Provision In Wastelands~

Isaiah 58:11  And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

The well of Providence is deep.  It’s the buckets we bring to it that are small. –Mary Webb

I don’t understand why there must be orphans in the world.  I don’t understand why families are torn apart.  I don’t understand when we live in such a blessed nation, why there are still homeless people.  I don’t understand why good people die and bad people live.  Although a divorcee, I don’t understand divorce.  I don’t understand why there seems to be a prevalent need for single-parent homes in our society.  I don’t understand why parents don’t step up to the task of child-rearing. I don’t understand government infringement.  I don’t understand why when you try to find answers and solutions to questions and problems that you come up with more questions than the answers.

I. just. don’t.  understand.

But…Though Life be Unfair, God is GOOD!  He really..truly..is!  He quenches my thirst even when the desert is the driest.  When there seems no way out, He makes a way.  Sometimes the “way” is not the “way” I’d like, but then again…HE KNOWS.  The crack on my desert floor, that’s somehow turned into a ravine, just may be the valley He has me walk through to keep me shadowed from the scorching sun.   He knows what’s best.
   
Recently I heard a beautiful song that was played and sung by a very accomplished singer & muscician.  I really don’t know the title of the song but there is a lyric that rings true with me today.

It simply says, “He makes it rain for me”.  The song tells of a life that is battered by trouble and heartache and somehow God uses that to show forth His greatness in a person’s life. 

I do understand this:  it is altogether possible to live a full life even while in the emptiest of places. 

I understand this because I understand that I serve a God of  the miraculous.  I understand that I serve the one true and living God that can make something out of absolutely nothing, and in so doing, somehow makes it appear as though it’s been there forever, somehow just overlooked!:-D  That’s the kind of God I serve.

So in times when I feel at my whit’s end, not knowing what to think or do, I go back again to His promises.  His Word is both a teacher and a comforter.  In this passage of His Word I find that I need to “let go & let God”…that instead of being stingy with myself I need to be generous, giving of what I do have.  I am reminded that in my “Mother-Hubbard-World” where everything seems to look empty, dark, and forboding, God will make my life shine for His glory.

You see, in God’s hands I become a little glow-in-the-dark star.  When He chooses to turn the light on, the shadow in which I live will somehow be bathed in sunlight. Somehow God can use the old rubble of  “Past” and build a new “Future”. He can rebuild foundations.  He can take the shattered pieces and make something new with them (He has a Masters in Art).  He can give the strength needed for the restruction of our shattered life-stories. He makes beauty from ashes.
 
Following His leading I will always be shown where to go…somehow.  And in so doing, will be given a full life in the emptiest of places—a life firm, strong, flourishing, full, and beautiful! For when one has Jesus…they have all they need.
    
Vs. 12)  Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.

Passion Exciled ~

Acts 7:24-25 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

Moses saw the Jew (could it have been one of his blood-relatives?) being hurt and quickly went out and afflicted harm in return for the wrong that had been done.  I believe he did this with good intentions.  However, it got out of hand.  He thought he would help a part of a people he loved, but the aftermath was devastating.  He was remembering with compassion the people from winst he came.  He thought the people would understand.  He thought that they knew, that with his help, they perhaps could be avenged of the sorrow and tribulation that had come upon them.  But they didn't understand his motives.   

Some believe he let his zeal get the best of him (for he killed the Egyptian).  Perhaps he did.   

My focus today is on the part of scripture that says: And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed…but they understood not.   

This reminds me (once again) to ‘never never never assume anything’.  It also reminds me to be aware of and have control of my emotions at all times.  Not so easy sometimes, is it?  Well, at least for me it isn’t.  The older I get I find that I am quite the passionate person.  (I believe that gets me into some trouble sometimes.) But, I do my best to keep a tight hold on the reigns. 

A lot more harm can be done if I don’t keep myself on a “short-rope”. I must keep the grip on the reigns of my mind, my own spirit, and heart for they keep me steady and most assuredly out of exile when it comes to my relationships.   

So evaluate this with me, ask the question of yourself (with me):  If someone is not seeking out help, maybe it’s not my business to jump into the matter.  Maybe it’s not my business to ‘form an opinion’.     

Like Moses, you and I find our self as being a brother/sister of the Children of God, but that doesn’t mean that your brother/sister really knows your heart…that they really know…you.

For to know someone you have to spend a considerable amount of time with them.  Most times this is not the case for the people we attend church service with.  There are those within your “sisterhood/brotherhood” that do not undestand your passion, perhaps they don't appreciate your zeal in certain matters....there are those that quickly point fingers…

Be careful.  Make decisions wisely.  Use wisdom. It is ALWAYS best to do this. 

Be careful...Some people just truly do not understand...you may find yourself on the backside of a desert for 40 years…..if you do find yourself there….remember,  God is there too.  You're in good company.  :-)

Living In Keen Awareness

LORD, TEACH ME TO LIVE THIS MOMENT ONLY, LOOKING NEITHER TO THE PAST WITH REGRET, NOR TO THE FUTURE WITH APPREHENSION.  LET LOVE BE MY AIM AND MY LIFE A PRAYER.

--Roseann Alexander-Isham

 There is a song I hear quite often on the radio.  I can’t remember the title nor the author, but it has a lyric that says: “Teach me to number my days, teach me to make the day count…”  I need to put this lyric to action.  Looking not to the past with regret, nor to the future with apprehension, but trusting that my Lord has it all in the palm of His hand…and not one drop of which concerneth me will fall from it. 

Psalm 90:12  So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Have a blessed day pleasing the King of kings! :-D

A Front Row Seat Perspective

I Peter 2:25  For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

God never abandons anyone on whom He has set His love; nor does Christ, the good shepherd, ever lose track of His sheep.

---J. I. Packer

My daughter--my little lamb--(BTW: that's what her middle names means...cool, eh?) she has been gone for 2 weeks visiting her dad and family.  Today she came home!  I feel so much better. 

Of course, LOL, the house is back to being VERY ACTIVE now, (the dog is chewing on her bone LOUDLY, my stereo is going, the washer/dryer have beeng running, my daughter is playing her keyboard and has her stereo blaring at the same time, etc.), but I had too much quiet going on in this house for two weeks anyway! :-D  Glad she's home.  

How much more the Shepherd/Father of our soul...how much more "settled" must He feel when all His sheep/children are gathered and accounted for!!  He doesn't mind the bleeting and the frolicking in the meadow, or even the butting of heads sometimes....for He watches over it all.  He gets to have a front row seat into our lives.  He watches over us with LOVE.  He keeps us.  He delights in us.  We are in His pasture...and He sees us.  He takes delight in seeing/hearing it all. 

No matter where you find yourself at the present...YOU are still HIS! :-D Just like a shepherd takes care of the sheep, keeping them from harm, our Heavenly Father is the GOOD SHEPHERD who when we find ourself feeling alone and teetering on a cliff, will pull us back again. He loves us that much. 



The Thing that TRULY Ministers

I Peter 4:10  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Thinking on God’s return for His church, today I instantly feel the tension in my shoulders subside.  My chest becomes unclinched…I feel calmer.  One day—and I hope very soon—there will be an end to what I know as the “Now”.  All tears will be wiped away.  There will be no more death.  There will be no more pain.  There will be no more heartache.  No more trouble.  No more anguish of mind.  No more chaos.  No more…a lot of things. And, I can not wait.   
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We must take nothing for granted, folks.  Instead we must have and show appreciation.  We must stay wide-eyed in prayer continually.  Jesus is soon to return. 

Although we stay with an awareness of our surroundings, and we stay in an attitude of prayer, most of all we should not forget to put on the garment, the gift, of Love.  Sometimes we fail to do that. 

We should love one another as if life itself depended on it.  For, you see, LOVE makes up for practically anything we have to face in this life. 

It is so easy to love when it comes to our own….not so easy when it comes to others. 

Yes, God does have a set of rules & a set of consequences.  We must obey or pay.  But out of ALL that He gave to us, He gave LOVE.  Love does not make us a door-mat, love makes us more wise.  

This promise scripture for today reminds me that I should not be quick to cause offense for myself or for someone else, making someone, or myself, to stumble; but that I should be quick to give love.  God did not give us a gift of fear, of malice, of strife, of contention.  No, that’s the devil—the enemy of our soul—that’s his work, but God gave love. 

Love does not censure.  It is an action which uplifts.  Love does not condemn one to doom.  Love does not denounce. (The definitions of these words [condemn, censure, denounce] bare weight and should be looked up and studied.)  

And, although it hurts some circles to admit, those within that circle appreciatively drape a particular garment upon their person on a daily basis.  The garment of Self-Righteousness.  They look down their nose at others, feeling justified in their holiness.  What they wear is a garment that is stifling, destructive. 

But they have no idea.

Self-righteousness is the cloak, which tries its best to hide all the aformentioned "sins" of the fleshly nature.  Fear, malice, strife, contention, critisizim, censureship, etc.  (BUT, of course, ALL of these can, and at times, do stand alone also). 

But…LOVE…now, Love…wow…this is an action which covers, protects, conceals.  It is an action which bears God’s approval...and, well,...a lot of things.
   
And, the Bible tells us that in all our getting, if we don’t have this, we have nothing.
 
I Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
I Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
I Corinthians 13:4-8  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  Charity never faileth:

So I ask you today, Are you a true servant of God?  Are the gifts which God gave unto you really serving others?  Or, are your gifts hidden?  Does your “sanctimonious cloak” hide /bury the talents that God would have you to share?  Self-righteousness is a hindering garment. 

How does the Lord view your behavior?  Are you attending—caring for—the needs of others?  Is your smile genuine, or a sickening sanctimonious one?  Do you portray yourself to others as being pious, when you know deep within yourself—and God surely knows--that you are not?  Does your “righteousness”exemplify a holier-than-thou attitude to others, or does you righteousness appeal to the hurting, the struggling, the lame, the weak?  How DO you act when a fellow brother/sister stumbles...or hits their face in the dirt? 

So, I humbly ask, Are you a good steward of the manifold GRACE of God?  (A good steward in many and various forms of the unmerited favor of God.)  Are you truly helping someone else, or are you hurting them even more?  What really is your ministry?

Oh, I want to be a true saint of the Most-High!  I want to be most pleasing to You, Jesus.. I really do.  I want to lower myself—abase myself--so that You can put me where You most need me.  I do not need men’s applause.  I need Yours. I want to make my own altar, so that You do not have to make one for me. Breathe on me, Jesus.  Power of God, You are welcome here.  Come in and change what needs changed.  I want to be more like You.   Amen.    
Song of the day: Love Was In The Room (by The Booth Brothers)   If you've never heard these guys sing this song...you are missing out.  I encourage you to look it up and listen to it.  Hey, have a BLESSED DAY today and.....Show Love!  :-)

God is in control

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

The God of peace gives perfect peace--COMPLETE peace.  The requirement for such peace is:   For us to keep our hearts tuned on Him...not our troubles. 

I was talking with a lady from church last Sunday.  She made the comment about "asking God for perfect peace".  Now...I get it.  Thanks, Sis.

God, though my mind can scarcely dare to hope and my heart quakes sometimes with disbelief.  Help thou, me.  You are GOD!  Your eyes are not far.  You're a whisper away.  I thank you and I love you.  YOU ARE in CONTROL. :-) Your peace...the peace that you give...it's beyond comprehension. 

Making Known His Faithfulness to ALL Generations

Psalm 89:1  I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

Words are a teacher.  When we read God's Word, the Bible, we become insiders to a conversation in which God uses words to bless, encourage, sustain, empower, guide, and forgive us. 

Faithfulness to all generations: 
God is in control no matter what stage of linage.  He reigns supreme! I find great comfort in the fact that God not only wants to guide me, but He wants to guide my forefathers and my child(ren).  He is no respecter of persons!  I love that. I love that no matter how old or young, as long as GOD sees an eager, thirsty heart, He will show up and speak.  Age is not a factor for God. 

In ancient times the only way a story could be told is to tell it verbally.  The story would pass through generation to generation.  Thinking on God's goodness it is easy to sing songs of praise about Him. 

And, it's not enough what I think about the Lord, but I must speak of the Lord. 

God is the only one that can read my mind.  If I want my offspring to know what I believe about the Lord I must speak.  I must tell of His power.  I must tell of His faithfulness.  I must tell of His provision. I must tell of the security I find in Him.  I must tell of the love I have found from Him.  He is good and His mercies endure throughout ALL generations! 

:-D 

Because of the weather, today is dreary, wet, and flooding in areas...there's continual thunderous applause in the heavens and flashs of cracking light in the sky, my car-port is being covered with water as I type, my road is flooded, I can't get to work (at least not yet), my yard is full of water (and because of that I have plumbing issues), but I will sing!
Borrowing from the lyrics on the new POINT OF GRACE cd, I will now sing:  Seems like the sun just went out today//But there's blue sky hiding out//It may not seem like it now//But things can change in an instant..Gray clouds run out of rain//It's just a matter of time til it happens//Might be today//Might be today!         Sing...Keep HOPE alive! And...if the rain doesn't stop today...well, God helped a man walk on water once, I reckon HE can do it again :-D

He's Still Working On Me

Psalm 7:9  Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

God looks deep within the mind and heart of humanity.  He is the one that gets us ready for life.  He does so by probing for our soft spots and knocking off the rough edges of our character.   The probing and pounding doesn’t feel so good, but when the final work is done then we can stand before God with a character that portrays a clean, pure, and cared-for quality.  When He says “It is finished…and it is good”, then we stand in His presence (and the presence of man) with the stamp of God’s approval.   

God ends the work of evil when we are willing to be worked on, and He defends the righteous when trouble comes knocking.  We are made right and kept right for His appearing only because of our willingness to stay in His hands, allowing the work that HE is willing to do in and to us.  God in solemn honor does things right.  He’s always right.  It’s our job to stay in HIS hand.  Only then can we be made to feel fit and so safe in HIS presence. 

Yes, the work He does doesn’t always feel good to the flesh, but His work is a work that has a far exceeding greater outcome than we can ever imagine. 

I’m so thankful He’s still willing to work on me, aren’t you?  :-D