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“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.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the  power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

• Hope:      desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment; someone or something on which hopes are centered
• Joy:          the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires
• Peace:     a state of tranquility or quiet; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions

Definitions from Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary

I came across this verse from Romans the other day and it grabbed my attention. The Apostle Paul had just written to encourage Christians to accept each other and to remind them that Christ’s mercy unites Jews and Gentiles for the glory of God.

Notice how the Apostle links hope, joy, and peace with faith.  “As you trust in him” seems to be the prerequisite to receiving joy and peace.  Yet, it’s the trusting that is so hard for me! My head knows that God wants what’s best for me and He’s promised to be with me, but my heart wanders to selfish desires and begins to doubt God’s promises. Doubt doesn’t bring joy and peace. Trusting in our Lord brings “all joy and peace.”

The God of hope fills us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him so that we can overflow with hope! We see hopelessness all around us and at times we feel it, too.  But that’s why Christ came. We, who trust in Him, can have hope in spite of all the hopelessness around us. Yes, and joy and peace are included.  Seeking joy and peace on my own doesn’t bring lasting joy or peace.  It is the Spirit’s power that works in me, fills me with lasting joy and peace and causes me to overflow with hope!

The more I stay connected to the word of God the more my heart agrees with my head. Submitting my will to the Holy Spirit’s leading and trusting God with the present and the future days of my life fills my heart with joy and peace. There is calm in the eye of the storm (of hopelessness).

In the eye of the storm (yeah, yeah)
In the middle of the war
You guard my soul
You remain in control (yes you do, Lord)
You alone are the anchor
When my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me (Your love surrounds me) 
In the eye of the storm (in the eye of the storm)

Songwriters: Bryan Fowler / Ryan Stevenson

Eye of the Storm lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him” (Psalm 62:5).

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers” (Proverbs 6:16-19).

I cannot keep silent. My heart grieves that legislators in New York think that killing babies has anything to do with health. It is evil, wicked, and from Satan!  My heart is encouraged that many are standing up and speaking against such evil. I’m encouraged that President Trump is not afraid to speak for the rights of these innocent lives.

The Church must not be silent. The One who created life hates the shedding of innocent blood. We must find ways to help those who see no other option but to destroy the life within them. We must make options for life possible, give desperate mothers-to-be hope for their future. I’m not sure what that looks like. Maybe churches can become involved in pregnancy centers, adoptions, providing financial help or a home, whatever is needed to show the love of Jesus.

All of us can contact our Congressmen, governors, and anyone else who has to do with making the laws. Let them know we do not want another baby lost to abortion or infanticide and we especially do not want laws that allow it.

This is not a political issue. This is a moral and Biblical issue. God sees what’s happening and He is not surprised by evil. This is a spiritual battle for the souls of the human race. Let us stand with truth, God’s truth, and pray earnestly for a renewal of minds. Pray for forgiveness, insight, and wisdom in what our actions should be. Pray. Pray. Pray

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:13-14).

My granddaughter, Rhiannan, gave me this for Christmas. It is hanging on my wall above the dining table. I think she was thinking of some memories made around that table.  So was I when I opened her perfect gift.

When I was growing up we all ate at the table for every meal, unless you were sick. Then my mom might bring some food to whoever was sick. Otherwise, the table was the meal place. I think some families are missing that today. When our girls were growing up Wayne and I expected the family to eat together also. We celebrated birthdays, discussed the day’s events or problems, and sometimes enjoyed our giggly girls when something stuck them as funny.  I remember playing Monopoly and other games with them around the table.

We always made Christmas Eve dinner a special candlelight dinner, and for many years we continued that when our girls, with their families, came home for Christmas. Grandchildren’s birthdays were celebrated around the table. We played games with them around the table. The grandchildren couldn’t wait until they were old enough to join the adult game, Contract Rummy, which was a carry-over from the Murphy side of the family.  Almost all of the grandchildren are adults now and we still enjoy that game when we’re together-I think we had 10 or more playing a few times this past Christmas!

Twelve members of our family can mingled a lot of conversation in with our meals. As the grandchildren grew and changed so did the conversations. And, I might add the food has changed some, too. No more spaghetti Os!

I remember meals when our girls began to cook and sometimes they’d do the meal for us.  I remember special treats such as pizza nights. After the girls were married and had their own families, I especially remember Wayne’s surprise for me one evening.  He would often prepare most or part of the evening meal when I worked full time.  As we finished one particular meal he reached over to the chair opposite of where I sat and picked up a plate of chocolate covered strawberries that had been hidden by the table. He had prepared them himself! Happy memory enjoying those strawberries–just the two of us around the table!

Jesus instituted a memory around the table with His disciples. Using the bread and wine He gave a way for us to remember the price of our salvation.  Psalm 23 reminds us our great Shepherd prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies. I picture God providing a banquet table for us as he shelters and protects us from our enemies. God provides and protects us here on earth and He’s issued an invitation to the wedding supper of the Lamb! What a table of memories that will be!

“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” Revelation 19:9

Enjoy your table memories!

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world” (John 17:24).

As I read my emails this morning I was most interested in what Jason Yates  (My Faith Votes) had to say about a sermon by Martin Luther King, Jr.  He included in his post a lengthy quote from that sermon. I will spare you the lengthy read, but I want to share the worthy points he made.  Mr. King said there was something wrong with our world. Oh, my! If he could see our world now, I wonder what he’d say.  Mr. King went on to say we had forgotten some “mighty precious values that we’ve left behind.”

Value 1:  “All reality hinges on moral foundations.”

Value 2:  “All reality has spiritual control . . . there is a God behind the process…”

Well, Mr. King, it is apparent that we still need to remember those principles.  Morality (Or should I say immorality?) today has gone beyond what anyone in 1954 would have thought.  Many have lost their moral foundation because they do not want to accept the truth of God’s Word. 

It is God who will judge our life here on earth and He will base His judgment on His truth, not ours.  God is in control and no matter how far out-of-balance our world seems to be, God has the final word. The cross proves He wants us to belong to Him. The resurrection proves He is the only Way to the Father. Every human will live–either saved for eternity or lost for eternity.

Are we forgetting God set the standard for morality? Are we forgetting we have a God to whom we must be accountable?  You had it right, Mr. King, there is something wrong with our world, but thank God, there is a cure!

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'” (John 14:6).

You can read or listen to Mr. King’s sermon by going to www.myfaithvotes.org and click on “Rediscovering Lost Values.” 

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8). 

I’m familiar with the vine and branches passage in John 15, or so I thought. This time, when I read the passage, verse 8 got my attention.  I know the part about Jesus being the Vine and we need to stay connected and bear fruit or we’ll be cut off, and the branch that bears fruit will be pruned in order to bear more fruit. In verse 8, Jesus gives us the purpose for our fruit bearing—to bring glory to God our Father! In truth, I know my life is to bring glory to God—to make God look amazing, but I fail to live like I know it.

There is often too much of me in my life. Branches do not thrive without the vine. Why do I think I can thrive on my own? I cannot. God chose me to bear fruit for Him: remain in His love by obeying  His commands, and to love others. God wants His joy in me so that my joy is complete.  This only happens when I give God first place and my selfishness becomes less.

Fruit bearing is God’s work in me. Paul, in Galatians 5, calls this the fruit of the Spirit.  Peter exhorts us to add to our faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; etc as a participation in the divine nature. (See 2 Peter 1:3-8)  This fruit is what I desire so I must seek and learn more of Jesus. I must submit my will to His.  Not easy. That’s why I must read and study the written Word so the Living Word can live in me.  And Jesus has promised to help. To God be the glory!

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (John 15:7).

Another year gone, and I can’t help but wonder what things of value I accomplished in the past year.  When I think about that I’m reminded I didn’t accomplish anything without God’s help.  Beyond that, I’m sure God was ready to bless those ventures I bypassed and left undone. He has power beyond what we could ask or think.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

These verses from Ephesians are convicting! God is able to do all I ask Him to do and He is able to do what I imagine, but do not ask. God’s power is at work in me. God’s power is available.  I lack confidence and am uncooperative at times.  What could God do through me if I abandoned my will and surrendered to His?

Many folks make resolutions at the beginning of a new year and give up on them before long.  I haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions, but I have set some goals for myself—goals that state who I want to be in family relationships, my writing, and my church and spiritual life. My prayer is I will surrender these goals to God and cooperate with His work in me. This will be a daily task-a daily surrender. A new year is a new beginning, but I like to think of each new day as a new beginning.  When I fail God does not. He is faithful!

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Happy New Year!

Christmas past: Jesus was born-God with us.

Christmas present: Jesus’ church on mission to bring the lost to the Savior.

Christmas future: The Church with God for eternity.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

The book of Hebrews clearly points to Jesus as our only hope of salvation.  When we look at the manger and the infant Son of God we must look beyond to view the cross. Jesus came to live among us, to live as any human lives, yet without sin. Mary, his mother, cared for him as mothers do. She fed, bathed, cuddled, and nurtured Jesus. Joseph helped Him walk his first steps, taught him the Scriptures, and most likely showed Him how to help with the carpentry business.

Jesus was fully man and He was fully God. Only He could become our great high priest by offering himself as the sacrifice for our sin. When we sing “Joy to the World, the Lord has come” let us breathe a prayer of praise and thanksgiving for Jesus who made a way for us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence.”

Celebrate Jesus Christ with family and friends. Celebrate Jesus, the Way to the Father and the One who makes us the family of God.  

 

Thank you, Jesus, for humbling yourself to come to this sinful earth as a helpless baby so that we could be called the children of God. Thank you for mercy and grace found at the cross and for triumph over death at the empty grave! Amen

In memory of my mother I am publishing a piece I wrote several years ago. I pray it will encourage you.

My mother told me about a Christmas when she was a little girl. Her story reminded me of the simple joys of a coloring book and crayons, but it also jolted my thinking about the people we encounter each day.  

My mother, Alice, was just a young girl during the Depression and her family lived in a four-room house that was cold and drafty.  It was Christmas morning and Alice woke before anyone else. She crept expectantly to the small Christmas tree her mom had decorated a few days before and found a present with her name.  She quickly opened it and found a new coloring book and crayons. My mother said she doesn’t remember what she was expecting for Christmas, but she remembers feeling very excited about the new crayons and coloring book. Shivering from the cold, she hurried back to her bed and snuggled under the covers to color a picture.

There are those people today who, like my mother, long for a place of warmth and comfort.

 Jesus can provide that comfort and more. He can do that through His followers who let His light shine.  The Apostle Paul calls this kind of life“living by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). The  fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5. Thinking about my mother’s crayons and how the fruit of the Spirit should be evident in my life brought to mind the idea of coloring the world. So, let’s color a picture.

 Using the red crayon we can color our world with God’s love, letting others know He loved them so much that He sent His only Son to die for them.

Pick up the yellow crayon to spread around a few smiles and the joy we experience in being a child of God. This yellow glow of joy is surrounded by the blue of God’s peace. Some folks live chaotic lives and need a respite of genuine peace for their souls. Could we share a moment with them to rest in the meadow under God’s blue sky of peace? 

 Our world also needs the brightness of orange.  We must be generous in coloring in those bright spots of kindness and goodness. There are people around us just waiting for that kind word or good deed that we can say or do.  Of course, no picture is complete without the green of grass, the trees, and other plants. Neither is our spiritual life complete without faithfulness.  Allow the world to see you walking on the lush, green, and living grass of faithfulness as a sign that God has given you new life and life lived to the full (John10:10).

There should also be a purple crayon in your collection, the color of royalty. King Jesus is all-powerful but also gentle.  As our King, He gives us the gentle spirit we need to brighten our world. We can use the white crayon of patience to highlight the edges of the other colors.  Finally, to enhance all those wonderful colors in our picture of life, let’s color a black frame of self-control around it.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). What better way to color our world than to bear the fruit of the Spirit.