A Time to Speak

I love Solomon’s classic contrasts in the Book of Ecclesiastes. While expressing “to everything there is a season,” he contrasts “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7, 3:1-9).

This past weekend, America celebrated 250 years of existence. That’s not long in comparison to many other nations around the world, but to us it was worth celebrating.

Along with the history of the nation's founding, we heard many patriotic hymns and songs. We also heard many prayers for America. Some were prayers of thanksgiving, while others were prayers for God’s continued mercy upon us.

What makes a nation? People! And such a wide variety, too. In America, we have fifty states, each with a varied history of its early settlers; however, it’s been my privilege to talk with missionaries. I’ve always enjoyed learning that each country has its own variety of people and cultures.

How can we ALL speak to the LORD? Psalm 100 gives some guidelines. The first verse says we can “make a joyful noise.” Psalm 98:4-6 tells us that joyful noise can be shouts of joy or songs of praise with instruments of various kinds.

Sometimes, I enjoy singing or making music on an instrument myself. At other times, I enjoy worshiping the Lord while listening to a CD or DVD of Christian songs. And, of course, church worship includes singing by the congregation, such a joyful sound.

Here are two basic guidelines: (1) Enter His gates with thanksgiving, then (2) go further into His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4). I picture it this way. First, I thank God for the things He has done, and then I praise Him for who He is.

Psalm 100:5 gives us three reasons to praise the LORD: (1) He is good, (2) His love endures forever, and (3) His faithfulness endures to all generations. Isn’t it easy to say “Praise the Lord” for all that?

Speak up wholeheartedly. Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His Holy name (Psalm 103:1).

Pixabay: Diversity, Earth, Family; GDJ.

Fresh Hope Each Day

When I became a caregiver for my father, I thanked the Lord for fresh hope each day. Upon waking, my first words were, “Thank you, Lord, for new mercies today.”

I was familiar with Lamentations 3:22-23 long before that, but now it was a life verse:

Because of the loving devotion of the LORD, we are not consumed,

for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

I took care of Dad for about two and a half years before he passed away. A few years later, I became a caregiver for my husband. I never knew what to expect from day to day, so once again, Lamentations 3:22-23 became my fresh hope.

Even now, it’s my wake-up prayer, though I’m no longer a caregiver. Why am I writing about this now? Because I had a refreshing look at God’s mercies in a Bible study this week, in Psalms.

Psalm 106:43-45 caught my attention. It was talking about the children of Israel, how God delivered them many times, yet they continued to rebel. They’re not the only ones. I’ve seen plenty of that in our day.

I stopped to meditate on Psalm 106:44-45. God chose to continue helping them whenever He heard their cry. He remembered His covenant with them and relented, or had compassion on them, according to the multitude of His mercies.  

I read about “Mercy” in my *Bible dictionary.  I started writing down thoughts of God’s mercies. Here’s my list, but you might think of more:

Answered Prayer/Salvation/Healing

Deliverance from Trouble

Provision, as needed

Love/Kindness/Compassion

Justice/Action on our behalf

Truth/Taught in Scripture

Fellowship/Eternal Life

No prejudice--Salvation for ALL

Restoration, as needed

Protection/Our Good Shepherd

Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.”

Psalm 100:4 reminds us to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.

Maybe these ideas will get you started.

*Mercy, pp. 1106-1108, Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, TN, Copyright 2003.

Pixabay: Tree. Sunrise, Field image; rperucho.                                                                                                    

You Can Hold A Miracle

Some of you do this every day. I started doing it at about age ten, following a summer Vacation Bible School (VBS) whose theme was God’s Word, A Treasure.

I googled “amazing facts about the Bible,” and here’s what I read: (1) 66 distinct books, (2) 40 authors, (3) written across 1500 years, (4) three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, (5) still the world’s best-seller, and (6) the first book off Gutenberg’s printing press.

Church history shows three major councils, or meetings of church leaders, whose purpose was to determine which early writings were inspired. I first heard of this in a Christian University.

In more modern times, the Dead Sea Scrolls, mostly fragments, found between 1947 and 1956, have verified scripture.

The Bible is a library of books. Old Testament Books are listed on some charts as The Law, History, Wisdom, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets. New Testament books include The Gospels, Paul’s Letters to the Churches, Paul’s Letters to Friends, and General Letters.

I’m always interested in Jesus’ use of scripture. At the beginning of His ministry, after He was baptized in the Jordan, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11).

Three times the devil tempted Him, and three times He quoted scriptures from Deuteronomy to refute the temptation. We have both the Old and New Testaments, and can quote from them when needed, if we have them in our hearts as Jesus did.

How can we learn the Bible? It requires more than Sunday services, small group studies, or TV and social media. We must study God’s word daily.

I enjoy my *Life Application Study Bible, NIV (LASB, New International Version). I have other versions, but I ordered this as a hardcover, large-print edition, easy to read.

It has footnotes, book introductions, charts, maps, a concordance, and more. It’s heavy, but I consider it worth its weight in gold.

What’s so important about the Bible?

All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Thank God for His gift to us, a miracle we can hold in our hands and hide in our hearts.                       

*You can find Life Application Study Bibles (LASB) wherever books are sold; however, I usually check christianbooks.com (the largest online Christian bookseller). The Life Application Study Bible, NIV (LASB, New International Version) is published by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, and Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, IL.

Pixabay: Read, Book, Blank Book; Tilixia-Summer.

Be Wise, Not Foolish

I don’t know anyone who wants to be considered a fool. Even the least among us wants to be known for something positive.

Paul advises Christians about spiritual life. We are not to live “as unwise,” but “wise,” redeeming the time because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16).  Being alert and aiming to do good would be one way to redeem evil days.  

He also advised us not to be foolish, but to understand the Lord’s will (Ephesians 5:17). There are many places in the Bible where we are told how God wants us to live; however, when in doubt, we can ask, and God will answer (James 1:5).  

We get a few practical guidelines in Ephesians 5:18-20. We’re not to get drunk, lose our good sense, and act rashly or recklessly. Instead, we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit, who will help us do good and positive things, pleasing to God.

With psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, we can sing to the Lord and/or encourage each other. And we must always remember to give thanks to God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is seated at the Father’s right hand, always ready to make intercession for us (Romans 8:34).

At the beginning of Creation, there was only darkness. The first thing God did was bring in light (Genesis 1:3-4). Jesus said people love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil (John 3:19-20).  

He also declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Why be foolish and stumble away from God in the darkness, when He has offered light so we can clearly see how to live in His presence?

The result of living to please yourself will be destruction. The result of living to please the Spirit will be eternal life (Galatians 6:7-8).

Will you be foolish or wise? You don’t have to be a genius to know the difference, and the choice is yours!

Pixabay: signpost, waypoint, sign; succo.

 

I'm Not You

I’m not you, and you’re not me. Thank God we are not all alike. What a boring world that would be!

You would not want me to be your tailor! Neither would you want me to cut and style your hair, or bake your wedding cake! But if you’d like someone to read out loud to your kids, or teach them how to read, I’m your gal. I had teacher training.

God’s wisdom and creativity brought variety into this world. We enjoy it not only in the animal and plant kingdoms, but in humans as well.

We have different temperaments, gifts, abilities, mental capacities, and interests. Some of these are genetic, others develop from the families or even the countries into which we are born.

For example, France is known for its culinary schools, Australia for its sheep, and Argentina for its beef. So, we might see more chefs, sheep shearers, and ranchers in those places.

One person is no better than the other. Each of us has a place to fulfill, and we should appreciate and enjoy one another’s skills.

Don’t discount what you can do. A lady in one of our churches was known as “the cake lady.” She brought joy by remembering people’s birthdays with a cake. Another retired lady enjoyed taking to appointments those who could no longer drive. A woodworker created small crosses with JESUS beautifully carved in them.

In his wisdom, Solomon recognized a need for various skills. While requesting cedar and cypress logs from Lebanon to build the temple, he told King Hiram he would pay wages. Why? He said no one in Israel was as skilled in logging as the Sidonians. (I Kings 5:6).

Later, King Solomon built a fleet of ships. Once again, Hiram helped by sending seamen who knew the sea to help Solomon’s servants. (I Kings 9:26-27)

Have you thanked God for variety? Take a moment now to think of the interests, abilities, and skills you enjoy in your family and friends.

The old saying is, “Variety is the spice of life.” I, for one, say, "Thank God for that!"

 Pixabay:

 

The Torn Veil

A veil can sometimes also be called a curtain. Of course, that puts it in a heavier weight category than a wispy bridal veil.

In celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus, we rarely hear about the miraculous tearing of a temple veil. I recently heard Rick Renner, Bible teacher/author, explain that the torn veil was a hand-breadth thick, taller than any human could simply reach, and 300 priests were needed to install and pull it into place.

I was trying to take notes, but I missed the dimensions. I want the details, so I’ve ordered a copy of his latest book: *Easter: The Rest of the Story. The point is that at the time Jesus gave up His life, a temple veil was torn from top to bottom (Luke 23:45-46). This powerful act of God indicated the transition from the Old to the New Covenant.

Here’s why. The temple had two veils. In the temple Courtyard, the first veil separated it from the Holy Place where the priests could enter to do their assigned duties.

Beyond that, the second veil separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Only the High Priest could enter there, and only once a year. On the Day of Atonement, He would enter with the blood of animals as a sacrifice for his sins and those of the people.

That helps us understand these scriptures: Hebrews 9:11-15; 10:24-25; 1 Timothy 2:5-6. There we learn that Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant. With His blood, He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin to God.  

Something else amazes me. We, as believers, are chosen to be a royal priesthood, a people of God with heavenly assignments (1 Peter 2:9).

We are to minister to one another. For example, have you shared the wonderful virtues of God with anyone lately? Have you spurred someone on to love and do good deeds? Are you faithful in meeting together? (Hebrews 10:23-25).

Why not thank God for the torn veil? I say, “Thank you, God, for Jesus, our new and better way. Amen.”

*Easter: The Rest of the Story, Rick Renner, Harvest House Publishers, 2025, available through christianbooks.com, or anywhere books are sold. CB says it will be shipped in May.

Pixabay: Jesus, Crucifixion; GDJ.

  

I'm Giving Thanks

I know it’s not Thanksgiving Day, but why wait? We give thanks to people every day.

When someone holds the door open, we say, “Thank you.” Or, when a friend treats us to lunch, gives us a ride, or listens to us with compassion while we share a personal struggle, then offers to pray with us or give an encouraging word.

We’re to give thanks to God, too. It couldn’t be made any simpler than three short verses in First Thessalonians 5:16-18 (BSB): Rejoice at all times; Pray without ceasing; Give thanks in every circumstance.

That last one is more of a challenge than the rest.

Why am I focused on thanks today? It’s because of something that happened a year ago. On March 21, 2024, I fell and broke the ball off my right femur. That required a partial hip replacement.

One of the caregivers at the rehab facility had a funny comeback. I said, “I was eighty before I took my first fall.” He said, “Why’d you wait so long?” I said, “I could have waited longer (which in my mind was NEVER!).

I would love to wipe that day out of my mind, but I can’t, for several reasons. A best friend and caregiver, reminds me I need to be thankful for all the good things God has done for me this past year. She’s right!

So . . . I’ve been counting my blessings: (1) No pain while waiting for medical transport . . . I was probably in shock, (2) a good surgeon, (3) friends who came to ER, (4) good hospital care, (5) helpful rehab therapy, (6) friends and family scheduled 24/7 for three weeks of home care, (7) rides for six weeks of therapy, and (8) consistent encouragement and prayer from my church, family, and friends.

Furthermore, I’m thankful I can drive, and I only need a cane when I leave the house.

My two Goddaughters and Best Friend often tell me how good I’m doing. I take them seriously because they saw me at my worst, before surgery and during recovery.

Giving thanks is part of my chosen lifestyle. God is good and so are His people.

James 5:13 says if we’re happy, we should sing. I do! But I also say, “Thank you, God, for Your excellent provision and the way You met my needs during recovery this past year. Amen.” 

Pixabay: Thank You Note, Message; Maklay62.

One Special Day

God hears and answers prayer. I know because He’s answered many prayers in my lifetime. But I have one daily request: “God, please put me in the right place at the right time today, whether I’m home or out and about.”  

Here’s how God answered that prayer one day this week.

As I was getting ready to run errands I started to tuck my cell phone in my purse. But I noticed a text message. A friend needed a ride. Could I help?

I called and said, “Good timing! I was just getting ready to leave. What do you need?”

I knew she had a son in hospice care in a city two hours away, but as his fiduciary, she was on a timeline to mail yearly reports. We decided to run her errands, then one of mine, and lunch would be later.

After her second errand, I had to admit I was very hungry. She was too, so we agreed on a favorite quick spot.  Over lunch, she said, “My son is not doing well. I wouldn’t be surprised if he passes away before the doctor’s three-month deadline.”

Shortly after, her phone rang. Her son had passed away, and that meant a lot of quick changes in her day. I said, “My errands can wait. I want to be sure you get these papers in the mail, and I’ll take you to the shuttle when you’re ready to go.”

At the end of the day, I gave thanks to God for answering my simple prayer.  It was such a good feeling to have been free to help her.

You see it was a day I could be flexible; my errands were not pressing. But the day before this, and the day after, I had someone scheduled to do house repairs.

I think my prayer does a couple of things: (1) It’s a way of saying, “Thy will be done . . . ” (Matthew 6:9-10), and (2) it fulfills Philippians 4:6: Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

God answers prayer! I have a plaque on my wall with this reminder:

Yesterday He helped me

Today He did the same

How long will this continue?

Forever, praise His name.

Pixabay: Sun, Cloud, Nature, Sky; kropekk_pl

Praise in Retrospect

Memories are a powerful force in our lives. Good memories lift us but some are not so enjoyable. We are advised not to let our thoughts run wild. We are encouraged to choose our thoughts and make them good ones. (2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8).

Praise is an important part of worship, and that includes praise for His answers to past prayers. In Nehemiah 9, the people stood humbly before God while Ezra blessed God and gave praise for things He had previously done for them. 

To this day I give God praise for His mighty acts in my life. Let me share briefly in retrospect: God delivered me from breast cancer in 2007 after nearly a full year of treatments. He answered my prayers for a Christian husband in my last year of college. In forty years of ministry, He helped me accomplish each item He laid on my heart. I also praise Him for faithful church workers and volunteers who helped me fulfill His will.

Even as I write these things I am lifted and encouraged. Scripture says Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and that God’s word stands eternally firm in heaven (Hebrews 13:8; Psalm 119:89). What a hope we have in Almighty God.

Did you know you have a God-given assignment to share with the next generation? (Exodus 3:13-15; Psalm 145:4). God makes it clear His mighty care is for every generation (Psalm 100:5, 102:18, 145:4-6).

When reading your Bible, don’t you find encouragement in the praises given for God's marvelous works, in both the Old and New Testaments?

Praise in retrospect is important. Some people like to share family legacy stories and oral histories. Other people share through art, music, writing, movies, or wireless communications.

How would you like to pursue this? The options are as endless as your creativity and your desire to praise God.

Pixabay Illustration: Writer, Thinking; Mohamed_Hassan. 

  

A Source of Heat and Light

Imagine our world before the invention of electricity. The best source of heat and light would have come with the rising of the sun. Is it any wonder that people would go to bed with the chickens and get up with the roosters?

I lived in the Southwest desert for over fifteen years, and though I lived in an air-conditioned house and drove an air-conditioned car, they were only temporary escapes. Nothing could eliminate the outdoor heat, but I learned to be thankful for anything that could give me a shadow or some shade.

The Creator of the Universe made two great lights. *Genesis 1:14-18 (NLT) says the larger light was to govern the day and the smaller was to govern the night. The word “govern” denotes a certain power. While mankind has learned to harness the sun’s power, no one has yet eliminated its light or its heat.

As hot and dry as the desert gets, or even as humid as summer gets in other places, I don’t think anyone would vote to eliminate the sun or the moon.

According to *Genesis 1:14, they are signs to mark the seasons, days, and years. They do their assigned jobs so well that Robert B. Thomas, a schoolteacher and bookseller in 1792, created a yearly bestseller called **The Farmer’s Almanac.  

It’s fun to read David’s description of the sun: Psalm 19:4b-6:

 God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.

It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.

The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.

Nothing can hide from its heat.

We can temporarily evade the sun’s heat with our A/C, shade trees, covered porches, and beach umbrellas, but we can never permanently hide from it. That’s good since the sun causes seeds to grow, develops healthy Vitamin D, and helps people avoid SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) from lack of sunlight.

Whatever time of day you wake up and see the sun, be personally thankful. Remember *Psalm 113:3: Everywhere---from east to west---praise the name of the LORD.

*All scripture quotations are NLT, 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.

**The History of the Almanac: Editors; Old Farmer’s Almanac, https://www.almanac.com.history

Pixabay Photo: Sunrise, Desert Landscape, Public Domain 

The Silent Marvel

How often do you take time to look up at the night sky? When we lived in the desert, I used to enjoy night rides in our little 914 Porsche. It didn’t take long to get away from city lights, and the sky was so beautiful. We moved and the Porsche is long gone, but I still enjoy nighttime beauty.

Think of the night skies as David would have seen them thousands of years ago. As a shepherd boy, he did not have to contend with city lights. He beautifully describes the worldwide enjoyment of the heavens in Psalm 19:1-4 (NLT):

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

The skies display his craftsmanship.

Day after day they continue to speak;

Night after night they make him known.

They speak without a sound or word;

Their voice is never heard.

Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,

And their words to all the world.

Have you ever given God praise for His craftsmanship? I find it easy to be in awe of Michelangelo’s artistry on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and his well-known sculpture of David. Though I’m not familiar with all of Michelangelo’s works, it’s easy to give praise for those that I have seen.

Let’s not forget that the living God, Creator of the Universe, is open to praise for His works, too.

If you go back to the order of Creation, night and day were brought into being on Day One. The lights in the sky, such as the sun, moon, and stars were put in place on Day Four (Genesis 1:1-3; 1:14-19, NLT). To see the complete order of Creation, read Genesis 1:1-2:4 and make a list.

People of every generation have witnessed the silent marvel. In Romans 1:20 (NLT), Paul wrote that people have seen God’s eternal power and divine nature in creation. On that basis, no one has an excuse for not knowing God. It’s just a matter of choosing to acknowledge Him.

Psalm 113:3 (NLT) says, “Everywhere - - - from east to west - - - praise the name of the Lord.” This week we have focused on the night sky. Next week we’ll consider the sun.

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.

Night Scene photo from Pixabay by Pezibear.  

Count to Ten

COUNT TO TEN

We Are Born With Ten Fingers

Surprise! This is not about counting to ten to calm your temper. It has a much happier meaning.

I have a new reason for you to count your ten fingers. Of course, you can count your toes if you wish, but fingers are easier.

When I was fighting cancer in 2007, I discovered something that medical articles are acknowledging today: Being thankful is a positive part of being healthy.

When it comes to being thankful, no one can do it for you; it’s personal. But your example of being thankful can encourage others to do the same.

Thanksgiving Day comes once a year and is celebrated in many ways. For some it’s a big family holiday. Others look forward to a church or community dinner. Football games reign on TV. But many forget to give thanks of any kind.

Just Be Thankful--No List Needed

It’s really not hard to be thankful. You don’t have to think about it for hours. You don’t even have to make a list. Just sit calmly and count silently to ten, using your fingers to keep track.

Is there anything that makes you smile? Anything that brings you joy? A very special memory? Anyone you are thankful to have in your life? Any personal gift or talent you like to share with others?

When I was growing up, many churches had a service on Thanksgiving Day. In fact, I helped organize a few of them. But now days most people are left to give thanks on their own.

Sunrise and Sunset Show God's Faithfulness 

Old One Hundred, (Psalm 100) reminds us that it is important to give thanks to God. Even just one verse can turn our thoughts in the right direction: The LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations (Psalm 100:5, NKJV).

That’s three things out of ten. Keep on counting!

Why Wait to be Thankful?

WHY WAIT to be THANKFUL?

Fall is my favorite time of year. I live in northern Arizona where changing leaves turn mostly bright yellow. But as I drive the streets around town I see a few lovely reds here and there.

Growing up in eastern South Dakota meant not only changing colors on the trees, but piles of autumn leaves. The bonfires we enjoyed are a thing of the past, but I have one other lovely memory.

Dad used to go pheasant hunting with the men of our church. Fried pheasant was a real treat on our dinner table. I have not had that since we moved to Arizona in my teenage years, but I've never forgotten it.

In these first three paragraphs did you notice some things for which I am thankful? I'd say it was the Fall season, colorful leaves, growing up in South Dakota, fried pheasant and happy memories.

One Special Day

I'm thankful to live in a country which honors one special day of the year as Thanksgiving Day. That means different things to different people. Which of these phrases explain it best for you?

               1. A Day to Give Thanks
               2. A Day of Worship
               3. Festival of Plenty
               4. The Last Thursday in November
               5. Turkey Day
               6. A Holiday Preceding Black Friday
               7. Feasting with Family and Friends
               8. A Day for Parades and Football Games

Usually the day of worship is the Sunday preceding the last Thursday in November. I remember one Thanksgiving at our church in southern Arizona. We distributed special note cards to the congregation. The purpose was to encourage them to write a note of thanks to someone who made a difference in their life.

Now days people can easily send texts and emails to accomplish that meaningful project. I hope you will.

Let's Get Personal

Out of the above phrases, two explain Thanksgiving best for me. Number one says it's a day to give thanks. I enjoy this special day of thankfulness, but I try to maintain a thankful heart all year long.

Some meaningful guidelines are found in Psalm 100:4 (NIV). In giving thanks to God Almighty, we are to: (1) enter His gates with thanksgiving, (2) enter His courts with praise, (3) give thanks to Him, and (4) praise His name.

I don't always do this in a public setting. Sometimes it's just a personal time of quiet reflection.

Make a Memory

Number seven mentions feasting with family and friends. Over the years we have not always been able to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with family. That's when it became special to be invited to the home of friends.

On the other hand, there were years when we were the friends that invited others over to celebrate with us. And in one church where we pastored, teams of people worked hard to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for their church family and friends.

The last Thursday of November will soon come and go. Plan now to make it special, whether public or private. Happy Thanksgiving!