Inspired by . . . the path of the just

The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. Prov 4:18 NKJV

I love this verse. It is like the warmth of the sun to me. Whenever I read it I think of the sun shining on the water. The path of its light will always come to you. No matter where you roam, up or down the shore, the path of light will follow.

It is a beautiful reminder that God is always with us. We cannot escape His presence. We can travel to the limits of the east or the bounds of the western sea and still His hand will guide us.

Where can I escape from Your spirit, where flee from Your presence?If I climb up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.If I travel to the limits of the east or dwell at the bounds of the western sea, even there Your hand will be guiding me, Your right hand holding me fast. Psalm 139:7-10 REV

It is a reminder, too, that the path of the righteous is through His Son. As we walk in the light as He is in the light we become more like Him. Closer and closer to that perfect day when we will see Him clearly and in an instant all be changed.

I'm so glad that God is not like us, aren't you? He is slow to anger and abounding in love. Even in His anger, He does not sin. His anger is always based on justice. Unlike our anger, His is never prideful or cruel. He is never impatient or arrogant. Never bitter yet often sorrowful.

Through all our faithlessness, He is faithful. He will never abandon us. That work which He began when the spark of His love first ignited in our hearts will be completed on the day of Christ. That perfect day.

Blessings,

References:

1Jn 1:7

1Cor 13:12

Phil 1:6

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#DanceWithJesus; Imparting Grace

Inspired by . . .  inwardly renewed

With few exceptions, winter has been holding much of the U.S.in a death grip this last week. Except to feed the birds, I've been held captive by the warmth of my cozy cottage. Nothing but hoar frost grows in my garden now. Wasn't it just last week we had butterflies?

Time has marched on into a new year and it's not looking back. Neither are most of you. My social media feeds are filled with excitement, hope, and how-tos for 2018. It's wonderful.

Many of you are charging full on into 2018 while others of us are easing in to the new year, celebrating Christmastide and looking ahead only as far as Epiphany on Saturday.

Some of us are still licking our wounds from 2017. I took time this past weekend to sit and review my daily journal notes from last year. I knew it had been a difficult year but seeing the daily entries really brought it into focus. 

I was surprised really. Because although I have days of discouragement and despondency I am, overall, thankful, grateful and JOYful. At least, I think I am.

During this time of reflection, the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 has become real to me.

No wonder we do not lose heart! Though our outward humanity is in decay, yet day by day we are inwardly renewed. 
Our troubles are slight and short-lived, and their outcome is an eternal glory which far outweighs them, provided our eyes are fixed, not on the things that are seen but on the things that are unseen; for what is seen is transient, what is unseen is eternal. (RE)

You'll thank me, perhaps, that I'm not going to expound on all of my thoughts and reflections in one post.  I hardly know all that I want to say. Yet.

I do know this, we all face trials. The ones that convince us of the frailty of our frame and the reality of death are, I think, the hardest to bear. 

This verse doesn't deny those realities, yet it gives us direction and great hope.

Certainly, we can say goodbye to 2017 and start fresh in 2018. But not all troubles are so easily cast aside. These verses in 2 Corinthians give us a framework with which we can reset our perspective where some of our trials are concerned. 

Let's start the year off right-minded with eyes fixed on the One Who can help us overcome, or give us the grace to endure. 

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
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Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
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Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
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Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XVI

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!" (Luk 2:8-14)

Shalom, 

The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III 
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V 
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
A Season in Scripture X
A Season in Scripture XI
A Season in Scripture XII

A Season in Scripture XIII

A Season in Scripture XIV

A Season in Scripture XV

Inspired by . . . always rejoicing

There is a reason that Christ is described as a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. And it doesn't just have to do with the affliction He experienced here on earth. As John 2:25 tells us, "He Himself knew what was in a man."

In this age of instant images, we have all come to know, and are constantly reminded of, the depravity of humanity.

I daresay if we do not feel great sorrow over the state of our world something is amiss in our soul. [click to tweet]

It's not just what we see happening out there, it's what we are all experiencing to one degree or another in our own lives. The breakdown of relationships, increased anger and division (both in and outside of the church), even our physical bodies are breaking down as cancer and chronic illness increase. The effects of sin and decay have simmered just below the surface for thousands of years. Lately, things seem to be reaching a boiling point.

While this gives us cause for sorrow and prayer, it does not give us cause for alarm, fear or bitterness.

Nor should we mope about in an Eyore-like state.

Our Lord trusted no one, and never placed His faith in people, yet He was never suspicious or bitter. ~Oswald Chambers

In chapter six of second Corinthians Paul gives a Christian manifesto of sorts. Paradoxes abound! After all, the message of the cross is foolishness.

But it's not only unbelievers who struggle with Paul's words.

"in our sorrows, we have always cause for joy;"

How do we keep from despair, yet at the same time keep our hearts open to the sorrow we must feel if compassion and love are to rule our minds and actions? [click to tweet]

Remember the Source of your joy.

If you are looking to the things of this world to satisfy and bring you joy, you will be disappointed.

If our trust is placed in human beings, we will end up despairing of everyone. ~Oswald Chambers

True joy comes from the Holy Spirit. Our strength comes from the joy of the Lord.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom 14:17)

And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Neh 8:10) 

There is only one Being who can completely satisfy to the absolute depth of the hurting human heart, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. ~Oswald Chambers

Tapping into that joy even when we are at our most sorrowful is not as difficult as you may think. 

Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Eph 5:18-20)

Obeying this scripture may need to begin as a discipline. You may have to force yourself to be grateful and give thanks in all things. But it will not always be so. God will bless your obedience and change your heart.

The God of your salvation will fill your heart with joy. Being identified with Christ will always mean sorrow this side of heaven. But just as we are together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection. (Rom 6:5)

And that, dear ones, is cause for great joy!

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
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Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
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Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
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Inspired by . . . a royal priesthood

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1Pe 2:9)

Do you think of yourself as a priest?

I confess, I do not. A scribe, at the very least. And even that unbelievable privilege is one I am often ill-equipped to perform.

But if we are His, then we are priests because He has made us such.

And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth."  (Rev 5:9-10)

Understanding this role is a life-long journey. For me, it is just a glimmer, a shadow forming against a dark mirror. Perhaps you are further along.

Christie Purifoy in her beautiful and holy work, Roots & Sky, talks of "the work of keeping and caring." 

Holy work. 

Folding the laundry. Sweeping the floor. Taking time to be in relationships with others. 

The admonition from Colossians 3:23 that whatever work we do should be done as for the Lord, not for men. That is what makes these tasks holy work. Not the simple act performed, but the motivation, the engaging of thought combined with the simple, daily task. 

The turning of our minds from the secular to the sacred.

As we fold the laundry we think of the man or child the article will clothe. We pray for their well-being both physically and spiritually. As we sweep the floor we are thankful for the home that protects our family. We worship Him for His goodness to us.

At its heart, the priesthood is simply being a witness.

Whatever your current role in life, mom, dad, engineer, burger-flipper, caregiver, executive, unemployed, bedridden, you can fulfill the holy work of the priesthood by your witness.

It is not so much what we do but how we do it that matters.[click to tweet]

"This witness, in word and deed, in happiness and suffering, is always this: God is God, and He is love, and through Christ all can be redeemed. Everything, including our own hearts, can be made new.  Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory!" ~ Christie Purifoy, Roots & Sky, pg 157

 The turning of the mind from the secular to the sacred is not easy work. But it is kingdom work. And the benefits to ourselves and to those around us are eternal.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Rom 12:2)

Shalom, 

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
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Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
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Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Inspired by . . . law and peace

I've had this scripture from Psalm 119 come up several times in my reading this past week. When God does that, I try to pay attention.

We all want peace. We all want to walk through this life without stumbling. [click to tweet]

This promise from God's word tells us how to achieve peace and how to be protected from those things that will cause us to stumble.

But do we really love God's law?  We want to. But it's not easy, is it?
Following His law can be inconvenient and downright painful at times.

We fail repeatedly and we forget about His grace.

The key for me in this verse is in what it instructs us to do: love God's law

Following, and obeying His law will come.

It has to begin with love.

So how do we get there? Loving a set of rules has never come naturally for me. You?

It starts with knowing His law.

We have to know what God's law says. Reading the totality of His word, not just the ten commandments, and letting it speak to your life. God's word is filled with His precepts, direction on how to live.

Psalm 119:45 says, "I walk in freedom wherever I will, because I have studied your precepts."  

Then we have to begin living His law.

Again, this doesn't come naturally. We should daily preach to ourselves the Gospel of grace, for we will fail. But eventually, His law will become ingrained in the habits and responses of our everyday life. Psalm 119:54 says, "Your statutes are the theme of my song throughout my earthly life."

Finally, the path to loving God's law is paved with trust.

Much of the time our lives don't resemble the reality of His promises. We must trust, by faith - - believing that He will do what He says He will do. [click to tweet]

Psalm 145:9 says, "The LORD is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made." And Romans 8:32, "He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?"

Knowing, living and trusting will lead to truly loving God's law because these things will lead you to love HIM. Then you will be able to lift your voice with the psalmist and declare:

"Come, listen, all who fear God,

and I shall tell you what He has done

for me;

I lifted up my voice in prayer,

His praise was on my tongue.

If I had cherished evil thoughts,

the Lord would not have listened;

but in truth, God did listen

and paid heed to my plea.

Blessed is God

Who has not withdrawn from me His

love and care." Psalm 66:16-20

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
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Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Inspired by . . . unprofitable servants

American Lady

We are often too severe with ourselves about the things that matter little and not severe enough about the things that matter most. [click to tweet]

 This was my thought the other night after reading the following scriptures:

So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" (Luk 17:10)

Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. (Rom 3:27)

For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? (1Co 4:7)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1Co 15:10)

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen. (Rom 11:36)

"But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from You, and of Your own have we given You. (1Ch 29:14)

Enter not into judgment with Your servant, for no one living is righteous before You. (Psa 143:2)

Everything we are, everything we have, comes from His hand. How we must grieve our Father's heart when we look at her hair or her writing, her house, her family and wish that was us. Or when we look at ourselves and think, fat, plain, frumpy, too short, too tall, too skinny, boring. Not good enough.

Why does this line of thinking grieve our Father's heart?  Does God make mistakes? 

He formed you. Down to the very last freckle (or not), the very last curl (or not). Dark, light, blonde, brown, blue-eyed, He created you, perfectly, in His image. No mistakes.

He gave you certain gifts. He chose particular blessings to bestow. All according to His perfect purpose for your life. 

Yes, we are all called to love and serve Him. But there are many ways, and many paths we follow to fulfill the plan and purpose of our life. 

Envy and self-pity are two of the biggest boulders the enemy uses to block our path. [click to tweet] The dynamite that will blow those boulders sky high is our sacrifice of praise.

Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Heb 13:15-16)

When we fill our hearts with His love, by honoring Him with our lips and sharing the gifts we have been given, envy and pity have nowhere to grow. Rather WE grow in the things that really matter.

May we all walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus.

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Eph 5:2)

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
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Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
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Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
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Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Inspired by . . . the power of your testimony


I've been camped out in the book of Acts these post-Easter days. Marveling at the boldness of the apostles so soon after we left them cowering behind locked doors.

Dispute it if you will but these same men would not be so bold, would not die, for a stolen or an otherwise "missing" body. What gave them their boldness was seeing the risen Savior in the flesh and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Verbena

Not only did the apostles appear in public and speak boldly, they healed people just as Jesus had done.

But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. (Act 3:6-8)

Though the Jewish authorities sought to stop Peter and the apostles they could not deny their boldness nor the evidence of the miracle standing before them.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 

But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, "What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. (Act 4:13-15)

We might not be able to say we've seen the risen Lord, or produce a body that's been healed . . . or wait, maybe we can.

If you're a believer then you have been healed, changed, made new! You have witnessed, experienced the power of the risen Savior in your life! 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2Co 5:17)

Maybe you're like me and don't think your testimony is particularly exciting or relevant. 

When I accepted Christ and received the Holy Spirit, there wasn't an outward manifestation, such as speaking in tongues or casting out of demons, etc. But the inward manifestation was very real. And, over time, the fruit of the Spirit has been revealed in my life. 

I do not doubt Christ because I KNOW Christ. [click to tweet] I KNOW the power within me because I know MYSELF and I know the changes in me are not of my own doing. 

Every testimony is relevant. People can choose to believe the Bible or not, but they cannot deny the truth of your personal testimony. [click to tweet] Share what you know to be true about yourself.

Maybe you're afraid that you don't know enough scripture or theology to talk to someone about your faith in Christ. 

Chances are you know more than you think but it's okay to admit you don't know everything. None of us have all the answers when it comes to the things of God. Again, start with what you do know. What has God done in your life? Your testimony is your most powerful witness for Christ. [click to tweet]

We can also rely on the promises of scripture to speak boldly about Christ. Jesus encouraged His disciples before He left with these words:

And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." (Luk 12:11-12)

Just like after Christmas, it can be easy to lose the JOY and HOPE that the resurrection brings. I encourage you to spend some time in Acts reading about the "acts" of the apostles and how they boldly brought the message of the cross to Jerusalem and beyond.

Hummingbird Moth

I know you will be inspired!

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
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Inspired by . . . who should bury the dead

 

To another He said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."

And Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead.

But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Luke 9:59-60

 

 

A hard teaching, is it not?

The words come to me as I stand crying over a batch of homemade brownies. I’m not crying over the brownies. Dad’s wooden spoon, worn to a silky sheen in spots from years of use, rests in my right hand. I forgot to shell the pecans . . . again. Dad always shelled the pecans for me.

 

***

Let us not think of Jesus as being harsh or disrespectful here. Scripture clearly teaches we are to honor our father and mother and be devoted at home. One of Jesus’ last acts before He died was to take care of His mother. {see John 19:25-27}

Jesus is reminding us of our human tendency to put worldly things first.  not if, but when God calls us to something, we should take care that we do not allow the affairs of this world to entangle us and so prevent us from obeying His call.

 

No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits,

since his aim is to please the One who enlisted him. 2Ti 2:4

 

There are some who care more for the dead than they do for the living.  Grief and regret can be dangerous bedfellows.

While I don’t think I am guilty of this with respect to my grief and my dad’s memory, I would be foolish not to examine all areas of my life in the revealing light of these scriptures.

 

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching,

for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2Ti 3:16-17

***

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,

piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow,

and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Heb 4:12

 

 

Yes, there is some piercing here. His breath, breathed out over my soul reveals places that have not been surrendered to Him. Is this not so with all of us?

Jesus says, “Follow Me.” and there are times I still say, “But, Lord.” instead of “Yes, Lord.”

But then He turns to get into the boat {Matt 8:23} and all my excuses turn to dust at the prospect of His departure.

You see, God’s will and word will be accomplished whether or not I obey. Jesus doesn’t need us to accomplish His will. He chooses us, invites us, to be a part of His story. He delights in blessing others through us and blessing us through others.

Because of His gift of free will we can choose to obey Him when He calls . . . or not.

 

As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice,

do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." Heb 3:15

 

 

So today, when He calls, which will we choose?

To bury the dead, or get in the boat?

 

Blessings,

 

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Inspired by . . . come boldly

 

 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:16

 

 

Do you come boldly?

I don’t mean the times when we rattle off our shopping list of requests, without ever really acknowledging to Whom we are speaking.

GOD ALMIGHTY, THE MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH!

No, I mean the times when we truly STEP INTO HIS PRESENCE. Acknowledging WHO HE IS.

Really.

Yes, those times. Do you step.into.His.presence . . .

. . . and ASK? Boldly.

 

 

I’ll admit, I struggle with coming boldly.

It’s like when Moses demanded to see God’s face. Or Gideon put out the fleece. Again and again. I read those accounts and shrink back. I could never be bold like that with God.

But scripture tells me I can. Maybe even that I must, to obtain mercy and grace in my time of need.

I think I need to learn a few things about this boldness.

First, it is not a boldness without reverence. It is not charging forth, demanding things with an assumed air of entitlement.

Rather, the Greek word here {parrhēsia} suggests a confidence, an utterance pouring forth with assurance.

We come to the throne in the context of the preceding verses which speak of our High Priest, Jesus Christ.

Matthew Henry says, “A throne speaks authority, and bespeaks awe and reverence. A throne of grace speaks great encouragement even to the chief of sinners.”

It’s beautiful really. This idea, this TRUTH, that I can, in all my filth and depravity, come freely before Him, confess, repent and receive . . .

. . . GRACE.

Unmerited favor.

If we confess our sins,

He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1Jn 1:9

 

Not only that, but unlike Esther, we don’t have to wait and hope that the King will extend His scepter toward us each time we dare to enter His presence. The Scepter, Jesus, has given us access to God, once for all, when He died on the cross, taking our sin upon Him. The veil of the temple was torn in two, forever removing the barrier between God and man.

We can approach Him anytime, anywhere, for any reason.

The writer of Hebrews continues on, especially throughout chapter 10, reminding us of the privileges we have in Christ. He encourages us to draw near to God with a true heart and with a full assurance of faith.

 

 

Beloved, prayer is a mighty weapon against evil. If you’re anything like me, you don’t wield this sword often enough.

Whatever my reason, whatever your reason, for not coming boldly, for not coming often enough or consistently enough into His presence, we need to ask God to give us the Faith and the will to overcome our reasons and to STAND, by the power of His word and the Holy Spirit.

We must do this, Beloved.

The time is now.

 

Blessings,

 

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