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.

The thin line between hate and grace

"Father forgive them for they know not what they do." ~ Jesus as recorded in Luke 23:34
"Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying 'If you are the Christ, save Yourself and us." But the other answering, rebuked him, saying, 'do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom? And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise". Luke 23:29-43

My heart is heavy as I write this piece. The conflict in my soul drives me to God's word and into continual prayer. The tragic murder Christmas night of a young police officer in Newman California has deeply affected the community. The cry for justice carried into the nation and fanned the flames in the current political controversy over legal and illegal immigrants.
Officer Corporal Ronil Singh had legally immigrated to the United States from Fiji and was considered an "American patriot by those who knew him. The man suspected of  killing him in cold blood, has several aliases and is said to be an illegal alien. Thankfully he was quickly arrested after social media and the news spread his picture.
And just as quickly there spread an ugly layer of hate filled comments and suggestions on what should be done to the suspect and sadly, even hateful comments towards the fallen officer because he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

What is wrong with us as a society? Are we so blinded by the beam in our own eyes that we fail to see that we are no different than those on whom we spew our words of condemnation?
As I was struggling with my own emotions over this senseless crime (we have family members and friends who are police officers, and friends who knew Officer Singh), I recognized my desire for vengeance on the one who is suspected of killing him. The old "eye for an eye" seemed justifiable as I read comments on social media. After all, officer Singh was simply doing his job but was shot down in cold blood, widowing his wife and leaving his 5 month old child without a father. Certainly we are justified in crying out for the death of the one who killed him.
But then...
The soft voice of grace penetrated my heart.
"He (the suspect) is in need of My grace, My salvation. Pray for him."
It is a bitter pill to swallow, but I know it is true. 
How quickly we are able to jump into the boat of hate and the fight for vengeance, but how difficult it seems to be to apply grace to those who are in most desperate need.
Show me how Father. I cannot do it on my own.
As I prayed I recalled a story I had read about Corrie ten Boom on how she had been able to forgive a guard who had severely beaten her and her sister Betsie when they were imprisoned in Ravensbruk for hiding Jews during the Holocaust. Betsie had subsequently died in that prison from her injuries and malnutrition. But at a speaking conference after the war, there was the guard standing before Corrie asking her to forgive him. She knew she should forgive, because she had been forgiven, but the memory of her sister's death clung close to her heart. She stood there wrestling with her emotions as the man extended his hand, looking for forgiveness. She said it was the most difficult thing she had ever had to do. She knew she should forgive as she'd been forgiven, but the actual act of doing so was beyond her human capabilities. But knowing that forgiveness is not an emotion, but an act of will, she prayed silently "Jesus help me! I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling."

And then God's grace did what only His grace can do. She was able to genuinely forgive him.
(I encourage you to read the whole story. You can find it in Guideposts Classics: Corrie ten Boom on Forgiveness at https://www.guideposts.org)

It is a thin line that we walk between hate and grace. The choice is ours as to where we are going to dwell. Those who choose to hold on to hate and bitterness become captive to their choice, and those who choose to embrace grace are liberated to love as we have been loved.

We aren't responsible for the choices, behavior and actions of others, but we are responsible for our own.
What will your choices, behaviors and actions be as we finish out the old year and head into the new?
I pray you will choose grace, forgiveness, kindness and love. May the legacy we leave to those who follow us be one that leads them to Christ.

May God richly bless each of you, strengthening you where you feel weak, comforting you where you need comfort, and encouraging you when you feel faint of heart. Above all things, may you find peace as you rest in His loving embrace.

Changing seasons with an unchanging God

"Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

As I sat here this morning watching the scene before me change from sunshine to heavy fog, and then to watery sunlight, I couldn't help but marvel over God's great love and how intimately involved He is in our lives. The first time I ever really paid attention to the verse above was when I was working as a telephone operator just the year after I graduated from high school.  Although I thought I knew everything there was to know about life when I graduated, I quickly realized the world was much bigger, and more difficult than I had imagined. That particular day on the switchboard hadn't been especially wonderful, and I was contemplating what my future held. When the light lit up on the switchboard panel before me, I had no clue how the next few moments would profoundly affect my life.
The voice of the young man on the other end of the line was not interested in placing a call, but was adamant that I understood how much God loved me, and made me promise I would read Isaiah 41:10 when I got home. Amused but a bit curious by the call, I made certain to keep my promise.
The knowledge of God's deep love became profoundly clear as I read the passage.
"Fear not, for I am with you." It's as though God was speaking directly to my worries and concerns about moving out of my parents home and into the vast unknown. "Be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you." The confirmation for strength that I knew I didn't have. Leaving the security of the known could only come with the  assurance that I was not alone.
"I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  There He was, telling me I didn't need to worry or fear, He had heard my unspoken prayers.
I cannot tell you the number of times this verse has brought me comfort and peace through the seasons of life.
And so as we head into another Christmas that has come and gone much too quickly, and a new year looming on the near horizon, I encourage you to remember. Remember the numerous joys of past Christmases. Remember the love of family. Remember the blessings God has poured out lavishly upon you and those you love.
Remember that He is the same, yesterday, today and forever and He has promised to never leave or forsake His children.
May you find His presence palatable this Christmas season and may you walk peaceably with Him throughout the coming year.