Living Proof

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 NIV

I'm living proof of this. The end.

I bet you are too. And I'm pretty sure you want this to be true for your own children in case it happens to them too. What is it? It's that point in your life when you think you don't need God. You think you know better and doing that worldly thing can't possibly do you any harm. After all, everyone else lives that way. Just look at Hollywood. And they're ok.

But they're not ok. They are not at all concerned about what God's will is. They don't care that we, humans, were made in His image to fellowship with him and finish his work.

But because our parents or you as a parent raised your children to love what God loves, they will remember.  Their hearts will yearn for God when they get too far. Keep praying. Keep guiding. Keep showing them how to show God to others.

You got this.

Mind over Matter

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. Philippians 4:8 NIV

Science has proven through various studies that how you think determines your emotions and how you view any given situation. Try it sometime. When you hear or see something adverse, think about it in a different way than you normally would. Something that might have made you angry may not this time. It's how you react to and think on a given situation that determines how you feel about it.

The Bible tells us to think on the things that are good, uplifting,  fortifying,  admirable...because God knows how powerful our minds really are. We need to use our brain power for good. Imagine the difference we could make if we helped others be the best possible version of themselves. Our thoughts are powerful. Don't let Satan have that power over your emotions and mental energy. Dwell on God's love.

Shining Light

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 NIV

This is possibly one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. In reading this verse, another word for overcome is understood, as in the darkness did not understand the light. Isn't that powerful? Jesus is the light, Satan is darkness and thus he does not understand. Jesus is the light and the world is in darkness and does not understand. We are here to help.

Being a supervisor there are times when I tell my staff something and some of them understand and some don't. It's a product of delivery of the information and the context in which it is received. It is my job to make sure I am clear about what I am telling them and make sure they understand. Otherwise there is only confusion.

It's much like the world. If we are not clear about teaching and showing them God's love, they will not fully understand and be easily swayed by false teachings. It is our job as Christ's followers to be clear and concise in our delivery.

Be the light that shines through it all.

Fear and Trouble

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV

This verse gave me such peace this morning when I read it. I had been watching a live stream of a service from a church in Texas. An old classmate is the pastor and he steams his sermons via Periscope. I'm proud of myself for figuring it out, but I digress. The sermon was on the tribulation and although it was excellent the way he broke it down, I usually experience a fair amount of anxiety when I hear or read about that. It's not pretty. It won't be pretty. I'm pretty sure I don't want it to happen in my lifetime. Selfish, I know but I'm only human.

Anyway, I woke up this morning and read this verse. This summed up what we should do and it's simple: fear God, keep his commandments. We shouldn't worry about what will happen. If we fear him and keep his word, we will be ready. 

We shouldn't fear the unknown. If we pray and follow God, he will make a way for us. He doesn't give us anything we can't handle. He makes us ready....if we fear him and keep his commandments. So now you see why this verse gave me peace this morning.

I'm going to do my best to follow God's word. I want to be ready. I want my children to be ready and my grandchildren. In our house we fear the Lord.

Hide It

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV

I need to hide more....much more...of God's word in my heart. I spend hours each day learning the ins and outs of my job so that I know what the regulations are. I spend hours each year going through the tax code so I make sure I file them correctly. I pour over articles related to movies because the tidbits are interesting. I have dozens, if not hundreds of jazzercise and taekwondo moves and forms stored in my brain. We have infinite resources at our fingertips yet we take no pride in memorizing the words that are literally life changing.

I'm not just saying this for you. I'm saying it for me. I do that when I'm teaching a class. I'll repeat how many sets are left or how many counts. It's for my benefit, not the students because they just follow me. But I need to remember when to transition so I can cue them correctly.  So I'm saying it here for me.  I need to remember to put the words of God in the forefront of my brain so that everything I do is filtered through that lense. Everything I say.  Everything I think. Every snap judgement I tend to make or snarky remark. We all do it, I'm just calling me out.

I know you have your phone or tablet out so download a Bible app. Get daily reminders to read and put the words where you will remember them throughout the day, and I will do my best to put into this blog what God wants to say.

And then let's ask God to guide our thoughts. Then ask God for forgiveness.

What Kind of Love

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 NIV

This is a tough verse. I don't know about you, but I can't wrap my head around what that kind of love really looks like. I have faith that Jesus loves me and I believe he gave his life for me. I see this kind of love in movies. I read fiction books about it. But would you ever really know unless presented with the situation?

How much are you willing to sacrifice for those you love? For your brothers and sisters in Christ?  For the stranger down the block? I'll tell you this: our soldiers know about this kind of sacrifice. They give of themselves to protect our right to sit in our homes and debate on whether God exists and on how much he really loves us.

So yes, this verse is a tough one. It's hard to love others sometimes. And it's hard to feel God's love all the time. Because of this we should pray and ask for direction, faith, and help to channel God's love through our actions every day.

What About Tomorrow?

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NIV

After the news of the past few days and some stories floating around on social media, this verse is perfect for today.  We must not allow ourselves to be swayed. We need not let fear control us. We must stand firm in that what we know is our future is secure...a future in which we live eternally with God. It is our hope and our future.

I'm not news hound but I know enough to know things are tense right now in the world. Emotions are running high at home and abroad. But we must stay our course for we know that God is faithful. Get into the word. Get into prayer. Get into being plugged in to God's will.

For he who promised is faithful.

Bad Intentions

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21 NIV

Normally I use the verse that is given to me for the day, but I was curious what came before "But you dear friends." What had the apostle been talking about that he was comparing his readers to. It turns out he was talking about people using scripture for their own corrupted purposes and to be wary of them. He also mentioned to be careful of those who flatter you for their own selfish reasons. In order to not fall under their spell, we must keep ourselves in prayer and read the scriptures. 

That's hard. We all want to be liked. The human state craves companionship. We were made that way by God to be his companions. As such we search out the bond our brains need. Some of those bonds can be deadly, those that are not for our good but are meant to use us for anothers' gain.

We have all experienced it. I just mentioned it in a previous post. It happens far more than I would like. It causes me to halt and back step a little from a relationship, no matter how casual, and put a professional distance up, not letting that person see or know anymore about me than necessary to get the job done. God has already given me the deep loving relationships I need in this world, plus I have the promise of an eternal relationship with him.

So I will pray with you that we may discern others' intentions and ask God to guard our faith for eternity with him.

Future with the Company

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

This is one of my favorite verses. It's filled with hope and promise. Because this blog is about relating verses to what we understand in the physical world, a good example of this promise in action is when you get to work for a really great boss.

We've all had bosses that were less than desirable. And I'm sure somewhere in your work life your performance was less than desirable. I had a moment like that the other day and of course those are the moments everyone hears. But I digress.

I've worked for some amazing people and those are the ones that want to mentor you, making you better at your job, develop you professionally, and ensure your future with the organization. It's profitable and benefits everyone when employees are happy, motivated, and feel appreciated...that they have a future there. When this happens, you work harder, smarter and take great pride in the work you do. It's a win-win as they say.

This is what God does for you and me. He promises hope and a future. A future with him in eternity. His plans are not always what we think, but how can we go wrong when those plans are to prosper us. I'd say that makes him the ultimate boss.

Take pride in the work you do for him for he will mentor you to prosper you and give you hope for a glorious future.

Ice Cream

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. James 1:13‭-‬14 NIV

I don't know if have ever thought God has tempted me, but I sure have thought that he's just ignoring me or having a good laugh at my expense. Ice cream calls to me. Oreos tempt me.

But God doesn't tempt us. He doesnt interfere with our free will. But Satan does tempt us, and he's very good at making it seem inoucuous.

We must be very careful as we navigate our world. It will seem that what we see is normal and okay because well, that's the way it is. Everybody does it. There's nothing wrong with it. And that's where we get hooked.  If it seems right with the world how can it be wrong? We must look at the world through God's lense. If we are unsure we should test it using the Bible.

So let ice cream tempt you. Then go for a jog. But let God lead you otherwise.

Chain of Command

Yours, Lord , is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord , is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV

We humans tend to fuss and fret over titles, hierarchy, chain of command, and so forth. Even me. I'll admit I'm old fashioned enough that I follow the chain of command and expect the same professional courtesy from coworkers. In my work life I have met and talked with people from all walks of life, from county administrators to city mayors to elected sheriffs and executive directors. I know and understand what's under their purview and what constitutes their 'kingdom' for lack of a better phrase. They are the head of their organization or over the whole city or county.

God's rule extends beyond our borders, beyond our worldly limits, beyond the far reaches of the galaxy...even the outer rim if we have one. Senators, mayors, presidents, and dictators have a reach that extends only so far. After that comes God. He was and is and is to come.

This verse is a mighty praise of God's greatness and majesty. Let it sing in your soul as you worship the One, the Alpha, the Omega.

TomTom Gone Rogue

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8‭-‬9 NIV

The end result of your faith.  Not the beginning.  Not the middle. But the end result. For some of us, the road to the end result is a bit more twisted than others. Sometimes it wraps back around, circles through and starts again. It ends up looking like a TomTom gone rogue. 

God's ultimate goal for us is the salvation of our souls. This does not necessarily translate into comfort while we are here. Why not? Because trial by fire brings out the brightest diamonds. Flowers that bloom in the winter are the strongest. God doesn't need us comfortable. He needs us ready. Ready to weather the storm. Ready to face opposition. Ready to fight the battles that must be fought because God wants all of us in eternal fellowship with him.

So our TomTom may get a little confused. Our road map may be out of sync. But God will always put us back on the right path. Be ready when he does.

Freedom in Law

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 1 Peter 2:15‭-‬16 NIV

There is as dichotomy at work in this verse: live free but live as God's slaves. It works the same in society: live free but live under the rule of law. It also works this way in homes across the world: live free but live by the rules of the home. In order to be truly free, we must have boundaries and laws, otherwise it will deteriorate into anarchy and destruction.

If you are given a lot of money and told it is yours to spend as you see fit, there are many ways that could go very wrong. You could be robbed. You could spend it on things tjatbate bad for you or will cost you more down the road. But if you were given some boundaries, the human experience tells us that we will feel more free to do what is right and good for us and for others. Rules are not a bad thing.

So feel free to be loved. Feel free to know you will live for eternity. Feel free to rejoice that God has conquered all. Then read his word and follow his commandments to be truly free.

Friends

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3‭-‬4 NIV

I was watching an episode of Friends the other day, and I have to admit it's a bit addicting. The episode had Pheobe saying that there had to be selfless good deeds, and the guys saying no, all good deeds are selfish because they make you feel good about helping others. She kept on and on, but all the good deeds she did made her feel good, or she was looking for something in return. I think I agree with both sides of the argument and this verse backs me up.

Our physical makeup is conditioned for self preservation. If it hurts, stop doing it. If it feels good, keep doing it. Serving others sets off the good vibes, giving us a feeling of elation and happiness so that we want to continue doing whatever it is that makes us feel that way. Serving others shouldn't be a burden. It truly is a selfless act as long as we are not searching for instant reward in return. I'm sure science could say tbis much better, but you get my meaning.

All too often people do things for others simply to get something they want...quid pro quo. Like taking them to lunch so they'll complete your project quicker than everyone else's.  This is vain conceit. This is self reward. You wouldn't take them to lunch for any other reason. Serving others means putting them first and their needs first. You do your job not just for the pay but because that's where God has placed you for his service. You help your neighbor because as you do you can witness to them. This is looking to others interests and not your own.

May we serve others so others may see God in us.

Can You Believe It?

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25‭-‬26 NIV

Today was Easter Sunday. Lots of Easter baskets were opened this morning, candy consumed, eggs hunted, family pictures taken, meals eaten. I don't know about other countries, but America likes to celebrate anything on a big scale. We as Christians know this day is about so much more, so there's no need for me to write about it. Do you believe this?

That's what Jesus asked: do you believe this? Do you believe? Well, do You? Are you sure? What is it that you believe? These are fundamental questions thar as Christians we must ask ourselves about our faith. Of course it would be easy if Jesus himself stood in front of us and asked us. How much more would we be sure of if Jesus was physically here. We need to get to that place on faith alone. Jesus is real. Jesus did conquer death. We will spend eternity in heaven. We must believe or it's all for naught.

So, let me ask again. Do you believe this?

Because I Said So

he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:8 NIV

I remember growing up and my parents using that famous line, "because I said so." It rings true today and I can neither confirm nor deny that I may have used that same line on my own children. Mom or dad has said so and that's that. No arguing. Believe it. It's done.

This verse ends this way. God has spoken. No arguing. Believe it. It's done. God said so. God said Jesus would conquer death once and for all. Jesus echoed those lines from the cross. It is finished. When God speaks there is nothing in earth or in heaven that can change what he says. Praise God that's true!

So as we celebrate this Easter remember that when God speaks, it is finished.

Where We're At

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV

Other than my closest loved ones, I doubt there are many instances where I would help someone who has done something wrong without them at least attempting to make it right and help themselves. It's not harsh, it's human nature. You're probably the same way. We can forgive all day long, not hold grudges, but our affections and level of assistance may not go very far beyond that.

Praise God that he is so much better than that. In our human state it may not even be possible to be like that. Forgive and forget, maybe. Die for someone who hasn't even bothered to say they're sorry? Yeah, nope. But God's love for us goes so far beyond our understanding. He loves us where we are. In our sin, making excuses for our sin. He gets it.

So meet God where you're at. He will be there waiting.

God's Employee

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NIV

This is one of the foundational verses of our Christian faith:  believe in Jesus to have eternal life. It's interesting that in biblical times, the writer refers to wages as the payment for sin. That means that wages had significance even back then. We know what it's like to chase a dollar or higher salary. Our worth in the workplace is partly based on how much the employer is willing to pay. And for that he will expect something of equal value in return. This is how it has gone for literally thousands of years.

So what do we bring to our job as a soldier of Christ, as a witness for him? What do we think our wages should be? What should Christ be willing to pay? He paid the ultimate of all wages...his life. He gives it freely for each and every one who calls on his name. Is this a fair wage? Actually, no. We deserve much less, even death, for we have not held up our employee part of the relationship. But the grace of God makes us whole and fills in the gaps where we are lacking, so that our performance evaluation is clean and spotless.

Be God's employee of the month and beyond.

Past Tense

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 NIV

I'm not a word wizard or a linguist so I may be out of my league focusing on one word in this verse: was. Was is the past tense of 'to be'. But this verse was written before Jesus was even born.  Take that in for a minute. When we think of the future we speak of things that will happen, not things that did happen. But God had a specific purpose for this verse to be written in past tense: in His plan Jesus' sacrifice had already happened.

God spoke and it is, it was and it is to come. Once his will is made known, there is no stopping it. God's word changes everything so thar it's as though it's already occurred. All we have to do is accept that it is, accept his word in our lives. The sacrifice has already been made. Before you were born, he saved you. Before Jesus was born, he made a way for sinners. Before the world began, he spoke you and me and our salvation into existence.

It. Is. Finished. Amen.

Everything

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Romans 8:11 NIV

I don't know why but when i read this verse my spirit rejoices and is calm at the same time. Read it again and see if you feel the same way. Take in these words. The spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Lives in me. Gives life to our mortal bodies. As tired and sick and busy as I've been the past few weeks, I feel at this moment like I could run a marathon.

God grants us the wisdom to gain wealth and his spirit brings life to our bodies. He refreshes our soul with living water. His body was broken for our sins and his blood washes us clean. He ensures we have all we need and heals us when we are sick. As I put all this together it calms my spirit and makes my heart rejoice.

There is nothing I need fear. He is everything. Amen.

A Life of Service

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 NIV

To live a life of service we think that we have to be in public service, or serve in the armed forces, or work with the homeless. But Jesus did none of these. He simply served mankind. While he conducted his ministry in the years leading up to the cross, Jesus did not work a day job and teach on the weekends. He didn't shuttle kids to little league or host a block party. He very purposely chose his daily rituals to include serving those around him.

Sometimes he fed them. He did do a lot of teaching. He healed them. He prayed with them. He labored in love for those he wanted to save. This is a life of service. Laboring in love for those we want to save. Who do you want to save? Who do you think you need to serve? Jesus knew and carried out his mission to perfection because he let God guide him.

As we think on the ultimate sacrifice this holy week, pray that God will guide you in service to those he loves and wants to save.

Lead Me

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:13 NIV

Today is Palm Sunday. There is a special playing on tv called 'Son of God.'  I was watching for a moment at the point where Jesus meets Peter at the Sea of Galilee and gives him a whole boatload of fish.  Peter asks Jesus what he's doing climbing into the boat. Jesus says they're going fishing. Peter tells him there's no fish. Jesus replies, 'Peter, give me an hour I'll give you a whole new life.'  You know what Peter's reply was? 'Who said I want one?' Boom. Woah. Just like that. Jesus promises to change his life and Peter wants no part of it.

What does it have to do with this verse? The word Hosanna means 'savior'.  Jesus came to save. To change lives. And what is our answer most of the time? I don't want it. Why? Because it will require us to change. We cannot continue in a new life, a new walk with Jesus if we stubbornly remain on the same path as we've always been. We must trust him even if we can't see where the new path will take us. And that's hard. I understand why Peter said this. He couldn't imagine anything different in his life because what he had he knew and it was safe. The unknown can be frightening,  but with God we do not need to fear.

So, if Jesus tells you he can give you a whole new life, answer yes Lord. Lead me.

The Proper Time

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5‭-‬6 NIV

Most of the sermons I've heard on this verse focused on ransom and mediator as the subjects of discussion. But I want to focus on the second part...about how this was witnessed at the proper time. This is important or else the writer would not have included this mundane piece of information. Why is it vital that we know that Jesus as ransom and mediator is told at the right time?

Think about all the times you've learned important information and needed to wait until the right time to disclose it. Having a baby? Better find the right time to tell your hubby. Getting married? There are proper times to announce the news. Lost a job or got a new one? Need to gauge when to tell a loved one or a current boss. Sometimes there is no right time, but most times your information will be better received and processed if told at the right time. Which is why we needed to know that God's timing was perfect. It always is and this verse confirms that. We needed to know that Jesus as mediator was made known at just the right time. It made the information that much more important.

It's also important to note that there are no unimportant verses in the Bible. Each has meaning if we take the time to read them through.

What About the Beignets?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1 NIV

I'm guessing beignets would not fall in the category of sacrifice, or Oreos or frostys. I've been in New Orleans and having been sick for about 3 weeks now, this is the first week I've been hungry. Great city to be hungry in. If you want food, this is the place to be. Everyday we are inundated with healthy living and eating advice and we can take heart that it's rooted in ancient history as evidenced by this verse.

But what is the writer really driving at? Let's remember what our purpose is..to be a servant of Christ by serving others.  So can we properly emulate Christ if we are dealing with an alcohol problem? Or drugs, or an addiction to food? If we are governed by physical aspects our bodies have no room for Christ, and it is in us where his Spirit lives. If we are unhealthy we cannot serve others. This verse is a call for us to be ready to serve, to keep ourselves as healthy as possible. It's a parallel for going to work. You make sure you are ready for work every day, that you're in generally good health and able to do the work you are paid for. It's the same with our service to Christ. We must be ready and able to do the work he has called us to do.

So get out there, eat a beignet, then take a walk. It is, after all, about balance.

Crazy Old Lady

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 NIV

It's a good thing I've come to an age where I'm not all that concerned about pleasing people. I mean, I think I have reached that stage where I'm the crazy old lady telling funny stories, and I'm good with that! I can think of a thousand reasons why trying to win the approval of humans is a waste of energy.

I will never be the size that Hollywood thinks is normal. I'll never be that tall either so I guess I'm ok. I'll never have flat abs or perfect muscle tone. I'll never not make mistakes at whatever I try. I'll inevitably hurt someone's feelings, unintentionally, but it could still happen. My hair will be brown until it turns gray so I'll never be that girl in a country song...they're always blue eyed with blonde hair. I'll never be famous.

I am not all this but what I am is so much more. I'm a wife, a mother, a companion, a Ninny, a sister, an aunt, a daughter, a child of the King and a servant of the Lord. I don't have to be perfect because I am perfectly loved and made perfect in His righteousness. I don't have to be a certain size because God judges my heart and is not concerned about my earthly form.

So a people pleaser? Well, actually I am but in the form of a peace keeper. I am humbled in my calling and intent on using my gifts to bring honor to Him. That's being a servant of the Lord.