June 17, 2022 · 10:20 pm

From Tombs to a Territory

Nameless. Unfit to live with society. So he lived among the tombs–his hideout home. Scarred from frequent cutting. Dirty. Naked. Until Jesus stepped ashore.

Two words, “Come out,” and the legion of demons hurled into a herd of swine. Hell’s chains broke, fell off. Free. Clean.

The delivered one wanted to follow Jesus. Stay close to him. Was this longing from a feeling of eternal gratefulness? Was it from a fear if the unclean spirits returned he’d be close to The Messiah? Still, Jesus told him to stay. Stay and tell his story. He couldn’t help but tell his story.

And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. Mark 5:15

And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. Mark 5:20

Decapolis, a gentile region of ten cities–designated by Jesus to be his mission field. His spiritual jurisdiction. Two chapters later, Jesus returned to the same area and healed a deaf-mute.

And were beyond measure astonished, saying He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. Mark 7:37

A miracle in the former demoniac’s homeland. The gospel, the good news spread. His testimony, his story, used for God’s glory.

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March 15, 2022 · 7:57 pm

Back On Course

Those daily check-the-box Bible reading charts didn’t work for me. Behind schedule by February. An abandoned reading plan by April. But, one day it occurred to me, I don’t have to follow a prescribed reading plan. I’m free to choose my own style–my own way of digging into God’s word.

So I did. The more I read, the more I wanted to read. Curiosity leapfrogged. I reviewed cross-references and studied definitions. I scanned maps and timelines. Browsed commentaries. I discovered answers to situations, wisdom, knowledge and guidance. I looked forward to my aha! moments–the times I found something I never saw before, though I had read the same scripture many times.

Over twenty years have passed since I began my unique approach to the greatest book of all time. Fresh spiritual bread feeds my soul. Written word, logos, truly is living word, rhema.

Oh the wonder, the adventure. I’ve found my Jehovah Jireh’s words are words that truly provide!

Matt 4:4

John 6:63

1 Tim 2:15

Psalm 119:11

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February 25, 2022 · 3:07 am

God’s Math–God’s Way

From our viewpoint, God’s math seems fuzzy. In Numbers 7 you read about Levi’s sons-three men who were given twelve oxen and six wagons.

One son received four oxen and two wagons. One son received eight oxen and four wagons, and one son (Kohath) received no oxen, no wagons. Zilch, zero, nada. Doesn’t appear fair does it?  Yet, God had a reason for the uneven distribution. 

Kohath, and the men in his family who didn’t receive any oxen or wagons were given the greater responsibility of carrying the holy vessels and furniture of the Tabernacle. God knew these items were too precious to be placed on a wagon. They had to be entrusted to men who valued their sacredness. Men who would carefully pack these items, which were unseen to the average Israelite, and carry them in an ark on their shoulders. 

The Old Testament is full of types and shadows. Perhaps this was meant to be a foreshadowing to us. Our human nature will often compare ourselves to others. We may see our load and what we’re dealt with as not being fair. But in viewing things through the Spirit realm, God’s perspective, could it be that He has a unique, specialized responsibility for you?

Numbers 7: 1-9

Isa 55: 8-9

2 Cor 4: 7

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January 31, 2022 · 3:29 am

Exponential Forgiveness

Around the time eight track tapes and Lite Brite toys hit the shelves, my third grade Sunday School teacher taught a lesson about Peter asking Jesus how many times a person should forgive someone.

“Seven times?” Peter asked.

“Seventy times seven,” replied Jesus.

Wow, I thought–that’s four hundred ninety times! My young mind took Jesus’ words literally and I spent many nights kneeling by my bed saying, “Lord forgive me. Lord forgive me. Lord forgive me.” I counted as I prayed and cried and didn’t stop until I reached the required number. Yup, four hundred ninety times. I felt better after paying (and praying) my penance. That is, until I messed up again and had to recite my repentant prayer.

Many years have passed since I knelt and counted my “Lord forgive me” sentences. I’m still learning to forgive to the limitless extent Jesus talked about. I ask Him daily to forgive me. Consequently, I’ve discovered there’s more to conviction than saying, “I’m sorry.” The evidence of genuine repentance is true change. Change is what Jesus and others see. I hope my actions speak.

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October 30, 2021 · 8:26 pm

Hand in Hand

A small act of chivalry, yet it means so much. Whenever we’re walking together and my husband realizes I’m the one walking closest to the street he’ll say, “We need to switch places. I should be over there.”

We switch. I smile, knowing he’s willing to take a muddy splash, or in the worst case, a hit from an erring driver to insure my safety.

I have a spiritual protector beside me too. He’s promised to always be with me. I may never know the times He’s fought off unseen hindrances or attacks. Yet I trust Him.

I think I’ll keep walking.

Phl 3:14, 2 Tim 4:7, Rev 2:10d

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October 1, 2021 · 7:53 am

Blessed Are The Peacemakers

This is the third day in a row. Lord, are you trying to tell me something? A book, a social media post & today’s email devotional had the same message–the difference between peace keeping & peace making.

Peace Keeping

*remain silent

*stuff/hold it in

*go with the flow

*be compliant

*avoid risk

But, a maker makes things. Making things requires effort and action. Taking action often means initiating a much needed conversation.

Peace Making

*overcome fear

*open communication

*solve problems

*move forward

Yes Lord, I’ll take a deep breath & be a peacemaker. Season my words with love and wisdom. Give me patience to listen and understand. With your help, love and peace will win.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9

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July 26, 2021 · 4:14 am

A Memorable Break

At seventeen I had a lot of questions–few answers. Questions about life. Questions about the future. Questions about God. Was He real? Was there more to being a Christian than going to church and trying to live a good life? Yes, I had questions and a summer job. My title? Assistant Head Dining Room Girl. Where? Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian, Texas.

Dining Room Girl duties included setting tables, serving food, serving second and third helpings of food, cleaning tables, washing dishes and mopping floors. As Assistant Head Dining Room Girl I had to make sure all the tasks were done and help solve any problems that arose among the eight of us. Consequently, serving three meals a day, plus a night-time snack to staff left little time to enjoy camp activities. Until one day, just before supper, the dining room girls were asked to step outside.

“Everyone take on of these folded slips of paper from the basket,” the Camp Director said. “After you’ve drawn one, walk over to an area by yourself, sit down and seriously think about what you’re reading. Stay in your spot until you hear the dinner bell.”

I reached into the wicker basket and took one of the white papers and walked to a nearby tree and plopped beneath it. It felt good to sit outside, even if it was July. I leaned back against the tree and opened my assignment.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

I looked up to the sky then down again to what became 2 of my favorite Bible verses.

Yes Lord.

I will trust.

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March 21, 2021 · 1:48 am

Heal the Waters, Heal the Stream

Heal the Waters, Heal the Stream

Pioneer nurse, Florence Nightingale followed the stench that led to a dead horse in a stream. The stream flowed over and around the remains of the horse and into the town’s water supply. Could this be why so many people were ill? Possibly.  

This story reminds me of Jesus’ words in Luke 6:45.

                A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good: and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

It also reminds me of a Sunday School song:

What you hide in your heart you’ll find on your tongue.

Once it goes into your mind the journey’s just begun

If your glad, sad, or mad, it’ll come out good or bad.

What you hide in your heart you’ll find on your tongue

Dear Lord,

Search my heart. Make me aware and rid me of anything that doesn’t manifest health and life. I want a clean heart. Fill me afresh with your Word and Spirit. Release living water.   

                                In your name,

                                Amen

Psalm 139:23, Psalm 51:10, Psalm 119:11, Psalm 12:6, Psalm 19:14, Luke 6:45, John 7:38

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February 21, 2021 · 12:29 am

Things Looking Dark? It’s Time to Trust

Not long after we entered Carlsbad Caverns the park ranger asked us to turn off our lanterns. Everything I heard about conditions being so dark that you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face was true. I waved my hand several times in front of my eyes. Still, I couldn’t see them.

I’ve often wondered if it was the same pitch black atmosphere for Moses when he stepped into the darkness and met with God, Exodus 20:21. Others, kept their distance. But Moses, knew God would meet him there.

At times, situations in life seem uncertain, bleak, dark. What a comfort to know the Light of the World can be found in the darkness, even the thick darkness.

Deut. 5:22, 1 Ki 8:12, 2 Chr 6:1

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January 4, 2021 · 1:24 am

Dirt Taker, Heart Cleanser

Got dirt? Something unclean? It won’t stop God! His Heavenly resume includes the following:

  • Genesis 2:7-Formed man from the dust of the ground.
  • Mark1:41-Touched a leper and declared him clean.
  • Mark 5:41-Touched a dead girl and brought her back to life.
  • John 8:6-Removed a woman’s accusers by writing words in the ground with my finger.
  • John 9:6-Healed a blind man by making clay eye salve from my spit and a little dirt.
  • John 13:5-Exemplified servant-leadership by washing my friends’ feet.

But what about invisible dirt—internal yucky stuff? If I pour it out can He handle it?

Crimson dirt cries, “Yes!”

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