Focused

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. II Timothy 4:5

 My Daddy taught us lots of things and as the oldest child, I learned first. I learned how to pound nails, line up tools by fractions, skin rabbits, and tie up tomatoes. Daddy loved playing ball. He wanted us to excel in all we did whether it was school, or gardening, or playing ball, so he taught me first how to pitch. The first and most important lesson was to keep my eye on the ball. Never look away. The ball would always follow my eye. I think the player in the picture pitched a strike. Look how focused she is on the target. 

In Matthew 14:24-32 the disciples were in a boat crossing the sea at night. A wind blew up. If you've ever been on the water at night when the wind gets up you know the fear and the apparitions you might see. The disciples thought they saw a ghost coming toward them. Jesus knew their fear and called out to them. Peter said, " Lord, if it be you, bid me come to you on the water."  

Jesus told Peter to come. Peter got down out of the boat and started walking toward Jesus. He knew the wind was blowing. He knew he was on top of the water, walking, but, BUT, he looked away. Never look away. Never take you eye off the target. Peter began to sink. "Lord, save me!" Jesus put out his hand and put Peter back in the boat. 

Peter was a saved man. He trusted that Jesus was the Messiah, the Savior of the world, no doubts. But when he took his eyes off Jesus, he lost focus and began to sink. 

Even we as Christians can find ourselves in crisis situations and instead of walking on through, keeping our eyes on the only One who can help, we lose focus. We allow ourselves to be distracted, to focus on the problem instead of focusing on the One who can walk us through the situation. 

Father God, help me keep my eyes on You. Help we walk with you, paying no attention to the distractions of this world. In Jesus' name. Amen

The Rain

 

Those who dwell under his shadow shall return;

They shall be revived like grain,

And grow like a vine.

Their scent shall be like the wine of Lebanon.

~Hosea 14:7 (NKJV)

There's a storm brewing over on the mountain. The billowy clouds rise above the haze. The thunder rolls like distant cannon fire, ever increasing in intensity as the battle draws closer. As of yet, there is no sight of lightning, only heat and humidity and the silence of waiting. No stirring breeze. Then the wrens begin to fuss, the robins chirp, and the crows call alarming the trees to the impending weather war. Do they feel their lives are endangered?

 As the storm draws near, it broadens its spectrum, rolling from one valley to the next. Down the hillside and up the other. How long before I must retreat inside to safety, away from lightning bolts and pelting rain, swaying trees? Aww, it's just a summer storm, they say. It will pass. But what will lie in its path? Will there be trees down, houses crushed, fires? Or simply the passing of another summer storm?

As I survey the skies of my younger days, I see political storms that came and went, leaving a little more destruction in their path each time. The last fifty years, for the most part, have not been kind to us. Apparently, we haven't learned a thing. As Israel mocked Jeremiah and the prophets, mocking seems to be quite the rage of our day. Morality, life, God-given identity, and Christians are mocked in the marketplace of today's cancel culture. 

The storm brought a passing shower, and now I see a rainbow forming. I am also beginning to see a rainbow forming in the political storm of Socialism and communism. Right now, the storm rages, but maybe there's another storm forming underneath. People are coming together. 

 Maybe it's the rain of revival. 

Mercy drops round us are falling, 

but for the showers we plead. 

~D.W. Whittle (1840-1901)

Father, we pray for wisdom in the midst of the storm. We are thankful for the mercy drops of revival we see. Lord, daily, may we pray for the showers, the downpour of revival. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Freedom Depends on Prayer

 

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

What do you know about the story of the Pilgrims? I was taught they lived in the Netherlands for a time to escape religious persecution until their children began to be more Dutch than English. I heard about the Speedwell that leaked causing them to return to England and load everything on the Mayflower. I even knew about the Mayflower being blown off course but, not until my children were in school did I begin to learn some of the most miraculous happenings. 

In the midst of a storm more than halfway across the Atlantic, the main crossbeam supporting the mast cracked. The sailors scrambled to prop it up but nothing worked. The Pilgrims began to pray. Mr. Brewster remembered the great iron screw of his printing press (Marshall, Peter; The Light and the Glory. pp118,119). A great iron screw for a printing press? Why would Pilgrims need such a thing? Mr. Brewster brought a printing press to print Bibles, likely copies of the 1599 Geneva Bible. The great iron screw did the job of holding the crossbeam together to get the Mayflower on across the waters. And so begins the voyage to hide Christ's church in the wilderness protected from the persecutions of Europe.  

A long hard winter followed the landing of the Mayflower, but the Indians, who died of disease, left a store of corn. This small stockpile of corn sustained the Pilgrims until spring planting. But they knew nothing of planting in this new world. They knew nothing of hunting and fishing in the vast wilderness. One day an Indian walked into the Pilgrim's village with "Welcome". Welcome? No screams or raised tomahawk? No unknown language? In perfect English he greeted the Pilgrims with "Welcome". (Squanto by Eric Metaxas). Though half the passengers of the Mayflower had died that winter, still God was preserving a people to bring the gospel to the new world and establish the laws that would be the founding document of the US Constitution. That document was the Mayflower Compact. 

Throughout the history of the United States, the hand of God is obvious in times of war and peace. One of the main reasons could be the call to prayer. Washington called the nation to prayer and so did Lincoln.  But since the Supreme Court misconstrued the Constitution to mean freedom from religion instead of freedom of religion, we've been on a downhill slide that goes faster every day. Is all lost? No, President Trump has once again, called us to prayer as a nation.

II Chronicles 7:14 tells us that there is a way out. Not by the device of man but by the power of God. Read the passage again. 

We must humble ourselves, realize we are not in control. 

We must pray and seek God's face. It doesn't take a preacher to pray, just willing people who talk to God with all sincerity. 

We must turn from our wicked ways. What is that? The 10 Commandments say we shall have no other gods before the Lord God. What do we do in place of worship? When was the last time we read our Bibles or attended church, or prayed? Is our language riddled with profanity? It's not just a habit. 

The rest of the verse says, turn and God will listen and heal our land. What needs healing? 

Heavenly Father, our land seems to be almost in collapse, yet you have given us the way of escape. Just as you provided and protected the Pilgrims working miracle after miracle for them, you will do the same for us when we turn from our wicked ways and turn our hearts to you. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

How to Pick Blackberries

 

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. ~ Matthew 10:16 NKJV

I've picked blackberries since I was a small child. It's worth the scratches for the jam and blackberry cobbler. Every season, someone will admonish me to watch out for snakes, even neighbors driving by will stop and say, "Watch out for snakes." Your experience may be different, but I've never seen a snake in a blackberry patch. I've seen a snake skin hanging in a sapling, but never a live snake. So my wandering mind began to wonder as I picked as to just why in all the brush and pine needles, poison oak and briars have I never seen a snake. It is the perfect habitat. 

I thought, I'm not posing a threat, gently easing into the berry patch. I pick the berries on the outside, then step gently, a little at a time, to the next sticky cane. Then pick and step again. I'm not rushing in like a wild bull stomping and crushing. If there is a snake, he's likely slithering out the other direction as I'm creeping in from the front side. I gather every ripe berry I can reach, turn, and go back out the same way I went in, gingerly picking my way through the briars that have closed in behind me. 

I think that's the way Jesus wants our witnessing to be. Gentle, one step at a time, getting to know the person, not charging into their space with accusations of sin that will send them to hell if they don't repent this minute. Charging in will cause them to throw up a defense, and you might be "bitten". 

James 4:7 says, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." How do we resist? Easing into the devil's territory. Gently witnessing with kindness and sympathy. You know, we're sinners too. Your story can have a profound effect on others when given in a harmless, dove-like manner. And be wise, know when it's time to turn and ease out. You may have the opportunity to return to that "berry patch", that conversation on another day. 

Heavenly Father, help us to love others well. Help us show them we care about their lives, their circumstances, as well as, their souls. Help us witness the way you would witness, as wise as serpents but harmless as doves. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

Tadpoles

 

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deut.11:19

What child doesn't enjoy a picnic at the pond, wading in and discovering tadpoles, and searching for a paper cup to take home a few swimming memories?

Betsy James perfectly captures not only a child's summer of learning about the frog lifecycle but also discovering her love and understanding of family.

The story is written from Molly's point of view. The reader can hear the child's speech and attitude, and her immaturity in every sentence. Molly has a baby brother. She's just a tad jealous. She wants to be carried. She wants to be held. She also wants to know more about her tadpoles and how they become frogs.

Molly's mom and dad help her care for the tadpoles she brings home from a day at the pond. The reader learns about caring for tadpoles. The illustrator does a great job of incorporating pictures of the frog life cycle with illustrations of the story. Along with the illustrator, Molly creates her own drawings of the tadpole growth.

As Molly's tadpoles grow, so does her little brother Davey. And so does Molly's love for Davey. She holds him up to show him her tadpoles. She helps him begin to learn to walk. Her mom and dad gently lead her in learning about babies by allowing her to watch the tadpoles grow. Her parents also encourage her knowledge and love of nature.

In the end, Molly must release her tadpoles, now frogs, back into the pond. Turning loose of the "babies" she's raised is hard for her and even harder when Davey's enthusiasm causes what seems to be a catastrophe. Mom finds a way to turn a catastrophe into joy. Davey, with Molly's help, has now learned to walk.

I wish I had been that good at parenting. This book will not only help children learn about nature, siblings, and life cycles, but it will help us as parents to understand the stages and reasoning of our littles.

Heavenly Father, help me to not only teach our children about your creation but also to teach them of the love you have for us. Help us train our children daily in your word. Help us show them your loving sacrifice in giving your Son, Jesus, for our sins. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

A Wee Little Man

  

Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.

~Psalms 2:8 NKJV

"Father, would you plant a sycamore tree along the road from Jericho? There will be a man who will need that tree in a few years."

"Yes, my Son. It is done."

Fifty years later - A small man scurried about preparing to leave his house. All the money needed to be secured. The expensive goods needed to be hidden. All the while, he wondered how he, the shortest man in town, would be able to hear and see the great Teacher if he were trapped in the middle of the noisy moving crowd. Perhaps if he went ahead of the crowd, he would be able to see Jesus as He led the crowd out of town. 

Hurrying down the road, he noticed an old sycamore tree. Its heart-shaped leaves were already large. If he climbed the tree, the leaves would hide him from the crowd. They despised him anyway. He gained his riches from their taxes. Perhaps, climbing up the tree would be his best option. He would be able to see without being seen. 

As he settled in, the wasps annoyed him. He knew the figs drew the wasps needed to prick the fruit, allowing them to ripen. Otherwise, they were inedible. Still, he swatted. Didn't they know he wasn't a fig? There, just up the road, Jesus led the raucous crowd. He spoke to the people listening intently until the Pharisees interrupted with their questions. Jesus was drawing nearer. Now He stopped. Jesus looked up with a smile. Suddenly, the man felt very exposed. 

"Zacchaeus, come down. I want to go to your house today. " 

He nearly fell scrambling down the slick trunk. "You want to go to my house? Come, come this way. It's only a short distance."

The crowd murmured. They watched in shock that Jesus would go to the house of a sinner like Zacchaeus. He was a thief and a robber. "Jesus doesn't know what He is doing. He can't be the Messiah if he keeps company with a tax collector."  Many shook their heads in disbelief, but they followed Jesus to Zacchaeus's house. 

Zacchaeus's heart was pricked. He knew he didn't deserve to have Jesus in his home. But he knew Jesus cared about him. He had robbed many people and needed to be forgiven. He wanted to change his ways. "Jesus, I want to give half my goods to the poor. If I have wronged anyone, I will give them back four times what I have taken." 

Jesus looked about at the people. “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Each time Zacchaeus passed the sycamore tree on his way to the town, he looked up. "Thank you, Father, for planting this tree here just for me."

Have you ever felt like you were hiding from God? Zacchaeus wasn't the only one. Remember Adam and Eve tried to make clothes with fig leaves. Have you ever felt God pricking your heart so you could turn from your bitter sin and ripen into the sweet Christian Jesus wants you to be? 

Have you ever thought how Jesus planned to get the message of salvation to you? How he planned for everything to be in place at the right time just for you? We've all been Zacchaeus at some point. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for planning every situation for my salvation. May I continually thank you for the day you pricked my heart and brought salvation to my house. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

Have you ever climbed a sycamore tree? My grandmother called the tree a sycamine. I thought it was just her old-fashioned English, but when I did a little research through Bible Study Tools, it turns out that Zacchaeus's sycamore tree was actually a sycamine. It grows much like a fig tree in the Middle East and has inedible fruit unless the fruit is pricked. 

Use the Bible Study Tools link above to help you find out more about Sycamore trees and what trees we have that are similar. It could be you have eaten a fruit pricked by a wasp. I've eaten the fruit from a tree in my backyard. It's pretty tasty. 

Do you know the song "Zacchaeus was a Wee Little Man"? Follow the link to hear the Cedarmont kids sing it on YouTube.

Heroes of 1776

 

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

This year we celebrate 250 years of our nation, but how much do we know?

I recently watched an interview with Trey Gowdy and Judge Neil Gorsuch. Judge Gorsuch has researched the men and women who were instrumental in writing our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. He wrote Heroes of 1776 for children so they might know, be encouraged, and have the courage to be citizens our founders would be proud of.

Judge Gorsuch declares that often people confuse the Declaration of Independence with the Constitution. They are two separate entities, each with a special purpose. The Declaration of Independence focuses on the aspirations of the declaration: inalienable rights, created equal, and the right to rule ourselves. The writers declared these were given by God, and among those rights were life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Constitution is the separation of powers between the state and the Federal Government.

As the men met in Philadelphia to discuss the Declaration, they discussed not only the contents but also who should write the document. John Adams went to Thomas Jefferson to ask him to write. Jefferson locked himself away in a rented room for two weeks, writing the challenge to our forefathers and to us to make a better life for ourselves and our families. That's the true pursuit of happiness. Though the document was agreed upon in July, the signing did not take place until August 2, 1776.

After the writing, the document needed to be published and distributed to all the colonies to gain the endorsement of the populace. A trusted publisher who always signed publications, M.K. Goddard, was asked to print the Declaration of Independence. At the bottom, she wrote, Mary Katherine Goddard. The publisher was a woman! She, along with the signers, was willing to risk her life. The signers knew this document could cost them, and their families their livelihoods, their fortunes, and their very lives.

Judge Gorsuch poses challenges and questions to his readers as we celebrate and reflect on our nation's 250th birthday. How will we protect and preserve what has been bequeathed to us? Only 40% of the colonists wanted independence. Another 20-30% were loyalists. The rest stood on the sideline and watched to see who would win. Judge Gorsuch's other question is, are we willing to pay the price for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Just what would that cost be? To listen to the full interview, visit: https://radio.foxnews.com/podcast/trey-gowdy/

I've visited many of the Revolutionary battlefields in my area, but there are many I have yet to view. Perhaps this summer, my vacation plans will reflect my patriotism in visiting and learning more about the country I love. 

Father God, please grant us the understanding of our need of personal repentance as well as national repentance. Forgive us Lord, for we have sinned greatly. Please restore us to Yourself and heal our land. In Jesus' name. Amen

Our War Rooms

 

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. ~Matthew 6:6 NKJV

How's your prayer life? In our busy, rushed world sometimes we forget that we can come before our heavenly Father and tell Him all about our lives, our troubles, and our fears. Our prayer life is our war room. This weekend, we give thanks for those who served and gave their lives to defend our freedoms. We recognize and honor them through various memorials and by visiting their graves. But do we neglect our personal battlefields? 

The battlefield of the mind, the necessity of entering that battlefield through prayer, that's the war where we can give all. I was recently studying for my Bible class and ran across a booklet, the name of which I have forgotten, that described prayer in an acrostic. It was a good reminder for me of things I need to include in my prayers. Perhaps they will help you as well.

• Praise- Praise is a great way to begin our prayers because God created us for love. He wanted to show love. He appreciates love in return. We were created to show love to our Creator through praise. Jesus rejoiced as He thanked the Father. 

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. Luke 10:21

• Repent - When we open our hearts to praise we also open them to the understanding of our sin. As we pray repentance is a key factor. 

And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ Luke 18:13

• Ask - Ask for the needs of others. True joy comes in putting Jesus first, then Others, before You. A true servant focuses on others first. 

Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. Luke 7:7

• Yielding - Finally, enter into God's counsel and carry out his purpose. Jesus withdrew Himself and asked counsel of the Father about the crucifixion. 

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:41,42

Heavenly Father, thank you for all the ways You care for us. Forgive us Father for neglecting to give You praise before others. Father, show us how we can meet the needs of others while giving them the message of Your salvation. Direct us as we war against principalities in high places of the spiritual realm. In Jesus' name we ask. Amen. 

Hey Kids:

Have you noticed how there is the message of the gospel hidden in almost all literature? It may seem a little strange to think about the Grinch here in the summer, but I think he's a good example of what I'm trying to say about the difference praise in our prayers can make.

• The Grinch's heart was two sizes too small. He was selfish and cared nothing for others. 
• He thought he could stop others' joy by taking all the things he thought made Christmas. 
• He found that Christmas was more than presents and decorations and feasting. 
• When he heard the praise his heart grew. It was opened to the truth.
• He realized he was wrong and gave back the presents. Kinda sounds like Zacchaeus.
• I think he may have asked to join the celebration or maybe he was asked to join. 
• Finally we see him serving, literally carving the roast beast.

Though the true Christmas story was never mentioned, we can still see message that can be used to tell others about God's love in sending His Son that first Christmas and the difference Christ makes in our lives. 

How can you show Jesus to those you meet? 

Rededicate250,Thoughts on Moving Forward

 

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

Many people have prayed, I among them, and agonized over the condition of our country. Many breathed a sigh of relief and felt the answer to those prayers after the last election, but friends, prayer warriors should not let down their guard. We cannot say, "Oh, the battle is over. We can relax now." On the contrary, there is yet much work to do and prayers to be prayed. 

One of the things the Lord has laid on my heart is a return to reading God's word—not just reading but studying it so that we know how to humble ourselves and pray for God's forgiveness and direction for our nation.

This week I offer a short reading on which you can easily expand, a thought and a prayer for each day.  This week may we truly rededicate our nation and ourselves, It's a great time to start reading and studying our Bibles, humbling ourselves and rededicating ourselves as well as our nation, thanking Him for all His blessings on our families and our nation and asking forgiveness of our transgressions that grieve His heart. 

As you study, make a few notes about the things God is revealing to you.

Monday Reading:
      Exodus 36:5,6 The people were so excited about the work of the Tabernacle that they brought in more than was needed. Moses had to give a command to stop bringing things for the Tabernacle.

What a wonderful situation to find ourselves in. When has the offering ever been too much? When has a congregation been so excited about God's work that they had to be told their gifts were enough?

Heavenly Father, at this time of rededication, may our thankfulness for all you have done be demonstrated in the enthusiasm we show in working for Your kingdom. May Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Tuesday Reading
       Exodus 37:1, 10, 25, 29 These verses demonstrate the responsibilities of Bezaleel. God chose him to do a mighty work but he is actually an unknown figure. His faithfulness to his calling has affected the understanding and worship of God for millions of people for thousands of years.

Can others look at my work and see my faithfulness to God's calling? How is my faithfulness or lack thereof affecting others? Surely everything we do affects others.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me a work to do. Help me to be faithful to Your calling regardless of how much or how little credit I receive. You must increase and I must decrease. Be glorified, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Wednesday Reading:
      Exodus 38:8 The women brought their brass mirrors to make the brass laver, a place for the priests to wash their hands. Have you ever noticed women when they pass by a mirror, even in a store? We have to stop and check ourselves.  Beautiful hair, clothes, and make-up can all be a mess if a woman doesn't have a mirror to check herself. The women of Israel gave their most prized possession. They humbled themselves before God, putting aside their vanity for the building of the place of worship.

Heavenly Father, please open my eyes to the things I put before worship, before praise, before witnessing. Help me to humble myself for Your work. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Thursday Reading:
       Exodus 39: 18. The names of the tribes of Israel covered the priest's heart. His shoulders bore the weight.

Are God's people on my heart? Are the lost on my heart? Do I have a burden for people, or do I just complain about the situation?

Heavenly Father help me carry a burden for repentance among Your people and a burden to see the lost saved. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Friday Reading:
      Exodus 40:34. The people had followed God's directions. They had set up the tabernacle in God's order. He had descended on it. He guided their way day and night.

When our lives are clean God abides and directs our way. When we allow sin to enter in the Spirit departs until our lives are clean - forgiven. I John 1:9. We cannot do a work for God if we harbor sin.

Heavenly Father, direct my path that I might walk in Your way. May my life be pleasing unto You. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Saturday Review

    Pray. Review your notes. Is the Lord leading you in a specific direction? Has He revealed a work that needs strengthening or a new work to begin? Pray again. Choose a direction for next week's readings.

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. 

Numbers 6: 24-26

In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Potting Bench

 

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

It's such a beautiful spring. The trees have leafed out. The flowers are blooming. Oh! You haven't slowed down enough to notice? It's time to go out and soak up the sunshine and observe God's beautiful creation. 

The Lord gives us examples of our relationship to him with daily visuals through His creation. My friend, Beth King Fortune loves gardening and she loves the Lord. This spring she published The Potting Bench, 60 Daily Garden Devotions with the Master Gardener, available on Amazon or at her local book signings. Each devotion is divided into four short section, an example of her gardening adventures, a Prayer, a Digging Deeper section that gives application and Over the Fence, her gardening tips. A beautiful photograph, which she took, accompanies each devotion with an appropriate scripture.

Beth titled Day 11, Abiding. Her key verse is John 15:5. Her example was pruning her clematis. She kind of overdid it. Her prayer was one of thankfulness that Jesus is our life source. Her digging deeper section was how she severed the branch from the vine and the vine wilted. Just as we must stay connected to the Lord daily to receive the spiritual nourishment we need to bear fruit as the Lord intends.

Her Over the Garden Fence is about the planting and care of clematis.

Each devotion is a quick reminder of how we can be planted in the Lord's garden and bear fruit for Him.

I recommend Mrs. Fortune's devotional for that quick reminder before we start out the door into the fields that are ripe, ready for harvest.

Heavenly Father, please keep me connected to You and make me aware of how I might bear fruit for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.