A Tenth Remains

Reading:  Isaiah 6

A tenth remains.  Even though the cities are wasted and the land is desolate, a tenth remains.

Hope for today exists in the tenth that remains!  Are you one of the tenth that remains?  Or, are you wasted and desolate?

Going Back

I've been going back over my study notes from the past year and I have discovered something.  I haven't spent enough time in personal study.  I have pages and pages of sermon notes, Sunday School notes, and special event notes.  I have several pages of reading notations.  But, I lack pages of personal, in-depth discoveries.

I found one undated page with the following information.

How'd you do on your daily reading?  Did you remember to keep your appointment with God?  If so, congratulations!  You are on your way to developing a great habit and a greater relationship with God.  (Psalm 37:23)

If not, what are you going to do now?  Try again!  (Psalm 37:24)

Ask for forgiveness!  (1 John 1:9)

Trust God to guide me.  (James 1:5, Micah 7:7)

I know I cannot go back and change the past.  I can only go on from here.  So, here I go!!

(Father God, thank you for the blessing that you are.  Thank you for being.  Thank you for loving me in spite of my foolishness.  I ask that you guide me to a greater knowledge of you.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Reflections (12/31/10)

On this final day of 2010, I've not felt compelled to think back over the year.  I've not wanted to dwell on the ups an downs.  Instead I sit here doing my normal thing.  I'm here in the present.  I read the blogs on my list and wish that more were updated today.  I smile at the cat curled comfortably next to my husband's Bible on the couch.  I am again thankful to be in this place at this time.

I consider my friend, Ashley, and am grateful for her parents and their dedication to choose life.  Choosing life is a reflection of God.  Awesome.  I consider another family waiting and working patiently for their Ukrainian child.  Their desire to care for an orphan is a reflection of God.  Awesome.  My heart grows heavy when I consider my friend, Jan.  Cancer has invaded her life aggressively.  Yet, she has chosen to live with her daughter and redeem this time to the best that she can.  What a lesson for me to learn!  Sounds a bit like another reflection of God, doesn't it?  My son is defending his faith against an atheist.  Their conversation challenges me to grow more intimate with my LORD.  It requires me to see the reflection of God in His Word.

I know I can't change the past.  It has happened.  I will be exposed to the consequences of it.  And, I can fully trust God for all I need in the present.  I am so thankful to be surrounded by reflections and remembrances and realities of my God.  Awesome!

(Father God, thank you for your great and mighty presence in my life.  Thank you that you surround me with reflections of yourself in so many places.   What a joy!  Father, I pray that as this calendar year closes you will be a welcome, comforting, sustaining presence to Ashley, Angela, Jan, and us.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Encouraging Words: Youthful

Let's use an encouraging word today.  Share it with someone you love, with a co-worker, with a friend, with a clerk at the store, or with a complete stranger anywhere.

Youthful - fresh or vigorous; having youth

Try these also... young, dewy, new, springtime, prime, green, maiden

Heritage

Truths about God can be passed on from generation to generation, but personal faith cannot.  Parents can and should teach their offspring about God, but it is up to each child to accept this heritage through his own personal choice.

From The Names of God copyright 2009 by George W. Knight, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc.  Used by permission.

From the Archives: Need Marriage?

December 29, 2008

Genesis 2:18 - God said it is not good that the man should be alone.

Genesis 2:22 - God brought her unto the man.

Proverbs 18:22 - He who finds a wife finds a good thing.

Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is honorable in all.

After many years God has revealed to me the part that I played in destroying my first marriage. It rests in need. When my first child was an infant, I told my husband that I did not need him. I told him that I could raise the baby without his help. I wanted - but didn't need - my husband to be a part of my life and the raising of the baby. I never let go of the posture of independence through 10 years of marriage.

This week I learned that undermines all that God uses to make a man. I also learned that I continue to not need a husband. Yet, God is moving my heart.

Let's apply this to my own relationship with God. I know I NEED Him. I cannot obtain salvation without Him. I cannot pay the penalty of my own sins. I cannot bridge the gap between God and myself on my own righteousness. I don't have any.

Garden Lessons: The Squash Plant

It is mid-summer and sitting on our back porch nestled snugly in its pot is a single squash plant.  It is a beautiful plant.  I admire the large gorgeous yellow blossoms it produces.  Its lovely green leaves are strong.  It's a great plant.  It's beautiful to see.

But, in all those blooms, we've not seen any fruit.   A squash plant has two types of flowers, one male and one female.  Some type of pollinator, such as a honeybee, is required to move pollen from the male flower to the female flower.  The flowers are only receptive to pollination for one day.  I haven't observed any honeybees around our squash plant.  Ugh.  This means that I'm going to have to intervene.

What does the squash plant tell me about God?  God is an amazing creator.  He has fashioned so many incredible systems - our own human body made up of the muscular, skeletal, endocrine, circulatory, and other systems in one body.  There is the ecosystem of nature.  And, there are social systems such as the work place, school, and other places where people interact.

Is your church like our squash plant?  Is it gorgeous on the outside but unable to produce fruit?  Are the environmental factors taking their toll?  Is someone going to have to intervene in order to cause the production of fruit?  God has set these systems to work properly.  Our indifference to God and His ways have resulted in some factors that influence the system.

Within any church, there are a multitude of people.  It may be a small group or an expansive group.  In either case, some people have the skills, ability and desire to accomplish one part of the job such as the flowers and  the honeybee.  The flower cannot do the honeybee's job and vice versa.  And sometimes, it takes an outside influence to accomplish the job.  Is God calling you to a specific job within your church?  If so, do your part to produce the fruit.

(Father God, how amazing your creation is.  Your intelligence is evident in the various systems.  O how I long to see it in it's original perfect state.  Help me to work as you designed me.  Thank you.  In the name of Jesus, I pray.  Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Faithful and Correcting (05/06/08)

This may seem like an odd title for a blog entry but it is very representative of my past few weeks. My body is physically tired from the stress of my job and the mental work that seems to surround every day. God has been faithful to provide a job for me. The job allows me to have a place to live, food to eat, and stuff I want. I have allowed the physical tiredness to distract me from the provision of God. Tonight, I was corrected.

Yes, God is faithful to give me what I need in the form of physical things. He is also faithful to give me what I need spiritually and mentally even when that means correcting me. Our church has a visiting evangelist this week. Tonights lesson was for me. It was all about being a mature Christian. 1. Mature Christians do not gossip. There is always an encouraging, uplifting, building message from a mature Christian. God showed me that I have some growing up to do. 2. Mature Christians see the blessings of burdens. God has been faithful to call to remembrance how the trials and burdens I've been through have been for His purpose. He's been working with me on this for some time. 3. Mature Christians know that to live IS Christ and to die is gain. God has much for me to learn here though He only gives me what I can handle each time.

(Lord God, forgive me for my loose lips, for the hurtful things I've said, for the negative tone about my church, for each time I have fallen short. Thank you for bridging the gulf between us so that I can know You. I cannot do this under my power, You alone are the power needed. I pray for that power to be evident through my life. Thank you for the salvation You have given to me. In Jesus name, I pray.)

Encouraging Words: Sincere

Let's use an encouraging word today.  Share it with someone you love, with a co-worker, with a friend, with a clerk at the store, or with a complete stranger anywhere.

Sincere - genuine; free from hypocrisy or deceit

Try these also... heartfelt, hearty, unfeigned, whole-hearted, candid, frank, open, plain, faithful, honest, truthful, forthright, clear, devout, unaffected

Bumpy Monday - Cat Hair in the Escape (08/25/10)

Yesterday after a wonderful lunch with my husband, we were sitting in our vehicle, a Ford Escape, talking. As we were discussing things, my eyes took in the grit and grime that had collected in the console. So, I started cleaning.

Our conversation turned to the cleaning and how quickly things get dirty. My husband commented that the vehicle needed to be washed, vacuumed, waxed, etc. It was then that I noticed the cat hair.

Our cat is an indoor cat. She hasn't always been an indoor cat. She used to spend as much time outside as she did inside. Several years ago during the summer, she decided that it was much safer and comfortable to stay inside. It's not much safer or comfortable for us humans living inside because that cat still has her claws and she won't stay still long enough to for us to clip them. The last time her claws were clipped we had to sedate her. That should give you some idea as to her personality. She loves on her terms, not yours.

She has never been in the Escape. She does not ride well. I think she isn't in control so she doesn't like it. Yet, her hair is tucked in nooks and cranny's of the Escape. It is under the seat, on the seat, in the carpet, on the dash, on the window, and working it's way in the glove box.

Isn't that a lot like sin? The evidence of it is everywhere. Even if my sin does not take place in one particular area, the evidence of it is still there in other areas - just like the cat hair from the cat that has never been in the Escape. Now, think about this. It travels far. Our Escape takes us on trips hundreds of miles from our cat.

Where have you left small evidences of sin? Did you leave it at the grocery store when you were frustrated with how slow the line was moving? Did you leave it with your child as you sent him off to school with negative words ringing in his ears? Did you leave it on your husband as you silently let him know that he forgot to take out the trash?

(Father God, please forgive me for not noticing how far the evidence of my sin has spread. Help me to clean up the sin and remove it from my life. Thank you for the wonderful cat that you created to help me learn more about You and your ways. You are an awesome God. May you be honored by this today, in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Encouraging Words: Optimistic

Let's use an encouraging word today.  Share it with someone you love, with a co-worker, with a friend, with a clerk at the store, or with a complete stranger anywhere.

Optimistic - reflecting  an expectation of a favorable outcome

Try these also... bright, cheerful, sunny, hopeful, sanguine, merry, upbeat, rosy, assured, confident

Cat Armor

Have you ever considered that a cat is fully capable of fending for itself?  Even that big lazy cat on your couch is armed with incredible sharp claws, finely honed teeth, reflexes like a ninja, a nose that can smell even the faintest of tuna a mile away, and ears.

She doesn't fit!

I love to watch my cat's ears.  The move independent of each other.  One goes this way, the other stands straight.  What is she listening to?  Can she hear the spider scampering across the kitchen floor?  Can she hear the dog sneaking into her food dish?  She can hear so much that I'm not aware of.  That's a story for another time.

She is beautifully designed to do exactly what she is supposed to do.  She's been given all the tools she needs to protect herself.  She lives in a great big box, our house.  She is sheltered within these walls and she knows it.

So our air conditioner quit working this morning.  After our rain last evening, the morning was cooler outside than inside.  Oh, this heat is taking it's toll.  So, in an effort to cool the house, we opened the front door and the back screen.  And, our wonderfully designed cat freaked out.

She watched the front door with great care.  She ventured toward it but far enough away to run if she needed to.  Yes, that's right - RUN.  She's nothing but a big ol' fraidy cat.  She was on super alert but wasn't willing to venture close to the open door.  Perhaps it would help you to understand that she used to be an indoor-outdoor kitty.  She even caught a squirrel.  She used to be a great hunter and might spend several days roaming her territory.  But, something got a hold on her and she's not been interested in going outside for several years now.

How about you?  Are you a spiritual fraidy cat?  God asks you to put on the whole armor and be prepared.  Are you?  Or, do you run and hide when called to take a stand?

Traveling Too Fast

Traveling is a most tedious activity.  I am confined to a minimal space speeding along with a multitude of others in their own minimal space.  My movements are restricted.  I have no comfortable place to put my feet.  Comfort in general is difficult to find.

Outside my window an interesting tree flashes by.  A sparkle of color catches my eye and is gone.  A nondescript sign silently states how far it is to the next something.  A bland sign limits how fast I can travel.  None speak of excitement.

Buildings.  Hay bales.  Fences.  Fallen trees.  Cows.  Horses.  A rare deer.  A glimmer of water.  All are observed in the briefest of moments.

The guard rail is a blur.  There is no time to savor the uniqueness of anything.  There is no time to appreciate the details.  Rust roofed barns display only for a moment.  Even the fluffy clouds have soon faded to nothing.  One is replaced quickly by another.

Oh, how like my life traveling sometimes is.  So many times I'm moving so fast I can't see the details.  The joys are a blur, just a glimpse.  It's here and now I've passed it by.  The sound of my 2 year old daughter's laughter.  The seriousness of my son at work with building blocks.  The touch of my spouse at the end of a day.  The moments come, I see it but I don't get to savor the details.

O, that I would take the time to savor the details.  I should make a conscious decision to feel, taste, smell, hear, and see the details of sitting on the couch watching a movie with my love.  I want to deliberately absorb all that God has to share with me on this journey of life.  I must stop traveling too fast.

(Father God, how I want to know You on the journey.  I want to feel all that You have for me.  I want You.  Keep me from traveling too fast to know and love You with all my heart and soul.  I praise You!  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Oklahoma Pineapple (01/13/08)

I've always enjoyed pineapple - from a can or even fresh. It is a sweet juicy fruit that comes in a pretty, prickly, unique container.

I learned a valuable lesson from a pineapple one summer. I had purchased a fresh pineapple for a family treat. I cut off the top, cut away the core and the rind to reveal the best part. Then, we tasted the sweet fruit. It was an every day event. Only, this time I asked my son if he wanted to plant the top.

Sure, okay. Well, we didn't really plant it. It stayed on the kitchen counter for a couple of days until I decided to do something with it. It wasn't carefully planted, I just sorta dumped it there in the compost pile with the rest of the trimmings. And then, I ignored it. But, God didn't. There was enough rain that summer to keep it watered. Then, after a period of time, I noticed that it was putting out new leaves. Hmmm... It had put down roots and begun to grow. How exciting, a pineapple in Oklahoma. This thing had been chopped off at the heart and abandoned in a pile of rotting stuff. Yet, God added some fertile soil and just enough water to cause new growth. Oh, God is good!

Did my pineapple produce any fruit? No, the harsh Oklahoma winter killed the plant before any fruit could be seen. (Of course, I didn't protect it from those harsh elements and if I had the outcome might be different.) Did that make it any less of a pineapple plant? No way. When a Christian has been cut up and tossed out - emotionally, spiritually or even physically - by this world, God still provides the soil of His Word and the water of His living Spirit to produce growth. And, for that I praise Him.

There is more that God wants to tell about Oklahoma pineapples... Stay tuned.

Encouraging Words: Valuable

Let's use an encouraging word today.  Share it with someone you love, with a co-worker, with a friend, with a clerk at the store, or with a complete stranger anywhere.

Valuable - having significant worth or value; costly

Try these also... precious inestimable, invaluable, priceless, clear, expensive, appreciated, prized , treasured, admired, esteemed, respected.

Old Dog

My husband's dog is old.  When you look up ancient in the dictionary, his picture is there.  Caesar is 18.5 years old.  He has control of his bowels.  He can still get up.  He can bark if coaxed extensively.  His sense of smell has diminished but he still has it.  He leaks.  He has arthritis.  He's old.

Old Dog

And, he can't see very well.  Okay, he can barely see.  He likes to be lead.  It doesn't take a leash to lead him just a slow walk.  If you think having a toddler follow your every move is tough, try having an old dog follow you.  We take really slow walks around the back yard.  (We hunt cicadas this time of year.  He loves to eat the dead dry ones.)  Then we come back in, get a drink, check our food bowl, and wait for a biscuit (treat).

I wonder if I'll be like that when I'm old. Will I leak?  Will I be able to speak if coaxed?  Will I be able to see?  Do I want my Lord to lead me?  Can I take a slow walk around with Jesus leading the way?  Will my eyesight be so bad that all I can see is the Lord leading directly in front of me?  Will all the other stuff in life just be a blur around the edges?  When we finish our walk, will Jesus provide me a cool drink, some food, and a treat?

(Father God, I pray that I can be so focused on you that all the stuff around the edges has no meaning.  If you grant me old age, I pray that it will be filled with following you.  In the name of Jesus, I pray.  Amen.)

So Much Yet So Little

As I have been attempting to organize all the notes from several years of study and reading, I have come to the conclusion that I have so much info yet I have retained so little of it.  I find myself re-reading some of the journal entries that I've made over the years and thinking, "I don't remember writing that."  I'll read a verse that I know I've read many times before and think, "Wow, I don't remember reading that before."  I'll peruse the notes from a sermon and think, "Huh?  When was that?  I don't remember it."

This is a frustrating place for me to be.  After all, the purpose of this blog is to remember the God Moments. And I forget so many of them.  We are admonished in scripture to remember God's works of old (Isaiah 46:9) even to write them (Psalm 102:18).  HOW COULD I FORGET?

Forgetfulness is an indication that we cannot save ourselves.  We can't do it because we've forgotten the  gruesome works of our flesh.  I don't remember every lie I've told.  So, why do I forget so many of the God moments?  I'm wondering if it might be because they are so often tied to sin.  Or, more so, sin lurks at the door and blinds me.  I don't take the time to clearly see the God moments because I'm covetous or have vainly placed something else before Him.  The result is that I forget.

I rejoice in my salvation.  I remember that work of God!  That's when I realized that I was not worthy and that God was.  He cleansed me.  He created me new.  Oh, how wonderful!

(Father God, holy is your name.  Help us to remember your wonderful works - the old ones and the new ones.  Thank you in the name of Jesus, Amen.)