Sugar Overload

I gave in. Friends were coming over for dinner, so I had the perfect excuse to make dessert. And not just any dessert - but one boasting three delectable kinds of chocolate. With my willpower on a swift decline, I included a sugary-helping of dessert with both lunch and dinner. A little help from my family ensured that the Chocolate Explosion was polished off over the course of the weekend.

By Sunday evening, I had to admit I had overdone it. Not only did my clothes feel a bit too tight, but the sugar had overwhelmed my immune system. Sluggishness, a sore throat and head congestion greeted me Monday morning. Ugh! If only I could rewind to Friday and go lighter on the dessert throughout the weekend. Live and learn.

If I practiced some self-control where the Chocolate Explosion was concerned, I may have avoided getting sick. I had bumped into an undeniable truth: self control is important in all areas of my life - even in the small things.

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, also known as temperance (Galatians 5:22-23; KJV). Yielding to the Spirit is the key to living a life filled with this precious fruit. Is it easy? No - it requires hard work. My old sin nature is constantly at war with my new spiritual nature. That's why the apostle Peter says to diligently pursue adding some things to my faith. Pursuing something diligently means work is involved!

   

What should I be striving to add to my faith? "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance (self-control); and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity," (2 Peter 1:5-7). Lots of great things I need to add to my faith - one of which is temperance.

Self-control doesn't come naturally. It's something I have to learn. The apostle Paul put it best when speaking with the Philippians, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," (Philippians 4:11-13).

How was Paul able to exercise self-control and contentment in these situations? He submitted himself to the will of Christ and obeyed the Lord in each circumstance. As a result he was able to demonstrate self-control and he experienced contentment.

With the holiday season right around the corner, the reality is that I WILL be making desserts and attending festivities where sugary goodies will be the highlight. My plan? Remember the example of the apostle Paul - demonstrate self-control and learn to be content with a modest portion!

Do you struggle with self-control? What step will you take to put this fruit of the Spirit into practice in your own life?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the fruit of the Spirit that includes self-control. Help me to realize the importance of demonstrating self-control even in the small areas. Teach me to be content, knowing that you are able to strengthen me in every situation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

Getting to the Root

Weeds. Plants that are considered undesirable, unattractive, and troublesome. They grow where they're not wanted. They seem to be much more hardy than the vegetation we've purchased and planted on our hillside. I'm talking about the kind of weeds that are tough! The kind that won't come out of the ground without a fight.

As I stared at my hillside this past weekend, I tried to calculate the amount of ground not covered with weeds. Not too much. Okay, so it's been awhile since I've weeded. But who'd have thought the weeds would take over so completely? I pulled on my gardening gloves, as I psyched myself up for the serious business of weed-pulling. Within a couple of minutes I'd made a discovery. There weren't as many weeds as I'd initially thought...they were just much bigger than I had originally anticipated.

When I began yanking on the long, green, tentacle-like growth, I came away with handfuls of weeds, but no root. Without successfully extracting the root, the weed would continue to grow. When I eventually came to the root, I was flabbergasted to find that these weeds were huge. Easily three to four feet in diameter. The shoots that radiated from the root seemed to grasp the soil in a death-grip. Not only did the tentacle-like shoots need to be pulled, but the roots needed to be removed from the earth, as well. When I was patient enough to follow the shoot from beginning to end, I was always able to find the root.

Concentrating on one section at a time, our hillside began to be transformed. My weed pile grew and became a hillside in its own right. The plants that remained seemed to breathe easier, having sensed the removal of the weeds that threatened to choke them.

   

Things I struggle with can often mimic this monster weed. Several 'shoots' grab for footholds in my life - desiring my own way, ignoring words of wisdom, speaking words out of anger. Only as I peel these 'shoots' away from the soil of my heart, do I get to the root of the problem. Pride. The 'shoots' are only symptoms of the real issue. Treating the symptoms won't extract the root. Pride has to be dealt with first. Once the root is removed, the 'shoots' will have no nutrients for growth - no foothold in my life.

As I allow the Master Gardener to remove the monster weeds from my life, the good things that have been planted by Him, have an opportunity to grow. The Apostle Paul reminds me of the Lord's work, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure"(Philippians 2:13; KJV).

As I give Him access to the soil of my heart, I'm able to glean wisdom from His Word, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:4-5).

With the weeds removed from the soil of my heart,  and my gaze fixed on Christ, I'm poised for growth and an abundant harvest! Remaining ever watchful to guard that which is being cultivated, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life"(Proverbs 4:23).

Have you allowed weeds to grow in the soil of your heart? Spend some time identifying them, and  allow the Master Gardener to remove them by the root!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your patience with me. I'm thankful for Your love and tender mercy in spite of my shortcomings. Help me to be mindful of the things that are choking out true growth in my life and allow you to remove them. Thank You for the promise of an abundant harvest when I stay rooted and grounded in You! In Jesus' name, Amen.   

*A re-post from 10/2010


*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

What's Inside Matters Most

What do the following things have in common: new clothes, pens, and a calculator? They all point to a new school year, right?! I remember the excitement of going back to school. I have to admit that shopping for clothes was my personal favorite. Searching for the perfect pair of shoes was right up there, too. With each new year, I was determined to look my best, and yes, even to try my hardest.

As I look back on the years spent in school and college, I was interested in portraying the right image. Can anyone identify? I wanted to fit in and be accepted by my peers. Hours were spent making sure hair and make-up were just so. I put a premium on my outward appearance, not realizing the importance of what was on the inside.

The words of 1 Samuel put things in proper perspective, "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart," (1 Samuel 16:7; KJV). God knows that what's really important is what's on the inside. He's quick to reveal the heart that's pleasing to Him, "...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," (Matthew 22:37-39).

A true friend demonstrates care and concern, is a good listener and provides encouragement when it's needed. A friend is honest - sharing the truth in love, even when it's not popular.  These characteristics are evident in the person who has true beauty - a beauty that is more than skin deep. When I realize it's not about me, but it's all about the Lord and loving others His way, I'm on the right track. Instead of trying to FIND the right friend, my job is to concentrate on cultivating the characteristics that allow me to BE a good friend!

  

A new school year, or even another day at the office, is the perfect opportunity to focus on the needs of others. Let God's Word guide you, "A friend loveth at all times..." (Proverbs 17:17).  And you'll be sure to point them to an all-sufficient Savior!

Do you tend to focus on outward appearance rather than what's on the inside? How can you be a better friend?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me that what's inside matters most. Help me to develop the characteristics of a true friend, and point others to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

Interview with Author, Keli Gwyn

I remember her friendly email, "Thanks for subscribing to my blog. I hope you find my posts enjoyable. From time to time I like to surprise a blog visitor with a little package of goodies. I'd like to send you one..." From our first interaction, she struck me as a talented writer, and a woman with the gift of encouragement.

Who is this inspiring lady? Grab some iced tea and join me in welcoming - Keli Gwyn!

Maria: Tell us a bit about yourself:

Keli: I’m a native Californian. My teacher husband and I live in the majestic Sierra Nevada Foothills just seven miles from Coloma, where James Marshall discovered the shiny nuggets that started the Gold Rush. I’m smitten with the Victorian Era, the period in which my stories are set.

While writing is my passion, I do possess some others skills. I play a fierce game of Whack-a-Mole, can still recite the first two paragraphs of the Gettysburg Address I memorized back in seventh grade, and can put away an impressive amount of my husband’s homemade shortbread in one sitting.

Maria: Wow! Remind me NOT to challenge you when you have a mallet in your hand! All joking aside, give us a sneak peek into your debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California.

Keli: Widow Elenora Watkins is determined to provide for herself and her daughter without relying on anyone else. Can she run a successful business after falling for the competition? Miles Rutledge finds himself willing to do anything to keep Elenora in town. But can he win her heart while putting her out of business?

Maria: Just enough information to get us hooked! Which character in your book can you most easily identify with? And why?

Keli: I identify with the heroine, Elenora. Like me, she’s the mother of a bright, talkative daughter. Ellie tends to be a bit overprotective at times, and I was, too, when our college daughter was younger. I can’t cook very well, and neither can Ellie. She’s a hardworking, determined woman, and I am, too. Like Ellie, when I set a goal, I put my all into achieving it.

Maria: As I read your book, I imagined you to be like Elenora - loved her spunk and determination. What do you hope your readers glean from your novel?

Keli: I hope they enjoy the story and their trip back in time.

On a deeper level, I hope they learn that we are valued not so much for what we do as for who we are. Ellie is out to prove herself on several fronts, but she doesn’t need to. People like her the way she is.

I’d also like readers to understand that the Lord is there for us—even when we don’t sense His presence. When the story begins, Ellie doesn’t believe the Lord hears her prayers or cares about her concerns, but as things progress, she experiences growth in this area.

Maria: Those are important lessons. How has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your writing?

Keli: My faith is an important part of who I am. I delight in adding the spiritual element to my stories. As my characters learn valuable lessons about who God is and how He works in our lives, I learn right along with them.

Maria: What goals do you have for the future?

Keli: I look forward to writing many more historical romances and to my continued interactions with readers as well as other writers.

Maria: Sounds like you'll stay busy! Share some lessons you've learned on your journey as a writer:

Keli:

·        * Have realistic expectations.

·         *Take time to study craft.

·        * Don't become a slave to the rules.

·        * Accept feedback graciously.

·        * Enjoy the journey.

      

Maria: Great advice! What words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Keli:  My one word of wisdom would be: persevere. I’ve interviewed over 100 debut authors, and this trait is one that has come up again and again as being of the utmost importance. Our dreams won’t come true unless we keep on writing and submitting, hoping and praying. Perseverance can lead to rejoicing.

Thank you so much for having me as your guest, Maria. Spending time with you and your blog’s readers is a treat. I’d like to end with a question for all of you.

I really am good at Whack-a-Mole. I once had a crowd gather around to watch me bop those critters as they popped their heads up. What’s one of your little known skills that has impressed others?

Maria: It's been a pleasure Keli! And someday I hope to watch you whack those moles on the head with that rubber mallet! God bless you as you continue to write books that point others to Him.

Good news! Keli has graciously offered to give away a copy of her book, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California:

*Leave a comment to this post, include your email address in the following format: morgan(dot)maria(dot)i(at)gmail(dot)com. Entries without an email address are not eligible.

*Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you're already a follower.

*Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, and/or Twitter.

 Please be sure and let me know you did so in your comment.

*This is open to US residents only. My sincere apology to those followers outside the US.

*Deadline to enter is midnight Eastern Standard Time, Tuesday, July 31, 2012. Winner to be announced in Thursday's post. The winner will be notified via email.

Award-winning novelist Keli Gwyn writes inspirational historical romance. A California native, she lives in the Gold Rush-era town of Placerville in the Sierra Foothills with her husband and two skittish kitties.

Connect with Keli: 

Website – http://www.keligwyn.com
Facebook Timeline – http://www.facebook.com/KeliGwyn
Facebook Page – http://www.facebook.com/KeliGwynReadersGroup
Twitter – http://twitter.com/#!/KeliGwyn
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5411901.Keli_Gwyn

Setback or Opportunity?

Setbacks – none of us are immune. The missed deadline. The unexpected illness. The loss of a job. Some setbacks are nothing more than minor inconveniences, while others rank up there on the Richter scale.

I remember the year my husband’s company merged two business units. Steve wasn’t interested in the position he was offered, so he voluntarily left the company. What we didn’t know at the time, was that it would be nine months before he’d find a suitable job. This setback touched many areas of our lives and launched us on a daily walk of faith.

During this same period of time, our pastor experienced a heart attack following a prolonged battle with diabetes. His untimely death was a huge setback for our congregation. A setback that once again called us to walk by faith.

Steve and two other men from our congregation were chosen to head up a pulpit committee to search for a new pastor. A difficult task. A task that would require much time and prayer. Because of his availability, Steve was able to devote his time to this all-important task. And the Lord knew exactly what He was doing. Within days of choosing a pastor, the Lord provided Steve with a new job.

I’m reminded of a setback in the life of the apostle Paul. He was put in prison for preaching the gospel. Talk about a major setback! It seemed his ministry was put on hold – what could he possibly accomplish while he was in jail? God had a plan.

Although his circumstances were far from ideal, Paul continued to trust Christ. Paul looked beyond his circumstances and continued to share the gospel with anyone who would listen – jailers and guards included. Paul’s focus? “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” (Philippians 1:21; KJV). The Lord also used this time to inspire Paul to write many of the epistles - books of the Bible he wouldn’t have had time to write while on the road.

When setbacks come, I want to respond like Paul – focusing on Christ instead of my circumstances. What about you? Do setbacks derail you from living the Christian life? What step will you take today to stay on the path of faith?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that setbacks often serve as interludes for me to refocus on you and your plan. Help me to learn from the example of Paul and stay devoted to  reaching others for you no matter what. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

How to be Worry-Free

I know it doesn’t change a situation. It can even create some pretty serious problems. I’m talking about worrying. I don’t have to take a class to be an accomplished worrier – it’s something that comes naturally. The enemy knows exactly what buttons to push to send me off into ‘what-if’ mode.

Seems I’m not the only one with the propensity to worry. The children of Israel could worry with the best of them. Remember their exit out of Egypt? The final plague had Pharaoh practically begging the Israelites to leave his land. They were free at last – 430 long years of slavery had come to an end.

I can imagine how ecstatic the people must have been. But their joy didn’t last long. In fact, it ground to a halt and quickly turned into worry when the Israelites realized Pharaoh and his army were in hot pursuit of them. They were afraid. They cried out to the Lord and turned on Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness…it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness,” (Exodus 14:11,12b; KJV).

But Moses shared a message from the Lord – a message of faith that could overcome even the greatest fear. “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace,” (Exodus 14: 13-14).

The people had a choice to make. Would they choose fear or faith? The Lord was on their side, and as Moses stretched his hand out over the Red Sea, the children of Israel witnessed a miracle. An east wind caused the waters of the sea to be parted so they could walk through on dry ground!

As Pharaoh and his army attempted to follow them into the sea, God caused their chariots to get stuck in the sand. Mass chaos followed as Moses once again stretched his hand out over the Red Sea and the water came crashing down over the Israelites’ enemies. Not a single one remained.

Giving in to fear hadn’t changed their situation. Putting their faith in an almighty God had! Over and over again, the children of Israel were reminded that worrying didn’t accomplish anything. Their God would provide for them.

The same is true in my life. Why worry when I have God’s recipe for peace, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:6-7). Instead of focusing on my problems, I can focus on my great God who is able to overcome any hardship I’m facing.

What about you? Are you a worrier? What step will you take today to replace your fear with faith in a great God?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me that worrying is sin. Help me remember the example of the children of Israel – and choose faith over fear. Thank You for being greater than any problem I face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.   

Seasons of Life

School is winding down. Another year has passed. Soon each graduate will don cap and gown, march onto the stage, and receive a well-earned diploma. A thrilling time. A time for reflection. A time for celebration.

One season of life has been completed and another is about to begin. The excitement of venturing out for the first time is mixed with a twinge of apprehension about the future. Countless decisions vie for attention. Which college to attend? What major to choose? Where to work? Who to date?

I remember heading off to college with many of these questions swirling around in my mind. Not a single one takes God by surprise. His Word offers help and guidance for every season of life. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths," (Proverbs 3:5-6; KJV). Whether poised on the brink of leaving home for the first time, or dropping your high-school graduate off on campus, the Heavenly Father's point is clear: don't try to figure everything out, bring each concern to Me, and trust Me to guide your every step.

Look back on your life. Take a look at God's track record. Has He ever failed you? If He's brought you this far, won't He continue to lead you? Let His Word encourage you: "...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee," (Hebrews 13:5b). He has a purpose and a plan for your life. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end," (Jeremiah 29:11).

As you yield to Him, be aware of His work in your life. Remember Joseph? The one whose brothers sold him into slavery? Despite his difficult circumstances, he submitted himself to the Lord with amazing results. Over and over we're told that other's noticed the hand of God on Joseph's life. (Genesis 39:3, 21; 41:38). Eventually the Lord allowed Joseph to become second in command in the land of Egypt, and to be reconciled with his family.

Life can be exciting, but it can also be intimidating. Remember that God loves you and is in control. Seek His guidance and then follow the path He lays out for you. Praise Him when He uses you to point others to Him. No matter what season of life you're in, look forward with anticipation to the unique plan God has for you! And celebrate!

More Than A Meal

I've given lots of thought to this year's Easter menu. I'm leaning toward grilled steak, asparagus, deviled eggs, tangy pea salad, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, and apple pie. Not exactly traditional, I know. And much different than the meal served up thousands of years ago.

Remember the first Passover celebrated by the children of Israel? Moses shared God's instructions with the Israelites. On the fourteenth day of the first month of the Jewish year, every household was to sacrifice a one year old, male lamb that was without defect. Their meal was to consist of roasted lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs. But the meal was not the main focus of the celebration.

There were very important instructions regarding the blood of the slain lamb. Moses explained God's directions, "And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you," (Exodus 12:22-23; KJV).

What a beautiful picture! It provides a glimpse of God's ultimate plan. Fast forward many years, to the day when the perfect Lamb of God became the final sacrifice ever needed. As Jesus Christ hung on the cross, the sinless Son of God shed His blood to pay the sin debt owed by mankind.

Just as the children of Israel had to apply the blood of the slain lamb to the top and sides of their doorposts to avoid physical death, each person must put his/her faith in Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, in order to avoid eternal separation from God. The Apostle Paul states clearly, "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ," (Ephesians 2:13).

The lambs sacrificed by the Israelites remained dead. The miracle of Easter is that Christ didn't remain in the tomb, He rose from the dead! He conquered sin, death, and the grave for you and me. His Word proclaims the truth, "And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay," (Matthew 28:5-6).

This Easter, enjoy a delicious meal and time spent with family, but choose to focus on the main reason we celebrate - the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for you, and His resurrection from the dead! Hallelujah! He is risen!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your Son to shed His blood on the cross to pay for my sins. Forgive me when I allow things to distract me from the true meaning of Easter. Help me to embrace Your sacrifice and share the good news of Your resurrection with others. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Bloom Where You're Planted

Difficulties and disappointments happen. Life can be downright hard. From the time I entered fourth grade, I knew my Dad struggled with health issues. Due to a genetic predisposition for disease and some unhealthy choices, it was only a matter of time before his health began to decline. He had an artificial heart valve put in, and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a few years later. I can only imagine the pain he experienced on a daily basis.

My Dad's suffering played a big role in my career choice. I wanted to help prevent illness. My focus was corporate wellness: emphasizing everything from smoke cessation to weight management. Setting up exercise programs and motivating clients to stick with their regimen became my passion.

As I look back, I can see how God used a difficult situation to inspire positive growth. The same is true today. Each disappointment carries with it the opportunity to create something beautiful. My challenge is to trust the Lord when each trial comes, allowing Him to make the proverbial lemonade from the lemons.

Step back in time with me some twenty-five hundred years or so. Our city of Jerusalem has been ransacked and we've been taken captive by the Babylonians. We're now living among a strange people many miles from home.

Can you imagine it? It's so easy to let your mind drift back to all the comforts of your hometown. The friendly neighbors you had. The bakery you owned and operated in the heart of the city. The temple where you worshipped the Lord. But everything is different today. Your eyes fill with tears as you long for the way things used to be...

Then you receive the letter. A letter from none other than the prophet Jeremiah, inspired by the very God of heaven. His words cause an initial sting, but you know they contain the truth:

"Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace," (Jeremiah 29:4-7; KJV).

Wow! So this captivity is all a part of God's plan. Our poor choices brought His judgment, but even in this place, He desires to bless us, if we just obey Him. Basically, He wants us to move on with life. Bloom where we're planted. Even pray for our captors. Radical commands! His purpose for us is clear, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end," (Jeremiah 29:11).

Fast forward to today. All of us experience difficulties - probably not as drastic as those faced by the children of Israel! What will you choose to do with your trials? Allow them to destroy you? Or trust God through the situation and allow Him to create something beautiful? The choice is yours!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are so good to me. Help me to focus on Your purpose for each trial in my life. I need Your strength to choose to continue living life when things become difficult. Thank You for the truth of Your Word. Use every trial in my life to create something beautiful that points to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.      

Roots

The job wasn't easy. Thankfully I had some help. A couple of students from our Sunday school class were helping me weed the large hillside in front of our house. I had let the dreaded task slide down my 'to do' list, until it hit bottom. Either I had to get the weeds under control, or they would definitely complete their stealthy hillside take-over. Some of the weeds looked like miniature umbrellas, with huge leaves that would keep the rain off of an entire family of rodents. Others favored the green, feathery portion of a carrot plant. Both varieties were roughly three feet tall and appeared to be growing by the minute. With garden gloves protecting our tender hands, we got down to the messy business of weeding.

It didn't take long to figure out that these weeds were not going to let go of the soil they'd claimed, without a fight. Time to break out the serious tools. Gardening trowels were replaced with heavy-duty shovels. Take that, you nasty weeds! You could almost see them cowering in fear. With shovelhead poised above the ground where the first offending weed was growing, I imagined it frantically waving a tiny white flag in surrender. As my shovel made contact with the ground and sliced into the soil, I knew within a few moments I'd be the victor - one square inch of ground reclaimed. Long, tuberous roots that had once held the weed firmly in place, would no longer provide a base of support.

Slowly, but steadily, we began to see progress. Hillside that had been completely covered with weeds, now had areas that would welcome real plants. But there was still plenty of work to do. I wondered if it would be easier just to use the weed-eater to finish the job. My husband reminded me that we couldn't solve our problem that way. The weed-eater might be able to cut the weeds down in size, but the roots would remain, allowing the weeds to begin growing again. Although roots are underground and can't be seen, they serve a crucial purpose. My American Heritage Dictionary explains that a root not only supports a plant, but it also "draws food and water from the surrounding soil, and stores food." It goes on to say that the root enables a plant to become firmly established, settled, or entrenched.

What a good illustration from the Master Gardener Himself. When I don't tend to the 'soil' in my heart, the tiny sin-weeds begin to grow, gaining nourishment from their roots. As the sin-weeds get stronger and grow bigger, the roots burrow deeper into the soil, allowing the sins to become firmly established and settled. Just as my Sunday school girls and I realized that it was much easier to pull small weeds rather than big ones, the same truth applies to our spiritual soil. It's much easier to deal with sin in its infancy, than when it's full grown. David had the right idea when he invited his Savior's careful scrutiny, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalms 139:23-24; KJV)

As I examine the soil of my heart, may I be quick to pluck the tiny sin-weeds before they have the opportunity to grow and develop deep roots. Our God is faithful to forgive us for our sins when we confess them (I John 1:9). He is able to create a clean heart in us and renew a right spirit within us (Psalms 51:10).

How is the 'soil' of your heart? Can you identify sin that needs to be dealt with? What step will you take to begin 'weeding' today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the lessons You teach me through Your creation. Help me to be aware of the things that need to be weeded out of my life. Give me the resolve to search my heart regularly, so I can enjoy unbroken fellowship with You. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Need Help?

I'm not sure how it happened. We were preparing to film another episode for Life Lessons, and I had run upstairs to get a towel to block some unwanted sunlight. I wasn't paying attention as I hurried back downstairs, and before I knew it, I was on the floor - with my right foot bent underneath me. Somehow, I had miscalculated how many stairs I'd come down, and stepped out thinking I was at the bottom of the staircase. With nothing but air to greet my extended leg, I pitched forward, landing on the top of my foot. Needless to say, nothing was filmed that day!

Remember the classic fainting spells on your favorite cartoons? I have to admit, they're pretty accurate. As I sat on the floor, propped up against the wall, I did indeed see stars and it was difficult to hear over the roaring noise that had taken up residence in my ears. Whatever I had done to my foot couldn't be good.

My husband, Steve, to the rescue! Although he didn't SEE me fall, he HEARD it. As I struggled to remain conscious, he was convinced that a trip to the doctor would be a good thing. I was in full agreement - I knew I needed help. Steve's calm demeanor helped me stay focused. Within just a couple of minutes, he had grabbed my purse and shoes and was ready to carry me out to the car.

   

I've battled weak ankles all my life. The good news? The x-rays showed no broken bones. I had only sprained my ankle. Armed with crutches and the determination to be more alert in the future, we made the drive back home.

There's a bigger truth here. Each one of us goes through life focused on our own plans. At some point, something happens and we're faced with the truth: life isn't all about me, and my life won't last forever. We realize we're NOT in control, and in fact, we need help. God's Word sheds light on our condition, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23; KJV).

A decision needs to be made. Will we admit our sinful condition and our need for the Savior? Or will we stubbornly insist on doing things our own way, denying any need for help? The choice is ours. Will we put our faith in ourselves or in the Savior?

Jesus already died on the cross to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He's finished the work that allows you to be reconciled to a holy God. Will you have faith in His atoning work? "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation," (Romans 10:9-10).

When I hurt my ankle, I knew I couldn't make it to the doctor on my own. I was grateful my husband was able to help me. If you're on life's proverbial 'floor,' and you don't know Jesus, are you willing to trust in Him today? He'll give you a life full of meaning and purpose as you serve Him, and an eternal home in heaven.

If you already know Jesus as your Savior, will you share Him with someone today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life. Thank You for giving me Your Word that shows me the truth - I'm a sinner. How wonderful to know that You love me, and paid my sin debt, so I can be reconciled to God. Help me share You with others today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Created for a Purpose

Something was definitely wrong. It was cold. As I stood at the kitchen sink, the air blowing out of the vent at my feet was anything but warm. Overnight, the temperature in our balmy state of Georgia had plummeted, causing us to flip the switch from air conditioning to heat. The only problem was that no warm air was rushing out of the vents to greet us. After a brief trip to the basement, my husband realized that the pilot light was not on and was stubbornly refusing to be re-lit. Time to call the heating and air specialists.

We placed a call to FlowTech Mechanical Services first thing Monday morning. Fortunately they were able to put us on the schedule for later in the evening. Unfortunately, that meant we had to endure the arctic chill that had crept into our house overnight. Its icy fingers convinced us that layers were an absolute 'must.'

Clothed in winter coats and toasty slippers, I wrapped my hands around a steaming mug of coffee, resisting the urge to don a pair of gloves. Ok, so it wasn't quite that cold, but you get the picture! Since our upstairs heating unit was working just fine, both my husband and I retreated upstairs to begin the day's work.

Throughout the day, it was humorous to note that neither one of us spent an extended period of time downstairs. Each of us would only do what was absolutely necessary, before heading back to the comfort of the upstairs. The temperature difference from the chilly downstairs to the pleasantly warm upstairs was noticeable.

It didn't take the heating/air specialist long to determine the cause of our problem. The circuit board was bad and would no longer allow the igniter to do its job; hence the cold air in spite of moving the switch to 'heat.' If I'm not mistaken, when it was originally manufactured, the circuit board's job was to provide power to the igniter which, in turn, causes the unit to heat the air and push it out through the vents, warming the house.

What an accurate picture of our lives before salvation. God created each one of us in His image. Genesis 1:27 spells it out plainly, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (KJV). He created us for a specific purpose: to walk in fellowship with Him, bringing Him honor and glory. When Adam and Eve chose to sin against God, man was no longer in fellowship with his Creator. He could no longer fulfill his God-given role. Similarly, when the circuit board in our furnace stopped working, the pilot light went out and the unit stopped performing the function it was created to fulfill. It no longer heated our home.

A blood sacrifice had to be made to atone for sin so man could once again enjoy a relationship with God (Heb. 9:22). Throughout the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were made according to God's instructions. When God the Father sent His son, Jesus Christ to this earth, He became the ultimate sacrifice to forever atone for the sins of the whole world (Heb. 10:10).

When we accept God's gift of salvation by grace through faith, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Paul words it beautifully in the book of Ephesians, "...in whom (Christ) also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise" (1:13b). We are once again brought into fellowship with God and we can chose to live a life that is pleasing to Him. We can chose to fulfill His purpose for our lives. In much the same way, when the faulty circuit board was replaced, power raced to the igniter, and once the pilot light was lit, warm air coursed through our house. The furnace was doing the job it was created to do.

What about you? Have you accepted God's gift of salvation by grace through faith so you can walk in fellowship with your Creator? If so, are you fulfilling the role He's called you to?  Pray for His guidance as you follow Him, today.

*A re-post from October 2009.

Watering Holes & Living Water

We saw them. They were huge, majestic. We came around a bend in the road, and there they were. Elephants. A large herd coming to a watering hole for some refreshment. A mother warthog with babies in tow, cautiously joined them. A bat eared fox wasn't far behind.

The watering hole served different purposes. Some animals came for a drink, while others bathed in its cloudy depths. Although their needs may have been varied, one thing was clear, the animals were drawn to the water.

As I marveled at the amazing creatures a stones' throw from our vehicle, I was reminded of the water that's necessary in my life - Living Water. Thoughts of a well in Samaria came to mind. A well where townspeople came to draw water necessary for their everyday lives. A well where Jesus sat one day.

A Samaritan woman came to the well, as she'd done every day that week. Only today was different. A man was sitting at the well. A Jewish man. Unusual, but the woman went about her task of collecting water in her pot, knowing that local custom would prevent the man from speaking to her anyway.

When his voice reached her ears, she all but dropped her water pot. What had he said? Her mind processed his words carefully, "Give me to drink, " (John 4:7b; KJV). She was so shocked, she blurted out a response without thinking, "How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans," (John 4:9).

The man's answer was puzzling. According to the statement he made, he must be someone important, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water," (John 4:10).

How could he dip water out of the well without a tool? Did he think he was greater than the patriarch Jacob who dug the well in the first place? Once again, his answer seemed like a riddle, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up in to everlasting life," (John 4:13-14).

Now that sounded like a good deal! Never having to draw water again. Never being thirsty. She was ready to accept this man's offer...until he told her to go get her husband and come back. The truth tumbled out of her mouth, "I have no husband," (John 4:17a). The man's next words made her breath catch in her throat. "Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly," (John 4:17b-18).

He had to be a prophet. How else could he know the sordid truth about her past and her present? He seemed to know everything about her. Who was this man? Maybe he could tell her what she could do to please God. She shared her thoughts, "I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things," (John 4:25).

She wasn't prepared for his response. "I that speak unto thee am he," (John 4:26). Jesus. The man who had been talking to her was Jesus, the Messiah! The One who knew all about her sins, and loved her anyway.

She was ready to repent. She now understood what he meant by 'living water.' When she put her faith in him, he satisfied the needs of her soul for a Savior.

What about you? Are you still looking for something to satisfy your soul's 'thirst'? Look no further than Jesus Christ, the Messiah - the Living Water.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)     

Seeds of Faith

Two male spies with a plan, one woman with information. Two men on a mission. One woman with a bad reputation. Two men doing the work of the Lord. One woman labeled as a harlot. Who could imagine that their paths would cross? Yet the spies entered her city and ended up at her house.

The time? Early 1400's B.C. The place? Jericho. The woman? Rahab. The people of her city were in turmoil because of the news they had heard. When the two spies showed up at her house, Rehab was honest with them, "I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you" (Joshua 2:9-11a; KJV).

Sometime between hearing the city news and the arrival of the spies, a seed of faith sprang up in Rahab's heart. She believed the stories about this God's power. She was afraid that her city would be destroyed next. The God of the Israelites was someone to be reckoned with. She acknowledged her belief that He was God (Joshua 2:11b).

When the sound of an authoritative knock came at the door, Rahab had a choice to make. Should she turn the spies in, or hide them? With heart hammering in her chest, Rahab acted on her growing seed of faith. Carefully concealed under the flax on her rooftop, the spies heard her tell the king's men that her visitors had left before the city gate had been shut. (Joshua 2:5).

A covenant was made. Since she had saved their lives, they would spare the lives of she and her family members before the Israelites destroyed her city of Jericho. The spoken oath was sealed with a sign. A scarlet cord. The spies told Rahab to bind the same scarlet cord that would allow them to escape to safety, in her window. "Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee" (Joshua 2:18).

The spies were true to their word. "And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and thy brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel" (Joshua 6:23). What began as a seed of faith was continuing to grow.

Rahab. The woman we're introduced to in the book of Joshua who has a bad reputation is nowhere to be found once she acknowledges her belief in the God of the Israelites. We meet up with her again in the book of Matthew. No mention is made of her past. She is recognized as the wife of Salmon, no doubt a dashingly handsome Israelite, whose son just happens to be Boaz (Matthew 1:5). That's right! The mighty kinsman redeemer of the book of Ruth.

Think about it! A former harlot ends up in the genealogy of Jesus Christ! After all, Boaz and Ruth have a son, Obed, Obed and his wife have Jesse, Jesse and his wife have David, and fourteen generations later, our Savior is born!

It never ceases to amaze me what God can do with a man or woman with a seed of faith and a spirit yielded to Him!


Are you willing to step out in faith and be used by the Lord? What step will you take today to water the seed of faith that's growing in your life?


Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the encouraging story of Rahab. Help me to put my faith in You no matter what. Use me to point others to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!
























* A re-post from March 26, 2010.

Why?

Sometimes I don't understand why things happen. I can't give an answer to the age-old question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" For some reason, I fall for the belief that if I do the right thing, a good outcome is guaranteed. Oftentimes along life's journey, I forget my purpose and begin to live as if life was given to me for my happiness and personal fulfillment. Time for a reality check!

Although I know that life has its fair share of ups and downs, why is it so difficult to embrace the 'downs?' The Bible is full of examples of men and women who experienced unexplained hardships. Remember Job? He's described as a "perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil," (Job 1:8; KJV). Very impressive when you consider it was the Lord who described Job this way!

Job had everything going for him. He had a wonderful family, was wildly wealthy, and was well respected in his community. Job loved God and made constant intercession for his children. Yet one day, everything changed. In a matter of hours, Job lost his sons and daughters, his cattle and livestock, and even his health. Job lost it all. Why?

The book of Job lets me in on some things that weren't revealed to Job. The Lord allowed Satan to wreck havoc in Job's life. Tough to understand. Job was a prime servant of the Lord, yet the Lord allowed him to be severely tested.

When faced with the tragic news that his children had been killed and his livestock destroyed, Job's response is nothing short of astounding, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord," (Job 1:21). What faith! But the enemy wasn't willing to give in to defeat so easily. If Job wouldn't curse God as a result of losing everything, surely he would break if he lost his health.

Once again, for reasons known only to God, He allowed Satan to afflict Job with painful boils from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. Job's wife was of little comfort. She couldn't get beyond the difficult question: Why? Her advice to her husband, "...curse God, and die," (Job 2:9b). But Job saw things from a different perspective, and answered his wife with words indicative of his faith, "...What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:10b).

It 's not too challenging to be positive for a day, but when trials stretch on day after day with no end in sight, faith is stretched to the limit. Job never cursed God, yet his outlook became bleak. He wished he had never been born, and he wanted answers. Why had tragedy struck his life? Why was God punishing him?

After a long time of silence, God DID speak to Job - but not with the answers Job expected. God's response was to remind Job that He created the world and everything in it, and His ways are far above man's ways. As Creator, God's purpose for His creation is to serve and honor Him, not for man to be focused on getting through life unscathed. Job realized the greatness of God, "I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee...Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes," (Job 42:2,6). And God blessed Job, "So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning..." (Job 42:12a).

   

Knowing why something happened is not nearly as important as realizing that no matter how I feel, nothing - no trial, no tragedy - can separate me from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). Life will continue to be peppered with ups and downs. I can take what comes, knowing that I serve a God who loves me!

Do you get tripped up when you don't understand why something happened? Will you trust God today and exercise faith in His control of your future?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love. Help me to remember that You are in control and can be trusted, even when I don't understand why things happen. I choose to live for You today. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

Wind Blown

It's raining leaves. The weather report promises wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour. Evidence of the accuracy of that report is visible outside my living room window. As the wind blows and the leaves fall, the tree branches are slowly stripped of their colorful foliage. Soon the trees will be bare, until spring once again clothes them with new life.

Life is often punctuated by strong 'wind gusts.' I'm sure you've experienced them - unexpected bills, sudden illnesses, difficulties that rock you to your core. As the 'gusts' strip us of the comforts we hold onto, do we stay standing? Does our faith allow us to cling to the One who can see us through every tempest?

Consider David, Israel's second king. Imagine his wonder and excitement when he was anointed by the prophet, Samuel. David was little more than a youth at the time. I think he knew it would be awhile before he would rule the kingdom, but I'm not sure he could have imagined that it would be many long years before he would actually wear the crown. Years fraught with extreme difficulty. Running for his life from the very one whom he would succeed.

David was in a tricky position. Shortly after he discovered he would someday be king, David found himself working for the man he'd replace, King Saul. He was hired to play the harp when Saul battled an evil spirit. David had to be wondering how God would promote him from head musician to king!

Things got even more complicated. After defeating Goliath, King Saul awarded David the privilege of marrying his daughter, Michal. Now David was related to the king by marriage - Saul's son-in-law. But there were definitely times when King Saul could barely contain his jealousy and rage around David. It wasn't mere coincidence that the king's javelin had narrowly missed him! What was going on? The 'wind gusts' had to be blowing mighty strong in David's mind!

The truth became obvious. King Saul hated David, and would stop at nothing to kill him. Much as the wind strips the leaves from the trees, difficult circumstances forced David to shed all comfort, and run for his life. Yet in the face of extreme persecution, he didn't give in to the powerful 'gusts' of life, he remained standing.

King Saul pursued David relentlessly over the course of several years. David had to be tired. Worn out by the constant pressure to stay one step ahead of the king and his men. When would the madness end? Twice it appeared that the Lord had delivered King Saul into his hands. Each time David's men counseled him to take Saul's life. Each time David resisted revenge and spared the life of the king.

Ponder David's resolve, "And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless? David said furthermore, As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed:" (1 Samuel 26:9-11a; KJV). Amazing!

Thirteen to fifteen years after he was anointed by Samuel, David became King of Israel. Did David battle the 'wind gusts' of life? Absolutely! Was he able to stand in spite of the intense storm? No doubt! Through faith, he clung to the One who gave him strength through it all!

Are you battling 'gusts of wind' in your life today? What will you do to remain standing?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the trials of life that cause me to cling to You. Help me to pray with the Apostle Paul, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand, " (Ephesians 6:13). Help me follow the example of David, who chose Your will above his own. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Numbering My Days

Life is fragile. I was reminded of this stark reality when I received the message. One of my husband's co-workers had been given two weeks to live. The cancer that had been in remission, had returned with a vengeance. My thoughts and prayers turned to the man and his family.

Death isn't a pleasant topic. But as a result of Adam and Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden, it's an age-old reality (Genesis 3). The Apostle Paul spoke about it plainly, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12; KJV).

With my birthday looming only a handful of days away, I can attest to the fact that life passes by quickly. Moses was wise in his advice, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psalms 90:12). But how can I apply my heart to wisdom in the days I have left on this earth? Thankfully the Lord spells it out clearly for me, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." (Psalm 111:10). It's all about reverencing Him. Giving Him his rightful place - first place. Worshipping and obeying Him. And giving Him the praise He is due.

It begins with a relationship. Or should I say, a broken relationship. Years ago I realized that I couldn't bridge the gap between me and God. I couldn't do enough good things to bring myself into fellowship with a holy God. I realized the truth of His Word, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23). I thought about all the times I had disobeyed and chosen to do the wrong things. I had to admit I was a sinner.

Sin demanded a payment. Debt isn't a good thing. Especially if I'm the one who owes the payment. But the only payment that would completely satisfy my sin debt was the one made by Christ on the cross. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord," (Romans 6:23).

In His love and mercy, God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay my sin debt. Christ completed the work necessary to secure my salvation, "But God commendeth (showed) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," (Romans 5:8; parentheses mine).

Christ had done the work, I had a decision to make. Did I believe His death on the cross paid for my sins? Or not? I believed. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved," (Romans 10:9). It's a matter of faith, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast, " (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Having a restored relationship with my Creator made all the difference. Now it's possible to live out the rest of my days on earth applying my heart to wisdom - making much of the Lord and pointing others to the One who makes life worth living!

Have you placed your faith in the One who is able to erase your sin debt? If so, are you applying your heart to wisdom each day?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of life. Thank You most of all, for the gift of eternal life available through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to live wisely, realizing that life is short. In Jesus' name, Amen.