Love or Noise?

Though I speak with the tongue of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or tinkling cymbal. I Corinthians 13:1

On one end of my deck I have a small ceramic wind-chime. It looks so innocent and has a hollow little sound. On the other side of the deck hangs my big red barn bird-feeder. My kitchen window gives a close-up view of the bird-feeder. I love watching the cardinals and titmice and other birds that come to enjoy the sunflower seeds. Today there was a tiny back-capped chickadee. But the wind was calm.

As long as the wind is still the birds flock to my feeder. The slightest breeze brings the tinkling of the wind-chime. The stronger the wind, the louder the clanging. The more the noise, the fewer birds come to the feeder.

Though we speak with the tongues of men and of angels..... Does Bible thumping really work? Is an attitude of "sic 'um" effective? Or do calm, thoughtful words make a bigger impact? What is charity anyway? Isn't it love in action? Feeding the birds is a form of love in action. They are fed and I get to enjoy their antics. I don't have to impress them with all my knowledge of birds or songs. They know about songs. They're birds. If I want to draw them within sight, all I have to do is feed them.

We want to feed people with the word of God but our attitudes sometimes causes a banging and clanging that drives people away. It's the still quiet warm spirit that draws people to Christ. We want to see people come to the saving knowledge of Christ, but do we need to condemn what they believe or do we need to simply demonstrate the love of Christ in our lives so they will want to know the truth.

We may speak the truth, but we need to make sure it's falling on open ears. We can show people Jesus without telling them how wrong their beliefs are. Arguing gets us nowhere. Unexpected loving actions will make a much longer lasting impression.

When our lights shine before men that they see our good works, then God will get all the glory. Now is probably the easiest and hardest time to begin. It's Christmas, the giving season. We might easily get in the habit of a giving spirit if we begin to practice it now and not let ourselves get stressed out over all the presents and parties that need to be attended.

Hey Kids:
You can give the unexpected too.
Does your room need cleaning?
Is there a kid at school who needs a friend?
Does someone need you to share your lunch with them?
Does little brother or sister need someone to play with?
All of those situations give a chance for conversation - conversation about how Jesus has changed your life.

Will we be doers of the word and not hearers only? 

How can  we show others Jesus this Christmas season?

Blessings,

Gail

People Need the Lord - Loving Your Neighbor

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

I was reminded of this song as I stood in front of a window and noticed the people cutting grass, raking leaves, driving down the road. I wondered what feelings of hurt, confusion, and desperation their everyday actions were covering.  I wondered if they sought the Lord when things got too heavy. We're going through some things with aging parents and without the Lord I don't know how we could deal with it.

As I look out at our nation and the world, I see the many conflicts and changes occurring, the hurt, the anger and yes, thankfully those showing love, as well. I wonder how people deal with life without the Lord. I hear Christians calling for the Lord's return, but what about all the people; our friends, our neighbors, our family who don't know the Lord? Are we doing our job or just calling for the Lord to take us out of our misery, maybe a misery we have created? Have we loved the Lord with all our hearts so that others can't help but see the love for them in our lives? Have we loved our neighbors as ourselves or dismissed them as vile and cruel, unworthy of our attention? Could a look on the inside change our look on the outside? Is there someone, anyone, who could use kind words and a helping hand today? The world stands on our doorsteps. Have we opened the door to them or slammed it in their face because they don't speak our language, or share the same culture. How can we win them to Jesus if we denigrate them? There is only one way and that way is Jesus. Could it be we are selfishly blocking the path?

Instead of the "woe is me" attitude this week, let's try a little gratitude. Let's share that gratitude with others. Keep a sticky note of one thing every day you are thankful for and a note of one thing you could do for someone who needs the Lord. Put it on your mirror or fridge as a reminder of God's goodness to you and someone who needs to know His love for them. I'd love for you to leave a little comment on how things are going or maybe some ideas to help us all be more grateful and helpful.

Hey Kids: Let's have a heart. You will need:
                a sheet of red paper
                something to write with
                scissors
Cut a large heart from the red paper. You may want to fold the paper in half and draw a cutting line.
On the front you may want to write Jesus Loves You. Then turn the paper over and write the names of people who need to hear that message.
Each day try to think of one kind thing you can do to show at least one person that you love them and so does Jesus.

Jesus didn't tell us to stand gazing (Acts 1:11). He told us to start at home(Jerusalem) and move out to the surrounding area(Judea) and then into uncomfortable areas(Samaria) and into all the world (Acts 1: 8). People need the Lord. Where are you going?

Blessings,

Gail

Priorities

Do we really need New Year's resolutions? Don't we really need to examine our priorities? Priorities affect all we do. As we begin this new year with a study of Matthew, we don't have to guess about where our priorities should lie. As I read the beginning chapters of this book one verse seemed to be the recurring theme.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added  unto you.  Matthew 6:33

Monday Readings: Matthew 1
       My husband loves old westerns. One caught my attention this week. The show was much like the Jim Elliot story. Three women had lost their husbands to a violent tribe who allowed no whites or Hispanics near their mountain. The husbands had agreed with their wives that it was their call to reach this tribe with food, medicine and the gospel. Since the husbands were killed the wives had decided it was their duty to fulfill the promise they had jointly made to God with their husbands. The main character in the western tried to discourage the women by asking if they thought God would require them to fulfill a promise they made, not knowing what lie ahead. One of the women had been a newly wed. Her answer was she wanted to fulfill the promise. Does God require us to fulfill a promise when we don't know what lies ahead?

Joseph didn't know what to do about Mary (vs 19,24). It was hard to believe her story of the angel and the virgin conception. But when God told him to marry her, he immediately did as God said and took Mary for his wife, having no idea what they would face except the ridicule of those who knew them. Yes, God expected him to keep his promise to marry Mary though he could not guess the consequences they would face.

Father, give us each courage to go with Your leading, regardless of what our feelings or family or peers or even religious affiliation tell us. Help us Lord, as Joseph, to seek first the kingdom of God. In Jesus name, Amen.

Tuesday Readings: Matthew 2
       In chapter 2 we see wise men following God's lead. I wonder what the people of the East thought of them. Were they wise to the Eastern people, following a star for over a year? When they came to Jerusalem and there was no star, did they feel discouraged? When the king nor the religious leaders seemed excited enough to go with them did they feel foolish? But then the star appeared again and led them to the place. Again they followed God's lead to get them to the place and to go home a different way (vs12). Because they sought the kingdom of God first, they were allowed to see the Messiah, maybe the first Gentiles to see and believe. With the gifts, God provided for Mary and Joseph and Jesus funds for their trip and life in Egypt.

Father, help us not to depend on politicians or so called religious leaders to back us in the way we know You are directing us, but help us to be wise men and women and seek Your kingdom first allowing You to supply all our needs. In Jesus name. Amen.

Wednesday Readings: Matthew 3
        John, Jesus' cousin, announces to the people that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and commands them to repent. Jesus, the King of the kingdom, was at hand. In a few verses we find Jesus asking John to baptize him (vs 13). What if we were standing in a crowd listening to preaching and Jesus walked up. How would we react? Would we be aware of His holiness and our sinfulness? Would we fall on our faces in fear, crying out for forgiveness? What would be Jesus reply to us? Would we realize that today is the day of salvation (II Corinthians 6:2) Or would we fall on our face in worship of the King, our Saviour.

Father, help us realize that each time we hear the Word preached we have two choices, repent or worship. Help us realize Christ is in our midst.  The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Help us Father to use this day as a day for the kingdom. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thursday Readings: Matthew 4
       After Jesus' baptism, He was led into the wilderness. He fasted forty days and nights. How would he have felt? Weak, tired, hungry, drained, exhausted, the descriptions could go on and on. When Satan came to tempt, the first thing he did was appeal to a basic need of food. But Jesus reply was that Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God(vs. 4). How can God's word cause us to live?
I believe it was an accidental experiment but nevertheless one that will give us insight into the Word of God. A group of infant orphans were placed in an orphanage and given food, clothing and shelter, the basic needs of man. But they failed to thrive and began to die. The problem was lack of LOVE. No one had held or cuddled or spoken to them. It was simple a routine to feed, and change the babies. Once someone recognized the problem, and began to hold and cuddle and speak to the babies they began to turn around. Without love, we all die. Every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God is love (John 3:16). Satan took Jesus to a pinnacle of the temple and used scripture to try to get Jesus to prove God's love. But Jesus knows that no one needs to prove love by tempting God. He has already proven His love by giving His only Son.  Love goes hand in hand with trust. To love is to trust. Then Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world if He would bow to Satan. Power is not love. Jesus was here to do the will of the Father. He was here to demonstrate love. The kingdom of heaven is a spiritual kingdom not made by the earthly hands of power.

Father, Help us be loving servants in Your kingdom, knowing that love conquers all. In Jesus name. Amen.

Friday Readings: Matthew 5
      In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us of blessings we receive even when things don't go the way we would like. Verses 13-16 tell us who we are in Christ, the salt and the light. What the world sees in us is what the world understands about Christians and God. Remember from yesterday's reading God is all about LOVE. Maybe we need to ask ourselves how we treat the poor, the old, the pre-born, the immigrant, the one who treats us unjustly. Is there love and compassion in all our actions? Others cannot see a loving and compassionate God if they only see us standing for our rights, angrily protesting on the latest political band wagon.

Father, help me let my light shine for You, that others see good works, and glorify You. May the world know the truth that will set them free to live as citizens in the loving kingdom of God.  In Jesus name. Amen.

Christians, do we have our priorities in order?         

Blessings on your week of new beginnings.

 

Gail

God’s Got Something Special for You

…Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:

Daniel 2:20b

“I got something for you at home,” one of my little four year olds told me just before Valentine’s Day. Sweet child. She just couldn’t hold the surprise any longer. Her love was showing just a bit.

Many of my students really can’t afford to get something for the teacher, but they make cookies, or notes or just little things that are uniquely from them. Those are the things I cherish most because they come from the heart. I don’t need things that cost money. But I do like knowing I am appreciated. Taking time to make a little something truly shows appreciation. It also shows we have built a unique relationship.

How do I show God my appreciation? Am I plunking down my tithes in the offering plate and thinking, “Well that’s done.” or am I taking time to study His Word, to speak to others about the good things God is doing for me? Am I sacrificing my time to draw closer to the One I say I love? 

Daniel found himself in a bad situation. First he was captured and taken from his homeland. Then he was told to eat food that was not in accordance with God’s Word. The worst was not over. He had to tell the king’s dream or he and his friends would be killed. But, Daniel had prepared himself. He had sacrificed his time to study God’s Word and build a relationship with God that would see him through tough times. He stood boldly for God when he had to make hard choices about food. A choice we probably wouldn’t have given a second thought. Then, when Daniel needed God’s help in a major way, God preformed a miracle by telling Daniel exactly how to interpret the dream. Daniel seems beside himself in praise to God for all He has revealed. (Daniel 2:19-23). All Daniel’s study and sacrifice paid off. Daniel was overwhelmed.

Want to get excited about something God is doing? Get involved up to your eyeballs. Sacrifice a little time to study God’s Word. Don’t just read it. Study. Know what it means and think how it applies to you. Follow through by standing true to God’s Word when everyone else is caving in to peer pressure. Then watch for God to come through in a mighty way for you!

Won’t you let us know what great and mighty things God is doing for you?



God Loves a Copy Cat

 

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou has sent me. John 17: 21

He pulled an old green sheet over and shoved it up under his bike. He put his goggles on and picked up the drill. Turning himself around backwards he sat down on the sheet and laid back under the bike. Then the real work began. How cute is that, I thought. He has watched his Papa work on cars enough to know just what to do. Apparently his sister is learning as well.

God, our Father, wants us to learn what to do by copying His Son, Jesus. Jesus prayed for us in John 17 for us to be one with Christ as Christ is one with the Father and the Father one with the Son. We can’t go watch Jesus as the first disciples did but, we can read the Word He left us. We can learn the care, the love, and the sacrifice that Jesus gave to us. He wants us to follow him so closely that the world will know that the Father sent Jesus to be our sacrifice. That’s what millions of Christians have done since Jesus ascended back to the Father. They have been his witness in word and in deed so that you and I know what Jesus did for us. We don’t usually like a copy cat but God loves it when we copy His Son. Won’t you be God’s Copy Cat that the world may know?

What have you discovered by being a copy cat of God? Leave us a message so we all may be one in the Father.

A Cherokee's Love

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

Got any Indians in your closet? Family history says my great grandmother was a Cherokee. I haven’t found a way to prove it but the outward appearance says it’s probably true – black hair, chocolate brown eyes, dark skin, no sunburn. Since we only live about 2 hours from the NC reservation, my dad took us to see the outdoor drama of Unto These Hills when I was a kid. It was the first time any of us had ever seen it. It broke our hearts to see how one man gave his life for his people. Because of Tsali, the Cherokee hiding in the mountains of NC were allowed to stay. Those already  surrendered were taken on the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma. Kermit Hunter did a great job in writing the drama so we don’t forget the sacrifices people have always made for the freedoms we enjoy.

Funny thing happened one year when I was planting a garden. A friend of mine gave me a handful of black beans. She said they came off the flea market in Sylva, NC. The seller called them Black Wax beans. I planted them, watched as they put on beautiful purple flowers and made long pods of pole beans. They tasted pretty good too! The next year I searched the bean catalogs and on line for Black Wax beans. I couldn’t find a thing. Then I saw a picture of Cherokee Trail of Tears beans. The description was exactly the same as my Black Wax. It also gave a little history. The Cherokee women hid the beans in their hair or in their pockets for food and seed when they walked the Trail of Tears. Could the seeds I was given be seeds left in the mountains with those for whom Tsali died?

Tsali died for the love of his people, to save them a place in their land. It got me to thinking, Jesus died because of his love for us, to save us a place in heaven. Tsali killed a soldier in defense of his wife. The soldiers made a deal to let the Cherokee stay if Tsali gave himself up. He knew he would be shot. Jesus committed no sin or offense against the Jews or the Roman army or anyone. He was without sin, yet He and God the Father decided before the world was made that He would give his life for us, so we could receive eternal life.

I still grow Cherokee Black Wax beans in my garden. It reminds me of why I get to live here instead of Oklahoma. It also reminds me that Jesus willingly gave His life so I get to live eternally with him. What reminders has Jesus given you of His eternal love for us? Won’t you share your experiences on our blogsite?



The Rule Book

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalms 1:1,2

Strike 3! Out! The umpire clasped his fist so all could see the little fellow was indeed out. Mom’s shoulders slumped for the third time this game. Dad pressed his face to the backstop. “He’s just a kid. Give him a chance.” The coach helped the child back to the dug-out. The child had no idea why his turn was up. He had no idea why Dad was yelling and coming inside the dug-out. Dad grabbed the boy and his equipment and stomped out on his way to the car.

We all feel sorry for the child and his parents but if the ump made exceptions for him why not all the kids? Rules are there for the good of everyone. Teachers have rules and parents have rules. Policemen have rules. Like I said, rules are for the good of everyone.

God has rules too. God’s rules help us live happier, healthier lives. Most of the time we don’t have trouble obeying the teacher or the policeman and most of the time we obey our parents but what about God’s rules? What are God’s rules? God’s rules are all about love. The first is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. The second is to love your neighbor like you love yourself. Jesus said all other commandments hang on or are dependent on these two. It would seem that loving God and loving others would be easy but what about when we are tired or angry? Do we take it out on others who have no clue what is wrong? Do we put others first or do we put ourselves first. I hate to admit, I want to do what is best for me more often than doing what is best for others. Serving others and doing what is best for our neighbors will give us the most joy. Pouting won’t make anyone happy, least of all ourselves. One of the 10 commandments says “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain….” Simply put don’t say you are a Christian and then act like the rest of the world. If we follow God’s rules of love, others will notice. They will see Jesus in us. When our actions are part of the process of leading others to Christ we will be truly happy.

Hearts

…for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.  I Samuel 16:7

I thought surely Eric Carle had lost his mind. Here was a book titled Hello, Red Fox with a green fox on the cover, all written and illustrated by Eric Carle. When I turned to the first page I saw a giant red heart with a tiny black dot. There was a caption at the bottom labeled Important. I thought I should read it. The instructions said stare at the black dot and count to 10 then look at the black dot on the next page. Okay, so I tried it. A faint green image of the heart appeared on the opposite white page. Then the story of a little green frog’s birthday party began. Each animal invited was not the color it appeared if you took the time to stare 10 seconds at the black dot on the animal then, look at the opposite white page. I thought, this is really cool, Eric. Maybe you are on to something!

Life is a lot like Eric Carle’s story. We think we see people. They make a first impression. How often we look at people and make a judgment based on what they appear to be; happy, kind, sad, mean, tough, etc. without taking the time to look a little deeper. We don’t know the real person on first glance. Jesus took the time to see the real person. He had compassion on the people even when they were cruel and unloving. He healed the untouchable lepers. He  brought the message of salvation to the Samaritan woman. He healed the crippled hand on the Sabbath, though it was "against the law". Jesus put others first. He cared about people.

Father, help me to look at the heart as you do and not the outward appearance. Help me to demonstrate a caring, compassionate spirit. Lord, show me how to make a difference in the hearts and lives of others. In Jesus name. Amen.