Meditate

 

My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word. Psalm 119:148 (NKJV)

The psalmist and a lot of us have the same issue here. An inability to sleep. He uses that time to meditate on God’s word.

Sometimes, I think of words that describe God. I try to do this exercise in alphabetical order.

Other times, I think of the many things that He had done for me for which I am thankful, those things that we sometimes take for granted. My mental list includes fans and air conditioners(in the summertime), a roof that doesn’t leak, central heat (in the winter time), food for my special diet, an enclosed porch where I can sit when it is nice outside. My husband who loves me, a son who also loves me.

I have had times when a hymn plays through my head and stays for a while. Some days, that hymn is with me when I awake.

God has been very generous to us, His children.

Forgiven Sins; Greater Love

 

Pixabay

“Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:47 (ESV)

A Pharisee invited Jesus to share a meal with him in his home. While He reclined at the table a sinful woman entered the home.

She brought a very expensive ointment with her. She she wept and wet his feet with her tears and wiped his feet with her hair. She then poured the ointment on his feet.

Jesus’ host wondered whether Jesus knew her background. Jesus spoke to His host telling him a parable about two men who owed debts to a moneylender. The lender forgave both of the men their debt. The message Jesus gave was that the man with the biggest debt would love the lender more because he was forgiven more.

Jesus told his host that this woman, thought to be sinful by the townspeople, was forgiven because she showed Jesus love by doing things the host should have done but didn’t do. Jesus forgave her for her sins.

Sometimes, we find ourselves confronted with evidence that we either sinned by commission or by omission. When we find ourselves faced with our sins, of either type, we must search our hearts and seek His forgiveness.

I have committed some large-sized sins in my life, but when God or the person I wronged forgave me, I truly felt loved.

God’s Love, Poured Out

 

Christian Book Distributors

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5 (NKJV)

Words of Paul written to the believers in Rome.

Paul has just told the Roman believers that hope is the by-product of character. We receive this thing called hope because God envelops us with His love. This out-pouring of His love comes to His people during difficult times. Paul calls these times tribulation.

Today, we have tribulation going on everywhere we look. Senseless killings, unexplained accidents, earthquake upon earthquake, we might wonder why these things are becoming so prevalent.

Mark 13:8 tells us “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles These are the beginnings of sorrows.” (NKJV)

One would wonder “Where is our hope?” Our hope is in the LORD. We know certain events are out of our control, and yet, we know in our hearts that God is in control and loves us through his Holy Spirit.

How Long?

 

clipartbest.com

How long, O you sons of men,

Will you turn my glory into shame?

How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood

Selah

But know that the LORD has set you apart

for Himself him who is godly;

The LORD will hear when I call to Him.

Psalm 4:2-3 (NKJV)

A Psalm of David.

David asks some very deep questions here. How can we answer them?

How long, O you sons of men,

David sounds a bit impatient with mankind. He seems to want to know a timeline for something to happen.

Will you turn my glory into shame?

David must have seen good things be viewed as far less than beneficial to those around him.

How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood?

People may have been doing things to waste time and resources and running after things that were not truth.

Selah

Reflect on this. Spend time thinking about these things.

But know that the LORD has set you apart for Himself him who is godly.

Realize that God had set apart for His use those who worship Him and obey His word.

God’s love for His children is real. We can see it every day. We must thank Him for that love every time we pray to Him.

My Word of the Year for 2023 (January Link-up)

 

Lisa Notes WOTY

Each month on the 23rd, I will be posting thoughts about my word for this year.

A. WHERE IS MY WORD?

I have seen my word in my devotional reading.

“
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another. Even as God, in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4: 32(NKJV) 

Several years ago, I was preparing a Sunday school lesson and was caught up by this verse. Last fall, I realized that I may have done somethings that I needed to be forgiven for.

Where can you put it so you can see it more often?  I am unsure of where I could post this in my home. Maybe in the front of my journal. I will search out a place and let you know.

 

B. WHAT DOES MY WORD LOOK LIKE?

 

What does your word look like to you? I am not an artist, and my phone camera is stubborn.

Imagine with me the following scene:

Jesus standing beside me with his arm around my shoulder and smiling down on me.

That is what my word looks like to me.

 

C. WHY THIS WORD?

 

Why did you choose this word?

I realize that I am a sinner—a sinner saved by grace. This is very important to my spiritual life. I cannot be judgmental about what others do. I am responsible for my own behavior. When I go to stand before Jesus, I want to be able to say that I led the life He wanted me to lead.

God’s Spirit Rests

 

Pinterest

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him.

The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

The Spirit of counsel and might,

The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

Isaiah 11:2 (NKJV)

The words of the prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah gives us insight into the coming Messiah. In this verse he tells the people that the Spirit of God will be on this coming King.

Isaiah uses the phrase “rest upon Him”. Could this convey a picture of peace as opposed to animosity? God chose to send His Son to earth to help us learn of Himself and how to live with one another. His Son’s mission included teaching and healing. His motive for doing this was love for His son and for His people. He chose to do this in a peaceful, non-judgmental way.

No wonder God chose to let His Spirit rest on His Son.

Thank You, Father, for all You do for us, using the way of rest and peace to teach us the lessons You have for us. Amen.

Rest in the LORD

 

bibliatodo.com

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;

Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,

Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

                                                        Psalm 37:7 (NKJV)

A Psalm of David

David advises his readers to rest in the LORD. What does this mean to those of us reading this in 2023 A. D.? Can we do this, given our society’s ways of living?

I believe we can. However, I know we have to try in order to achieve rest in Him. People may have to give up certain practices and attitudes in order to be able to fully rest in the LORD.

Sometimes, we run ahead of the Lord. In order to rest in Him we must learn to wait patiently for Him. In order to do this we must commit (give) ourselves to Him and to follow Him and His instructions as best we can.

David also tells us, Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way. We are not to envy anyone who seems to get ahead in this world. We may be happy for them but we are not to wish any thing bad on them.

I recently read that we must not fret about what we don’t have but give thanks for the things God has provided for us. I, personally, find this helps me as I sometimes deal with depression.

A Gift of God’s Grace

 

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, and godly lives in this present age.

Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)

When we turn over our hearts and lives to Jesus, He gives us His Father’s grace to guide us through our lives. We receive salvation and so much more.

We receive the strength to stand against the worldly ungodliness that, from time to time, we have to face. Yes, as I read this scripture believers can say “No” to the worldly things.

The grace of God teaches us that we can manage in this world when we trust in the Holy Spirit to utilize self-control through Him and live lives pleasing to God before our neighbors and those we see where we do business.

I believe it is important that each follower of Jesus must strive to get closer to God and model our beliefs to those around us. However, I do not say this is easy to do. We have to rely on the Holy
Spirit to guide us through the roadblocks that life throws in our way.

Self-control

 

Christianity.com

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 2 Timothy 3:1-3 (NKJV)

Words of Paul to Timothy. Paul knew he was going to leave this earth. This letter constitutes his parting words to Timothy.

In this passage of scripture, Paul minces no words about the condition the world will be in during the last days.

As we read these words does anything sound familiar? To me it sounds horrible. My study Bible note tells that “Paul speaks of 19 descriptors in verses 1-5 that characterizes the breakdown of society and the family.” ⁽¹⁾

One of them is self-control-the last of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Self-control is described as “the ability to restrain inappropriate passions and appetites. ⁽²⁾

Each believer must practice self-control as we serve the LORD. Each of us must watch how we respond to what another person tells us. We must keep our tongues in line with what God wants us to share with others.

Each of us may have something in our lives that we need to work on or give to the LORD and let Him straighten out.

Father God:

Please guide us as we traverse these last day. Allow us, Your spiritual children, to learn more of You and Your ways. Please guide us in all we do. We love You and desire to serve you for the rest of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. AMEN

1, Jeremiah Study Bible (page 1721)

2. Jeremiah Study Bible (page 1633)

Purpose in Season

 

Warner Sallman

To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose on earth.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

God creates our live and gives us many epochs in each life He creates. As a person goes through life, he or she might go through certain stages.

As young adults, we study, we work, date, maybe marry.

As young marrieds, we work, provide for our families and care for our homes.

As parents, we care for, provide for and rear children.

As Empty Nesters, we rediscover favorite pastimes. and even learn new skills.

As Caregivers, we spend time caring for or helping older family members.

As Senior Citizens, we may volunteer for church or civic positions.

Each of these seasons have a purpose. God gives His children duties and tasks to perform. Each ‘season’ has a beginning and an end.

Since two weeks before the COVID lock down, I have had several health issues. It seems like one after another. I sincerely need to pray about finding God’s purpose about how He wants me to spend my days in this season I find myself.

Sometimes, all we can do is seek the LORD’s guidance and follow His leading.

Are any of you going through times like this?

God’s Purpose

 

blogspost.com

” Now my soul is troubled and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose, I came to this hour. Father glorify Your Name." John 12:27-28a (NKJV)

Here Jesus speaks to God from His humanity. His soul is troubled. He knows what lays ahead for Him, yet He fears the separation from His Father that He has to endure.

Jesus Christ knew God had led Him to this point in His ministry. He asks the question if he should ask God to save Him from that hour.

However, Jesus realized and stated that what He was about to go through was God’s plan and purpose.

Our God has plans and purposes for each of us. In researching God’s purpose for our lives, we begin to see His plan unfold for each of us.

1. Keep in touch with God through prayer.

2. Study His Word (Read the Bible)

3. Apply what you read to our hearts.

I have had a terrible time getting onto the internet this afternoon. I spent almost an hour and five phone calls to my carrier. I had to go pick up some things at the dry cleaners. I was online when I returned. We had supper and I could not get back online again. I had to switch browsers in order to get this posted. I also had to get a new password. I believe there is a message in this. At the moment, I am unsure what that message is.

Husband knows to not ask any questions or cross my path when things like this happen. I get very upset.

Pledges

node01flagstat.net

 I gave this message at church this past Sunday.  I didn't realize that some of this information was new to some of the adults. 

Children’s Moments Message

September 25, 2022

I have been thinking about promises lately, sometimes we call them pledges. A pledge is a sincere promise we make. We make one to our nation’s flag, another one to the Bible, and one to the Christian flag.

In all three pledges, we promise to be loyal to each of these.

Pledge to the American flag

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which is stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

mediaistockphoto.com

Pledge to the Bible

I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word. A lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. It’s words I will hide in my heart, that I might not sin against God. ⁽¹⁾

node01flagstat.net

Pledge to the Christian flag

I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag and to the Savior for whose Kingdom it stands, one Savior, crucified, risen again, and coming again with life and liberty to all who believe. ⁽²⁾

We have those items in our sanctuary here at Cross Roads. I discovered something I did not know about the Christian flag. I knew there is a cross in a blue section, and the rest of the flag is white. Here’s what I learned:

#The shade of red in the Cross reminds us of Jesus’ blood that He shed because He took our sins away.

#The blue reminds us of the water of baptism. It also reminds us of Jesus’ loyalty to God.

#The white reminds us of Jesus’ purity. He was without sin until He went to the Cross for us. ⁽³⁾

^{________________________}

^1.http://www.ccabrazil.org/uploads /4/3/5/9/4359809/christian_flag__bible_pledges.pdf

2. IBID.

3. http://en.wikiepedia.org/Christian _Flag#:-text=The Christian Flag was first to arrive for the event/

Let Your Gentleness Be Known

 

cdn.quotesgram.com

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Philippians 4:5 (NKJV)

As believers, we must not haggle over unimportant details.  One afternoon recently, I had two incidents with a clerk at our CVS store. I had to ask where something was that I could not find. His response was, “Aisle Seven.”

Instead of responing to my query, I felt that he should have accompanied me to the area. That to me is good customer service.

When I checked out, I had two coupons, one of which did not get applied to my bill. I was not in the best frame of mind when I left the store. I did not know that the second coupon was not applied until I had returned home and checked my receipt.

I decided how to handle my response on this. This is not the first time I have had issues with his service.

Then, I read this scripture. I do have some work to do on this gentleness issue. When I was asked to evaluate the service I received (online), I gave the store middle valued response. When I had to evaluate the person who checked me out, I gave that person low markings.

My reasoning for the action I took was as follows:

# I am a senior citizen, in my late 70s. If a person working in a store treats a senior citizen badly, it reflects on the store. I have seen people in the business world help and guide an elderly person through the process he or she has to go through to complete their transactions or even to find what they are looking for.

# I walk with a cane, it is sometimes hard for me to get around. When I have to hunt for the location of a product, I get frustrated when I have looked and still can’t find it.

As I said above, I do have some work to do on this gentleness issue.

Show Humility to All Men

 

IO.wp.com

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. Titus 3:1-2 (NKJV)

Paul’s words to Titus whom he describes as a “true son in our common faith.”

Paul lays groundwork here for believers to follow.

* To submit to rulers and authorities.

* To not speak badly about anyone.

* To live peaceful lives.

* To show humility to all we know.

Paul makes some very strong points, getting to the core of human relationships. He writes these words to a pastor who is young. Titus faces a huge task, that of establishing churches.

As we go through our days, we must follow these words of guidance from Paul. We are tasked to helping enlarge the kingdom of God, however, we must learn to daily practice gentleness.

This is a very difficult thing to do. Recently, I received a phone call from a friend who lives in my neighborhood. She wanted my advise on something. She told me her feelings on an issue and I told her that if she felt uncomfortable doing what she was asked, then maybe she should not do it. She had some good reasons about why she felt the way she did. I could have been more gentle about certain related issues she spoke of. I intend to be more careful in the future.

Do we always find ways to show humility to those around us?

Bear with one Another in Love

 

canyonville christian academy

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:1-3(NKJV)

Words of Paul written to Ephesian believers.

walk worthy of the calling

He encouraged them to live in a way that reflected God to others. He goes into detail as to how that would look. As we read those words, they can also apply to us who live in the 21^st Century.

with all lowliness and gentleness,

As believers in Christ, we must abandon all thought of ourselves as being better than others. We must also respond to each other with tenderness, no matter how others treat us.

bearing with one another in love,

Believers must accept those around us in love and be available for others as we can be. I sometimes find this difficult to do given the mindset of those in the world.

endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit

Paul’s purpose in his ministry was to introduce people to Jesus Christ and then to educate them in the ways of Christ. His goal was to unify those converted to the faith.

in the bond of peace.

Paul tells his readers, then and now that all we should do must have peace as its ultimate aim. I have had times when someone in the business world has been almost rude in response to a question I asked. In one instance, the woman could have explained their position better than she did.

Do you find it difficult to bear  certain people in your life?

Book Review: Kingdom Values by Tony Evans

 

Books a Million

 

Doctor Tony Evans has written a book that is needed for our time. He explores the words of Jesus He spoke in the Sermon on the mount. The Bible calls them the Beatitudes. Dr. Evans calls them Kingdom Values.

 

With each Kingdom value, God gives a blessing. As usual, Dr. Evans speaks to our hearts. He shows us that we can overcome the difficulties of life by modeling the Kingdom Values before those in our circle of friends, our neighbors, and those with whom we do business as well as to those with whom we worship.

 

I learned a lot from this book. One thing was that we can exhibit these values in our daily lives to those who may be trying to ‘try our patience.’

 

I would recommend this book to all those who are dealing with issues in their families, their neighborhoods, their work places, and their churches. I believe it would make a wonderful study for a group.

 

This book can be purchased at:

Books a Million: here

Christian book: here

 

I received a copy of this book for free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Books. All they asked of me was that I give an unbiased review.                      

 

 

 

 

 

                       

Patient in Tribulation

 

quiet spirit

 

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another, not lagging in diligence to one another, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. Romans 12:10-12 (NJKV)

 

 Paul writes to the believers at Rome. He also speaks directly to me.

 

 Be kindly affectionate - Speak well to and of those around us. Let them know that we care.

 

with brotherly love Love those around us as we would a sibling or another family member.

 

 in honor giving preference to one another Put another’s wishes, if possible, ahead of yours.

 

 not lagging in diligence, We are to serve the Lord fervently. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” (Colossians 3:23, NIV)

 

 Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord

We are to be aglow with enthusiasm for God. Some people say we should be “on fire” as we work for God and work for Him.

  

 rejoicing in hope responding to news and stimuli with our eyes toward Jesus as He works to fix whatever is wrong.

 

patient in tribulation We sometimes must wait on the Lord to act in harsh circumstances of our lives.

 

 continuing steadfastly on prayer We can never forget the power of prayer. God answers our pleas to Him by doing what is best for the circumstance.  

 

PLEASE NOTE: These thoughts are to help me as much as to help you.

Patience, Comfort Through Scriptures

 

Pixabay 

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

                                                                                                                                                                Romans 15:4-5 (NKJV)

 

These are the words of Paul penned to the believers at Rome.

 

He tells them that the thoughts written by earlier writers have been saved and handed down so that we may learn from them. We can learn patience, wisdom, hope, and comfort through reading the Psalms and the Proverbs. By reading Paul’s letters, we can learn how to respond to the temptations of society. By reading the Gospels, we learn of Jesus’ ministry and how He chose to take our sins onto Himself in order that we will be able to enter heaven to be with Him.

 

Paul also mentions that we become ‘like-minded’ with one another as we study God’s word.

 

I am presently reading a book to review that deals with fining peace in our lives. The author points out that peace can be achieved through obedience. In the past few years, I have had both these words as my ‘word for the year’. I am enjoying this book as I continue to recover from COVID.

 

Trusting in Him Yields Peace

 

bluestoblessings.com

 

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)

 

I find these words comforting. They convey the core message of our search for peace.

We will find peace when we keep our focus, our eyes, on God.

 

In this world, something always presents itself before us that tries to cause worry and heartache.

 

We have God who loves us and desires the best outcome for our lives. When we look to Him when we have those issues enter our lives, He is there to bring comfort to us.

 

One of the hymns, I learned as a young adult speaks clearly to me as I compose these thoughts.

 

 Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

O soul are you weary and troubled

No light in the darkness you see

There's light for a look at the Savior

And life more abundant and free

Chorus:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in his wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of his glory and grace

 

His word shall not fail you he promised

Believe him and all will be well

Then go to a world that is dying

His perfect salvation to tell

Chorus: *

 

 

Each of us must practice looking to Jesus for guidance, direction, and Peace

 

*Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus lyrics © Integrity Worship Music, Integrity's Hosanna! Music, Lead worship Songs, All Essential Music, Nth Degree Songs, New Spring Publishing Inc., Mercy/vineyard Publishing

A Cure for Anxiety

 

saatchiart

 

 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

 

Paul gives the believers at Philippi some very astute advice in this passage.

 

 Be anxious for nothing

 

He tells them and us to not worry about anything. Some of us find that to be hard to do.

 

in everything by prayer and supplication

 

He tells his readers to pray and to petition God with our concerns. God wants to hear from us about what bothers us.

 

 with thanksgiving

 

We are to thank God for all He does for us and all He gives us. When He guides us through a difficult circumstance, we must tell Him, “Thank You.” In our earthly lives, we try to thank someone who does something we don’t expect or something that is nice.

We should do the same when God guides us through or answers a prayer.

 

let your requests be made known to God

 

When we have anxieties, fears, or concerns, we must take them to the LORD first. I recently had a concern that I felt was weighing me down. I prayed several times about the need. I texted a message to some of my prayer group. I told them I couldn’t talk about it. I received responses that told me they were praying for my need.

 

The next morning, my heart felt lighter. I found out later that the cause of the anxiety had been taken away.

 

the peace of God, which passes all understanding,

 

We will never fully understand the peace of God while we are on this earth. All I know is His peace has wondrous effects on those who receive it.

 

 will guard your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.

 

God guards the hearts and minds of those who surrender to Him and choose to continue to live for Him whatever circumstances enter their lives.