DanceBlue

DanceBlue:
the University of Kentucky
24 Hour Dance Marathon

January 31, 2017

This blog post is for my daughter, Lizzie. She is a freshman nursing major at the University of Kentucky. We are so proud of how well she has adjusted to the demands of university life, juggling her classes, her sorority and personal time so very well. She even got a 4.0 last semester. (I never did that!)

This semester Lizzie’s big project is to raise money for UK’s DanceBlue. “What is DanceBlue?” you might ask. “DanceBlue is a year long fundraising effort, culminating in a 24-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon right in the heart of the University of Kentucky’s campus. All of our efforts support the DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic.” http://danceblue.org/fast-facts/

DanceBlue originated in 2006 because of the courage of one young man who, after valiantly battling cancer for several years, lost his life in 2002. In its inaugural year the participating students raised $123,323.00. “DanceBlue has become the largest philanthropic event in the South Eastern Conference and one of the fastest growing dance marathons in the entire United States.” In 2016 they raised $1,631,067.00! http://danceblue.org/our-story-2/

Lizzie’s sorority, Delta Zeta, is attempting to gather $42,000 for the cause.

https://danceblue.networkforgood.com/projects/18502-danceblue-golden-matrix-fund-dance-teams-delta-zeta-2017-danceblue-team?project_id=18502

If you can donate even $5-10 on this website, please do. There's a place in the on-line process where you can list Lizzie Fort as the dancer to get the credit. She has already raised her requisite $500 but wants to help DZ and the children of Kentucky even further.

Unfortunately the deadline for Lizzie to get the credit is TODAY, January 31. So please donate “before midnight tonight!” 

Thank you in advance (from Lizzie) for how you will bless these children.

 

Memory Verse 2017 -- Week 15

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Abiding in Christ

 

I am the vine; you are the branches. 

If you remain in me and I in you, 

you will bear much fruit; 

apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

Spend the week focusing on this scripture: 

• Read the verse in your Bible. 
• Read the passage before and after it. 
• Write it in your journal. 
• Ask the Lord to show you how it applies to your life. 
• Put it on a piece of paper and post it in a prominent place in your home so that you can see it often. 
• Put the words to music. Make up a tune or use one you already know. Singing always helps in the memory process. It's a left brain / right brain thing. 
• Always memorize the scripture reference with the verse so you can remember where to find it in the Bible. 

Memory Verse 2017 -- Week 13

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Trials and Temptations 

 

If we confess our sins, 

he is faithful and just 

and will forgive us our sins 

and purify us 

from all unrighteousness. 

1 John 1:9

Spend the week focusing on this scripture: 

• Read the verse in your Bible. 
• Read the passage before and after it. 
• Write it in your journal. 
• Ask the Lord to show you how it applies to your life. 
• Put it on a piece of paper and post it in a prominent place in your home so that you can see it often. 
• Put the words to music. Make up a tune or use one you already know. Singing always helps in the memory process. It's a left brain / right brain thing. 
• Always memorize the scripture reference with the verse so you can remember where to find it in the Bible. 

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

I Love a Good Snow!

January 30, 2017

I love snow! 

I've always loved snow!

When I look outside and see it coming down, I am likely to squeal, "It's SNOWing!" Just ask my husband and he'll say, "I don't know anybody who loves snow more than this girl."

It's true. 

Now, I don't love snow so much that I want to move to Oymyakon, Russia where the average winter temp is -50 degrees. I wouldn't even want to move to Syracuse for some good lake-effect snow. I'm satisfied to be in Kentucky where we might get a couple of good snows each winter. I guess that makes me a fair weather fan. I'm fine with that. 

So when it flurried off and on yesterday, I was tickled. And I thought, "is it a good thing that we have snow?"

“Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭26:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Among other things, this verse reminds me that it is appropriate for snow to fall in January. We shouldn't be surprised by it. It's natural. 

Plus, a good blanket of snow in the winter benefits farmers who are producing crops. It protects the winter plants from bitter cold. It prevents birds from carrying off seeds. And it provides water as it melts. 

Snow is good for outdoor play. We don't have any ski resorts nearby but children of all ages love to get outside and play in the snow. 

Snow makes a picturesque landscape right outside your window. It is clean and pure and totally covers all earthly blemishes. Admit it. Snow is beautiful!

I'm keenly aware that snow also causes headaches with school closures, traffic accidents (I hit an ambulance last year on the Interstate because of the snow), falls and subsequent broken bones, power outages, shoveling issues, etc. But instead of being distracted by those things, I chose to celebrate those six-sided wonders and gleefully sing, "Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!"

Lord, thank you for the different seasons and for the beauty that each one brings. Help us to look past the inconvenience of a little snowfall and to have fun with it. 

 

Memory Verse 2017 -- week 5

Sunday, January 29, 2017

New Creations in Christ

 

But seek first his kingdom 

and his righteousness, 

and all these things 

will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33

Isn't balance all about priorities? If we run after clothes or wealth or family or position -- things will get all out of whack. Seek God first and let Him take care of the rest. 

Spend the week focusing on this scripture: 

• Read the verse in your Bible. 
• Read the passage before and after it. 
• Write it in your journal. 
• Ask the Lord to show you how it applies to your life. 
• Put it on a piece of paper and post it in a prominent place in your home so that you can see it often. 
• Put the words to music. Make up a tune or use one you already know. Singing always helps in the memory process. It's a left brain / right brain thing. 
• Always memorize the scripture reference with the verse so you can remember where to find it in the Bible. 

Memory Verse 2017 -- week 4

Sunday, January 22, 2017

New Creations in Christ

Did you realize I forgot to post the memory verse last Sunday? Well, here it is. We get to do two this coming week. 

 

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; 

no one will snatch them out of my hand. 

John 10:28

Think about how much comfort and assurance this verse brings. 

Spend the week focusing on this scripture: 

• Read the verse in your Bible. 
• Read the passage before and after it. 
• Write it in your journal. 
• Ask the Lord to show you how it applies to your life. 
• Put it on a piece of paper and post it in a prominent place in your home so that you can see it often. 
• Put the words to music. Make up a tune or use one you already know. Singing always helps in the memory process. It's a left brain / right brain thing. 
• Always memorize the scripture reference with the verse so you can remember where to find it in the Bible. 

Sticks and Stones can Break My Bones

Words Can Soothe the Soul

January 28, 2017

Do you remember the old rhyme:

Sticks and stones can break my bones
But words will never hurt me.

Why did we teach this to our children? It's a flat out LIE! Words can rip you up and spit you out. OR they can soothe your very soul.

One day this week at work, I had the opportunity to brainstorm with one of the nurse managers about some things I had on my mind. During the course of conversation, she shared some pretty flattering things with me about my co-worker and me. I can't tell you how soothing it was. She had no idea that the day before I had had the rug pulled out from under me, so to speak, and I was still struggling to put one foot in front of the other as a result. This complimentary salve was so sweet and its timing was perfect.

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.  Proverbs 16:24

How often do we take the opportunity to tell someone how much they mean to us? I don't know about you but it is a little uncomfortable for me to tell even my closest friends or family that I appreciate them because they are so __________ (kind, caring, unselfish, smart, entertaining, compassionate, or whatever). Instead of thanking them for something they have said or done, we should practice telling them how much we love their character. You never know when they need that sweet healing.

LORD, You are so wonderful. You are generous. You are loving. You are so patient with me. You are always with me even when I don't recognize your presence. Your love for me is incomprehensible. You alone are worthy of all praise and adoration. I love you.

 

Break the Cycle of Inactivity

Break the Cycle of Inactivity

January 27, 2017

I don't think anyone would look at my schedule and say that I'm lazy by any means. But when I get home from work during the week, there is a magnet pulling me with irresistible force to the recliner in my family room. And if a blanket finds its way over my legs, I'll be out like a light in about 2 seconds. This is a cycle that I could easily fall into -- work, vegetate, go to bed, repeat.

I think you will agree that being a couch potato is probably not very healthy. Muscles atrophy. Minds turn to mush. Bellies (and other body parts) expand. We should probably get up and do something. I always say I'll do that -- tomorrow.

Here is a very unscientific list of things to do to avoid inactivity or to start moving if inactivity has already set in.

AVOID THE COUCH

I've always heard people who have trouble with alcohol addictions say that they have to avoid places that serve alcohol. Otherwise they are more prone to fall off the wagon. So if you are drawn to a particular place to vegetate after work, then do what you must to avoid it. 

WALK THE DOG
My fitbit says I should do 30 minutes of some sort of exercise 5 times each week. So take Fido for a stroll. That will be better than nothing. Don't have a dog? Adopt one from the Humane Society!

JOIN AN EXERCISE CLASS

Thursday afternoon I got an invitation to participate in an exercise class at church at 6:00. So I decided to do it. After all, today's blog was going to be about inactivity so I'd better practice what I preach. I thought I was going to DIE! I didn't, though. And I'm guessing that Friday will be a rather sore day for me. So now I've got to figure out how to keep that level of exercise going. Makes me tired just thinking about it.

PICK UP A NEW HOBBY
Being active doesn't have to involve aerobics or organized exercise. Gardening is a good thing to do -- not in the winter, mind you. Woodworking. Sewing. Painting the bedroom. I don't know. Find something.

AVOID THE TELEVISION OR ELECTRONICS

The 'blue light" from electronics (or something like that) is supposed to keep you awake at night. So you're not supposed to look at those things for an hour before you go to bed. If you're like me, I'm not doing those things unless I'm lying around. So maybe by avoiding them, I'll get up and do something useful.

VOLUNTEER IN THE COMMUNITY
Lots of organizations have things going on during the day. Others have things at night. So get involved with something. FBC in Richmond is always looking for missions leaders on Wednesday nights. Celebrate Recovery always needs volunteers for one thing or another on Thursday nights. Hope's Wings and the Pregnancy Help Center could use some help during the day as could the Compassionate Care Center. 

GO TO SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL
Whether you have a child in the school system or not, there is usually something going on at the high school throughout the year. It could be a ball game, a track meet, a band or choral concert, a cheer or dance competition, or a play. Get out and support your local kids.

I found a couple of things on the Internet that were pretty interesting. This blog is about a man who decided to get off the couch and clean up his life. It was pretty radical what he did to his house to get started.
https://brightside.me/article/how-one-man-quit-being-a-couch-potato-and-started-living-life-to-the-full-86655/

This link is for a list of things to do to get off of the couch. I like it because it seems a little more thought-out than my off-the-top-of-my-head ideas above.

http://www.careeraddict.com/5-ways-to-stop-being-a-couch-potato-after-work

Whatever you do to avoid the couch potato, your body and your mind will likely thank you for it later.

LORD, thank you for these good ideas. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us that there is a time for everything under heaven. Help us to discern the right time to work or play or rest or volunteer or clean the house or go hunting or whatever. Help us to be mindful of you no matter what we are doing. For you are our constant companion whatever we do. 

 

Break the Cycle of Worry

Break the Cycle of Worry

January 26, 2017

Apparently people have been worrying for a very long time – the New Testament has quite a few passages dealing with it. Jesus explains repeatedly that worrying doesn’t help anything. It doesn’t add any time to our lives. It doesn’t fix anything. It doesn’t generate any necessary provisions. It is fruitless.  

Instead of worrying about things we cannot control, what does Scripture say that we should do?

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:34 NIV

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12:25-26 NIV

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV

Don’t worry sounds pretty simple but we can probably all testify that it is not.

Praying about our situations might be fairly routine.

But do we pray with thanksgiving?

Have you ever found yourself praying about a difficult situation that is causing you to worry? And in the process of your prayer, your mind drifts off into countless directions.

The next thing you know, you are praying about it again, realizing that you never really finished praying about it in the first place.

As time passes, your mind repeats the process of trying to figure out what to do and attempting to pray about it at the same time.

That’s not very effective prayer. Wouldn’t you agree?

Only by giving the situation totally to God can we break the cycle of worry.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”1 Peter 5:7 NIV

Did you catch the verb in this Scripture? “Cast.” This is a deliberate action. It involves choice and a decision. Did you know that the major difference between worry and fear is that we can chose not to worry, but fear is involuntary? If we chose to throw our worries onto God, what can we expect?

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7 NIV

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19 NIV

Only God can truly break the cycle of worry in our lives. And only He can fill the remaining void with peace and thanksgiving and meet all our needs. Why would we want anything else? It’s time. Give it to Him.

LORD, it is so easy to worry and so difficult to let it go. May we actively hurl our concerns onto you. After all, you’re the only one who can do anything with them. May we claim your victory and rest in your peace. 

 

Break the Cycle of Debt

Break the Cycle of Debt

January 25, 2017

"If you frequently have to borrow money from friends or relatives, take out payday loans or cash advances, or use your credit cards to cover your expenses until your next payday, then you're living paycheck to paycheck. According to a 2015 CareerBuilder survey, 61% of workers say they live paycheck to paycheck."   

(How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck,  by LaToya Irby, www.thebalance.com)

So are you living paycheck to paycheck?

Are you spending more than you bring in?

Are you in a cycle of debt that you just can't break?

Although you might take comfort in knowing you are not alone in this regard (one of the 61%), there are ways to get out of that rat-race.

You CAN become debt-free.

Does losing 50 pounds take time?

Does it require a plan?

Does it involve sacrifice?

Is it possible?

Yes.  Yes.  Yes.  And yes.

It is the same with losing debt: it takes time, a plan, and sacrifice. And it is well worth the effort.

Bill and I were in that position for the first part of our marriage. Then we went through Dave Ramsey’s, Financial Peace University where we learned to establish an emergency fund, pay off our debts from smallest to largest, save, and give. If you have the chance to go through that program at your church or elsewhere, it is well worth it. We can proudly say that the only debt we currently have is our home (and it will be paid for soon). We own our cars. We carry no credit card debt. We tithe. We save for retirement. We have put children through college. All because we learned how to make our money do what we wanted it to.

This week I researched some information on the Internet to see what I could uncover about getting out of debt. I found “6 Ways to Break the Cycle of Debt in Your Life.” (Feb 12, 2014, truthinfinancialplanning.com)

1. Turn off your TV.

2. Find cheaper friends.

3. Live beneath your means.

4. Become a saver.

5. Embrace cash.

6. Increase your income and bank the difference

For the full description of each of these, please look up the article. But here is the overall idea.

(1) Besides the fact that much of television programming is mindless, it is financed by advertisements. We are influenced by the ads that we ingest. We are influenced by the lifestyles that are portrayed in the programming. And we spend to acquire what we see.

(2) You’ve heard the saying, “keeping up with the Joneses.” If we find ourselves having to spend to keep up with our friends, then perhaps we need to find more frugal ones.

(3) Spend less than you make.

(4) If saving money is a priority, you will find spending money on insignificant things not so appealing.

(5) If you don’t have the money in hand to purchase something, don’t.

(6) You might need to take on a second or third job to make up the difference for awhile.

I just can’t explain the freedom that comes from dropping that ball and chain called debt. Bill and I are not wealthy by the world’s standards. (Or are we? I guess if 61% of people are in debt up to their ears, then maybe we are.) But we don’t have to worry about what we will do if the water heater goes out or if we have to replace four tires. And that’s pretty cool.

LORD, I know that you want us to be free from the burden of debt so that we can live more fully for you. Guide us to the right tools to help us break the debt cycle. Help us to be better stewards of the provisions you have given us so that we will make you proud.

 

The Cycle of Sin

Sin

Wrath 

Oppression

Repentance

Deliverance

I used to read the Old Testament and think, "Those Israelites were stupid. You'd think they would have learned from their mistakes!" They would turn from God (sin), make God angry, get hauled off to some foreign land for manual labor (oppression), finally figure out their error (repentance), get delivered (prophets/judges), and repeat. 

Somewhere along the way in my life I realized I was no different from the Israelites. Now I'm not so quick to point a finger at them. 

How do we break this cycle of sin in our lives?

• It helps to see our past clearly. If we honestly look at our pattern of sin, we can do one of two things: ignore it and keep on sinning or recognize it and avoid it. 
• Breaking the cycle requires determination on our part and the conscious decision not to sin. 
• It requires total dependence on God. 
• It means staying in the word so that we can recognize God's direction in our lives. 

I don't know about you but I don't want to have a wall between God and me (sin).

I don't want to anger the Lord. 

I don't want to experience oppression--to be held captive by my adversary (Satan).

I want to be quick to turn from my mistakes (repent).

I want deliverance from it all (through Jesus).  

So why am I so stupid? Why don't I learn from my mistakes?

Because, like the Israelites, I'm human. 

It's a good thing God doesn't expect me to earn my place in heaven because I'd be up a creek without a boat! 

LORD, thank you for your grace which flows so freely. I am so unworthy of your love. Thank you for giving it to me anyway!

 

Has it really been Twenty Years?

Has it really been twenty years

 since the Forts moved 

to Richmond, KY?

It was twenty years ago that I realized for certain that God had a sense of humor. Here were two WESTERN granduates (not to mention that my dad had been on the faculty at WKU, my mother, my two sisters, and their husbands were all alumni) that God unequivically had directed to move to the land of EASTERN. Funny.

But God knew exactly what He was doing.

For one thing, if we hadn't moved to Richmond, we wouldn't have Lizzie. She was born 11 months after we arrived at our new church. God knew her adoption was on the horizon when he sent us here. That is so cool.

God knew that Will and Patrick would establish their families here. They would never have met Holly or Klecenda if we had stayed in Bowling Green or had gone somewhere else.

I would have never ventured to consider a job at the University of Kentucky -- much less to have worked there for eleven years now.

We wouldn't have adopted Maggie, the precious dog rescued in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

But most of all, if we hadn't been obedient to God's direction to move to Richmond, we would have been miserable.

God has blessed us immeasurably, not just in the ways listed above but in countless others. We have made so many wonderful friends. We have seen our children grow into fine young adults.We have witnessed the church grow spiritually in ways we had never imagined.  We have been a part of I-don't-know-how-many people turning their lives over to the Lord for full-time missions or ministry. It's just amazing what God has done in these twenty years.

What is next?  Who knows what God has in store for us? We will do whatever he directs us to do. We will go wherever he directs us to go. We will seek His will and do our best to be in the center of it. I don't want to be anywhere else.

Lord, thank you for these past 20 years in Richmond. They have been incredible. I am humbled by your rich blessings on our lives since we've been here. May we continue to serve you well in the years to come.

 

By Rachel N McCubbin

The Inauguration with Patience

The Inauguration of the 

45th President 

of the United States

Wednesday, January 18, I had the privilege of flying to Washington, D.C. to meet my sisters and my son for the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States. This was my inaugural inauguration, so to speak. Rachel, Lynne, and Patrick had all been to at least one in the past. It was a tremendous honor to be included in this historic event.

Washington is so full of history. We live in a magnificent nation!

What did we get to do while we were there?
Well, we walked and walked and walked some more!

• We got to go to a reception at Senator Paul's office. That was pretty cool because the building is so old and gorgeous. 
• We saw a concert at the Lincoln Memorial. They had some pretty spectacular fireworks afterward. 
• We ate at two wonderful restaurants. The Ethiopian one was especially interesting and enjoyable. 
• We witnessed the swearing in of our 45th President. We stood within the "inner circle of port-a-potties" -- meaning we weren't too far from the capitol steps. The whole ceremony was very interesting -- people applauding, people booing, choirs singing, bands playing. Again, I was honored to be a part of it all. 
• We got to attend the Freedom Ball that night. I guess the last time I went to a "ball" was the prom in 1978. And we definitely didn't wear anything this fancy back then. 
• I got to experience the use of Uber for the first time. 

What was my favorite thing we did?
Hm. I'd say, hands down, it was spending time with my sisters. It's been a very long time since we have been together just the three of us. And Patrick was a nice fourth wheel!

But I must add that my next favorite thing was getting to meet and talk with Willie Robertson from Duck Dynasty. I even got my picture taken with him -- for Will, you understand! He was so gracious. It was quite a treat. 

Not ever having been to an inauguration or anything like it, the most awe-inspiring thing for me was being in the same room with the President at the ball. I was about 20 feet away from him and his wife. After seeing him in person, I can honestly say I was very pleased with how genuine he seemed. And I was humbled at the chance to be there. 

What was my least favorite thing to do?
Walk. I decided that if I ever do this again, I'm not going to even consider what sort of fashion statement I'm making as I walk around. Sneakers or whatever goes with sneakers -- that's what I'm going with next time. (Then I can tolerate wearing something fancy for the ball!)

What do I think about politics?
I wish politics could follow the golden rule -- do to others as you would have them do to you. That would pretty much take care of the posturing, the misrepresentations of the truth, the bickering, and the selfishness we see every day in this arena. I'm not holding my breath on that one!

What is our responsibility moving forward?

We need to acknowledge that our forefathers laid the foundation for a phenomenal nation and that this is, indeed, an incredible place to live. Instead of segregating one race from another by chanting, "Black Lives Matter,"

we should instead be standing arm in arm singing, "ALL lives matter!" We should pray earnestly for all of our elected officials and public servants. And we should treat all of them (and each other) with respect. 

Lord, thank you so much for this special land in which we live. Thank you for the freedoms we have. Help us not to take them for granted. Help us to put our politics aside, to love and respect each other, and to work together to make our country even better than it is today. May we truly be one nation under Your power. 

 

Ephesians 6:19-20 – Be Prepared for 2017

January 21, 2017

Be Prepared for 2017: 
Pray for Me

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:19-20

Who do you think “me” or “I” is in this passage?  I think it is pretty clear that it is the writer of the letter – presumably the Apostle Paul.  From our perspective today do we need to pray for him? No. Of course not. He has already gone on to heaven and doesn’t need our prayers anymore.

So does that mean that this passage is useless? I don’t think so. Whom could the “me” or “I” be today?

* Missionaries
* Pastors
* Bible Study teachers
* Believers in general

I think we should pray for each other – fervently.

I don’t know about you but my desire is that whenever I speak, I might carefully use the words of the Holy Spirit so as to sprinkle Living Water on all those who are around me. I want to be uninhibited in my quest to share the Gospel. I want to be His instrument to reach those in my path.

If that is truly our desire – then all of Ephesians 6 rests on this last verse. As children, parents, employees, employers, Spiritual warriors, and evangelists, our goals should be to stand fearlessly in this corrupt world and to declare His gospel to everyone. It won’t always be easy – but that’s why we need to pray for each other.

Lord, show us how to stand firm and to be fearless with you at our side. Help us to be bold in this crazy, mixed up world. We want to bring you all the praise and glory.

 

Ephesians 6:18 – Be Prepared for 2017

January 20, 2017

Be Prepared for 2017:
Pray

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

What do you talk to the Lord about?

What do you talk to your best friend about?

Perhaps these topics should be the same?

Or perhaps you should talk more to God and less to your buddy. Just a thought. 

I seriously talk to God about everything. I'm pretty sure he never gets tired of it. Once when I was a toddler I was talking mother's ear off. In exasperation she said, "would you please just stop talking?" Soon after that I laid down for my nap and promptly fell into some strange coma-like thing where I didn't wake up for like 2 days! They never did figure out what caused that, but mother was never so glad to hear my voice as she was that day when I sat up and said, "I'm hungry."  (And ever since then I have really enjoyed sleeping!)

My point is this. God yearns to hear our voices. We are his little toddlers and He loves us dearly. 

So what are we to pray for?

   -for all kinds of requests. 

   -for all the Lord's people. 

And now that we are about to have a new president of the United States, it is our obligation to pray for him. We don't have to agree with him. But in all sincerity, we must pray for him. 

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2:1-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There you have it. While all suited up in your spiritual armor, keep your mind active by praying all the time about everything and everybody. 

And God will bless your mind and heart as only He can. 

Lord, thank you that we can come directly to You with our thoughts, prayers, and praises. How awesome that is! You are the creator of the universe! And You long to hear our voices! 

 

Ephesians 6:17 – Be Prepared for 2017

January 19, 2017

Be Prepared for 2017:
Sword of the Spirit

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:14-17

Up until now all of the parts of the Lord's armor have been defensive or protective. But not this one. The sword which is the word of God can cut Satan to the quick. There are two things Satan cannot stand up against: the name of Jesus and the word of God. We should use both whenever necessary. 

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians‬ ‭2:9-11‬ ‭NIV‬

According to Matthew 4:1-11, when Jesus was in the desert, Satan enticed Him with three wonderful things. How did Jesus respond to him? He quoted Scripture for which Satan had no answer. Jesus avoided sin by quoting what was deep in His memory. 

By the way, how does Satan try to hurt us?

By lying to us -- after all, he is the father of lies. 

By tricking us -- which is another type of lie. 

By attacking our faith -- which is another lie. 

By luring us down a wrong path -- which is another lie. 

He is all smoke and mirrors. 

He can't stand the fact that Jesus has defeated him and that He will have the ultimate victory in the end. 

He thinks that if he can get under the skin of Jesus' brothers and sisters (that's us), he can get back at God. 

Don't let him. 

Use your spiritual armor in the name of Jesus to ward off all of Satan's deceptions. 

Use your Bible as a guide to recognize those deceptions and come back at him with confidence and force. 

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭119:105‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Lord, thank you that Satan has no power over us. Thank you that we can stand firm against him because of your perfect word. We claim your courage and wisdom today to be able to stand firm and to fight, wielding your sword with confidence. And we give you the glory for each victory. 

 

Ephesians 6:17 – Be Prepared for 2017

January 18, 2017

Be Prepared for 2017:
Helmet of Salvation

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:14-17

Salvation is defined as “deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss.” In the spiritual sense, it is “deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Jesus Christ.” I would expound on that by saying that humans are naturally doomed for eternal separation from God (hell) unless they express faith in Jesus Christ.

I’ve had people ask me over the years to explain this salvation. It is really quite simple. It is so simple, in fact, that it seems too good to be true. This is one of those rare times, however, when it really is true. These are the ABCs of salvation.

A – admit

Admit that you are sinful – that you are bad, rotten, good-for-nothing, however you want to word it. Romans 3:23 says “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  No matter how hard we try to do good works, or to be good, or to act good – we always fall flat on our faces.

B – believe

Believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that He came to the earth as a man to teach us and guide us to the Father. Believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, even though He Himself had done nothing wrong. Believe that on the third day He arose from the grave, conquering spiritual death for you and defeating Satan for good. John 14:6 says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

C – confess

Unlike a criminal who admits (or confesses) guilt when on trial, this confession means to “declare your religious faith.” It means to tell someone that you believe. Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

Revelation 3:20 is one of my favorite verses. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and sup with him and he with me.”

Jesus, gentleman that He is, doesn’t break your door down and push His way into your life. He knocks and waits patiently for you to decide to open the door and invite Him in. Once invited in, he is at home there and brings you peace,

Salvation is, indeed, easy. We don’t have to DO anything. We can’t EARN it. We don’t DESERVE it. It is a free gift given to us from God.

When I was 9 years old, I did something terrible at school one day. I had been sick and I had to stay in the classroom while the other children went out to the playground. One of my classmates had been naughty that day and the teacher made him stay inside during recess, as well, to “clean the desks.” What kind of punishment was that? The desks weren’t even dirty. I got out my box of crayons and forcefully marked on my desk with every color. “Now. There’s something for you to clean,” I sneared.

Just then, we saw them. The teacher and the students were on their way back to our classroom. We panicked. Nothing we did would make those marks go away.

I was crushed.

I let my teacher down.

I let my classmates down.

I disappointed my parents.

But more than anything, I realized with full clarity that I WAS BAD.

It was a couple of days later that I prayed a simple, childlike prayer to God asking for forgiveness and asking Him to come and make His home in my heart.

He forgave me that instant, granting my salvation (deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss).

He has lived within me ever since.

If you have never walked through these simple steps, I encourage you to do that right now. Pray the following prayer and then go tell somebody!

Lord Jesus,

I admit that I am full of sin. I realize that no matter what I do, I will never be good enough to earn a spot with you in heaven.

I believe that you are the Son of God, that you came to the earth to die on the cross for me. And I believe that you came back to life on the third day.

I open the door of my heart to you now. Please come into my life and live with me forever.

Ephesians 6:16 – Be Prepared for 2017

January 17, 2017

Be Prepared for 2017:
Shield of Faith

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:14-17

The shield of faith, as you can imagine, is critical for defense against all kinds of weapons. But this scripture specifically lists its use against Satan’s flaming arrows. Let’s think about the shields and flaming arrows used at the time this passage was written.

The Romans used arrows with hollow shafts which they filled with a flammable liquid. When they fired these arrows, the tips would be on fire. Upon impact the shafts would break causing the flammable liquid to spread and ignite instantly. Sounds like a recipe for destruction.

Interestingly, the Romans used wooden shields in that day. As you can imagine, if an enemy’s flaming arrow stuck in a wooden shield or spread flammable liquids on it upon impact, it might all go up in flames. Then where would their defense be?

So it was common practice before going into battle for the Romans to soak their shields in water until they were wet all the way through. This actually served to “extinguish all the flaming arrows” which hit them. I never knew that. I just assumed things just bounced off of the shields.

So how does that scenario apply to us today spiritually?

Ephesians says that the shield we carry is the shield of faith. Our faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is our main defense against Satan. How can we grow our faith?

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17 NIV

Our faith increases by our hearing, internalizing, and putting into practice the word of God – Scripture. If we are not in the word, we cannot expect our faith to mature.

Ephesians 5:26 suggests that the word of God is also like cleansing water. So if our faith – the shield – is maturing through our study of Scripture and if we are soaking it in the Lord’s water – Scripture – then we can expect the shield to extinguish fiery darts from Satan as in days of old.

I found an interesting website by Rick Renner that talks about this at length if you’d like to look at it. I found it to be fascinating.

www.renner.org/spiritual-warfare/here's-how-to-extinguish-the-fiery-darts-of-the-wicke/

Lord, I love you with all my heart. I believe in you. You are Yahweh – Jehovah – Almighty God. It is by this faith in you that I know I am protected from Satan’s advances on my life. Help me to continually soak up your word so that my shield will be that much stronger against evil.

 

Ephesians 6:15 – Be Prepared for 2017

January 16, 2017

Be Prepared for 2017:
Shoes from the Gospel of Peace

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:14-17

Who would you want to go into battle barefooted? Not me.

Would you want to fight in flip flops? I guess that would be better than barefoot -- maybe. They’d probably trip me up.

Would you dare attempt it in 4 inch heels? I’d break my ankle, for sure.

Of course, I love my dad’s caricature of little “Onward” the Christian Soldier wearing Converses.

If I had to go into battle, though, I would want to have my feet fully protected with the best boots available.

Likewise we should go into spiritual battle with the proper preparation for our spiritual feet.

Interestingly enough, if you look up “armor of God” on the Internet, you pretty much always see the feet labeled, “PEACE.”

Is that what this scripture says?

I like the idea of going into spiritual battle with my foundation being the concept of peace.

I’m no theologian and I may really be going out on a limb.

I wonder if the shoes should really be labeled, “GOSPEL.” And it just so happens that the Gospel or Good News of Jesus Christ is one of peace and not of bloodshed.

If that’s the case, then I like that idea better.

In our current world, it seems that violence in the name of religion is much more popular than peace.

Our Bible proclaims, though, that, “Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9

Yes, I want my shoes to be protected by this gospel and not by any other.

But wait.

This scripture in Ephesians actually says, “and with your feet fitted with the READINESS that comes from the gospel of peace.”

So because of the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we can claim a “readiness” for battle that we cannot provide for ourselves. It is only from God, Himself.

And He facilitates our being “ready to stand.”

Lord, thank you again for your provision for us. We know we are going to have to fight spiritual battles in this life. But more and more we understand that you have provided the perfect armor through your son. It's up to us to put it on.