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   

Still Believe in the Tooth Fairy?

Are you still waiting for a magic wand to remove your problems, your headaches, your fears? 

Newborn Christians depend on God for every need or wish and see no need to apply their own muscles and brain power to participate in their growth and development as a functioning mature child of God. Like any earthly parent, Our Heavenly Father desires our companionship, growth and obedience in learning more about this eternal inheritance He gave us. If we only talk to Him to ask for toys, it limits what He can give us to help us in the long haul through this bumpy world, leaving us prey to detours through desires, difficulties, doubts which can get us off track--at best distracted from our path or completely headed the wrong way!

In my youth I prayed a lot, but only for something I wanted NOW, and still I worried about everything--until I began to see I should be praying for God to give me what He sees I need to become more like Him. The future was not a dense fog I must avoid--God was waiting for me to walk through it, trusting Him!

Just as I had learned in science class, two different things cannot occupy the same space: therefore, Faith and Fear, prayer and worry, cannot coexist within me: I get to choose! As faith crowded out fears, there were various tests of course, for example--

Several decades ago, I was scheduled for surgery--a teeny gall bladder snip-snip. No big deal, right? But what if?  I called a friend to drive me and suddenly she wasn't available. OK, no big deal--I'd drive myself and wait for someone to pick me up afterward and then make an extra trip to get my car home, less convenient but not terrible.  Checked in, strolled calmly(?) to my room to wait. Saw the telephone and decided, why not call the church's prayer line, just for reassurance--not that I was nervous, but that's what it was for, right? Sitting on the bed, I picked up the phone and dialed the number from memory--got a busy signal!!!

Startled, I began to laugh. "Okay", I said, "It's just You and me, Lord, and that's okay!" And it was--just another test for faith rightly placed on my Savior, an important lesson: if my ride had been with me, the prayer line had answered, would I have been perceptive enough to see the reassurance I received from those sources a different way of God's presence and reassurance?

To possess the land, the Israelites were told they must first eject enemies (giants) currently dwelling there and were afraid to try.  Replace fears and doubts by holding close the banner of faith. We can trade our fear for faith and lock Satan out of our journey.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27

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

6Be anxious (worry) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.                Philippians 4:6, 8-9

So Now You're saved---What Else is New?

You may have read of Paul's miraculous encounter with Christ as he met Him and determined to follow Him--pretty spectacular! So where are all the bells and whistles heralding you into His kingdom? All still quiet, right? Still waiting for your miracle, proving you now have a new, loving Master who promised to keep you safe and hold you close, you--but none of your troubles have gone away. Except for the fact that you believe you will someday see Him face-to-face in the sweet by and by. You are sure of that--most of the time, but when something unexpected happens, in the darkness of our night, we tremble a little--what if we're wrong? 

Your feelings are normal for a new baby Christians--don't all infants want what they want, and they want it NOW? They constantly demand their parents immediately fulfill their desire for a shiny toy they want NOW. They gradually learn that some things come today, others as they start learning how things work and later attend school to learn new skills and knowledge. (After all, no good parent will hand his car keys to a 12-year-old who still thinks traffic lights are for optional behavior.)

And when new people come to our country, they must follow rules and study about joys and responsibilities of its citizens in order to become card-carrying citizens of this earthly kingdom, must study a little of its history and goals before gaining entry and rights of a citizen, Same laws for us new citizens of God's Kingdom, learning  we need to follow His instruction to learn and grow and please our Father, and as we work through each level of learning, what He wants and expects from us and gives us additional responsibility for what we learn. 

A sincere commitment to our promised future is demonstrated by our efforts to please Him, honor Him and desire to devote our efforts in learning more about Him and this new eternal life and home He has promised. He knows we will stumble off His path set out for our journey and forgives us; He grades us on our faithful effort, not on perfect results--He knows--and you will learn--no one in this world (except Jesus) has or will ever attain perfection. Your honest efforts will gain a gold star of approval won by Jesus and bestowed by Him on whoever follows Him, even during our missteps, and He promises to keep our journey from going off its track, all the way Home! 

And below is a good section of His roadmap you will need to carry with you as you go onward.

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.  1 Cor 2.4-5

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—1 Cor. 2:9

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.    1 Peter 1:13

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians10:31

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.   Colossians 2:2                                       

Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.       Romans 12:2

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.    Romans 12:12

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

But he said to me, " My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me"    2 Corinthians 12:9

 What does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul?  Deuteronomy 10:12