How to Get all You Need

         To see You more clearly, my God,                                                                                                           To love You more dearly,                                                                                                                         To follow You more nearly.

       That's all I need. My God will do the rest.

10that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

      17Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.  Philippians 3:10-20

FEAR NOT

If you must, allow yourself a few seconds just to remember what fear does--paralyzes you, cripples you and ruins you day if you allow it to linger, so kick it to the curb before it takes hold of you. Help is on the way.

Actually, Help is right beside you--you do have your Bible at your side, right? Think again--Look inward. That's where your Savior resides, right? I hope you're not one of those out of sight, out of mind folks, because fear is lurking just around the next corner you pass, but keep on walking right by. Your Companion, the Holy Spirit, is undefeated by fear, adversity, hatred, threats of every kind and Hell itself. So, like I said, kick it to the curb and its author Satan with it! Help is with you--you never leave Home without it, right? 

Just in case you left home in a hurry, stick these verses in your go-pack (and be more careful tomorrow so you're not caught up short again! Your enemy is strong and will not give up this world, or you, without a long, bloody battle)

 ... But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell.   Luke 12:5   

... Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. Psalm 34:9

“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you  will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. Psalm 54:4

But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them.   Psalm 53:5

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthiew 10:28

will be Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God with you to keep you from sinning.”  Exodus 20:20

Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”  Isaiah 35:4

“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.    Isaiah 54:4

Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” Isaiah 44:8

Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, ... Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, .Ecclesiastes 8:13..

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

He mocks at fear, and is not frightened; Nor does he turn back from the sword. Job 39:22

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

    note: I'm sure you are aware that God repeats an important message 2-3 times. Looking at the references above, you think this must be a VERY important thing to carry with you?

The Bride's Cookbook

 Amongst the pile of shower gifts was a cookbook from Mom--a very thick book. "I'll save it for a rainy day when I'm stuck at home alone ", she promised herself.  "For now, there's a stack of thank you cards I've got to write, and he's taking me somewhere special tonight."

                                                 fast forward

"He says he loves me but he's tired of burned toast and instant coffee for breakfast. Lately he hints that he's growing tired of holding my soft, delicate hands across a restaurant table and perhaps we should start saving a little money for our future. Well, I can take a hint," she said, thumbing through Mom's precious pristine cookbook, vowing to wow her beloved with something exotic to impress him--how hard could it be?

Apparently, pretty hard, as it turned out, she decided--as she watched him bravely choking down the casserole dish she had thought would impress him. Oh, well, tomorrow's another day--his birthday, in fact, and she had found a yummy cake recipe, but perhaps she should go back to the first chapter "Basic Rules for Brides or Idiots".  

 Alas, her fluffy 3-layer special cake clearly looked more like a stack of pancakes, and deserved a dollop of syrup instead of the thin icing, dripping across the table. Oh, well, tomorrow's another day! And another, unlike the others, except for the growing lack of smiles and excuses of: "I had a late lunch" or "I had to take a customer out."

                                                fast forward

"My poor Sweetheart seems to be losing weight--I wonder if he's coming down with something," she wondered, removing his barely-touched dinner plate from the table. " She followed him to the living room couch where he sat quietly, thumbing through a book--her cookbook? Meekly, she waited to find out what was on his mind. 

"You know I love you and try to give you anything you need to be happy and healthy, but I can't be sure you love me, though you keep telling me. Love is not something you feel--it's something you do" Shocked and hurt, she assured him she wanted nothing more than being his wife and someday mother to his children. "Then why won't you put more effort into the stuff you put on the dinner table? You have a great cookbook that covers beginner to gourmet recipes, which you refuse to use."  Shocked, she defended herself. He didn't see that there was so little time before he came home to do dinner and make herself beautiful, so he would see her at her best. 

He took her hand and led her to the kitchen where the dreaded cookbook lay waiting. "Many brides are lousy cooks," he said, " but they resolve to change. Most spend hours learning to offer their husbands a nourishing, tasty meal for his health and appreciation. They invest their time working to please their husbands.  Practice makes perfect, and you have an excellent reference book to guide you in learning a little each day as you become more skilled. I guarantee, before you know it, you will become proud of your effort. You have an expert to guide you--trying to ad lib can't compare"

Many of us are like the inexperienced or misguided bride, drinking in the new experience of being loved totally, yet forgetting that great love deserves love in return to please our God. He gave us His personal instruction book, which does not belong gathering dust in the bookshelf, but instead should become worn and wrinkled from daily use, as we become ever closer to our God's ideal.  Remember, after all, He calls us the Bride of Christ!

 9For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,     10so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;    11strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously    12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Colossians 1:9-12

The Good Old Days

A good memory is a gift from God. When you reach the point of spending your days at home when everyone else is out--still earning a living--and you're free to review (and enjoy if you outgrew any bitterness, preferring to filter what were painful days unto growth days as you learned the benefit gained from those "life lessons" as you look back at all wisdom and maturity gained.)

Free from any pressure as a child, we never had to choose for ourselves our future, our identity--when we couldn't yet decide whether to go for the softball team or the spelling bee. Can you imagine the freedom we had left time for things now legally blocked from our children's agenda. Can you imagine being responsibility for who or what you will become at an age when you couldn't decide what to have for lunch? All we had to complain about was having to memorize what we often considered boring.

And the funny thing is, what we thought then would be boring actually ended up as pleasant memories. It probably pleased our parents when we performed in public as we learned a new skill, Choral Speaking! Like a speaking choir, but no music. Memorizing long passages of scripture and performing in public--school auditorium, local churches enjoyed our performances and so did we.

And would you believe, most of the scriptures I ever memorized were these same scriptures and I still remember now, some 75 years later! Even now I find myself quoting them and feeling joyful.  Those very words answer lots of grown-up's questions many people struggle with throughout their lives. Not me. Tucked away in my heart, these words helped lead me to the great love from our Creator, Savior and Life Coach, who gave us this temporary world to grow wisdom and maturity to ready ourselves to share His kingdom and His love throughout eternity.

What are your kids learning in school?  Probably most will earn to Follow the Leader--he's always right, Don't make him angry or you will be sorry.  It's up to you to introduce them to the true Leader, a loving Master who can guide each of us through the muddy streets of this world and give each of us the key to the golden celestial door to His kingdom, avoiding the death waiting for the "Leaders" who control this world and think they will control the next!

 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.2Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.3There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Psalm 19:1-3

choral readings of scripture, and we were filled with pride 

we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  

2 Cor. 4:18    

 

We on the ocean in a boat, safe unless we let water in or if we leave the boat                                    "The burden that you are carrying can be a blessing if you trust in God. He can turn your burden into victory. He can turn your trials into triumph. We can rest easy at night, knowing that our Father holds our tomorrow in His hands." Dr Michael Youssef

  

Look Up

 A popular bit of wisdom today warns us 

"Don't look back--been there, done that--                                                                                   Don't look down, you will never get anywhere in life--                                                                 Don't look around and copy what seems to work for others--                                                         Don't look in your mirror, beguiled by the perfection you seem to see--                                         Look up to your perfect Lord and Savior, so you don't lose your way                                          t to truth and wisdom and life."

 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.           Psalm 55:22

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.                                Proverbs 3:5

Don't do God any favors, okay?

 No, really. He wants your ear, your heart and your hands, working in the special area He prepared for your obedience service. He created you and prepared a path for your life before placing you in your mother's arms. He doesn't need your help or planning with the heavy lifting on your worst days ahead----just your attention. and cooperation.  

It's no accident you were equipped with two ears and two eyes, but only one mouth, knowing the world will fill your eyes with its many bits of pseudo-info on life designed to drown out that still, small voice that led you this far.  His quiet yet strong voice speaking eternal truth, straight from His throne, knows every twist in the road ahead, needs no advice from you. Ever.   

All He wants is space in your heart, which He will handle with great care, as He leads and prepares a safe path ahead, leading Home. Leave the planning to your Coach--he has your route and future already--all you need to do is follow Him.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”  Isaiah 30:21

Getting Even--Is That What You Really Want?

For a minute you may feel better, but soon you will realize you are looking at him eye-to-eye and you can no longer look down on your opponent--you have sunk to his level and that's embarrassing, right?  You're better than that. You should know not to cross swords with an enemy (or a friend) --nobody wins! 

And it's even worse to argue with another Christian over some little difference of opinion on an issue you read about in the Bible--the same Bible you both are reading from! You surely know there are parts of the Scripture none of us will fully understand this side of Heaven--table your difference of opinion with your brethren for now. If the question has any future effect for your life, or your friend's, God will make it clear, if and when you need to know!

In a disagreement, you may soon learn that revenge isn't sweet, but a bitter pill to swallow. Next time you give a sharp reply to someone who deserves it, remember now you're no better than the one who offended you. Now it's on! You can no longer rest on your laurels as a harmless, loving Jesus-follower; you are no better than your enemy who offended you. Will you win if you get down in the dirt to battle someone else? Who will win this encounter? 

 MATTHEW 5:44-45“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  

19This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

 From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good. But the desire of the treacherous is violence.  One who guards his tongue reserves his life. The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.  Proverbs 13:2-3

     

Romans 12:19, 38-42

Lev. 19:18

What If?

 God made a beautiful world, just for me--no one else to share it with, a-l-l for myself? To do whatever I want with it?

Then suppose He told me, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.”  And God created man and phone.

 "Oh, good idea. That's all I need." and eagerly held it up for the world to see, but--the animals didn't seem to care. I held it to my ear but heard nothing. I called out "Thanks, God." And it was fun to dial a number and hear another voice. The phone's mechanical voice remained silent or said the Help Line was temporarily disconnected. Never another hand to help me if I fall. 

At least there was another voice to hear, and I used it more and more, wondering while I still felt lonely, hearing only the mechanical one from my phone--but it was a gift from God, right? I didn't hear from God so much recently, but my phone always listened to my every word.

I had eventually grown tired of my own voice, as God grew more silent, but what else was there?

One day I looked up from my phone and almost bumped into someone else, who mumbled an apology as he turned away. Then I saw other people like me--each with a hypnotic gaze locked on his phone. Where had they been hiding all this time?

But wait! What had God really said when giving me the phone--something about a tool? Did He really call it a companion? The phone listened to my words; so did the animals, but they at least obeyed me sometime. The phone occupied so much of my time, I sometimes forgot to bring food to the young animals who needed help to reach the food from the garden. 

Was it another voice that had whispered to me "Hast God really said He created man and phone?"

That's what I wanted, but not what I needed.                                      Thank the God who made me is wise enough to choose the best for me. 

  “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—    John 10:14

  For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd            and Overseer of your souls.     1 Peter 2:25

 

 

Fear Not, Fraidy Cat

 My middle name for half my life! Fear ruled my life for far too long--and in spite of my firm faith that ultimately Jesus would rescue me! Though the Bible said "FEAR NOT", darkness was, after all, surrounding me, and I never spent a day free from one fear or two others.

Since my earliest memories reminded me that my road was filled with fearful things. Fear of the dark, fear of the unknown, being laughed at, public speaking The world was a powerful enemy, limiting me as I cringed through my days until -- tornado terror, which reached its peak of control when my girls were tiny and their dad worked nights. Seemingly, constant storms dominated nightly weather news. Now besides fear for my own life, I worried about rescuing my girls! Despite my own full-time job, I kept the TV news on all night, hoping any storm news would awaken me. Thus began a lifetime vigil for the next 2 decades or so, with apparent success, since we all had survived!

Finally, living alone, God gave me a test to dealing with my habitual fears accumulating in my now solitary home. Tornadoes nearby were ripping apart airplanes grounded at DFW airport, about 5 miles from my office -- and I faced a 15 mile drive. I had just attended a powerful revival meeting all week, so was at my best (strongest?) I could face the drive, even though the high wind was blowing leaves and trash horizontally at right angles to the road. I paused at the service road and looked at the 3 lanes of  the freeway entrance--sparse traffic seemed to behave fearlessly in spite of the wind, I looked at the road, wondering which lane I would land in, but hoped I wouldn't land on one of those cars speeding carelessly as if all was well. If only I had something to hold my little car on the road? Suddenly the hymn we had sung all week came to my mind. As I sang "He's my Rock, He's my deliverer, Of Him will I sing" My car heaved twice more as though to take wing--but then, though windswept trash still flew from right to left of me, my car stayed grounded, still, safe and the homeward trek was quiet. I was safe.

Our Lord promises tests and there were a few thrills and chills and with each I grew taller. I lost my job--but quickly found a much better one, a newer car when mine suddenly died, a break-in at home while I was away, many times crises were averted -- and then one night, He sent a test!

 Dog and I were snugly dozing late one night when I was awakened by a HUGE crash and flash of lightning--or so I thought! Just a sudden storm--I went back to sleep, cuddling a trembling pup. Next morning neighbors woke me and took me outside to see the storm damage--a neighbor next door found one of their humongous elm trees demolished their kitchen and a 2nd one had damaged their car, garage, our fence and swept my electricity box off my wall (that was the fireball that woke me in the storm). My neighbor's house was condemned. My insurance paid a claim of about $6000 and my worst aftermath was lack of electricity for 10 days --and during and after all this, I was still calm, marveling! --I had slept through-----a tornado!!! Who--me? The Fraidy-Cat?

As promised, a series of tests followed over a long period--I must have reacted as He wished; I never had to repeat one of the tests--and among other surprises came--loss of a job (soon replaced with a better one), more service opportunities in gratitude to my King, and relocating from central Texas to the Houston area, sharing the home of my daughter and her husband, with 3 of her 5 children within reach of a kiss and hug! 

This life will never be boring! God will always give you new things to learn and enjoy as you wait for His call to come Home. For everything God removes from your life will soon be replaced by something better, making you better, stronger, -- Now I'm 90 years old--and still Fearless!

Whatever

Whatever feels right. Whatever seems right. Whatever gets you what you want. Whatever makes you happy. Whatever gets you through your day. Whatever your friend advised that worked for him. Whatever floats your boat. Whatever your spirit guide told you. Whatever worked in your last crisis. Whatever you want, Que sera', sera' (Whatever will be, will be)

How's that working for you?

Remember the story of the prodigal son who was bored with his life and yielded to temptation of bright lights, poor companions, hunger to have it all, right now?  In the sunlight of a bright day, the bright lights from last night don't seem so bright. Just a stupid farmer's son?  

Think of another boy, raised by God to leave the sheep fold and rule His nation, only to believe that gave him the right to possess whatever--whoever--he desired. Yes! On a good day, he killed a giant. Later he saw a giant when he looked in his mirror and killed a faithful friend to steal his wife! When he repented, he was forgiven, but suffered betrayal from his own son who sought to steal his throne. 

The sooner we learn to consider the source of our chosen "whatever" path, the better we'll manage our days. The body follows the eye, which directs our path, regardless of our good intentions.!  Our God knows the hazards ahead, the lessons we must face, going forward. He rewards His faithful follower with wisdom and strength. 

Whatever God says, listen, whatever He says, do it, what He wants you to become, become!

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;  I will counsel you with My eye upon you.  Psalm 32:8

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James  7,18

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart     And do not lean on your own understanding.

6In all your ways acknowledge Him,  And He will make your paths straight.

7Do not be wise in your own eyes;    Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

8It will be healing to your body         And refreshment to your bones.

9Honor the LORD from your wealth   And from the first of all your produce;

10So your barns will be filled with plenty    And your vats will overflow with new wine.

11My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD    Or loathe His reproof,

12For whom the LORD loves He reproves,     Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

13How blessed is the man who finds wisdom    And the man who gains understanding.

14For her profit is better than the profit of silver      And her gain better than fine gold.

15She is more precious than jewels;      And nothing you desire compares with her.

16Long life is in her right hand;       In her left hand are riches and honor.

17Her ways are pleasant ways        And all her paths are peace.

18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,      And happy are all who hold her fast.

19The LORD by wisdom founded the earth,      By understanding He established the heavens.

20By His knowledge the deeps were broken up      And the skies drip with dew.

21My son, let them not vanish from your sight;       Keep sound wisdom and discretion,

22So they will be life to your soul           And adornment to your neck.

23Then you will walk in your way securely       And your foot will not stumble.

24When you lie down, you will not be afraid;  When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.  Proverbs 3:5-24:

A Traveler's Journey

 Two young brothers I knew were easily bored with the familiar and always reached for something, new, something to transport them faster toward new thrills. 

One found his thrill driving a race car faster and faster, around and around the track repeatedly. The other found that boring--his thrill came from exploring something new, different, the unknown. His life choice offers light to other travelers heading in that direction.

When he became frustrated at getting lost, often having to stop others to ask which fork in the road to take, but soon learned he had a different destination, so their advice could be a hindrance rather than help. Frustrated, he cried out, "There's bound to be a clear, consistent route to ensure I get where I'm going every time." And someone passing by offered him a road map which made his path clearer.

Still loving traveling to new places, he decided driving a truck would keep him headed to new places reliably. But 4-wheeler background doesn't begin to prepare you for 18 wheels, so before he was allowed to get behind the wheel, he had a lot to learn. He had to be still for a time, to study a whole set of road rules for the huge vessel and receive extensive training in handling the huge vehicle. And most importantly, more exacting routes unique to the truck. Stopping every few miles to study his route plan made his trip slower, so he memorized as much info as he could, and soon was dependably on time, on the right road, and confident, knowing he was unlikely to get off his chosen path.

He knew God had blessed him with a wonderful life-long, challenging journey with good supervision, but soon realized his speed sometimes outran the section of road he could see ahead and had to slow down for safety or else overshoot a crossroad he should have taken. Just like in his personal life he sometimes seemed to find himself offtrack and, frustrated, cried out, "Why, Lord? I know where I want to go--why do I keep taking the wrong, rough road filled with detours and missing highway signs?"

While at a truck stop for his meal, another trucker sat down beside him and asked him why so unhappy, and he shared his confusion. Nodding, his new friend shared he had faced this dilemma of the complicated road ahead, until someone showed him how to read the extensive detail in the map provided to all believers who studied its directions--in the Bible. He warned the road would often be rough and dangerous, but not to give up, but stay the course and his future would be sure, even though he faced an unseen path only visible a day ahead.

As the years passed, the now-older young man looked back at the glowing of the well-lit path behind him, and gladly found many opportunities to encourage other travelers to continue this habit, all the way Home!

After all, you will be lonely in Heaven if none of your friends or family are there!

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.     Isaiah 26:3        

True Light

                                   

                                      The Sun

                            Fire melts butter, so they say                                                                                                                                     Now the question comes into play,                                                                                                                     Does the sun love butter, hate the clay?                                                                                                               Does it bestow its heat upon a whim,                                                                                                                 Or is the difference in the two of them?

                       What mystery is held in the sun's kiss?                                                                                                                I suspect the answer is merely this:                                                                                                                      Clay resists the Son's presence                                                                                                                            While butter yields its essence;                                                                                                                            O  Lord, create in me a heart of butter, not of clay.

                                      MOONLIGHT                                                             

 The bright moonlight spreads its silvery glow,                                                                                     Transforming ordinary things below;                                                                                                    The wonder is, if truth be known,                                                                                                            The moon has no light of its own.

 If it went off on a path alone,                                                                                                                 I'd s what it is--a mere chunk of stone;                                                                                                     Its true nature exposed, scarred by its past,                                                                                                 Then the source of its light, revealed at last. 

  By faithfully circling around the sun,                                                                                                            The beauty it shares is easily won;                                                                                                               When my life on earth, Father, is finally done,                                                                                              Let it show I steadfastly turned 'round your Son.

           

Light offers clarity, wisdom, guidance to your path and understanding. but if you fail to follow its path,    you will be lost, left behind.  Where are you, in this picture? You need to know where you stand, in sinking sand . . . . . .    or on solid rock--your future depends on your answer

 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John  8:12

14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. John14;16

1The LORD is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

2He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

3He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness

for the sake of His name.

4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,but

I will fear no evil,

for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6Surely goodness and mercy will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD                                                                                                                 forever.   Psalm 23

WHAT'$$ YOUR NET WORTH?

Not your bank balance--I'm not interested in that.  Current estimates by scientists place the chemicals comprising your physical dwelling at around $600.00. (But don't try to convince your bank to advance a loan with this as collateral!)  

Your worth depends on the family and friends or admirers, who appreciate something good or unique they see in you. Of course, politicians and those in leadership roles believe they are far more valuable, but our own opinions have no impact on the basic value of all of us. We spend each day either selfishly, for our pleasure or invest it in lives of others who could use our love and help; either way, each day can never be a do-over: We're here today, gone tomorrow.

Each of us form opinions of ourselves, often changing, based on our latest accomplishment or failure, and comparison with others. But there is One whose opinion of us is most important.  If you're not sure, reread the Christmas story and the Easter story. Picture His life in Heaven, in His Father's palace      

What value does Jesus Christ see in you? He knew you long before He placed you in an earth-suit, a temporary dwelling which fit you to live in this world. He decided when you would enter the world, which parents would raise you, all the obstacles you will face in this world and offers wisdom when you ask how to deal with our days--if you ask! 

Some days are harder than others, much harder! He knows about those. He was thinking of you when He left His Father's side and came into this sinful, damaged world to offer His life for yours, accepting the death penalty each of us deserve for our sinful, selfish lives. Why would he give Himself to save those who loved themselves instead of honoring God? How can we choose to continue living for a moment's pleasure, when Eternity with Him in Heaven is available to us, the moment we accept His great love?

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  2 Corinthians 5:21

 The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days.  Deuteronomy 33:25

    

It's Not the SIZE of the DOG--

It's the size of the fight in the dog! You've heard that, but when facing something really scary, it's not easy to remember. It all comes down to good training from someone who loves and supports the one in the fight We have the instincts of an abandoned pup and either wing it or search for someone or something to give us an edge against the bully in the neighborhood who will always steal the biggest bone and the softest bed in the neighborhood. (And there's always some "expert" nearby, eager to help) We always think next time, we'll defeat him, yet, have we chosen the best source of help?

Dr. Jeremiah spoke of a small fish living in crushing pressure deep in the sea, thriving where most fish cannot survive. God provides this tiny fish with that exact internal pressure needed to remain safe. So long as the fish remains in its home created just for him, he remains safe. Beware: venturing into foreign waters, nearer the tempting sunshine above, he is at risk from many predators.  

It's the same for us--God knows and provides exactly the amount of inner pressure we need to overcome any and all external pressures we may encounter.  God created a safe place for His children to dwell and thrive.  So long as we trust Hia wisdom and obey His teaching, we are guaranteed safe from the predator bent on destroying us. All we have to do to become its prey is to turn aside from our heavenly shelter and we are no match for his evil ways. 

To avoid the temptation to wander into uncharted, forbidden waters, we need to exercise the muscles He gave us to trust and follow His guidance. God's children can access all the wisdom, good judgment and power provided to us by studying His Word and practicing what we learn.

When we receive a gift, we unwrap it, right? Then put it to good use. But we're new at this; what are we to do? How are we to fulfill His best intentions for us, going forward? Now He gave us each our own gift (not one-size-fits-all) If we were all feet, where should we go? If we're all eyes, what would propel us forward? He promised we each will have all we need to succeed each day's tasks on that day, not years or even days ahead--that's His gift! Remember what you do with a gift? Open His Word and read His instruction manual. All we need to know is there for us. Isn't that great?

It's up to each of us to follow His Word--or strike out on our own, weak and lost, if we failed to exercise, depend on, and use the spiritual muscles of faith which could have provided victory in our lives. 

Another truth you have no doubt heard is very wise: "Use it or lose it".

4For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.           2 Peter 1:3-4           

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15               

23“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. 25“For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”   Mark 4:23-26

I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2

 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.   James 1:2-4

 16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,`  2 Corinthians 4:16-17

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11

16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,   

   16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,   2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work--Exodus 23:12

 

 

Mark 4:1-9, 4:24