FOR ME

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We Americans are overly concerned with our reputations.  Yet Jesus, the King of Heaven, made Himself nothing, says Philippians 2:7.  NOTHING!  Lower than the lowest. He knelt to wash feet, touched and healed lepers, included and honored women, and died as a criminal who broke no laws. Low.

What about me?  Am I willing for Christ’s sake to be thought a fool?  I’m worried about such things now because of decisions we made.  We’re human. We make mistakes.  More than anything, I’m worried about What People Will Think. 

The Lord Jesus made Himself nothing and became obedient to death (v 8). He humbled Himself.  God in the flesh did this For Me (and you).  Not just to do it.  But For Me (and you).  He died for MY sin.  Not just any sort of death, but on the cross, by public execution for crimes He didn’t commit.  All this was based on false charges by envious sinners.  Jesus rose again for MY justification so I could enjoy resurrection life forever.  “Therefore God has exalted Him to the highest place” v 9.  And so must I. 

Lord Jesus, be high and lifted up in my life.  Be at the center.  Not me.  But You.  Move Lynn aside, Lord.  Take Your rightful place of authority, dominion, and Lordship on the throne of my heart.  I bow with worship, adoration, and praise.

Everlasting Peace

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On a recent trip up north, Steve and I listened to songs from CDs we recently had transferred onto a memory stick. Palmetto State Quartet’s album kept us company for a long stretch, and their song, “Everlasting Peace” recalled a time of severe testing, when I couldn’t sense God’s direction or presence. My heart felt dry and cold, and though I would try and move closer to the Lord by reading the Bible and praying, He felt far away.

Here is an excerpt from my soon-to-be published memoir, A Goldilocks Life, describing it:

      “One night when my husband had stayed in town with a coworker and the kids were asleep, I slumped on my bed. All that fit in our bedroom was a full-sized mattress on the floor. I leaned my back against the wall and my head on my chest. I flipped through my Bible looking for comfort. Teary-eyed I read, “Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me and gave me strength.”[i] My spirits lifted a little. I was beginning to grasp that God really was in Arizona, too, not just back in Illinois. I could call on Him any time. I don’t know how long I cried and prayed, but a new resolve started to fill me. I could only keep going because I knew Jesus stood with me. His perfect strength would hold me up when mine was spent.”

As the song says, God is a refuge in every storm in life we face. If you’re facing decisions that are daunting or feeling overwhelmed by circumstances, listen to “Everlasting Peace,” link below, and be encouraged that God is “Never distant, always near. Ever present, God is here!” Call on the Lord, He’s only a prayer away.

[i] 2 Timothy Chapter 4, verse 17

Spice of Life

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Just looking out the window can take your breath away. Everywhere, signs of God’s creative power and genius shine out, if we notice the variety. The tall and stately trees with whitish bark stand next to others full and green all year. There are families, teenagers, children, and elderly folks of every size, shape, and race. Life is never boring, if we’re observant and take our eyes off our devices. Jesus reminds us in John 10, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Don’t miss out on the abundant life.

The same is true about how we spend time. Some days seem to run together, especially if we work in a job that doesn’t offer much variation in tasks. Shift the routine for a change. The Bible says, “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people.” We may be in a rut spending time home alone. God has a cure for that—companionship. “…two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken.” (Eccl. 4:12) Spice up your life by discovering variety each day.