Their Faith

 There was a man in Capernaum. He was in dire need of healing. But not just any healing, but the kind that goes deep down into the heart and soul of a person. He needed forgiveness as well. This man was not only dealing with the physical consequences of his sins, but also the spiritual battle that came along with them. He has been to the Pharisees and the doctors to no avail. I would image he began to lose hope of ever being healed. He began hearing stories of others in similar condition that had been healed by Jesus. Despite the diagnosis of incurable sinner, he received hope from the healings of others. Not only had Jesus healed others, but He was right there in Capernaum. 

One problem. He couldn’t take himself to see Jesus. He was a paralytic. He immediately thought of his friends. He called on them to carry him to Jesus. There was no hesitation. They carried this man on his bed to the house where Jesus was. The crowd was thick in the house. No matter what the men tried to do, They could not get the man into the house to see Jesus. No amount of excuse me’s and pardon me’s were working. They could not enter the house. 

Twice now he could have lost all hope. And twice he refused to give up. Why not just go to the roof and drop him down? Without hesitation, the four friends climbed to the top of the roof and began breaking apart the roof. As each part of the roof was removed, I’m sure the excitement grew in the friends. Soon, they could see tops of people’s heads. Once there was enough space, the friends lowered the man, bed and all, down to the feet of Jesus. I’m not sure how the people were reacting. Maybe they were too busy listening to the words of Jesus to realize a hole was being formed in the roof. But there would be no way this could be ignored. A man being lowered on his bed from the roof to the feet of Jesus. 

All conversation ceased. All eyes were fixed on this man. Jesus could see true repentance in this man’s eyes. In Mark 9 verse 5, it says, “When Jesus saw THEIR faith, He said, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.’”  

Their faith. Whose faith? The faith of the four friends and the paralytic. The friends had to have faith to carry him from his house to this house. They had to have faith to climb to the roof of the house. They had to have faith to make the hole and let him down. Those four friends did not lack faith. The paralytic did not lack faith. The faith of our friends may be all that we need to receive a blessing from Jesus. If his friends lacked faith, they would have spoken doubt when he asked to be taken to Jesus. His faith would have wavered. If they lacked faith, the man would have lost hope when they couldn’t enter the house due to the crowd. If they lacked faith, he would have lost hope and not asked to go up to the roof. The fact that they had faith, strengthened his faith instead of weakened it. He was able to keep pushing forward because they believed. He received the forgiveness he so desperately desire because his friends had faith, too. 

Who you hang out with, who you associate with really matters. Your inner circle is important. The faith of the people you call your friends is vital to your spiritual walk. I notice it is easier for me to be faithful in difficult situations when my friends speak in faith instead of doubt. I’m stronger spiritually when my friends are expressing their faith. I’m not saying that I rely on my friends for my faith or my spiritual walk. But I am saying their influence on me will either strengthen me or weaken me. Are those around you lifting you up? Are they speaking words of faith? Or are they harvesting doubt? 

So how does the story end? Ministry of Healing Chapter 5 says:

“The burden of guilt rolls from the sick man’s soul. He cannot doubt. Christ’s words reveal His power to read the heart. Who can deny His power to forgive sins? Hope takes the place of despair, and joy of oppressive gloom. The man’s physical pain is gone, and his whole being is transformed. Making. O further request, he lay in peacefully silence, too happy for words.”

The forgiveness was more powerful than the physical healing. The man needed both but was desperate for the forgiveness of his sins. Jesus healed both his mind and his body. In verse 11 of Mark 9, Jesus told him to arise, take up his bed and go to his house. And the people were amazed and glorified God. 

Chose your friends wisely. Surround yourself with faithful friends. It might be because of their faith you receive an answer to your prayer. And be the friend that is found faithful. This is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Praise Him in the Storm

 The other day I was driving down the road when I noticed something wasn’t right with the car. I called the Hubs and described the issue to him. We both were worried about the situation. I called a friend who is also a mechanic and described the problem to him. He asked me to bring the car to him and He would check it out. The problem though was I was worried I wouldn’t be able to make it to his house. So I prayed and headed his way. And of course turned on my music. The first song that came on? Praise You in this Storm by Casting Crowns. Yes. Praise Him in this storm. Car issues are never fun. I could only praise Hi.  I knew He already had it worked out. I knew it was in His hands already. So praise Him. 

There were some men that praised God during their storm. Paul and Silas were on their way to pray when they were followed by a slave girl that was possessed with a spirit of divination. Her masters made their money off of the slave girl’s fortune telling. As she followed the men, the cried out, “These men are the servants of the most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” If someone is known for being possessed, saying this would actually do more harm than good to their ministry. Yes, she was speaking the truth. Sometimes the source of truth causes more problems than it does good. It almost becomes more mocking than helpful. And after a few days of this, Paul gets a little annoyed. Well, more than a little. The Bible says he was greatly annoyed. Understandable. Paul turned to the girl and said, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out if her.” And the spirit came out of her. Well, the girl’s masters were not pleased. They just lost a great deal of their income with her being freed of the spirit. The masters dragged Paul and Silas into the marketplace to the authorities. They were furious. They then told the magistrates that these men were troubling the city and teaching customs that were not lawful for the Romans to receive or observe. Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and thrown into prison. The jailer was commanded to keep them securely. Their feet were fastened with stocks. 

Paula no Silas were doing the work of God. They were not causing any trouble. Yet here they were beaten and in prison. But instead of moping around and throwing a hissy fit, they were praying and singing hymns to God. They were praising Him in this storm. 

It is not always easy to praise God in our difficulties. Sometimes it is much easier to whine, scream, yell, complain. God why is this happening?! Sometimes it honestly helps to feel better by yelling. Get the frustration out. But what kind of witness would Paul and Silas have been at that moment? 

At midnight, while they were praying and singing, there was an earthquake. All the doors were opened and all the chains were loosened. It was midnight, so the guard had been sleeping. But the earthquake awakened the jailer. He was scared for his life. What if al his prisoners escaped? He would have to pay for that with his life. So he was going to take matters into his own hands. But Paul called out, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” What a relief. That night, the jailer was saved. From Paul and Silas’ testimony through prayer and song. 

Sometimes our best witness is how we respond to trials that come our way. Are you going to praise God or whine and complain? 

So how did our car situation turn out? Well, honestly it was a fairly simple fix for a problem that seemed catastrophic. The amazing thing? The Hubs got holiday pay on his check. The excess covered the parts we needed for the car. Praise the Lord.

So when you are in your storm, Praise Him. This is possible Only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Knock

 The Hubs was standing in the backyard tending to our dog. The back door was closed. As I was in the living room I hear the back door rattling. But it wasn’t opening. I was confused as to what was going on. Then I hear him knocking on the door. I noticed that the door was unlocked, so I was confused as to why the Hubs couldn’t open the door. I turn the door knob, but nothing. The door knob barely moved. The latch wouldn’t move. He was trying. I was trying. But nothing.  Either one of us could get the door open. I kept praying, but there was no change. 

There are many times we face situations where we pray and ask God to open doors for us. We ask for His will to be done. And we come to doors that close out of nowhere. 

Many times the Hubs and I have prayed, “God, open doors that should be open and close doors that should not be open.” We especially did that when we were looking for a house. That is a pretty important decision. We asked God to lead and guide us in our house search. There was this one house we really wanted. We prayed over this house asking God if it was God’s will that He would enable us to make an offer they couldn’t refuse. Yet God did not open that door for us. He closed so many doors in the house search process. And we have found out it was for the best. 

About ten years ago, we were looking for a place to live. We prayed to God asking Him to open the door to where He wanted us to live and close all the other doors. After we said amen, we walked up to the office door. We reached for the door knob and low and behold the door was locked. God literally closed that door. 

Sometimes God works literally and sometimes He works more figuratively. 

Matthew 7-8 and verse 11 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” 

But here is the thing. It must go along with God’s will. If I ask for an Audi S8, I’m probably not going to get it. But if I ask God for a working car, that is more likely. It won’t be an Audi. Even though that is my desire. God says to “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your ways to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” Psalm 37:5-7. 

So an Audi may be my desire, but it is not according to His will. If I delight myself in God, my desires will be His desires. 

What are you asking God for? What doors are you asking God to open or close? 

Is it for a job? A new house? A car? College or even Major? Or to literally open the back door of your house? Pray. Ask. Seek. Knock. Remember that God’s timing is perfect and His wisdom is beyond measure. Instead of opening the door, God gave me the idea to unscrew the door knob. We had to break off the latch. Funny thing is God lead us to buy a new lock for a different door about a month ago. He prepared us for this moment. God opened our door in a way we didn’t expect. 

Expect the unexpected when it comes to God’s answers to your prayers. Even if you haven’t received the answer to your prayer, keep seeking, keep asking, keep knocking. God will open the right door when it is according to His will. This is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Get Back Up

 About five years ago, a good friend bought Little Bit a bike with training wheels. She has ridden the bike on and off again over the years. One day, one of the training wheels started to come off. Instead of trying to fix it, I took them both off and we began trying to teach Little Bit how to ride her bike sans training wheels. It has not been easy. Her fear prevented her from actually trying. She wanted her training wheels back on but we insisted she continue to try. 

Well, she decided she wanted to try again. The Hubs and I are standing on the porch since it had just rained. We honestly didn’t expect too much. Mostly just some rolling around. But she surprised us. She would try to get her feet on the pedals. Only reason she moved forward is she kept pushing herself, not because she was pedaling. 

But then, all of a sudden, she was actually pedaling. Maybe just for a second or two, but she was doing it. And she kept trying. She didn’t give up. Until she was actually pedaling up and down the street. We were so amazed. She even said, “I bet you are so proud of me!” Why yes, we were very proud of her. We were shocked. Amazed. And immensely proud. She would fall over and she kept getting back up. She didn’t quit. After about an hour of riding, we finally had her come inside. 

She reminded me of a verse in Proverbs. Chapter 24 verse 16 says “For a just man falls seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” 

Let’s break this verse down. A just man. Righteous. Justified and vindicated by God. 

Falls. Fall short. Fail.

Seven times and riseth up again. To persist. 

But the wicked. Guilty of sin. 

Shall fall. To stumble or be feeble. 

Into mischief. Unpleasant evil. 

A righteous, justified and vindicated man may fail seven times but he persists. But a man guilty of sin will stumble into unpleasant evil. 

The key here? He persists. If he fails, he keeps going. If he falls, he gets back up again. He, like Little Bit, didn’t let a fall keep him down. He got up and tried again. Perfection of character isn’t expected today. Sanctification is a work of a lifetime. 

When I teach in class, I know my kids are going to make mistakes. But I expect them to keep trying and not to give up. And when the test comes, I still don’t expect perfection. But I see so much growth in them at this point. 

So when a little Bit gets on her bike again, do I expect her to ride her bike without falling over? Not at all. I know she will fall over again. Hey, I still fall over sometimes when I ride my bike.  It I expect her to get up and try again. 

Be the righteous man. Or woman. If you fall. If you fail.  If you make a mistake.  Get up. Try again. Don’t stay down. Pick yourself up. Dust yourself off. And move forward. Ask God for help.  I matter what, don’t stay down. Get up. This is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Signs and Wonders

 There are many miracles recorded in the Bible. Many different stories of Jesus healing the sick, bringing the dead back to life, giving sight to the blind, and helping the lame to walk. The thing I find interesting is Jesus didn’t use the same method for each miracle. Why do you think that is?

There are probably many reasons.  But one that stands out to me is that Jesus knows what each individual needs and how to provide those needs. Is it just healing that is needed. Or is there more to it? I want to look at two particular stories. A Jewish nobleman in John 4 and Jairus, a Rabbi in Mark 5. 

The Jewish nobleman specifically sought out Jesus to heal his son who was suffering from an incurable disease. He wanted to believe in Jesus. The condition of believing in Jesus rested on Jesus healing his son. The nobleman had enough faith to believe that Jesus could heal his son.  Otherwise he wouldn’t have sought out Jesus. But Jesus called him on his faith. “Unless you see signs and wonders...” I’m sure those words struck a cord with this nobleman. Jesus knew what the man wanted, but more importantly, what the man needed. I’m sure the man felt a twinge of guilt. How right Jesus was. The nobleman did not need Jesus to come to his house to heal his son. He only needed Jesus to say the words. Jesus told the man, “Go thy way, thy son liveth.” 

The nobleman did not rush home. No, he took his time. Why? Because he believed the words of Jesus. He believed his son was healed. He left with peace and joy. And a true belief in Jesus. That’s what this man needed. 

Jairus on the other hand was a ruler of the synagogue, an elder, rabbi. As a rabbi, he wouldn’t have gone to Jesus first because of how the rulers thought of Jesus. Jairus was described as a haughty rabbi. The position he held within the church skewed his view of who Jesus was. His daughter was sick and on the brink of death. But he was aware of Jesus’ healing power. He knew his daughter could be healed by Jesus. He had received word that his daughter had died. There was no need to bother Jesus anymore. But Jesus continued on. But unlike the nobleman, he needed to witness the healing power. No, the resurrection power of Jesus. The paid mourners were asked to leave. Only the parents of the girl, Jesus, and three of his disciples went in the room with the girl. And Jesus brought her back to life. 

The faith of Jairus was ignited. There is a difference between knowing and believing. I imagine his life was changed like that of Nicodemus. 

Jesus reaches us where we are. He meets our needs. We also receive our desires.  But the needs are of upmost importance. 

It is still true today. Many people are growing their faith day by day. But not everyone’s faith grows the same way. We may not have healing power, but we have witnessing power. We can witness to others. And God knows who to send where and how to reach others. Some people may need the one on one friendship to know Jesus. Some may need an evangelistic series. Others need the door to door experience. There are those that need to witness a miracle to have the faith ignited. Some may need to reach rock bottom before they can accept Jesus. Our job is to try. That is why God created each of us with different talents. So we can reach different people. Don’t give up on someone if you don’t see the evidence of their faith. God knows what they need and He knows how to reach them. It may not be you who ignited their faith. And that’s okay. 

How about you? Are you more like the nobleman and just need to know that God will take care of your needs or like Jairus and need to witness Him working in your life? Whichever one you are, God knows how to meet your every need. This is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Taste and See

 Little Bit doesn’t have food aversions, which we are very thankful for as this is prevalent with autistics. But she does have food she doesn’t like. 

For example, she doesn’t like cooked bell peppers, raw onions, and jalapeños. We have a rule in our house that she has to at least try it. Take a bite. Not a nibble, but a bite of the food. 

If she really doesn’t like it, then she doesn’t have to have it. Sometimes it is a good we know she likes but doesn’t want. She likes broccoli but for some reason she doesn’t want to eat it. There are times we make a new food with ingredients that she likes. Try it. Taste it. See if you like it. 

You know, God tells us the same thing. In Psalm 34 verse 8, we are told,  “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”

But what is it that we need to taste? We can’t eat God. So what do we eat?

 In Revelation chapter 8 verses 8-10, John is told to take the little book and eat it up. The book was sweet as honey in his mouth and bitter oh his belly. What book did he eat?

In Ezekiel 3 verses 1-4, God tells Ezekiel to eat the roll and speak to the house of Israel. God told him to cause thy belly to eat and fill thy bowels with the roll.

 And it was in his mouth as honey for sweetness. What was this roll?

The book and the roll are the same thing. The Word of God. 

Both men were prophets and received prophecy. But they had to eat the word to see that it was good. 

Today, we are to eat the Word of God. 

We are to consume the Word of God and see that He is good. Just like we tell Little Bit to just try it, we, too, need to try the Word of God. Just taste and we will have no doubt that God is good. Isaiah 55 verse 1 even tells says, “everyone that thirsteth,  one ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. We are to eat for free. His Word is for everyone. No one is to go without. 

If a brother doesn’t have the Word of God, share it with him. If a sister doesn’t have access to the Bible, provide access. They should be allowed to come and eat for free. 

Take the time. Taste and see that the Lord is good. You won’t stop at just a few bites. You will come back for seconds and thirds. This is one time that is good to be gluttonous. 

Fill up on His Word. This is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Selfless Dandelion

Personification. Giving an inanimate object human characteristics. The lonely cloud. The waving tree. The dancing flowers. The selfless dandelion. 

Except, dandelions are kinda selfless if you think about it. A dandelion begins as a weed growing...everywhere pretty much. I will call it a flower because I want to. It starts as a yellow flower. The petals bright and fluffy.  It then something happens. The flower begins to die. It begins to lose its petals. In their place seeds are formed. Soon the dandelion is a full head of seeds. Then the wind blows, animals walk by, the rain falls, or little kids come along and soon all the seeds have taken off. They are carried away by the wind. Soon the plant, if it is still standing, is empty of all seeds. The seeds then begin to germinate and a new plant is formed. The process is repeated over and over again. 

So why did I call the dandelion selfless? Because it gave its life to give new life. For new dandelions to grow, the previous dandelions had to die to become seeds. 

I remember being a kid and finding out my aunt was pregnant. I wanted a girl cousin. So I grabbed a seeded dandelion, made a wish for my aunt to have a girl, and then blew as hard as I could. I blew every single one of those seeds off of the plant. And a few months later we found out my aunt was having a girl. I was so excited. Not only did my wish come true, but many more dandelions were born as well. Jesus talks about a plant like the dandelion In John 12:24, Jesus said, “verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abide the alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”

Just like the dandelion and the corn, Paul tells us that we need to die to self. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

When we die to self, other lives are born for Christ. More people can enter into eternal life. We must die daily to our sinful selves and live in Christ to bring others to Christ. We cannot bring someone to Jesus if we focus on ourselves. On our own works. We must focus on the life of Jesus. When others see us, they need to see Jesus. We must die to self and live for Him. It is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Amazing Grace

A while back We were driving down a lonely road.  Just our little family. Just having a conversation and minding our own business. When the dreaded lights shone in our rear view mirror. What had we done wrong? I didn’t think we were speeding. Our tags weren’t out. Our lights worked. We had no clue. We pull over and wait. We said a prayer asking God to help the officer be nice and to not give us a ticket. Come to find out, we were stopped for going a mile or two over the speed limit. And hen he said the words every driver wants to hear. I’ll give you a warning today. We then praised God for His mercy and for the grace the officer showed us. So you know what we did? We sped off going 10 miles over the speed limit to make up for time lost. I mean. The officer did show us grace. 

No. That’s not what we did at all. We drove off carefully and watched our speedometer. We made sure we stayed under the speed limit for a while. Why? Because he showed us grace. If we really had sped off, it would be like a slap in the face to the officer. 

There is a story in the Bible in Matthew chapter 18. A king was going through his accounts and one servant owed him ten thousand talents. This servant did not have the money to pay the king back so he was to be sold along with his wife, kids, and all that he had so that the payment could be made. Of course the servant didn’t want that. He fell to his knees and begged the king to give him time to come up with the money to pay off his debt. The king had compassion on his servant. He has grace. He forgave the servant. The servant was free from his debt. What a weight was lifted off his shoulders. He wouldn’t have to be sold not would he have to pay back all the money. This servant, after receiving this amazing grace, went and found another servant who owed him a hundred pence. But instead of showing the same grace the king showed him, he laid hands on this man and demanded he pay him what was owed. He fellow servant fell to his knees and asked for patience. He agreed to pay it all back, he just needed time. The servant was just shown grace. Do you think he would return that grace to his fellow servant? No, he didn’t. He cast his fellow servant into prison sentencing him until he could pay all that he owed. People were watching. They saw what just happened. They went straight away to the king. The servant was called back in before the king oh thou wicked servant, I forgave you all you debt, because you asked me. Shouldn’t you also have compassion on your fellow servant even as I has compassion on you? Of course the king was mad. He showed mercy and grace to his servant only for him to turn around and punish his fellow servant for something less than what he was forgiven for. 

God gives us grace. He forgives us of our sins. But that doesn’t mean we need to keep sinning. Jesus died for each one of us. He said us from our sins, not in our sins. There are Ten Commandments that we should follow. Jesus said, If you love me, keep my commandments. We obey because we love Him. We are not saved because we obey. We obey because we are saved. 

Paul said in Romans 6 verses 1 and 2, “what shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

We are saved by grace. But why would we knowingly continue to sin? We could have sped off after receiving a warning, grace. But we did not. We accepted the free gift and sped no more. God has forgiven us our sins. Do we continue to knowingly sin? No.  We should go and sin no more. 

Accept His free gift. This is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Omnipresent

 This last weekend, the Hubs and I celebrated our fourteenth wedding  anniversary. Praise the Lord. Many people didn’t think we’d last six months let alone 14 years. But God has been good to us. We did quite a few different things, just the two of us. Miniature golf, walking around the pond, chased ducks, visited three different states. The most shocking thing we did was paddle boating. Those who know my fear of water know how hard that was. But by the grace of God, I was able to get on and we had fun. Our legs didn’t. But we did. And at one point we were in three different states, at the exact same time. Left foot in Arkansas, right foot in Texas, and hands in Louisiana. And at one point, the Hubs and I shared a kiss while standing in different states. I was in Arkansas while the Hubs was in Texas and Louisiana. 

Even though it was for a brief moment, it was pretty cool being in more than one place at once. As a mere mortal, I do not get many opportunities to be in multiple places at the same time. 

But God, He is omnipresent. He is all present.  He is able to experience being in multiple places at the same time, all the time. Not just on special occasions. Not just in a few different places.  If God is omnipresent, He is present everywhere. You and I can both be praying at the same time, and He will hear both of our prayers. When we are in church, we invite God into the sanctuary.  If He isn’t omnipresent, then how would He be at my church and your church and their church all at the same time? 

“God has always been. He is the great I Am. The psalmist declares, ‘Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.’ He is the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity. ‘I am the Lord, I change not,’ He declares. With Him there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. He is ‘the same yesterday, and today, and forever.’ He is infinite and omnipresent no words of ours can describe His greatness and majesty.” Medical Ministry page 92 paragraph 4. 

God was with Daniel in the lions den, but also with King Darius. God was with Naomi and her family in Moab, but He was also with the Israelites that stayed in Bethlehem. God was with Peter while He was in prison, but He was also with those praying for Peter’s release. God is with me, but He is also with you. All. The. Time. He promised you He would never leave nor forsake you. He promised that not just for the Israelites. He promised it for you and me. He is with you.   

Job 34 verse 21 says, “For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees all His steps.” 

He sees your tears. He sees your joy. He sees your frustrations. He is with you. And He is with me, too. At the same time. Even though we may be in different cities, states, countries, or even continents. He is omnipresent. 

So next time you feel lonely, like no one is listening, no one cares, know that God is there with you. Always. You are never alone. This is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Calling Jesus

 Growing up, we had a phone that was connected to a phone jack. I would call the number needed. Someone would answer the phone hopefully the person I was intending to call.  Sometimes the person would not be home and I’d have to leave a message, if they had an answering machine. Either I’d have to wait for them to call me back or I’d have to call back later.  Sometimes I would call and the person would already be on the phone. So I would get a busy signal. Again, I’d have to call back later.  Call waiting was invented. So the person could still answer my call even if they were already on another call. 

Cordless phones were invented and I could go into any room I wanted to talk on the phone. But if anyone knows me, I paced the house while on the phone. And eventually, cell phones were invented. I could call someone specifically and not have to call the house. So if the person was out and about, they could still answer the phone. I didn’t have to wait to talk to someone until they got home. There came lots of advantages when cell phones were invented. Now we can talk on the phone while in the car. And instead of talking, we can text now. 

But a few disadvantages as well. If there wasn’t a cell tower near by, then the signal wasn’t any good and a conversation couldn’t happen. 

Well, The other day we were hanging out as a family. Little But pipes up and say, “I wish I could call Jesus.” We asked her why when she could talk to Jesus anytime in prayer. She said because that way she could hear His voice on the other line. We talked about talking to Jesus in prayer has so many more benefits than talking on the phone.  But I get that. 

Being able to talk to someone and hear their voice on the other end is comforting. There is something about receiving audible cues that you are being heard is reassuring. There are some good things to a phone call that would make talking to Jesus on the phone more advantageous than in prayer. There would be an immediate answer. Jesus could automatically tell you the answer to your question.  He could congratulate you when something great happened. He could give advice when needed immediately. He could audibly tell you that He loves you. Such amazing reasons to talk on the phone versus in prayer. 

But the advantages of prayer outweigh that of a phone call. 

There are no dead zones. None. When you talk to Jesus you don’t have to worry about losing the connection or hearing static on the other line. There is a stretch of road we drive on regularly. Anytime we are on a phone call on that road, we always lose the call. And in the moments we haven’t lost the call, only a few syllables get through. Not even a few words. Just syllables. I like being able to talk to Jesus without the prayer being disconnected. 

Another advantage is I don’t have to worry about the battery life of my phone. Too many times I am at a low percentage. There are days I plug my phone in at the end of the day at 1percent. I like to play on the wild side.  But I don’t have to hang up with Jesus because my battery is too low I can connect with Him at any time despite the battery life. 

In all honesty, my battery is low if I’m not connected with Jesus. He charges my life battery. Another benefit to prayer versus the phone is I don’t have to wait for God to answer the phone. He will always answer in prayer. I don’t have to worry about Him being on another call. I don’t have to wonder if God’s phone is on silent like mine always is. 

I don’t have to worry about being able to talk to Jesus because I can’t  find my phone. I put it down and two seconds later I’m running around looking for my phone. I even have a tile on my key ring because I’m constantly looking for my phone, or my keys, or pretty much anything that isn’t connected to me. 

I can call God through prayer because I don’t have to keep track of something to contact Him with. 

There isn’t a time restriction to God’s prayer line. There isn’t a rule on calling between the hours of 9 and 5. He is available twenty four seven. I always tell my students they can reach out for help, but I won’t respond after 9 at night.  God isn’t like that. He will listen anytime. 

And One of my favorite reasons I prefer prayer over using the phone is God isn’t too busy for me. He will answer no matter what. He loves me so much and is willing to listen anytime I need Him. He will drop what He is doing for me. I don’t know anyone that will do that. I know the Hubs loves me but there are times he cannot answer the phone. My best friend has had to tell me she’ll have to call me back later because now isn’t a good time. But God. He can take my call now. 

God doesn’t need a phone to talk with us. He doesn’t need call waiting or voice mail. We can get through when we need. The connection is always good with Him. There will never be static or dropped calls. He isn’t too busy to listen to you. You want to talk to God now? Good.  Do it. Don’t worry about where your phone is. Don’t worry about what time it is. He is there waiting. He will answer. 

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. Psalm 145:18 Jesus tells us to pray without ceasing 1 Thessalonians 5:17. God has listened and has attended to the voice of my prayer. Psalm 66:19. 

So put the phone down. Call the prayer line. It is open twenty four seven. He will be there to listen. He will answer. Prayer is so much better than a phone call. We don’t have to connect to a phone jack or to a power source. He is our power source and prayer connects us constantly. He is always ready for your call only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Mighty Man of Valour

 Have you ever been so scared you were hiding?  Hiding so people wouldn't find you?  Imagine feeling that way and being found by a messenger from God.  And not only that but being called by a name you do not identify with, one that doesn't fit your actions.

This happened to a man in the Bible.  In the book of Judges chapter 6, we are in the land of Israel but were being ruled by the Midians.  The Israelites had done evil in the sight of the Lord.  After seven years of Midian rule, the Israelites cried unto God.  God, being a loving God, sent a prophet unto the children of Israel.  He reminded them of when God brought them out of the land of Egypt and He will deliver them again.  

And then the angel of the Lord appeared.  To whom?  Where?  To Gideon as he was threshing wheat.  He wanted to hide the wheat from the Midianites.

The first thing the angle of the Lord said to Gideon? "The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour."

Wow!  Here is what I find amazing.  God saw in Gideon what he did not see himself.  He even says in verse 15 "Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I see Isreal?  Behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house."  Gideon did not see himself as a mighty man of valour.  But God did.  God knew what Gideon was capable of.  God knew what He created Gideon to do.  He saw past the present into the future.  

Gideon would eventually take 300 men to the battle.  All they had to do was blow the trumpet and break the pitchers and cry aloud "The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon." They didn't even have to lift a sword to defeat the Mideonites.  The Mideonites destroyed themselves.  

He was a mighty man of valour.  He proved God right.

What has God called you? Not how do you see yourself, not how do others see you.  But how does God see you?  Pray and ask God what name He has for you.  You are not identified by your struggles, addictions, problems, or weaknesses.  You are not identified by your worst days or weakest moments.  But God sees you for what He has created you to be.  In a world where identity is in question, allow God to identify you.  You are His.  Let Him name you.

This is possible only By God's Amazing Grace.

Written for Me

 Many times people say that the Bible is outdated.  It was written in a different time and place.  We have changed and the Bible does not apply to us today.  Well, I beg to differ.  I believe the Bible was written just for me.  And for you for that matter.  

In the most famous verse in the Bible, I find my name.  You don't believe me?  Let's read it.  For God so loved Brandy that He gave His only begotten Son that if she believes in Him, she will not perish but have everlasting life.  John 3:16.  See! I'm right there in the Bible!  

But that is not all.  There are many verses in the Bible that were written just for me!

Genesis 1:27-28 says So God created Brandy in His own image, in the image of God created He her...and God blessed her!

Man!  God created ME in HIS image! Isn't that powerful!

And this theme is continued in Psalm 139:14.  The psalmist wrote about me! Brandy will praise Thee; for she is fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Thy works; and that she knoweth right well.

He said I was fearfully and wonderfully made!

Jeremiah continued this theme!  He says in chapter 1 verse 5 that before I formed Brandy in the belly I knew her! He knew me before He made me!  How amazing is that!

A verse that means a lot to me was also written by the psalmist.  It is written with the definitions as well.  For God has possessed or created Brandy's reins, her desires of the heart, God has covered or protected Brandy in her mother's womb.  Anyone who knows my story knows why this verse is important.

Paul wrote about me to the Romans.  Chapter 5 verse 8 says that God commendeth His love towards Brandy, in that, while Brandy was yet a sinner, Christ died for her! I am so thankful that God died for me knowing my sinful nature.  And even more,  John wrote about me on this very same topic in 1 John 4:9-10.  In this was manifested the love of God towards Brandy, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that Brandy might live through Hi.  Herein is love, not that Brandy loved God; but that He loved Brandy, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for her sins.  Praise the Lord!

In Deuteronomy chapter 7, verses 6-9, Moses wrote about me.  He said Brandy is a holy person unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God has chosen her to be a special person unto Himself, about all people that are upon the face of the earth.  The Lord did not set His love on Brandy, nor choose Brandy, because of anything she has done.  But because the Lord loved Brandy, and because He would keep the oath which He had sworn unto Brandy's ancestors...know therefore that the Lord thy God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with Brandy who loves Him and keeps His commandments to a thousand generations.  

I didn't do anything for Him to chose me.  He has set me apart.  How amazing is that?

God called me His daughter in 1 John 3:1, Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on Brandy that she should be called a daughter of God; therefore the world knoweth Brandy, not because it knew Him not.

In Romans 8:38-39, I found my name! For Brandy is persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate Brandy from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus her Lord! Nothing will separate me from the love of God!

I could go on and on and on.  I am written about throughout the Bible.  The Bible is relevant today, yesterday, and tomorrow.  But the Bible was not written just for me!  It was written for you as well.  Read it!  Find your name!  You are in the Bible, too!  Jeremiah wrote a verse about you.  In chapter 29, verses 11 and 13 it says For I know the thoughts that I think toward (insert your name here), saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end...and you shall seek me and find me when you search for with all your heart. You are there. 

Read God's promises.  Insert your name in those verses because they were written for YOU!  God loves you.  Behold, I have graven Brandy, Susan, Cheryl, Abbi, Gary, Donna, Steven, your name here, upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.  You are on the palm of God's hands.  You have been etched in.  Read the Bible today.  Find that verse.  Leave your verse with your name down in the comments.  I'd like to see where you are in the Bible.  You will find it.  

The Bible is still relevant.  God loves you. You will find your name, your verse.  It is possible only By God's Amazing Grace.

Like Little Children

The Hubs, Little Bit, and I went to grab a bite to eat. That is usually an adventure with all my allergies. We get seated and await our waitress. I glance over the menu trying to find anything I am able to eat. When the waitress arrives, I explain my dilemma. Usually I get a weird look or even an audible “poor girl”. But this lady was amazing. She got me an allergen menu, which few places offer me. After perusing this menu, I finally decide on something and basically piece things together. She was extremely nice and accommodating about it all. 

When our food arrived, Little Bit raised her hand. The Hubs and I looked at each other. We knew what she wanted. A spoon. She prefers to eat with a spoon. We encourage her to ask for it herself. We were sure she was going to look at one of us and ask us to ask for a spoon. The waitress looked at Little Bit.  Little Bit then as confident as ever asked, “may I have a spoon?” The Hubs and I had to pick up our jaws off the table. The waitress said sure and went to grab the spoon. 

 Ow, Little Bit doesn’t talk to just anyone. She still has moments where she will not speak to anyone or around certain people. We were shook to say the least. 

But it didn’t stop there. 

Throughout the rest of the meal, Little Bit started conversations with our waitress. The waitress was so patient. She answered the questions Little Bit asked. 

Since Little Bit was a baby, we have taught her about Jesus and His love for everyone. We have taught her that we love her, but Jesus loves her so much more. This night, Little Bit decided the waitress needed to know this as well. 

Little Bit began asking her if she went to church, if she believed in God, and other questions along this line. I can’t remember all the questions she asked or all the answers that were given. But she became our little evangelist. Unashamedly speaking to our waitress about the love of God. 

I believe we are truly blessed. We have so much to learn from our daughter. She will gladly hand a trac to a person without saying a word. Just a sweet smile. And people readily take it from her and actually look at it. Is it because she is just a cute kid? Maybe, I don’t know. But I do know God is using her. Little Bit will go people and tell them about Jesus. 

We were at her chiropractor one day and she began telling him about church and why he should go. She isn’t embarrassed of Jesus. She isn’t shy with her love of God. She is very open to speaking about Jesus. 

We all can learn from Little Bit. Relationships are important. She built a relationship with our waitress that night and she built one with her chiropractor. Jesus built relationships in His ministry. He had His close friends/disciples...Peter, James, and John. He was also friends with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. In Matthew 8, Jesus put forth His hand and touched the leper and cleansed him from his leprosy. Jesus met the relationship need of this individual before He ministered to Him. Having leprosy makes you an outcast and Jesus touched him. We have no idea how long it had been since he has last received touch. 

Something else we learn from Little Bit about spreading the love of God is to not be ashamed, not to be embarrassed. 2 Timothy 1 says that God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear,  it of power, love, and a sound mind. Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. Ask God to give you courage to talk to others. He will give you what you need to talk to others about God’s love. 

The third, and final, thing I can learn from Little Bit is to be simple. When she tells others about Jesus, she doesn’t use highfalutin words.  She doesn’t give a research paper. She doesn’t give them a thesis paper. She is plain and simple. Jesus loves you. Jesus died on the cross for you. Many times when Jesus spoke to people, He spoke in a language they could understand. That is why He spoke in parables. The people could understand what He was talking about because they could relate to His words, His stories. When Jesus told the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15, there were shepherds there that understood what it was like to lose a sheep and how it felt to find it again. The people understood. You don’t have to give a sermon to express the love of God. 

I think Little Bit is a reason why Jesus said “Except you be converted, and become as little children, he shall not enter the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:3. I want to be like Little Bit in this aspect. Have the courage to build those relationships and tell others about Jesus in the simplest way possible so they can understand. This is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Boring!

 As a family unit, we all have chores to do around the house.  Little Bit is in charge of dishes, the kitty litter, her room, and her laundry.  We pretty much do everything else around the house.  Why do we give her chores? Well, one, it teaches responsibility.  Two, we love her and she loves us, so we should help each other out around the house.  

Usually, Little Bit will do her chores without too much issue.  The problem comes when we have to remind her.  We usually get the response, "Boring! That's no fun!" followed by some grumbling and complaining. We remind her that if she did her chores in a timely manner, she could do the things she wanted to do.  

We also talk about how our attitude affects how we feel about something.  None of us LIKE doing chores. But we do them anyway.  Mommy and Daddy don't grumble and complain when we do our chores.  And we find ways to make them fun!  How?

I like to listen to music and sing while I am doing my chores.  I like to make a game out of them.  If Little Bit and I are doing chores together, we play with each other while working.  I explain to her that chores can be fun if we make them that way.  But we should do all things without grumbling and complaining. Philippians 2:14.

I also remind Little Bit that whatever she does, she needs to do all to the glory of God.  1 Corinthians 10:31 Even chores can be done to the glory of God.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as for the Lord. Colossians 3:23

We remind her of this all the time.  I know we will have to repeat the lesson multiple times. And that is ok.  We love Little Bit and we want her to want to help us.

But Little Bit isn't the only one who needs to learn this lesson.  This does not just apply to chores.  It applies to our daily lives.  Maybe your boss gave you a task that needs to be completed. Do the job as if you are doing it for God, not for man.  

Maybe your wife asks you to pick up something from the store...maybe chocolate? Go to the store without grumbling or complaining.  

Maybe you just have to go to work, but you really need a day off. Whatever you do, do it to the glory of God.  You can honor Him even when you do things you don't want to do.

And find ways to make your tasks enjoyable.  It doesn't have to be boring. 

There are many things we have to do in life that we do not want to do.  There are things that we want to complain about.  But think about how your task could be so different if we approach it with an attitude of praise and glory to God instead.  It really would make a difference.

Today, whatever tasks are on your list, do them for God, not for your boss, parents, spouse, friends.  When you glorify God, you will uplift our fellow man.  This is possible only By God's Amazing Grace.

The Moon's Light

On the fourth day of creation, my true love gave to me the sun, moon, and stars. The sun to rule the day the moon to rule the night.  

It is amazing to be outside during the day and see the sun lighting up the sky, creating shadows, causing flowers to grow.  Even when the day is completely overcast, the sun is still able to peak through creating light. Even on the darkest days, light is still shines.  

Have you ever been outside at night when the moon seems to be right in your backyard?  The color a brilliant orange.  But as the moon gets higher in the sky, it gets smaller and the light whiter?  A beautiful sight.  I enjoy observing the moon. 

The moon goes through different phases.  This is caused by the rotation and position of the moon in the sky.  we have the New, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, waning crescent.  This pattern continues throughout the month, 29 and a half days.  One of my favorite ways to teach the phases or the moon is through oreos.  Take an oreo apart and each one will lose a certain amount of icing. Then of course, you eat all the oreos when you are done! Only at times of a full moon is the whole moon lit up.  The moon only shines where it has collected light from the sun.  The moon does not reflect its own light.  It can only give what it has been given.  So when there is a new moon, the moon has not collected any light from the sun, so it has none to give.  

When you go out at night, look up at the sky.  If there is light coming from the moon, know that it absorbed it from the reflection of the sun and is now reflecting it back to you.  

The moon also affects the tides.  There are high tides and low tides.  The gravitational pull of the moon generates tidal force. Wherever the moon is, the water and the earth bulge toward the moon.  This creates a high tide. The low tide is on the opposite side of the earth where the bulge and gravitational pull are not present.  

The moon is very interesting and fun to learn about.  Phases, tides, light, oh my.  The lessons are out of this world!

But there are lessons we can learn about the moon that apply to us as well.  First, we can only reflect the light we are given.  Meaning, we can only share the knowledge we have gained.  Sometimes we learn this knowledge through other people and sometimes we learn it through personal experience.  But we are not able to share knowledge if we never gained that knowledge.  There is a lot of knowledge in this world.  But I believe the most important knowledge is knowledge of Jesus.  Paul even said, "For I am determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2.  Am I saying book knowledge, street knowledge, common sense are not important?  NO, not at all.  I don't even think Paul was saying that.  But Jesus is the most important knowledge to have.  It is life changing knowledge.  If we don't read the Bible, if we don't have a personal relationship with Jesus, the other knowledge means nothing.  I can solve any math problem in my head, but if I don't know Jesus, that knowledge is worthless.  I can have every important date in history memorized, but if I don't know Jesus, who cares.  And I can't share the knowledge of the Gospel if I don't have the knowledge of the Gospel.  I can only reflect the knowledge I have been given.

There are times in our life where we know more.  We are in a better place.  We go through phases.  Sometimes we have so much light to share while others, we find it hard to have any light.  But God is so good!  He works with us where we are.  He gives us understanding when we ask for it.  "The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting; give me understanding, and I shall live."  Psalm 119:144. "Let my cry come near before there, O Lord; give me understanding according to thy word." Psalm 119:169. He will give us understanding if we ask of Him.  Shine the light you have in the phase of life you are in and God will bless that knowledge.  If you don't like a phase you are in, you can change it. 

The last lesson, do you want to draw people closer to you by drawing them closer to God?  Or are you pushing them away?  Are you turning people away from  the Light? Or are you pulling them closer.  God can use you to draw all people unto God.  John 12:32 says, "And I, when I am lifted up from teh earth, will draw all people to myself." We must lift Jesus up, not ourselves.  But we must be approachable.  We don't want to turn others away with our pride, arrogance, self-righteous spirit.  We want them to see Jesus. We shine His light.  Not our own.

Think of the moon.  It is nothing without the sun.  We are nothing without the SON of God.  Share His light.  This is possible only By God's Amazing Grace.

Let's Taco Bout Jesus

 Let's taco bout Jesus! The King of kings is He.  The Lord of Lords supreme. Through all eternity.  The Great I am, The Way, the Truth, the Life, the Door.  Let's taco bout Jesus more and more.  

Everytime I wear this shirt, This song is in my head.  I usually end up singing it all day long.  Which I'm sure starts to annoy those around me. But I enjoy singing and especially about Jesus.

But I have to do more than sing about Jesus.  I have to actually do what the song says.  I need to actually talk about Jesus.  

They say it is not just about talking the talking, but also walking the walk.  But in this instance, it needs to be both.  People need to know about Jesus.  But for people to know about Jesus, we must talk about Him.  

When I am around people, the words that come out of my mouth usually include "my husband this and my husband that."  I like to talk about my husband.  He is the love of my life.  I want others to know about the amazing husband of mine.  

I love my husband beyond words.  But you know, I love Jesus even more.  If I love Jesus more than my husband, than shouldn't the words that come out of my mouth include "my Jesus this and my Jesus that?"

Have you ever thought about your relationship with Jesus?  Why you follow Him?  What you would tell others about Him?  

Jesus was there at creation.  Everything we see is because of Him.  In John 1, we read that In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made."  The flowers, the trees, the animals, us...we are part of His creation.

Jesus was with Abraham when he was tested with his faith.  Would Abraham sacrifice his son just as Jesus would be sacrificed centuries later?  When Isaac asked his father, "Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the Lamb for a burnt offering? ...Abraham said, My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering." Genesis 22:7 and 8.  Abraham knew that God would provide His one sacrifice.  He would provide Jesus. 

Jesus was with David when he faced Goliath.  In 1 Samuel 17, David offers to fight Goliath.  He chooses to fight without armor and uses only a sling and five stones.  When he approaches Goliath, he said, "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.  This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand;...that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.  And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands."  Jesus was with David on the battlefield.

Jesus came as a child to live a life like ours.  He had the same nature as you and I.  He had opportunity to sin yet chose not to.  And His whole purpose of coming to the earth was twofold.  One--to sacrifice His life for you and me so we can have eternal life. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.  Two--to show the character of His Father, God.  In John 1verse 14, "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we sw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." And then chapter 7 verse 18, "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."  Jesus even tells the disciples in John 14 verse 10, "the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works."

Jesus will come back again.  In John 14 verses 1-3, Jesus tells us to not let our hearts be troubled.  "in my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."  There will be a second coming. Jesus will come back for us.  We will not have to live in this sinfilled world forever.  He promised we would be with Him.  And that second coming isn't too far away.  Praise the Lord!  We will live eternally with Him.  And it will be soon!

And that is only from the Bible.  That is not even from my personal experience with Him.  So others about Jesus.  Your actions do speak louder than words.  But your words do need to speak as well.  You can do it!  We can do it!  But only By God's Amazing Grace!