“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it” (Malachi 3:10).

Those of you who have canned fresh fruits or vegetables are very familiar with names like Ball, Mason, and Kerr. Those names were probably on the jars you used for canning. I grew up washing by hand many of those jars in the summer when my mom canned the fresh foods from her garden. It was my job to wash the jars because I had no problem fitting my hand and the dish cloth into those jars for a good scrubbing. I used to think that one day my hand would be too big to fit, but that never happened during my years growing up at home. 

After I married, we also had gardens and I learned to can the excess vegetables  and also to make pickles and tomato sauce. We preferred the homegrown vegetables instead of  the store bought variety.  I was blessed to have a dishwasher to clean those jars most summers. 

I recently discovered some interesting facts about canning jars.  In 1858, John L. Mason patented the Mason jar. The Ball Corporation started manufacturing glass jars for home canning in 1884.  Alexander H. Kerr and the Kerr Glass Manufacturing Corporation started a business for home canning supplies in 1903. It was also Mr. Kerr who invented and patented the two-piece disposable metal canning lid in 1915. 

I came across a story about Alexander Kerr while reading The One Year Book of Amazing Stories by Robert Petterson. Mr. Kerr had mortgaged his home and borrowed heavily to start his new business, the Hermetic Closure Company of Chicago.  Those  first years were rough years for Mr. Kerr. But, the interesting part of his story is that he had become a Christian under the ministry of D. L. Moody, and was committed to tithe even when he had very little. 

This commitment  was tested a few years later.   His jars were being produced in San Francisco in 1906, when the city was hit by a massive earthquake.  Eighty percent of the city was destroyed by the resulting fires. Upon hearing the news, his friends told him he was a ruined man! Mr. Kerr’s response was, “I don’t believe it. I know God can’t go back on his promises!”

It took several days for the Kerr Family to get word about the status of their factory. That second message was welcomed, for sure. “Factory miraculously saved.” When Mr. Kerr reached the coast and got to the site of the factory, he saw the amazing miracle of God.  His factory was made of wood and contained huge tanks where the glass was melted at hot temperatures, fueled by oil.  Yet, the raging fire had only scorched the surrounding fences and jumped over his building to continue burning whole blocks around it!  Not even one of the thousands of jars was cracked by the earthquake or the fire! 

Alexander Kerr  later spoke in churches and reminded Christians of God’s promise to bless those who tithe.  I don’t own any factories or even a small business, but my husband and I, from the beginning of our marriage, tested God by tithing and He has never failed to bless. There is no way anyone can outgive God! 

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).

 

The idea of “peace” has been percolating in my brain for a while now. So, it’s time to get it in print and be “at peace with myself.” I feel like even our country has settled down to a sort of peace. The change in the White House has brought a flurry of activity and changes, but yet I feel more calmness as the New Year progresses.  I hope you do, too. But let’s not forget real peace does not come from the White House.  

The peace in our environment is subject to change. What we carry with us in our being is real and lasting, if its source is Jesus!  A person who enjoys this peace will be:

Pure in heart. Psalm 85:10 says, “Righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). 

Eager to serve others. Galatians 5:13 reminds us to “serve one another in love.” “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men” (Ephesians 6:7a).

Always grateful.  “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Committed to the Word of God. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

Eternity minded. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).  “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21). 

 

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through” (1 Thessalonians 5:23a). 

As we begin this new year I wonder, “Do you ever feel controlled by the clock?” A few years ago, before I retired, I was struggling with time management and the frustration of having too many demands on my time. Perhaps you have had the same struggle with getting it all done. The following is a portion of an article I wrote for Just Between Us magazine, describing my struggle and the lessons I learned. I hope it will encourage you to depend more on God and less on the clock.  May God’s blessings abound in 2025!

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – —

I realized my life needed to consist of faithful service to others and worship of God. In his book, Cure for the Common Life, Max Lucado said it this way:

“Worship can happen every day in every deed. We can make a big deal about God on Sundays with our songs and on Mondays with our strengths. Each time we do our best to thank God for giving his, we worship.”  ‘Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering’ (Romans 12:1 MSG).”

What would happen if I thought of my schedule as my service list, my offerings and sacrifices given in worship to God?  Considering this question changed my outlook. My attitude changed from “I have to do this” to “I am using my gift(s) to serve others.” My lifestyle certainly became more Biblical.  Instead of worrying and stressing over what didn’t get done, I rejoiced in what did get done.  My busyness and harried attitude changed to a happy attitude.   My focus  changed from doing things to being God’s servant.  My schedule may not look different, but how I approached it changed.

Jesus took time to pray. How can I do any less? Prayer must saturate my day. I pray for my family as I serve them. I pray for that student who is struggling to correct his behavior.  I must stay close to God’s Word, learning as I live. God cares about me and wants to work through me. He wants to love and forgive others through me. He has given me time and the abilities and strengths to fill that time with service to others.

  God has placed me in the world at this particular place and time to serve Him.  However, this world seems unfriendly and even frightening sometimes. This is the world God created that has been soiled by sin and sinful people. Sometimes the sin and evil of this world distracts me and I miss the blessings along the way. 

 God showed me that He is still in control of His creation. The majestic mountains still stand, the ocean waves still rush in and out, the stars display His greatness, and the miracle of new birth continues.  In their song, Don’t Let Me Miss the Glory, Joe Beck and Carl Cartee remind me that all creation sings to the honor of God’s Name and my prayer should be, “Don’t let me miss the glory!”

God is present in the world. His Spirit is working through His Word and through His people. His power is evident in His work. I realized that I should not live my life so wrapped up in my schedules and to-do lists that I miss the sunsets, the rainbows, the hummingbirds, the butterflies, the chattering children, the cooing infants, the answered prayers, the loving embrace of family, and lost people coming home to Jesus.

   Time. We have twenty-four hours every day. The sun rises and sets. Will you notice? Will someone be more aware of God’s work in the world because of you? Will you frame your calendar in eternal values?  Will you honor God with your time?  

God desires our worship through work and our lives lived to praise His Name. We can look forward to the day when our time living on this earth is over and He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23 NIV). 

 

Taken from “It’s God’s Time”  by Diana Murphy

Published in Just Between Us, Spring 2010

 

David, the Psalm writer, often encourages me with his writings. Some time ago I read Psalm 27 through Psalm 30 and noticed a progression I had missed before. I noted four distinct phases of life that are often repeated as we go through daily situations and activities. When I’m faced with a difficult situation I often start worrying about how I will handle or solve the problem. Instead, David reminds me to seek the Lord’s help. 

Psalm 27: 1-2 says “The Lord is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?” 

Then David concludes that Psalm with “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (verse 14). Waiting is hard, isn’t it? Right now I’m waiting. My dog, Molly, tore a ligament in her leg and required surgery. We are facing 8 to 12 weeks of recovery during which she must be walked on a leash along with a sling to support her back legs. We are not enjoying this waiting for healing! But we must. She is doing well and we’re trying to be patient. 

While we wait, Daivd goes on to say in Psalm 28:7. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.” Knowing I am not alone in the waiting encourages my spirit. God has answered prayers for healing for Molly. Stitches are out and she is no longer taking meds.  

Then David begins Psalm 29 with praise and worship to God. “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (verse 2).  Worship is followed by peace. “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace” (Ps 29:11). Ever wonder why we don’t have peace? Could it be that our worship of the Almighty is lacking? I surely find myself at this point sometimes. God desires our fellowship with Him. I want to strengthen my desire to spend time with Him. 

David continues his worship of God into Psalm 30 with these words “Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name” (verse 4). He continues with “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever” (verses 11-12). 

I have reduced these phases to fit a 3 by 5 card to remind me often of my Source of help and strength, no matter what I’m facing. Consider it a Recipe for Life.

Psalm 27: Wait for the Lord – Be strong – Take heart.

Psalm 28: The Lord is my Strength, my shield. My heart trusts in Him and He        helps me. 

Psalm 29: Worship precedes peace. The Lord blesses His people with peace. 

Psalm 30: He turned wailing into dancing. I will give thanks forever. 

“If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed.”  Thomas Jefferson

In the United States we have an election every four years for President. That day is just a few weeks away. Every election is important and consequential, but I think this year–even more so. This year the choice is between saving our country, as it was founded on moral principles, or surrendering those principles to an administration that is determined to make our country a socialist or communist country. 

One candidate values life, the other thinks a woman has the right to kill her unborn child. One candidate wants to protect our nation with a secure border, the other welcomes any and all, whether they come legally or not. One candidate believes in free markets, with minimal government oversight. The other wants the government to control prices. One candidate recognizes our right to free speech and freely living out our beliefs, the other would insist we not do that, lest we become an oppressor or racist.

There are other differences, but these alone are sufficient to see how the worldviews differ. We have a duty to preserve our country for future generations. It is “We the People” who are responsible for this choice.  We must not give up our right to go to the polls and vote in this election or any other. 

It is worth noting a quote from a Founding Father, John Jay. 

“America belongs to ‘We the People.’ It does not belong to Congress. It doesn’t belong to special interest groups. It does not belong to the courts. It belongs to ‘We the People’ …”

 

So, as Thomas Jefferson said, we must be informed. We must know what issues are at stake and where each candidate stands before we can vote wisely. This is true for not just the Presidential candidates, but for all official leaders. I recommend going to www.ivoterguide.com to get information about the candidates for which you will be voting. 

 After the signing of the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin was asked by a woman on the street, “What have you given us, sir?” Franklin responded, “A Republic, if you can keep it.”

Can we keep it? 

“When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans” (Proverbs 29:2 MSG). 

 

I displayed my “pride flag” this morning. Old Glory, the Red, White, and Blue is flying in the breeze from my front porch! This pride I feel is not some “inordinate self-esteem” or selfish boasting, but it is respect and honor shown to what that flag represents. Our forefathers, who established the United States of America, said in the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

It is certainly true that many have a very selfish and defiant pride in their chosen lifestyle. And they have that right. I will not allow them, however, to take away my right to remember the rainbow as God’s covenant with His creation or to honor my Country which was established on Christian principles found in the Bible.  So, yes, I’m flying my flag, despite the chaos in our politics right now. The founding of this country was accomplished with the sacrifice of many lives then, and many more since then who have given their lives to defend the freedoms we have enjoyed for 248 years. Freedom is not free, and we are still fighting to hold on to our freedoms.

Seeing Old Glory flying in the breeze reminds me to never give up on what she stands for and to never stop praying for our leaders, national, state, and local. May God bless American again!

Some Bible truths about pride.

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

“If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load” (Galatians 6:4-5).

“Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17).

Happy Independence Day!

“Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done” (Psalm 9:11).

Austin, oldest grandson, and I returned from Poland last evening. We are grateful for a safe trip and for successfully meeting our connecting flights. The airline held the connection for us, both ways, or we would have missed the flight. Boarding had already closed on the way back.  We had not counted on having to go through Border Security in Copenhagen! So, we thank God and Scandinavian Airlines for mercy.

Austin enjoyed his first visit to Poland and is already talking about returning.  He soaked up as much language as he could and got his Polish/English dictionary for reference.  He is likewise interested in the work of Polish Christian Ministries and desires to be involved.

The Church Conference theme was “Missio Dei” involving excellent speakers who talked about “What God is doing” – in the world, in Europe, and in Poland. It is evident that God is working, and we were challenged to join Him in His work.

Another part of the conference was celebrating the 70th anniversary of Polish Christian Ministries. Several of us presented stories from each decade of the ministry. I was privileged to be one of them. The needs of the Polish churches have changed over the years, so the ministry of PCM has changed and will continue to change. The focus, however, is still the same, to help the churches in Poland to grow strong and to make more disciples for Jesus!

The top picture shows Austin enjoying the petting zoo at the camp where the conference is held. The bottom picture is Austin and me at Warsaw’s Lazienki Park with its beautiful gardens and a monument to Chopin in the background.

This has been a good week! Wonderful reunion with friends I haven’t seen in many years. But I miss Wayne by my side. Wayne left this earth 9 years ago today. His name has been spoken many times during conversations with friends we both loved. His heart was with Polish Christian Ministries and the people served by the mission.

It was encouraging to hear how God is working among his people here. The Polish Christians are very mission minded and ready to go and serve those who need Jesus.

I was also encouraged by the number of young pastors ready to continue the mission. May God be praised!

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thess. 3:3).

I find myself needing more time to rest these days. Could it be due to “old age”?  Surely, not!  But, alas, it’s probably true. God has blessed me with many years and this body has served me well. I do my best to care for it, thanking God for His provision of good health.

God is faithful and I depend on His strength for every day. I’m a substitute teacher, so I ask God to especially strengthen me for those days. I’m amused when young children ask me about my wrinkly elbows or what’s that bump on your face, or what’s that thing in your ear? Children have no concept of what age does to our bodies. My hope is to show them the way to accept it, how to have a good attitude about the natural process of aging. And along the way teach them a little math and reading, while their teacher is absent.

The second part of 2 Thess. 3:3 says God will protect us from the evil one.  Oh, how I need that protection! It seems the evil one is determined to discourage and defeat every child of God. Our response must be to pray!

The Apostle Paul begins this section of chapter 3 with a request for prayer.

“Finally, brothers pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith” (2 Thess. 3:1-2).

James reminds us “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Every man and woman who is in Christ is righteous! Jesus Christ took our sin punishment and gave us his righteousness. (We have none of our own.) It is our obligation to pray for each other. Our prayers will be heard by God who is faithful to strengthen us and protect us from the evil one!

On a personal note: My grandson, Austin, and I will be traveling to Poland the last week of May. The Polish Christians will be celebrating 70 years of Polish Christian Ministries. PCM supports the churches in Poland and helps in establishing new churches. My late husband, Wayne, served for 20 years in leading that ministry and I’ve wanted to make one more trip to see the people we both came to love. Please pray for our safety on this journey and for the continuing work of PCM.