Tag Archives: Bible

Regenerating Grace

14 Oct

“So I say this, and affirm in the Lord, that you are to no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves up to indecent behavior for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.” Ephesians 4:17-19 

Day to day life can seem like a simple “cruise control” event until we get up, out of bed, and look it directly in the face. Last night’s dishes are still in the sink (too tired), and the refrigerator was emptied of the breakfast meal by a hungry midnight snacker. Deep Breath. 

We begin our days with great expectations and realize that all things change! Some we have control over, some we don’t. Frustration only brings more frustration and coming to a common ground of grace is much more difficult than anticipated. 

When Paul wrote the book of Ephesians he keyed in on the human mind and how once committed mindsets were easily swayed and drawn toward human pleasure rather than to the committed promises of serving the Lord in Holiness. Paul charged the church of Ephesus with the call to Profess the Gospel and help their families and the people of Ephesus find a new life of righteousness and holiness. 

I suspect that they did go to the people of Ephesus with full intentions of helping them find the true life of a believer in Christ. I suspect that their intentions were consumed by the attractiveness of the lifestyle of the people and their intentions to help the people turned into their becoming more like those they were there to profess the gospel too. It was a slow falling away. One little “it won’t make a difference if I” moment, to a “nothing happened when I did the last thing,“ to a complete and unrecoverable fall. 

People started out fully committed to serving the Lord, to teach and be an example to the people of Ephesus by walking out scriptural truths and moral purity. Then, one “little” misdeed turned to daily misdeeds and the “Lord’s chosen” began to act like those very people they were sent to pull away from indecent and impure behaviors. They took on the behaviors of the people of darkness, those blinded by ignorance, walking in lewdness, impurity, and sexual sin. Instead of rising above and helping the lost, they fell deep into their pit and became like those they were sent to save. 

We see it in the church today! We see it in our homes. We see it on the streets. The news stories almost revel in telling  of dedicated people of faith falling into the very things they preach and teach against. Proverbs 14:12 warns them of that very trap, “There is a way which seems right to a person, But its end is the way of death.”  Yet, in those moments of “pleasure” they lose their way and their righteous walk. Their “day to day” faith filled walk took a deadly turn of unexpected distance from the Father. They became blinded by the lure of sin and the appearance of the joyous life that tore them from the hands of God. 

It didn’t happen all at once, it was a slow transition. An “attractive” move into worldliness. Like the the midnight refrigerator raider who didn’t consider anyone other than themselves by eating what was meant for the family for breakfast. It was an “I don’t care” attitude toward the graces and love of others, and of the Father. 

How do we help them get back to the New Man, the New Creation, and live by the New Principles set out by the scriptures of truth? How do we help them regenerate grace and righteousness and right living? We walk with them all the way back to the beginning! All the way back to when they first heard the voice of their Father and wanted nothing more than to please Him and care for His earthly children. We have to walk with them until they know how much they are loved and how their love towards others will change them. We have to take them back to the beginning when they first met Jesus and spoke their acceptance of Him as their Lord and Savior. We have to take them back.

** A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 4, Part 8

By Linda J. Humes, Written 8-25-25

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Fitly Joined Together

15 Apr

“From whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:16 NASB

Did you ever feel like an odd one out? You didn’t feel like you fit in anywhere? Everyone else seemed to have it together and you had absolutely no clue what your life was about or where you were supposed to go with it? Other people found groups to join, friends to share with, a concentrated purpose to pursue, and you sat, at a distance, watching, trying to figure out why you didn’t or couldn’t join in. Even those few times when you did attend an event, or party, or interest group, you felt so out of place, distancing yourself, sneaking away. I was that kid! I was that teenager! I was that adult.

Walking past insecurities takes support, guidance, and a gentle hand. Having the desire to teach and share all that I had learned through time with the Holy Spirit in Prayer and Study was a strong drive. How? My desire to teach became greater than my fears. That desire could have hidden away many more years, but God placed a network of people in positions that brought strength to the church and to those who wanted to help that church grow and become all that God intended it to be. People believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. It took a strong Pastor who simply said “I want YOU to do this. I want you to teach me so that I can teach the body.” 

As the Pastor walked away I remember the inner conversations that battled in my mind. “I can’t do this Lord. I am a new believer. How could I learn a scripture, subject or concept well enough to teach the pastor so that he could teach the body?” The reply came loudly and clearly – “I Will Teach You.”

When God plants the building of a church in the hearts of men He sets those people in positions to draw the most out of everyone involved. They become a living organism. They encourage, lift up, pray for and prefer one another over themselves. They see in others what those others cannot see in themselves. All of the people fitly joined together, a smooth running machine, oiled by Grace, powered by prayer, and guided by God. 

God’s “synergy” always amazes me. He births gifts and callings into babies, before they are even born. He guides them in those skills and places mentors in their lives to help them grow.  He moves people around and gets them into the perfect position of ministering together. Brainstorming. Creating a vision together. Birthing a church. Then drawing those people in that God has been preparing to carry the armor and shield. An intricately working Holy Ghost Machine!! 

I didn’t think I could do it, but I did!! God taught me and helped me find the right people to guide my steps to stay on task. Has God been speaking to you about something He needs you to step into? Are you ignoring it as “impossible” and not taking the challenge. Are you afraid that you might fail? Dear one, you will always fail the challenges you don’t try. But, what if you succeed? What if something you say, or sing, or preach, or teach, touches the heart of someone and their life is forever changed? What if . . . . ?

Step forward. God says “I Will Teach You!” What an amazingly wonderful gift.

** A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 4, Part 7

By Linda J Humes – Written 4-12-2025

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Make Us One, Lord!

28 Jan

And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 NASB

When I first dedicated my life to the Lord and began studying I wondered how long it would take me to start making sense of my Bible. Everything seemed so complicated, and the King James Version Language had a whole learning curve of its own. Everyone around me in the classes and services seemed to have it all figured out. I was truly at a loss. Little by little things became clearer and the scriptures started to come alive. The detailed stories of the Old Testament and the promises and journeys of the New Testament. Bible reading first thing in the morning, Bible reading last thing at night, and pondering it all during the day.

How did I fit in??

I remember when I first read Ephesians 4 and all that it teaches about the”Business Management” of the church, so to speak, I was in awe of the thought of how it all worked and how “special” those people must be for God to choose them to lead. I was convinced that they had to be very spiritual, anointed and wise to be placed in those positions. I never, ever thought that I could measure up to any position in the church. Clearly, it was for the favored of God!

I loved the scriptures and God’s presence so much that I studied, studied, studied. Hours every day. I quit my full time job and found work that I could do in my home so that I could spend the entire day and part of the evenings studying. When I wasn’t studying I was praying. I wanted to get closer and closer to understanding everything about the scriptures and the nature of God. I wanted to know where I fit in this mighty Kingdom of God.

I remember people talking about the 5 fold ministry. Apostle. Prophet. Evangelist. Pastor. Teacher. Each with their own specific duties to bring the perfect message to the Kingdom of God. I needed to find out what that was all about.

The Apostle is to Govern the church, be the visionary for growth and balance. He is the envoy, the one commissioned to go forth as a representative of a body with a specific mission planted in his spirit by God.

The Prophet is to hear the voice of God and guide the other 4 ministers in what they are being called to do in that particular season. The prophet is one who speaks forth, is divinely inspired to communicate with God’s will and give that message to others. They are seen as God’s spokespersons, delivering warnings, guidance or revelation. Sometimes they foretell future events or provide insight into God’s plans and purposes.

The Evangelist is to gather people into the church through powerful messages and direction. The Evangelist is a missionary, a bearer of good tidings, a herald of the Gospel. The Evangelist is someone specially gifted and called to spread the message of salvation through Jesus. The Evangelist directs them toward the Church and the body who can lift the people up and help them understand the place they have in the Kingdom.

The Pastor is the Shepherd, He is the feeder, protector, and ruler of the flock. He cares for those who come into the church and keeps the day to day workings of the church running smoothly. He is the presiding officer, manager, director, overseer and Head of the Church.

The Teacher works throughout the week, preparing lesson plans and bringing the Gospel to the body in a format that is accurate and easily understood. The Teacher is an instructor of the divine truth of the Scriptures, teaching spiritual and doctrinal concepts.

Each function of the 5 fold ministry is critical and equally important! Each function is like the gears in a watch, all of the gears are needed for the clock to show accurate time. But – what about the rest of the verse???? “For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.” Who are the Saints and what is their function?? And who are the Body and what is their function?

The concordance says that the Saints are holy, set apart, for a special religious or spiritual purpose. Were they the Disciples?? The concordance says that the Disciples are followers who most commonly learned from the teachers. Disciples follow a teacher or philosopher to learn their teachings and way of life. Or were the Disciples the Body??

The concordance says that the original meaning of the word Body was to save or preserve. Taken metaphorically it could indicate the Saved Ones or the Preserved Ones. Saved by Grace!! Preserved for God the Father’s use in the Kingdom, perhaps to, one day, become an Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor or a Teacher!!

Therein still remains the question – where do I fit? Which cubicle do I fit into?? If I am part of the Body then I can aspire to be a Disciple! If I am a Disciple I can aspire to be a Saint! If I am a Saint I can aspire to be a Teacher! I can aspire to be a Pastor. I can aspire to be an Evangelist. I can listen for the voice of God and see if I am called to be a Prophet or an Apostle. I am a part of the BODY of God! That’s where I fit. There are so many opportunities for growth and so much honor to be chosen for ascension. That’s where YOU fit too. We are the Body – we are Kingdom Disciples. We Are One!!!

Through all of that study and dividing and interpreting there is really only one thing that is important, one place where we all fit, one place where we are all equal! We are, first and foremost, a Child of God – and that is priceless.

** A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 4, Part 5

By Linda J. Humes – 1-25-2025

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THAT HE MIGHT FILL ALL THINGS

19 Dec

“Now this expression, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.”  Ephesians 4:9-10

Many years ago I visited a cavern in Arkansas. I had never been in a deep cavern before, just a few shallow caves where I was never more than 8 feet from the opening. This was very different.

I remember that cavern for many different reasons, and I’m not exactly sure why. I remember the path around the outside that we were instructed to walk single-file on and not veer from. I remember how damp it was and that I could hear the dripping of water from all around. I remember that it was dim inside and that at one point they turned out all of the lights. I remember that just for a moment I started to panic because it wasn’t just dark, it was pitch dark and you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. I remember reaching to my husband standing in front of me, assuring myself that I was not alone. When the lights came I saw the stalactites above, the stalagmites below, the narrow path along the wall, the line of people, and I felt a peace I didn’t really understand.  

It was an interesting experience. I’m glad that I went inside and I saw, or didn’t see, the depths of the cave and the way it seemed to be untouched by anything happening in the outside world. I remember wondering what other things were hidden, untouched, beautiful, dangerous, unexplainable, but right there in the depths of the earth.

Over the last year I have heard God speak to me “Go Deeper!” “Go Deeper.” I have studied and prayed for hours every day. “Go Deeper.”

From the annals of time God has called His people to go deeper. When they couldn’t hear or understand what He meant He set them in circumstances that they could not ignore. 

  • Moses with the burning bush. 
  • Aaron with his rod. 
  • Marian in her dance. 
  • David with his Lyre, his jaw bone, his spear, his 3 smooth stones. 
  • Samuel being called in the night. 
  • Elisha with his fire called down from Heaven. 
  • Jonah in the depths of the water, in the belly of a whale. 
  • Noah building the first ship in a country that had never experienced rain. 
  • Esther, who called the Jewish people to prayer and fasting to save the nation. 
  • Deborah, made a judge and called as a prophet to instruct an army, at a time when women held no value. 
  • Daniel, with faith to disobey a king, tossed into a pit filled with lions, to honor God, and God honored him. 
  • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, thrown into a fire for dishonoring a king and refusing to dishonor God. Walking out without a scorch or smokey smell. 
  • You and me . . . . . . . . . . . . . ??

Jesus, God the Son, sent to earth as a baby to bring salvation to all people. Jesus, crucified. Jesus, who walked again with his disciples for 40 days after He resurrected, so that they might understand and never doubt again! Jesus, descended into hades, took the Keys to death and hell, then ascended to sit at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus.

Why??

“So that He might fill all things.” So that the perfect will of God would be completed! So that all of the prophetic scriptures of the Old Testament would be fulfilled. So that all of the scriptures of the New Testament would be walked out and completed. So that Satan would lose all power over death. So that all of the human race could find salvation and a life of eternity with God, in Heavenly places! That everything would be Filled with Him!!! 

All we have to do is ask – and obey!

** A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 4, Part 4

By Linda J Humes – Written 12-7-24

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LETTING GO

24 Sep

Linda's Bible 9-10-15

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.  Psalm 55:22 KJV

I have a big Bible, Giant Print.  The kind that is so easy to read that you spend all of your study time in it, but so big and bulky that you never it carry it to Church Services or study classes.  It’s the big lunky study Bible, with pages falling out, and bled through highlighting (often making it difficult to figure out which side of the page held the vast important Rhema message of the moment).  The Bible with the pictures of loved ones, their needs written on the back.  The Bible with the prayer lists from years back and notes from a special sermon, dog-eared and marked from hours of digging.  It’s the one with the family tree, the births and deaths, the baptism dates, salvation dates, and the day my son uttered in tongues for the first time.

The Bible I use as a pillow when I pray myself to sleep while walking through the valley.  The one with coffee stains made one excited morning when God met our need, when we once more stood high upon the mountain.  The one with every promise underlined and Psalm 23 in the upper left hand column of the right page.

You know which one I mean.  We all have one.  Mine has become so very special to me.  It is the first thing packed in my suitcase and the first thing removed when I arrive at my destination.  It’s the first thing I read in the morning and the last thing I read at night, no matter where I travel.

Recently I took it to a Woman’s Retreat.  Although it shared my study time in the chapel library and made a few trips to the pond, it didn’t go to the services.  It was much too important.  It holds, tucked carefully inside, my precious treasures.

As I was folding it up one morning, it slipped from my grip and dozens of papers fell out.  I carefully, gently, picked each one up and relived the emotions of the prayer requests or notes written thereon.  It was a wonderful lift in my faith as I realized that all but a few of those requests had already been fulfilled.  Years of requests ranging from what now seems so small, to what will always be overwhelming.  All needs and desires met by God’s mercy and grace.

When I had a request which seemed so large to my immediate circumstance, I wrote it down.  I told God that it was too big for me and I was tucking it in amongst His promises.  It was a time of humbling myself, admitting that I could not meet my own needs.  It was a time of letting go.

As I read through though those notes I saw where I had made notes and dates about when those needs were met.  Needs for groceries, met within a day.  Needs for a car, met within a month, free and clear.  Needs for a house, met within six months, free and clear.  Even the desire for fresh fruit when we had eaten food bank canned fruit for so long, met within an hour.  God knew just what to do.  He answered our needs exceedingly, abundantly above all I could have expected.

Is it a magic Bible?  A special prayer formula?  Special anointed paper?  An anointed pen?  NO!  It was stepping back and letting God fulfill the promises He so graciously gave us.  It was getting out of His way.  Our Blessed God who met all our needs, and a few simple desires  –  like the taste and texture of a fresh peach.  It was simply letting go.

Written By Linda J. Humes

6-30-1998

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A Spirit of Wisdom

13 Aug

Light from inside bible

“that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,” Ephesians 1:17-18 (ASV)

I remember, when I was in my younger years, that I tried to read the Bible.  I started in Genesis and never made it much past creation.  I was an avid reader and could not understand why it was so difficult to make sense of the Bible.  I recognized that there was a language written within the book that I could not understand or comprehend.  I tried multiple time to read it, but always ended up just looking at the pictures that my little zippered Bible had inside.  It was a precious gift that I treasured and hoped that someday I would be able to make sense of.

When I gave my life to Jesus I started to read the Bible in Matthew.  The parables and stories were easier to read.  This was the story of Jesus and those who followed Him, something that I could associate with.  It was written by His followers, His Disciples, those who loved and traveled with Him – I felt a connection.  Unfortunately, the Old Testament still didn’t make any sense and the New Testament, although easier to read, was still a story, not a living testimony.

One day, after almost a year of prayer, I was baptized with the Holy Spirit.  Things changed.  Words I had read before, in both the New and Old Testaments came to life.  They were real and living and life changing.  I could feel the scriptures, I could see the stories being told, I became a part of the living Word of God.  It was as real as any person.  It was more than I could have ever imagined.  It was living truth.

In Ephesians 1:17 Paul is praying that God would give the listener, us, the “Spirit of Wisdom” – a wisdom and understanding that can only be felt through the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.  He wanted them to feel the personal relationship with Jesus that makes all of the Word a reality to the believer.

The word “Spirit” is also described as the “Breath” or “Wind” of God.  His Breath speaks deep into our souls of the truth, holiness and power that is birthed inside of us when we receive His Holy Spirit.  We read and hear His spoken word and apply the wisdom we received to every circumstance we encounter (John 16:13).

Paul also prayed for the Revelation of the knowledge of Christ. That all of the saints would speak the word in one accord, not in conflict or divisions of opinion of what it means (1 Corinthians 1:9-10).  He prayed that they would share the message of love, joy, and a setting apart from the ways of the world.  God’s word, read through the eyes of the spirit filled saint, has a new life, a new drive, and it births a desire to share the message.

Paul prayed that through the Spirit of Wisdom and the Revelation of Knowledge that we would be enlightened to the truth of the gospel.  He prayed that we would be enlightened to God’s true Spirit, felt in the intimate times of prayer and worship.  He prayed that we would be able to hear the very voice of God in times of meditation, so that we would know what God’s hope is in each of us.  Paul prayed that we would be enlightened to the calling God has placed upon our lives (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

Paul had first-hand knowledge of the voice of God and how it changes the heart of man.  Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, when he thought he knew what was right and truth based upon a knowledge passed down from generations to generation.  But the voice of God cut through him like a knife and performed an intimate miracle (Acts 26:14-15).  It was a miracle that made Paul the most powerful apostle of all time.  Paul knew the impact of the words he spoke (Ephesians 1: 17-18) and what it would mean to those who listened and received with an earnest heart.  Paul knew the inheritance that would lie ahead for each and every one who received his prayer and gathered it to their soul.

Lord, as I received your Holy Spirit and believed in the call that you placed on my life, I pray that others will receive the same gift, with humbleness and grace.  Help them to understand that they cannot receive the fullness of your glory if they do not have the intimate relationship with You that can only be received through the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.  Lord, I pray that every saint will take that next step toward You, with a heart of desire to know You more. Until that day of prayer, they will only know the shadow of You, they will only know the story of You.  After they have prayed through to the Holy Ghost, they will know the true heart and soul of You; the intimate tender relationship of You.

**A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 1, Part 10.

Written by Linda J. Humes

9-22-14

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What Are You Going To Do About It?

12 Jul

Well, Did You?

Revisited 7-12-2021

So, I am going to share a little of my point of view. Folks are sharing posts saying that they believe the Rapture is almost here – I disagree. I firmly believe Genesis 50:20 –

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Yes, these times have been hard and even a bit unfair – but God!!

  • How many times in years past have you said that you wished your family was all together for meals? Able to spend time together playing games and just talking? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?
  • How many times have you prayed to God for more time to pray, seek, read the Bible and study? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?
  • How many times did you say that you wished you had time to try new recipes or start canning or make a bunch of different sorts of desserts? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?
  • How many times have you said (or thought) that you wish you had more time to connect with distant family and friends – send a card, send a letter, start a texting conversation? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?
  • How many times did you wish that you had time to start a backyard garden or re-pot house plants or start a new hobby that you have always wanted to start? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

I understand the oppression and depression that has come with this time of our lives, I really do – I fell right in with everyone else. I had to stop watching the news on TV. I had to block pages on my FB that was FB spamming all sorts of negative things. I had to tell myself to get out of bed and make a difference in this chaos!

What can YOU do? Get out a piece of paper. Make a list of all of the things that you wished you could have done in the past, but never had the time to do.

  • If you don’t have the supplies for some of the, post a note on FB or the Online Yard Sales for supplies for – for instance – painting. Make a note that you needs inexpensive supplies – I bet folks will send them to you for free or for very little. You would be surprised at the number of people who will step up along side you – because – well – they are in the same pandemic as you !! Also, the dollar stores always have a small section of crafting supplies for really cheap – then as you get better you won’t mind spending a little extra on good supplies.
  • Send an encouraging email – or MEME on FB – or a text message to someone every day! Doesn’t have to be the same person, just pray and see who God puts on your heart.
  • Read a new book – lots of your friends will give you suggestions of great books to read, I have seen it over and over again lately.
  • Bake that dessert!! YUM.
  • Google a recipe for something you have always wanted to try – you will get a dozen hits! Read through to the ones that find your fancy and give it a shot.
  • Build that tent fort in the living room and gather the family for story time or desserts or old fashioned kids songs or ??? Well, just take a nap!!
  • Get that Bible out and a good Bible Study (hundreds are online) and a good “read the Bible in an year plan” – And Get Started!!
  • Your Turn: Put suggestions in the comments below – be “G rated” please.

What are you waiting for? What if you find out that there are actually wonderful things you can do while locked in at home. Yes, it is scary at times. Yes, financial burdens can be overwhelming. Yes, it isn’t always fun being alone.

SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?!?!?!?!

I am praying blessing over you. I am praying an enhanced imagination over you. I am praying peace over you. I am saying “Seize the time!” Refuse to live in fear. Refuse to live in depression. Refuse to live in oppression. Make every day count.

—–

Original Written 7-12-2020

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MARCH FORTH

18 May

By Tim Farmer

 “Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!”  Zechariah 2:13

                        March 4th?                  March 4th!!                  March Forth???

I sat down in my usual spot on the sofa in the light of the morning sunrise thanking God for another glorious day. I was sitting still, pausing to let the sunlight warm my face before opening my daily devotional.  I remembered that Mario Murillo sent out an online invitation to the pastors of California to attend a lunch he was hosting in Manteca, California on March 4th. Today. The event was to pray, heal and encourage the pastors to reopen all of the churches in the state. The response to his invitation was amazing. Instead of a hundred or so, as Mario had anticipated, over a thousand pastors had responded.  I prayed that God would provide all that they would need to make the lunch a success. I thought about how interesting it was that the event was happening on March 4th.  Was that intentional?   There are no accidents.

Many of us have been praying, in hopeful expectation, that today would be a day of a great event in Washington, DC involving our Presidential leaders.  We shall see.  I finished my prayer for the pastors lunch and sat in silence again in the bright sunlight.  This is my daily quiet time with God. Silence. Today’s date was repeated in my mind.  Once. “March 4th.” Silence. I waited. I am learning patience. Then the thought struck me, it wasn’t the date I was hearing, that still small voice was saying “March forth.”

Recently I have been wrestling with my being a disciple. How could I best share my faith and help others to know Jesus?  It was easier 30 years ago when Janet and I were newlyweds and active members of the local Presbyterian Church.  Still energetic in our early 40’s we were involved with several popular ministries at the church.  Janet’s servant heart and smile could light up a room. She was my great encourager, advocate and nudger. She quickly taught me to be courageous with my faith.  

Janet was fearless.  Everyone loved her.  Sadly, Janet went home to be with Jesus early in 2018.  The last few years of Janet’s life were very difficult. Chronic pain in many areas of her body made it difficult to sit in church.  She stopped attending.  After a while I attended less as her condition became worse, then I became a “sometimer.” To say I miss her is an understatement. Now, I believe she shines brighter in Heaven than she did on earth.  

While making plans for her memorial with our senior pastor,  I made a promise to return to Sunday worship.  Even though I aimed the promise at my pastor, it was really to my Lord and Savior. 

Fast forward to 2020 and Covid-19.  Just before the quarantine began, I had started weekly sessions with a Christian counselor in Pasadena to help me in coping with depression and Janet’s  passing.  Before the second session the quarantine went into effect, so our sessions were on Zoom.  Attending church and bible study were also conducted on Zoom.  Better than nothing, however the fellowship is not the same. 

The tender greetings and the hugs of encouragement were gone.  But God found a way.   Not being able to go to work actually became a blessing. A huge blessing. This alone time gave me the desire to be in the Word, study the Bible, connect with old friends on social media, and fellowship with Believers.

My mid-week Bible study was helping boost my confidence, as was my alone time with the Lord in the mornings. During the days I couldn’t get motivated.  Tired and frustrated with myself I became lazy and watched too much TV. 

November of last year I turned 70.  I have had a very active lifestyle during my adult years but being static during the lockdown has added to new physical issues. My motor skills were declining. What had been easy was now difficult. Alone, without Janet, I have become less confident in my actions. I am too worried about making mistakes.  I feel ill equipped for the many tasks that used to be second nature to me. The idea and responsibility of discipleship seems daunting, overwhelming, and unreachable.  It has been hard enough trying to get through each day. I needed motivation, accountability, a task, a project to build, something! Then a friend called.  She needed a special box built, something small that could hold a Laptop, and a way for it to adjust to different heights.

After the call ended I thought it would be a fun little project. I knew the materials I needed were at work.  All I had to do was start; and I did. Less than a week went by, still incomplete but usable. I took it to my friend’s apartment, so that she could try it out and see if there were any improvements that I might need to add. She ended up keeping the box for two weeks, it was working great! I went over to pick it up and brought it back to the shop.  All I had to do was add some handles and put a clear finish on it, then return it.  She was very happy.  So was I.    

Those few hours working on that little box gave me a purpose. I prayed about that purpose for days. Several other projects popped up that I was able to complete. The old juices were flowing.  My  friend Ken would say, “Tim, you’re in the flow.”  But I recognized something different about this; Jesus was in it.  He was always there but my eyes were now open to see it.  And, this morning my ears had opened to hear Him again -“March forth.”

My devotional book belonged to Janet. I use it every morning and treasure the little notes that she had written along the edges of the pages. Today’s devotion had two scripture references, the first was Luke 12:25-26.  In my rush to get to the passage in my bible I started reading at Luke 11:5, then realizing my mistake I decided to read both chapters in sequence.  The teaching of Jesus in these chapters had greater significance for me than ever before.  After reading it again I believe that “March forth” was my special encouragement from God. It was for me to step out in faith; to stop being fearful of making a mistake or looking the fool.  It might even be a trumpet call to the masses.  I don’t know for sure, but I am certain it is mine.  

Perhaps I am to join with those better equipped than I as they “March forth.”  There may never be a more important time in history to do exactly that. It is time for me to step up, join the battle line and become a soldier for Christ.

I treasure the time Janet and I spent together.  Our meeting was a miracle unto itself,  but that is another story.  I know we will be together again. Love lasts forever. Today I will March Forth for both of us.

MARCH FORTH and ALL GLORY BE TO GOD.

March Forth!  How Great Thou Art Lord!

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Pandemic 2020 – What Should You Do??

12 Jul

Coronavirus: What is a pandemic? - CBBC Newsround

 

So, I am going to share a little of my point of view. Folks are sharing posts saying that they believe the Rapture is almost here – I disagree. I firmly believe Genesis 50:20 – “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Yes, these times have been hard and even a bit unfair – but God!!

* How many times in years past have you said that you wished your family was all together for meals? Able to spend time together playing games and just talking? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times have you prayed to God for more time to pray, seek, read the Bible and study? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times did you say that you wished you had time to try new recipes or start canning or make a bunch of different sorts of desserts? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times have you said (or thought) that you wish you had more time to connect with distant family and friends – send a card, send a letter, start a texting conversation? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times did you wish that you had time to start a backyard garden or repot house plants or start a new hobby that you have always wanted to start? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

I understand the oppression and depression that has come with this time of our lives, I really do – I fell right in with everyone else. I had to stop watching the news on TV. I had to block pages on my FB that was FB spamming all sorts of negative things. I had to tell myself to get out of bed and make a difference in this chaos!

What can YOU do? Get out a piece of paper. Make a list of all of the things that you wished you could have done in the past, but never had the time to do.

* If you don’t have the supplies for some of the, post a note on FB or the Online Yard Sales for supplies for – for instance – painting. Make a note that you needs inexpensive supplies – I bet folks will send them to you for free or for very little. You would be surprised at the number of people who will step up along side you – because – well – they are in the same pandemic as you !! Also, the dollar stores always have a small section of crafting supplies for really cheap – then as you get better you won’t mind spending a little extra on good supplies.

* Send an encouraging email – or MEME on FB – or a text message to someone every day! Doesn’t have to be the same person, just pray and see who God puts on your heart.

* Read a new book – lots of your friends will give you suggestions of great books to read, I have seen it over and over again lately.

* Bake that dessert!! YUM.

* Google a recipe for something you have always wanted to try – you will get a dozen hits! Read through to the ones that find your fancy and give it a shot.

* Build that tent fort in the living room and gather the family for story time or desserts or old fashioned kids songs or ??? Well, just take a nap!!

* Get that Bible out and a good Bible Study (hundreds are online) and a good “read the Bible in an year plan” – And Get Started!!

* – Your Turn: Put suggestions in the comments below – be “G rated” please.

What are you waiting for. What if you find out that there are actually wonderful things you can do while locked in at home. Yes, it is scary at times. Yes, financial burdens can be overwhelming. Yes, it isn’t always fun being alone.

SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?!?!?!?!

I am praying blessing over you. I am praying an enhanced imagination over you. I am praying peace over you. I am saying “Seize the time!” Refuse to live in fear. Refuse to live in depression. Refuse to live in oppression. Make every day count.

Feel free to share!

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FOR GRANTED

5 Apr

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“The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.”  Psalm 18:46

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Have I taken you for granted, Lord?

Can You forgive me?

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Do you understand the pain of Circumstance,

That clouds reason.

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You patiently wait as I blame you,

For events You had nothing to do with.

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You sing to me songs of Love,

When I feel the depths of worthlessness.

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You send me tender arms,

When I feel unloved and unlovable.

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You send me songs of joy,

When tears steal my night.

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You wake me with a tender caress,

Inviting me to intimate times with You.

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You speak into my life the words of strength,

Courage and wisdom,

As I open the pages of Your Word.

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You fill my mouth with the tongues of Angels,

A private language that only we understand.

…

Lord, do I take you for granted?

Will you forgive me.

Written 6/15/2002

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