Lessons from the Past

Only two months left, and we will find ourselves at the end of 2020.  Looking back, there are many parts of the year 2020 we would have liked to skip over.  Instead of complaining, however, it is best to remember God has a purpose for everything He allows in our lives.  Perhaps there are even lessons learned throughout the challenging months of 2020 which will be of benefit for years to come.

This morning, as I was doing my Bible reading for the day, I found myself in 2 Chronicles, chapters 29-32.  According to one study Bible I have, this book was written between 425 and 400 BC.  That is a long time ago!  And still, as I read through the passages, I found lessons I could apply to my life today.

These chapters cover the life of a man named Hezekiah, who was 25 ears old when he became king of Israel.  At the beginning of his reign, he discovered the temple of the Lord was in need of repairing.  He called on the priests and Levites, and told them to get to work.  They proceeded to purify the temple following the word of the Lord.  Sacrifices and offerings were made, and according to verse 30 of chapter 29, "they sang praises with gladness, and bowed their heads and worshiped".

Following this, at King Hezekiah's command, couriers went throughout both Israel and Judah with a message asking the people to return to the Lord.  He told them not to be stiff-necked, to submit to the Lord, and to serve the Lord.  In the 12th verse of chapter 30, we are told the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind, following the word of the Lord.

Back in these times, there were feasts to celebrate, and rules about being ceremonially clean in order to participate.  Many who wanted to be a part of what was happening weren't considered "clean" or "purified", so King Hezekiah offered a prayer on their behalf:

"May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God--the Lord, the God of his fathers--even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary. -2 Chronicles 30:18b-19    

In the following verse, we are told the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people.  Later, in chapter 31, we are told Hezekiah sought his God in everything he undertook, working wholeheartedly, and because of this, he prospered.

Looking back over the reading, I found several lessons we can apply during these challenging days of 2020:

        1.  Examine the condition of "the temple of the Lord".  Moving from Old Testament thinking to New Testament, we find in 1 Corinthians 3:16 we ourselves are God's temple, and God's Spirit lives in us.  So, how is the condition of your personal "temple"?  What does God see when He looks into your heart?

        2.  Singing praises with gladness, and bowing our heads in worship are important.

        3.  Those who set their heart on seeking God, no matter their current condition, will be pardoned and healed by God.

        4.  When we seek God in everything we undertake, then work wholeheartedly at it, God will reward us with prosperity.

So many are thinking the outcome of today's election will determine the state of our country going forward.  As it turns out, a change in the country starts with a change in each individual heart.  Are you ready to do your part?  Perhaps, hundreds of years from now, someone will look back on how we handled things in 2020 and learn a lesson or two.  My prayer is the lessons learned will be ones based on the truths in God's Word, and not the selfishness of mankind.  

Homecoming Week

The following blog entry was written a month ago, but was not posted.  Sharing now, and praying blessings over all your "homecoming memories". . .

We turned the calendar over to October this week.  With the new month, we have been seeing more and more fall colors, a brisk coolness is in the air, and, at the local school, it was Homecoming Week.  Thinking back to my own days of Homecoming back in the early 70's, lots of memories came to mind.  

There was always a contest between classes to come up with a float for the Homecoming Parade.  The students spent evenings at the Sports Arena stuffing napkins into chicken wire which had been formed into some type of football theme.  Queen candidates were selected from the Junior and Senior Class girls, and a campaign ensued with signs covering the walls of the school to entice votes. Typically, all the Senior football players where the King candidates.  A football game against a rival team would hopefully culminate in a win, followed by a bonfire to celebrate, and possibly a Homecoming dance.

Each day of the week was assigned a special "theme".  Usually one of the days was an "oldies day", which meant we were to be dressed like students of the 50's.  Fast forwarding to when my own kids were in high school, the "oldies day" meant digging out my box of "memory clothes" so my kids would have something to wear!  What precious memories!

Over the past 10-20 years, Homecoming had become rather ho-hum.  No longer were there parades, and the bonfires had long ago been deemed too dangerous.  Crowning of the King and Queen was always a big production after the football game, with the girls dolled up in fancy dresses, and the guys looking sharp in a shirt and tie.  This was fine, but gave them no time to "reign" as the events of the week were behind them.

Enter our new high school principal.  He brought with him some ideas. . .or perhaps better stated, he brought back some of the old ideas in a new way.  The King and Queen were crowned early in the week, giving them a full week of being royalty.  A group of students headed downtown to decorate the store windows.  

On Friday, a parade was held, featuring a color guard, law enforcement vehicles, the football players decked out in their maroon jerseys, and a float with the royal court.  Behind was the rest of the student body, minus those in the band, which was assembled in front of the courthouse to play the National Anthem (no knees were taken) and the School Song.  Several local businesses also provided floats, and smiles were plentiful as this "first time in many years" parade took place on a beautiful day of sunshine.

In the evening, the team came away with a 36-6 win at the football game, and a dance took place in the school parking lot.  It is safe to say the students filed away their own set of precious memories to look back on 40+ years from now!

It was also a different kind of Homecoming week.  Yesterday we laid to rest a man who, with his family, had been our nearest neighbors on the farm I lived on from ages 10-19.  He was the last of my dad's generation of farmers who kept the township acres producing crops year after year.  One by one, their farming was taken over, usually by a son, and some have even been handed down yet another generation.  Somehow it seemed fitting to have his funeral just prior to the Homecoming Parade, as I thought of the heavenly gathering of farmers who had welcomed him to his eternal home.

Finally, this afternoon, we received news of another death.  In my closest circle of friends from school days, there were six of us.  All but one of us have lost both parents, and the sixth only had her mother still living.  Today, she joined us in the "orphan club" as her mother had her heavenly homecoming early this morning.

Looking back, my eyes filled with tears as I processed the news.  This mother had been hostess to many a gathering of friends "back in the day", always with a kind and loving heart.  With a family of seven kids of her own, she never minded having the "extras" thrown in.  Blessed be her memory!

As I look at the events happening in our world, I can't help but wonder if the "Final Homecoming" trumpet will soon be blown.  Since none of us knows the day or hour, it is best to always be ready.  Are you?  If not, open your heart to receive the free gift of salvation God offers us through the death of His only Son on the cross, which was miraculously followed by an exciting Resurrection Sunday.  If you are among those who believe, don't sit idle.  According to 2 Peter 3:9, the Lord isn't willing that any should perish, and it's up to us, as His modern day disciples, to spread His Word in our hurting world.       

Debate or Debacle?

How many of you watched last night's Presidential debate between Donald J. Trump and Joe Biden?  My husband and I took most of it in, and when asked to evaluate who "won the debate", my reply had to be "no one".  Neither candidate won, nor did the American people.  It was embarrassing for me to think about people around the world watching, as the impression both men left was not one of civility.

As a member of an organization called the "Presidential Prayer Team", we were asked to pray for three things prior to the debate:

                1.  For God to be glorified through the debate

                2.  For the truth of God to be made known and for His will to be accomplished

                3.  For civility, honesty, and fairness to prevail over division, spin, and bias

It appears to me too many of us were watching last night, and too few were praying, as I can't say #1 and #3 were accomplished.  As for #2, all I can say is God's ways are much higher than my ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) and whether His will was accomplished is beyond my evaluation.  The enemy, I'm sure was pleased with all the "acts of the sinful nature" displayed.  Taking from the list in Galatians 5:19-21, a few I can pick out are hatred, discord, fits of rage, selfish ambition, and dissensions.  

It is my continued prayer during this election cycle to ask God to reveal evil and untruths, while at the same time shining forth His truth to the people, so an informed decision can be made when voting.  It is hard to sort out information these days, with so many "back and forth" jabs from supporters on both sides of the fence, and access to far too much information, which may or may not be true.

Sadly, the battling over politics has caused conflicts between friends, and even family members.  I have had some difficult conversations with a couple of people, but am thankful it has not thus far affected our love for each other and friendship.  Perhaps it is best if we avoid political discussions, and keep to sharing fun updates on our families and encouraging posts which point people to God as we navigate our social media platforms.  It is He, after all, who sits on the eternal throne, and will be the one still in charge come election day!  

Meanwhile, let's all turn our focus to the other list in Galatians 5. . .the fruit of the Spirit.  Show some love and joy, be at peace, be patient with others, share kindness and goodness to those in your sphere of influence, be faithful and gentle, and [the hardest one!] exercise some self-control.  

Peace and blessings to all. . .regardless of who you support in this election cycle! 

Prayer March 2020

Today an estimated 50,000 people showed up in Washington, DC for one reason. . .they came to pray.  The event, known as "Prayer March 2020", was an idea God planted on the heart of Franklin Graham, son of the late, great evangelist, Billy Graham. 

As I watched the live stream of the event, I found myself praying along with them, even though I was many miles away.  The good thing is God's throne room is never far away, and prayer unites us no matter the distance.

After the event had concluded, I decided to do my own Prayer March 2020 around my hometown of Crosby, ND.  I made a special point to pray outside of the three churches, our City Hall & Fire Station, and the County Courthouse which overlooks Main Street. I prayed for all of our businesses, both schools, our local clinic and hospital and the facilities which serve the seniors of our community.  I prayed for people by name, if I knew them, in the houses I walked by.  I prayed for people I didn't know.  Although I didn't walk all the streets, I covered all areas with prayer.  I prayed not only for all currently living in Crosby, but also for the many who grew up here and moved on to other places. 

Do I tell you this to brag?  No.  I share with a humble heart, because I want to challenge you to do the same for your community.  Prayer moves the hand of God.  His hand is one desiring to heal our nation, but first there are things we must do, according to this verse often quoted these days:

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 sins, and will heal their land. ~2 Chronicles 7:14

When you identify yourself, is being a Christian part of who you are?  If so, this verse is a challenge for you.  Humble your attitude, pray, seek more of God, and spend time in His Word so you know which of your ways are wicked in His sight.  Then, look forward, as I do, to the day God's healing will come!

In the News!

It seems these days all the news focuses on is one of three things:  coronavirus, riots, or politics.  It gets old and is very wearisome to watch.  In fact, it is a good idea to make it a practice to limit the amount you take in if you want to avoid a headache and high blood pressure.

Today, however, we found good reason to watch the NBC Nightly News, and it all started with a Facebook post written by my brother-in-law, Don Anderson.  In our community, he is known as the man behind the camera.  You see him at all the sporting events, community functions, and area happenings, as he captures memories for others to enjoy.  He also has a real “way with words” and has quite a following of friends on his Facebook page.  Along with the “locals”, he also has a following of people who no longer live in our community, but still have a fond connection to it, and enjoy seeing what has been happening.

What happened earlier this month involved a local farmer who was harvesting his crop when a fire started in the combine.  In his efforts to get the fire out, he suffered a heart attack, but thankfully those who came to help with the fire were able to get him to the local hospital, where he was airlifted to a larger hospital, where he remains as he recovers.

In true North Dakota form, friends of the family wasted no time in organizing a “harvest bee” to help finish the combining.  Neighbors showed up with 11 combines, along with trucks and grain carts to finish the 1,000 acres left in 7 hours.  Others brought food and fed the crowd, while Don was there to capture it all.

One of the advantages of social media is how quickly a story can spread when there is an interesting post.  This one definitely passed the test, as in one day it had over 5,000 “likes” and 3,000 shares.  It wasn’t long before he was hearing from the Washington Post, CNN, Fox News, and other media outlets.

Today we were blessed to see the story featured on the NBC Nightly News.  Needless to say, we are proud of the way it came into the spotlight, but really, isn’t this how things should be?  When you see a need, you help.  Our community has proved this over and over again.  And if you need evidence, check out Don Anderson’s Facebook page.  It’s all there, preserved through his wonderful pictures and creative writing!  “Thanks, Don!  We appreciate you so much!”

To see the NBC News coverage, follow this link:

NBC News Feature

Where My Help Comes From

A few days ago I found a “new to me” song while listening to some YouTube videos.  Laura Story is one of my favorite Christian artists, and this particular song was actually on a Christmas album she put out in 2015, one I was unaware of.  Hearing the words of the song brought me back in time to when my oldest grandson was two and a half years old.

He, his mom, and his baby brother were headed down the road in their van when they were rear ended. It was quite a jolt, and a rather scary incident when you are two.  As a side note, this was when my grandson acquired his “imaginary friend” a/k/a guardian angel, who comforted him until his daddy came.  This all came out over time when his parents talked him through the events of the day. [Truth be told, I have even played “Hide and Seek” with this imaginary friend. . .his name is Dack!]

Back to being two and scared after a car accident, my grandson found it hard to get to sleep in the days following, and his wise parents came up with a plan.  Each night, they would read Psalm 121 to him:

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? 

2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 

3 

He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; 

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 

5 The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 

6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 

8 the LORD will watch over 

your coming and going both now and forevermore.

As it turned out, it wasn't long before he caught on to the words, and was quoting it as they read.  From there he progressed to reciting the verse for proud grandparents!  The sweetest memory of this time took place at his great grandparent's house.  They had one of those "Bread of Life" Scripture verse holders with verses on little cards.  

Our "smart as a whip" little boy would pull out a card and pretend to read as he recited each verse.  It was adorable!

As for the song that brought on the memory, the title is "I Lift My Eyes", and it is based on the words of the 121st Psalm.  If you are like me, it will give you a sense of peace, much as hearing this Psalm read comforted my grandson.  You can listen to Laura sing it at this link:

Laura Story - "I Lift My Eyes"

The "Whatsoever Things"

Back when our daughter was young, our church had a program for girls called, "Missionettes". There were various names for the different age groups, and each had a motto and Scripture verse. For grades 3 through 5, the group was called, "Stars", and each time we had a special event the girls would quote Philippians 4:8 as their verse:

 "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 praise, think on these things."

 ~Philippians 4:8, KJV

It was always impressive to hear these young girls rattle off the verse with little or no effort.  When I would attempt to quote the verse, I struggled to, first of all, remember all the "things", and then secondly, get them listed in the right order.

With so much focus given to COVID-19 and politics these days, I find it refreshing to revisit this verse, and challenge myself to change my focus. At the top of the list is "whatsoever things are TRUE".  For me, there is an absolute truth, and it is found within the pages of the Bible.  To others, however, truth is a bit more "relative", meaning what is true for me may not necessarily be true for you.  It seems to me, establishing an absolute truth also helps sort out the rest of the items on the "whatsoever things" list.

When it comes to being honest, things work out best when your honesty is aligned with the steadfast rules outlined in the Bible.  The same goes for those things which are labeled as just, pure, lovely, and of good report.  Unfortunately, we are living in a day and age where right and wrong are often confused for one another, and one could easily be told "their version" of the truth is wrong.   

Students of the Bible should not be surprised at this.  In Isaiah 5, this type of confusion is listed among the "Woes and Judgments" declared by the Lord Almighty.

        "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil, who put darkness

             for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."

                                                                        ~Isaiah 5:20

In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he warned there would be coming a time when people would not endure sound teaching, but "having itching ears" they would accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.  If this was true back then, think of how much more expanded these false teachings have become throughout the centuries.  Once again, without a basis of "absolute truth" found in the pages of the Bible, everyone's perspective of truth becomes skewed.

For a good lesson on suppressed truth in God's eyes, get out your Bible and take a few minutes to read Romans 1:18-32.  You will find there were those who, although they knew God, neither glorified Him as God, nor gave thanks to Him.  This darkened their hearts, and turned them into fools, though in their own minds they saw themselves as wise.  Verse 25 tells us they "exchanged the truth of God for a lie", which brought forth a long list of unnatural and depraved actions, ones which you can find outlined in verses 26 to 31.  It's sad to see all of these actions being played out before our eyes in our modern day culture.  

Wouldn't it be nice if the truth of God could regain it's lost ground?  As my friend, Louise, and I used to say, "I can't change the world, but I can change me!" Take time in the days ahead to examine your idea of what is true, and line it up with God's Word.  Does it stand the test?  Or does some of it fall into the category of where His truth was exchanged for a lie?

It may require some focused reading of God's Word, and some time spent humbly in God's presence to change your viewpoint, but, once established, it will help you look at the world through a new lens.  Those true, honest, just, pure, and lovely things will take on new meaning in your life, and it will be easier to seek out the things of good report. When you do, chances are you will also find many reasons to praise God, even in the midst of a very mixed up world.  

  

 

Signs Along the Way

It was shortly after 8:30 this evening when I decided to take a walk.  Our daughter and four grandkids had been here for one last swim in our community’s new pool, so the afternoon and early evening were filled with the blessings of being a mom and grandma.  It was already beginning to get dusky, a sure sign we had moved from the summer season into fall.  Although the calendar doesn’t officially designate fall for another couple of weeks, the signs are definitely upon us.

My walk took me first past the church in our Pioneer Village.  The glow of the setting sun behind the steeple made for a picturesque scene.

Following one of my favorite routes, I headed north and then back east so I could walk the “curvy street” which can be reached by walking past our family owned gas station.  [They still pump your gas for you, AND wash your windshield!😃]  It was here I saw something in the shadow of the trees on the street. . .a heart shape!  Can you find it?

The heart seemed like a little love note from Jesus, and I believe, through the working of the Holy Spirit, He brought to mind a song I hadn’t heard for years.  It was one my father-in-law used to sing, accompanied by his wife.  The words to the chorus began, “Standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus. . .”  What an encouragement to be reminded He is always near!

Once around the curvy part of the street, I again headed north, then back west toward the Courthouse.  Prior to getting there, however, you pass Concordia Lutheran, which is the church at the root of my faith story.  It, too, had a shadowy look about it, as did the Courthouse beyond.

From the Courthouse I headed south on Main Street back towards our home, which brought into view our local theatre.  As I saw the word “DAKOTA” on the side of the marquee, followed by a row of flags, it was a poignant reminder of the need to cover both our state and nation in prayer.

Another block further, I found myself at the four way stop, and the signs also prompted messages in my brain.  Not only should we STOP our lives of sin, but also remember there should be NO U TURNing back once we’ve given our life to God!

Closer to home I had to cross the railroad tracks, and the big crossing X reminded me we truly are at a “crossroad” in history.  It is a time we each need to YIELD” to a Higher Power than anyone currently on the political scene to bring us out of the mess our nation is in.

Vote for the candidate of your choice, but do so prayerfully.  Regardless of who ends up in the White House, it will ultimately be Jesus who steps in with the answers.  Remember to remain humble, and in tune with the Spirit.  Jesus just might ask you to be a part of His “hands and feet” to change the world!

“The Light Shines in the Dark” by John Smith

This writing is from a friend we met on one of our cruises.  Thought it was a good illustration and have permission to share!



Friends Email 196 7-16-20 The Light Shines In The Dark       John 1:5, “In Him was life, and that life was the Light of all people, and the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has no power to overcome it. A man came, who was sent from God; his name was John. He came to bear witness to that Light - the true Light that shines on everyone, came into the world, so that through Him all people might believe.”     We live in a time when we are starting to feel the power of darkness suffocating us. Covid – 19 is only one element of that darkness, but its fingers have reached into nearly every recess of our mental, emotional and spiritual beings. The prince of darkness is seeking to separate Disciples from the “Light” that nourishes and sustains our souls, by creating fear and anxiety.      Colossians 1:13, contains an important truth. It was written to encourage us when dark days come - “Jesus has rescued us from the “power of darkness,” and transferred us into the Kingdom of His Son – who is the Light!”     Notice that the “rescuing” that Jesus does is an accomplished fact – not something that is going to happen after we die. Jesus did it when we were born of the water and the Spirit in baptism. Not only did He forgive all of our sins, by the “power” of His shed blood on the cross, He did it by the transforming “power” of the Holy Spirit that we received as a gift in the new birth. If you don’t feel “rescued” from the power of darkness, it’s because you are not leaning on, and relying on, that “transforming power” of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Not only has Jesus “rescued” us from the power of darkness, He has “transferred” us into the “Kingdom of Light.” Jesus doesn’t just rescue us from darkness - He “transfers” us into the Kingdom of Light!” Disciples of Jesus “live” in the Light, and there is no darkness in that Kingdom.     We are not the first Disciples to have our resolve tested by satan, and we won’t be the last, but in every previous testing, it weeded out those who were not committed Disciples of Jesus, and strengthened the resolve of those who were. The challenge we face is, having had it so good for so long, and having become completely comfortable in our religious routines, how will we react, when those routines have been destroyed – when walk in the Light is a new challenge every day? The Light Shines In The Darkness     In 1946, when I was nine, they began the process of draining the swamp below our house. I know now that some crass materialist – who had no appreciation for the swamp - wanted to turn it into a place to build houses. But, I didn't know that then, so I was just fascinated by the size of the machinery, and the excitement of the event.     There was a creek, about three hundred yards from the north end of the swamp, but it was separated by a natural elevation, on top of which was the road to our house. Their plan was to drain the water from the swamp through the drainage ditch, to the creek.     The drainage pipe was constructed of sections of concrete, about two feet in diameter. When they finished putting the pipe in the trench, they covered it with a mound of fresh dirt. I guess it didn’t occur to them to make sure that the creek was lower than the swamp, because not long after they finished, we had several days of heavy rainfall - the creek flooded, the water ran from the creek, through the drain pipe, and poured into the swamp.  Where it emptied into the swamp, the velocity of the rushing water dug out a huge hole, which later formed a large pool.     Swamp life migrated to the pool.  Fish, leeches, turtles, crabs, muskrats, frogs, even ducks and geese were found there. I often found myself in the pool chasing something.  Inevitably, I was drawn to the mouth of the drain pipe, which was right at the water level. If the sun was shining, I could actually see through it – a distant, tiny, white speck of light, about the size of a quarter, which beckoned to me to crawl through, but on dark days, I couldn’t see the light, so there was no temptation.     I crawled into the pipe several times, intending to crawl through, but it was a very tight fit, and backing up was extremely unpleasant because I had to lay down in the filthy, mucky water and wriggle out, which got my clothes filthy, and what was worse, my mother would ask how I got my clothes so dirty, and telling her the truth, would mean that the pool would be off limits.     One day, my friend James and I, were chasing a large turtle in the pool, and it eluded us by going into the drain pipe. I was determined to not let it escape, so I crawled into the pipe after it.  I was so intent on catching it, that before I realized it, I had gone a lot further in than ever before. When I stopped, James bumped into me - James was bigger than I was. “Did you get him?” he yelled.  His voice sounded really weird in those close quarters. “No,” I whispered, “let’s go back.”     When he tried to back up, he panicked, “I’m stuck,” he cried.  “No, you’re not - tell you what, let's just crawl all the way through, I’ve always wanted to.” At first, I felt some apprehension because the light looked like it was miles away.     In some places, the pipe wasn’t level, and the low spots were filled with nasty, smelly, mucky water, that lay within four or five inches of the top, and it was filled with blood sucking leeches that attached themselves to us. We had to tilt our heads up as high as possible to keep the water out of our noses, and we bloodied our knees and toes on the rough concrete, and scraped the tops of our heads clean of either hair or skin.     The whole way, James kept a death grip on my ankle, and talked about dying – about our bodies never being found, and our parents never knowing what happened to us. Sometimes, even now, I look at my ankle and imagine that I can still see the imprint of his fingernails.     Gradually, I noticed that the light wasn’t just a tiny speck anymore, it was bigger and brighter – I could actually see my surroundings, and my confidence grew proportionately to the brightness of the light. I started whispering to James, “Not far now, James, almost there, James, we'll make it, don't worry.” But as confident as I was, I was still greatly relieved, when we finally reached the end, and jumped out into the fresh water of the creek.     As we sat on the bank and helped each other pull the leeches off, James said, “Weren’t you scared?” “No,” I said, “not at all.”  “I was,” he said.     Looking back, I’m sure I told the truth. I had been scared before, and I have been scared since, but what I felt in that pipe wasn’t fear, it was determination, because, I knew I was going to live –and the closer I got to the source of the light, the more determined and confident I became.     I hope you have figured out the difference between my attitude and James’ attitude. I hope that you can see that the contrast between what I experienced, and what James experienced wasn’t because I was more brave, and courageous - No! - a thousand times “NO!”  the difference was that - I could see the light!!!     What a marvelous spiritual application that has for us as Disciples of Jesus, who are living in a world dominated by a thick darkness, which grows darker by the day. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:4, that although Disciples of Jesus see the darkness - they do not live in it. They are “Children of Light,” and Children of Light are like moths - drawn irresistibly closer to the Light.     Jesus tells His Disciples in John 3:36, that, “Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life,” Eternal life is not something we get by and by, it is something we get now. And the closer we get to Jesus, the brighter the Light of everlasting life shines, not only too us, but in us.     One other beautiful thing about this story is that we all get discouraged, of course we do, we all have those times when we think that the darkness is going to overcome the Light, but Disciples refuse to give up, they just get down on their knees and  keep crawling toward the Light, even when it’s just a tiny speck in the distance, and Jesus crawls in front of them whispering, “Not far now John – don't lose heart John, I'm with you John – and don’t you ever forget that, you are the only light James has.”     Never forget that YOU are the only Light (Jesus) some people will ever see, so never allow the darkness to overcome the Light that is in you.  “Let your Light shine so brightly before others, that they see Jesus in you and glorify God.” I asked God today, to help me to realize that things like this virus have been happening for thousands of years. They are used by satan to distract me from what is really important - and God uses them to help me to  focus on what is important – the “choice” is mine. John   Copyright © 2020 Mr., All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have asked to receive my "thoughts." Our mailing address is: Mr. 123 Circle M Rd Searcy, AR 72143 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Love in the Midst

Summertime provides me with a "happy place" in our backyard.  What has been a garden plot over the last seven years, was replaced this year with three raised garden beds.  Over the past several weeks, they have been supplying us with radishes, lettuce, cucumbers, beans, peas, and onions to supplement our food supply.  Still to come are the carrots, beets, corn, and watermelon.  These garden beds are positioned along the north fence of our lot, and each time I look out my kitchen window, they are there to make me smile.

Along with the vegetable garden, there are several flower beds which have developed over the years, as well as a beautiful array of pots, and a tiered planter, all there to add to my smiles.  Each year I try to add at least one perennial plant to my mix of annuals, to save on the planting for the following year.

There is one part of my summer experience which takes away from my smiles, and I have Adam and Eve to thank for them. . .weeds.  I know Eve often is the one given a "bad rap" for eating the first of the forbidden fruit, but if you read the account closely, you will see Adam was right there with her, and did nothing to deter or stop her.

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree 

was good for food and pleasing to the eye, 

and also desirable for gaining wisdom, 

she took some and ate it.  She also gave some to her husband, WHO WAS WITH HER, and he ate it.

~Genesis 3:6   

Later on, in verses 17 and 18 of the same chapter, God tells Adam the ground would now be cursed because of their sin, and there would be great toil in working the land, because of the thorns and thistles added to the soil.  Down through the ages, those thorns and thistles have multiplied into a vast supply of weeds which contaminate our fields, gardens, and flower beds.  

This year, we tore down the little house next to ours, leaving a large open lot which was filled in with dirt taken from a field.  In a matter of days, a nice touch of green sprang up across the lot, but unfortunately it was weeds, and not the grass we hoped would someday fill the space.  Over the past couple of days, these weeds were getting on my nerves, and I discovered they were quite easy to pull from the dirt after the rain showers we have been experiencing.  There is now a large garbage bag of pulled weeds to show for my efforts, and the rest were mowed over by our son today.  Out of sight for now, but you can bet they will be back in time.

As I was pulling away, I found myself comparing the weeds to the evil at work in our world.  These days it seems to be multiplying faster than the weeds, and I pondered what I could do to make a difference.  It was then I spotted a little rock tucked neatly among the weeds.  It even had a bit of a "heart shape", and therein was the answer to the question in my mind.  Love.

We may not see it on the news channels, but there is still so much love at work in our world.  Although overpowered by reports of all things bad, if you look hard, you will find it.  If not, be the one to plant a few seed of love in someone's life, and start producing fruit. . .fruit which will grow because God is behind the process, just like He lovingly takes the seeds I plant in the spring and produces the vegetables and flowers I so enjoy.  

Along with the love, throw in some seeds of the other fruit of the Spirit. . .joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.  In the end, we can be content knowing these fruit will one day overpower all evil, as Jesus introduces His new kingdom. . .the one we pray for each time we recite the Lord's prayer. . ."Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."  Yes, my friends, there are better days ahead. . .no evil, and I'm pretty sure the weeds will be gone, too!  

Love Where You Live

Crosby, North Dakota is the place of my birth.  The local hospital was run by Catholic Nuns at the time, and following a few days for my mother to recover from the birthing process, a farm about five miles west and south of the town was where the first ten years of my life took place.  At that time, my parents built a new house on a neighboring farm, which was home until college took me away to Grand Forks, North Dakota.  There was a move to Minnesota sandwiched in that summer, where my friend and I worked at a lake resort, a fun experience for only a very brief season.

It was during the next nine months my now husband became a serious part of my life, so much so that a diamond ring was added to my left hand during the Easter break, and a wedding was planned for the following December.  Plans to return to Grand Forks were changed, as a new plan developed.  After the wedding, we would live in Williston, North Dakota while I finished out my schooling taking a teller training course at the college there.  Then it was back to Crosby. . .home.

Often you will find me sharing how I love travelling to new places and seeing new things.  This, however, comes with one condition. . .I always want to come home to Crosby, North Dakota.  It is a good thing my husband feels the same way, which is why we built ourselves a home and stayed put over the 44+ years we have been married.  [Except, of course, for the four months every other year we have moved to Bismarck, North Dakota for the Legislative Sessions since 2015, when he was appointed to the North Dakota House of Representatives.  Even then, most week-ends we found ourselves on the four hour trek home to Crosby.]

The whole season of COVID-19 has given me lots of opportunity to walk the streets of Crosby.  While we see on our television and computer screens the images of protests, riots, and destruction happening across our nation, it is so nice to have a peaceful community to live in.  They say Crosby, ND is not on the way to anywhere, and you have to be going there in order to end up there.  Some have called it "the edge of nowhere", but I've never been more thankful to call it home.

After all, where else could you find yourself roaming peacefully around town at 10pm on a Saturday night capturing beautiful images such as these?  Hopefully, there are still a few other such places to retreat to, but for now I'm glad I am here!

Pentecost is Here!

May 31, 2020 is Pentecost Sunday.  Why should this be important to those of us who call ourselves "Christian"?  It is because we need, just like the disciples did in Bible times, the power of the Holy Spirit.  As a refresher course on what Pentecost is, our first journey would be to the Old Testement.  Pentecost is the Greek name for a feast day observed by the Jews, and it is mentioned in five places, Exodus 23, Exodus 24, Leviticus 16, Numbers 28, and Deuteronomy 16.  The Jews called it the Feast of Harvest or the Feast of Weeks, and it was a celebration of the beginning of the early weeks of harvest.

Fast forward to the New Testament, and you will find the disciples of Jesus gathered in a room after the time Jesus returned to heaven after His resurrection.  They were there because Jesus had instructed them to stay in Jerusalem until such time they received a special gift from the Heavenly Father.  This gift was a baptism with the Holy Spirit. 

So, there they were, waiting in a house.  Suddenly there was the sound which came from heaven, like the blowing of a violent wind.  They then saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  This enabled them to speak in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them.

The sound attracted quite a crowd.  Because of the festival being celebrated, God-fearing Jews from every nation were in town.  Amazingly, they witnessed the disciples, who were all Galileans, speaking to them in their native language.  According to Acts 2:9-11, the languages represented at the time were that of the Parthians, Medes and Elamites, as well as those from Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene, Romans, Cretans and Arabs.  I'd have to get out a Bible Map to sort out all those places, but they all apparently heard the disciples declaring the wonders of God in their native tongue. 

The account indicates the people were amazed and perplexed, and some even made fun of the disciples, assuming they were drunk with wine.  It was then Peter took center stage, raising his voice to address the crowd.  He explained they were not drunk, since it was only 9 o'clock in the morning.  He then quoted a passage from the Old Testament book of Joel.  Joel had foretold a time when God would pour out His Spirit on all people, and this was what had happened.

Peter then went on to tell them a full account of Jesus life, death, resurrection, and explained Jesus had been exalted to the right hand of God, where He received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, which He in turn poured out on His disciples.  As the people listened, Acts 2:37 says they were "cut to the heart" and asked Peter and the apostles what they should do.

The first thing Peter told them to do was repent.  This meant feeling deep regret or remorse over sinful things they had done.  Repentance in this sense is the change that takes place in a life as a result of the Holy Spirit's work to open up their consciousness to what sin is in the presence of a Holy God.  It is a summons to a personal, absolute, and ultimate unconditional surrender to God as Sovereign, leaving behind the life of sin.  Some look at it as a 180 degree turn away from a life of sin, and toward God.

Secondly, the people were told to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of their sin.  Finally, Peter told them they would then receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise would reach even us, according to the words of Acts 2:39:

The promise is for you and your children,

and for all who are far off--

for all whom the Lord our God will call.

 

Peter's final challenge to this group was, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."  It was then about 3,000 accepted his message and were baptized.  As I read those words today, in light of the riots and looting going on in various parts of this country, I couldn't help but think we are once again in a very corrupt generation in need of a Pentecost change.  The question remains, if we were to rewrite this account today, which role would you play?

 

Would you be among the disciples, waiting to receive new boldness through the Holy Spirit's power?  Or would you be among those observing, wondering what was happening with these people who suddenly became so "on fire" for God?  Either way, my prayer is you will have an encounter with God in a fresh way during this Pentecost of 2020.  Our country needs it.  Our world needs it. 

 

As I have been often walking in the wind this spring, the words of a chorus echo through my brain:

 

Holy Spirit, flow through me

Holy Spirit, flow through me

And make my life what it ought to be

Holy Spirit, flow through me

 

Holy Spirit, rest on me

Holy Spirit, rest on me

And use me Lord to win the lost to Thee

Holy Spirit, rest on me

 

Holy Spirit flow out from me

Holy Spirit, flow out from me

That others may see You in me

Holy Spirit, flow out from me

 

This is the prayer of my heart, as we near the midnight hour, when Pentecost, 2020 will be upon us.  May the power of the Holy Spirit find a place to land in your life!