Star of Bethlehem

     When I think of Christmas, uppermost in my mind, is the birth of Jesus laying in a manager.  However one Christmas carol, "We Three Kings," reminded me of the significance of the star that led the wise men to the baby boy.  There are many who believe the star was an astronomical event while others believe it to be a supernatural, miraculous occurrence.  Regardless, I tend to regard the star as a wonderful, bright experience, a holy star, that was planned by God, and I love the refrain of the  song: 
                O star of wonder, star of night,
                Star with royal beauty bright,
                Westward leading, still proceeding,
                Guide us to they perfect light. 
    
     Here are my own thoughts about the star:

HOLY STAR

Oh holy star,

so near, yet so far.

Shining in all your radiant glory

sharing in the Messiah's story.

Oh holy star, lighting the way

with your lovely ray;

Stunning! Illuminating bright!

Spectacular in the night!

Sending out a visual declaration

as wise men gazed in excited adoration.

Oh holy star,

so near, yet so far.

Hovering over the manager scene;

Casting down your joyous diamond beam.

Oh, star of light, star of wonder

to those down under.

Oh, star from the East - an astronomical mystery;

Puzzling all throughout history.

Out of the night, shining forth,

leading, guiding, proclaiming the Savior's birth. 

                                                          Mary Crisp Jameson

 



 

Christmas Morn-No Room

     Christmas is almost here. People are shopping, and putting up trees.  They are wrapping presents and making grocery list.  Hopefully, the busy season will leave room in our hearts for Jesus, who is the real reason for the season.  Jesus did not have room in the inn when He was born, but He can have a room in our heart before our end. 

           

                        Christmas Morn- No Room

For unto us a child is born!

Yet, there was no room for Him in the inn;
No warmth except a blanket, small and worn.

Laying in a barnyard crib was the Son God promised to send;

A Savior, Wonderful Counselor, a mighty King!
Yet, there was no room for Him in the inn.
A birth no one understood or what joy this child would bring;
No one could begin to comprehend. 
Indeed, the heavens declared His birth;
Angels exclaimed, "Glory to God! Peace on earth."
            A Christmas gift for all,
            A child so small,
            Born and lying in a manager stall.
Jesus! The Messiah had come with love to share.
But what! No room in the inn for Him?
No throne - no bed - no room to spare?
Yet, His glory was proclaimed in hymn;
The wise men came; the shepherds heard.
"A King is born!" the angels sang.
            Hearts were stirred;
            Hope sprang.
Yet, for some, there will be no room for Him in the "end."
                                         Mary Crisp Jameson

Step Out Of The Boat

     When did you last "step out of the boat?"  
     As I was reading Joel Osteen's devotional on why Peter wanted to step out of the boat, I was reminded of a story I once read about a man who had  driven to the grocery store to get milk, but on the way home he was compelled to turn onto a street he had never traveled, and something was nudging him to stop at a house in which he knew nothing about the people living there.  He argued with God and passed by the house only to return to finally knock on the door with his jug of milk in hand.  He was met by a lady in tears because she had no money to purchase milk for her baby. 
     Can you imagine how foolish this man must have felt as he knocked on a stranger's door to ask if they needed milk?
    In Osteen's devotional he explained that Peter believed, at that moment, that he could do what God placed in his heart.  Peter had faith enough to be bold.  He could walk on water!  In Osteen's devotional he was making the point that we need a positive attitude of faith to believe that we can do great things.
     My point is that if we strive to listen to the quiet nudging of God, we can have the boldness to step out of our comfort zone to obey and follow God's direction.  Yes, we may feel foolish, but what if we actually helped someone in need? 

“And Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ He said, ‘Come!’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus.”
(Matthew 14:28–29, AMP)

The Coat of Many Colors

     Dolly Parton wrote a song many years ago about her coat of many colors which her mother made out of her love for Dolly.  Some of the lyrics were:

My coat of many colors

That my momma made for me
Made only from rags
But I wore it so proudly
Although we had no money
I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me

     When I watched her recent movie on The Coat of Many Colors, it reminded me so much of life with Momma and Daddy in their early years when I was just a small child.  They worked so hard to give their children what was needed and sacrificed so much because of the love they had for their children. 
     So the story of my coat of many colors goes something like the following:

     I  don't remember being poor, but I remember family love.

     We had home-sewn clothes made from flour sacks.  It was good cotton material with pretty little colorful flowers. and we were so proud of our flour sack dresses.  We didn't have running water or inside plumbing either.   Water was drawn from a well, and we ran outside when nature called.  Baths were taken in a big round wash tub; the water kept warm by a nearby open heater.  One by one we bathed til we were all done. 
     I don't remember being poor, but I remember open fire warmth and family love. 
     Momma milked cows and churned our butter.  Papa plowed till he got an oil field job.   When Papa worked the land, the family picked cotton out in the field.  I was too little, but I remember.  Later, when we had only a big garden to feed the family, Momma got up early to pick bushels of peas and butterbeans before leaving for her factory job.  We three girls sat and shelled all day to have them ready for canning when Momma got home from work.  Her work day was simply not yet done.
     I woke most mornings to roosters crowing and barnyard sounds.  On Saturdays,  Mama washed clothes from a black iron pot using a scrub board to wash away hardened dirt off daddy's work clothes.  We kids hung the clothes across bard-wired fences.     
     I don't remember being poor, but I remember hard work and family love.
     There were Saturdays filled with chickens clucking as Momma rung their necks.  I'd get up to watch with big bright eyes as those chickens flopped upon the ground.  I was scared!  "Momma, they're not dead," I'd say, but Momma assured me they were.  It seemed they flopped for hours when actually they lay still after only a very short time.   Then Momma would dunk them in scalding water, pluck their feathers, let the feathers dry in the sun, and then she'd  turn them into fluffy, soft pillows.         
     I don't remember being poor, but I remember shared experiences and family love. 
     There were hog killing days with grandparents, uncles, and aunts.  They'd gather to kill and scrap those hogs.  The women made lard and shittlings, then they'd fry up some tenderloin.
      Other days Grandma cut up chunks of meat, and we kids went down to their spring and fished for crawdads using straight pens tied to a string.  Grandma would cut off the crawdad tails, and we would have a fried up feast.   Some lazy Sunday afternoons found our families gathering to smack our lips on watermelons that had been picked and kept cooled under a big oak shade.  Other times we feasted on hand-cranked ice cream.  The men took turns turning the crank while we, with all our cousins,  climbed the big oak tree and sit on huge big limbs which  shaded the wooden splintery bench beneath.   
     I don't remember being poor, but I remember fellowship and family love. 
     Ma and Pa took us to church on Sundays with no questions asked.  It was the way it was supposed to be.  If we got a whipping at school, we could expect to get another when we got home.  That's what we were taught.  We said, "Yes Ma'ma" and "Yes Sir," and didn't sass our parents.  Respect was taught.        
     I don't remember being poor, but I remember wise teachings and family love.
     Christmases were not filled with lots of toys and stuff.  We got brand new shoes, home-sewn clothes, and things we really needed.  Our home was filled with the fresh citrus smell of oranges and the sweet scent of ripe red apples, which was the only time of the year we were blessed with fruit.
     I don't remember being poor, but I remember simple Christmases and family love. 
     I was "rich as I could be" cause I don't remember being poor.     

      What better time of the year to remember being rich than at Christmas, for Christmas is all about love?  A time when Jesus was born to bring love and life to all.  John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.   Jesus is truly the greatest Christmas gift of all!  We can be "as rich as we can be" if we have Jesus in our life. 

 

What A Friend!

     "A Friendly Shade" has found me talking about friendships this week.  Everyone wants a best friend.  Some find it in their spouse, but will he always tell you the truth or what he thinks you want to hear?  Some find it in their long time school mate, but will he or she encourage you toward their way of thinking or just go along with you to keep friendships alive?  Some find it in a parent, yet you may not feel free to tell them "everything."   

     What is a best friend anyway?  It is a very special person in your life; someone you make plans with and look to for suggestions and advice through life’s situations.  It is someone you want to talk with about everything and nothing.  When you are sad, they are sad.  When you are happy, they are happy.  When you have a special event in life, they are there for you.  When you make mistakes, they love you anyway.  A really true friend is never jealous, never envious, never hateful, and never deceitful toward you.  A friend wants the best for you. 

     Does such a person live?  Yes, He does! 

     Imagine for a moment the following:

    

 A robber says: “I’m going to shoot and kill you.”

 Your friend answers: “No!  Kill me instead.”

What kind of friend would do that for you?  Jesus! And He did do it for you. 
John 15:13   Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends

This takes me back to a song learned as a child, “What A Friend I Have In Jesus.”

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
 

.

Friendships

     There are a lot of friendship quotes and many get posted on facebook. 
     Speaking of facebook, this social media provides a way to have zillions of friends, but how many do we actually know on a personal level?  Sure we click "like" and make casual written memos, but do we really talk to them or know their hearts? 
     I didn't mean to get off on facebook, so let's get back to the friendship quotes and review some thoughts on who can really be a best friend for life.  Below are just a few sayings I found on the internet.  It was hard to stop with just a few for there were so many good ones.

"A true friend is someone

who sees the pain in your

eyes while everyone else

believes your smile."    

God gives us many promises and among them is the promise to be with us through painful moments. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2   What better friend is there than the One who sees our pain and walks with us through it? 

 

"FRIENDS UPLIFT THE SOUL"                        When we make mistakes, do our friends turn away?  God doesn't.  He continues to love us and stands waiting to lift us up.  He is always willing to forgive and help us walk in a new light. "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." Isaiah 43:25  Then again, as we read of His power, we realize He is a friend who will give us complete rest.  "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matthew 11:29

      "A true friend is someone who

accepts your past, supports your

present, and encourages your future."       Nothing gives more peace than knowing there is a Friend who we can go to regardless of our past.  He has forgiven us, if we have asked.   All we need to do is forgive ourselves and walk into the future with Him.  "The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalms 121:7,8

"There are some

people in life that

make you laugh a

little louder, smile a

little bigger and live

just a little bit better."

 God's Word uplifts, and His word is a way of getting to know Him.  If we have been saved by acknowleding His Son, Jesus, and His death for us, then we have laughter, joy, and peace.  "The entrace of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." Psalms 119:130  What better friends would we want than the One willing to send His only Son and the One willing to freely lay down His life for us?  Knowing we are saved gives us joy; we can smile through our problems, and we are given a desire to live just a little bit better.
 

"Friendship

is an umbrella that shields
you from the strongest of
thunderstorms.
All you need to do is
hold onto it. "                 Isn't it wonderful that our Friend provides us with an umbrella against the storms in our life?  "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."  Ephesians 6:16         "For thou, Lord, wilt beless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield." Psalms 5:12    No other friend can protect us like our Heavenly Father. 

 "A true friend is someone who thinks you are  a good egg, even though he knows you are slightly cracked."           Finally,  God knows all.  He sees our flaws, our faults, and our deeds, even our thoughts.  He created us in His own special way, and He is willing to accept us just like we are.  "But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12:7 

The One True Friend

     One day this week I was talking with a close family member about friendships.  Turns out that not everyone we meet remains our friend.  Either, they move on, get offended, or become judgmental over human weaknesses that don’t meet their expectations, often simple because they have not had to walk in the same shoes yet.   
     When friends move on, we are often hurt because we care what people think about us.  Yet, some of us must realize that although we are meant to be kind and loving toward others, we cannot please everyone, and we can become so obsessed over what people think about us that we fail to be ourselves.   
     You know, God created us all different and simply by being different we will not confirm to everyone’s expectations.  I believe that as long as we are conforming to what God wants, that is what counts.  Sure, we will lose a few friends along life’s path as each person finds their own walk in life, but what consoles us is in knowing there is an everlasting friend that will walk through the trial with us, never leaving our side.  Herein, lies a true love from the One who created us.

 

LOVED

I am loved!

I am loved!

I am loved by the blood of the Lamb.

No my clothes aren’t spotless;

They’re not white as snow,

But I’m loved by the blood of the Lamb.     

Let me shout with joy!

Let me shout with glee,

For my God loves me!

Oh, I’m loved by the Lord of the World.

I am loved and so amazed;

Dazzled and dazed,

That I’m loved by the blood of the Lamb.

Let me shout with joy!

Let me shout with glee,

For my God loves me!

Thou my clothes aren’t spotless;

They’re not white as snow.

Still, I’m loved by the blood the Lamb. 

                                     Mary Crisp Jameson

 

 

 

Reclaimed Lumber

     As I settled into my recliner snuggled beneath a cozy blanket, I flipped the television channels and landed on a remodeling show. The contractor was using reclaimed lumber in one of his projects. It had a blended attractive mix of colors.  When I observed the beauty of the project, I began to wonder just “what is reclaimed wood?” So I looked it up.
     Reclaimed lumber comes from old barns, factories, warehouses, even wine barrels, boxcars, and mines. This wood shows signs of natural inconsistencies like holes, dents, and often previous infestation; it has age and character not mimicked by newer woods. Its textures combine age, grain, and previous wear to form an eye-catching piece of art. Through its aging process, just like adding spice to a recipe, it has been seasoned properly and made strong and durable.  I am sure if reclaimed wood could talk there would be a story to tell.
     There is a lot that can be said about the inconsistencies of holes, dents, and textures and how a skilled carpenter can take it and form a masterpiece.  Isn’t that what God can do and does do for His people? He takes the broken, wayward, down-trotted, the jagged and messed up to create a new life. No matter how dysfunctional the past has been, God will hone it, carve a new beginning, and polish it to meet His design.  He has been waiting to turn those who look to Him into a final beautiful piece of artwork. Though His amazing grace God uses our flaws; He seasons, strengthens, and opens doors of opportunity that can be as varied as the grains and textures of reclaimed lumber.  
    Our assurance comes in knowing that God is the master carpenter and He watches over His work.    

Proverbs 19:21  "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

Grow Fast! Grow Fast!

     As I sip an early morning cup of coffee in "A Friendly Shade," I am a little saddened.  My friendly shade no longer looks the same.  Although I live on five acres with some timber,  the owner of the adjoining property has sold hers , and the loggers are doing a clear cut right up to my property line.  Where once there were beautiful tall timbers, now brush tops and barren land surround me.  This is certainly not the view I anticipated relaxing in during my retirement years.   However, I can only allow time for a pity-party through this first cup of coffee.   Pouring my second cup of the day, I am determined to find a more positive note even though I worked hard to be able to build my home in this peaceful quiet location. 
      I am strengthened in the fact that this is only a temporary home and in no way where my true treasure exists.  All that I have or ever will have belongs to God.  He has the power  to make newly planted trees grow tall once again, and I pray, "Really Fast! "  God also has the power to take it away in the "twinkling of an eye." 

      I am reminded of 1 Peter 1:24, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." 

     I rejoice in the fact that my happiness comes, not from tall timbers , but from the presence of the God of the universe.
     I praise God that I can draw close to Him in any location regardless of the scenery or circumstances. 
     I am encouraged to grow in God's Word like newly planted trees. 
     I pray to  put God first in my life for He is "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
    
    

    

Dressing Like the Good Guys

     Growing up I watched a lot of western shows.  I could always distinguish between the good and the bad guys by those who wore either white or black hats.  The good guys wore white.  They dressed according to how they wanted to be seen.  In real life we do the same. 
     However to distinguish the good guys from the bad ones we only have our instincts, learned training, God's written Word, and His wisdom  to help guide us away from those who will lead us astray, down the wrong path, or hurt us in some other way.   1 Corinthians 13: 1,13 tells us,  "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal....  vs. 13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity"
     Yet, we also have to remember that  those who dress the nicest and talk the sweetest can  also have hidden agendas.   So, how do we dress so others can tell if we are the good guys or the bad guys?  And also, how can we dress to be successful.   I believe what we need to consider, even before we start to put on our golden bangles and fashionable outer wear, is to dress so we are pleasing to God.  Remember!  God looks at the heart. 

Jeremiah 17:10 "I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to the fruit of his doings."

1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the  height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth;  for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

Early Morning Attire:

1.  Take the Bible off the closet shelf to find the scripture for the day
2.  Open the shoe box of prayer.
3.  Shower away resentment and unforgiveness
4.  Select fashionable clothing to allow a heart of love to be seen
5.  Check in the mirror to be sure God's light is shining through
6.  Stuff pockets or purses with the fruit of the Spirit:  Galatians 5:22-23
                Love
                Joy
                Peace
                Longsuffering
                Gentleness
                Goodness
                Faithfulness
                Meekness
                Temperance/Self-Control

 7.  Listen and answer the Shepherd's call.  Never leave home without Him.              

8.  Relinquish the steering wheel and let God be the driver.

 

   

A Country Girl

         Growing up my parents gave me all the basic needs and more.  They knew I needed more than what they could provide.  I needed an eternal guiding light, so they introduced me to the One who would lead me through my current walk and into eternal life. 
     In Sarah Young's, Jesus Calling, she writes, "I am God with you, for all time and throughout eternity...  My perpetual Presence with you can be a continual source of Joy, springing up and flowing out in streams of abundant Life. Let your mind reverberate with meaning of My names: Jesus-the Lord saves, and Emmanuel-God with us... Talk with Me about whatever delights you, whatever upsets you, whatever is on your mind..."   
     I am so blessed to have been given parents who were faithful to not only take me to church but to live a Christian example.   In tribute to them, I wrote the following: 

A Country Girl

I was raised among country girls-

Given home permanents with lots of curls;

Digging ‘taters and picking peas-

Saying, “Pass the cornbread, please.”  

I had home-made clothes from flour sacks,

But given love in Godly acts.

There was Daddy’s law

And rules from Maw.

No matter, it was cold or hot,

Momma washed out back in a big black pot.

I remember scrubboards, sounds of roosters crowing,

Rising early with a knowing.

A scented smell of lye soap-

Extinguishing a play day hope.   

Clothes were a’waiting to be hung on barb-wire fences,

Milking cows, gathering eggs to avoid expenses.

Mornings woke with chickens clucking,

Momma, feather plucking.  

There were mattresses airing in the sun,

Yet, work was not at all done. 

A country girl with memories galore;

Not all about work or what I wore.

Jumping rope and playing jacks-

Life was busy but not too much for Godly facts.

We had days for hog killing,

Lard making and chicklings cooking, if Maw was willing.

There was watermelon eating under big oaks,

And home churned ice cream with our kin folks.

Momma quilted and Poppa went off to hunt;

 He loved it no matter the stormy front.   

There weren’t complaints regarding their deeds-

Only thinking to meet the family needs.   

But Poppa didn’t allow no back-talking jaw-

Maw was quick to lay down the law. 

Respect was taught;

Hugs were given if we kids fought. 

I was raised a country girl

Drinking water from community dippers,

Running barefoot with no thought of fancy slippers.   

I had outdoor toilets and tin tub baths,

Then prayers a’teaching Godly paths. 

Life didn’t take no modern-day research- 

Sundays were times for church.

Needless, to say,

On any day,      

I didn’t have the best,

But this country girl was blessed.

                                                                                           Mary Crisp Jameson  10/24/2015

                                                                                   

Simplify

        Our pastor started a sermon series on Simplify this past week.  In today’s world where there is so much stress with jobs and people wanting to have bigger and better, “keep up with the Jones” so to say, it is a good thing to talk seriously about keeping life simple.
     Simplification speaks to me.  I, like a lot of others, struggle with relaxation and keeping life simple.  The first thing that came to mind when I decided to approach this subject was the Sermon on the Mount and meekness.  
     In the Sermon on the Mount, the Kings James version, Jesus taught, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”  I have always considered meek as quiet, gentle, unprotesting, and humble.  Being meek is an attribute of human nature and behavior and defined several different ways, such as teachable, patient, and willing to follow teachings. 

     In The Message version of the Sermon on the Mount, it reads a little differently than the Kings James version:   “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are – no more, or no less.  That’s the moment you find yourself proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.”

     Psalm 37:11 further talks about the meek,  “But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity."

     What does this say to me?  It's a way of finding happiness within myself.  In learning to relax, we should laugh more, find humor in the little things, forgive without being asked.  When I learn to be patient, become more interested in character building than material possessions, make family and God my priority, and truly have faith that God is in control of every event in life I believe I can find happiness through simplification.   

     With this said, let me take Simplify a bit further.

S-alvation –To really be blessed with who we are and enjoy just being ourselves and living in simplicity, we need God in our life and this has to be accomplished through belief in Jesus and obtaining the salvation experience.  Only God can change our hearts and help us be content with what we have and in who we are.    

I-n the Word – To know God we must read His Word.  There is no greater satisfaction than having God in our lives.  No amount of material possessions, fancy cars, or huge nice homes, which keeps us in debt and worried about making ends meet on a monthy basis, will provide this experience.

M-aster the art of staying within our own financial budget.  Not being able to live within our financial means through purchases that are not a necessity keeps us worried and stressed.  It robs us of our happiness and contentment.     

P-ray daily and often to praise God for all He has done for us; pray for others, interceding for their needs, and pray for our own needs as well.  God is always willing and ready to listen and give us strength and courage to meet any situation.  Prayer is another way of getting to know God and finding peace in a simply life.   

L-ive obediently – God’s word tells us how to live in order for Him to bless us through the plans He has for us so that we can truly enjoy life.  If we distance ourselves from God we are also delaying the blessings God has in store for us.   
       L-earn to relax and enjoy sunsets.
       L-augh like there is no tomorrow
       L-avish in peace and calm without comparing what we have to others  
       L-ove God and people

I-mmediate gratification, idle time, and idol worship of things we put before God are our enemies.  Learn to eliminate these to avoid over-indulgence and self-gratification.

F-orgiveness from our wrong-doings should be sought continually.  We are all like sheep going astray.  With forgiveness also should come a willingness to make amends as quickly as possible. Grudges or hard feelings toward others hurt our own inner-self.  How can we achieve simplification if we are not at peace within ourselves? 

Y-ielding our stubborn self-will to Jesus and His direction brings many unforeseen true blessings and with these blessings come satisfaction in living humble and simplified.

   The Message version of Matthew 6:30-33 reads, "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers- most of which are never seen - don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you.  What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving.  People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.  Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.  Don't worry about missing out.  You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met."

     

The Mobile Call 24/7

      Since the evolvement of cell phones, I see people everywhere talking on mobile phones; in restaurants, in the car traveling, and even in the workplace.  We simply can’t “leave home without them.”

     This tells me that most people pick up the phone regularly to either talk with a close friend or family member.  We are either sharing some exciting event or complaining about the frustration of the day.  We simply need someone to listen, to console us, to provide re-assurance, to advise or give agreement. 

    How frustrated do we become when the phone rings and rings yet no one picks up?  Then if we should be so lucky as to have the call answered, I wonder how content and uplifted we really are at the end of the conversation.  If our call gets dropped, how much more frustrated do we become?   

     If our day has not been an amazing watercolor of events are we left fearful, anxious, or fighting back tears because our problems were not solved?  We needed a relaxing, reassuring calm voice from a loving individual.  Did we get it, or did our call get dropped?

     Take a moment to image a completely different phone call – a phone call to God.  What would He say?  It might go something like the following:

     Ring, Ring…

     “Hello my child.  I have been eagerly waiting for you to call.  Be still and know that I am with you.  Yes, I saw it all today, but I want to reassure you that I love you from the inside out.  Remember, I fashioned your heart and I know your works. 

     Rejoice in me!  Trust me!  All will eventually be well with you for I am your help and your shield. 

     No, you are never a bother.  I want you to feel free to seek me in all your times of need for I am always ready to listen and be with you through any heartache and pain.

     Have faith in me!  Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

     Please don’t feel rejected or lonely for I will not leave you comfortless.  I walk beside you every moment of every day, and I will always be with you.  In other words, I “have your back.”  There is no need for tears.  If you will focus on me, I will guide you onto whatever path you need to take.

     The earth is mine.  Be of good courage.  If you have a pure heart, you shall receive my blessing.    

     My desire is that you stay connected and don’t ever hang up the phone without joy in your heart, my child.  I loved you enough to die for you, and I am here for you twenty fours a day, seven days a week.” 

Psalm 33:15  He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

Psalm 28:7  The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. 

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

John 14:18  I will not leave your comfortless: I will come to you.

Hebrews 13:5-6  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.   So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 

Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

Psalm 24:4-5 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.  He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.  

Psalm 34:18-19  The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

Heaven and Home

      I jokely call "A Friendly Shade" heaven on earth, but when I really think about heaven there is no way to imagine what it is really like.

     Heaven was created by God as told in Genesis. “In the beginning God created the heaven… and God called the firmament Heaven…” We also know that heaven is God’s throne. Revelation 21:22, “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Again, in Revelations, we are told of a city of “pure gold, like unto clear glass.” It is garnished with all manner of precious stones. Even though we read about heaven and what God has in store for believers, we truly have no concept of what heaven will really be like.

     Some people describe heaven as a higher place, a holy place, or even a paradise, yet Isaiah 64:4 tells us, “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

     As little as I know about what heaven will be like or what God has prepared for me I still would like to take my concept of heaven a bit further through the use of an acronym.

H ome - As a believer in Jesus Christ I know that I will be provided with a special place in heaven with God and I look forward to calling that place “home.”

John 14:2“In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” 

John 14:3,“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

E verlasting life – I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will have everlasting life with God.

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

 A ltered state – My life will be so very totally different in heaven.  I will have no worries, fears, sickness, or heartache.  

Revelation 21:3-5a, “ And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.  

V ictory –  Because of my faith and belief in Jesus I will have victory.  

 1 John 5:4-5, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”

E ternal reward – Through the cross and the blood of Jesus I have grace, and there will be a reward for me in heaven, as underserving as it may be.

 

 

Ephesians 1:7, " In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

N ew body – I know when I accepted Jesus as my savior I obtained a new body in Christ and can only imagine what restored perfect body God has waiting just for me.

Romans 8:10“And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”

2 Corinthians 5:17, “ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

     In ending, regardless of what heaven is like, God's glory will shine forth, and we are commissioned to tell others of Jesus and the home waiting for those who will believe in Him.

Psalm 19:1, The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shewth his handywork." 

Mark 16:15, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."