Morning NEWs

Happy NEW Year! It’s finally arrived. Our comments about it change with age. Young people say, “I can hardly wait!” Older ones say, “Where did the time go?”

Time is an ancient concept set in place by the Creator Himself. From the beginning, Genesis 1:1-2:4 declares that evening and morning make a day. We live our days on a twenty-four-hour basis, helped along by sunrise and sunset.

God is not bound by time, but He certainly understands it. Beyond the Genesis record, some argue for Peter’s statement that with God *one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day (2 Peter 3:8). When it comes to Genesis, I prefer to focus on the orderliness of Creation, not argue over the possible increments of time.

*Fiddler on the Roof, one of my favorite musicals, contains a song sung by Tevye, the Jewish Father. Sunrise, Sunset not only speaks of passing days, but passing years . . . one season following another, laden with happiness and tears

Who changed the counting of time from days to years? Encyclopedia Brittanica (sourced on Google) says the Egyptians were the first to create a “civil calendar” from the lunar one used for agriculture and religion. Their year was three seasons of four months, with thirty days each. At the end of twelve months, they added five intercalary days for a total of 365 days.

We are one of thousands of generations who have greeted a new year. To me, “Happy New Year” is a greeting that reminds me to stop, reconsider my life, and make changes where necessary.

We live our “new” daily. According to Lamentations 3:22-25, God’s love never ends, and because of His faithfulness, His mercies never cease - - - they are new every morning! That gives “have a good day” a whole new meaning.

Have a “Happy NEW Year!” But don’t stop there. Thank God for those daily NEW mercies. They’re not leftovers from last year or even the day before, and they’ll never run out. For that, I’m truly thankful.

*2 Peter 3:8 wording is from The Amplified Bible, and is used by permission of the Lockman Foundation and the Zondervan Corporation, copyright 1987 by the Lockman Foundation. 

*According to Wikipedia, Fiddler on the Roof was written in 1964 by Composer Jerry Bock and Lyricist Sheldon Harrick.

 Photo by FlashBuddy on Pixabay

 

The Advent of Christmas: Week 4

This week we focus on LOVE. Love is a great motivator, and one of the ways it shows up is in acts of giving. Who would argue with that idea at Christmastime? Let's look at LOVE shown in three different ways.

First, is God’s love. *John 3:16-19 (KJV) explains it in simple terms: God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Love is more than a feeling; it’s shown by action - - - God loved - - - God gave.

The word whosoever is very important. Revelation 5:9 (KJV) speaks of a song sung around God’s throne in praise of people redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ, John 1:29) from every kindred, tongue, people, and nation.

We once worked in a large church with a high-peaked entry. Above the doors, the pastor requested the placement of these words: Whosoever Will May Come . . . and come they did! I always said we had a “world-class church” because of the various ages, economic levels, and people groups that worshiped and served the Lord together. It was one of our favorite places of ministry.

Second, is Jesus’ love. In John 14:8-11(KJV), Philip said, “Show us the Father.” Jesus replied, “He that has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus loved the Father and wanted to bring Him glory. In verse thirteen He said, “The Father is glorified in the works of the Son.”

If you are unfamiliar with the ministry of Jesus and His marvelous works, I would suggest you read the book of John. Of course, the first four books of the New Testament all shed light on the works of Jesus.

Third, is Our love. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV). His commandments are easy to find, especially if you have a Bible with Jesus’ words in red. One of His commands is this: Love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12 KJV).

This week let’s light the candle of LOVE and rejoice that God’s love was an action, not just a feeling. May our responsive love be the same.

*All scriptures from The Authorized King James Version of the Bible (KJV), The World Publishing Company, Cleveland and New York, Copyright 1945.

Photo by Theo Crazzolara on Pixabay 

The Advent of Christmas: Week 3

This week we focus on JOY! Are joy and happiness the same thing? I would say not, for a couple of reasons. In America, our forefathers made it a point to say we could indulge in “the pursuit of happiness.” That would imply action on our part, and I appreciate that sentiment.

On the other hand, joy is more of a spiritual value, something within us that does not depend on outward circumstances.

Out of curiosity, I took a detailed look at my *Strong’s Concordance. If you have one, you know the print is so small you almost need a magnifying glass to read it, but here’s what I found: Joy had one hundred sixty-five listings. In contrast, happy had only twenty-six.

In the spirit of Advent, let’s now consider JOY. My thesaurus says it's an inner contentment or satisfaction. Perhaps that's why joy is a gift to the poor as well as the rich . . . it does not depend on circumstances.

I keep thinking of Hebrews 12:1-4 NLT. Believers are being encouraged to run their spiritual race with endurance. Paul’s example is Jesus, who because of the joy awaiting him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame.

What better example of JOY as an inner quality? His crucifixion would certainly not be a source of joy or happiness! Jesus trusted His Father completely and had hope beyond the grave.

God sent Jesus into the world as Savior. People who believe in Him (John 3:16-21), receive another gift, the Holy Spirit. He indwells them and produces spiritual fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists nine, JOY being one of them.

In Creation, natural fruit shows promise as a tiny bud then gradually grows until it becomes obvious which fruit it is. Our spiritual lives grow and mature over time, too.   

Consider this proposal.  **Joy to the World! The Lord is come! Reverend Isaac Watts wrote this song as a hymn of praise in 1719. Then people turned it into a Christmas song, and why not?

It contains an enduring invitation: Let every heart prepare Him room.

Let’s do it! This Christmas let’s open our hearts anew to the Joy of Jesus, a gift from God like no other.

*The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, James Strong, LL.D., S.T.D., copyright 1984, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.

**Joy to the World, Author: Isaac Watts (1719), hymnary.org

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 Photo by Theo Crazzolara on Pixabay

The Advent of Christmas: Week 2

Wouldn’t it be great if the world could be peaceful . . . calm, quiet, without trouble anywhere? The keyword this week is just that - - - peace.

It’s not always easy to come by. You may be trying to seek peace, and pursue it, as suggested in Psalm 34:14; however, you may experience frustration because of opponents.

Opponents can rough up relationships. Some are like sandpaper, slightly annoying. Others act like a steel fence, cutting us off from our desired goal. The Apostle Paul gave this advice in Romans 12:18 (NKJV): If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

In the beauty of darkness, angels lit up the sky outside Bethlehem. Can you think of Christmas songs without *“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear?”

Perhaps, like me, the first phrase coming to mind is “Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven’s all-gracious King.” It sounds so powerful and majestic,

Their message was God’s . . . offering us a way into His eternal kingdom. In the fullness of time - - - centuries of earthly time, plus the months required for a baby to grow in the womb - - - God sent His Son to be born the Savior of the world. John 3:16 gives the extended invitation.

Jesus, in His ministry, offered personal peace. In John 14:1(NLT) He says: “Don’t let your heart be troubled.” How is that possible? His answer: “Trust in God, and trust also in me.”

During this Advent Season let’s aim for personal peace. Only a few powerful people are called upon to achieve world peace, but personal peace is up to each of us.

Will we trust in Jesus and receive His peace, or will we let our minds focus on the world's lack of peace? It's a major opponent, but we have a choice. Personal peace can be ours.

*Hymnary.org says this song was authored by Edmund H. Sears in 1849 and has been published in 857 hymnals.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright 1982, by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Used by Permission, All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by Permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Photo by Theo Crazzolara on Pixabay 

The Advent of Christmas: Week 1

The Christmas Season has arrived once again with the advent of Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales. This year they seemed extended even more days before and after Thanksgiving.

Advent means something is approaching and will eventually arrive, or make an appearance. We can add meaning to this Season by purposefully giving ourselves a spiritual focus four weeks before celebrating Jesus Christ's arrival as a baby in Bethlehem.

I did not grow up in a church that celebrated Advent. I was in my late twenties when I attended a Greater Los Angeles Sunday School Convention and chose that session out of curiosity. I must say that after learning about it, I felt a little cheated.

It wasn't that our church didn't celebrate Christmas. We always had choir cantatas and children's programs and plays put on by the young people. But our Christmas focus was usually just the week before Christmas, and then it was over.

As I remained in ministry, it was my joy to help churches celebrate Advent whenever I had an opportunity. It seems such a simple thing to do. The Advent wreath holds four candles on the outside ring, and one candle in the middle, The Christ Candle.

How you celebrate Advent is up to you. The types and colors of candles can vary. Some people use a circular wreath. Others set four candles in a row and do not add the Christ candle. I always chose four red plus a white candle in the center. Don't lose your focus! It's not the candles, but Christ's birth that we are celebrating.

One candle is lit each week and there are Advent Devotionals to help guide your thoughts. I checked several devotionals online and this week's word is a favorite of mine . . . every day, not just Christmas.

HOPE! Where would we be without it?

Here's my favorite scripture on HOPE: Lamentations 3:22-24 NKJV*

Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

"The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I HOPE in Him." 

Photo by Theo Crazzolara on Pixabay

*NKJV: The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc. 

I'm Glad to Know You

In this season of thankfulness, let’s consider friends and acquaintances.”  When we are first introduced to someone we say, “I’m happy to meet you.” When we get more acquainted it’s easy to say, “I’m glad to know you.”

Today, two unexpected examples turned up: First, I answered my cell phone and heard my older neighbor say, “We’re locked out of our house- - - could you call a locksmith to help us?”

I was happy to help, but it was a challenge. This was Saturday on a holiday weekend, and we don’t live in a metropolis so options were limited. I called two places, got answering machines, and left my number.

Then it dawned on me that my neighbors were waiting outside their home on a very cold day! I invited them in to stay warm, and she came over immediately. He came later, but she volunteered to talk to the next locksmith. She got another answering machine but left her number.

Nearly thirty minutes had gone by with no callbacks. I was wondering what to do when I thought of our Associate Pastor. He had been of help to my Goddaughter; maybe he could help me. I called and asked if he knew a locksmith. He kindly looked up the number of one who had helped our church.

The locksmith he recommended said he was sorry their mobile man was off today, but he referred me to “Jimmy” at another company. My neighbor called and was told Jimmy could come immediately . . . which he did!

I was sending a thank you text to our Associate Pastor when a scripture came to mind.

In my New King James Version of the Bible, the heading for Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 is “The Value of a Friend.” Verses nine and ten say: Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.

How many times have I received help from a friend? In how many different ways? How about you?

It’s always appropriate to be thankful. Take a little time to reflect on the value of friends, and be glad you are more than acquaintances.

Your Thanks and Mine

It’s always nice to give thanks. When I was fighting cancer, part of my bedtime ritual was to thank God for ten good things that happened that day, no matter how small.

Being positive is good for your health. To me, being thankful is just part of having a cheerful heart, which is like good medicine *(Proverbs 17:22, NLT).

Saying “thank you” makes human relationships run smoother. Do you try to say these words of appreciation to the people closest to you? Or do you take them for granted?

What about people who serve you in various capacities, like food servers, mechanics, sales associates, doctors, nurses, medical technicians, or teachers? We could go on and on, but people who help you may differ from the ones who help me.

How many people have assisted you in some way this week? Were you a grumpy receiver, or were you pleasant enough to say, “Thank you for your help?”

America is not the only country to have a Thanksgiving Day, but our history should matter to us. **A Thanksgiving proclamation was made by President George Washington in 1789 per a request from Congress. It was celebrated intermittently until 1863 when President Lincoln proclaimed a day of “Thanksgiving and Praise” on the last Thursday in November.” It was declared a permanent holiday by Congress in 1942.

It’s great to have a special day, but giving thanks to God, as well as to people, should be an everyday affair. Psalm 107:1 (NLT) says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

Four times the psalmist repeated this phrase: “Let them praise the LORD for His great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them”  (verses 8, 15, 21, and 31).

Has God done any wonderful things in your life? Think about it. That’s where your thanks and mine will differ. God created us as individuals in our mother’s womb and continues to see us that way throughout our lives.

Don’t wait. Become aware of giving thanks- - - starting today!

*Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, and 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.

**Thanksgiving (United States), Wikipedia. 

Calendar, New Year's Day, Sylvester Image, Geralt, Pixabay.

What Can You Trust?

A friend and I had a good laugh over a recent text message. After sharing an answer to prayer, her closing comment was, “Our Lord does work in mysterious ways.” At least that’s what she meant to say.  

The message I received said, “Our Lord does work in mistletoe ways.” I was pondering the mistletoe message when she texted her correction. 

I have learned to check my auto-correct. I’ve sent garbled messages with one-word changes, too. Modern technology is supposed to make life easier, but it doesn’t.

In the past two weeks, I’ve spent hours with one tech company, trying to update my accounts. I have two-step verification with several companies, but theirs seemed unusually challenging.

Technology is here to stay. My husband used to say, “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken.” I try, but always being told to go “online” is simply tiresome.

When E-books came out, publishers thought they’d lose a lot of money. Time proved people still preferred the printed page. That’s me! I like to pick up a book, read it, lay it down, and pick it up later. So easy! 

The best seller of all time still remains popular in print. I can read scriptures on my cell phone, but I have a satisfying *hard-cover study Bible. It comes complete with explanatory notes, cross-references, a concordance, Bible charts, and maps.

Since childhood, I have read, studied, and trusted God’s Word. He gives a lovely illustration of its trustworthiness in Isaiah 55:8-11 (NLT). I’ve always relied on verse eleven: **It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it (NLT).

The King James Version says: ***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 (KJV).

In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, it’s nice to have something we can trust. I have put my hope in God’s Word more times than I could ever tell. There is one thing I can say, however, “God always keeps His Word.”  

*Life Application Study Bible is an edition of the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Tyndale House Publishers, 2007. All Rights Reserved.

**Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright . . . 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by Permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, IL 60188. All Rights Reserved.

***King James Version, YouVersion app.

Pixabay Illustration, Trust, Reveal Identity, John Hain

 

Friends are Foundational

Some people say friends are the spice of life. To me, these are the lighthearted moments when we enjoy an activity together or laugh at a shared pithy quip or humorous quote. They're the feathers that give lift to our relational wings.

But I think foundational friends are needed more often than that. They’re the ones who don’t brush us off in the hard spots of life when we’d prefer to say, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Or, “I’ll think about it later.”

Life is not always that easy on us. We have to keep going and foundational friends stick right with us. When we complete the project, pass the test, or fulfill the assignment they join in our rejoicing.

The Apostle Paul had a habit of naming his friends at the end of his letters. Consider, for example, the friends named at the end of his letter to Colosse (Colossians 4:7-15, NLT):

Tychicus, beloved brother, faithful helper

Onesimus, also a beloved brother

Aristarchus, a fellow prisoner

Mark, a cousin of Barnabas

The one we call Justus sends greetings

Epaphras, a prayer warrior

Luke, the beloved doctor

Demas also sends greetings

Greet Nymphas and her house church

Tell Archippus to continue to carry out his ministry

I could easily name eight or ten friends who are foundational in my life. I’m sure they prefer their names remain private, but a foundational friend is the reason you are getting this blog right now. She knows more about computers than I do, and while I’m trying to learn more about technology, she’s got me covered.

Friends both local and out of town, longtime and new, call now and then to see how I’m doing. That’s always a nice morale boost. And lunches out or dinners at home with family and/or friends give a lift through a break in my routine.

I see a lot of love in these foundational friends. I Corinthians 13:4, NLT says, “Love is patient and kind.” What could be more foundational than that?

On that basis, who would you name as foundational friends?

Illustration: "Friendship" from Pixabay

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by Permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188, All rights reserved.

Consistent Effort Pays Off

It’s pumpkin season. I’ll bet you’ve seen plenty around, but have you seen one that weighed 2,749 pounds?  

My friend saw this huge pumpkin on TV. I had read about it and was shocked to learn that the winner received nine dollars a pound. He had entered the 50^th World Champion *Pumpkin Weigh-off contest in Half Moon Bay, California.

He won by giving his pumpkin patch extra care. He watered up to twelve times a day and fed and fertilized a bit more than usual.

The challenge was not only growth but transportation. It had to be moved from Minnesota to California. When asked why he tries to win, Travis said “I put in the work so I can see a smile on people’s faces . . . ”

Jesus told a parable about the payoff of consistent efforts. People were given different talents to invest. It wasn’t the amount that mattered, but how they handled it (Matthew 25:14-30 NKJV).

I’m thinking about the opportunity we have to read the Bible daily. We’re not all going to be theologians, understanding the minutest details of scripture. But we can get the big picture. God loved us enough to put His eternal goals for us in writing.

Scripture reading is not meant to be burdensome. In fact, there’s a daily payoff if you consider how to apply it to your life. Devotional books have their place. They’re a small daily spiritual jumpstart. Or perhaps they’re a spiritual snack, but what about pursuing “The Bread of Life” or the “Meat of the Word?”

If Jesus called you home today, would you see Him smiling and saying, “Well done (your name), you’ve been faithful over a few things . . . enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:21 NKJV).

Isn’t an eternal reward worth more effort than raising a gigantic pumpkin that will eventually perish?

Consistent effort in a pumpkin patch paid off. Maybe it’s time to consider upping your effort for a spiritual payoff by reading your Bible a little more.  

Psalm 119 says it's a win now, but the bigger payoff will be Jesus’ “well done” greeting, along with a smile. 

*Pumpkin Weighing 2,749 Lbs. Wins California Contest, Sets World Record for Biggest Gourd, Online ABC News Report, 10/09/23 (Winner: Travis Gienger of Anoka, Minnesota).

Photo from Pixabay, Pumpkin Orange Harvest

Skip to the Bottom Line

Have you ever sat through a long-winded meeting wishing they’d cut to the chase, or skip to the bottom line? It always reminds me of the old Dragnet show where detective Joe Friday would say, “Just the facts, ma’am.”

The Apostle Paul did a good job of doing just that when he wrote Romans 13:8-10. Instead of lingering over the “do nots” he cut to the chase or the bottom line with one “do.”

It doesn’t matter which Bible translation you read, the don’ts are things that intrude on another’s space or do them harm. For example, sleeping with someone’s spouse, taking their life, stealing from them, or wanting something they have that you don’t. I’m sure you can think up your own list of hurtful things.

The way to avoid the negative is to live in the positive: Love others as you love yourself. This week on Turning Point, I heard Dr. David Jeremiah say, “People like to deceive, but I’ve never met anyone who wanted to BE deceived.”

Would you like to simplify your life? Then skip to the bottom line in relationships: Love others as you love yourself. Such love does not harm self or others.

Jesus skipped to the bottom line when He declared that all the Law and the Prophets hung on two commandments: (1) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and (2) Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40).

Martin Buber, a twentieth-century philosopher, makes a good point about this bottom-line principle: “. . . There is no one who knows your many faults better than you! But you love yourself notwithstanding. And so you must love your neighbor, no matter how many faults you see in him.”*

He skipped to the bottom line. Now all we have to do is take it to heart. That means we think before we speak or act. Would I want someone to speak or act like this toward me? No? OK, then I won’t do it to them either.      

*Martin Buber, azquotes.com, Love Your Neighbor as Yourself Quotes.

Stock meeting image by Pixabay.

 

You Can Count On This

Recent world events have people on edge. The signing of certain peace agreements had given us hope for the future. When a friend recently quoted 1 Thessalonians 5:3, I inwardly brushed it off. It says when people say peace, peace, sudden destruction will come.   

That section of scripture refers to the Lord's second coming, but scripture also comes true on several levels. In hard times we seek for an anchor. We want something to believe in, something to hold us steady. What can we do?

Movies have given us some memorable songs about confidence. In The King and I we learn when we’re afraid we can whistle a happy tune. In Sound of Music, we learn we can be encouraged by thinking of our favorite things. As much as I enjoy these musical productions, I have a different way of gaining confidence.

I find it in God’s word, for several reasons: (1) God has said not to be anxious about anything, but to make our requests known to Him (Philippians 4:6 NKJV), (2) I have read a great many testimonies, from our times, as well as centuries before us, of answered prayers, and (3) God has given us His word with a purpose.

After using an example of the trustworthiness of rain to make things grow so we can have food, Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV) says: So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Read the Psalms and you’ll see David pouring out his heart to God. You’ll also see praises and songs of thanksgiving to a God who answers prayer.

After decades of following David’s example, I can tell you God does hear and answer prayer.

God always keeps His word. As you read scriptures in your Bible or on your cell phone, note those that really speak to you. As I studied Psalm 27 this week, the last verse reminded me that answers to prayers are not spontaneous. We are to place our confidence in His word and not give up.   

Photo: Pixabay, Harvest Background, Sunset: akirEVarga 

A Promise and Time

 

People think it’s strange when I take off my glasses to read. Even when I explain why, they seem skeptical. Maybe my experience is more unusual than I think.

A school eye test in sixth grade revealed my need for glasses. The doctor said I needed bifocals. Hardly any kids I knew wore glasses and I thought bifocals were for old people! I wasn’t a bit happy until I heard him say, “If you wear these now, you won’t have to wear them when you are older.”

I graduated from high school wearing bifocals . . . completed college, got married, and started teaching, still wearing bifocals. Years went by right up to retirement. That’s when I realized there’d been a change.

It happened in a photography class. I noticed people around me putting on their glasses to see close up, while I took mine off. I questioned my eye doctor at my next appointment and he confirmed, “You don’t need bifocals. You can read without them.”

Wow! After all those years the sixth-grade promise came true! Of course, promises aren’t made when something is imminent. Promises take time to fulfill.

Jesus made a promise that He was going away to prepare a place for those who believe in Him and would return later to take them to it (John 14:2-3).

Perhaps you feel about His return like I felt about my bifocals. I heard the promise, but years went by before it happened. I could do nothing to make it happen sooner. In fact, Jesus, like us, is waiting for the promised day of His return. He said only His Father knows the day and hour (Matthew 24:36).

His promise, like all others, requires time. World events have people asking, “Are these the last days? Is Jesus coming soon? Is the rapture real? Is there really going to be a Great Tribulation?” The Bible has proven true over thousands of years, so the answer to these prophecy questions is “yes.”

If you would like to learn more, I recommend *Dr. David Jeremiah of Shadow Mountain Church in El Cajon, California. He has been a minister, Bible teacher, and author for over forty years, and has also written several understandable **books about end-time events.

Make yourself a promise to pursue answers to the above questions. Then take time to fulfill your promise.

*Find Dr. David Jeremiah online under Turning Point. **His books are available wherever books are sold.

 

Joy Beyond Tears

How often have you seen a grown man cry? Not often, would be my guess. There are times, however, when tears are comforting and just the release of pressure that is needed.

That's what you would have seen back in 2007 when my husband and I had just gotten out of the doctor's office with the report on my breast biopsy: Cancer, Stage 3, immediate treatment needed. 

Out in the car, we shed our tears, then said, “We’d better get on over to the recommended Oncologist’s office.” It had many chairs, nearly all filled. I was not very used to medical scenes because I’ve enjoyed generally good health for most of my life. I sat there thinking this felt like a cattle call, and then I thought what a strange term!

My name was called and my new life began. The interview covered health history, recent medical reports, and insurance. Then I was given an almost immediate appointment with the oncologist.

This wonderful woman did not let me out of her office until she had personally booked my lab work to be done that very day, a MUGA test for my heart, and my next appointment. Her plan included chemo, surgery, and radiation.

My case was unusual in that I not only had Stage 3 Breast Cancer but Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). It was so painful I couldn’t bear to wear a seatbelt or have any pressure on my breast at all.  

What kept me encouraged through 9 months of treatments was God’s word. I found hope in the Psalms. I was reading Psalm 84:5-8 (NLT) this week and it reminded me of the joy I found while walking through my valley of tears.

Verse 5 says, “What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD.” Verse 12 adds “What joy for those who trust in you (LORD).    

God’s word is true. I experienced joy beyond tears during my cancer journey. Perhaps you’re on a tearful journey of your own. I encourage you to find a translation you enjoy and look for hope in God’s word every day.  

The World in Words

I’ve always enjoyed words.  Mom was a whiz at Crossword puzzles. Not me. I preferred Word Search. We both enjoyed Scrabble, but try as hard as I might she was always the winner.

Writing was always my thing. I wrote in my diaries, journaled, and wrote summaries of vacations daily for several years. I started blogging about ten years ago.

I published a *book of inspirational stories, and even wrote a few poems, though I don’t consider myself a poet. Here’s one I’ll share with you:

 *WORDS of LIFE

Darlis Sailors

Words have length and words have power

Say “I” and it marks my place

The world is big, and I am in it

Say “you” and life gets larger

I admit there are others

I have a place, but so do you

 

You and I can join as one

Show strength as “we,” a force for change

We, as a team, produce good or evil

 

Alone I am one, my choice

With you, I must learn to give

Our spaces touch and new vision emerges

 

How will we live, part you - - - part me

Our plan is formed with give-and-take

Small words of life with power

 

This concept of you and me is an ancient one. Jesus is quoted in the New Testament as saying, “All the Law and the Prophets hang on two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV). The first is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. The second is to love your neighbor as yourself.

Way back in the writings of Moses, love your neighbor as yourself appears in Leviticus 19:18. Something with such a long shelf life deserves our close consideration.

“I,” “you,” and “we” make up our world from day to day. Relationships matter, so don’t give up if you’ve messed up. Do what it takes to give yourself a fresh start.

*REFLECTIONS: Inspirational Stories from Everyday Life, Darlis Sailors, Available from BookLocker.com, copyright 2016.

**Words of Life, REFLECTIONS by Darlis Sailors, P. 165.                                              

Thank You: Politeness or Prayer

At an early age, most people are taught to say, “Thank you.” Parents beam when their young children get it right, but that’s not always the case.

At a pre-Christmas family dinner, an aunt and uncle were visiting from another state. They had brought their nephew's son a child’s nativity set.

He was busy handling the figures when his mom said, “What do you say to Aunt B?” He looked up and said, “Bye-bye.” Oops! More training was on the way.

This week I was enjoying my colorful breakfast. Why I noticed it, I don’t know. It was a familiar combination. But there I sat admiring the white yogurt, the “blue” berries, brown and beige cereal, and white almond milk.

Besides being colorful, it blended together in a tasty way. As I crunched on my favorite cereal, I mentally reviewed Genesis, Chapter One, where God created trees and plants with seeds inside to keep on reproducing food. God included “seeds” in all of Creation . . . birds of the air, sea creatures, animals, and people to reproduce “their kind.”

In my family, prayers before meals were routine. By that, I do not mean rote. Usually, mom or dad prayed over the food, but somewhere in the back of my mind does hover a child’s prayer: God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for this food. Amen. So maybe I’m just short on early memories.

My Catholic friends were encouraged to bow their heads and say a silent prayer, then end with the sign of the cross. Being a Protestant I joined them in bowed head and silent prayer, but was lost at the sign of the cross.

It does amaze me, however, that so many people simply dig into their food without so much as a two-second “God, I thank You for this food. Amen.”

Throughout my day I say “thank you” quite often. I’m polite to waiters and waitresses, store associates, bank tellers, and friends and family. I think it’s just as important to say “Thank You” to the God of the Universe who provided my food from the beginning.

If you haven't given it a thought lately, I hope you’ll join me. You don’t even have to bow your head, just say the words and mean them from your heart.

  

Two Kinds of Gold

I bet you didn’t know you deal in gold every day. My husband was quite aware of it, which I appreciated. In fact, he did a lot of research on his favorite type of gold, and he would have agreed with the following description.

Picture this: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (Proverbs 25:11 NKJV). How would you like to have that setting on your dining room table? Or anywhere else in your home?

I’m glad the important factor there is NOT the silver or gold, but “the right word at the right time,” as so aptly described in The Message Bible.

How many words do you think you say per day? I’m not a big talker and yet I’m sure my daily quota would really surprise me. The better question might be “How many words do I thoughtfully speak each day?”

Whether I’m writing or speaking, I do believe words have value. I’d like to be known for positive words, such as those expressed in Psalm 37:30 NIV: The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.

Some people speak with words of steel. Words that are spoken carelessly and cause a lot of damage. They might be words of bitterness, anger, or jealousy, for example. Steel is strong and does much good when used correctly, but harsh negative words usually build better walls than bridges.

Now let’s examine the other kind of gold. There could not be more of a contrast than that of Ecclesiastes 3:7b NKJV: A time to keep silence and a time to speak. That goes along with the old saying, “Silence is golden.” Yes, it can be, but timing is everything.

If someone is trying to communicate with you and you are stonewalling them to avoid an issue, silence is not golden. 

On the other hand, if you’d really like to fly off the handle and spew out destructive words but you contain yourself and remain silent, you’ve probably just produced a very high quality of gold.

So, how much gold will you produce this week? Whether silent or spoken, both have value.      

Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash

 

A Reason for Deep Respect

A friend gave me a workbook for Second Samuel.  It was quite challenging, but I enjoyed learning more about David, shepherd boy, king, and writer of about half of the Book of Psalms.

While fighting cancer in 2007, I began studying the Psalms, which means “praise.” I was surprised by some of the laments, but Psalms has remained a favorite. Modern readers will find The Book divided into 150 chapters, some long, some short, with a variety of messages.

My Bible *dictionary explains better than I can some basic categories. They’re helpful for understanding, though not rigid:

             Prayers of lament, or crying out to God

                Psalms of thanksgiving, or praise

                Hymns, even some of our spiritual songs contain words from Psalms

                Psalms of enthronement; David over Israel; God over all Creation

                Penitential psalms cry out for restoration to a right relationship with God

                Wisdom psalms that deal with two kinds of living, godly or evil

True wisdom produces a change in behavior. Wisdom is “applied knowledge.” That requires a personal decision. After we read or hear the word of God, we have to decide . . . follow it or not. Obey it or not. Serve God or self.

David wrote, Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Who is the man (or woman) who desires life, and loves many days, that he (or she) may see good? (Psalm 34:11-12 NKJV)

Some people check out right there . . . not interested. But those who continue see some good advice: Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:13-14 NKJV).

Why would David mention teaching fear? He’s not talking about fear as anxiety or worry or utter terror. Fear of God is our response to respect His authority. Read the Psalms, and you’ll see Him as King of the Universe, mighty in power, and righteous in His judgments.

A healthy fear of God honors Him as the source of true Wisdom, worthy of our obedience and worship. Even reading that description leaves you with a personal decision. Believe it or not.  

*The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Psalms, Book of, p. 1343, Left Column, Holman Reference, Nashville, TN, 2003.

Photo by mahyar motebassem on Unsplash