WHAT DO PEOPLE THINK OF JESUS CHRIST
AFTER THEY’VE SPENT TIME WITH YOU & ME ??
Working with you?
Walking with you?
Watching you?
Listening to you?
Living with you?
We are a witness to our world, whether we realize it or not.
AN EVENING OBSERVATION AT THE AIRPORT
It was an early evening-event that occurred at the Portland airport. The specific location was the United Club. These clubs host travellers that carry MANY miles of travel on their “mileage program.” My husband’s travel over the years has earned him more miles than I can handle on my calculator. Because these miles keep accruing over the years, he and “one guest” can approach the various clubs that are located in many airports over the world.
This particular encounter took place just a few days ago as I was in Portland, on my way home to Vancouver, British Columbia. I don’t have access to the club on my own, but I am registered as my husband’s guest. All that was required of me was to show my boarding pass to the receptionist and voila…. I was in!
Locating a seat was no problem, as the mass of people who use these types of facilities, must have been well on their way to their destinations, so the club was reasonably quiet with just a few people here and there.
I positioned myself in a comfortable chair and sauntered over towards the array of
nourishment that was displayed in the corner area of the club. The salad bar seemed attractive to my appetite, so I indulged in a variety of veggies and cheese.
The area where I was sitting seemed void of other travelers, so I was dining by myself. After finishing the salad, I placed my plate and utensil on the side table. I had brought a book to read, but couldn’t get myself in the mood to read, so I just entertained myself by observing people.
Within minutes a lovely waitress-attendant came by and noticed my plate and came over to remove it from the table. Employees of the airline clubs will often attend to the array of food, freshening the display of food, keeping things hot or cold as well as keeping the area pristine.
They seem to keep reappearing to also remove plates and glasses so the area is kept tidy. I sometimes have smiled and shared with them that “I do that at home!” They laugh, but it’s a real treat when someone else assumes that task.
This woman was “distinguished” by me long before she arrived at my table area. She quietly and carefully removed my plate debris and smiled. That’s when my evening began to brighten.
This woman’s smile and gentle attentiveness was a breath of fresh air. Her smiling approach caught my eye, and my heart. As she was removing my plate, I shared how her smile and mannerisms were “contagious.” I think she was somewhat surprised.
Within moments I asked her if she was a “Christian,” and she smiled even larger and responded with a big “yes.” I shared that I was as well. She wasn’t terribly busy, so I took the opportunity of communicating to her some attractive and winsome qualities I observed as I watched her work.
It was obvious that this just wasn’t a job to her! How she conducted herself in serving others was as though she was attentive to each person. I felt like royalty sitting there. Even though she was serving me, I found it was now time to “serve her.”
My heart was full of gratitude, not of what she was doing for me, but her delightful attitude while attending to me. I couldn’t remain silent to this gracious sister-in-the-Lord. Her attitude and smile would have had the ability to melt a room full of ice. How she conducted herself was gracious and giving.
I couldn’t keep silent! Adjectives came flowing out of my mouth about all I was noticing about her demeanor on-the-job. I recall sharing that her “joy to serve” was oozing out of her in abundance. There was an ambience about her appearance……..and it was JESUS!
In previous stories and encounters, I’ve shared how we carry His presence wherever we go and in whatever we do. Jesus’ love was oozing out of her at lightening speed. She was a LIGHT in that club and a delight to observe it. Her “Christ-like wattage” was full of expression and she needed to hear that from me.
So, Joyce, you know who you are and what a shining example of “sincere servanthood and joy.” How the Lord Jesus must be so pleased on how you represent Him at your employment.
Thank you for being Jesus…. with skin on. Your approach and care of details on your job bring excellence to your witness for Him. You’re a breath of heavenly air!
LOOKING BACK….JUST FOR AWHILE
NOURISHMENT for DISCOURAGEMENT
Let me begin with a question for you? Do you ever wake up in the morning in a “not so good mood?” Maybe you’re not comfortable with such a strategic question. But I think most of us would have to admit that moods can sometimes feel like a rain cloud that’s just burst upon our personal horizon.
Depending on our personality, we may or may not feel comfortable airing that in public. But let’s be honest, we’re human and we are susceptible to all sorts of emotion.
This one particular morning a few months ago I woke up “grumpy.” There, I’ve said it! With transparency loitering in this paragraph, my grumpiness moved further down the ladder and before I had my “cuppa coffee,” I felt like God had moved and left me no forwarding address. Write me in the “comments section” if you’ve felt that way too.
I sat down and had my “quiet time” with Jesus, and believe me it was quiet! I was in no mood to even talk. I felt discouragement creeping into my mind, heart and soul. Something within me (it was the Holy Spirit within) urging me to read God’s Word, regardless of how I felt.
Sounds like a mother to a young child, doesn’t it. “Take your medicine, regardless of how you feel.” God has incredible ways of moving us along in our humanness, doesn’t He. He isn’t upset that we have mood swings. He designed us and knows us intimately.
Psalm 33:15 “He made their hearts, so He understands everything they do.”
God fully understands each of us. He knows our intellect, emotions, fear, our inner workings and thoughts. So, He wasn’t “unaware” of how I felt. But He knew what I needed; and it was a glance in my past…..looking back…just for awhile.
When we get in our cars, it’s best to keep your eyes on what’s up front and forward. But there are times and events, when you need to look back for reference purposes. And this morning, God’s “compass of instructions” for me was found in the very Scripture verse I just “happened to read” this morning.
Psalm 37:3 “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.”
It seemed like a lightening bolt lit up those last four words…………
FEED ON HIS FAITHFULNESS
As I’ve shared a number of times, I find it helpful to look up “key words” to expand my thinking and give clarity to what I’ve just read. So, the important word here was “feed.” And may I share my findings on just a few discovery words.
Forage, nurse, eat, consume, devour, swallow, encourage, sustain, strengthen, bolster, nurture and nourish.
After reviewing these words in my mind, it was plain to me that God was asking me to have a “glance back” at some of His faithfulness to me! I wasn’t meant to live there……just park in the rear-view mirror of His wonderful work and provision in my journey down here. Call it memory lane, but He was asking me to review a little of His workings in my life…. nourishing myself in how…….
FAITHFUL HE WAS IN THE PAST…..AND HIS FAITHFULNESS WOULD CONTINUE
IN THE FUTURE
I was drawn to a book that contained my journaling of events and stories where God intervened and did WONDERFUL THINGS in large and small ways that demonstrated to my little heart and life, that He cared and understood, and was carrying out His plans and purpose in my life, regardless of how I felt.
After about an hour of travelling in the past………..my “discouraged heart” rediscovered JOY! God hadn’t moved away, but was there all the time. He was moving and controlling and intervening in the dark, where I couldn’t see Him…..but He was there.
I journaled this discouragement for “future glances” because in life, we all walk through seasons of sadness and disappointment. So much of God’s work seems underground…..where we can’t see. But He’s working nonetheless.
And our “looking back” at His faithfulness is an act of worship.
So, let’s keep tasting God’s Word each day…. for His nourishment to our mind, heart and soul.
Matthew 4:4 “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”
STORMS
Tempests, hurricanes, gales, tornadoes, snowstorms, downpours, outbreaks, eruptions, flareups, outbursts, fumes, waves, explosions
It’s Winter right now. I don’t know where you live, but wherever that is, no doubt you’ll experience various degrees of a storm. In Canada it may be a snow storm, in Arizona, it may be a hot sand storm. There are all kinds of storms in our world. But in this post, I’m referring to an “inner storm.” Issues and difficulties that enter the hemisphere of our lives where we can be tempted to fear and lose our sense of awareness that God knows, cares and is in sovereign control (in complete control) over. Psalm 103: 19 “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty (kingdom) rules over all.”
Early this week, a storm-like event took place in my world. It wasn’t earth-shattering, but I felt the winds blow into my personal path of living. How critical it is, if we belong to the Lord Jesus, to be in His Word every day, because we never know when the sentence or paragraph we read will come alongside us to strengthen us for what we’re facing or about to face.
Let’s not forget that our relationship with Jesus
is “saturated with His grace.”
My tiny storm was an “emotional storm,” not a hurricane, but suffice to say that it was uncomfortable. As I read from a devotional book, the topic was about storms. At the end of the article, a sentence seemed to spell out truth I needed to embrace. It was this:
God makes a pathway in our storms.
Storms are to me, situations we don’t like to face and walk through. Am I alone here? They are times and events that bring us to live in the sometimes awkward, painful or definitely “out of our comfort zone.”
But if we belong to Jesus, He promises to walk “in and through” the storm with us. He has purposes and plans for each of us that will be worked out in and all through the storm. And He promises His grace and care all along the way and for however time in His purpose. Whatever the storm event, tiny or tremendous, it’s all known to Him, and He yearns that we run to Him with it.
Again and again, I’ve been reminded and encouraged to allow God to work out His will and purpose in all of our events (regardless of how small or significant).
It’s looking through the lens of God’s Word, God’s will and God’s ways.
On day one of my little storm, I happen to be in the book of Psalms where it was referring the to Israelites and their journey out of their bondage in Egypt. God was in the process of bringing them out of Egypt…..yet in the storm-events along the way, they didn’t believe Him or trust Him.
We can read in our Bible their entire events summed up, and see the final wrap up of their exit from Egypt. We can often think to ourselves, why wouldn’t they trust Him…..He’s done so many miracles to prove His care and power.
Here are some of the verses that leapt off the page in my reading.
Psalm 77:14 “You are the God Who does wonders.”
Psalm 78:7 “That they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God.”
Psalm 78:11 “And forgot His works.”
Psalm 78:14 “In the daytime He also led them with the cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.” He led them in a way they would know His presence.
Psalm 78:32 “And did not believe in His wondrous works.”
Psalm 78:36 -37 “Nevertheless, they flattered Him with their mouth, and they lied to Him with their tongue…for their heart was not steadfast (unwavering, faithful, loyal, devoted, constant, determined, unflinching) with Him.”
Psalm 78:41-42 “Yes, again and again they tempted God and limited the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember His power.”
After these verses, I was deeply convicted by my attitude. This morning’s read brought a new perspective on what was before me; and alongside that, a new attitude began to emerge. It isn’t important what my storm was, but I was in need of an “attitude adjustment.”
Whatever you may be facing or what you are in the middle of….my prayer is that your heart and mind would be refreshed by His Word and His personal presence with you. He will work in and through our “storms” to show us His love and attentive care, and help our faith in Him to trust and to grow.
I think we can often be critical of the Israelites for not trusting God. But all we need to do is have a “good glance” into our “own lives of our walk with Jesus,” to see that we too, many many times, doubt His ability, power, love and grace to meet our every need.
As God works in our lives while we’re here on earth, He is helping us not only to look more like His Son in our behavior, thought-life, speech, but in what He walks us to and through is to help us “learn to lean and trust Him” daily.
A pastor friend of mine shared this phrase about learning to walk and trust Jesus with our “everyday situations.” It’s a revealing statement for sure. May we live up to these words more and more in our own faith-walk.
WE WILL ACT & LIVE ON WHAT WE REALLY BELIEVE
NEW YEARS’ RESOLUTION
Well, it’s now 2026 and I wonder if you made any “new year’s resolutions?” I haven’t because I’m still working on resolutions I made years ago. Yes, I’m joking with you!! But the thought of resolutions did spark an interest in what it means to have a “resolution” about something. I often find it helpful to “not assume” I know what a word means; so, I invited my thesaurus to help me out in determining what it means to make a RESOLUTION.
Determination, resolve, decisions, promises, vows, decrees, perseverance, purpose, outcome. There are countless adjectives on this term “resolution,” but the last three caught not only my eye, but my heart.
For a few minutes I’d like to camp on three words defining a resolution not only for this new year, but for our life.
PERSEVERANCE: determination, devotion, dedication, drive
PURPOSE: resolve, commitment, intention, reason, use, objective
OUTCOME: consequence, result, conclusion, sequel, value, significance
Questioning these words gives me focus (and I need focus).
So, what are you and I “persevering” or devoted, dedicated to that gives us a drive in a particular direction? Thinking aloud here, we must have an inner resolve so strong that it actually drives us within. We’re all devoted to something or someone in life. Our appetite or determination in the morning moves many of us to a coffee machine, tea bag or toast if we’re hungry. And we persevere in the direction we’re dedicated to, right?!
Our “purpose,” resolve, commitment, reason or objective to enjoying a “cuppa of your choice” is not only for enjoyment, but it adds some motivation, alertness and enthusiasm for the agendas of our day.
The BIG “little” word that is introduced here is the word “agenda.” I paused after typing that word……A G E N D A. It was as though I couldn’t get past it. I feel God wanted me to think more deeply about that word. We employ that term in various ways, don’t we? Many times, it drives and gives compass to our commitments and keeps us dedicated to activities, interests and opportunities.
At the beginning of our year, we face each day, each morning before our Creator. Have we ever considered what “God’s Agenda” for our day might be?
This brings us to the word “outcome.” For our every choice in our days, hours, minutes, seconds, there are results, consequences, that add not only value to our day, but significance to each day.
When I worked as an administrative assistant to my boss, that function in the company was to support my manager in managing daily office operations. As I approached my work area, the first ingredient to my day was to “check in with my boss” to find out what his “agenda” was for that day. And if I was to continue receiving a pay check, (ha ha), his agenda became mine. I’d grab my shorthand pad and head for the chair across from his desk and he would share with me what things were important to accomplish that day.
Now as I came to the word agenda, I couldn’t help but think, what would be God’s agenda, or some of His resolutions for my life this year.
Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This means our deepest desires and focus will follow what we truly value, whether earthly things or eternal spiritual riches. It’s following and prioritizing “heavenly “treasures” over temporary worldly ones. It’s where we invest our time, energy, resources and opportunities.
All this brings us to the third word on resolutions: OUTCOME
Our time in God’s Word, gives us wisdom, discernment, direction, warning, encouragement, joy and strength to attend to God’s agenda (what’s on His heart) for our individual days.
Matthew 6:33 nlt “But seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 6:33 nkj “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
In Matthew chapter 25, verses 14-15 talk about what the “Kingdom of heaven” means, or what it’s like, and it speaks of “talents” or “opportunities” given to different people. Those opportunities were to be “invested.” Why? Because what the people did with what God gave them brought an OUTCOME (consequences, results, value, conclusions, and significance) to peoples’ lives and destinations.
I found David Jeremiah’s comments on that verse critically helpful. Here they are:
“Here, the word talent represents all the opportunities God gives people to serve Him, including their wealth, reputation, abilities and learning. This parable warns believers to diligently take everything God has given and INVEST IT FOR HIS GLORY as they await Christ’s second coming.” David Jeremiah, Jeremiah Study Bible, pgs. 1326-1327
So, let’s get our New Years’ and Every Day’s Resolute Agenda from Him, so we know what’s on “His heart” for each day, hour, minute and second. As we put Him first on our agenda, we’ll be aware of His. Let’s ask Him to make us sensitive to the opportunities as they appear.
Regardless of the amount or size of our opportunities entrusted to us each day, let’s be faithful in the tiny, obscure, seemingly insignificant matters of life He places before us to bring glory to God. LET’S MAKE GOD LOOK GOOD in all our ways, and on all our days.
LET’S EXTEND OUR MASTER’S INFLUENCE!!!
THE GIFT OF HIS PRESENCE
Emmanuel – God with us!
We sing about Emmanuel in December…. but it’s a truth we can sing and embrace each and every day! HIS PRESENCE IS HIS RESIDENCE in His children…those who have put their lives and trust in His Son Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. We can light up our minds and hearts in the season…but in reality, His light is within us all the time, in every “season of our lives.” If our life-for-Christ-wattage was shown on a Multimeter, what would be our number? 200-watt, 60 watts, 25 watts, or a night light?
Like the air we breathe, we don’t understand it or see it, but just because we can’t do either, doesn’t mean it’s not real and essential for life here on earth.
Jesus came for a purpose: to show us who God is and what He’s like. He came to be the perfect sacrifice to pay our death penalty for all our sins, so we could be forgiven and brought into a right relationship with an absolutely Holy God. The gift of Christmas is CHRIST – what a GIFT!
But before He left this world, He “gifted His followers” with the announcement that even though He was leaving, He would be asking the Father to send another Helper (just like Him). He was referring to the Spirit of Truth…the Holy Spirit: the third Person of the Trinity. And that He would be with them forever.
He would teach the disciples all things and remind them of everything Jesus had said to His followers when He was on earth. He told them to wait for the arrival of this Gift. And at just the right time, He came. This must have seemed like the longest 10 days of waiting.
As a child, do you recall a special time of “waiting” for an anticipated Christmas gift? Some children (regardless of their age) aren’t good “waiters.” They sneak around the house asking odd questions, shaking wrapped boxes, checking their weight, promising to be on better behavior and on and on.
Any gifts under the tree weren’t there because of your behavior, they were there because you were loved! That’s a reminder to us all, that He wants to reside within us…not because we’re on good behavior or do good things (because we can never measure up to perfection), but because He loves us and wants to live within us.
JESUS IS THE PRESENCE OF GOD…..…TO US
The phrase at Christmas is true: Jesus is the reason for the season, the only reason.
JESUS IS THE PRESENCE OF GOD……..IN US
We can think of other occasions where we “gift others.” We give to others because we’re loving them or reaching out to them in practical, tangible ways. Ways they can SEE & FEEL!
As we “live out that truth” in the “laboratory of our life,” we become blessings to others in the world “around us:” on the streets where we live.
Because He is RESIDENT within us, we each carry the presence of the Savior within us wherever we go and in whatever we’re doing. That’s “thrilling and astounding!” We often look at that truth without pondering it’s meaning and relevance in the shoe-leather of our living. Whether diapering a wee baby, making a dinner, cleaning toilets, at church, school or the office…it makes no difference. When you were pregnant with your child, he/she went where you went.
You know, when we consume garlic, we don’t need to announce its presence…because, it just OOZES OUT OF US. That’s what His presence in us longs to do in our lives! Talk about influence and impact! What an astonishing ambition that should be our life goal…to REPRESENT OUR LORD AND SAVIOR …influencing and affecting others in a winsome, truthful and loving way. The world can see God through the lives of His children!
JESUS IS THE PRESENCE OF GOD……THROUGH US
When we see and recognize God on the pages of our past and present, it’s His invitation to become involved in His agenda for that day.” When we demonstrate LOVE in some practical way, we are showing Jesus to the “world in front of us.” We’re making the invisible God visible to the world around us.
God isn’t interested in perfection…just faithfulness in the little things, what to us may mean mundane and seemingly insignificant in the area of life. But we’re called to allow Jesus to “live out His plans and purposes” in our life. HE KNOWS US intimately and is orchestrating the STORY OF OUR LIFE, one moment at a time, one day at a time, one week at a time, one month at a time, one year at a time and….one experience at a time.
We can’t touch everyone in the world, but we can touch one or two of the people in the world around us……putting on His glasses, the “lens of love,” to see people around us as He sees them.
It’s being “fully present” in our conversations with others, not glancing around to see what other person might we need to speak with or glancing at our cell phones.
The other day I saw a photo of four people sitting at a coffee shop. No one spoke as they were all addictively-connected to the screens on their phone.
Regardless of our place in life, we are an influencer! Our lives can motivate, persuade, win over, shape, and have a marvelous affect on people toward the love Christ has for them. We need to “be the gospel…. the good news… with skin on.” So, people can see and feel the love of Christ through our little, insignificant to us, oatmeal-like lives…for the glory of God.
Let’s more fully embrace the habit of “beholding others.” I love the story about Jesus and Zacchaeus (the short-statured tax collector perched in a sycamore tree). His past vocation was to rip people off. Jesus gave him the look of a lifetime. Zach was in a crowd of people, but Jesus wasn’t looking at the crowd, but was focused on one man. Jesus invited himself to Zach’s house and the rest was history. Zach was converted and became a changed man.
“Do we “behold” others, or “view them” as scenery?” “Right Here, Right Now”
Mother Teresa once said: “I don’t see crowds, I see individuals.”
I find myself wondering if the fascination of Twitter and Facebook is mistakenly conceived as simple unabashed narcissism, but is actually (at least in part) a cry of “Please see me, I am here, and I exist!” “Right Here, Right Now”
JESUS IS THE PRESENCE OF GOD…..
TO US
IN US
THROUGH US
A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
“I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions.”
Psalm 77:10,11
REPOSTED…………….AS ERRORS WERE FOUND. Thank you!
We’re often told that you can’t move forward with continual glances in the rear-view mirror of our life. That may be partially true, but there are what I’d refer to as “good glances!”
I don’t know about you, but when I’m discouraged about painful things done to me or said about me, or when it seems like my prayers never seem to carry them to the altitude of God’s ears, or life circumstances seem so difficult, my old nature within me seems to wander in the wilderness of despair. I know God is present within me, but He seems like He’s moved and left no forwarding address.
These thoughts creep in from what seems like “out of nowhere.” They’re uninvited guests in my mind. Have you camped out there recently? That’s when we need to move our inner GPS to a new camp site!!
Several months ago, I was ‘emotionally parked’ at a depressing location. I was walking and working in the menial areas of living with not a happy attitude. My focus was on either things that seemed to be going wrong, or my expectations were in a dovetail spin.
Like in the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve opted for a fruit tree God said not to partake of, God came looking for them. He called out to them inquiring, “Where are you?” Yes, He knew where “they were” but they didn’t want to be located just then. Their sin had taken on the consequences of their disobedience and they became distant and cold toward God.
In the U.S.A., there are campsites throughout the country. They’re called KOA!
This particular “not-so-good day” seemed to call out to me. I sensed He was inviting me to a new and better campsite …. a KOA (Kinder Options Available).
At times, don’t you just hate your old nature! Notice I didn’t place a question mark behind the comment. I was looking at all the wrong things or difficult things in my life; and they were blinding me to God’s goodness in my life.
HAVE YOU BEEN THERE? Or am I alone in this photograph?
Even though my heart wasn’t in it…..I picked up my Bible and began reading the next chapter from where I left off. Psalm 77 was in front of my eyes and the more I read, the more my heart was changed. God moved my “inner compass” to verses 10 and 11.
I will REMEMBER…………Your wonders
I will REFLECT on all……. You have done
I will MEDITATE on all…..Your actions
Many times, we can see God’s hand of care and sovereignty more clearly when we look at the rear-view mirror of our lives. Well, it was time to get in my “spiritual car” and glance into the rear-view activity of God in my life.
There is spiritual value and devotion of taking time to remember His works in my life. To remember is more than just a quick reflection, but to focus, ponder and think deeply of all He’s done for each of us; and then to evaluate them in such a way that they cause us to realize and affirm various aspects of His character and activity in our lives.
HIS GOODNESS, HIS MERCY, HIS FAITHFULNESS, HIS PATIENCE, HIS TENDERNESS, HIS WISDOM, HIS ATTENTIVENESS TO DETAILS, HIS KNOWLEDGE OF OUR EVERY STEP
Yes, He is at work, and so much of His work is “underground” and unseen at the time. My faith wanted sight, and looking back I could sometimes see what was formerly unavailable to see. He’s working all the time, even when I can’t see Him or His activity.
I continued reading Psalm 78, verse 7 “They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God’s works.”
Remembering, reflecting and meditating on just some of what God has done in our lives brings a “renewed spirit filled with hope and encouragement.”
When we’re refreshed by what God has done, let’s not keep it a secret! At an appropriate opportunity tell someone else. Everyone needs encouragement!
Proverbs 11, verse 25 “A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Isaiah 64, verse 4 “No one has ever heard, perceived, or seen a God like the One who acts for those who wait for Him.”
GOD WORKS FOR HIS PEOPLE!!
I think there is a common denominator amongst all of us. We can be like the Israelites in a New York minute. Looking together at the miracles of their exit from Egypt, we often look at their attitudes “after the exit” and wonder how in the world could they forget what God did?
Well, fellow traveler, I can be there in no time, and I think if you’re honest, you can join me as well in the “forgetfulness camp.”
Let’s remember, reflect and meditate on just some of the things God did for His people as they were in the process of exiting Egypt:
Psalm 78:12 “He worked wonders in the sight of their fathers in the land of
Egypt…..”
Psalm 78:13 “He split the sea and brought them across; the water stood firm
like a wall.”
Psalm 78:14 “In the daytime also He led them with the cloud, and all the night
with a light of fire.
- He led them in a way they would know His presence
Psalm 78:18 “And they tested God in their heart by asking for the food of their fancy.”
- Food they especially missed or enjoyed or what was special to them. They wanted what they wanted to satisfy their craving/appetite
- They wanted their desires over what God wanted them to have at that time.
Honesty prevailing, I can be there in a minute myself, desiring what I think is best instead of what God wants me to have or do. A good prayer here would be: Lord, help me desire.. YOUR DESIRES.
Verse 19: “They said, ‘Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?’”
Verse 20: “Behold He struck the rock, so that the waters gushed out, and the
streams overflowed.”
Verse 21: “Therefore the Lord heard this and was furious. So, a fire was
kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel.”
Verse 22: “Because they did not believe in God, and did not trust in His
salvation.
Verse 23-25: “Yet He gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; He rained down manna for the people to eat, He gave them the grain of heaven. Human beings ate the bread of angels; He sent them all the food they could eat.
Verse 26: “He caused an east wind to blow in the heavens; and by His power
He brought in the south wind.”
Verse 27: “And He let them fall in the midst of their camp, all around their
dwellings. So, they are and were well-filled, for He gave them their
own desire.
Verse 30: “They were not deprived of their craving. But while their food
was in their mouths, the wrath of God came against them, and
slew the stoutest of them, and struck down the choice men of
Israel.”
Verse 32: “In spite of this, they still sinned, and did not believe in His
wondrous works.”
Verse 40: “How often they (His people Israel) provoked Him in the
wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert.”
Verse 41: “Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One
of Israel.”
Verse 42: “They did not remember His power, the day when He redeemed
them from the enemy……” etc.
Verse 43: “They did not remember when He performed His miraculous
signs in Egypt and His wonders…” in His bringing them out of Egypt.
The:
– rivers into blood – flood
– swarms of flies – firstborn struck
– frogs & locust devastation – hail
– crop devastation
–
Verse 52: “He led His people out like sheep and guided them like a flock in the
wilderness.”
Verse 53: “He led them safely, and they were not afraid; but the sea covered
their enemies.”
Verse 54: “He brought them to His Holy territory, to the mountain….”
Verse 55: “He drove out nations before them. He apportioned their inheritance
by lot and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents.”
So, as I looked over these verses, why in the world, or better yet, how in the world could they FORGET WHAT GOD HAD DONE FOR THEM?
Before we get too lofty in our “judgmental evaluation” of His people there: what about you and me? The same question could be asked of each of us. I found it very convicting if I put my name in the question if addressed to my life. How’s that for confession of sin? It’s not pretty, but it’s honest.
Dianne, how could you forget all I’ve done in your life to provide for you and help you walk in My ways?
______ (your name) __________how could you forget all I’ve done in your life to provide for you and help you walk in My ways?
In reading this blog, maybe you’ve never asked Jesus Christ to come into your life and to be the Master over your journey down here……preparing you for heaven. He’s available to ALL people, but like a gracious gift, we need to “receive Him” and what He did on the cross for each and every human being…..taking the punishment for our sins and offering complete forgiveness and a clean slate before the Father.
John, chapter 1, verse 12: “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”
Romans, chapter 10, verse 13: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
This places a person in God’s family by way of a Spiritual Adoption. Gifts aren’t earned…. they are received!
The truth of these verses in Psalm 78 highlight where we all can be at any moment of our life…..’forgetting about God’s presence and care.’ Can’t we thank the Lord Jesus for His tremendous mercy, compassion and faithfulness to us in our own ‘forgetfulness.”
Psalm, chapter103, verse 14: “For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.”
God understands our human limitations and weaknesses and His mercy, love and compassion are based on His understanding of each of us…not our own abilities of strength.
Wrapping this up, we ALL can forget what God has done for us and His promise to continue His work in us, for us and through us…..until He takes us “home” to be in His presence.
The closing words in my journal this day was:
“Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me and don’t be afraid.”
COMPASS QUESTION………………
How will your life and mine be different today because of what I have just read from God’s Word and His Spirit’s voice through people and my circumstances??
A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
“I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions.”
Psalm 77:10,11
REPOSTED…………….AS ERRORS WERE FOUND. Thank you!
We’re often told that you can’t move forward with continual glances in the rear-view mirror of our life. That may be partially true, but there are what I’d refer to as “good glances!”
I don’t know about you, but when I’m discouraged about painful things done to me or said about me, or when it seems like my prayers never seem to carry them to the altitude of God’s ears, or life circumstances seem so difficult, my old nature within me seems to wander in the wilderness of despair. I know God is present within me, but He seems like He’s moved and left no forwarding address.
These thoughts creep in from what seems like “out of nowhere.” They’re uninvited guests in my mind. Have you camped out there recently? That’s when we need to move our inner GPS to a new camp site!!
Several months ago, I was ‘emotionally parked’ at a depressing location. I was walking and working in the menial areas of living with not a happy attitude. My focus was on either things that seemed to be going wrong, or my expectations were in a dovetail spin.
Like in the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve opted for a fruit tree God said not to partake of, God came looking for them. He called out to them inquiring, “Where are you?” Yes, He knew where “they were” but they didn’t want to be located just then. Their sin had taken on the consequences of their disobedience and they became distant and cold toward God.
In the U.S.A., there are campsites throughout the country. They’re called KOA!
This particular “not-so-good day” seemed to call out to me. I sensed He was inviting me to a new and better campsite …. a KOA (Kinder Options Available).
At times, don’t you just hate your old nature! Notice I didn’t place a question mark behind the comment. I was looking at all the wrong things or difficult things in my life; and they were blinding me to God’s goodness in my life.
HAVE YOU BEEN THERE? Or am I alone in this photograph?
Even though my heart wasn’t in it…..I picked up my Bible and began reading the next chapter from where I left off. Psalm 77 was in front of my eyes and the more I read, the more my heart was changed. God moved my “inner compass” to verses 10 and 11.
I will REMEMBER…………Your wonders
I will REFLECT on all……. You have done
I will MEDITATE on all…..Your actions
Many times, we can see God’s hand of care and sovereignty more clearly when we look at the rear-view mirror of our lives. Well, it was time to get in my “spiritual car” and glance into the rear-view activity of God in my life.
There is spiritual value and devotion of taking time to remember His works in my life. To remember is more than just a quick reflection, but to focus, ponder and think deeply of all He’s done for each of us; and then to evaluate them in such a way that they cause us to realize and affirm various aspects of His character and activity in our lives.
HIS GOODNESS, HIS MERCY, HIS FAITHFULNESS, HIS PATIENCE, HIS TENDERNESS, HIS WISDOM, HIS ATTENTIVENESS TO DETAILS, HIS KNOWLEDGE OF OUR EVERY STEP
Yes, He is at work, and so much of His work is “underground” and unseen at the time. My faith wanted sight, and looking back I could sometimes see what was formerly unavailable to see. He’s working all the time, even when I can’t see Him or His activity.
I continued reading Psalm 78, verse 7 “They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God’s works.”
Remembering, reflecting and meditating on just some of what God has done in our lives brings a “renewed spirit filled with hope and encouragement.”
When we’re refreshed by what God has done, let’s not keep it a secret! At an appropriate opportunity tell someone else. Everyone needs encouragement!
Proverbs 11, verse 25 “A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Isaiah 64, verse 4 “No one has ever heard, perceived, or seen a God like the One who acts for those who wait for Him.”
GOD WORKS FOR HIS PEOPLE!!
I think there is a common denominator amongst all of us. We can be like the Israelites in a New York minute. Looking together at the miracles of their exit from Egypt, we often look at their attitudes “after the exit” and wonder how in the world could they forget what God did?
Well, fellow traveler, I can be there in no time, and I think if you’re honest, you can join me as well in the “forgetfulness camp.”
Let’s remember, reflect and meditate on just some of the things God did for His people as they were in the process of exiting Egypt:
Psalm 78:12 “He worked wonders in the sight of their fathers in the land of
Egypt…..”
Psalm 78:13 “He split the sea and brought them across; the water stood firm
like a wall.”
Psalm 78:14 “In the daytime also He led them with the cloud, and all the night
with a light of fire.
- He led them in a way they would know His presence
Psalm 78:18 “And they tested God in their heart by asking for the food of their fancy.”
- Food they especially missed or enjoyed or what was special to them. They wanted what they wanted to satisfy their craving/appetite
- They wanted their desires over what God wanted them to have at that time.
Honesty prevailing, I can be there in a minute myself, desiring what I think is best instead of what God wants me to have or do. A good prayer here would be: Lord, help me desire.. YOUR DESIRES.
Verse 19: “They said, ‘Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?’”
Verse 20: “Behold He struck the rock, so that the waters gushed out, and the
streams overflowed.”
Verse 21: “Therefore the Lord heard this and was furious. So, a fire was
kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel.”
Verse 22: “Because they did not believe in God, and did not trust in His
salvation.
Verse 23-25: “Yet He gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; He rained down manna for the people to eat, He gave them the grain of heaven. Human beings ate the bread of angels; He sent them all the food they could eat.
Verse 26: “He caused an east wind to blow in the heavens; and by His power
He brought in the south wind.”
Verse 27: “And He let them fall in the midst of their camp, all around their
dwellings. So, they are and were well-filled, for He gave them their
own desire.
Verse 30: “They were not deprived of their craving. But while their food
was in their mouths, the wrath of God came against them, and
slew the stoutest of them, and struck down the choice men of
Israel.”
Verse 32: “In spite of this, they still sinned, and did not believe in His
wondrous works.”
Verse 40: “How often they (His people Israel) provoked Him in the
wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert.”
Verse 41: “Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One
of Israel.”
Verse 42: “They did not remember His power, the day when He redeemed
them from the enemy……” etc.
Verse 43: “They did not remember when He performed His miraculous
signs in Egypt and His wonders…” in His bringing them out of Egypt.
The:
– rivers into blood – flood
– swarms of flies – firstborn struck
– frogs & locust devastation – hail
– crop devastation
–
Verse 52: “He led His people out like sheep and guided them like a flock in the
wilderness.”
Verse 53: “He led them safely, and they were not afraid; but the sea covered
their enemies.”
Verse 54: “He brought them to His Holy territory, to the mountain….”
Verse 55: “He drove out nations before them. He apportioned their inheritance
by lot and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents.”
So, as I looked over these verses, why in the world, or better yet, how in the world could they FORGET WHAT GOD HAD DONE FOR THEM?
Before we get too lofty in our “judgmental evaluation” of His people there: what about you and me? The same question could be asked of each of us. I found it very convicting if I put my name in the question if addressed to my life. How’s that for confession of sin? It’s not pretty, but it’s honest.
Dianne, how could you forget all I’ve done in your life to provide for you and help you walk in My ways?
______ (your name) __________how could you forget all I’ve done in your life to provide for you and help you walk in My ways?
In reading this blog, maybe you’ve never asked Jesus Christ to come into your life and to be the Master over your journey down here……preparing you for heaven. He’s available to ALL people, but like a gracious gift, we need to “receive Him” and what He did on the cross for each and every human being…..taking the punishment for our sins and offering complete forgiveness and a clean slate before the Father.
John, chapter 1, verse 12: “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”
Romans, chapter 10, verse 13: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
This places a person in God’s family by way of a Spiritual Adoption. Gifts aren’t earned…. they are received!
The truth of these verses in Psalm 78 highlight where we all can be at any moment of our life…..’forgetting about God’s presence and care.’ Can’t we thank the Lord Jesus for His tremendous mercy, compassion and faithfulness to us in our own ‘forgetfulness.”
Psalm, chapter103, verse 14: “For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.”
God understands our human limitations and weaknesses and His mercy, love and compassion are based on His understanding of each of us…not our own abilities of strength.
Wrapping this up, we ALL can forget what God has done for us and His promise to continue His work in us, for us and through us…..until He takes us “home” to be in His presence.
The closing words in my journal this day was:
“Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me and don’t be afraid.”
COMPASS QUESTION………………
How will your life and mine be different today because of what I have just read from God’s Word and His Spirit’s voice through people and my circumstances??
A SWEET DELIVERY
It was an “ordinary day” when I headed out for my morning walk. We were living in Arizona at the time. It was in the middle of December, and my morning walks were refreshing, cool and enjoyable, as opposed to the hotter seasons.
I’d often see others out walking, but this day, I was alone (with my little Papillon dog) hustling her four legs in an excited pace. It seemed like she was anticipating a surprise of some kind. The only surprise I was on the lookout for was an appearance of a coyote. They roam our area often, so we carry a whistle and keep a keen observation at all times.
About half a mile from home, it seemed something caught my eye that appeared in the middle of an intersection I was approaching. The closer I got; it was apparent that someone had ACCIDENTALLY dropped a “gift-wrapped” box in this location.
Who would do such a thing? After all, it was an area where cars would pass by. But as I thought more about it, in our area there were more golf carts travelling up and down the streets in the neighborhood than cars. So, putting two and two together, I assumed someone had this gift box on the seat of their golf cart and when they turned the corner, the box slipped off the seat onto the street.
Well, at least I thought that might be the cause. Then again, people do pull pranks. As I came closer, I crossed the street and sure enough there in the middle of the intersection was a gift-wrapped box of Belgian chocolates.
The obvious owner never realized his loss of chocolates in time. I couldn’t just let this nicely wrapped box remain there, could I? And, there was no one there to inquire about its owner.
Another obvious concern was that even though it was December, the sun was blazing its glory on this box, so it needed to be removed before things got messy. I guess you could say I was now in charge of “damage control.”
It’s beautifully wrapped! What a wonderful variety of chocolates, dark and milk chocolates in all sorts of designs. At least that’s what the photo and card on the outside of the package said. WHAT A GIFT!
Well, the truth of the situation is that the Lord directs our steps and He was delighting me with a very “sweet surprise.”
I took ownership and headed home (I didn’t want the chocolates to melt). The wrapping was inviting me to partake of a sample taste. But before I could begin the “grand opening,” the Lord reminded me of someone who could use some “sweet encouragement.”
As this individual came to mind, my first thought was: “Would they enjoy Belgium chocolates? Are you kidding, who wouldn’t. So, I placed them in a safe place, the refrigerator, (as apposed to my mouth) as a holding tank for these delights.
The following day I “gifted the chocolates” to a hard-working yard maintenance man. He was delighted, to say the least. And no, I didn’t tell him where the box came from. Those details could remain anonymous.
Soon afterwards, I got to thinking…..what if they weren’t really chocolates. What if they were a gag gift and filled with something not-so-nice. Oh my, the receiver of the box thought it was a gift from me. So much for my “damage control.”
Well, it was a gift from me all right, but I wasn’t the original purchaser of this product. How in the world am I going to know if this was going to be a disaster or delight.
The following week, the answer came. The maintenance man approaching me with a big smile on his face, so I could begin to breathe easier.
This anonymous “gift giver” was pleased to pass along the chocolates to a well-deserving person; but next time, I think I’ll open the box first…to make certain the candy is authentic. Don’t you think that’s the appropriate way to handle it?
And yes, the photo is authentic!
ENCOURAGEMENT IN BOTH DIRECTIONS
Have you ever looked at something, say a book, and found yourself moving it forward to get a better, clearer view? Well, we can just imagine what age bracket you might be entering or residing in. A few years ago, my husband and I found that our eyes were changing. We’d gone through the “accordion view of things” (moving things inward and outward for a more focused view).
After a few weeks of very tiny observation, I bit the bullet and made an eye appointment. As I was sitting in the waiting room, I noticed a rather large sign on the wall. It was a caricature of a little boy that obviously had just put on his first pair of glasses. It read as follows:
DEAR GOD,
I CAN SEE YOU MUCH BETTER
WITH MY NEW GLASSES
I chuckled to myself and came to the conclusion I was in the right office, waiting for the right doctor. I wasn’t seeing things as clearly as they really were. And, new glasses weren’t going to be the answer to my dilemma. Even though I appreciated the conclusions from the eye doctor, she informed me that I needed to see a “new friend,” an OPHTHALMOLOGIST. That’s pronounced phonetically: op thal molo gist !
A few years had passed and it was now time to “see” what else might be required to help “bring things into focus” for me. As a couple, my husband suggested I go first (how thoughtful of him) and see how things go, and he would follow suit.
A highly recommended ophthalmologist’s name was given to me and an appointment was made. As I entered the waiting room for my first appointment, there were no cute little signs as before. The staff were pleasant and very accommodating. I was ushered into a room with about four machines. This event seemed more strategic than the regular eye doctor.
Tests were done and the physician came in and announced that in order to have a more unencumbered view of things, it would require having cataract surgery on both eyes. It didn’t take me long to agree with this specialist. After all, he not only had all the equipment to prove the point, but the paper evidence of his degrees of education to back up his findings.
Cutting this story to the point: an appointment for my first surgery was made. This surgery was performed in Arizona. I was informed that I would require a ride home. That seemed obvious, so my husband accompanied me as far as the waiting room.
This surgeon had a surgical clinic that resembled a hospital setting with beds, nurses and anesthesiologists and the like. When my name was called, they escorted me to a private little setting with curtains adjacent to the portable gurney. I could tell it was portable due to the wheels at the bottom.
Yes, there I was getting “cozy posy” with a nice warm blanket. The blanket wasn’t provided because it was a cool setting; I think it was to calm a patients’ nerves…. (and it worked). They took my blood pressure and announced that the surgeon and “nite nite doctor” will stop by soon to go over the procedure. One felt as though they were the only patient…..but actually we were all “bedded down” with selected times for each person’s procedure and separated only by a thin cloth wall. Actually, if you were outside my curtain area, each patient was lined up like ducks waiting to enter the pond.
Every aspect of the appointment was SPECTACULAR. Any apprehension one may have felt was soon removed. The ophthalmologist was personable, caring and very thorough in every way. Soon after his exit, the “nite nite” doctor entered my temporary abode. He too assured me that he would be looking after me with regards to my “not remembering anything.” (I liked that part!)
About thirty minutes later, the nurse and anesthesiologist came to accompany me (on the gurney) to my new destination. I never remember arriving, so I think he released the “nite nite” liquid en route to the operating room.
Everything went well and in six weeks, I was back to have the other eye attended to. Just to note, that my husband then felt very comfortable in having both of his eyes attended to removing his cataracts. Wasn’t that a great idea of “his” to have me go first??!!
Now, to the point of my story. I was so relieved and impressed by the attention to detail this doctor took with my surgery that I wrote a detailed letter to him to thank him for his exemplary work. Yes, I know it was “his job,” but don’t we all feel valued and encouraged when someone takes the time and effort to express gratitude “on paper.” I thought that was the end of that journey with the physician.
Two weeks later, the OPHTHALMOLOGIST WROTE ME BACK.
Here was his “hand-written” note to me.
Dear Dianne,
Thank you so much for your incredible thank you letter!
I am so thrilled you are doing so well with your surgery!
I aim to achieve this with each and everyone of my patients!
Regardless of a person’s occupation, each and every one welcomes and values a “thank you” note of appreciation for their work. I don’t think it would be a bad idea to carry with us in our purse or car, thank you notes to “distribute freely as necessary.” You may “make someone’s day!” Or……”their month!”
Oh, that we might thank the Lord Jesus often for our own eye sight. Many people have never had the privilege of being able to see, or have lost their eye-sight and would give anything to see again. Whether we have full vision, partial vision or lost vision, God would yearn for us to “see and perceive” with our “inner vision” His work in and around our lives. Our physical eyes aren’t the only vision God has allowed us to have.
Cups of Cold Water 