40 Days to Live - Day 31

Luke 13:1-9 - Value People, Bear Fruit

Sometimes I am guilty of measuring myself by what I think I see in other people. When I do this, I am falling short in two ways. First, I'm judging others, and second, I'm measuring myself by a smaller standard than God tells me to. The word says I am to "be holy, for HE is holy." Jesus is the standard I am to follow. I am to trust God to conform me to the image of Christ and not compare myself to others or judge them, but allow God to work in them as well.

Father, Master Gardener, please dig a trench around me.

Fertilize me with your word, let me drink it in.

Help me bear good fruit for you, increase my witness, Lord.

Let me not judge others; and instead, confess my own sin.

40 Days to Live - Day 32

Luke 12:49-59 - Understand theTimes

I'm a little later than usual with my writing tonight, but I did read the passage this morning and have thought about it today. The "Live It" instruction was, "Approach today as if you have one month left on the earth." Wow. I'm not sure a followed that, but I thought on it throughout the day. My priorities would definitely change if I were told I had one month left to live this life. I would be much more diligent to share the gospel with everyone I meet and especially with my loved ones. I would cling to things less and value relationships more. I would also make sure everything was in order for whoever would take care of Mom. I would write letters for my granddaughters to read as they got older. I would be in the Word every day without fail. There's really no reason I can't do all of those things now. There is every reason I should because none of us are promised tomorrow. We eagerly await Christ's return but often forget He could call us home with our next breath.

Jesus, help me live each day as if it were my first,

drinking in your creation, having unquenchable thirst

to know you better, serve you more, live life abundantly.

Wake me refreshed each morning, thankful for all you've given me.

Jesus, help me to live each day as if it were my last,

sharing your gospel with everyone before the moment is past.

Not sweating all the small stuff, but focused on eternity.

Lord, focus my eyes on your kingdom and take my mind off me.

40 Days to Live - Day 33

Luke 12:35-48 - Be Faithful with Today

Carpe Diem...But for whom am I seizing the day? If I am living only to satisfy my own desires, I am falling short of the glory of God. What would complete obedience look like in my life today? How might I be different, set apart from the crowd? How would this make me better prepared for the Master's return?

Lord, help me to seize the day...

not to satisfy my own desires,

but to be sure I fulfill what You require.

Lord, help me to put the past behind...

repent of every offense and sin,

receive grace and forgiveness, begin again.

Lord, help me to entrust you with my future...

Believe the truth revealed in your word,

Lay my worries beneath the cross of the Lord.

Lord, help me to seize each day...

Identify what you want me to do,

Go in your power and follow it through.

40 Days to Live - Day 34

Luke 12:22-34 - Don't Worry, Trust God

This is a timely reminder for me to trust God to provide rather than fret about how to take care of Mom and myself on her income alone. God's word is true and His love everlasting. I can reflect back over my life and remember how he has provided for me in the past. When I first started teaching at Glenview Christian School my salary was $900 per month for the 9 months I taught ($8100/yr) with no income during the summer break. After that first year, I took a leap of faith and moved out of my parent's house. Over the years there my salary increased but never to the level of a public school teacher. But God was faithful to provide. One of my students had a grandmother who lost a drastic amount of weight. She gave me all her fat clothes - filled my car from floorboard to ceiling. I had enough "new" clothes and pajamas that I shared some with another friend who didn't have much either. I think I'm still wearing some of those things about 12 years later! She had great clothes! There was the time I was desperately in need of a retreat but could not afford the $60 to go with our singles. The singles' minister walked over to the school to tell me that someone had paid for my retreat anonymously! Over the years, I've always had food on my table, clothes to wear, and a roof over my head. God is faithful!

So at the present time, I know He'll provide for Mom and me as he has in the past. Mother has experienced this as well. Early in the their marriage, when my older sisters we small, a missionary preached at their church. Daddy told her he felt led to give his entire paycheck to help this missionary continue to reach people. She asked him who was going to feed his own children since they needed that money for groceries, but he was confident God would provide. On the way home, they decided to visit Dad's parents on the spur of the moment. Grandpa and Grandma were glad to see them because they had just purchased a side of beef and didn't have room for all of it in their deep freezer. They gave Dad more meat and vegetables from their garden than he and Mom could have purchased at the store. God is faithful!

What of the future? How will I ever retire since I spent years working in an environment with no retirement plan, spent other years working for the federal government (no Social Security paid in), and am now only taking enough of Mother's monthly income to pay my tithe, insurances, internet, phone, medical bills, with just a small amount left over most months. I cannot worry about that. It would be sin to do so. I need to rely on the fact that God has called me to this ministry of taking care of Mom just as He called me to teach in a Christian school for over 10 years. When the time comes that I can no longer work, God will provide. God is faithful!

Lord, help me to remember

the birds of the air.

They neither sow nor reap,

but are in Your tender care.

Let me reflect on

the flowers of the field.

They neither toil nor spin,

but glorious beauty they yield.

Remind me that being anxious

will not increase my life's span.

I need only to trust in You,

for You hold me in Your hand.

Lord, You know my needs,

and I know You'll provide.

Help me seek first Your kingdom

and on Your grace rely.

Lord, let not my treasure

be stored up in my closet.

But instead teach me

to make a heavenly deposit.

40 Days to Live - Day 35

Luke 12:13-21 - Be Rich Toward God

The assignment for today is to "Give away something that you value to someone who needs it." As I read the passage and contemplated what I could give away that someone else might actually be able to use, God brought only one thing to mind...the dressing table stored in my garage. Why is it of value to me? It is the one of two pieces of furniture I still own that I personally chose and paid for. I bought it at an antique store as it was made in 1957, the year I was born. I have treasured it and refused to let go of it for the 8 years I've lived with Mom. I think that is why the Lord brought it to mind.

It is a dark wood, with a curved design, not flat like so much furniture today. It has a large drawer and a small drawer on either side of where you could put a chair in front of the mirror. In the middle there is a sectioned drawer that pulls out, perfectly made for storing cosmetics. That drawer also features a small mirror that lifts up. The large mirror that attaches to the back is beautifully designed. It is a lovely piece in good condition, but I have no place to put it in my mother's house. It would be perfect for someone who does not have room for a large dresser but could use a place to put lingerie, socks, etc. I would not be able to deliver to someone because it does not fit in my car, but I would be happy to give it to someone who could come pick it up. I'll take everything off of it, polish it up, and tighten the screws that hold on the drawer pulls. Perhaps one of my readers knows of a family that could use such an item but is unable to afford to buy one. Please contact me at 7609@att.net if you or someone you know could use this.

The rich man in the parable

made plans to store up what he owned.

"MY crops, MY grain, MY goods"

all of the things he had grown.

Not once did he think of sharing

with those nearby who lacked food.

Not once did he consider

the Lord's command to do good.

His treasure could all be stored in barns,

but he was not rich toward the Lord.

He did not store up treasure in heaven

according to God's holy Word.

Lord, help me be unlike the rich man.

Let me remember that things are not mine.

For all that I have, you've given me

to be used to your glory by your design.

Help me to let go of possessions.

Steer me away from all greed.

Help me never to miss the opportunity

to meet a brother's or sister's need.

Let my wealth not be stored in garages,

but rather treasure your Word in my heart.

Help me lay up treasure in heaven.

Draw me near you never to part.

40 Days to Live

Day 36 - Luke 12:1-12 - Fear God Alone

Too many times I fail to share Jesus with someone because of fear. Fear of failure, fear of misunderstanding, fear of unacceptance. Somehow it is ingrained in me to worry about what others think. When I do this, I am fearing man. I subscribe to a monthly publication from Voice of the Martyrs. In it I read of brothers and sisters in Christ who have been beaten, burned, tortured because of their proclamation of the Word; and yet they continue to share Jesus to their own peril. How do I dare to tread lightly in a country where I am free to share?! These Christians know what it means to fear God and not man. They truly understand that man may kill their bodies, but God preserves their souls.

Father, you know me intimately,

my inmost thought as well as what I say.

You know I desire to be bold in You.

Help me to do so, I pray.

Remind me that you have the power

to preserve me through any trial.

You remember each tiny sparrow,

and I know You'll take care of Your child.

Lord, rid me of this fear of men;

and help me to fear only You.

Let me boldly proclaim the love of Christ

in all that I say and do.

40 Days to Live

Day 37 - Luke 11:37-54 - Go Beyond Appearances

The pharisees were guilty of keeping up appearances instead of serving from the heart. They liked to pray loudly, wear large phylacteries (boxes with scripture inside worn on the arm or forehead), sit in the place of honor at gatherings, and anything else that would make them look important and righteous. However, they completely missed the point that our service is not to be seen of men but to be done to the glory of God. They enforced the tiniest detail of the law but forgot the most important commandments - "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind...You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37&29 NASV).

The people who have had the greatest impact on my life were those who served quietly in the background and from a heart filled with the Spirit. My parents were like this. Daddy served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He also headed up the building and grounds committee of our church when I was in junior high. In his case this meant doing much of the work himself and allowing me to serve alongside him. Mother was the head of the hostess committee, and I was allowed to help her set up the fellowship hall for Wednesday dinners, special gatherings, and wedding receptions. My parents were an excellent example of people who served the Lord with gladness, not to be seen by others, but to please the audience of One. I'm blessed to have such good examples.

My friend, George, from my former church was the person who turned on the heat or air and opened all the doors for Sunday services. He was a quiet man; but when he prayed, you felt the Spirit moving. When he retired from teaching, he became a janitor at the church.

My friend, Susan, often worked behind the scenes during the dinner theaters we performed each summer as an outreach ministry. Her cooking, serving, and cleaning were just as crucial to that ministery as my singing and attempting to dance; but hardly anyone knew she was there. She and my friend, Jennifer, used to carry my keyboard, guitar, and bag of music when we would minister in song at other churches. I was the lead singer and spokesperson, but their physical help and prayer support was what made reaching people possible.

The Lord has blessed me with many friends like this. I would do well to become more like them. Therefore, I'm going to post the lyrics to a song I wrote about them and in honor of all who serve unseen. Matthew 6:6.

FATHER SEES

You’re not the kind of person to stand in front of a crowd.
You may never preach a sermon, and you barely sing out loud.
Your service for the Lord is often behind the scenes;
and though you’re always hard at work,
people seldom see those things.

But Father sees...and Father knows...
Though your work seems unrewarded,
your heavenly treasure grows.
And someday soon the Lord you’ll meet,
and you’ll have the joy of laying crowns
at our precious Savior’s feet.
Father sees.

You always make the coffee after opening the doors,
and joyfully you carry out so many mundane chores.
The most important work you do is seldom ever seen...
when you do battle for us in prayer upon your knees.

(chorus)

You help prepare the dinner while on the stage I sing.
While I enjoy the crowd’s applause, you clean up everything.
But the thing that others never see
happening several times a week
is the way that you encourage me as the will of God I seek.

But Father sees...and Father knows...
Though your work seems unrewarded,
your heavenly treasure grows.
And someday soon the Lord you’ll meet,
and you’ll have the joy of laying crowns
at our precious Savior’s feet.
Father sees.

I remember as a little girl I’d stand upon your feet,
and then we’d walk together.
Oh, Dad, those times were sweet.
As a teen I helped you as you kept the churchyard clean.
Lovely grounds and building evidence
of a work that seemed unseen.

But Father sees...and Father knows...
Though your work seems unrewarded,
your heavenly treasure grows.
And someday soon the Lord you’ll meet,
and you’ll have the joy of laying crowns
at our precious Savior’s feet.
Father sees.

40 Days to Live

Day 38 - Luke 11:27-36 Walk in His Marvelous Light


I just went to the optometrist this morning and discussed the possibility that I may develop glaucoma. Therefore, I need to return in 6 months to repeat a test I had today in order to determine whether I need to begin treatment with eye drops. Glaucoma gradually robs a person of vision starting with peripheral and moving in until a tunnel of light is left before becoming blind. However, it's very treatable with drops and, if necessary, surgical procedures. The important thing is to catch it early.

What does all this have to do with our 40 Days to Live study? God, in His grace and perfect timing, knew I would have my eye exam today. It is no coincidence that he gave me food for thought on the day when our instructions included "Confront any darkness that is trying to put out His light in you."

Father, you sent your only begotten Son

to die in payment for my sin.

After three days within the tomb,

You raised Christ to life again.

Wiser than Solomon, greater than Jonah,

the name of Jesus is greatest of all.

Only the Lord Jesus can save me

and make me stand when I'm prone to fall.

I have routine checkups and specialized tests

to prevent my eyes from growing dim.

Only Christ can prevent loss of spiritual sight;

so I must focus my thoughts on Him.

Lord, let your light so shine in me

that others are drawn to Your grace.

Take the lies of the world out of my mind.

Help me to seek only Your face.

Help me to identify darkness early

and remove it by the truth of Your Word.

Help me to be a light to the world,

to lead others to trust in You, Lord.

40 Days to Live

Day 39 - Luke 11:14-26

Without the Holy Spirit, darkness would fill the earth.
Sin would run rampant, men devoid of self control.
For only though the indwelling of Your Spirit in me,
can I remain pure and be made completely whole.
Help me to give the Spirit absolute reign.
Guard my heart and mind, dear Lord.
Unholy thoughts try to lodge in my brain.
Lord cleanse me by the washing of Your Word!

40 Days to Live

Yesterday my pastor, John Tyler, began a 40 day countdown of the final days of Christ. He has provided the congregation a study guide with a passage to read, questions to contemplate, and life changes to make for the next 40 days. The Lord willing, I intend to blog my responses each day. Some things may be too personal to post, but I plan to post what I can each day.

Day 40 - Change the Way You Pray - Luke 11:1-13

Father, help me to constantly remember that you are sovereign.
As your child and servant, I need to seek and submit to Your will.
Daily, may I be thankful for your provision for me.
Physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, I can count on You to fill.
As I wake in the morning, may I submit to You
My expectations, my hopes, and my dreams.
May I extend forgiveness as You've forgiven me.
May my love for others and Your Kingdom on earth be extreme.
With bold humility may I pray, Holy God,
until Your answer You make clearly known.
May I live in the spirit of prayer at all times,
boldly approaching your throne.
Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, O Lord,
That I might drawer nearer to You.
May others see Jesus as I walk through this world
In all that I say, all that I am, and all that I do.