Will you answer the door?

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Jesus as quoted in Revelation 3:20-22

As I sit at the computer to write this, I have had to collect my emotions several times. Too much of the world had invaded my quiet space. Taking a moment to read God's word, breathe in the fragrance of the Holy Spirit and listen to the soothing sounds as He speaks to my soul always helps.

Perhaps you haven't notice, but this world is a mess. Not a moment goes by that some atrocity isn't played out bearing witness to man's inhumanity to man. It's been a problem for centuries, but we have a much broader view because of today's technology. It's sad to realize that even though we have made amazing advancements, we still lack the ability to see so much.

In the ladies Bible study that I attend regularly, we have been studying 1 Peter.  Even though I have read it countless times, our line by line study has brought new and deeper revelation. The writer of the study has encouraged us to dig deeply into God's word and examine it carefully. When we take the time to really look at something, we can learn a lot.

Part of the reason for this post today is my frustration with those who choose not to see or hear.  It is God's mercy that reminds me that they are spiritually blind and deaf, and to pray for them.  You see, friends of mine were recently on a college campus nearby, sharing the gospel in the open. Their message of God's redemptive plan, wasn't well received. One of our young believing  friends who was on campus at the time, was appalled at the obnoxious and rude behavior of many who heard the message. I know it grieves her heart for her generation..as it should all of us. Far too many want their ears tickled with messages of prosperity and the "right" to do their own thing.  Sadly it is the message they are receiving again and again.

No one likes to hear the truth that this life is temporal and there will be a judgment for how we lived it. No one likes to be told their behavior is sinful and separates them from their Creator. No one wants to be held accountable.

But just because you don't like the message, doesn't mean it needs not to be told.

Paul of Tarsus knew this when he warned believers in 2 Timothy 4:3&4 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." It sounds a lot like society today, doesn't it? In the previous verse he was exhorting the church to "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2)

You see, Paul knew what it was like to have a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, and he wanted to make sure others didn't miss the opportunity. (For more information on this read Acts 9)
It should be the same for each one of us who calls ourselves a Christian.

There are still so many who do not know the truth, and they are perishing in their sin.

The clock is ticking.
Jesus is coming back.
But this time, not as a babe in the manger, but as King of kings and Lord of lords.

For now, He stands at the door and knocks on the heart of all who are willing to hear.

Will you answer?

Hallowe'en verses Reformation Day

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."...."Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." ~Jesus as recorded in John 8:31,32 &36

Today is October 31, 2019. Traditionally called Hallowe'en or all Hallows eve, the day before all saints day, another day of traditions for many.

But today, everything has changed for me.

Today I learned that October 31st is called Reformation Day, in remembrance of when Martin Luther, a professor of moral law,  nailed his theses to the door of the castle church, disputing the sale by clergy of "plenary indulgences" which were believed by the purchaser to reduce the temporal punishment in purgatory for sins committed by the purchaser or loved ones. In other words, people were being led to believe they could "buy" God's forgiveness. Luther claimed (as Scripture supports) that the repentance required by Christ must be demonstrated by genuine change of heart by the individual (internal) not just the outward expression of sorrow.
He also went on to translate the Scriptures into German, making it available to the common man for the first time, giving them opportunity to study the Scriptures for themselves and no longer hear just what the priests taught.

Now there is much I could say about this, but for today I want to focus on how interesting it is, that traditionally as a nation, we recognize Hallowe'en rather than Reformation Day. Although traditions can be good in helping us remember important things, they can also become prisons that prevent us from seeing the broader view.

If we go with the "tradition" that keeps us thinking that we must do the work to "earn" or "buy" God's forgiveness, then we remain in bondage to our sins. But if we read the Word for ourselves and allow God's truth to penetrate our hearts, then we realize there is nothing we can do to earn God's favor or forgiveness. "There is none righteous, no, not one." (Romans 3:10 )"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."(Romans 3:23)

I personally am very grateful that Martin Luther saw the necessity of making the effort to nail his theses to the door of the church that created the reformation so that I can read God's word for myself. I am even more grateful for the knowledge that my sins were nailed to the cross when Jesus bore them for me, and obeyed the Father, even when it meant being nailed to that cross for MY sins...for ALL of our sins.

It changes the way I approach life.

Tonight I will join my brother's and sister's in Christ as we reach into the community with our Lighthouse ministry, handing out candy, coffee and hot chocolate. I will enter into conversation with as many as I am able to share with them the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But this year I feel just a little more prepared on how to start those conversations.  Instead of talking about the fun the kids are having at Hallowe'en, I think I may start the with the statement "Happy Reformation Day.  Are you familiar with what it is?"

For more information on Reformation Day and Luther's Theses:
https;//www.ligonier.org/blog/what-reformation-day-all-about?https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninety-five_Theses

Never Forget

Today marks the eighteenth anniversary of the day that radically changed America. I will never forget the horror of watching the live feed as one of our own jets slammed into the Twin Towers in New York, or the shock wave that flooded our nation. 
How could this be happening to us?

Suddenly everything changed.

The safety I had felt moments before was wiped away, and doubt and concern for the future began to flood my mind.  Our daughter and her husband were expecting their first child, and I wondered what type of world this child was being born into. The safe harbor of America no longer seemed as safe.

The numbness of shock filled our nation as we began to grapple with the reality that an attack had been carried out so brutally. The days following, there was a feeling of horror, and yet a sense of unity that strengthened us in spite of the fact that our safety had been compromised. American flags quickly sold out and were proudly displayed on homes, store fronts and car windows. People openly prayed for our nation and one another, beseeching God to take care of us.

United we stand became a key phrase, and we vowed to never forget.
For a time we were faithful to that vow, and worked diligently to keep our nation united.

But how quickly we seem to have forgotten.

I know there will be many reports on the airways today about the anniversary, but there will also be the news of a nation that has become severely divided because of politics. Where we were once strongly concerned about protecting one another and the value of human life, we have seemingly forgotten what makes American life different from other countries. Freedom of speech has become license to be abusive towards others and "rights" have become a battering tool in the hand of many.

What happened to compassion? When did we forget?

When did we stop praying for one another?

Today as I kissed my nearly 18 year old granddaughter good-bye when her mama picked her up (she'd stayed the night with us) and hugged and kissed my daughter, I again prayed God would watch over them and my other children and grandchildren. I asked Him to protect them and grant them wisdom and discernment for their journey. I don't know what the future holds.

None of us do.

But I do know Who holds the future, and He promised me He has a plan for our lives, a plan, not for destruction, but one of hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) He's promised that He will never leave or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5), and that He will never forget me. "I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands" Isaiah 49:16

It is into that promise that I build my future and hope, and pray for those I love.

It is to Him that I beseech for mercy for our nation, and a return for those who seem to have lost their way.

May we be faithful and diligent to keep our promises.
 #neverforget

Our storyline

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34

It's been awhile since I've posted anything. Life has a tendency to rumble forward quickly these days. I can hardly believe we're a little over three months out from the end of 2019. Time truly moves faster the older I get.

I vividly remember bemoaning the long wait over something to my father when I was little. Smiling at me, he gently instructed me of the importance of waiting patiently, and told me how time would move more quickly the older I got. Of course, I didn't believe him then, but certainly do now. Learning to embrace the moments as they are and living them well has been a valuable journey.

Recently I've begun research for a story I'd like to write, and seeing how many changes have taken place in a little over 100 years has caused me to look even more carefully about how I spend my days. Trying to make a believable timeline made the reality of the swift passage and massive changes over a short period of time come jarringly into focus.

The fictional story may or may not get written, but every day my story is played out. More quickly than I even know, my time here on earth will be nothing more than a memory. The question arises; how will the story of my life impact others?

It is a question I often ponder and pray that the path I have cut in my journey will lead others to the Lord Jesus Christ Whom I love more than life itself. If that is all I ever accomplish, it is enough.

May He be ever glorified in all I say and do, and may each of you carefully consider the path you lay for others to follow.

When life throws in road blocks and detours

"For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV

The road of life doesn't always go the direction we think it is going.

Much like the canyon road that my husband and I take into town and back home, there are twists and turns along the way. It is especially noticeable on moonlit nights when the moon seems to move its location. Heading west into the canyon the moon is behind us as it rises from the east, but not too far up the road, the moon is suddenly in front of us, and further still to our right or our left. Occasionally we encounter things like rock or mud slides or even cattle drives that temporarily delay our trip. There have even been times that the road has been closed due to fires in the canyon, and alternative routes have to be taken.

Recently the detour was not on the road to town, but in our personal life as a health issue for my husband caused changes to plans we had for a family trip. Our initial plan to drive to Colorado changed to riding with our son and his family, which also altered their initial plans for the trip. It would have been easy for any of us to grumble at the changes, had our perspective not been right. But we saw it as a marvelous opportunity to spend greater time together instead of a difficulty.

Perspective is everything.

While my husband and I visited with my sister and brother, my son and his family went on a side trip to another area in Colorado. On their way to pick us up, an overturned semi-truck on the main road sent them over the top of a mountain instead, adding another 3 hours to their trip.  But it also let them see vast beauty in the Colorado mountains they would have missed otherwise.

Keeping our focus fixed on the Lord's will over our own is paramount, because the enemy of our souls will use roadblocks and detours to try to distract and discourage us. Learning to see God's hand in everything helps to reduce worry and stress when the detours and roadblocks come.
I love how the Scriptures constantly remind us of His faithfulness and His trustworthiness. Memorizing them helps bring them quickly to mind when times of stretching grate at our soul.

One of my favorites is Psalm 119:165 which says "Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them stumble." When trouble comes (and it always does) it is one of the first verses to come to mind. Knowing the verse before it makes that peace possible. "Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgements." (Psalm119:164)

You see, when I am praising God for Who He is, and trusting Him for the path He leads me on, I don't get distracted by the road blocks or detours. When I am seeking His face, no matter where the journey takes me, I am not tripped up by the rock slides of diversion the enemy throws in the way.

Looking for God's hand in every thing has helped me to see life with wonder and awe, even when I have been detoured from the way I thought I was heading.

Just as the road trip to Colorado with my son and his family turned into a wonderful memory, and the detour they had to take over the top of a mountain showed them God's amazing handiwork, we can all find the same as we seek after Him. Because any place HE is, is beautiful.

May you always see His hand holding you and may His grace and joy abound in your life.

To Him be the glory forever.

Looking for the light

^"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:6-9 NIV

We are currently planning our family vacation, and as much as I love traveling with my husband, I realized that over the past few days I could feel the stress starting to creep into my shoulders.  This morning I was struggling not to complain over insignificant things, and had to corral my emotions as I looked for hotels where we would be staying. I felt as though there was a wasp in my soul, stinging me over and over again.  Taking note, I chose to make a list of blessings before I moved on much further.  As I made a concentrated effort to focus on the blessings I have in abundance, I was finally able to get to the root of my emotional roller coaster.

You see, I love the greater family, and enjoy being able to visit with them. What I don't love is all the odd and old emotions that often crop up as we are planning and as we spend time with them.  We are a diverse group, with many different opinions. As with any group of people who don't always see things in the same way, it can be stretching to spend time together. Finding a well lit path to navigate the sometimes dark and tangled trail, can be difficult, but it's not impossible.

Here are a few things I choose to do to stay on the right track:

• Remember that everyone has a right to their opinion.  Be gracious in allowing others to share theirs, and don't pick up an offense if theirs doesn't agree with yours.  If at all possible, find common ground for conversations, avoiding the "hot" topics. Even if someone seems particularly determined to be controversial, try to steer the conversation back to areas of agreement. If it's not possible to do so, it's OK to say "I don't agree with you, but let's agree to disagree agreeably."
• Be aware that there are some people who like to "bait" and are just looking to argue. My mother used to say "Don't rise to the bait." It's sound advice. If someone is "fishing for a fight" you have no obligation to be the fish.
• Look for the good, even in the one who may ruffle your feathers the most. There are very few people in the world who are truly evil. Even if we don't agree with someone's politics, lifestyle choice, or religion, we can still be kind. Be the one who exhibits maturity and self-control. "A soft answer turns away wrath." (Proverbs 15:1) is a good starting point. Sometimes though, the best reply is to say nothing at all, but to simply smile and love them the way Christ loves us all.
• Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Be so transparent that only Jesus is seen. Practice what you know to be true in maintaining a right heart's attitude.
• Trust God and thank Him for the opportunity He has placed before you. He is in control and knows everything you are feeling, and what struggles you may have before you. He is also always faithful to His children and will graciously guide us through every one. When in doubt, shut your mouth and sigh a silent prayer for His glory to shine brightly through you. He is able to make the most difficult situation into something of glory if we'll let Him take control.

Hopefully as I find myself in the midst of the darkened arena of life outside of the everyday norm, I will have the presence of mind to remember and to keep looking for the light.

I pray you will be able to do so as well.

May God bless and keep you at all times.

The right choice

"Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery.  And when they had sat her in the midst, they said to Him, Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do you say?" This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down ad wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "
He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin not more." Then Jesus spoke to them again saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:2-12


"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? or how can you say to your bother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye' and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Jesus as quoted from Matthew 7:1-6

"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen  Matthew 28:18-20

Our schedule has finally slowed back down to a fairly normal routine after a few weeks of being rather busy.  As always, once I have the moment again to sit and digest the events of the past, I am struck by the enormous gratitude I have for God's faithfulness and blessings to me.  I know my own weaknesses, and especially when my schedule has been filled to overflowing, they tend to be revealed in a brighter light. Although grace and mercy is what I desire to demonstrate at all times, allowing the light of Christ to flow through me freely, I am acutely aware of the times my flesh controlled rather than surrendering to the gentle voice of the Spirit. Thankfully, God is gracious and forgiving and always invites me back into His loving embrace as I repent and run towards Him.
I am forever grateful.

But what does all this have to do with the above Scriptures?

A lot!

You see every time the weakness in my own spiritual walk is revealed by the Lord, I tend to want to redirect His attention to those around me.  I want to rush before Him with another's sin and ask Him what He intends to do with it. After all, we're surrounded by the evidence of sin in the lives of others every day. It's easy to become distracted and even consumed by all the wrong others are doing, to the degree that we fail to work on the plank in our own eye.

Distraction. It's the tool the enemy uses over and over again to keep those who are unsaved from salvation, and those who are saved from doing the work they've been called to do.

As the summer unfolds before us, and I look at the schedule for things on the calendar that may prove to be stretching, I need to remind myself to stay focused on what God has in mind. He has promised to lead me, but won't force me to follow.  He gives me the choice every day. At the same time, the enemy of our souls, Satan, will use every tactic in his arsenal to distract me from the path God has placed before me.  To stay on the right path, it will require that I deliberately choose to ignore the distractions, and press on towards the upward calling, no matter how difficult. God will never leave or forsake me. Every path He chooses for me draws me into a more refined, brighter, deeper, more intimate walk with Him.

Choosing to focus on that should keep me busy enough that I won't have time to worry about someone else's walk.  I'll let Jesus take care of that.

May you find the path He has for you, and may you have the courage and tenacity to pursue it with joy. To Him be all the glory now and forevermore.

Quit balking and start walking

"Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." 
1 Samuel 15:22,23

Ouch! I don't know about you, but the above verse has some difficult words in it.  As one who desires to follow the Lord's lead and to obey Him, I am sadly aware of the times I balk when He calls me to do something. The thought that my rebellion is the same sin as witchcraft and my stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry, cuts deeply.

As I was thinking about what to title this piece, two titles came to mind. The one in the title and the other "Don't be slow when God says Go!" They are reminders to me of the necessity of obeying God every time, no matter what He asks of me to do. I have had to repent and apologize numerous times for lagging in obedience.  I don't think I'm being disobedient when I dawdle, but I am, and in truth, it shows a tremendous lack of trust in confidence in God's leading. I have recognized there are far too many times when the Lord calls me to do something that I am reluctant in my response.  It's not that I don't do as He asks, but I fail to respond quickly to Him, dragging my feet and (sadly) whining a bit about what He wants me to do. Of course, as the gentle, loving Father that He is, He allows me to throw my little tantrum, but then gently disciplines me after I'm done, even blessing me in spite of my behavior.

Recently I was reluctant to attend a meeting with my husband, not wanting to leave my "comfort zone". I like being somewhat of a hermit and not having to interact with people, especially when I'm feeling tired and a bit stretched. I knew my excuse was feeble though, and attended the meeting with my husband. For the better part of the evening I did my "duty" as his supportive spouse, but had little confidence I was there for anything other than that. But then, God being God, and loving and using us in spite of our negative attitudes, put someone in front of me who needed a word of comfort. Immediately stricken by my selfish, self-serving attitude, I shot a prayer heavenward asking for forgiveness and the right words to minister to the hurting soul who wept before me. Encouraging her and praying with her, I knew I was there for a purpose.

As we left the meeting the joy and conviction I felt was overwhelming. I couldn't help but wonder how many opportunities I've missed because of my stubborn and rebellious spirit. It caused me to look deeper into the places where I lag in obedience out of selfishness or lack of trust. It humbles me again before my gracious Lord, knowing how much He sacrificed for me, and makes me even more determined to correct my behavior.

So, as I hear Him tell me the things He wants me to do today, I do them as quickly as possible, trusting Him for the out come. After all, it's not about ME. It's always about serving Him, and every time I do, I am blessed above and beyond what I can think or ask.

I pray you will find the joy of His grace in serving Him as well. May He always receive the glory.

Press on in perseverence

"...whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.

But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water

springing up into everlasting life." ~ Jesus as quoted in John 4:14

On our drive down into town there is a place in the road which has been resurfaced numerous times. It isn't because of wear and tear from traffic on the road, but rather because of a natural spring that pushes its way through the asphalt. No matter how many times it gets filled in and covered up, the force of the small spring continues to make its way through the barrier to the surface.

I love it.

Seeing it helps me remember to remain tenacious in the journey. It reminds me to remain centered in the Lord's provision, pressing on in His strength, and not my own. It serves as a visual lesson of caution of the snares and cares of life that the enemy of our souls, and the prince of this world will throw onto the path. He will use whatever he can to distract, trying to prevent us from accomplishing the work the Lord has for us to do. It takes a mindset of determination and a right focus to stay the course, in spite of obstacles and barriers. It means taking my eyes off the hindrances and keeping them fixed on Jesus.
I must continually refresh myself in God's word and stand on His promises, undeterred by the problems that arise, fully dependent on Him to lead me to victory.

God has promised to never leave or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) We can follow Him with confidence, no matter where He leads, because He is faithful and true. We can trust Him, even when the way seems narrow and difficult. Years ago when I was leading a ladies Bible study I used the example of  putting on "spiritual blinders" to help keep our eyes fixed on the path the Lord lays before us. Much like horses that have blinders on their halters so as not to get spooked or distracted by things along the road, we must guard ourselves against the enemy's attempt to get our attention.

We were not assured ease, comfort and pleasure in uniting our lives with Jesus, but given assurance that He will not leave us. "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18 His peace will always be available. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you." John 14:27  The Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us to do that which we've been called to do, granting us the tenacity necessary to complete the journey.

So press on in perseverance dear friends. Determine to keep your eyes on Jesus, no matter what, and don't become distracted or side tracked by the obstacles and barriers the enemy may throw in your way. Ask the Lord to give you clarity and courage. He is faithful and will always answer.

"And I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish: or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion: If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

~Jesus as quoted in Luke 11:10-13

Shine on

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 NKJV

My husband and I were in Carmel for a mini get away and he was taking a short walk on the beach while I sat and painted. I had tucked myself into a sandy bank out of the breeze, and had settled in with my brushes and paints. The painting I was working on was in its very primitive state, when I noticed a woman watching me intently. She smiled when I looked up and I nodded before returning to the project before me.  She approached timidly and inquired about the painting.
She was curious as to the medium I was using, and I explained it was cake tempera, and I was experimenting with its use. Sensing this was an opportunity set before me by God, I added a few more brush strokes and then engaged her in conversation.
As often happens when I talk with people, her story spilled out like a rush of water. At 63, divorced with grown children, she was floundering a bit in the sea of uncertainty as to what life held for her. She had been drawn to talk to me, because she had painted with oils in the past, but had set it aside as she raised her children and worked full time to support them and herself. I asked her a few questions and encouraged her to consider picking up painting again, Smiling, but with sad eyes and a far away look, she said she had missed doing so, and was hoping to have opportunity to do so again.  Because oils require more time, she was uncertain if she would though. I told her I understood, and that is why I preferred cake tempera and water color.  When I said they are a bit more forgiving, she laughed and her eyes sparkled with life. Seizing the moment I dove in head first and asked a few more pointed questions about her life, and found her to be quite gracious and charming, in spite of some painful events. Although she'd been able to forgive her ex-husband, she was struggling with forgiving herself and felt unworthy of God's love for the mistakes she'd made. Asking her if she had a Bible, I reminded her that God loved her deeply and urged her to read Psalm 139 for a week.
During our conversation I saw Dale on the perimeter, but wise man that he is, he sensed this was an appointment from God, and communicated with his eyes that he'd circle back around. Grateful for my understanding husband, I looked for the place to bring closure. Having seen me smile and nod at my him, she thanked me for spending time talking with her and said she would carefully consider the things I had told her.  I asked if I could pray with her before she left and she gladly accepted, squeezing my hands as I prayed.  Hugging me as she left, I noticed there were tears in her eyes, but also a look of hope.
There are no words to adequately express my joy of being able to bring encouragement to her.
It is always amazing to me how God will use us if we are willing vessels.  I could easily have ignored the moment put before me, sighting a million and sixteen reasons why not to be engaged in conversation. But oh what I would have missed had I done so.
Don't draw back from the chance to share light and hope with people you encounter. The talent you have may be the very one God uses to draw them closer to Him.
May He be glorified in all we say and do.

Check point....what does your speech say about your relationship with God?

"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast saying, 'God be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather that the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." ~Jesus Speaking in Luke 18:10-14

I take the responsibility of sharing the word of God very seriously. Whenever I am prompted to share, I must quickly examine my heart and my motive for doing so. I want to be certain to be diligent to present myself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (see 2 Timothy 2:15 italics added for emphasis)

Words are powerful.
They have the ability to lift up or tear down. They can encourage or destroy. In the end we will all be held accountable for every word we spoke or wrote. ("But I say to you, that every idle word that men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words your will be condemned." Jesus I Matthew 12:36,37)

It's a daunting thought.

Recently there has been much misinformation shared on news media and social networks over current events. I sigh even as I write these words.  It breaks my heart.
Much too quickly sides are drawn and the barrage of verbal assaults begins, being bandied back and forth between opposing sides.  I recognize my own error in wanting to react in a knee jerk onslaught of words, and have had to check my spirit, and even erase thoughts before posting them.  We all have opinions on things, and it seems lately, we have little or no filter in sharing them.

Psalms 143 verses 3 and 4 have become a daily prayer. "Set a guard, O LORD over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity; and do not let me eat of their delicacies."

It is much too easy to react without thinking, especially when something strikes close to our beliefs and comfort zone. The need to defend ourselves and others is natural and strong, but how we go about it is paramount. The ability to quickly share our thoughts through social media only increases our responsibility of the words we use.

Colossians 4:6 says " Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer one another." In Ephesians 4:29 we are reminded "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." (Italics added for emphasis)

God be merciful to me a sinner!

It is far easier to try picking the splinter out of another's eye rather than working on the beam in our own, because it is painful to address the things in our lives that need God's help in fixing.

But that is what He wants us to do. "But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." (Galatians 6:4) The Greek word "examine" is "dokimazo" which means to test/prove, to discern.  In James 1:5 we are told "If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

God is right there ready and willing to work with us in every aspect of our lives. The focus of our attention shouldn't be on what He is doing in another's life (see John 21:20-22 for deeper insight), but in how we are responding to His call to follow Him.

And it means not only in our actions, but our words as well.

I pray that each one of us will examine our hearts before Him seeking ways to improve our own walk in words and actions, and in doing so, many will be drawn to Him.

May He receive glory in all we say and do.