. Culture is a wonderment, to be sure. We, especially blessed as we are in this country, have developed an attitude of entitlement and expectation. It is the bitter-sweet pill that, through the blood-stream of a people who's very right to be free is won, flows.

It seems that we are who we are. I am thankful for the freedoms I have. I don't know that I could revert to another way of living. Moreover, I don't know that I want to or necessarily "need" to in an extreme sense; lest the Lord demands it of me. Without question... the Lord shows me adjustments that can be made, in order to live with a lesser attitude of entitlement. We are "entitled" nothing other than that which we are endowed by our Creator. Yet, with each day's passing, each year's passing, we see a chasm develop in the lives of the people for whom Christ submitted; Christ-follower or not. Without making an absolute broad-stroke... even the average Christian doesn't know where he / she has come from. Dear friend ...this is a history lesson worth learning.

It is healthy that today's Christ-follower see, for him/herself, how the church that Jesus established, ebbed and flowed; what its purpose was, and how it acted out that purpose. Not that we should bar the doors on the "church-house" (...though this may be an appropriate move for some...) but are we breaking bread together in our "church-home"; that is, with the body of Christ. Are we fulfilling the role of what Christ commissioned? (Matt. 28:16-20) Whatever cultural environment you may be in (...and I am speaking, too, of church-culture...) ask yourself if you are modeling the church as it was established by Christ' immediate disciples. Are you a part of a true example of His church? It is time to get back to the basics, back to Scripture, back to the church, and its purpose, which Christ set forth. Him as the Head, we as the body.

You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet

"⁸Why do you question these things in your hearts? ⁹Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'? ¹⁰But that you may know that^(I) the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the paralytic— ¹¹"I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home." ¹²And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and^(J) glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!" -Mark 2:8-12

You gotta' love what's going on here! If you trek backwards just a bit, in the writings of Mark, you'll see that some of the "teachers of religious law" (...and don't miss teachers of "law", not "grace") were thinking (not out loud, according to Scripture, but thinking it nonetheless). In their minds they were murmuring ..."Why does this man speak like that?" They wondered where He thought He got His authority. They called Him a blasphemer ...no less.

EXHIBIT 'A':

Here's the "GO JESUS" part of this story. Yes, I'm gloating a bit for my Savior. That's "me". He loved those critics as much as He loves me (note to self). Jesus asked them why they were questioning "these things" (Jesus' authority, His actions, His words) in their hearts. GOTCHA'! Caught "thinking"! Only the Lord of Heaven and Earth knows the thoughts of men. So, I present, as evidence 'A' ..that Jesus, the God-man, knew their very thoughts.

EXHIBIT 'B':

Jesus fearlessly presented a challenge, an evidence of Who He is, upon Himself. As if "knowing their thoughts" wouldn't be enough to conclude this is... "more than man", Jesus asked these teachers of religious law.... "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'?" As if to not stick these un-believing souls with the choice of having to answer Jesus' o' so wise questoin...... He said, and I para-phrase, "tell ya' what I'm gonna' do! So that you may know that I have the power to forgive sins, I'll show you some "earthly" Godliness! "I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home." So stands evidence 'B'. If He can read "their" thoughts... if He can heal 'the paralytic's' broken condition ....who, other than God, has the power to heal, to know our very thoughts .....to forgive us our sin?

Mark 2:12 finishes like this.... "And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Mark 1:7-8 quotes John the Baptist saying.... "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

How much evidence do you need ...to believe in the One True God? How many eye-witnesses do you have to dis-believe in order to come to the conclusion that it's all a hoax? How much faith does it take to dis-believe? Yet, many will not believe. Jesus said... "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

At the end of the day... "faith".... faith to believe, is a choice. No differently, faith to NOT believe, also, is a choice. As a favorite song-writer once said it..... "if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice." Apathy, or an ambiguous mind-set, is not the answer. Nor is it an excuse. (Psalm 19:1-4) Using whatever degree of reason is in us ...we have to realize that a God who is Creator, a God who is Greater than you and I ...can, and DID, manifest Himself, as one among us, providing any ridiculous amount of evidence that HE IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS .....that we may be saved.

I'm Ok With ...FEAR The Lord

"The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant." I'm ok with FEAR the Lord." -Psalm 25:14

A very wise man once said..... "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7) Our Father, our all-powerful Creator and Lord, is more than someone to be feared, for certain. He is all that makes up "love" as well. "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:8) A songwriter said it well... "You're my everything, Lord".

Often, I hear the word "fear" a little watered down. We're hesitant to portray a God who is to be "feared". I firmly believe that is only because we have our priorities all wrong, our place in things, and what it really means to "fear God". A criminal, a trespasser, "fears" the law! This is not a fear of someone who stalks them. This is a fear brought on by their own wrong-doing. Likewise, I feared my own dad when I did wrong. At the same time ....I enjoyed his love when I did what was right.

The same God who loves you is also to be feared. It is His love, for you and I, that makes Him fearful. Accept His scolding when you're wrong. Fear His righteousness ...even when you feel right! Look forward to His love in it all.

The Heavens Truly Declare His Glory ...As Should We

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world." -Psalm 19:1-4

Today is a beautiful, Spring-like, day.... in mid-February. There is simply no way I can look around me outside and not see the wonder of God's creative handiwork! And yes, that is even in spite of a mostly cruel, fallen world around me. Our choices do not change His character. But did I always feel that way? Many, still, do not.

As a child, I spent very little time in church (that is... going to a building, with a group, where we study God's word). I interject that explanation of "church", simply because, as a child, I recall being confused by all the denominationalism around me; as are so many today. I figured there was simply something I was missing about all this. Don't get me wrong.... I know, now, that I was occasionally in an environment that was very healthy in proclaiming the truth of the gospel, but far over-arching was an environment of stale-ness toward the things of Christ. Many I grew up with were in the same boat. I steered clear of religion for the most-part. Maybe it was a generational effect due, in part, by how we have confused who God is, who Christ is, what "church" is.

However, the words of the Apostle Paul ring true... "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." (Romans 1:20) I don't think I ever believed, at the very least, there was NOT "God". Maybe we didn't have His name right, or maybe one denomination knew Him more accurately than another, but even in my certain immaturity.... I recall thinking... "maybe we're just confused about who God is, because I know he exists just by looking around at what is created." I had no clue how profound those early inklings were! Had I known what the Scriptures said about the evidence of God.....I wonder how this might have impacted me at an early age? Yet, I know I remained without excuse. The heavens truly do declare His glory!! Rivers and streams, mountains and hills ....all a result of the workmanship of the Master Craftsman. I still am unclear how many of us have gotten confused with the creation, itself, being the god. Even my uneducated, immature, beginnings spoke to me that "a very powerful Creator" had to do all this.

But what is meant in "being without excuse"? It is critical, as we grow, that we not claim merely knowing "of" God as sufficient or equivalent to "knowing" God. To know Him, according to His word ("all" of His word) is to know Jesus Christ. The two cannot be separated. Maybe this is where we have fallen into worship of the creation ...instead of the Creator. Praise Him ....that He provided His workmanship for us to enjoy, and to give evidence of His goodness. Believers should not neglect any opportunity to tell the rest of His story, as per His design and intention, from creation-to-Christ' return. May His voice, through us, go out through all the earth. 

The world today needs "clear Christianity", not merely good praise bands, CEO-like pastors, or houses of worship than can double as shopping malls. These things will pass. To those claiming to be a Christ-follower .....learn the story, hide His words in your heart, so they can flow forth from it, that others can avoid confusion and being led the wrong way.

So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

"Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,"   -Psalm 17:8

This morning I walked out of our youth bible study feeling very "under the weather". "Worship time" is very special, and very simple, at our church. We're always excited and anxious to see how the Holy Spirit will lead. As we began to sing ...I quickly discovered that I could not. No pipes! Just wheezes and groans. Frustration was an initial temptation. I just wanted to worship the Lord!!

The Lord showed me something, very quickly, and unexpectedly. I stood.... doing barely more than humming the melody of "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus". As I was unable to sing out load .....God restored a song, this song, in my heart. It reminded me that His song is a song sung most loudly within our own hearts, that His word should be stored in our hearts (Psalm 119:11). The words came "alive" to me this morning.

And just to show how God works all things together..... I'll briefly rewind to a Valentine's Banquet which our small fellowship had just the night before. Just a simple night of food, fun, and fellowship. One of the activities was a game to see which team could recite the most Scripture passages about "love". The competitive instincts kicked in.... and several of us even began digging for the iPhones ....so that we could gain a competitive edge. What can I say. But boy how "iron sharpens iron"! A dear brother gently rebuked us, we cheaters, and it didn't seem like much then ....but what was on his heart turned into a beautiful reminder of how these words, these "love" Scriptures, should "already" be in our hearts. Oh what a blessing this turned out to be! God used a simple game ....to show His presence, and how He desires to store His word in "our" hearts! The Lord of all creation wants to secure His treasured word in our own frail, sinful hearts.

Back to this morning's worship..... those thoughts, apparently, hadn't left me. Even our worship leader was taken back while singing this song. I saw a smile, almost a giggle (Lord, look what you're doing....) come over his face as we sang. Add to that, the particular Scripture passage (Acts 8:4) which, unbeknown to us, our guest preacher was about to preach ....was printed just above the song we were singing. Nope ...no magic, or hocus-pocus .....just God working "all things together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

God reminded me, this weekend, of His will, His purpose. He will accomplish what He has set out to accomplish. His desire is that we, His creation, enjoy it with Him. Maybe the words to this simple song will bless you. Sing it out loud ...in your heart!

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood! 

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace. 

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end. 

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

You Can't Take It With You

"6Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, 7for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world."  -1 Timothy 6:6-7

 And you thought momma made that up! For those convinced, and convicted, to do so ...."purging" oneself of worldly desires is, to say the least, difficult ....and a battle one will fight the remainder of his / her natural life "in" this world. But be of great courage. You and I don't fight that battle alone either. It amazes me how righteous prayer, prayer and desire that pleases the Lord, really does work! I am a former smoker ....twice a quitter! The first time ....I pulled myself up by the proverbial boot-straps and succeeded in quitting! I was very "proud of me". That may have been precisely why, at a weak moment, I started again. The 2nd time I quit ......I confessed to the Lord that I absolutely cannot do this on my own, in my own power, and my own will is not strong enough to sustain me and remain quit.

The 2nd time around ....God had the glory, and not just in words. It really was "Him" that did it. I know. I was there! He used this roller-coaster to teach me something. If He gets the glory ...we get the benefit. If we'll depend on Him for all our needs, wants, desires ....He is more than able, and apparently willing, to provide. We just have to find our contentment "in Him". It wasn't enough for me to quit smoking merely because of the social stigma, the expense, or even the likely health issues. While all those things are valid .....I had to want to quit to honor and glorify Him. I think that was a sweet sound to His ear.

In short time ...I found I could be content without that crutch in my hand, and He filled that void with healthier habits, and desires. And the more I learn to "do without" ....the more I find contentment in leaning on Him.

Honored

"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you." -Exodus 20:12

It has recently occured to me that, thus far, I have focussed more on how I might honor my own parents ...rather than how my children might honor me. But something happened recently.

This may sound terribly insignificant, but my youngest son drew a picture the other night. It is a rather humbling likeness too. Do I really look like that? He drew my hair-style (...if I have one...). He drew the little "soul-patch" which I sport. And I wonder if my ears really appear that large??

But it isn't what was drawn that got me. It was what was written. Above and below, my hopefully non-reflective, likeness, he simply jotted down "Yankees" and "Cardinals".

I know.... "insignificant" is an over-statement! What are you talking about? My son knows how much I enjoy baseball. He knows who my favorite teams are. In fact, when I think about it... they have become "his" favorite teams. Do you know how profound that is... to me?? He knows his father well. He knows my likes and dislikes, and when he takes time to create something for me ....he stamps it with the things which I enjoy. Amazing! My son thinks enough of me to not only honor me with the things I enjoy ...but he wants to be sure that I know, that he knows them too!!

This "drawing" may not look like much to anyone else ...but it tells the story of mine and my son's life together ...with a sketched image and two words. Without writing so much as even a phrase ....it says that he loves me so much that he pays attention to what pleases his dad. Now I'm wondering what I can do, on purpose, to honor him.

I hope I do, for my dad, what my son does for me ....and my Father too.