July 31, 2010

Matthew 26:69 “Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.”

Jesus had already been arrested and the crowd was growing more and more bloodthirsty by the minute. Peter watched from the wings while his beloved Master was being railroaded, falsely accused and on His way to dying. Peter also knew that Jesus would be resurrected in three days, but was getting caught up in the mob mentality. But, instead of joining in the murderous celebration, he was dismayed and confounded, not only by seeing Jesus being treated like a criminal, but also by his overwhelming need to swoop in and rescue our Lord.

Peter's time would have been better spent waiting. God's Plan of Salvation was being completed by the death, burial, and resurrection of the man he had been following for some time. However, Peter had one huge flaw- he was human.

We humans don't like to suffer. When we're hurting we want it gone NOW! The suffering he was enduring resulted in his forgetting of God's plan —which led to his denial of Christ-- and the suffering Jesus was enduring would result in the defeat of Death.

God's plan for our lives does not remove suffering, but uses it for our good. He will help us through it, and, when we have endured, we will have grown spiritually in such a way that we would not have been able to otherwise.

July 30, 2010

Matthew 25:37-40 “Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

I have become, over the years, quite attached to cable channels that cover reality and history. Have you ever watched that show called “Lock Up?” I have, and at times become fascinated with the folks behind bars. So many seem absolutely unlovable.

Then there's the medical programs, such as “Boston Med.” Now, I realize that they cannot show everything, and that's fine, but it is unfortunate that the smells associated with the scenarios cannot be shared as well, because that's the least kind aspect- of the prisons as well, I'm sure.

The violence and blood associated with Jesus hanging on the cross must have been hideous also. The odors of an opened-up human body are not pleasant, and the flies buzzing around and in and out of His wounds would make most people lose their lunch for sure.

I must remember that, when I come across someone who may disgust me at first, that they are a sweet soul that Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified for in order to buy salvation for them. I must also keep in mind that the same holds true for even the richest, most well dressed individual. We all “have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). In that sense, all people, all over the world, are “the least of these my brethren.”

July 29, 2010

Matthew 24:4-5 “And Jesus answered and said unto them, 'Take heed that no man deceive you. For man shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many'”

How many times have we seen people follow after someone as if they were Christ? Remember Charles Manson? He not only had people following him back in the day, but folks born after his “reign” take him up as someone to worship. How about Jim Jones and The so-called “Peoples Temple?”

How many are this day following others with the same self-centered philosophy? Not only religious leaders, but musicians, politicians and actors, to mention a few.

Avoid anyone who tells you to “follow me.” A prophet of God will always tell you to “follow Christ.”

July 28, 2010

Matthew 23:30 “(And say) If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.”

Jesus is speaking to “the multitude” concerning His anger with the “scribes and Pharisees” over their hypocrisy. He talked of their being so clean and proper on the outside, but filthy on the inside.

Our verse today makes me think about the times I have been reading about some historical event, thinking, “well, I would not have done THAT! Why would someone even THINK about doing THAT?”

Truth is, whether we accept it or not, we live in the NOW. Our eyes see things in the present, and it takes a great deal of self discipline to look ahead and envision the consequences of our actions, or avoid following the crowd, or deny ourselves an instant of pleasure when we know there will be a heavy price to pay.

Thankfully, we have a loving Father waiting to guide and protect us. Still, how many of us living today laugh at and discourage someone for standing up for God while reading about the past and saying:

“Why would someone even THINK about doing THAT?”

Come See Us!

July 27, 2010

Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Does this mean that God has everybody line up, like kids in school picking sides for a soccer game, then goes down the line saying, “OK, you, you, not you, not you, no, no, no, no yes, no, etc...” to choose who will and who will not go to Heaven?

Not hardly. Jesus spoke these words from Matthew after telling the parable about the king who held a wedding for his son, but none of the invited guests took him seriously. They laughed and went on with their business. He told his servants to go and invite everybody you can find to come to the celebration. One such guest came in unprepared and was thrown out.

That guest was called, but not chosen, because he wanted to take part in the feast without wearing a wedding garment, which means he wanted to hold onto his old ways, to keep on his old, dirty clothing. How many were invited but did not come, choosing instead to do things their way, to do what they wanted?

God will accept us as we are. He is calling us now: are you willing to “change?”


Come see us!

July 26, 2010

Proverbs 8:11 “For wisdom is better than rubies; and all things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”

What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge? Knowledge is information, wisdom is what you do with it.

Wisdom takes courage to use, however. Many times our human nature compels us to take a different path than what our knowledge does, and we end up in trouble. Thankfully, we have Grace, and Mercy, both of which compliment Knowledge and will result in great Wisdom- or can, if we allow it to.

God offers us all the knowledge we can handle. Are you brave enough to use it?

July 25, 2010

Matthew 17:22-23 “And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall be raised again, And they were exceeding sorry.”

I, personally, have seen a lot of death as a result of my career in healthcare. Lots of folks deal with it on a daily basis. None of the deaths I have witnessed ever struck me as a “good” thing. Oh, sure, you hear the old saying “he's in a better place,” and “at least he's no longer in pain.” Both of these statements are true, in most cases. Still, it is a time of grieving. Not so much with Jesus, and THAT was the lesson He was trying to give to His disciples.

He knew His death was needed to pay for our sins, so that we can have a relationship with God. He also knew He would be resurrected after 3 days, and that's the most wonderful and joyous part! Since that very moment that He rose from the dead, Death has no power over those that believe.

That's hard to think about sometimes, especially while grieving over the death of a loved one. We will be together again, all of us who trust in Jesus. We need only accept His Gift.

July 24, 2010

Luke 12:31 “but rather seek ye the Kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Jesus had been speaking to His disciples, a crowd had gathered around Him, and one of them wanted Him to talk to his brother concerning his refusal to split their deceased daddy's money and property with him. He then told a parable about a rich, successful farmer who stockpiled his earnings (described as “goods” in the KJV), so that he could relax for the rest of his life.

Take a moment to read Luke 12:13-34. God knows our needs. Read these passages and you'll see that He not only will provide us with what we need but will give us GOOD things- not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. What do we have to do to get this kind of attention? “Seek ye the Kingdom of God.”

Is there anything our God cannot do?

July 23, 2010

Matthew 7:6 “Give not that which is Holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

Life is a gift from God, eternal life is a gift from Jesus paid for by His death on the cross. I must remind myself daily not to be discouraged or depressed, that my time here on earth is wasted if not used for His glory.

What good does it do me to spend time trying to please the world when all it will get me is heartache and pain? If I must suffer let me suffer for Christ.


God's Feral Children

July 22, 2010

Mark 9:36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
9:37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but Him that sent me.

9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

I'm still shocked and grieved at the ability of certain individuals to inflict cruelty onto their children, then jump back and scream “I'm innocent.” Don't they realize that children ARE a gift from God? Spend just a little time in a Pediatric ICU and you'll see enough cruelty to last a lifetime. Spend just a little time in the presence of the Living God and you'll see that He knows who the innocent one is.

July 21, 2010

Jeremiah 33:3 “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

I have to wonder if the non-believing scientists were a bit worried the first time they were able to look into deep space. Did they wonder if the literal face of God would be staring back at them? I'm sure that non-believers everywhere breathed a collective sigh of relief!

One does not need to look through a telescope to see God. I can see Him everywhere, in a tree, a brook, a child. I cannot watch a TV show about nature or even architecture and not see God, see His handiwork. Does this mean that no matter what I will see God wherever I look? Yes. Why? Because I have called upon Him and He shows me “great and mighty things.” It's simply a matter of wanting to see what is really there.


Seeking the Face of God

July 20, 2010

Proverbs 2:6 “For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”


Ah, yes- knowledge and understanding. Just think of how the world would be if more folks opened themselves up to receive these gifts from God. Would we even need a Defense budget then?

I am tremendously blessed in that I have an incredible “need to know.” I want to learn everything that I don't know now- and that staggers the mind! I'm not saying it's easy, because, for me, it's not. Knowledge comes at a heavy price. Many times I have to read and re-read material or be taught something again because I did not catch all of it the first time.

Even now, at age 48, I will complete a “lesson,” something I learned years ago, but just now have that “AHA!” moment.

I love it!!

July 19, 2010

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee;”

Today marks the beginning of a new school year, but, more importantly, the beginning of a new spirit!Last night I witnessed the re-birth of a lost soul, one who is now bound for en eternity with our Lord. This sweet soul was, as I am as well, known by God before she was born.

A friend just gave birth to a son. God knew of him untold millennium ago. That is one of those concepts that our human minds have so much trouble understanding. I think of it like this; imagine trying to explain the moon landing to someone working on a pyramid in ancient Egypt.

Someday, when we're with Jesus, we'll be able to understand. I can't wait!

July 18, 2010

2 Corinthians 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”


What is shame? The dictionary says “disgrace, disrepute,” as well as feeling guilty for an immodest act. Even though my abuse stopped many years ago I still have to battle the shame of it. When a child is sexually abused he or she has their very essence stolen, crushed into the dirt and trampled into the waste of generations. Psychologists tell us that a child will always figure out how everything is their fault-- even though it definitely is not-- as I did, which leads to even more shame and brokenness.

But this I know, and can testify to you today, that God is good. His “strength is made perfect in weakness,” There are those who may wonder at my decision to speak about my childhood abuse. The world does not understand someone openly discussing events that break down their resolve and render useless their talents. I'm sure there are even some who consider me to be a fool.

God has a plan for me. He has given me the gift of writing and Satan gave me the weakness in which God's strength can be perfected.

So, who is the fool?


No Time for Despair- the Conclusion (?)

July 17, 2010

Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

I enjoy takings early morning walks through a local park. The air is calm and clear, the dew is still on the grass, creatures of all sizes are venturing out to begin their day, and the few people I encounter are there to enjoy it all, as I am, while getting in some exercise.

The city has a wonderful path that runs through the park, with hills and valleys adding to the enjoyment- and the exercise! Yesterday I was there, admiring God's handiwork while observing and dodging various areas of construction going on there. A hazardous venture, but do-able. Until I took my eyes off the path.

I turned a corner and was fixated on figuring out the best way around one of these hazardous areas and, focusing on it, took my attention from the path. I went down in all my glory, sprawled onto the sidewalk. I don't know if anyone saw me, I just got up and walked away, my right knee and calf stinging from the road rash.

I prayed. “Lord, teach me to stay on the path.”


No Time for Despair- part 3

July 16, 2010

Mark 1:11 “And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Attending a school sports event can be, like most things in life, a study in human nature. For example, it's easy to spot the kids on a football team that have supporters in the stand. They seem to be looking everywhere else, until they make a tackle or touchdown, that is. That's when their eyes go right to the folks that only moments before seemed to be just a bit too loud.

However, should the child fumble or fall, the complete opposite of anything successful, the eyes still go to the stands, because that's when a child needs to hear “I am well pleased” the most. God's love for us does not depend on our achievements. We simply need to look to Him.

No Time for Despair- part 2

July 15, 2010


Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

I love “sayings,” especially fun ones. One of my favorite is “Lord, I need patience and I need it NOW!”
This is a daily struggle for me, the learning of patience- and it is a learned skill, not just a virtue. Too many times I want to get something or get something done as fast as I can, a leftover from my childhood. Needless to say, God has a GREAT plan for my life. I just need to calm down and wait.

Please read a snippet of my life story, called “No Time for Despair- Learn to Live Your Life From one who has Died.” Here's the link.

No Time For Despair

July 14, 2010

Psalms 66:1 Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: KJV


Many years ago I heard of the theory that all speech, even every sound, regardless of how slight, bounces its way up and out of the atmosphere into the “void” of space.

Even if the idea that our spoken words make their way beyond the stratosphere seems too far fetched to believe, it cannot be denied that the vibrations caused by our speech permeate our bodies, that others around us feel them as well, and that even if one is unable to speak that the slightest “joyful noise” will be felt.



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July 13, 2010

Today's verse comes from Revelation 3:19 KJV.

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."

This was one of those verses that stopped me cold. Many times in my life have I blundered through rough times blaming everyone but myself for my misery. Now, while it is true that God teaches us through any adversity we encounter it is equally true that He just may be the author of the very problem we are dealing with.


This is yet another example of why a daily devotional and Bible Study time is vital. I use my "alone" time with God to gauge whether or not I have anything in my heart that is keeping me from His presence.



Am I dealing with pain? Is God trying to "chasten," or discipline, me? What lesson do I need to learn or what wrong do I need to correct? Is there a pressing need to ask for forgiveness of a specific act or non-act?



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