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“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17)

My blog hasn’t even made it to my to-do list these past couple of weeks. I regret that but I’m discovering I’m capable of doing so much and then I’m done. (Can’t be old age!) I subbed for a teacher who was recovering from surgery for six days, made two trips to Richmond, VA for concerts and graduation of grandson, Ethan, attended a family reunion, a birthday party for a great-nephew, and led Children’s Worship for two Sundays. Today I finally got to my yard and garden work. Weeding and mulching today!

I’m not usually quite so busy, but I took the extra subbing days because the school was close by and the extra income will be helpful for the summer.

The verse from Colossians reminded me of the attitude I should have about everything I do whether I’m extra busy or not so much.  Later in that chapter, verses 23 and 24 state, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

My attitude should consist of working in the name of the Lord, working as though I am working for the Lord, and do it with gratitude. It’s the gratitude part I had trouble with while pulling weeds! It’s easy to be thankful for family events and milestones as well as the extra income. But weeds? Not so thankful! I am thankful I had the strength to do it and thankful for how good it looks when done. Now, if I can just get out of bed in the morning I’ll be thankful for that, too!

God bless all of you as you work at whatever you do.

“Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’ ‘What is truth?’ Pilate asked” (John 18:37-38a).

What is truth? This was Pilate’s question as he considered the charges against Jesus. I think he knew Jesus was the truth. He stated, “I find no basis for a charge against him.” Yet, Pilate gave in to the crowd and “The Truth” was crucified. Can we say the truth is being crucified again today, even in the halls of our Congress?

Last week the House of Representatives passed the “so called” Equality Act. We must do all we can to stop such “inequality” from going any further. That legislation would have taken away the rights of any who want to practice their faith with regards to the gender issue. Families and businesses who believe that God created humans as male and female, who believe the Bible teaches that marriage is between one man and one woman, and who practice a moral lifestyle according to the Bible, would be breaking the law to act upon their faith. Where are the rights for the Christians?

Romans 1:25 states that people have exchanged the truth of God for a lie. That has a contemporary sound, doesn’t it? In Old Testament times, Isaiah pronounces, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20). In the New Testament Paul refers to those who refuse to love the truth (2 Thess. 2:10). There are those today who refuse to love the truth. Truth isn’t something we make up in our own minds.  Truth comes from the Word of God. And that is where the problem lies. It seems to me, those who refuse to love the truth are also refusing God’s authority.

Perhaps the Christian’s best response to our present-day situation is found in Paul’s words to young Timothy. At least, it’s a good place to start.

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:22-26).

Are we willing to accept the challenge?

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).

My mom has been with Jesus for five years this month. I miss her, especially this season of the year. Flowers are blooming and she loved flowers. Many are still growing around the yard where she planted them. Just days before her death, my brother pushed Mom in her wheelchair to the side of the house where a beautiful peony was in full bloom. She was so happy to see those gorgeous blooms.

I remember:

• Mom washed my long hair at the kitchen sink, while I cried and complained.
• She made homemade bread and butter. I did the butter churning many times.
• Mom cooked for men who came to help Dad on threshing day. The man who owned the threshing machine made the rounds to farmers who needed their grain threshed and more men came to help. After the cooking, there were dishes to wash and I and my mom were the dishwashers.
• On one of those threshing days, my mom’s first electric range was delivered. She cooked on a wood-burning stove until then.
• Mom and Dad invited preachers and families for dinner.
• Mom enjoyed picking wild berries and expected me to tend the baby in the hot berry patch!
• I was the oldest child so I remember my mom nursing and caring for my brothers and sister.
• Mom enjoyed sitting in the front yard in the shade–no air conditioning until later.
• Mom put aside the tithe money in a pretty teapot.
• Helping Mom with canning vegetables and fruits. My job was to wash the jars since my hand would fit inside the jar. I remember wishing my hand would get too big to fit. It never did till I started canning.
• Taking walks in the woods with Mom. We looked for wildflowers.
• Playing the piano for Mom to sing her favorite gospel songs. Oh, how I wish I had enjoyed that more. As a kid I thought more about what I wanted to do.

I have regrets. I guess we all do. I’m thankful for a forgiving mother who loved me in spite of my shortcomings. I’m also thankful to have lived close to her during her last year of life.

If you’re blessed to still have your mom with you, enjoy that blessing and thank her. If your mom is missing on earth, enjoy your memories and thank God for them.

“May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!”  Proverbs 23:25

Happy Mother’s Day

”Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9)

It’s that time of year again and the weeds are winning.  I am gaining on them! Yes, there’ll even be a point when I’m ahead, but those pesky weeds keep growing! It’s the struggle I have every summer—weeding my vegetable and flower gardens.

This struggle reminds me of the spiritual struggle in living a Christ-like life. The Christian must be vigilant and vigorous in this struggle to win the victory over temptation and distractions.  Just like those weeds, our sinful nature is still present. Satan doesn’t give up. He will try to get us off track by making the less important things become more important. He wants us to spend our time and resources on selfish desires. The Galatians wanted to make the law more important than the cross of Christ. Paul said, “. . . what counts is a new creation.”

In Galatians, chapter 5, Paul contrasts the sinful nature with life by the Spirit. The sinful nature is in conflict with the Spirit. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).  The law shows us our sin but it is the Spirit who helps us have victory over sin. Thank God, we do not struggle alone!

We will have a harvest at the proper time, if we do not give up.  If I don’t give up on pulling those weeds I can expect a harvest of flowers and vegetables, in due time. If we do not give up on “pulling” out those pesky sins, we can reap the harvest of spiritual fruit—love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Keep “pulling”! The struggle is worth it!

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-7).

Because of the resurrection of Jesus and my belief and acceptance of His offer of salvation:

• I am forgiven
• I have new life in Christ
• I am a child of God
• I have power over sin
• I have peace in this life
• I have hope of life beyond this life
• I will have a resurrected body
• I have God’s power working in me
• I am a fellow citizen with God’s people
• I have the Holy Spirit dwelling in me
• I have assurance that one day I’ll see my loved ones who’ve gone before me
• I know my suffering and disappointments are only temporary
• I know God loves me

“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay’”(Matthew 28:5-6).

        HE IS RISEN!      HAPPY EASTER

I pass an old house on my way to one of the schools where I substitute teach. This week it has been a beautiful scene.  I couldn’t safely take a picture of it without having to walk a distance so I substituted this picture. The old house I pass has a front porch with sagging roof and rotted steps. The yard is a whole landscape of daffodils rather than just one cluster.

I have wondered about the family or families that once lived in the old house. Who planted the daffodil bulbs? Was it the mother? Did her children help or did she remind them not to trample the flowers? Was there a dog who insisted on digging out her bulbs or deer that ate the plants?  How long ago were they planted?

There is a saying about planting trees.

“A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.”

According to Google it is a Greek proverb and I think one with a great deal of truth.  Trees are planted for the next generation. Those daffodils were enjoyable for the one who planted them, but today they are enjoyed by all who pass by. What beauty! I’m thankful for the person who planted them.

 I don’t know if he or she ever gave a thought to what might become of the daffodils decades after they were planted.  I like to think that person was more concerned about what was planted in the hearts of their children. Trees and flowers planted now can be  enjoyed for generations to come, but seeds planted in our children can blossom for future generations as well and will last forever.

Two important seeds to plant in the hearts of children are love and truth. Children need love and they need to know the One who is Love. God is love and He gave us Jesus and His sacrificial death to prove that love.  Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). God is the source of all truth.

Parents are responsible for planting those seeds with many others helping to water and nurture them along the way. Whether or not a child’s parents are planting those seeds every adult who interacts with that child can. We may plant love and truth through our actions more than through our words. Jesus gave a strong warning about our interaction with children.

“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:5-6).

Here’s a new saying:

A society grows great when the grownups plant seeds of love and truth into the hearts of children and nurture their growth for the next generation.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).

The Apostle Paul wrote these exhortations to the Corinthian church, but they are just as important today as they were in Paul’s day. The Church must take heed. The world is filled with evil, people are lost and the devil is working overtime to discourage the Church in her task of spreading the gospel.

Be on your guard. The Apostle Peter reminds us the devil is our enemy and he “prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour.” We cannot underestimate the power of Satan. Watch out for his deception. He wants to divide the Church and weaken her witness.

Stand firm in the faith. The best way to stand firm in the faith is to be in the company of others who also are standing firm. A soldier doesn’t fight battles alone. He fights beside his comrades. Soldiers have one goal-defeat the enemy. Soldiers are trained so they know how to win against their foes. The Christian soldier must train often by studying the handbook, the Bible.  The Apostle Paul reminded Timothy that a good soldier doesn’t get involved in civilian affairs because he wants to please his commanding officer. (See 2 Timothy 2:4) The Church marches to the command of Christ and not the demands of culture. We can’t give up or become distracted by the world. So many people need Jesus.

Be men (and women) of courage. Today, more than ever, we must be courageous.  When we proclaim the truth of God we may be accused of hate speech, or infringing on someone’s rights. Our own rights may be at risk if we don’t accept everyone’s belief and lifestyle. The Church must be courageous in standing against sin and the lies of Satan. We must use our voice to express the truth of God’s Word. “. . . God our Savior . . . wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

Be strong. Ephesians 6:10 says, “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” God knows our mortal strength is not enough to resist the forces of evil so He provides the armor: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace, and the shield of faith. In addition, we have the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. As we read on in Ephesians 6 notice how many times pray or prayer is mentioned-5 times. Our strength comes from God, but do we spend time in prayer asking for it? We are in a spiritual battle. The forces of evil are strong but God is stronger. First John 4:4 reminds us that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Jesus gives us the Spirit to guide and strength us in this spiritual warfare. Sometimes I think we spend too little time praying about our concerns and too much time complaining about them. There is strength in prayer!

Then Paul says, “Do everything in love.”  I like to think about these things that Paul has encouraged Christians to do as all the ingredients in a banana split or big ice cream sundae. Then cover the whole thing with luscious whipped cream! It’s what makes everything else taste so good. That’s the love. Does the world see the church doing everything in love?

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:15-20).

Several weeks before my husband, Wayne, died he gave a communion meditation at church which he titled “It’s About Jesus.”  He took his thoughts from a sermon he had preached earlier in another church. I’m including his points with this blog.

I recently finished reading through the book of Acts and the account of the early church-the acts of the apostles. And yes, it was all about Jesus. Beginning with the first chapter Jesus ascended to heaven before the astonished eyes of his apostles. In chapter 2 those men received the power of the Holy Spirit and proclaimed Jesus as Lord and Christ!  About 3,000 people accepted their message, were baptized, and added to their number.

After that the apostles healed folks through the Name of Jesus. They suffered jail time and still they preached Jesus.  Confronted by the authorities, they claimed that obeying God took precedence over obeying people. Their lives were certainly about Jesus.

It’s always been about Jesus. He was creator at the beginning. Prophets spoke of His coming to earth hundreds of years before His birth. His name was given to Mary and Joseph before He was part of their family. He came to serve others and showed us how to serve. He came to die, so we could live. Without His death we have no cleansing from sin. The book of Hebrews, chapters 9 and 10 explain the significance of His sacrificial death.  “. . . without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Heb. 9:22).  We have forgiveness because of His death and we have hope of everlasting life because of His resurrection! It’s about Jesus.

It’s about Jesus now. Jesus gave the command in Matthew 28:18-20 to make disciples of all nations. Jesus knew we would need a focus.  He calls us to be his disciples and then to make more disciples. He credentials us for our role, not with a degree or certificate, but with a credential issued by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He confers upon us the high title of “disciple.”

As we live life He converts us. He radically changes and transforms us as we lose our old life and find our true life. Finally, He commissions us to share His Kingdom work. Disciple making, rightly done, is learning to live life completely and fully. It is one life rubbing another life-full contact engagement. It is hugging others to Jesus.

It’s All about Jesus! It’s not about the church building where we worship or the worship team, or even the preacher. It’s not about our selfish desires or motives. If we belong to Jesus then we are His Body and it’s all about Him!

These words from a song by Casting Crowns give us something to think about.

If we are the Body, why aren’t His arms reaching?

Why aren’t His hands healing?

Why aren’t His words teaching?

Why aren’t His feet going?

Why is His love not showing?

“This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” ( Romans 13:6-7).

I took my tax papers to my tax preparer this week. The news wasn’t good. I usually get a decent amount in tax refund and this year it looks like I have to pay. My first impulse is to get upset. What happened? The new tax laws require less withholding so I came up short.

The Bible is clear that we are to pay taxes. Government has been established by God (see Romans 13:1) so who am to complain about it? In these times our government leaders seem to want to use our money in ways I don’t approve. I am glad to live in a country that (so far) gives us the right to elect our leaders. It is becoming more important to pay attention to how our government leaders serve, where they stand on important issues, and how they vote on legislation. We can then decide if they deserve our vote for re-election. We can also send messages to them about the issues at hand. Thanks to email and the telephone this isn’t hard to do. And we must let our voice be heard!

 The Apostle Paul moves from the Christian’s responsibility toward government (in Rom.13) to the responsibility toward one another in Romans 14. He writes about “passing judgment on disputable matters” and uses examples of eating certain foods and regarding certain days as special. Paul reminds us that all will stand before the judgment seat of God (v.10) so we should not look down on our brother or judge him.

The judging Paul speaks of here in Rom. 14 is not about sinful actions that God has condemned, but rather the choices that people make in good conscience that are not condemned by Scripture. Paul warns us, however, not to offend one another by our choices. If our behavior causes another brother or sister to stumble, then Paul says it’s better not to do it. “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

When Christians speak out against abortion, sexual immorality, or other sins they are sometimes accused of judging.  When Christians stand up and speak out against things that God has already condemned, they are not judging. God judges. In Rom. 13:8, Paul reminds us we have a “continuing debt to love one another.” He goes on to say “put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

I must never forget how much God loves people. I must never forget how much he’s forgiven me. I must speak the truth in love. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).  I must follow His way, speak His truth, and live His life! That is only possible in His strength and righteousness.

“. . . clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Romans 13: 14).

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Due to excessively high winds I was without electrical power for three days. I am thankful for my generator which can handle everything except the heat pump and hot water heater. No problem until the hot water cooled down enough to make showers uncomfortable. I have a gas fireplace to provide some heat as well as an electric heater.  I made it through three chilly nights with extra blankets since I didn’t run the generator all night.

Tonight I’m rejoicing! The power has been restored and I shut down the generator. My heat pump is warming the house again so that my fireplace provides a cozy place to sit  instead of my main source of heat. I’m happy!

Do you ever feel like your spiritual power is weak or gone? I have. I feel cold and weak in my walk with God during those times. When this happens it isn’t because the power isn’t available. God’s power is always available. The electrical current was available up to the point where the tree fell on the line and cut off the power. I often let the winds of busyness and distractions cut off my connection to God’s power.

How will I ever understand the Scriptures if I don’t spend time there? How will I ever deepen my relationship with God if all I do is whisper a prayer on the run? I’m not saying we can’t pray on the run. I’ve prayed lots of “running prayers.” But I think God desires time spent with Him–uninterrupted time when we let the Word sink into our minds and hearts. God is there when our eyes overflow with tears of joy because of what Jesus sacrificed for us. God wants to be with us when we agonize over decisions or regrets. God desires we stop and wait for His response. David, the Psalmist said, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry” (Psalm 40:1).

My source of spiritual power is found in the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life and in my study of the living Word of God. Do I desire the power enough to spend more time with God?

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42:1-2).

Later: I wrote most of this last night but didn’t post it.  When I got back home from my sub job today my power was out again! I’m thankful the power of the living God is still available.