Wednesday, August 31, 2016

SHIELDED

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – 
kept in heaven for you,
who through faith are shielded by God’s power
until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed 
in the last time.”
1 Peter 1:3-5

aphthartŏs862 – undecaying (in essence or continuance)): - not (in-, un-) corruptible, immortal.

phrŏurĕō5432 – to be a watcher in advance, i.e. to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); fig. to hem in, protect: - keep (with a garrison).

            It is such a comfort in times of distress to remember that God’s power is available to me and protecting me. I believe this is an assurance that once I have come to Christ and surrendered my life to him, nothing can remove the security of salvation from me. Nothing “can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39b). My eternal life with Christ is a certainty because it does not depend on anything I can or cannot do. God is responsible for keeping me, and he is able to watch over me until I leave this earth to be with him whether by death or by being caught up in the clouds (I Thessalonians 4:17).
            I imagine myself as that tiny cluster of purple flowers above, surrounded by white clad angels sent by my loving Father to guard me. The angels and the Holy Spirit are invisible to my human eyes. But the angels surround me, and the Holy Spirit dwells within me to help me live successfully for the Lord in this life and to guide me ever toward my heavenly home.

            Father, thank you for this living hope you have given me through Christ’s death and resurrection. Thank you that salvation does not depend on my ability to serve you, but rather you saved me first and daily empower me to live for you. 


Tuesday, August 30, 2016

GRACE AND PEACE BE YOURS

“May grace (spiritual blessing) and peace be given you in increasing abundance –
that spiritual peace to be realized in and through Christ,
freedom from fears, agitating passions and moral conflicts.”
1 Peter 1:2b (Amplified Version)

ĕirēnē1515 – peace (lit. of fig.); by impl. prosperity: - one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.

            It’s hard to imagine beginning Sunday school by saying, “Good morning, y’all. Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” I think everyone would look at me pretty strangely. However, I plan to try it next week. It’s even a more remote idea to walk up to a Christian friend at work or in the neighborhood and greet them in this manner. But what a wonderful greeting it is!
            I love the Amplified Version above. Are these the things we hope for our fellow believers? People are torn in so many directions in our lightening paced society. I know I often feel fragmented and agitated. The peace Peter asked the Lord to give his brothers in Christ was a peace that would restore them to wholeness and oneness with God. I desire this peace for myself and pray that you may have it as well. Perhaps if we greet or leave each other with this blessing as Peter did, we can start a movement in the direction of relying on God’s grace for our well-being. When we realize the power we have in Christ to live abundantly as God intended, rather than just exist from day to day, the world might just be turned upside down again!

            Father, help me to bless others not just with words but with loving actions, giving of myself as Christ gave himself for me. 

Monday, August 29, 2016

SCATTERED SEED

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, 
to God’s elect, strangers in the world,
scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia
Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
who have been chosen according to 
the foreknowledge of God the Father,
through the sanctifying work of the Spirit,
for obedience to Jesus Christ 
and sprinkling by his blood:”
1 Peter 1:1-2

diaspŏra1290 – from 1289; dispersion, i.e. (spec. and concr.) the (converted) Isr. resident in Gentile countries: - (which are) scattered (abroad).

diaspĕirō1289 – to sow throughout, i.e. (fig.) distribute in foreign lands: - scatter abroad.

hupakŏē5218 – attentive hearkening, i.e. (by impl.) compliance or submission: - obedience, (make) obedient, obey (-ing).

            When persecution distributed the early church to Gentile countries, it was not an accident. God was deliberately sowing Abraham’s seed into fertile soil, causing the church to grow and the Gentiles to be blessed. Like those early Christians, we have been chosen by God, are being sanctified by the Spirit, and are to obey Jesus Christ. God may also use things that seem unpleasant at the time to move us into a position of service prepared for us in advance. He may sow us into a new job, different neighborhood, or even a different country.
            When my father was transferred to England, it was a difficult move for him and Mom. They left children and grandchildren. I moved out of home for the first time and stayed in Texas. However, I believe the Lord planted them in Lakenheath to minister to others who were far from home. My parents were surrogate parents to many air force personnel and stand-in grandparents for their children. Mother counseled young military wives and made good friends with her British neighbors as well. Dad served as deacon in a church since he and mom had walked with the Lord longer than most of the congregation.

            Father, help me to “bloom” wherever you plant me and to be obedient to spread your word to those who desperately need your saving grace. May my seed continue to be scattered long after I’m gone, just as the blooms above turn into puff balls of spores that you scatter with the wind.


Sunday, August 28, 2016


Joy Inexpressible

The faith that leads to salvation,
Complete trust in Jesus Christ
Even though I’ve never seen Him
Has completely transformed my life.
I now have joy inexpressible
And life abundant and free
Because of the love of my Savior
Who gave His life for me.
Then He became the firstborn
Of those who will rise from the grave,
For all who believe and trust in Him
He will irrevocably save.
I rejoice that He is now with me,
His Holy Spirit teaching and guiding.
But this cannot possibly compare to the joy
When forever with Him I will be abiding.



Friday, August 26, 2016

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Monday, August 22, 2016

Sunday, August 21, 2016

ONLY THE BEGINNING

Only the Beginning – 7/29/2016

John recorded signs
And wonders Jesus performed.
He informed us Jesus was the Word,
Creating everything that was formed.
John recorded Jesus’ High Priestly prayer;
for all believers He petitioned God,
even for those who were not yet born
when Jesus walked on this earth’s sod.
John penned the passion week story
That had us both in tears,
But then he told us of the resurrection
Of the times our living Lord appeared.
John ended his gospel by explaining
He had written a minimal account,
For all the things Jesus said and did
Would fill books one could not count!


Friday, August 19, 2016

WEEDS

You will sustain me as you’ve promised in your word.         (Psalm 119:116)
No one or nothing can separate me from your love.             (Romans 8:38-39)
You will finish the work you have started in my life.           (Philippians 1:6)
By your Spirit and your word, I’m guided from above.          (John 16:13-15)


“I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.
You are my refuge and my shield; 
I have put my hope in your word.
Away from me, you evildoers, 
that I may keep the commands of my God!
Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; 
do not let my hopes be dashed.
Uphold me, and I will be delivered; 
I will always have regard for your decrees.
You reject all who stray from your decrees, 
for their deceitfulness is in vain.
All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; 
therefore I love your statutes.
My flesh trembles in fear of you; 
I stand in awe of your laws.”
Psalm 119:113-120

WEEDS

            Pulling weeds.  Sounds like an unpleasant job, right?  I enjoy pulling weeds. Why? Because I know that if I pull the few weeds that come up early in the spring, I can prevent having a yard full of weeds in the summer.  Oh yes, I use pre-emergent weed killer, and later distribute weed and feed all over the lawn and water it in well; but there are always a few weeds that escape the pre-emergent stage and are hard to kill once they are full grown.  Those are the ones that have to be pulled or dug out if I desire a flawless carpet of green, and I’ll probably have to do it all over again next year if not all of my neighbors tend their lawns.
            God is referred to as a husbandman or gardener in scripture.  He nurtures his garden, the church.  He sprinkles on the pre-emergent evil killer, the law we are taught from our youth and the milk of the word we learn when we first come to know him.  Then he applies his weed and feed, his word preached and read that shows us the areas we need to yield to him so that desired growth occurs. Sometimes he pulls weeds.  He pulls weeds in our lives by removing things that hinder our walk with him.  He also pulls the stubborn weeds who never surrender their lives to him at all and “discards them like dross.”  He continues to work in our lives year after year to purify his garden.

            The next time you’re pulling weeds, remember to thank God for taking care of the garden of your life.  Allow him to remove the weeds of bad habits, and dangerous friendships as soon as he identifies them in your life.  Read the Bible and apply it in your life to prevent weeds before they emerge and stop the ones that are already growing.  Water it in by meditating on God’s word to you.  Thank him for weeding your garden when the influence of others leads you astray.  Thank him for continuing to work in his garden the church and specifically in that small plot of ground that is your own life. Thank God that you are firmly planted in his garden, and no weeds can ever choke you out!

Thursday, August 18, 2016

SHEPHERD MY SHEEP


Shepherd My Sheep

        Sheep without a shepherd run willy-nilly and get into all kinds of trouble. They do not have a good sense of direction. They fall off cliffs. They injure themselves even though they are not clumsy (for a minute there I thought I might be a sheep, but I AM clumsy). Sheep NEED a shepherd. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, but He chooses to call under-shepherds to take care of His flocks (believers) here on earth. Hey, I am a sheep! In this conversation, Jesus was reassuring Peter that He was still called to be one of the first of those under-shepherds.

          Your pastor is an under-shepherd. He has been called to take care of a particular flock of Jesus’ sheep. Like sheep, we need to be fed (taught the word of God), led (encouraged to walk righteously), healed (ministered to when we are hurt physically, emotionally, or spiritually). Your pastor has an awesome responsibility. Have you prayed for him lately?

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

SWIM, PETER, SWIM!


Swim, Peter, Swim!
July 29, 2016

Jesus stood upon the shore of the Sea of Galilee,
But even His closest disciples were unaware that it was He.
He asked them if they had caught any fish, for they were casting nets,
They answered honestly they had caught absolutely nothing yet.
So this seeming stranger told them to cast their net once more
Putting it out on the starboard side before they came to shore.
Suddenly their net was filled with a miraculously large haul!
That is when John’s eyes were opened and to Peter he did call,
“It is the Lord!” Peter did not wait for them to row the boat
He hurriedly dressed himself, throwing on his outer coat
And jumped into the water to swim rapidly to shore.
Peter wasted no time, but was racing to His Lord. 

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

SO WE COULD BELIEVE

The Bible was written so we could believe
on Jesus, the Christ, and through Him life receive.
God gave us the word so we’d know it is true
that Jesus is Lord and loves me and you.
The word is gift provided for me.
I should study it more, so more light I’ll see.
The word has the answers for my daily life.
It contains all the comfort for the darkest of nights.
It has everything to meet all my needs.
But how can it help me if I do not read?

By Susie Hale
August 13, 1982

Monday, August 15, 2016

NOT SEEING, YET BELIEVING

Not Seeing, Yet Believing
7/29/2016

Thomas is infamous for having to see to believe,
Jesus accommodated Him and granted him a reprieve;
For Jesus knows in our humanness we are only dust.
Who better than our Creator to have an understanding of us?
Then the Lord said to Thomas that he believed because he had seen
But that greater blessing lay in store for those who’d be made clean
Because they chose to believe and trust a Savior not seen with their eyes.
Praise the Lord that His Holy Spirit opened our hearts to be wise,
To be able to recognize Jesus without the opportunity to behold Him.
Because the apostles shared His gospel just as Jesus told them. 

JOYFUL AMAZEMENT


Imagine with me for a moment that we are two of the disciples, huddling in a room together, fearing for our lives. The door is securely locked in case the soldiers come to take us away to suffer the same fate as our Master, Jesus. Suddenly, Jesus is standing there before us, the door unopened and still bolted! How might we react? Fear mingled with our joy? Perhaps that is why His first words were, “Peace be with you.” If we had any doubt before, we would be convinced by the nail scars and the gash in His side as He displayed them for us realizing that as mere mortals we would have a hard time believing He was really there in the flesh. The word says the disciples were overjoyed. That may be an understatement!
Let us not be calloused to the wonderment of the empty tomb just because we have heard the story every Easter since we were children. Let us maintain the awe that children never lose about the story of Jesus rising from the dead. Does the power of God demonstrated in the resurrection of our Lord fill you with joyful amazement?

Sunday, August 14, 2016

I HAVE SEEN THE LORD by Susie Hale


I Have Seen the Lord
KSH, 7/29/16

Mary thought it was the gardener when she turned around,
She asked where Jesus’ body was which she had not yet found.
But when the Lord answered her, calling her by name,
She immediately recognized Jesus, and then she exclaimed,
“Rabboni,” which means “my teacher,” and fell at His feet.
Jesus urged her not to cling to Him, giving her a message to repeat
That He would soon be returning to be with God the Father,
But at the first the disciples thought women were a bother.
A woman’s testimony would not hold up in their courts of law,
But Jesus turned the tables when women were the first who saw
The resurrected Savior standing before them in human skin.
According to Mark’s gospel, Jesus reproached those unbelieving men.
Mary Magdalene, who had been delivered from demons by Jesus Christ
Had the extreme privilege to be the first to see Him alive!


Friday, August 12, 2016

SPIRITUAL VITALITY

“The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree
[be long-lived, stately, upright, useful and fruitful];
he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable and incorruptible].
Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God.
[Growing in grace], they shall still bring forth fruit in old age;
they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality]
and rich in the verdure [of trust, love and contentment].
[They are living memorials] to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. [Rom. 9:14]”
Psalm 92:12-15 (Amplified)

           
In my early twenties, I was part of a team that ministered at a nursing home.  I would play requested hymns on the piano, a young seminary student would preach a mini sermon, and we would chat with the residents.  One night the seminary student preached on Samson.  I thought, “What a stale topic!”  How wrong I was.  A frail-looking lady in a wheelchair said, “How encouraging that young man was!  God used Samson the mightiest when everyone thought he was all used up.  God slowed me down and put me in this home to witness to these poor, lonely people.  If I could still drive, I wouldn’t be here to minister to them.”  God not only used Mrs. G to minister to the residents.  Even after she was bedridden, we would gather around her bed; and she would pray for us individually.  She was truly full of sap and bringing forth fruit right up until the Lord called her home at the age of 85.  When I asked her the secret of being a sweet old lady, she told me I had to start right then by being a “sweet, young thing.”  If I want to bring forth fruit in my old age, I need to take time to grow in grace right now and each day of my life.  I need to slow down and allow the Lord to speak to my heart.  Then I need to allow the light of His presence to shine through me.  I need to live out the chorus of Mrs. G’s favorite hymn:
 “Footprints of Jesus that make the pathway glow;
  We will follow the steps of Jesus where’er they go.”
  (Footsteps of Jesus by Mary B. C. Slade)


Thursday, August 11, 2016

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

LET ME NOT BE THE SAME

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
I have taken an oath and confirmed it, 
that I will follow your righteous laws.
I have suffered much; preserve my life, O Lord, 
according to your word.
Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, 
and teach me your laws.
Though I constantly take my life in my hands, 
I will not forget your law.
The wicked have set a snare for me, 
but I have not strayed from your precepts.
Your statutes are my heritage forever; 
they are the joy of my heart.
My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.”
Psalm 119:105-112

            My friend Beverly told me I should pray about going with a group my pastor was taking to minister in Russia.  I told her there was no way I could afford to go, but that I would pray about it.  I prayed, “Lord, if you want me to go to Russia, make it obvious to me. Maybe you could drop the $2,500 in my lap.”  Just a few weeks later, my friend Brenda invited me to have dinner with her fiancé, his mother, and another friend of ours.  After we all gathered at her home, she announced that she no longer felt that she should go on the Russia trip since she and Chuck were getting married only a month before.  She said she had been praying about what to do with the money she had set aside for that purpose; and she believed God said, “Send Susie.” As you can clearly see, I had no choice but to obey God and go to Russia.
            In Russia I met people who had followed Christ even when the wicked set a snare for them.  I found people who were willing to take their lives in their hands to continue to lead others to the Lord.  I discovered people who truly understood that God’s word is a heritage to be treasured and enjoyed.  I saw children eagerly stand in line to get a Bible. 
            I went to Russia to share the gospel with children and teenagers and to minister to the Russian people.  Because of their ministry to me, I came away from Russia more determined than ever to set my heart on “keeping your decrees to the very end.”  May I never take God’s word for granted again!

OPEN MY EYES



Lord, through your Spirit open my eyes.
        Help me to learn from God the All-wise.
                Let me gaze with wonder at your perfect plan
                        Spelled out in your word, the redemption of man.
Deep in my soul, Lord, stoke the fire
        To make your Word my burning desire.
                Purify me and remove all the dross
                        So I can stand firm when it seems all is lost.
It is by your grace that I live and obey,
        Your law is my delight, for it shows me the way.
                I will keep your statutes by your power in me,
                        As you open my eyes and help me to see.

Photo Courtesy of Rob Zint

“Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word.
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your command from me.
My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.
You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands.
Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes.
Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.
Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.”
Psalm 119:17-24

            Do you ask God to open your eyes?  Before you begin reading scripture, ask God to help you understand what you read.  Ask him to help you obey what he shows you.  Ask him to help you apply the principles you find.  Ask him to fill you with a longing to know more of him.  All of these are things God wants for you, so I feel confident that he will answer your honest prayer about them.  Satan bombards us with excuses for not spending time in the word.  It is only by the power of the risen Lord within us that we can overcome that temptation to do other things rather than spend time in God’s word.  God assures us in I Corinthians 10:13 that he will provide us a way to escape temptation.  When you feel tempted to put other things ahead of spending time with the Lord, pray and ask him to help you escape.  When you have been blessed by a great time in the Word, remember to thank the Lord and to delight in his blessing.  When he opens your 

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

PSALM 46 MEDITATION

Psalm 46 (NIV)

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into
the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad
the city of God, the holy place
where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall:
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
He lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see the works of the Lord,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
He burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.


Susie's devotional thoughts from 2001:

            The bottom line is God is in control.  A group of men used commercial airliners as weapons of mass destruction, giant suicide bombs, and destroyed thousands of lives.  God is in control.  Our nation’s leaders are preparing for war, a war that could increase terrorism in our homeland.  God is in control.  My son is in Army ROTC and plans a full time military career in just two years.  God is in control.  If I trust in my emotions, I’ll feel that all is lost and no answer is in sight.  Praise God!  My emotions are not what controls the world.  God is in control.  If we take all our concerns to God, he promises that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) 
            Go ahead.  Pour out your heart to God.  Give him all your fears and concerns and thank him in advance for being in control.  Be still and allow his peace to wash over you in the midst of your storm.  Each time your mind becomes troubled, say it aloud, “God is in control!”



Monday, August 8, 2016

CREATOR, SUSTAINER, SAVIOR by Susie Hale


Creator, Sustainer, Savior

Lord, you created everything on earth;
And it is you who sustains us from the moment of our birth
Until you take away our breath and return us to the dust from which you made us.

You provide the cattle, the plants, even the rain
That causes all the food we need to grow upon the plain.
You open your hand to satisfy us and to abundant life in Christ you bade us.

You sent your Spirit and created us anew,
Sent your Son to die so we’d have fellowship with you.
You are the Creator, Sustainer, and Savior of each one who trusts in Christ.

Your trees are well watered, and from my heart
Flow springs of living water that you wish me to impart
To others so that they may know how to experience salvation and have eternal life.


“He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for man to cultivate – bringing forth food from the earth:
wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, 
and bread that sustains his heart.
The trees of the Lord are well watered, 
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
There the birds make their nests; 
the stork has its home in the pine trees.”
Psalm 104:14-17 (NIV)

“These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time.
When you give it to them, they gather it up;
When you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.
When you hide your face, they are terrified;
When you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust.
When you send your Spirit, they are created,
And you renew the face of the earth.”
Psalm 104:27-30 (NIV)

            Look around you.  God made it all.  Watch plants grow and winds blow.  God keeps them going.  Breathe.  God gave you that breath.  Slow down long enough to appreciate how awesome the Lord really is.  He made us, sustains us, redeems us, and after all that work, still loves us! 
            I’m typing right now.  How many nerve impulses drive how many bones and muscles to move my fingers to precisely the correct keys to turn my thoughts into words on a computer screen right before my eyes?  It’s mind boggling to think that God sustains all life from the tiniest protozoa to the big, gray elephant and keeps my fingers from getting crossed up on the keyboard.  
As I read all of Psalm 104, the thought struck me that the almighty, all powerful, awesome Lord who did and does all the things in this scripture passage LISTENS to me! In fact, he longs for me to pray to him and fellowship with him.  He CARES about me individually.  He LOVES me with an everlasting love.  He does the same for you.
Thank him.  Praise him.  Say with the psalmist, “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.  May my meditation be pleasing to him as I rejoice in the Lord.” (Psalm 104:33-34)


Sunday, August 7, 2016

Friday, August 5, 2016

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

IT IS FINISHED!


It is Finished!

“It is finished,” Jesus cried.
Then He bowed His head and died.
Not a statement of His life’s end
But a victory message He did send.
He fulfilled His earthly mission
Believers’ death penalties’ rescission;
For all of those who trust in Christ
Are cleansed of sin and given new life.
“It is finished!” His triumphant shout,
Then willingly He let His spirit out.
No mortal stole the life from Jesus.
His sacrifice was the gift that frees us.
And now in Heaven He is at God’s throne
Advocating for us until we are Home.