When is a fabrication a lie?

Thursday, August 31, 2017

As a child I learned about the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and Santa Claus. As an parent I taught my children about them. And as a grandparent I have done the same. Did I get scarred for life because I believed in these folktales? No. Are my children secure in their adulthood because I advanced the myths? No. Somehow it is all a part of our culture to incorporate these characters into our children's growing up. 

And what about little practical jokes? Are they harmless or somehow sinister?

I'm pretty sure if I saw this picture of a shark in Houston on Twitter, I'd know pretty quickly that it wasn't real. But even if I fell for it, what harm is there in it?

Where, really, do we draw the line? When does it stop being funny and start being wrong?

Take, for instance, this picture that was posted on social media purportedly of a Houston airport -- complete with airplanes totally covered with water. 

This is actually a mock-up of LaGuardia Airport in New York City as it might look after a flood due to climate change. It was first published in 2013. Might this cause needless panic or anxiety for those in the throws of Harvey's devastation?

Or take this clip from a news agency which claims to show protesters in Houston. 

It is really a photo of protesters in Atlanta in 2016 with false headlines. That is just despicable. 

But in my Internet search yesterday, this one was my favorite non-truth. It claims to show President Obama serving food to the people of Houston affected by Harvey and speaks disparagingly of President Trump.

Notice the long sleeves in the picture. That's because it was taken at Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C. (in 2015). I don't get it. Why would anyone try to disguise this very warm gesture by our former president as happening in a different place and time? And at the expense of our sitting president? Why?

Where do we draw the line?

Is there a line to be drawn?

Have we drifted so far away from absolutes in our country that we can't even see right and wrong anymore?

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭NIV

We can only find absolute truth in the Word (Jesus) and in the Word (the Bible).

You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.  ‭‭
Exodus‬ ‭20:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.
Colossians‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭NIV‬

Followers of Christ must stand firmly on truth and protect it at all costs. We must expose the lies and the liars for what and whom they are. 

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.  ‭‭
John‬ ‭8:44‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Satan is a liar and the father of lies -- there is no truth in him. 

Jesus, on the other hand, is truth. (See John 14:6 above.) He is incapable of lying. 

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

‭Joshua‬ ‭24:15‬ ‭NIV‬

Rain, rain, go away!

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Harvey produced over 49 inches of rain since it came ashore in Texas, the National Weather Service announced on Tuesday. Some reports have it dropping 52 inches. I guess we won't get the official total for another day or so because it just keeps on raining!

I found some interesting information yesterday as I looked up record rainfalls in the US from tropical cyclones. Until Harvey the record was held by Hurricane Hiki in the Pacific as it deposited 52 inches on Hawaii in 1950. 

Interestingly in 1960, there was an unnamed tropical storm that poured over 11 inches on KENTUCKY of all places. That's crazy!

I guess it remains to be seen how much rain will fall on Louisiana and other states once Harvey moves on. 

Isn't it amazing that the one thing we can't live without for more than 3 days can be so devastating in mass volume? Or that the weather can be so gorgeous in some parts of the nation while it's catastrophic in Texas? 

I've tried to find a potential spiritual lesson here but I'm struggling with that. Perhaps the people in our country could represent the body of Christ and the weather could be the different things they go through. In any given church building you can have believers who are experiencing drought in their lives, others who are nearly drowning, and others who are fine and dandy. It's not like reading a weather map, though. It's often not that easy for us to pick up on what everybody is experiencing. 

That's where discernment comes to play -- and honesty -- and trust. We need to come to each other's emotional rescue and sometimes we need to send out for reinforcements. We are all in this life together and we should help each other cope and survive and thrive. 

Lord, help us cope with all the rain in our lives. And help us know how to assist each other in the process. 

How can we help?

Disaster Relief

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

We've seen pictures of the devastation in Texas and our focus soon will be on Louisiana   Our hearts ache for the people affected. But what can we do? We are so far away. 

If yesterday's Scripture verse means anything, then we will put our love to action in order to help the people in Harvey's pathway. 

In keeping with the missions mindset, we can "PRAY, GIVE, and GO."

• Listen to the news so that you can pray specifically for those in need. 
• Give financially to any number of disaster relief organizations like: Samaritan's Purse, your state's Disaster Relief team through the Southern Baptist church, Catholic Charities USA, United Methodist Committee on Relief, the Salvation Army, or the Red Cross. 
• Donate blood. 
• Roll up your sleeves and go help. 
• Help veterinarians who go to help and offer to foster displaced pets. 

Consider the needs of the region after Harvey clears out, as well. The flooding is so profound that people will be recovering for months and months. Don't forget them. 

Lord, help the people affected by this hurricane. Give them strength and bless them, Lord. Lay on our hearts what it is that You would have us to do to show them Your love. 

Love in Action

Monday, August 28, 2017

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
‭1 John‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭

Does this Scripture mean that we are not to verbally express our love for one another? I hope not. I need to hear my family say that they love me. And I need to tell them how much I love them, as well. I also want to tell my dear friends that I love them. It just seems natural. 

But if we say we love someone and then turn around and treat them like dirt, then our words are pretty empty. We must back up what we say by the things that we do. 

So do our "actions speak louder than words?"

Well, sometimes. According to I John 3:18, our actions are critical. We must tell the truth in our actions and clearly depict our love through them. 

Lord, help us be honest in our actions and in our speech. Help us show the world Your love for them. 

Memory Verse 2017 -- Week 34

Sunday, August 27, 2017

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. 

Instead he is patient with you, 

not wanting anyone to perish, 

but everyone to come to repentance.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:9‬

This is good news, indeed! We should be shouting it from the mountaintops to let the whole world know! God is good!

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. 

The Prescription for Our Nation (Part Three)

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Thursday I commented that I believe our nation is seriously ill. 

Signs and Symptoms 

(1) Rather than accept each other for who we are, we see the color of each other's skin. 

(2) Rather than celebrate each other's cultural roots, we tiptoe around them for fear of offending each other.

(3) The rich feel like poor ought to work; the poor resent the rich. The rich drive the economy; the poor suck the life out of it. 

(4) The lawmakers take care of themselves and can't relate to the little guy. The average person doesn't trust the lawmakers. 

(5) It's getting harder and harder to feel safe in our own country. 

(7) Christians are criticized. Jews are targeted. Muslims aren't accepted. 

(8) Our universities have gone off the deep end, changing curriculum so as not to stress out their students. 

I'm personally really concerned about where we are headed. Why can't we just all get along with each other? I don't get it. I seriously don't get it. 

The only thing I know to do is to turn to the Lord. Nothing else we're doing seems to be working. Protests. Rhetoric. Only God can heal us. 

I believe that 2 Chronicles 7:14 is God's prescription for bringing us back to health.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬

According to this passage, the responsibility rests on the shoulders of our nation's Christians. We must humble ourselves before the Lord and seek His will. He will be faithful to provide for our needs. We must analyze our hearts and turn from our sins so that our relationship with God can be strengthened. If we put God first in our lives, He will bless us. 

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? 

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? 

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

‭Psalm‬ ‭42:1-11‬ ‭NIV‬

Lord, may our hearts be acceptable to you. Heal us individually and collectively. 

The Prescription for our Nation (Part Two)

Friday, August 25, 2017

Yesterday I commented that I believe our nation is seriously ill. I believe that 2 Chronicles 7:14 is God's prescription for bringing us back to health.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬

Yesterday we looked at the burden that believers bear in this prescriptive process. We have to humble ourselves, pray, seek His will, and confess any sin in our lives. At that point God will act to heal us. (See yesterday's post for details on the first part of this verse. Today we will look at God's response to us.)

THEN. . .

(1) I will hear them

"Cornelius, God has heard your prayer. . . " Acts‬ ‭10:31‬ ‭

"For you, God, have heard my vows. . . ." Psalm‬ ‭61:5‬ ‭

"'Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God. . . , I have heard you,' declares the Lord.” ‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭34:27‬

"God heard Manoah. . . .” Judges‬ ‭13:9‬

"Then we cried out to the Lord. . . ,  and the Lord heard our voice. . . . "‭‭ Deuteronomy‬ ‭26:7‬

If we do what He has required of us, He WILL hear us. 

(2) I will forgive their sins

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins. . . .”‭‭ 1 John‬ ‭1:9‬

“. . . He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews‬ ‭10:23‬

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians‬ ‭3:13‬

"You forgave the guilt of my sin.” Psalm‬ ‭32:5‬ ‭

God has shown His mercy toward us over and over and over again. He longs to hear our confessions because He wants to repair our relationships with Him. 

(3) I will heal their land

"I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." Jeremiah‬ ‭33:6‬ 

". . . I will restore them to the land I gave their ancestors.”‭‭ Jeremiah‬ ‭16:15‬ ‭

"And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people." ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭30:20‬ 

"Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.”‭‭ Acts‬ ‭4:10‬

I don't think there's anybody as disappointed in the condition of our country as God himself. I also think He will continue to let us spiral out of control as long as we try to do things on our own. 

Lord, bring us to our knees. Heal our hearts and our land. 

The Prescription for our Nation (Part One)

Thursday, August 24, 2017

I think most people in our country would agree that our nation is seriously ill. God has given us the remedy. It involves several steps on our part and it won't be a quick fix. But there is hope. 

Second Chronicles gives us the prescription.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬

For the next few days I'll be breaking down this passage. I think it is rich with meaning and we all need to hear it. Today I want to look at the "if" part. God says "if" we will do one thing, "then" He will do another. It's pretty safe to say that if we DON'T do the first part, then we have no reason to expect Him to do the second. 

(1) If My people who are called by My Name

Who are His people? 

Who are called by His name? 

We could spend a week and a half on this. But here are my thoughts in a nutshell. 

God created mankind. So whether we acknowledge His existence or His part in our lives or not, we all are His people.  Second Peter 3:9 says,  “The Lord is . . . patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” According to Scripture, we are ALL important in His sight. 

What does it mean to be called by His name? What name does this refer to because there are so many listed in the Scripture? Could the name be that of Christ? Could this be talking about Christians? If so, then according to this verse, the health of our nation lies firmly on our shoulders. It is up to us to facilitate the remedy. 

(2) If they humble themselves

Humility is 

• the "quality of being courteously respectful of others." (The Christian Bible Reference Site)

• "remaining teachable, knowing that you do not have all the answers." (The Urban Dictionary)

• "freedom from pride or arrogance." (Miriam-Webster)

Christians must search themselves and remove ALL pride and arrogance. We must show genuine courtesy and respect to everyone; and be teachable, recognizing that we don't know it all. God is the source of wisdom and we should be submissive to Him. 

(3) If they pray

First Thessalonians 5:17 says, "pray continually.”  And here are some ideas about what we could pray for regarding our country. 

Matthew 5:44 says, "I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Yikes. 

‭‭Psalm 199:125 says, "I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes." 

We must go to the Lord with whatever is on our hearts because it's very likely that the Holy Spirit placed it there. 

‭‭

(4) If they seek My face

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” ‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16:11‬

“Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?” Psalm‬ ‭77:13‬ ‭

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:2‬

We must seek God's will. There is no peace elsewhere. 

(5) If they turn from their wicked ways

“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭17:30‬

“I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.” Psalm‬ ‭38:18‬

“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

All throughout history we see time and time again where God's people turned back to Him and he forgave them. He wants to do the same today. We must allow the Holy Spirit to identify the sin in our lives and turn away from it. God is waiting with open arms. 

Lord, we recognize the illness in our country. Bring this passage of Scripture alive to us today, that we might individually take the first steps toward healing for our land. 

Nothing, no nothing, can separate us from God

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Neither height nor depth, 

nor anything else in all creation, 

will be able to separate us 

from the love of God 

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I love this verse. I think it is quite fascinating. All throughout the New Testament we read that Jesus wants to be the Lord of our lives.  His Holy Spirit lives within His believers and we are His temple.  So, really, wherever we are, He is. 

If we are in the International Space Station, He is there. 

If we are all alone in the midst of a crowd, He is there. 

If we are on the highest mountain, figuratively or literally, He is there. 

If we are in the deepest depth of despair, He is there. 

No one -- no thing -- can on its own be a barrier between us and God. Keep in mind, though, that EVERYthing can come between us if we let it. 

So really this verse is totally dependent on us. God and His love are where we are no matter what. But when we let other things get in the way of our relationship, we naturally think it's His fault when in reality it's ours. 

Lord, how wonderful it is to know that no matter how difficult our lives get, we are not alone if you are the Lord of our lives. Your love lives within us all the time. How awesome that is! You are the God of the universe! And you are with me!

Look to the future

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Did you enjoy the eclipse yesterday? I thought it was pretty spectacular. It's so amazing to me. 

I've been thinking about the people who lived back before we could project when an eclipse might occur. As we drove out to the farm in western Kentucky yesterday, we noticed farmers working with their corn, soybeans, tobacco, or cattle. Can you imagine being out in the field and noticing that things were looking kind of funny but not knowing what was happening? And then having everything around you turn dark? And then having it all go away? I think that would be really freaky. It might send me to my knees!

Not only did we know what was about to happen yesterday, we had telephone apps literally announcing the timing to the second. It was pretty cool. 

So I'm ready for the next one which brings up another amazing thing to me. We can predict with 100% accuracy when and where the next eclipses will occur.  For the United States you can expect the following dates:

• April 8, 2024
• March 30, 2033
• Aug. 23, 2044
• Aug. 12, 2045
• March 30, 2052

In April 2024 we can expect the path of totality in North America to go from Mexico to Texas on up to Maine and Canada. Western Kentucky will be in that path once again. This time, instead of a 2 minute eclipse, we can expect one that will last for over 4 minutes! 

Now the April eclipse-watchers will have to contend with prevalent spring rains for visibility. But the upcoming August dates should be fairly clear. 

So put your protective eyewear away for seven years -- or do like my puppy did and chew them up. But rest assured in knowing that the Creator of the Universe is in control. Praise His Name every day for His ways are spectacular indeed! 

Why does the eclipse move from west to east?

Monday, August 21, 2017

Although the sun moves across the sky from east to west, the moon travels from west to east. We don't normally think about this, I don't think, because we aren't as keenly aware of the moon's location throughout the day or night. 

Interestingly, the earth rotates on its axis 30 times for every one time that the moon travels around the earth. (That makes sense because there are about 30 days in the different phases of the moon.) 

As a result, the eclipse today will start in Oregon and end in South Carolina.  

Did you know that the next major eclipse to traverse the US will be on April 8, 2024? It will start in North America in Mexico, enter the US in Texas, move across to Maine, and exit North America through Canada. We won't be in the path of totality in central Kentucky. My husband and I might be making plans to visit southern Illinois around that time!

Enjoy the eclipse today, y'all. Remember that our God created the Universe. Praise Him as we experience the majesty of His handiwork. 

An eclipse as seen from space. 

Memory Verse 2017 -- Week 33

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Jesus answered, 

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. 

No one comes to the Father 

except through me."

John 14:6

This is one of the reasons Christians are viewed as haters or as narrow-minded or as intolerant. The reality is that the Bible makes it very clear that someone who worships Buddha or Mohammad or anything else but Jesus will not go to heaven when they die. Should that make Christians feel privileged or blessed or relaxed? No. It should set a fire under us to reach out to our friends and neighbors and coworkers and family to bring them to Christ before it's too late. 

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. 

Why do I have to wear strange glasses during the eclipse?

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Well you don't have to wear glasses during the eclipse if you don't look directly at the sun. But if you think you'll be inclined to stare at it, then you'd better find some. 

I read about a person who looked at the sun for about 20 seconds during an eclipse and it caused irreversible damage to a spot on both retinas. Afterwards he could look at a face, for instance, and not be able to see the nose. 

So why is this? You know how you can use a magnifying glass with the sun to start a fire? It's the same principle with an eclipse. The suns rays pass through our lenses and burn a place on our retinas. It's not a good thing.  

Do you have to use the funky disposable glasses?

No. You could wear a welder's mask. Wouldn't that be a sight!

Some have surmised that you could look through the door of a microwave oven but I have my doubts about that! 

And they also make more fashionable glasses, too, if you want to spend some bucks on them. 

Let's say you don't have any glasses. Can you still see the eclipse?

Yes. Do you remember the pinhole in the paper trick? Take a piece of paper and stick a pin in the middle of it somewhere. Hold the paper parallel to a sidewalk and let the sun's rays pass through the hole and onto the ground. You'll see a white dot. That's the sun. Then as the moon comes across the sun, you'll see a black semicircle move across your sidewalk sun dot. It's pretty cool. 

Above all, be safe on Monday. And enjoy the view!

What do the critters do during an eclipse?

Friday, August 18, 2017

Have you ever experienced a total eclipse of the sun? I haven't. But one time about 15 years ago, my son and I had the rare occasion of being on the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa during a partial eclipse. If I remember correctly, it was about 75% of totality. 

I was fascinated by the behavior of the animals. Apparently they are not only affected by the slowly approaching darkness but also by the drop of temperature that corresponds with it. We saw flocks of birds flying to their nighttime roosts. And the elephants went to their evening watering spot in the middle of the day. 

I've read where farm animals will lie down in their pastures and chickens will go to roost. Apparently crickets and nighttime flying insects will become active as will nocturnal birds of prey. 

It seems that domesticated animals don't tend to be affected, though, because they get their bedtime cues from their indoor humans and not so much from the light or temperature outside. 

So when I'm on my sister's farm in Christian County next Monday for our big eclipse, I hope to remember to keep an eye out for strange and unusual animal behavior. I wonder, for instance, if the coyotes will be vocal.  Will lightening bugs come out? Will I get very sleepy?

Can't wait!

Eclipse Facts

Thursday, August 17, 2017

If you live around Lexington you likely are keenly aware of the fact that we will be experiencing a solar eclipse on Monday, August 21. I've been researching various aspects of this event and find it to be fascinating. 

Did you know that since 1900, the US has experienced over 200 solar eclipses? Some have been partial eclipses, some total and some hybrid (whatever that means). Five have been particularly notable. 

1. On May 29, 1919, Arthur Eddington photographed the eclipse which somehow verified the theory of general relativity. (I read two articles about this which I'm sure were in English. I still have no idea what they said.) Apparently this photo was pretty important. 
2. The longest total eclipse in the US in the 1900's was on June 20, 1955. It lasted 7 minutes and 8 seconds. 
3. If you could fly a jet in the pathway of the total eclipse, you could stay in the dark for 74 minutes. At least that's what happen on June 30, 1973.
4. In less than 12 months, the US had two hybrid eclipses: October 3, 1986 and March 29, 1987. Apparently that's pretty rare. 
5. In July 2000, we had two eclipses in the same month: July 1 and 31. That's crazy!

I'm really excited about Monday's eclipse. It should really be cool!

Don't Stop Now

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

I've found that by being a part of a group, I tend to stick with my goals better. The StepBet app has given me the structure and the incentive to keep moving. 

I've been given the opportunity to create my own game in the StepBet platform. So now I'm looking for participants. 

What is a StepBet challenge? 

In a nutshell you use your fitness tracker to count your steps. Each week you have to walk a moderate amount for four days, a little further for two days, and none at all on one day (if that's what you want to do). Do that for six weeks and you win. 

Read all about it on the app. 

So how do you find my game? 

In the StepBet app search for this code: DONTSTOPNOW

It'll cost you $20. 

It starts on August 28. 

Share this with your friends on FaceBook or from the app or just by word of mouth. I told them I thought I could get ten participants. What do you think? 

Do I have a voice?

August 15, 2017

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. 
Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776

America today cries that it wants to be a nation of acceptance and diversity. If we truly are created equal as our Declaration of Independence states, then we should accept one another just because He created us. Period. It shouldn't matter what our national heritage, primary language, sexual orientation or religious preferences. 

Unless you're a straight, English-speaking, Caucasian Christian and then no matter what you do or say, you're labeled as racist, intolerant, and far from diverse. 

I don't get it. 

What is happening to our nation? How can we stop this craziness?

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NIV‬

God's people must 

(1) humble ourselves

(2) pray

(3) seek His face

(4) turn from our wicked ways. 

Then God will

(1) hear us

(2) forgive our sin

(3) heal our land. 

Oh, Lord, how I grieve over the state we find ourselves in today. Forgive us for coming up with excuses for doing whatever we want and not paying any attention to your precepts. Give us the courage to stand up for what is right in Your eyes. 

I truly couldn't care less!

Monday, August 14, 2017

I work with some pretty interesting people. They are intelligent, hard-working folks who make our team incredible. In my opinion, we work very well together. 

Do you know the one thing that has never crossed my mind about our team or about the people we serve? Prejudice. 

I can honestly say that our service is the same whether we are dealing with someone who speaks Spanish or Swahili or English -- whether they are Christian or Mormon or Buddhist -- whether they are Caucasian or Hispanic or of African descent -- or whether they have a high or low IQ.  It just really doesn't matter. 

So I can't understand why people get all bent out of shape about race or religion or anything else. I live in the United States of America. I expect my fellow Americans to accept and love each other no matter what. No matter what. 

And if we disagree about something, let's sit down and talk about it. Don't run over me with a vehicle or blow my brains out. Let's agree to disagree and move on with our lives. 

Jesus was the best example of acceptance, don't you think? He befriended tax collectors and Pharisees -- neither of whom were particularly liked or trusted in that day. He welcomed pesky little children who were viewed more as a possession than as a full-fledged human. He even protected and included women in His ministry -- that was unheard of. He was pretty radical.  

Acceptance shouldn't be radical. It should be natural. But that depends on us. 

Lord, help us to be blind about the differences we have with each other. Help us to accept each other for who we are -- precious in your sight. 

Memory Verse 2017 -- Week 32

Sunday, August 13, 2017

I have been crucified with Christ

and I no longer live,

but Christ lives in me. 

The life I now live in the body, 

I live by faith in the Son of God

who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

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. 

So Many Funerals

Saturday, August 12, 2017

This may seem a little random, but today's post is about coping with the loss of those who have breathed their last breath here on earth. 

One of my friends at work just said goodbye to her grandmother. 

Lizzie's roommate from last year just lost her grandmother. 

Lizzie's friend from high school unexpectedly lost two friends last week due to a car wreck. 

We have countless friends throughout our lifetimes who have passed away. 

Bill has lost both of his parents and all his aunts and uncles. 

I've lost my parents and most of my aunts and uncles. 

Lizzie has lost her birth father. 

So what do we do with death? How do we cope with the agonizing loss of a parent, a sibling, a child -- someone particularly close to us? I guess we all deal with death differently and I'm not sure there's a right or a wrong way to do it. But life is full of death so deal with it we must. 

The first year is, in many ways, the hardest as we walk through days of particular importance: birthdays, holidays, etc. Unexpected moments of longing consume us. Memories flood our hearts with warmth. Difficult days of painstaking housekeeping tasks cloud our vision. But we must remember that our loved one wouldn't want us to get lost in the tears and sorrow. They would want us to remember them and to live. 

I don't know how the unbeliever does it. For it is only by the strength of my Lord and Savior that I can face each day and live my life victoriously. He gives me hope. He gives me peace. He gives me comfort in knowing that He is taking care of His children -- those on earth and those with Him in heaven. He gives me the ability to hold my head up and focus on Him. By training my eyes on the Lord I find that I don't sink into the raging waters of grief arounding my feet. Instead He holds me close. And I live. 

So I take a deep breath and steady my eyes on Him. I celebrate everything I can about those who now are with Him. And I know that one day I will be with Him, too. 

He wants to take away our anxiety.

Friday, August 11, 2017

“Cast all your anxiety on him 

because he cares for you.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How many times and in how many different ways does God have to reinforce this message?  

• He loves us. 
• He wants us to have peace. 

He loves us:

Psalm 136 states repeatedly that His love endures forever. 

Nehemiah 9:17  tells us He is a forgiving God--which means He loves us

Psalm 68:5 says He's a defender of the vulnerable

He loves us as Father (John 17:11, John 17:25, Col 1:2, Col 3:17,)

1 John 4:8 plainly states that God IS love. 

God loves us so much that even when we were awful, rotten sinners, He let Christ be crucified for us. ‭‭(Romans‬ ‭5:8‬, John 3:16)

He wants us to have peace:

Psalm 9:9 says He wants the oppressed to find refuge in Him. 

Isaiah 25:4 states that He is a shelter, a shade

and a sanctuary. Sounds peaceful to me. 

He is the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3). 

He is the God of peace (1 Thess. 5:23, Judges 6:24). 

He who comforts you brings you peace (Isa. 66:13). 

He brings healing (Exodus 15:26)

He will provide (Genesis 22:14

Psalm 56:4 says: in God I trust and am not afraid. 

John 10:10 expresses His desire for us to have fullness of life. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is such a short list of Scriptures but you get my point. God loves us and wants us to be at peace. Forget the excuses. Forget the quest for trying to have control over things. He wants to take care of it all. 

Lord, I don't know why this is so hard. We know what we're supposed to do -- let You take care of us. But we don't do it. Why is that? Take our worries. Take our anxieties. Replace them with confidence in You and with Your peace. 

The Thief

Thursday, August 10, 2017

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Last week we covered the issue of trust. God has proven He is trustworthy, don't you think?

So who is it that is TOTALLY untrustworthy -- twisting the truth at every opportunity, trying to steal our joy all the time, and lurking in the shadows for the chance to destroy us? The thief. The wolf in sheep's clothing. And angel of darkness. Satan himself. 

Well, this Scripture shows these two as polar opposites: Satan tries to deliver death and destruction but Jesus brings abundant life. 

Do you see the big difference in the verbs in that last statement?

Satan "tries" but Jesus "does."

And what is the key? For those who have a personal relationship with the Lord, Satan has no authority. None. He can "try" all he wants but Jesus will always be victorious. 

So what do we do when we wake up in the middle of our spiritual nighttime and realize Satan is trying to burglarize us?  Remember that he cannot stand the name of Jesus. I can visualize his cringing in distress at the very mention of it. So this is what we should say OUT LOUD for Satan to hear: 

"You have no power over me! 

In the name of Jesus Christ 

leave me alone!"

Then thank God OUT LOUD for His love and protection. Claim His victory over Satan. And rest knowing God has done it. 

Lord, you alone are God. You are the giver of life. Thank you for protecting us from the thief. Help us to remember to give You ultimate control over our lives. 

Hot Dog!

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

What has four very short legs, a disproportionately long back, is black, grey, white and brown, and full of energy? And a long waggly tail. And sharp tiny teeth? And stole my heart the moment I saw him?

You may have read about him on FaceBook already. He is an 8-week-old dapple dachshund named Benny the Jet. What a cutie pie! Bill and I gave him to each other for our 35th wedding anniversary. 

Now why on earth would we give each other a puppy for our anniversary? I don't know. It seemed like a good idea. Did you know that we were supposed to give each other something made of coral or jade? I can't really see that happening. So it might as well have been a puppy! 

So for the next 14-17 years, Bill and I will be celebrating our 35th anniversary. Sounds like a good way to stay young. 

Lord, thank you so much for gifting us to each other 35 years ago. We were made for each other -- truly! Help us to celebrate the life you give us and to return our energies for your service. 

The Quest for Wisdom

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

So give your servant a discerning heart

to govern your people and 

to distinguish between right and wrong. 

For who is able to govern this 

great people of yours?

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Solomon was given the opportunity to ask God for anything. Rather than request riches or power, he asked for wisdom. God was very pleased with Solomon's request -- so much so that not only did He give him his request for wisdom but He also gave him wealth and power. 

We could learn from this. We should always seek a discerning heart -- whether we're working with our children or with an entire nation. 

And the rhetorical question is intriguing: who is able to govern this great people of yours?

What is the answer? I would suggest that the answer is, "God."

I know I can't supervise my people very well. It is only by God's direction that I am able to be equitable and kind to them. So it is God's governing through me that gets the job done. 

Lord, create in us a clean and discerning heart that we might make you proud every day. 

In God I Trust

Monday, August 8, 2017

In God, whose word I praise— 

in God I trust and am not afraid. 

What can mere mortals do to me?

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭56:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

David wrote this psalm after he had been seized by the Philistines. Surely he was concerned about bodily harm from his ruthless adversaries.  But it sure doesn't sound like it. 

In God I trust. 

I see two reasons here to trust God. 

(1) I trust His word, the Scripture. I trust Him because He has proven that He is Trustworthy.  Every time in Scripture when He made a promise, He kept His word. 

He promised He would provide for me and He has. 

He promised He would never leave me and He hasn't. 

He promised He would never let me experience more than I can bear and He's been true to His word. 

He promised He will come get me one day and take me to heaven and I'm confident that He will. 

(2) I trust His Word, Jesus Christ. 

I am not afraid. 

What is there to fear? Death? I don't think so. 

The future? What is there to fear? Disease? He would guide me through it. Catastrophe? He would give me strength. Financial ruin? He cares for the flowers so why wouldn't Je care for me? 

Nope. I'm not afraid. 

What can humans do to me? Words can hurt me emotionally. Physical abuse can cause destruction. But no one can take me away from my eternity with the Lord. 

I trust Him. 

Memory Verse 2017 -- Week 31

Sunday, August 6, 2017

But whatever were gains to me

I now consider loss

for the sake of Christ.

What is more, I consider everything a loss

because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,

for whose sake I have lost all things. 

I consider them garbage 

that I may gain Christ. 

Philippians 3:7-8

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. 

Psalm from the desert

Saturday, August 5, 2017

undisclosed author

Lord, How can I describe You? Your wonder is beyond words!

You are larger than the whole universe yet small enough to fit in this heart of mine. 

You are Ruler of rulers but tender hearted with  your lowly servant. 

I lift my hands in praise to You. 

I bask in the radiance of Your presence. 

I long for the moment when I leave this desert wasteland and join You in Your lush heavenly home. 

My lips are parched. You fill me with Living Water. 

My body is spent. You nurture me with your Word. 

Scavengers await my demise. You are my Hope. 

Without you I am broken. With you I am whole. 

You are my Rock, my very strong foundation. 

You are my Oasis, my peaceful rest. 

You are my Protector, providing for my every need. 

I praise You, Lord, for You alone are worthy of praise. No one can compare to You. 

ABC Psalm

Friday, August 4, 2017

anonymous author 

Praise the Lord!

Praise Him all people from every land!

Lift your voices in poetry and prose. 

Make sweet music to the Lord. 

Dance in His presence. 

Bow in humble adoration before His throne. 

For He is:

• Awesome
• Bold
• Creative 
• Daddy
• Everlasting
• Forgiver 
• God
• Honorable
• Incredible
• Jealous
• King of kings
• Lion of Judah
• Master Designer
• Never ending
• Omnipotent 
• Practical
• Quotable
• Radical
• Sensitive
• Trustworthy
• Unbelievable
• Victorious 
• Wonderful
• Xtraordinary
• Yahweh
• Zealous

Who is like Him?

Who can defeat Him?

Who can remove Him from my heart?

Praise the Lord!

Who God Is and What He Has Done

Thursday, August 3, 2017

When you have someone special in your life, you want to encourage them and let them know how much they mean to you. You tell them how beautiful they are (yes, I think Bill is beautiful), how much you love their creativity or their sensitivity. You might also tell them how much you appreciate what they do for you: helping with the children, emptying the dishwasher, filling up your car with gas, buying you dinner. 

So we should do the same for the Lord. We should tell Him how wonderful He is:

   • because of who He is (attributes) 

   • because of what He does (actions)

I looked up a page from Henry Blackaby's "Experiencing God" that lists all the names for God. Take a few minutes and contemplate this list. He is all of these. 

A faithful God (Deut.32:4)
A forgiving God (Neh. 9:17)
A fortress of salvation (Ps. 28:8)
A glorious crown (Isa. 28:5)
A jealous and avenging God (Nah. 1:2)
A Master in heaven (Col. 4:1)
A refuge for the oppressed (Ps. 9:9)
A refuge for the poor (Isa. 25:4)
A sanctuary (Isa. 8:14)
A shade from the heat (Isa. 25:4)
A shelter from the storm (Isa. 25:4)
A source of strength (Isa. 28:6)
A stronghold in times of trouble (Ps. 9:9)

An ever-present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1) Architect and builder (Heb. 11:10)
Builder of everything (Heb. 3:4)
Builder of everything (Heb. 3:4)
Commander of the army of the LORD (Josh. 5:14) 
Creator of heaven and earth (Gen. 14:19) Defender of widows (Ps. 68:5)
Eternal King (Jer. 10:10)
Father (Isa. 9:6; 63:16; Ma . 5:16)
Father of our spirits (Heb. 12:9)
Father of the heavenly lights (Jas. 1:17)
God (Gen. 1:2)
God Almighty (El Shaddai; Gen. 17:1)
God and Father of Jesus Christ (I Pet. 1:3)

God Most High (Gen. 14:18

God my Maker (Job 35:10)
God my Rock (Ps. 42:9)
God my Savior (Ps. 18:46; 27:9)
God my stronghold (Ps. 144:2; 2 Sam. 22:3)
God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Ex. 3:16)
God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3)
God of all mankind (Jer. 32:27)
God of glory (Ps. 29:3)
God of gods (Deut. 10:17; Ps. 136:2)
God of grace (1 Pet. 5:10)
God of peace (1 Thess. 5:23)
God of retribution (Jer. 51:56)
God of the living (Ma . 22:32)
God of the spirits (Num. 16:22)
God of truth (Ps. 31:5)
God our Father (Col. 1:2)
God our strength (Ps. 18:2)
God over all the kingdoms (Dan. 4:17)
God the Father (Col. 3:17)
God who relents from sending calamity (Joel 2:13) 
Great and powerful God (Jer. 32:18)
Great, mighty, awesome God (Deut. 10:17)
He who blots out your transgressions (Isa. 43:25)
He who comforts you (Isa. 66:13)
He who forms the hearts of all (Ps. 33:15)
He who raised Christ from the dead (Rom. 8:1)
He who reveals His thoughts to man (Amos 4:13) 
Him who is able to do more than all we ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20)
Him who is able to keep you from falling (Jude 24) 
Holy Father (John 17:11)
Holy One (Rev. 16:5)
Holy One among you (Hos. 11:9)
I AM WHO I AM (Ex. 3:14)
Jealous (Ex. 20:5)
Judge of all the earth (Gen. 18:25)
King of glory (Ps. 24:7-10)
King of heaven (Dan. 4:37)
Living and true God (1 Thess. 1:9)
Lord Almighty (2 Cor. 6:18)
Lord God Almighty (Rev. 4:8; 16:7; 21:22)
LORD is Peace (Judg. 6:24)
LORD Most High (Ps. 7:17)
LORD is my Banner (Ex. 17:15)
LORD my Rock (Ps. 28:1)
LORD of all the earth (Mic. 4:13; Zech. 4:14)
LORD of kings (Dan. 2:47)
LORD our God (Deut. 1:6, 10)
LORD our Maker (Ps. 95:6)
LORD who heals you (Ex. 15:26)
LORD who is there (of Jerusalem; Ezek. 48:35)
Lord who makes you holy (Heb. 2:11)
LORD who strikes the blow (Ezek. 7:9)
LORD will provide (Gen. 22:14)
Love (I John 4:8)
Maker of all things (Eccl. 11:5; Jer. 10:16)
Most High (Gen. 14:18-22)
My advocate (Job 16:19)
My Comforter in sorrow (Jer. 8:18)
My confidence (Ps. 71:5)
My light (Ps. 27:1)
My might rock (Ps. 62:7)
My refuge in mes of trouble (Ps. 59:16) 
One to be feared (1 Chron. 16:25) 
Our help and our shield (Ps. 33:20)
Our judge (1 Sam. 24:15)
Our lawgiver (Isa. 33:22)
Our leader (2 Chron. 13:12)
Our Mighty One (Isa. 33:21)
Our Redeemer (Isa. 47:4; 63:16)
Our refuge and strength (Ps. 46:1)
Righteous Father (John 17:25)
Rock of our salva on (Ps. 95:1)
Shepherd (Ps. 23:1)
Sovereign Lord (Acts 4:24)
The Almighty God (Gen. 49:25; Ruth 1:20)
The compassionate and gracious God (Ex. 34:6) 
The consuming fire (Isa. 33:!4)
The faithful God (Deut. 7:9)
The gardener (husbandman; John 15:1) 
The God who saves me (Ps. 88:1)
The God who sees me (Gen. 16:13)
The great King above all gods (Ps. 95:3)
The just and mighty One (Job 34:17)
The living Father (John 6:57)
The Majestic Glory (2 Pet. 1:17)
The Majesty in heaven (Heb. 1:3)
The one who sustains me (Ps. 54:4)
The only God (Jude 1:25)
The potter (Jer. 18:6)
The rock in whom I take refuge (Ps. 18:2)
The spring of living water (Jer. 2:13)
The strength of my heart (Ps. 73:26)
The true God (1 Thess. 1:9)
You who judge righteously and test the heart and mind (Jer. 11:20)
Your glory (Ps. 57:11)
Your praise (Isa. 38:18; Ps. 71:8; 138:1)

Your very great reward (Gen. 15:1) 

Father of compassion (2 Cor. 1:3)
God who avenges me (Ps. 18:47; 94:1)
Great and awesome God (Deut. 7:21)
Helper of the fatherless (Ps. 10:14)
Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead (2 Tim. 4:1)
My helper (Ps. 118:7; Heb. 13:6)
My hiding place (Ps. 32:7)
My hope (Ps. 25:5, 21)
My song (Ex. 15:2) 
My strong deliverer (Ps. 140: 7) 
My support (2 Sam. 22:19)
Only wise God (Rom. 16:27) 
Our dwelling place (Ps. 90:1)
The Eternal God (Gen. 21:33)
The Everlasting God (Isa. 40:28)
The exalted God (Mic. 6:6)
The glorious Father (Eph. 1:17) 
The glory of Israel (Mic. 1:15)

Are you writing your own Psalm? Let me know. I'll be publishing some of them over the next few days.