Have you ever had the feeling of Spring Fever? You just want to get out and do something. You might not even know what it is you really want to do. These words came to me during one of those times:
Big Roy
I cannot wait to see Big Roy every morning when I wake up. He brings me so much pleasure and joy. He thrills me.
Lest I confuse you, no, my husband’s name is not Roy. Big Roy lives in my small garden outside my bedroom window. Big Roy is a tomato plant. His stature, seven inches tall when I planted him now reaches five feet a few short months later.
In My Way
I looked down at my text and laughed, “About to be in my way.” What I meant to say was, “About to be ON my way.” I had intended to let a friend know of my plan, but had inadvertently led myself to ponder my mistake.
In my way – how many times have I done just that – gotten in my own way of doing things God’s way?
Victory
In what do we put our faith? Do we put it in our health, our government, our family, our jobs, our financial status? While all of these may be worthy of thought and consideration, God’s Word tells us that the victory – true victory -- comes from Him.
The Responsibility to Encourage
As two young Chinese women walked down the street, they heard singing coming from a building. Believers had gathered and were praising God. The two women stopped and listened for a moment, and then moved on. One, however, was forever changed. From that moment on, she was drawn to the Lord. Her friend wasn’t. That friend heard the same singing, and yet, was unaffected. But the other began seeking the Lord and soon became a believer. This true story shows the power of the Lord to draw His own. It also shows the importance of the fellowship of believers.
Encourage Daily
The author of Hebrews mentions the word “Today” five times in Hebrews 3 and 4, expressing a sense of urgency. Three times he repeats: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts… (Hebrews 3:7,15, 4:7). Jews knew this verse by heart. It served as a call to worship every Sabbath evening in the synagogue and challenged them to carefully listen to the voice of God.
The True Meaning of Encouragement
Years ago, I was called to an advising position, where my key role was to encourage and train women who were teaching the Bible. I was excited about the role of encourager. Having taught the Bible for many years myself, I knew how much these women needed someone to come alongside them with words of encouragement.
Encouragement, Not Flattery
For the first time, I witnessed my friend at a loss for words of encouragement. She is always quick with words that edify and exhort those around her, but on this occasion, she had difficulty finding something good to say. The work she had evaluated was far from superior. She wouldn’t use flattery; and so, as she went to leave the meeting, she said, “Thanks for the (pause, pause)… job.”
Be an Encourager
I’m painting woodwork in my house—a wretched job that requires hours of labor. My daughter, Ashley, came for several days to help. As we worked, she would occasionally say, “This is fun!” As for me, what began with excitement a few weeks ago has turned into a prayer—Lord, just help me finish!
Lost Fawn
In the little one stop-light town where we vacation during the summer there is a herd of deer that roam the yards, streets, even Main Street, and the parks much to the delight of everyone except some avid gardeners. As my little nephews excitedly exclaim, “Look there are mommy deer, daddy deer, and baby deer!” What a pleasure to watch them quietly move gracefully by you.
Take My Hand, Dear One
“Take my hand, Claudia, I will keep you safe crossing this road.” I cannot count the number of times my parents said this when I was a child.
That is the same way God protects us when we become His child.
Between A Rock And The Best Place
Many “several years ago” when I had a hard body and long hair, I did some mountain climbing and rock climbing. During those times, I heard many climbers making pleas and promises to God such as: “Help me, Jesus! Lord, if you just get me off this mountain, I promise I will never do this again.” Sometimes during climbing the fear level on a Richter scale of 1 to 10 can be a 25.
Beauty in Barren Places
Last month, while jeeping on an alpine trail at 12,500 feet altitude, I was astounded at the bounty of glorious flowers. There were natural-formed bouquets of golden sunflowers, delicate lavender blooms scattered among them, and an array of pink and white blossoms peeking around the rocks.
The Real Super Glue
My professional background is in healthcare, and ever since my very first anatomy and physiology class I have been fascinated with the beauty, complex simplicities, and precision of God’s creation-----us!
Hello! My Name Is: Day 5
Jehovah Mekoddishkem (mek-KAH-dish-KIM) is a long, tongue-twisty name for an incredibly important truth.
It is God who set us apart for His purposes and accomplishes sanctification in our life. Our job is to follow Him in trust and obedience.
Hello! My Name Is: Day 4
So far, it has been a week of a big God. Today, we will look at a small moment and the God who was in it.
First, a brief recap: Ten years had passed since God had promised Abram, a wealthy shepherd and future father of Israel, that he would have an heir. Nothing had happened and the biological clocks were ticking. Sarai, Abram’s wife, came up with a logical conclusion to the problem; Have Abram father the next generation through Hagar, her young Egyptian maid. Abram agreed. Hagar likely didn’t get a vote. However, after Hagar became pregnant by Abram, it began to dawn on her how her fortunes had improved. In an unwise move, she acted contemptuously toward her barren mistress. Sarai complained to Abram who said. “Do whatever you want.” The resulting mistreatment by Sarai caused Hagar to flee to the desert.
Hello! My Name Is: Day 3
Throughout history, people believed that a Supreme Being brought the physical universe into existence and continued to act upon it. In the mid-1800’s, with the introduction of evolutionary theory, a new worldview emerged. It centered around a universe that not only thought itself up, but continued to keep itself running. Today the creation vs. evolution debate is still alive and well.
Hello! My Name Is: Day 2
What is that old saying? “You never have a second chance to make a first impression.”
Like English, Hebrew has small letter gods and capital letter gods. The Elohim of Genesis 1:1, is as big as they get. He is the “all-powerful creator of the universe who knows all, creates all and is everywhere at all times.” Creators are, by definition, bigger than and outside of what they have made. Because of this, they decide what they will create and the rules by which it will operate. (True, though not always popular.)
Hello! My Name Is: Day 1
You are at a large party where most of the faces are unfamiliar. However, everyone is wearing a stick-on name tag—always helpful among strangers. A nice lady comes over and introduces herself and, as you catch a quick glance at her name tag, you notice: “Hi! My Name is Mary and I am generous.” What? You look around and notice, “Hi! My Name is Jim and I am kind and understanding.” And “Hi! My Name is Alice and I am Intelligent and Wise.” And so on…
Trust in Serving God
My girls and I were visiting with my parents, who live out in the country surrounded by beautiful rolling hills. There is great joy when sitting on their front porch gazing out over the green luscious pasture and beautiful blue pond. It is such a peaceful environment.