Category: Blog Post

It seems as time continues to move in fast forward, what really matters becomes hidden within a massive overgrowth of obligations and to-do lists full of expectations placed upon us by others. Our thoughts become so entangled in matters of this world that we lose site of what really matters, the whole matter. Our lives become so full of matters of this present world that we no longer have time for matters of the world to come.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

If our schedules could be uncluttered long enough to consider the only two things that really matter, our lives would take on a sense of reality that mirrors God’s intended fullness of life for those who know Him. We would regain our balance of life while focusing on Him and fulfilling the commandments He set before.

The whole matter, the only two things that matter: Fear God and Keep His Commandments.

“Behold I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19

Each of us begin the new year with grand ideas of all of the new things we plan to incorporate within the daily aspects of our lives; a new adventure that we plan to pursue, healthier choices we intend to make, priorities we wish to adjust, or bad habits we determine to eliminate. The days turn quickly across the pages of our calendar and before we know it the days have turned into months of time during which we lost track of the new things. God however, never loses track of time and when He purposes to do a new thing it becomes a reality. He seeks to do a new thing in each of our lives, a new thing that will accomplish that which He has determined for the course of our lives. He possesses the power to create a new thing within each of us if we are willing to simply open our hearts unto Him.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is become a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

There are days when I struggle with the feeling of insufficiency in the area of ministry unto God. I feel as though I’m failing in my efforts to make a difference in the lives of the multitudes that need Christ, feelings of inadequacy leave me saddened in heart. Yet, God reminded me that my first and foremost ministry occurs within the walls of my home. My husband and my children are the essence of my initial and primary ministry. I am to minister to their needs as directed by God. My life matters for Him when I stand fast in my work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope as Paul referenced in I Thessalonians 1:3. For I know that my legacy of faith will remain in and through the lives of my children and grandchildren. “For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.” I Thessalonians 3:8

I am to be the strength my husband needs, the love and patience by which he faces the challenges of each day. Our home is to be a place of rest and renewal. This is a ministry to which I am called.

My life will continue on, in and through my husband and my children as they remain in Christ. So the work I do today, to establish my home as a Godly haven set apart from the world is a ministry to which God has called me. How that extends beyond the walls of my home is up to His direction and His plan, I simply follow Him knowing that I am fulfilling the ministry to which He called me. Sometimes our greatest work is done within what seems to be the small insignificant elements of life, the ones no one notices or acknowledges; but God sees our heart as we offer it unto Him and He uses our smallness to do great things.

Some days I struggle with thoughts of the unknown in a world that is filled with turmoil. Every time I hear the news I am appalled by the depth to which people stoop and the evident depravity that is rampant across even the most affluent of society. The even stranger element rests in the fact that as I look about so many seem oblivious to the magnitude of darkness that is engulfing the world in which we live. My heart within me falters . . . where is the light ?

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ecclesiastes 6:12

“Then this is the message that we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness.” I John 1:5

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” Colossians 1:13

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” Philippians2:15

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord, walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8

“Let your light so shine among men, that they might see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

We are to be the light; the light that brings hope into the darkness, love amidst the hate and truth to reveal that which is false. In Him is no darkness, if we abide in Him, His light will be revealed in us until the day we step from the darkness of this present world into the light of our eternal home.

Be ye the light . . .

With the changing of the clock, with the changing of the seasons, we are all reminded that things move forward and never remain as they were before. Each moment becomes a photo captured in the realm of memory, some are cherished while others are hoped to be forgotten; but each become the framework that makes up the essence of our lives. As time changes, so do we.

Reflecting on the retirement of our pastor this month, I am reminded of how things transition from one phase of our lives to the next; each one fulfilling the purpose and plan for which God created us. Although there are moments of sadness entertained with the happiness of what has been, we are reminded that as time changes our God remains forever.

“Thou, O Lord, remainest forever, Thy throne from generation to generation.” Lamentations 5:19

As time changes, we can hold to the knowledge that the Lord remains forever, from generation to generation. He is the one constant in our lives; never changing, remaining throughout all generations.

“How great are His signs! and how mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation.” Daniel 4:3

When things move from one phase to the next, our God is there to hold us steady and sure.

“He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense, I shall not be greatly moved.” Psalms 62:2

So, as time changes, we do not have to be shaken or feel as if our world has somehow become unsettled. God is working in and through each of us according to His purpose to bring us all together as one in Christ.

“Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of time He might gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him.” Ephesians 1:9-10

“Being confident of this one thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

As time changes, let’s be reminded of the work which He is doing in and through each of us allowing our focus to remain on Him.

I stand in awe when I am in the presence of those in uniform, reflecting upon the moments of sacrifice depicted by every stripe and emblem of their service; every moment of fear and dread, every moment of courage and strength, each time they went with tearful heart with loved ones left behind. And so it is that I call to remembrance the ultimate sacrifice that many have made for me. I reflect on those that have gone only to return a broken reflection of who they once had been. The hollowness of eyes that have seen what was never meant for human eye to see, the crippled body that once stood so strong, all reminders of the sacrifice that was made for me to be free. In my minds eye I see them standing tall, a visual definition of what it means to be an American in a land where so many have forgotten.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3

Let’s not forget what has gone before to give us what we have today !! Let’s pause in remembrance . . . thankful for what they have given to maintain the American way.

The constant bombardment of media with headlines of degradation and accusations continue to be ever present before us leaving us with absolutely no idea of what is true. The constant back and forth motion of distorted facts leaves us wondering if there really is such a thing as a word of truth anymore.

Feelings of betrayal are a part of every day life and the constant thought of who can we really trust are there to cause us to question the motives of those that we meet. We face constant change with very little remaining that we thought would last forever. Friendships dissolve that we once thought true, families break apart leaving inner turmoil of doubt as to what we once held on to as truth. In this world we find no answers, no word of truth.

Yet, there is an ever present reminder that we have to hold on to as believers; we have an ever present God who has provided us with His Word of Truth.

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgements endureth forever.” Psalms 119:160

When everything else around us leaves us with questions, we know that He is constant and steadfast, never changing.

“For He is the living God, and stedfast forever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end.” Daniel 6:26b

We can trust in Him and all that He says and does, knowing that He is right and His words are true.

“For the word of the Lord is right, and all His works are done in truth.” Psalms 33:4

As we reflect upon who He is it becomes important that we seek to fill our lives with the Word of Truth that He has provided for us. Rather than looking upon the discrepancies of the world we need to focus on what things we know to be true, filling our minds with His Word and the Truth that He has provided for us.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

When the days start to cool and the sun takes longer to wake up, there begins that feeling in the air of anticipation. All of the sounds, sights and smells become intensified as we begin the ever increasing hustle and bustle of the holiday season; until, there comes that moment when we no longer hear, see or smell and the joy of it all is completely gone. That is the moment when the season has lost its value and our focus is taken off of what really matters, the good part.

“And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

The good part, the part that has eternal value, the part that will be remembered through all eternity. These are the things we should hold fast to, maintaining balance between the doing, the seeing and the hearing.

The doing. . .

“But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good; to the Jew first and also to the Gentile.” Romans 2:10

The seeing . . .

“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” II Peter 3:14

The hearing . . .

“Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when though doest that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy God.” Deuteronomy 12:28

Today, I will seek the good part through seeing, doing, and hearing I will seek God and the things which He has given me to do.

“This day the Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgements: thou shalt therefore, keep them and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.” Deuteronomy 26:16

News stories always leave me with feelings of insecurity in a world that is overwhelmingly at odds. Everywhere you turn people are in conflict over one thing or another. It’s as if a dark cloud has descended over the world leaving an intense feeling of uncertainty and insecurity. As far as this world is concerned it has become a necessity to seek after its own, with no regard for Christ or others.

“For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” Philippians 2:21

Few find it in their hearts to regard another above themselves, their is a lack of love or concern for the well being of others. It has become a society all about “me”.

However, in a world of overwhelming tension and friction there is far more to the story; for as believers in Christ we have a promise of a God that is Greater than all of the darkness that threatens to engulf us.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” I John 4: 4

“These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

So it is in He who is Greater that we find the ability to overcome that which threatens to engulf us with feelings of fear. Through Him we have the ability to overcome this world.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world: even our faith.” I John 5:4

In the book of Revelation there are 8 scriptures of promise to those who overcome. The last one being found in Revelation 21:7, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”

And knowing this I can walk out my door and enter a world of uncertainty with the certain assurance that I serve a God that is Greater than this world of darkness. He is by my side bringing peace to my heart and security to my soul.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

“And he said, Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee: in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart.” I Kings 8:23

For He is Greater . . .

Monday’s are often the hardest days of all to get motivated; the feeling of all the things we intended to accomplish over the weekend, but did not, leave us with with feelings of inadequacy. The dread of facing another week with a to-do-list that only threatens to increase, brings a weariness that can fill our body with fatigue before we even get started. If we focus on these feelings we will begin the week defeated before the battle even begins. These are the days when we need to turn our focus to “Who He is”, rather than who we are not.

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9

“For the Lord your God, is He that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” Deuteronomy 20:4

“Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee, He will not fail thee nor forsake thee.” Deuteronomy 31:6

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song: He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the well of salvation.” Isaiah 12:2-3

We need to focus on “Who He is”, drawing joy from the well of salvation for strength and substance; forgetting all of the things we failed to accomplish, realizing that in Him we have all things.

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecution’s, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:10

When I am not, He is . . .