Are You the One or the Nine?

Today, a daily devotional from Greg Lane's book, My Morning Walks With God, moved my heart. His story was about the ten lepers Jesus healed, and only one returned to say thank You. The word God put in his heart seven years ago ministered to my heart today. That's what God's Word does; time has no constraints on how His Spirit moves. Praise God!

As I read the article, the Holy Spirit reminded me of my prayer for traveling protection only days earlier. God was gracious and kept us safe (and others safe from us) on our way to and from our destination. But hours later, I repented for not remembering to thank Him earlier. Tears filled my eyes as I continued reading. That was not the first or only time that I neglected to let God know how grateful I am that He hears my requests and responds. I asked Him to forgive me for those times I had forgotten.

Have you ever experienced a similar situation after praying to God? Perhaps, like me, you've seen Him send a refreshing shower to water your plants, sparing you to stand for an hour with a hose. Or maybe He's helped you find misplaced keys or cell phones or even performed a miraculous healing or rescue of a loved one you've prayed for. In these moments, our heavenly Father longs for us to acknowledge Him. Even amid adversity, when we cry out to Him, He desires to hear from us that we love and trust Him and are grateful for His faithful, unwavering care regardless of the need's magnitude.

God lavishly pours His goodness, mercy, and grace on us. Let us strive to be like the healed leper, not the ungrateful nine. Our gratitude blesses God's heart; He longs to hear you, and I say, "Thank You, Father, for Your abundant blessings. I love You."

"In everything, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Another Milestone, Fond Memories, More Spiritual Markers

I want to tell you about yesterday's celebration because it led to my devotional for today. I'll warn you now: It's lengthy, but please bear with me and read it through.

ANOTHER MILESTONE, FOND MEMORIES, MORE SPIRITUAL MARKERS

My husband and I had the privilege and honor of attending the Centennial Celebration of our hometown church, established in 1924. The handful of people who began the work named it the First Baptist Church of Basile because it was the first and only Baptist church in the small community. It still is.

My husband began attending the church nine months before his birth and continued until after we were married and moved away for college. His family has deep roots in the early beginning of God's work in Basile, which continues today. As a "home-grown" preacher of God's Word from the church, he was asked to deliver the second of the service's three messages on what we, as God's people, are to do today to continue carrying on the Lord's work. The main point of his sermon was for us to read, study, and memorize God's Word, let it sink deep into our hearts, and then faithfully teach our children and their children to do the same.

The morning was filled with fond memories of being back, where we had special moments, and our lives together had their beginning. As a teenager, my husband wasn't certain he was saved, so he met with the new pastor in his office and invited Jesus into his heart. As I looked at the third row of pews from the front, I fondly recalled sitting in the middle of the pew with a friend when God spoke to my heart, calling me to a ministry that would not unfold for sixteen years, one that I would not realize until another six years passed.

 In this little church, the pastor who led my husband to the Lord married us, later ordained my husband as a deacon, and much later ordained him to preach the Gospel. These are fond memories and milestones—spiritual markers.

The day's celebration brought joy to reconnect with some of the eighty and ninety-year-old remaining members, who were young adults when we were teenagers, and the young children then, who are now grandparents. We have sweet memories and know that we will one day see those who have gone home to the Lord again.

The guest speaker who had the first message for the church was my husband's preacher friend from the "old days." His sermon challenged us to remember those who sacrificed as they laid the foundation of the Lord's Gospel that started at First Baptist Church in Basile and faithfully do our part in carrying on the work wherever we are today. He and my husband had served as a revival team many times, the friend preaching and my husband leading the music. One of those revivals was around the mid-eighties at the first church my husband had pastored. The pastor/friend and his wife stayed with us at our house for the week.

The four of us sat for breakfast on the bench seats of the table in the kitchen's little breakfast nook one morning, discussing ministry. Sitting across from me, my sister-in-the-Lord spoke with passion and enthusiasm about the women's Bible class she taught, and it sparked my interest in pursuing that avenue for our church. But the more I thought of it later, the less qualified I felt; I didn't know the Bible well enough.

By the week after the revival services, I had prayed about the matter and concluded that if God had placed that desire in my heart to start the class, He would help me teach it. But before I left for the office that morning to talk with my husband/pastor to get his thoughts on the matter, my best friend called me, all bubbly, announcing that he had given her the "go-ahead" to start a women's Bible study class. Bummer!

Have you heard the expression, If you snooze, you lose? Well, I did, and I lost.

I had wasted so much time contemplating my desire for the new class yet lacking the qualifications, depending on my ability, rather than trusting God to equip me that the opportunity slipped past me. But God used that experience to position me for an amazing journey in my Christian walk. When asked if I would like to teach the women's Bible study class at the next church my husband pastored, I didn't hesitate. I knew what God wanted and responded with a no-doubt definite yes! My journey of teaching women God's Word lasted over thirty years. Then, God changed my teaching venue from a classroom to a laptop. I accepted the challenging opportunity and have taught through writing devotionals for five years, still depending on God's guidance and wisdom, not my ability.

Although I had snoozed and lost God's invitation to start a ladies' class decades earlier, God had His way and worked in my friend's life. My BF had a hunger for God's Word, delved into it, and became a phenomenal Bible scholar, teacher of God's Word, and daily devotional writer. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28. God works all things together for HIS good, the good of others and ours.

Now for today's thought:

"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!" Proverbs 15:23

Another special moment of the memorable day made my heart overflow with joy: The Lord allowed me to see His Spirit light up the eyes of my dear sister-in-the-Lord when I told her how God used her decades earlier to spark an interest in me to start a women's Bible study class.

I wish I could paint a word picture depicting her perplexing yet glowing expression —the "Are you sure?" look and the sigh of thankful relief I saw on her face. I told her the rest of the story, how my friend received the blessing of that first ladies' class because I snoozed, yet God was gracious and gave me a second opportunity to trust Him about teaching. 

My sister didn't respond with Thank the Lord but asked if I remembered the name of the church her husband had pastored at the time. When I confirmed it was the one she thought it was, she told me she was in a dark place during that time. She never dreamed God had spoken to me through her or that He possibly even could have, given her condition at the time. It was as though my testimony stripped away layers of Satan's lies he had taunted her with. 

God's truths can break our greatest enemy's strongholds; the words of our testimonies of God's works are powerful enough to break the chains that can bind us. God works in mysterious ways, far higher and greater than our finite minds can imagine.

Here are some thoughts I leave you from the story and Scripture:

My sister's testimony about the class she taught greatly inspired me. She motivated me to seek God on a matter I had felt ill-equipped about for decades. Even though she felt she was in a dark place then, God's Spirit in her broke through the darkness, shined through, and ministered to me. God's work is not about us or where we are in our spiritual journey but all about Him.

The word I spoke to her in due season yesterday—my testimony of how God used her to catapult me into teaching an adult class—even though years later, it was good for her soul at the right time. I saw evidence of it all over her face and demeanor. God's timing is always right. His work is not about us but all about Him.

Let us never underestimate God's power and what He can and desires to do through us, no matter His timing or how we "feel."

May we never overestimate our abilities, thinking we can do anything but by God's grace. God's work is not about us but all about Him.

God bless you richly. 

When the Wind Blows

        Yesterday morning, the weather station posted a twenty-four-hour wind advisory warning for our area. They were correct that 20–35 mph wind gusts could be expected. On this warm Spring day, I enjoyed the breeze as I made our daily trail run through our wooded property in the golf cart with our dog, Scout, running alongside me. This is his favorite pastime daily; he often reminds us when it's time to run. Running the trails with Scout is also one of my husband's and my favorite times because it greatly pleases our little companion. But today took on a somber note as we entered the first trail.
        Although cardinals feed on our feeders near our house, earlier this week, I saw a male cardinal in the woods for the first time since we've lived here. Today, I was surprised to see a male and a female as we entered the woods' first trail. But immediately, I knew something was amiss because they were frantically circling and dipping towards the ground. Then I spotted her. One of their babies had fallen from the nest, and they desperately wanted to pick it up but were helpless. That's when Scout spotted the little one. Another of his favorite pastimes is playing with baby birds and rabbits that he finds. His problem is that he plays too hard and for too long.
        The wind gusts were not as welcoming as before when I realized the havoc they wreaked on nesting birds. I know that the death of God's innocent little creatures is part of nature's circle of life, but it still saddens my heart every time I witness it happening.
        I wrote an article several years ago about a baby bird that fell from its nest in a high hedge under our kitchen window. I wondered if distraction or carelessness as it walked the edge of the nest caused it to fall. I erroneously didn't consider that an unsuspected outside force like a gust of wind could have caused it to fall. But whatever the reason was, its mother and father frantically circled their little peeping fledgling, chirping loudly as if trying to console and rescue their fallen baby but could not. They were helpless, and sadly, the baby bird rejected my help. Each time I tried putting it back into the nest, his fear of me repeatedly caused it to fall out.
        Sometimes, the unforeseen happens, and people desperately need rescue but look to the wrong source, not the truth they need to hear. Some don't turn to God because they don't know Him or His loving care or may know Him but don't feel worthy of asking for help because they have wandered too far from where they should be. Others are unaware of their condition or don't think they need help, struggling through life in their fallen state.
        Then there are some people, like the baby bird possibly blown from its nest, who, through unforeseen circumstances, are thrust into unfair, dangerous, or even life-threatening situations. But nature's circle of life, unfairness, and things we don't understand will continue to happen to good people until time on this planet ends and God creates a new heaven and Earth.
        The apostle Peter wrote, "Nevertheless, we, according to His [God's] promise, look for new heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13. He also said that the Lord's longsuffering is salvation (v. 15). One day, heaven and Earth will be perfect again; righteousness will reign as it did at the beginning of creation. Until that day, God loves and wants to save all mankind, but sinners must repent and yield to His authority. 
        The winds of life will blow, and sometimes, the breeze they bring is unwelcome and challenging. But we can turn to our heavenly Father for help with our concerns and struggles; He wants you and me safely where we should be—with Him.

Fitting Ourselves for Battle

Three years ago, I posted the article Fitted for Battle. Given our challenges in these uncertain times, I am reposting it. Seven posts on God's armor from Ephesians 6 follow this introductory article in my March 2021 postings if you want to review them.

 

"Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
Ephesians 6:11.

You confirm the secured date on your calendar. Now you prepare for the long-awaited shopping trip, vacation, weekend getaway, cruise, hunting or fishing trip, or holiday just around the corner. How do you plan for such events? Different activities require specific preparations, including a checklist to ensure you remember everything. Would you make the necessary arrangements? Sure, you would—if you want a successful event.

The apostle Paul presents the necessity and advantage of wearing God's armor, the vital equipment for protection and effectiveness as God's servant. In Ephesians 6:10–18, God's Word instructs His children how to prepare to overcome the adversary, the enemy of our souls: "Put on the whole armor of God" to stand firm and fortify against the devil's schemes, strategies, and deceits. But before we don God's armor, Paul writes that we must "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might (v. 10). This strength is not gained from body-building workouts. Instead, it's an inner strength that resists the enemy of our souls by depending on the power of God's might, not ours.

You face a one-on-one wrestling match daily, not with people but against that which you cannot see with physical eyes; it is a spiritual battle against the forces of evil in this world (v. 12).

According to Paul, wearing the whole armor of God enables us to stand as victors in this spiritual battle. Why, then, do we often live wounded and defeated lives? Do people need to be wearing the armor properly? Do we pick and choose which pieces to wear? Do we need to put it on at all? If it is so vital, why do we take it off? Answering these questions may reveal some hidden truths about ourselves. 

Over the next several days, consider each piece of armor's significant role in daily life. Are you clothed with God's armor? If not, why? 

CHIP, CHIP, CHIP

Sculptors take a block of stone, wood, ice, a lump of clay, or other substance with the goal of revealing what they know is hidden. They envision the possibilities in the object and begin chipping or carving away with great care every part hindering the shape and beauty of what they know lies within. 

Have you felt God convicting you about your character, your devotion to Him, your priorities, or something else? He will, you know, because He loves His children. Those old bad habits you thought you conquered that crept back into your life, or the new habits you’ve formed that don’t glorify Him or edify you or His Church, He wants them gone. The devil didn’t make you slip back into your old ways; he cannot. That crafty demon of darkness doesn’t have power over you, making you do, say, or think things that dishonor God. Those are choices we make within our circumstances that he can and often does manipulate. Chip, chip, chip.

God wants His children to be like His Son, Jesus (Rom 8:29). He sees and knows the possibilities and beauty that lie within us—He knew before He created anything. But He will not make us conform to the image of Christ; He could but wants us to choose to be in the right standing with our God and Maker; only then can we be like Jesus. When we call out to our Heavenly Father, He will help us remove everything that’s hindering our walk with Him. Chip, chip, chip.

“What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Romans 6:19–20

We’re on the brink of the end of 2023, and, Lord willing, 2024 begins in a couple of weeks. How have you fared over the past 351 days? Okay? Wonderful, yet there is always room for improvement. If you’re not too pleased with yourself, change doesn’t need to happen later; today can be a fresh start. Ask God to forgive you and help you get back on track with Him. Chip, chip, chip.

Sometimes, the change needed is to invite Jesus into your life by confessing your sins to God and asking Him to save you (Rom 10:9, 10, 13). When you do, you become His child and enter the royal family as a joint heir with Jesus. What a wonderful way to end a year and begin a new one.

Everything we do, say and think matters to God—they should matter to us. The choice is ours: Chip, chip, chip.

Rescued

I glanced down at our dog comfortably sprawled across my legs, feeling safe and loved, and wondered if he knew how fortunate he was that he captured our hearts three years ago. I don't think he realizes the bleak future that possibly awaited him at the animal shelter.

 

In 1998, my friend asked me if I would take her three-month-old cocker spaniel because he wasn't a good fit for her. I gladly accepted the gift. Although house-trained, he preferred living outdoors. Bubba was very independent and an excellent comrade and watchdog, welcoming my affection but never demanding attention. I soon learned that I needed his comradeship more than he needed mine. Late one afternoon, seven years later, he slowly walked up to me looking sickly; by his appearance and actions, we suspected poisoning. I caressed and held him, and he died a short time later. I thought I'd never let myself get that close to another dog.

A friend gave a blue heeler to my husband as a yard dog. He informed us that she spent her one-and-a-half years on a chain with other dogs. We soon learned from her reactions at the sight of a broom and other such objects and the sudden movement of our hands that someone had mistreated her. She was needy of affection and care and managed to "worm her way" into my heart, even though I did my best to prevent that from happening. Sheela was part of our family for ten years until a tragic accident took her life. I told my husband, "I don't want another dog." Six months later, my husband asked what I wanted for Christmas, and to his surprise, I said, "A dog."

This little tri-colored Russian spaniel occupied the first kennel among many as we viewed the available dogs at the animal shelter three years ago. Returning to the first kennel for a second look, the puppy was doubtful but hopeful. The seven-month-old dog's quiet demeanor caught our attention, along with the longing eyes and little nub tail slowly moving from side to side. The day after Christmas, I carried the puppy to our car and held him in my lap, taking him to his new home in the country. My husband and I named him Scout and have enjoyed his company. He is no longer a puppy; he will be four years old this summer, and we've learned that he is still needy, demands and needs attention, and welcomes our expressions of affection.

Many people recognize and celebrate the fourteenth day of February with thoughts and expressions of love. As I looked at Scout sprawled on his back across my lap, relaxed, with no cares, feeling loved and safe, I thought about us as believers. Do we realize how needy and valued we are? That God, by His grace and mercy, rescued us from a life without Him? That He supplies everything we need to grow and flourish as His children until we meet Him face-to-face? Do we rest in His care and feel safe, assured He will take care of us?

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:16–17

Bubba, Sheela, Scout, and every other dog we've owned had no voice or choice in who cared for them. But unlike them, we do. Whether a person admits it, we are all needy, even the most proficient and independent people—we all need saving. And that's what God did: He provided the only way to keep us from perishing in our sins and being eternally separated from Him. We don't deserve His love and care, and we can't earn it. Still, God loves us so much that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

If you've invited Jesus into your life, God has an eternal home in heaven with Him awaiting you. But people without Christ face a horrible place of everlasting torment prepared for Satan and his followers.

God is love (1 John 4:16). We can love God and others only because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). Ponder our heavenly Father's great love for you today. Thank God today for rescuing you because of His unconditional love. 

Tomorrow's Yesterday is Today

If you didn't fare well this year, don't despair, give up, give in, or look back. We can't change the past, but we can learn from what went well and what didn't. Tomorrow begins a new year. But why wait? Ask your heavenly Father, who loves you deeply, where you went wrong, heed His instructions, and start fresh today in life's race, one that all humanity runs. But unfortunately, not all run with the same goal in sight. People who reject God's gift of salvation through Jesus, even though they prosper now with their eyes fixed on worldly things, will enter eternity separated from their Creator by choice. But for all believers and followers of Jesus, the writer of Hebrews says:

"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).

The believers' race is putting one foot in front of the other as we make our way daily through life, and keeping one's eyes on the finish line is essential. The apostle Paul said he focused on what lay ahead, forgetting the past and pressing forward for the heavenly prize at the end of his race (Philippians 3:13–14). To avoid veering off course or stumbling, we must focus on Jesus, the One who authored our faith is the same One bringing it to completion. We participate in this race until our life ends. Keep pushing forward; spending eternity with Him is the Father's promise to His children—heaven, the prize for which we strive. Oh, to hear the Lord say we have done well (Matthew 25:21) when we cross the finish line, meet Him face-to-face, and enter His rest. 

From my 💓 to your 💓: Have a blessed New Year, and strive for God's best!