fairwindsbaptist

“The Dark Threads”

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:59:52 GMT

^{““For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."}

^{I Corinthians 13:12}

My activity in the last four years has considerably changed from my previous fast paced life in the ministry. But thankfully I have been able to do some things that I never had the time to do before. Cross-stitching is one of them. I truly enjoy making something out of strands of various colors of thread. One of my latest projects has been to make a cross-stitch baby blanket for each of my six grandchildren to pass down to their children. I have completed 4 and have 2 more to go. I love to see the finished product and the colors and how they worked together to make a beautiful

design. The strands of colored threads on their own don’t have any design or purpose. It all comes to life when the designer carefully puts everything together with a plan.

“But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.”

Isaiah 64:8

It's always so exciting to see something you're working on come to life as you near completion. I did a cross stitch for a dear childhood friend who was battling cancer. Unfortunately, she passed before I finished it, so I have it hanging on my wall as a reminder of her. What was so interesting about doing that piece was that there were a lot of dark threads in it and to look at the threads, you wouldn't think that it would turn out very beautiful with all the dark colors intertwined with the brighter ones. Truthfully if I were to pick out the colors for that particular piece, I probably would

not have picked some of them. And if you turned it around on the back, it looked like a tangled mess of threads. But as I finished the piece I could see where the dark pieces were what made it so beautiful. So much more beautiful than I could have imagined that it would with all the dark threads.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,

saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

Isn't that how it is with our lives? We go through life wanting those bright colors, but God has a way of working the dark colors into our lives also. Sometimes we don't understand or want them, but He has a design in mind for each of us. We may not see the beauty that those dark threads add to our finished design, but God does. Are the dark threads easy? No! They don’t make any sense. Are they painful sometimes? Yes, because God knows what we need in our lives better than we do ourselves.

“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:”

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Years ago, when we lost two sons to still birth, I vividly remember my dad coming to the house before we went to the cemetery for our first son, and he quoted this poem about God seeing the upper side while we only see underneath the design with all its messy threads and dark thread hanging. The confusion, the pain, the unanswered questions. I now have that tapestry on my wall in my office. Did you know that God started your design before you were born and each person has a

unique design only for you?

“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

Psalm 139:13-14

But one day when we get to heaven, we will see the finished result of our design from the upper side, and it will be so beautiful because it was designed by God and for our good. We will see how all those dark threads that caused such pain and didn’t make sense, made His masterpiece into something unimaginable and more beautiful than we could ever have done if we had been in control. Every stitch will be in place, and we will see how every stitch mattered. Even the dark ones. Thank God for His work in our lives to bring about “something beautiful.”

The Weaver Poem

by Grant Colfax Tullar

My life is but a weaving

Between my God and me.

I cannot choose the colours

He weaveth steadily.

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;

And I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper,

And I the underside.

Not ’til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Will God unroll the canvas

And reveal the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the weaver’s skillful hand,

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares;

Nothing this truth can dim.

He gives the very best to those

Who leave the choice to Him.

"Get in the Yoke”

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:46:41 GMT

^{“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”}

^{Matthew 11:28-30}

I read these verses in my devotions one time and as I unfolded them and looked a little closer, their meaning was so much more than I had noticed before. We all live busy lives and sometimes the stress of deadlines, children, jobs, finances, and relationships can overwhelm us and make it possible to live a life headed for disaster, depression, and destruction.

^{“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”}

^{Psalms 55:22}

Sometimes your lives just spiral out of control, and you begin to feel the effects of stress. What exactly is stress? One definition is “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.” Webster’s defines it this way, “a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc. Something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety.”

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
1 Peter 5:7

“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 14:27

Ok, time to ‘fess up. How many of you have had these feelings and felt the pressure of stress in your life? Ok, my hand is up too! (Although retirement is definitely less stress. ��) We all do at some time. We all experience times in our lives when we just don’t know which way to turn or what to do. We are overwhelmed with issues on every side and have no answers for any of them. We

feel as though we are drowning and going down for the third time. Stress is a part of every single person’s life. But the answer to finding peace is how we deal with it. How do you deal with it? Scream, holler, lash out, retreat, or crawl into a corner? As with most things in life, our reaction to problems is the most important thing.

“I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.”

Psalms 118:5

Have you ever noticed that two people going through similar circumstances can have two totally different reactions? Two people can get that dreaded diagnosis of cancer. One may totally fall apart and not even be able to cope with life. They may be in a constant state of depression and distress while another person with the same diagnosis handles it with grace and dependence on God. We have had many people in our church over the years whose grace just amazes me as they

battle this ugly disease. Anytime you talk to them, they will tell you how blessed they have been and how they are trusting in the Lord for the outcome. Now that is grace! That is faith! They show true faith and dependence on the Lord for His strength. What great examples they have been to me and many others.

“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.”

Psalms 94:19

I read this quote and thought it was so true and convicting. “When you say, ‘I’m stressed,’ you tell those around you that at this moment, the peace of God does NOT control your life.” Ouch! Think about it. It’s the truth.

“Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me:

yet thy commandments are my delights.”

Psalms 119:143

Jesus is very clear in these verses. He says, “Come to me. I am carrying the whole load on my shoulders in one side of the yoke. All you have to do is put yourself in the other side of the yoke. Follow Me. Learn about Me. I’ve got this. Rest easy in Me. Walk alongside Me. As you walk and learn from Me, you will find rest. You will find that My way is easy and light if you will just trust Me and let Me carry your burdens.” Verse 29 tells us that then and only then will we “find rest unto your souls.”

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

Do You See What I See?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:32:52 GMT

^{“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”}

^{2 Corinthians 4:18}

I ran across this picture the other day. My husband and I were in the car years ago and were stopped at a red light. (Yes, believe it or not he did stop.) As we were sitting there, this car drove up right next to us. I started laughing not only at the dog with the sunglasses but also at the fact that the dog was completely comfortable with it and seemed as though it was a natural and normal occurrence. He looked at me as if to say, “What’s the matter? Haven’t you ever seen a dog riding in a red

convertible with sunglasses on before?”

I wonder what the dog was seeing as he looked through those sunglasses. Just like I wonder sometimes when you look into the eyes of a new baby, what do they see? I think we would probably be surprised at the answers.

^{“There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?”}

^{James 4:12}

I’m sure we have all heard of a crime or event that the eyewitnesses have completely different interpretations of what they saw. That always amazes me how different people view the very same event. This is also true of all of us. When my husband was the principal of our Christian

School, he used the illustration of his staff looking through different port holes. The teacher’s port hole basically zeroed in on their students. The principal’s port hole was a little bigger as it took in all of the teachers and students. Then my husband’s port hole was much bigger as it

included all of the teachers, students, principal, and the entirety of the ministry. Looking through his port hole, he saw things that most didn’t see.

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:”

Luke 6:37

This is where trust comes in. Sometimes we don’t always see everything that we need to see to make a proper decision about something or someone. The Bible says in Proverbs 11:14 “Where no

counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

It’s so important that before you make any major changes in your life, you need to seek godly counsel. Notice that I said godly counsel. If you search long and hard enough you can always find someone to side with your thoughts. But are they the right ones?

“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

John 7:24

Most of you are probably familiar with the black and white drawing which when some look at it, they would say, “I see an old woman wearing a scarf and a shawl.” While others might say, “It’s not an old woman at all. In fact, I’d say she’s very young and she’s wearing a hat with a feather in it and a fur coat.” Are they looking at 2 different pictures? No! It’s the same picture. Which one is correct? They both are. A great example of the same situation but two very different outlooks. We need to let that be a reminder to us before we judge someone else and their situation. You may not see all the facts. You are looking through a different port hole. So be careful not to jump to

conclusions. Pray for them instead. The only true perspective is seeing with the eyes of God. Trust in Him!

Stop trying to plug into your own strength. Plug into the Lord and be amazed at the limitless power that is yours when you plug into the One Who never has a power outage and Whose power is always available.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.”

Isaiah 55:8

What Are You Plugged Into?

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:36:03 GMT

^{“God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this;}

^{that power belongeth unto God.”}

^{Psalms 62:11}

Years ago, I was trying to plug something in and realized that I was going to need to get an extension cord to make it reach. I found a couple of cords and returned to my original task. I plugged it in and then into the power outlet. Nothing. Well, I thought that maybe the extension cord was no good and pulled the end of the other one that I brought and tried that one. Still nothing. After I pulled at the spaghetti pile of cords, realization sunk in that I was plugging the cord into itself. No wonder there was no power. I untangled the cords and found the correct end and plugged it into the wall and voila – power .

^{“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the} ^power ^{that worketh in us,”}

^{Ephesians 3:20}

How many times do we try to plug into our own power to do things? All we do is run in circles because we are plugged into ourselves. There is no power. There is no strength. We don’t get anywhere. We are stagnant and powerless.

^{“Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the} ^power ^{, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.”}

^{1 Chronicles 29:1}

Have you ever had a power outage in your home or place of business? It is amazing how much we rely on power and don’t really understand or realize how many things are affected by power or in this case, the lack thereof. First, you walk around your house looking for candles to light your way. If you find yourself without power for a while, you automatically go to turn the light switch on when you enter a room. Oh, that’s right, there is no power. Your routine of doing many things comes to a halt as you find out that the things you did before with ease with power are no longer feasible without power. Life is on hold until the power returns.

“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power ,”

Ephesians 1:19

So it is in our spiritual lives. Too many Christians think that they are self-sufficient in their own power. They think that they can handle any situation without seeking God’s power. They can work it out. They can plug into themselves but like the power cord, plugging into themselves only takes them in circles with no power.

“But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength (power) , haste thee to help me.”

Psalms 22:19

Imagine if you had a computer, laptop or even cell phones these days. You paid top dollar. It has all the bells and whistles. Tons of extras, tons of memory, an unlimited amount of information. I am always amazed that you can virtually find anything on the internet. You have access to pretty much anything in the world. There’s only one problem; it has no power. The cord is missing or the battery has died. What can you do with this device? What is it worth? It sits there with the potential to do great things, but it is worthless and useless because it has no power.

As Christians, we have access to the Ultimate Power Source, God. But I’m afraid so many times we don’t plug into this source. We venture out on our own and try to live life in our own power. It won’t take you long to realize that in our own strength, we are weak. But the good news is that

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” Isaiah 40:29

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

Ephesians 6:10

That’s Not MY Voice!

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:40:08 GMT

^{“He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not,} ^{because ye are not of God.”}

^{John 8:47}

I’m going to let you in on a little secret from my past, but you have to promise not to tell anyone. When my husband was pastoring, he did many funerals. One time a sweet older man in our church passed away. The funeral was in the funeral home. I always accompanied him as much as I could. As normal procedure for me, I would turn the sound off on my phone as I did this day. The funeral was well underway and my husband was speaking at the front of the room. I had my cell phone sitting next to me on top of the pew with the cover closed. In order to get a little more comfortable in my seat, I began to adjust myself. I put my hand on the seat to leverage my move and apparently put pressure on my phone case because all of a sudden I heard Siri in her loudest and clearest voice politely say, “I’m sorry, I didn’t get that.” I immediately began to melt in my seat. My face was turning a lovely shade of crimson. At first, I thought maybe I could look around looking annoyed as though it was someone’s phone behind me and then I quickly remembered that I was in the last pew. No escaping the embarrassment because everyone in the room knew it was me. Not nice! I was mortified.

^{“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;”}

^{Proverbs 2:1-2}

How about the voices that we listen to? Now hopefully these voices aren’t audible although sometimes it seems as though they are. What do these voices say to you? I use to talk and counsel many people and it was amazing how Satan can disguise his voice and people begin to believe his lies. His voice will always be one of discouragement, shame, blame, and negativity.

^{“When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.”}

^{John 8:44-45}

As Christ followers, we need to learn how to distinguish between the voice of Satan and the voice of the Lord. Satan is so deceitful and knows exactly what things to whisper in your ear to discourage you and make you ineffective as a Christian. He knows the things in your life that will stop you and paralyze your Christian walk.

Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

Deuteronomy 32:1

When I talked to people and they verbalized how they felt, my first question to them was always, “Who do you think that feeling or thought comes from?” God will never keep reminding you of your past after you have asked for forgiveness. So where do those thoughts of depression and guilt come from? You’re right. Satan is the one who likes to remind people of their past and tell them that they can’t possibly be any good to God because of it.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Romans 8:1

So, the next time you feel discouraged or depressed, stop and think about the reasons you feel that way. I will guarantee you that Satan is whispering words of guilt and discouragement. His voice will bring fear, shame, and guilt. I like to remind him of his future. God’s voice will always bring peace, conviction and not shame. God’s voice, if you listen, will always lead you to restoration while Satan’s voice leads to destruction. Get in God’s word and let Him speak to your heart. Be still and know that He is God. Listen to God’s encouraging and loving words. Whose voice are you listening to?

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

John 10:27-28

Beautifully Broken

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:53:28 GMT

^{“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”}

^{Psalms 147:3}

I have heard this phrase before and have pondered its meaning on several occasions. An interesting thought. Almost an oxymoron. How can something broken be beautiful?

I’m sure at some point in your life, you have had a possession that was special to you and beautiful, at least in your sight. Then one day either kids were playing around it or even your slip of the hand dropped it or knocked it over and you watched in dismay as it broke into a million pieces right before your eyes. I know this has happened to me. It actually happened this past fall as we were getting out our fall decorations. Someone (there are only 2 people that live here and it wasn’t me��) was putting a large ceramic scarecrow gourd holding a small chalk board on the counter and then this person (who will remain nameless) turned and knocked it on the floor, and it scattered in a million pieces across the floor. We had had this for many years and so it had a lot of memories tied to it. I remember being so sad that something so special was now in a heap in pieces. This nameless person was so upset that they had broken it. My first response was to try to quickly get all the pieces and try to put them back together again.

^{“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."}

^{Psalms 34:18}

Thankfully after many hours of tediously gluing pieces together it kind of looked like it had. Never mind that most of the back of the head was missing. But if you looked at it just right and squinted just a tad, you could hardly see all the cracks and missing bits. Other times I have tried to put something back together but eventually no matter how hard I tried, it was plain to see that all my best efforts failed, and my beautiful object was now nothing more than a useless pile of pieces. Broken. Destroyed. Damaged. Trust me, my family will tell you that sometimes I didn’t have the heart to even throw the pieces away and so I put them in a bag or container hoping that someday I may be able to miraculously put it back together again just like new. That never happens. True, I have meticulously and patiently put some back together again and sometimes from first glance you can’t tell that it was once in pieces and broken. But if you looked close enough you could see the cracks and broken places.

^{“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”}

^{Romans 8:28}

There are so many people walking around in this world who are broken. Many people in our churches and families. Something has happened in their lives that broke them in pieces. They no longer feel whole. There are missing pieces. There are cracks. They feel that they will never feel whole again. Then again, there are some things in our lives that need to be broken. Pride, self-centeredness, stubbornness, and other sins in our lives. But painful all the same.

“ But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.”

Isaiah 64:8

Well, I have great news! No matter if your brokenness is a result of pain inflicted on you by someone else or self-inflicted by sin, God is waiting to pick up all those pieces and put them back together again and make “something beautiful of your life.” He has promised in Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” And even though it may not seem so at times, You Are Never Alone! God is waiting patiently for you to come to Him and ask for His help, His comfort, and His plan for your life.

“I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

“I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.”

Psalms 116:1-2

Call on God today! He is never too busy to listen to you and your hurts and concerns. Like the childhood song says, “we are weak, but He is strong.” Nothing is too hard for God to handle. Nothing takes Him by surprise. He knows our needs before we even ask. Sometimes God allows pain and suffering in our lives to make us stronger. To give Him the glory! He can take all of those broken pieces and put them back together again, stronger than ever. Yes, you may still see a few places where it has been broken but that’s what makes His masterpiece even more useable and beautiful. God can make all things new. He can bring beauty out of the ashes and broken pieces!

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Only a Boy Named David

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:49:29 GMT

^{“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword,}

^{and with a spear, and with a shield:}

^but ^{I come to thee in the name of the Lord} ^{of hosts,}

^{the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.”}

^{1 Samuel 17:45}

There is nothing sweeter than to hear a small child singing Bible songs. When my granddaughter Madison was little, she loved to sing Bible songs with me. Madison loved to sing and in her cute little voice she would sing her favorite, “Only a Boy Named David.” She would always say to me, “Nonni, sing “Only a Boy Named David,” and we would sing it many, many times and of course with all of the hand gestures. I got to thinking about the story of David and Goliath and realized that I haven’t read that account in a long time. So, I went to I Samuel 17 and read it again. So many thoughts came to mind as I read it. I think many times we underestimate the power of the Lord’s name . In verse 45 David told the giant Goliath that he saw all of the equipment and artillery that Goliath had but simply stated that he came to battle in the name of the Lord .

“The Lord shall fight for you,”

Exodus 14:14

What are the “giants” in your life? How do you go into battles against them? Do you go in your own name? Do your giants seem to overwhelm you with their size and power? No matter the size of your giant, God is bigger . No matter how strong your giant is, God is stronger . God has never lost a battle so go to battle in HIS name, not your own. Face your giants in the all-powerful name of the Lord.

There are so many verses that talk about trusting the Lord to fight our battles. We get so distraught and worried trying to plot out our strategy for battle when all we need to do is rest in Him and allow Him to fight our battles for us. What burdens would be lifted and what freedom we could experience if we would only learn this lesson.

^{2 Chronicles 32:8}

^{“With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us,}

^{and to fight our battles.”}

I’m reminded of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 when the people came to him and told him about this massive army of men headed toward him and his land. Jehoshaphat was afraid and started to wonder what was going to happen. But he realized that he needed to rely on the Lord to fight this battle and he called upon his people to begin to fast and pray asking God to intervene. As they were gathered together God spoke to one of the men and he stood up and told Jehoshaphat not to worry or be afraid because the battle wasn’t theirs but the Lord’s.

^{“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.}

^{16 To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel.}

¹⁷ ^{Ye shall not need to fight} ^{in this battle} ^{: set yourselves,} ^{stand ye still} ^{, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you.”}

^{2 Chronicles 20:15-17}

So, the next time you are facing a giant, trust the Lord to fight your battle for you. As long as you are His child, you can claim the victory through Christ. There is victory in Jesus!

Ok, so now I have the song going through your minds, right? Go ahead and sing it!

Only a Boy Named David

Only a boy named David

Only a little sling

Only a boy named David

But he could pray and sing

Only a boy named David

Only a rippling brook

Only a boy named David

But five little stones he took.

And one little stone went in the sling

And the sling went round and round

And one little stone went in the sling

And the sling went round and round

And round and round

And round and round and round

And one little stone went up in the air

And the giant came tumbling down.

God can tumble your giants!

Heaven or Hell?

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:29:07 GMT

^“ I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,

that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:

therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

Deuteronomy 30:19

The choice is YOURS and only yours !

As we look all around us and hear and see what is going on in our world today, we wonder how much longer this can go on. Jesus must be coming back soon. And yes, I know that we have heard that for years, but the reality is that our world is rapidly deteriorating. It can't be long before Jesus comes back and takes His children home. Thank God! The question becomes will you be one of those that will go to Heaven or if you have not received Jesus in your heart as your Savior are you headed for hell? As you read this only you can answer that question. It doesn't depend upon your family, your spouse, or even your pastor to answer that for you. You alone can make that decision.

“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal.”

Matthew 25:46

I'm so concerned about those who do not know for sure and are not serious about their own soul. I'm also so concerned about those who claim to be Christians but don't live the life of a Christian. Many people are relying on a little prayer that they said either in their childhood or later on in life and there was nothing to back the prayer up. A simple prayer will not get you into Heaven unless your heart truly is yielded to the Lord. Mere words will not get you into Heaven. You must have a life that backs up that prayer. One that honors and glorifies the Lord. You can't say that you are saved and going to Heaven if your life does not back that up by how you live, how you talk, and how you serve the Lord. And again, only you can answer that question. You need to search your heart and see if that prayer was just a get out of hell card or if you truly meant it and you live your life as pleasing to the Lord. Living your life serving Him, loving Him and worshipping Him. If you don't have any of those desires in your heart, please I am begging you to search your heart today and be honest with yourself and with God. It makes all the difference in how you will spend eternity. Heaven or hell .

^“ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 7:21

For those of us who are saved and do know that we are going to Heaven when we die, the most precious thing that we can take to Heaven with us are other souls. Please reach out to those who we know are not saved. And I know right now you're probably saying I can't do that. I don't know how to start the conversation or I'm just afraid of what their reaction will be. I will tell you something that struck me many years ago. I was in a situation where I knew that I should say something about salvation but like many people was fearful to say anything. Then the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “do you want to face this person at the judgement and then look you in the face and say why didn't you tell me about Jesus and how I could be sure of Heaven?” That struck me to my very core. Since that time, I have tried when I am able to give out tracts and talk to people about their eternity. I can't think of anything worse than to have someone point their finger at me and say “why didn't you tell me?” No excuse will hold up.

^“ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Revelation 20:15

First, search your own heart and be very, very sure that you know without a shadow of a doubt that when you close your eyes in death, you will see the face of Jesus for all eternity in Heaven. Make sure today! Then think of those around you who may not know the Lord and witness to them. Give them a tract and be bold to talk to them about their eternity. You may be the only one that ever talks to them about that. You may be their only chance of making the decision between Heaven and hell. Be bold!

“ 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.”

John 3:16

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Romans 10:9

If you have any questions or if we can help in any way, please call the church office at 302-322-1029. Fairwinds Baptist Church, Bear, DE.

“Whiter Than Snow”

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:53:48 GMT

"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow"

Psalm 51:7

As I sit here and look at the beautiful “white” snow once again, I am struck by its beauty and how fresh and clean everything looks. Yes, I know that it is a problem for many people, especially those who have to shovel and clear it. But it’s beauty still remains and you can’t help but thank God for the spectacular sights He provides for us in any weather.

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Isaiah 1:18

Have you ever heard the phrase “God’s bar of soap?” It reminds me of the verses in the Bible about the forgiveness of God and how His forgiveness makes us whiter than snow. No blemishes, no dark spots, just pure white. I was reminded of a time years ago when we were preparing our deck for staining. We had a deck put on but we never got around to sealing it or staining it so as you can imagine after a winter and living in the woods, the deck was really stained and full of dark spots. We knew that it was a mistake and we were going to have to deal with the discolored mess. I honestly thought that we were going to be stuck with it the way it was. We were going to try to clean it the best we could and then put the stain and sealer on it.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

Psalms 51:10

My husband went to Lowes and explained to them what we were trying to accomplish and they recommended a product that they said would take care of all of the stains and all in 5-10 minutes. That sounded too good to be true. So, we recruited the help of one of our teens and set out to try it. I read the instructions and sure enough that was what it said although I really had my doubts. We put the product in the sprayer and sure enough almost immediately after it was sprayed on the deck right before our eyes, the stains and marks began to disappear, and the deck began to look brand new again. Amazing! And it was so quick.

Wow, isn’t that just like God’s forgiveness? If we take our sin, our discolored messes, our dark spots, our stains and ask for His forgiveness, He immediately makes everything new and clean. He removes the stains. He removes the marks. He removes the mess. He washes everything clean and makes it brand new again. Thank You Jesus! Thank You for brand-new beginnings and brand-new starts.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 1:9

That doesn’t mean that we can just keep sinning over and over again. Don’t mistake God’s grace for His mercy. Don’t think that you can fool God and keep sinning over and over again and think that all you have to do is keep asking for forgiveness. It doesn’t work that way. The Bible says that “God is not mocked.”

“What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”

Romans 6:15

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Hebrews 10:26

Thank God today for His cleansing power. Do you need to be cleansed? Do you have sin stains? You can try to cover them up and hide them, but they still will always be there. He has the power to cleanse all sins big or small. Sin is sin in His eyes. Take them to the Lord. Ask for forgiveness. He is the only One Who can cleanse you and make you whiter than snow. There is nothing like the feeling of being clean!

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

2 Corinthians 5:17

Whiter Than Snow

Lord Jesus, Thou seest I patiently wait,

Come now, and within me a new heart create;

To those who have sought Thee, Thou never saidst “No,”

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow.

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

“So Much the MORE”

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:42:21 GMT

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more , as ye see the day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:25

I don’t think that there are many Christians who would not agree that it can’t be long before the Lord comes back. The signs of the times are everywhere as the song says. But yet we see a “falling away” in some of the people of God. Why? The Bible is very clear about being busy about His business, not pulling back and retreating. But that is exactly what we see in churches all over the country.

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”

2 Thessalonians 2:3

There are a lot of clues in Hebrews 10 as to how and why this “falling away” happens to Christians. Whether you want to be honest as you look at them or not is again your choice. But remember we will all be held accountable for those choices. Do you know what I think part of the problem is? Some really don’t believe that! They have grown numb to hearing it over and over again. But you know what? That does not change the fact that someday you will stand before a Holy God and have to answer as to why you grew cold and no longer were faithful in a time when God clearly tells us that we need to be even MORE involved, MORE faithful, and MORE sold out to the Lord.

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”

Hebrews 10:23

I don’t see anything in that verse that says that we can relax, back off, and take it easy. No, just the opposite. It tells us to hold fast . What does that mean? It’s not talking about fast as in speed. It means to hold “tightly.” Not to let go. It means we should be holding on so tight to our faith that we don’t move. We don’t move to the left or the right or waver in any direction. Is that what we see in Christianity today? For some yes, but for many they don’t see the importance of being faithful or they just make excuses.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 2:15

We are reminded in Hebrews 10:25 to be faithful in our attendance to church. Yep, no other way you can translate that. It’s pretty clear. But some people really try don’t they? It’s amazing to me how many people there are who at one time were on fire for the Lord. They were always faithful to the house of the Lord. You didn’t have to keep calling them to see where they are and then listen to a litany of “excuses” as to why they haven’t been attending. Now don’t get mad, but that’s a good sign that their spiritual life has slipped. Missing services is always a good indicator of the beginning of lukewarmness in your life. Be careful. God will deal with that.

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

Revelation 3:15-16

Then there are those who say that there are too many “hypocrites” in the church. That one always makes me laugh because I always want to say, “well come on in – there is always room for one more.” There will always be hypocrites but funny how that doesn’t stop them from going to work, the grocery store, and other places where the hypocrites obviously go also. There are those who make TV preachers their church or watch their church online, and if you’re house bound, (as I am) I can understand that but to just stay home from church and watch TV preachers or your church online should never be a substitute for gathering with the children of God. Don’t fall for Satan’s lies. His evil spirit will try to whisper lies about not needing to be faithful and that you don’t need to assemble with other believers regularly. Remember the verse at the top says just the opposite. Make the decision today to be faithful “SO MUCH THE MORE” as we see His coming approaching.

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

Luke 6:46

Life Is Like a Box of Chocolates

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 20:52:18 GMT

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

Proverbs 27:1

As Valentine’s Day approaches, our minds run to red roses, gifts, and chocolate. At least my mind always starts and ends up with chocolate. In every drug store this week, the aisles are loaded with chocolate of every kind. As I was drooling (I mean thinking) about the chocolate, the movie with Forrest Gump came to mind and that famous line that he spoke, "Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get. " As I thought about those profound words, I was reminded of Proverbs 27:1 above.

“If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”

1 Peter 2:3

Each day when we wake up it is like taking a chocolate out of the box and biting into it. We never know by looking at the outside what is in the inside. At first glance they all look the same. Just chocolate. However, as soon as we bite into it, we know right away if we are going to like it or

not. My favorite is the caramel one. I love the “caramel days” when everything goes smoothly and as planned. Most of the time those days are few and far between. Some days we pull out a chocolate with a filling that we don’t care for, and those days don’t quite measure up to what that chocolate looked like on the outside. Our days and our lives are so uncertain and the sooner we learn to trust the Lord no matter what the outcome, the sooner we will grow both in strength and faith.

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

James 4:14

Even on those days when we take a bite into that chocolate and discover it is not our favorite; God has a plan. If we had our choice or way we would only bite into the chocolates that we know have a filling that we like. (Have you ever opened a box of chocolates, and it is evident that someone has already been there? Bites out of every chocolate as they were testing. Ugh!) So many times, God teaches us new things by broadening our “taste buds.” My husband is a prime example of this. He makes up his mind before he even tastes something that he doesn’t like it. On occasion I have forced him to try something that he ordinarily wouldn’t touch and much to his surprise he actually

likes it. So many good things he misses out on because he won’t try it.

How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psalm 119:103

How many blessings have we missed out on because we were unwilling to trust God enough to step forward and experience His goodness? If we never stepped out or allowed God to stretch our faith, we would miss the lessons He wants to teach us, and we might even discover more

often than not, that the choices He makes for us are far better and sweeter than our own for He knows the end from the beginning and His way is always best.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28

We can learn so much when we yield to His leading and yes, we may still not like His choice of chocolate for us for that day but know that He is teaching us and He is stretching us and molding us into His image. So don’t be afraid to take a bite into that chocolate. Taste it knowing that God is in control.

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”

Psalms 34:8

“What Is Your Spiritual Blood Pressure?”

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:20:40 GMT

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 15:58

Lately I have been issues with low blood pressure which makes me weak and very lightheaded. So, I have to take my blood pressure every day and send it to my doctor, and she is working on getting it levelled out. It reminds me of when my husband had his double-knee replacement surgery. He had

problems with his breathing and other issues that happened after surgery. Well, there was another aspect of his problems after surgery that became a real concern and finally levelled. His blood pressure. After surgery in post-op his blood pressure dropped to 64/40. It became an ongoing problem and they checked it often. We learned that this was a common side effect of

surgery, anesthesia, and blood loss. This problem followed him from the hospital to rehab and finally when he came home especially during or after therapy. One day during therapy it dropped to 72/52. Then yet another day it soared to 190/100. Needless to say therapy was brought to a halt on those days. His blood pressure was all over the place and not steady or healthy.

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Ephesians 4:14

It reminded me of some Christians whose spiritual blood pressure is all over the place also. Not steady. Not healthy. There are some Christians who for a time become so on fire for the Lord that they go into overdrive. They forsake everything and everyone. They go overboard as they go non-stop in their quest of “serving” the Lord. Is it really for the Lord or for show or for someone’s approval or pat on the back? Their spiritual blood pressure skyrockets because no one can keep up that pace for long. Then one day they nosedive into depression or just drop out of the race altogether. Why? Because they didn’t pace themselves for the whole race. They didn’t seek God’s face as to what HE would have them do.

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Philippians 1:27

Then there are other Christians who you feel like you need to take their pulse to see if they are even still alive. They don’t ever do anything for the Lord or if they do, they have to be coerced into any action. They have a hard time being faithful to services, let alone join in any work that needs to be done. They never witness and invite others to church. They are Christians in name only. Barely hanging onto to life in Christ.

Therefore, brethren, stand fast , and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

2 Thessalonians 2:15

Neither of these scenarios is what the Lord wants us to be. He wants us to be steadfast, consistent, healthy, and in it for the long haul. Faithful. Dependable. He doesn’t want us to burn out and be a flash in the pan and then gone. No, He wants us to keep our spiritual blood pressure even and steady. We will be of no use to God if we burn out or if we are not even alive in Christ enough to

do anything. What is your spiritual blood pressure ? Are you consistently and steadfastly keeping on keeping on? That’s what God is looking for in Christians. Maybe you need to take your spiritual blood pressure today and be honest with God and make adjustments to level your spiritual blood pressure out.

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

Philippians 4:1

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

Colossians 3:23

“Lump Nodes and Leg Cranks”

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:41:22 GMT

“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.”

Matthew 9:12

I know it is no surprise to you that there are all kinds of sicknesses going around this year. Every time you turn around you hear about someone else falling prey to some kind of bug. Almost everyone has caught something or other.

I remember back years ago when my granddaughter Madison was little and was one of the many who picked up something so my daughter Heather took her to the doctors to be checked out. When she got back home, I Face-timed Madison to see what the doctor said. She got on the phone, and I asked her what the doctor told her was wrong with her. Her response was that she had swollen “lump” nodes and probably leg “cranks.” She was very matter of fact in her diagnosis. The doctor then gave her medicine according to what her physical needs were.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”

Psalms 34:19

The same could be said for our “spiritual” ailments or problems. Sometimes we let them go and ignore them and eventually they grow into a much bigger and much worse situation than had we taken care of them in the early stages. Or we don’t go to the proper physician and get a wrong diagnosis or may even try to self-diagnose.

“…he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind,

to set at liberty them that are bruised,”

Luke 4:18

The GREAT Physician stands ready to diagnose and prescribe a cure for any spiritual sickness or ailment in your life. But just as if you ignore a physical problem and don’t go to the doctor to be diagnosed, your spiritual health can be jeopardized in the same way. Ignoring your sickness will not make it go away. Steps have to be made; precautions have to be taken to regain health.

“And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Luke 5:31-32

Whenever we attempt to self-diagnose, we run the risk of totally missing the mark and possibly causing further damage. We must rely on the Great Physician because no One knows us better than He does. No One has the correct answers like He does.

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

Luke 6:37

So, do you need a checkup today? Don’t self-diagnose. Don’t ignore the symptoms and hope that it will go away. Take your spiritual needs to the Great Physician today and listen to His prognosis and do what He writes on His prescription tablet. Then and only then will you experience complete healing and peace.

“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord;”

Jeremiah 30:17

“Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.”

Jeremiah 33:6

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

3 John 1:2

“You’re Not Home Yet!”

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 21:12:07 GMT

“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.”

Hebrews 13:14

If you are like me, you look at what is going on in our world today and say to yourself “how can this world get any worse?” The things that are evil are now good and what was once right is now wrong. What was once wrong is somehow made to look good and defended by so many. God must look down and be sad as He looks and sees the evil that is now celebrated. How can

things go on anymore? Dr. David Jeremiah told this story. It was one that I had heard before, but I

thought was worth repeating as it has to do with missionaries and all Christ-followers. I pray that it will speak to you today and be an encouragement to your heart also.

great man. As the ship moved across the ocean, the old missionary said to his wife, "Something is wrong. Why should we have given our lives in faithful service for God in Africa all these many years and have no one care a thing about us? Here this man comes back from a hunting trip, and everybody makes much over him, but nobody gives two hoots about us." "Dear, you shouldn’t feel that way," his wife said. "I can’t help it; it doesn’t seem right." When the ship docked in New York, a band was waiting to greet the President. The mayor and other dignitaries were there. The papers were full of the President’s arrival, but no one noticed this missionary couple. They slipped off the ship and found a cheap flat on the East side, hoping the next day to see what they could do to make a living in the city. That night, the man’s spirit broke. He said to his wife, "I can’t take this; God is not treating us fairly." His wife replied, "Why don’t you go into

the bedroom and tell that to the Lord" A short time later he came out from the bedroom, but now his face was completely different. His wife asked, "Dear, what happened?" The Lord settled it with me," he said. "I told him how bitter I was that the President should receive this tremendous homecoming, when no one met us as we returned home. And when I finished, it seemed as though the Lord put his hand on my shoulder and simply said,

"But you’re not home yet!" (From Talking To My Father , by Ray Stedman. Barbour & Co. 1997)

What an uplifting thought. Sometimes we get so dragged down by this world and forget that this world is not our home, we are just passing through. All the evil that we see around us seems to burden us down. Is your heart heavy today? Do you feel like everything you do is not noticed or not appreciated? Are you just plain tired of fighting the fight? If you are discouraged today, talk to your Savior and He will gently remind you that “You’re Not Home Yet!”

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:”

Philippians 3:20

We’re Not Home Yet

This old world is filled with disappointments and trouble every day.

Many times I get discouraged and I almost lose my way.

Then I remember I'm just a pilgrim, in this troubled world below.

That's the reason I keep singing as I go.

We're not home yet children.

So keep your eyes on the Savior.

Just a few more days to labor

And we'll sit down beside the river.

How we long to be with Jesus

And our loved ones gone before us.

There's a better day a comin'

We're not home yet!

-Jean Bradford

What A Day That Will Be!

“God’s Headlights”

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:43:45 GMT

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Psalm 119:105

I’m sure like most people you have been thinking about the year ahead and what it holds for you. Where your life is going and how to know God’s will and follow it. Maybe you are just wandering around in the darkness hoping that God will send you an email or a text to tell you what to do next. (I have always said that following and obeying God's will would be so much easier if He would just send me a message and tell me what that is.)

“For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness."

Psalm 18:28

We’ve all been there. You are either walking or driving at night when there is no moon or any light of any kind. It’s hard to see your hand in front of you. You feel your way as best you can. You stumble on unseen things in your way. Or you are driving and you have your headlights on, but you can still only see so far and ahead of the light is complete darkness. We live in the woods and at night if there is no moon, it is pitch dark. Complete darkness. You wouldn’t want to venture out too far.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

John 8:12

We need to be reminded that when we're on that dark road that seems like it will never end, that God doesn't always light up the whole road, He just shows us the next steps in front of us. His light is enough for our next steps. He doesn't light the entire path ahead to our final destination. That's when God sees if we really trust Him. Do you trust Him to light your path or do you get fearful just standing there in the dark and not moving at all? We're not always going to understand His leading and understand the path that He takes us on, but we need to obey and trust that God knows best. That's when Romans 8:28 becomes real in our lives. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Don't you sometimes cringe when you read the word all ? We want to know everything now and we don't want to have to go through any pain in the process that God takes us through sometimes to teach us lessons and patience and trust. When you go on a trip, don't you want to know where you're going, how long it will take, and what the end will be like? I read this quote and thought that it really nails down what faith is. “If God showed us the entire road, we might rely on the plan instead of the Planner. We might trust the outcome rather than the One who controls it. But limited visibility keeps our hearts leaning into Him.” How true. Do you realize that your faith grows in the dark not in the light?

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”

Psalm 119:130

Have you ever been in a completely dark room? You can’t see anything. But then someone lights a match or a candle. Immediately your eye is drawn to the light. Do you focus more on the darkness or the light? I think every one of us would say that we focus on the light. Why don’t we do that in our spiritual lives? There are so many of us who still dwell on the darkness instead of rejoicing in the light.

“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”

John 12:46

We need to trust God because He is our light in the darkness. He sees what's in that darkness and He knows what temptations and dangers lurk there. Are you trying to walk around in the darkness? Are you stumbling? Are you unsure of your next steps? Is the blackness all you see around you? You don’t know which way to go? Ask God to help you and be your light in the darkness and He will guide you every step of the way. Not the whole journey, but the steps right in front of you and as we trust Him for each step, He will safely lead us to our final destination.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

“First Things First”

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 04:04:44 GMT

“My times are in thy hand:”

Psalms 31:15

As we face yet another New Year, I’m sure we have all (at least in our own minds) thought of things that we would like to do or change in the blank slate ahead of us. Sometimes we mistakenly think that we alone can make changes in our lives to bring about the results that we want. Our lives are in God’s hands. Only He can bring about change and only He can control our times as it says in this verse. But if we were to be honest with ourselves there are definite changes that we would like to make in our lives. I have learned one thing. It is much better to set goals in small attainable steps than rather to let’s say decide that you will be a size 6 by the end of the year and have taken 5 college courses. (Hasn’t worked for me yet.) God doesn’t intend for us to make unrealistic goals only to be discouraged and burdened when we don’t reach them.

As we look at the blank slate of 2026 before us, what do you see? What do you hope to see or accomplish? Do your thoughts run to the material or spiritual? I love this time of year when we look back at all of the things we didn’t quite accomplish in the past year, but yet have hope that they may happen in the new year ahead. I pray that we all set spiritual goals for the coming year. What real difference do we want to make? Not just things that are obvious such as reading your Bible more, spending more time in prayer, etc. (Although we all should strive for these every day.) I want “to be able to walk the talk more.” I don’t just want to have all the right things to say (which I don’t) , all the answers to hard questions (again, I don’t) , but I want others to see that not only do I talk it, but that I also walk it. I want to be a real “Christ-follower.” I want them to see Jesus in me. That’s

something we should all be working toward.

“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing ; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?

I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah 43:18-19

It’s amazing how we think that we can plan out our own lives without even asking God

what He wants for our lives. I’m reminded of the story told in James about a businessman who is planning what he is going to do and where he is going to go and when. What a fool! None of us are promised the next breath let alone tomorrow.

“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

James 4:13-15

This man was making plans completely without God. Dr. James Merritt said, “You can do what YOU want to do with your life, or you can do what GOD wants you to do with your life.” The difference is phenomenal. The difference between strife, worry, uncertainty, and the peace that only God can give. Dr. Merritt also said, “Pride may get you what you think you ought to have but it will keep you from what God knows is best .” We think that we know what is best for us, but we don’t. How many times have you messed up your life by conniving to get what you thought was best? We can’t possibly know what is ahead, but God does and He knows the way that we should go because He really does want what is best for us. Not good, or better, but BEST !

The book of James goes on to say in verse 16 and 17 “But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” What is this saying? As Christians we all know that the Lord should be part of every decision, choice, and action we take in our lives. We know it, but how many times do we put it into practice? There’s that word “choice” again. What an important and life-changing word that is. Each choice that you make this year will determine how your year ends up. To not ask the Lord what He wants in these choices and decisions, (knowing that we should) is sin. Wow! So, you mean every time I make a simple choice in this next year and don’t ask God what He wants me to do, it is a sin? Yup! That’s what it means. A little sobering, isn’t it? I know it will make me think a little more about the decisions I make, how about you?

I recently saw this quote, "No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." There are things in our past that we can’t change as hard as we may try but thank God we can go forward and make a new ending. Our past does not have to control our future. Dwelling on the past, the old grudges, the old hurts, and fears will cloud the chances of enjoying anything new. We just need to remember Who is in control and to pass the reigns of our life over to God. After all He is the MASTER of beginnings. We would do well to remember the beginning of it all: “ In the beginning God ...” Genesis 1:1 Will you start your 2026 year out with this phrase and put God at the beginning of every decision and choice that you make and every action that you take? Will 2026 be the year that you resolve to be faithful to church? Will 2026 be the year that you decide to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul?

Have a Christ-filled New Year!

“First Fruits”

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 01:55:02 GMT

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits

of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,

and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

Proverbs 3:9-10

This is the time of year that we all stop and reflect about the year behind us and start thinking about the prospects of the one before us. It’s the time for New Year’s resolutions (and no I’m not even going there). There is an air of excitement, expectancy, and hopefulness as we all get a clean slate to start over no matter what mistakes we made the year before or trials we endured. There is someone who doesn’t want you to think that there is any possibility of making things better or getting the victory over circumstances or problems in your life. Don’t make the mistake of listening to his convincing whispers. It will only discourage you before you even get started. He doesn’t want you to succeed and most certainly doesn’t want you to succeed or grow spiritually. Immerse yourself in God’s Word and it will get easier and easier to detect and dispel Satan’s attacks.

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

2 Corinthians 11:3

That brings me to my thought this week. First Fruits. They say that it takes about 21 days to develop a lasting pattern. We need to heed that information and use it to our advantage and God’s blessing on our lives. Let me encourage you and yes even maybe challenge you at the birth of this New Year to give a lot of thought to “your” first fruits.

“And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the Lord:”

Nehemiah 10:35

What are the things that get your first attention? Is it your job? Your house? Your children? Your hobbies or recreation? I challenge you this year to make it serving and pleasing the Lord FIRST. Sometimes even as Christians we get caught up in the thinking that this is all there is and we pursue sports, careers, acquiring more and more just as the rest of the world does. Be reminded that when you come to the end of your life, you won’t be wondering if you spent enough time working, playing or watching sports, or acquiring more things. You will be face to face with the sobering thought, “Oh, how I regret not serving the Lord more and living my life for Him.”

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

Luke 6:46

So think about your first fruits. The first fruits of your day. Do you spend it talking with the Lord and asking for His guidance for the rest of the day? The first fruits of your money. Do you rob God of your tithes and offerings and then arrogantly expect His blessing on your life? Malachi 3:8 “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” (See, God said it Himself, I didn’t.) The first fruits of your time and talents. Do you give any of your time in furthering the Gospel or filling a need in your church or are you too busy with “other” things that won’t matter in the light of eternity? Only you can honestly answer these questions. It’s time for reflection and even more importantly inspection. Be honest because God already knows the true answers and you can’t fool a Holy God. Give your first fruits to the Lord today and every day this year.

I wonder have I done my best for Jesus,

Who died upon the cruel tree?

To think of His great sacrifice at Calvary!

I know my Lord expects the best from me.

How many are the lost that I have lifted?

How many are the chained I’ve helped to

free?

I wonder, have I done my best for Jesus,

When He has done so much for me?

The hours that I have wasted are so many

The hours I’ve spent for Christ so few;

Because of all my lack of love for Jesus,

I wonder if His heart is breaking too.

I wonder have I cared enough for others,

Or have I let them die alone?

I might have helped a wand’rer to the

Saviour,

The seed of precious Life I might have

sown.

No longer will I stay within the valley

I’ll climb to mountain heights above;

The world is dying now for want of

someone

To tell them of the Saviour’s matchless

love

“Happy Birthday Jesus”

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:59:04 GMT

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:8-12

I love to read these passages about the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Can you imagine being there that Holy Night? This birth was a very special birth. This birthday would be remembered for all eternity.

Everybody loves birthday parties. But imagine if you went to a birthday party in your honor and no one even acknowledged you or even realized that you were there. Everyone brought many, many gifts but not one was for you. The mood was festive and everyone was happy and having a great time. You looked around the room and realized that this party which was supposed to be for you was really all about everyone else.

We have all heard this scenario before but yet it doesn’t quite sink in, does it?

Why? Because we still (even Christians) focus on so many aspects of Christmas

but not what it is really all about, the birth of Jesus. Yes, we even get caught up

in the world’s view of Christmas. The gift-giving, the decorations, the food, the

parties, etc. and all of these things are good, but shouldn’t be our main focus.

We should be focused on the true meaning of Christmas.

I have mentioned before that in our house on Christmas when our children were

young, we would make a birthday cake for Jesus and sing “Happy Birthday

Jesus.” I had decorations that we would put up just for that occasion. There are

many things that we can do to bring back the true meaning of Christmas to our

families. We need to keep reminding our families (and ourselves) by planning

special traditions that reinforce Jesus’ birth. We can talk about the gifts that we

can give Jesus. I did a 3-part devotional a few years ago about the gifts that we

can give Jesus.

The first is the “gift of obedience”.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

John 14:15

I think if I asked each one of you if you love the Lord, you would all raise your hand and say, “Yes, I love the Lord.” But do you really? Do you remember the old saying that says, “Actions speak louder than words”? They really do!! That verse makes it very clear, doesn’t it? The Lord is saying, “ If you really love Me like you say that you do, you will obey Me and My directions in My Word.”

Second is the “gift of praise”. There are many, many verses in the Bible that tell us that the Lord wants our praise, desires our praise. He alone is worthy of our praise! Praise may not come easily to you. So let’s start with baby steps. Praise Him for the simple everyday things. Praise Him for your health, your job, your home, your mate, your children, your church, and your family. Praise Him for the very breath that you take. Make it a habit and then praise will come naturally. It sounds so simple, but God really does desire our praise.

“Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.”

Psalms 150:6

The third is the “gift of sacrifice”. Don’t you think that the One Whose birthday we celebrate this week should receive the most extravagant gift? The gift with the most thought put into it? The gift that may “cost” you something? Maybe even sacrifice? Have you (sacrificed)? Or do we go about buying gifts for everyone else and not even give a moment’s thought about our gift to Jesus? Sorry to say, I think we all fall short of keeping this celebration of the birth of Jesus in perspective. What will you give Jesus? Let’s be honest, sometimes it would be easier to buy the Lord a gift, wouldn’t it? It would only cost us money, right? But God isn’t only interested in our monetary gifts although He can use them for His glory also. He wants our hearts! He wants our devotion. He wants us to yield our “ALL” to Him. Are you willing to do that this Christmas? Think about what you will give to Jesus this year for “HIS” birthday. As we bow to worship the Newborn King what will it cost? True worship always requires sacrifice. Sacrifice is going that extra mile and going beyond what is required or expected of you. What will you give Him? The gift of obedience? The gift of praise? The gift of sacrifice?

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give;

not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 9:7

As we celebrate His birthday, may our prayer be “Lord, my Christmas gift to You is everything I am, everything I have, and everything I hope to be. I love You, Lord. Happy Birthday Jesus!!!”

The Lightkeeper

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:40:18 GMT

“The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light."

Luke 11:34-36

Years ago, I discovered the most amazing tool. In my devotional that year in December, I talked about the following scene at the DeStefano’s. My son Anthony was helping by hanging the outside lights. We had had several sets of lights that draped like a swag across the front of the house for probably almost 15 years. I just loved the way that they looked, and you couldn’t find ones like them anymore to replace worn out sets. After he got them all up, plugged them in and yes, you guessed it, half of the sets didn’t work. My husband told me that he thought that was the end of these special light sets. I was really disappointed because I loved these lights. Then I remembered something that I saw as I was wandering through Lowes and Home Depot a few weeks previous (by the way, two of my favorite stores). (I miss the days when I could do that.) It was called the “Lightkeeper Pro.” I had seen a commercial for it and just thought it was another of those gimmicks

that you buy and sure enough, it doesn’t work. So, I decided to go online and check out the reviews. To my surprise, I read review after review that was singing its praises. I told my husband that it was worth a try. I was telling Heather and my son-in-law Shane about it and they almost laughed, being very skeptical. So, Carlo went out and got one and brought it home. Now came the moment of truth. I read the directions and proceeded to try it out on my first set of dead lights. The concept

is that you plug anyone of the light sockets into this tool which looks like a gun (no doubt the inventor had struggled many hours as I have over the years taking strands of lights and going bulb by bulb trying in vain to find the one that was causing the problem and decided it would be easier to take a gun and shoot it). Then you click the trigger a few times and voila the lights come on. Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Heather was half chuckling as she watched me. To all of our

amazement, after the second click the lights came on. I’m not sure, but I think I heard the “Hallelujah Chorus” being sung somewhere in the distance. It was like magic. I went on to fix strand after strand. After each set was fixed and lit, it was easy to see which bulbs needed to be replaced. By the way, we used it again this year and it worked again. I began to think about how this worked. How did it do that? At that point, it was worth its weight in gold to me and saved hours and hours of frustration not to mention the money saved from not having to buy new lights. Later in that day, I

was telling Ken Carey (Fairwinds’ resident electrician and knowledgeable in all kinds of things.) about this wonderful discovery and asked him how this tool worked. He told me that he had already known about this tool and explained to me how it worked. He said that the batteries in the gun send an electrical charge through the lights and weld the bulbs that had lost contact or make it so the current can bypass burnt out bulbs to keep the rest of the strand lit. At this point, I didn’t

even care, it worked. As I got to thinking about this later, I thought about our spiritual lights. How brightly we shine when we are first saved. Every bulb is lit and we twinkle in this dark world

so beautifully. Then in time, we come across a trial or a hurdle in our Christian walk. We get discouraged and begin to back off on our church attendance (out goes a bulb), our Bible reading (out goes another bulb), quiet time with the Lord (yet another bulb), tithing (another bulb), being a witness, etc. Out go the lights one by one until we are no longer effective as a light in a lost world. What happened? We let sin creep in a little at a time. Do you remember a time in your life when all of your bulbs were burning bright? Look at your life now. Do you have burned out bulbs? I have great news for you. Jesus, the ultimate LIGHTKEEPER can make you effective and bright again.

“For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.”

2 Samuel 22:29

Just plug into His power and ask for forgiveness. He will energize and fix your broken lights so that you will shine brightly as you once did. When He shines His light through us, we can see which bulbs have burned out and need to be replaced. I thought the directions for this tool were interesting especially one of the questions asked about its procedures. “Is it necessary to replace burned out bulbs in order to fix my lights? Yes. Failing to replace burned out bulbs increases the voltage to the balance of the set each time a bulb burns out. The increased voltages to the other bulbs accelerates the burn out of the remaining bulbs.”

How interesting because that’s what happens to us as Christians. We get disgruntled about one thing over here and the next thing you know, not only that bulb goes out but it takes another with it. Then on and on it goes until we don’t

shine at all. All of our lights have burned out, and we are no longer effective in shedding light on our own way let alone those who are watching our lives and may be unsaved.

So let me encourage you TODAY! Pull out all of the “bad” bulbs in your strand. Plug into THE Lightkeeper and ask for forgiveness and restoration so that your light will once again shine brightly with HIS glorious light.

“For thou wilt light my candle:

the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.”

Psalms 18:28

“The Sounds of Christmas”

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:39:42 GMT

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a mang er.”

Luke 2:9-12

Last week we talked about the “Lights of Christmas” and this week we will look at some of the “Sounds of Christmas.” One of my favorite things about the Christmas Season is the sounds. Everywhere you go you hear Christmas carols and Christmas songs being played. There is something so calming and comforting about that and it creates a world of wonder. There definitely is an air of excitement that you don’t feel or experience at any other time of the year. The sound of children excitedly (and expectantly) rattling off the many things that are on their Christmas wish list.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Luke 2:13-14

The original sounds of Christmas started on that one Holy Night so very long ago. It began with the sound of the angel’s proclamation about the virgin birth of Jesus. They proclaimed it to the shepherds in the field. The sound of a baby’s first cry. The sound of the animals that surrounded His birth. So many songs have been written and sung down through the ages about this miraculous birth, and I love to hear them sung.

“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

Luke 2:20

Bells always come to mind at this time of year too. Bells ringing in the joy of Jesus’ birth. Carolers singing the many songs of the Christmas season. The thrilling sounds of happiness as people rush about with an air of expectancy.

When we look at the world that we live in today, some of that excitement has been replaced with commercialism and political correctness. Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. So sad that they don’t reflect back and realize that it all started in that manger and there would be nothing to celebrate had it not been for Jesus’ birth so many years ago.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:11

(The reason for the season!)

So, as you rush around and listen to the sounds of this Christmas , be sure to remember the real reason for the season. That first sound of a Baby’s cry in a manger that broke the silence. It’s Jesus’ birth so that one day He would give His life for ours and assure us of a home with Him for all eternity. And now we look forward to and listen for the sound of a trumpet and a shout when those who are His will join Him in the sky and take us to our Eternal Home. Praise God! That is the real meaning of Christmas!

The sounds of Christmas songs,

Echoes through my mind

And brings much joy to my heart

As I sing those happy rhymes

But so much more than that,

I think of God's great gift

Of sending Jesus Christ, a babe,

To heal and to forgive

So as we sing with joyful hearts,

Let's thin k of Jesus Christ

And how He came that first Christmas

To give to us new li fe.

“The Lights of Christmas”

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 03:38:31 GMT

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”

Isaiah 9:2

I love this time of year and all of the decorations and festive feeling that is in the air. I love to look at all of the lights sparkling almost anywhere you look. It is easy to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas, so we as Christians need to make sure that we always keep the season in perspective. So many of things that we see, hear, and experience represent very important aspects of that “First Christmas” so long ago. This week I want to zero in on one of those beautiful reminders of that wonderful time. This is probably my favorite, the LIGHTS!

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Psalms 119:105

At the time of Jesus’ birth, the world was a very dark place. So much sin had entered the hearts of people and they needed the Light of God’s Son, their Savior.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalms 27:1

Have you ever been in a completely dark room and it completely envelopes you? It is overwhelming, oppressive, and seems almost heavy. Then if someone were to light a single match or candle, your focus automatically goes to that light. A source of hope. Your salvation. You may feel as though your life is like that dark room, but for those of you who have Christ in your heart, He is that source of Light and He can light the darkest room and give you help, hope, and peace. That

beautiful and welcome Light.

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

John 1:4

Are you walking around in the dark? If so, you need the Light of the world in your heart to light up your life and be assured of spending all eternity with THE LIGHT! Just realize that you need that LIGHT, a Savior, and confess your sin and ask Him into your heart as your Lord. Do it

now because none of us are promised tomorrow. It will be the best decision of your life.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world : he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life .”

John 8:12

So, as you look at all of the lights in the Christmas decorations, be reminded that that light reflects and represents HIS LIGHT ! Pray that your light will draw someone out of the darkness and lead them to the Light. Remember Jesus is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD and no amount of darkness can overpower His glorious LIGHT .

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

James 1:17

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

Ok, sing this little chorus with me from our Sunday School days:

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine,

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

"Blessings In Disguise"

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:19:58 GMT

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

Ephesians 5:20

Ok, so did you figure out what it says? If you will look very closely and at the colors, you will see that it says “Blessing ‘in’ Disguise.” I know this time of year we zero in on thanking God for the many blessings He has given us, and we should. Not just on Thanksgiving but every day!

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

But how many times do we really thank God “in” the trials that come our way? How many times do we thank God “for” the trials? Ouch, that hurts, doesn’t it? I’ve had to rethink my view on this in the past years. I used to think that God only told us to thank Him “in” the trials not particularly “for” the trials. After all what sane person would say, “Oh, thank you Lord for this pain, this trial, this heartbreak, this heart- wrenching situation?” But if we look at some of these verses, God does say “for” all things (good and bad) to give thanks. Ephesians 5:20 (above)

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

1 Peter 5:10

To the normal person, that doesn’t even make sense, does it? As Christians we all have our share of tragedy, heartbreak, and disappointments, don’t we? We have all been in situations where we look toward the Heavens and wonder how much more we could possibly take. In the midst of the storm, it is hard to see or realize that there most certainly will be clear skies again.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

But how many of those storms or trials when you look back later can you say, “Now I can see what God was doing in my life even though at the time I didn’t understand, and I was in so much pain”? Those are Blessings in Disguise ! The Bible tells us that God works EVERYTHING out for our good. Another promise.

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”

2 Corinthians 4:17

I have had this happen in my life many times. Years ago, I wasn’t feeling well for many months and through the sickness and testing it was discovered that I had cancer, and my kidney was removed. If it had not been for the sickness and the testing, I would not have found out about the cancer, and it could have taken my life. I would say that was a huge Blessing in Disguise ! Thank God that He ALWAYS knows what He is doing even when we wander around in the dark crying out for

help. Trials sometimes reveal later what we can’t see now.

Imagine how Joseph felt looking up in that dark well when his own brothers threw him in there like garbage to be thrown away. But fast forward many years later when Joseph had gained such power and prestige and was able to save those same brothers from famine. God surely does work in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. Sometimes trials and pain teach us what comfort never could.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

Psalm 119:71

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Hebrews 12:11

So, the next time you are in a trial, and you think God doesn’t care, remember that

sometimes He takes us through trials to give us a GREATER Blessing in Disguise !

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

“Just Because a Fish Can’t Climb a Tree, Doesn’t Mean He’s Dumb!”

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:47:54 GMT

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,”

Romans 12:6

What a thought-provoking statement. I heard this quote for the first time years ago and immediately wrote it down for further investigation. I found that the actual quote is “Everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing that it is stupid.” ~Albert Einstein.

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”

I Corinthians 12:4-7

Do you see the highlighted words in the verse above? It says, “every man.” I've heard many people say, but I don't have any talents that I can use for the Lord, but this verse clearly states that “every person” does and if we say we don't, that makes God a liar. I don't think any of us would be so bold as to call God a liar. So, I guess we better rethink our thoughts, right?

I’ve always found it interesting and intriguing how different people’s talents can be. I have always envied people who can just sit at the piano and make it sing. But that was not one of my talents. (Although in my mind and my dreams, I sound like a concert pianist. You should hear me play “How Great Thou Art” in my

dreams!) One person’s talent or strong point might be another’s weak point. Thank God that He knew what He was doing when He designed each one of us different and with differing talents. Wouldn’t it be a mess if we all had the same talents and the same weaknesses? Not much would get accomplished, would it?

“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”

Ephesians 4:7

However, there are some people who think that just because they can’t do certain things that they can’t be used in the Lord’s work. Nonsense! God purposely made us all different so that we could each fill a gap where our particular talent is needed. Think about your strengths and your weaknesses. Where do you exceed? Where can your talents or strengths be used? Are you using them? Did you know that faithfulness is a talent? Did you know that being a prayer warrior is a talent? Everyone has at least one talent or even more and everyone can be used. The question becomes, “are you willing?”

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

1 Peter 4:10

And yes, we do all have different talents and abilities, some seemingly more than others, but I also want to be careful to point out that you should not give up and not try other things. Part of the human spirit is that if you try hard enough and don’t give up, you can accomplish great things. Don’t get discouraged if what you set out to do fails the first time. Keep trying. I have been amazed in my own life and watching others, the things that I was actually able to do if I just put my mind to it and didn’t quit. I think so many times we give up before we even start and we keep telling ourselves that we can’t do something and therefore never really try. You might be surprised as to what you can do, if you put forth the effort and don’t give up.

“But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.”

1 Corinthians 12:11-12

I guess the saddest commentary would be that we all have these talents and gifts that the Lord has given to us, and we don’t use them. How many people are sitting in the pews of our churches and are hiding their God-given talents and abilities? Maybe because they think they don’t measure up to someone else’s. That’s just as ridiculous as the quote about the fish above. We all aren’t supposed to have the same talents. Yet God commands us to be involved and to use whatever talent we do have for His glory. Are you using yours? Start today! Resolve to be used for the Lord. Don’t look around at anybody else’s talent and be discouraged. Keep your eye on the goal which is to bring honor and glory to the Lord with what the Lord has entrusted in you !

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Colossians 3:23-24

“Open Your Eyes”

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:54:59 GMT

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”

Psalms 119:18

I have mentioned on several occasions that we live surrounded by woods. It’s very common to see animals come into the yard. We see deer, raccoons, foxes, groundhogs, and many other animals on a daily basis. (Unfortunately lately a coyote.) Ok, so maybe they have spread the word that there is always food here because we always throw leftovers or stale bread into the backyard for them to eat and we have a deer feeder. One time I saw a raccoon wandering around looking for food, so my husband opened the door to throw out some stale bread at which time the raccoon ran back into the woods. I stood by the window to see what would happen and sure enough, back he came. I watched as he slowly sniffed his way around the backyard. At one point he got up on his hind legs and was sniffing into the air. I thought to myself, “Well now he will get the bread.” He kept going all

around the yard and as I watched from my window I was saying, “Over there, there it is over there.” He still kept walking all over the place and at one point was almost right up to the bread but must not have seen it and turned around and walked right back into the woods.

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:”

Jeremiah 5:21

I was still saying, “Turn around, you almost had it, you were so close to having a good meal.” As I thought about that scene a little later, I thought sadly to myself, “I wonder how many times God has placed something good in my life and even though I was searching, I gave up and missed it?” How many times in our lives have we been searching for answers and if we just hadn’t given up, we would have been blessed with the answers that God had right there for us, but we just didn’t

see. We gave up too soon. I read this story and thought it was very appropriate and interesting.

“In the 1860s, the Comstock Lode in western Nevada became one of the most lucrative mining strikes in American history, yielding hundreds of millions of dollars in gold and silver. But, amazingly, those who mined this site almost missed these riches. Sparked by the California gold rush in 1848, earlier prospectors had searched western Nevada, focusing on the quest for gold. But, as Ronald James points out in his book, “The Roar and the Silence,” because of their obsession with gold, the first miners did not realize they were “digging into one of the wealthiest silver lodes in the world...Miners ignored the mineral-bearing black rock and pursued the precious metal they knew best. Eventually, it was realized that these

rocks were rich in silver, and the Comstock boom began. But countless miners had failed to realize that their hands were touching great riches. They had lost a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity, because they were not discerning enough to examine the rocks that were before them.”

“And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see.

And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold,

the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

2 Kings 6:17

We may be searching and thinking that we haven’t found what we are looking for when God may have the answer right in front of us but maybe not the answer we were looking for. God always knows what is BEST for us even when we think it is something else. So, open your eyes and keep on searching. Keep on praying. God will answer if we don’t give up.

God never gives up on us. He is working even when we can’t see Him and in ways that we don’t know. Don’t stop praying! Don’t stop searching! You may be quitting right on the verge of victory. How sad that would be to find out in eternity the great things that God had in store for us but we quit just short of His blessing in our life and God was in Heaven tenderly saying, “Don’t stop, keep going, you are almost there, my blessings are right in front of you, just keep going!”

Open my eyes Lord, I want to see Jesus.

To reach out and touch Him and say that I love Him.

Open my ears Lord and help me to listen.

Open my eyes Lord, I want to see Jesus!

“But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.”

Matthew 13:16

“Don’t Look Back”

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:07:52 GMT

“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”

Genesis 19:26

We remember the account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 when God told Lot that He was going to destroy those cities because of their wickedness. He sent angels to rescue Lot and his family and warned them to flee but not to look back at the city as they left it behind. They fled but as they got a way off, Lot’s wife turned around and looked at the burning cities. Did you ever wonder why Lot’s wife looked back? Was she just heartbroken about leaving her home? Was she not totally convinced that God knew what He was doing? Or could it have been that she longed for her old life so much that she risked disobeying the Lord’s command not to look back? For whatever her reason, disobey she did, and God turned her into a pillar of salt. (That had to be a sight to see, right?)

“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah 43:18-19

Lot along with his wife and two daughters were miraculously hand selected by God to be saved from His fiery judgment of the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. God wanted to spare them, but Lot’s wife still looked back. Her life could have continued on for many more years, but it was cut short because of her disobedience and longing for her old life.

“Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.”

Ecclesiastes 7:10

Sadly, some people living today do the same thing. God saves them out of a life of sin and for a while they revel in this newfound salvation. Then after some time has passed, they begin to think about their old lives and miss the allure of that life. They forget about the hopelessness and how that lifestyle leads to destruction.

Then there are some who are constantly reminded of their sinful past by Satan himself. He keeps whispering in their ear “You can never do anything for the Lord, remember what you did?” He reminds them of their past to keep them discouraged and of no use to the Lord or His work. Don’t listen!! Don’t let Satan sidetrack you and stagnate you. He would like nothing more than to see you sitting on the sidelines discouraged and licking your wounds and saying, “God can never use someone like me.” YES, HE CAN! Think about it, if He didn’t use sinners who would He use? We are all sinners. But He can only use repentant sinners.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13-14

Remember David? David sinned with Bathsheba and then had her husband killed. I doubt that any of you have done something that drastic. But yet God called David a man after His own heart. What?!! Yes, David repented and went on to do great things for the Lord. What if after he had sinned, he just said, “I’m no good to God. I can’t do anything now. I’ve messed up so I might as well curl up in the corner and wait to die.” No, David repented, God forgave, and he moved on. Don’t you think that David was reminded of his past sin? Of course. Psalms 51:3 “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” But he didn’t let it paralyze him and make him ineffective in doing what God wanted him to do. I read this quote and thought that it about summed it up. “I must believe in His goodness, and that what He’s saved me for is so much greater than what He’s saved me from .”

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9:62

So, the past can distract us in many ways. But don’t give place to the devil. Defeat him today and let go of the past. Don’t let it stop you from doing what God wants you to do. Get busy and rebuke Satan when those thoughts begin to present themselves. You know who is behind them and he doesn’t want you to be an effective Christian. Put your hand to the plow and “Don’t Look Back.”

Isaiah 43:18-19

“Get On Your Stallion”

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 21:06:15 GMT

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:16

Praise the Lord for answering prayer and for the power of prayer. It’s not very often that we get to see an answer to prayer immediately. But I was privileged to experience this on the day of my surgery. I was all prepped in my gown, the little blue cap, and IV all in place for surgery. I had been through all the preliminaries with the nurses and was just waiting to be rolled back for surgery. My doctor came in and said we would be going back shortly and explained some things about the surgery. He asked me if I had talked to the Intracept representative yet and I said no, I had not seen anyone. He looked a bit puzzled and walked away. So, we waited. And waited. The nurses kept coming in to check on me and told me that they were waiting for the Intracept rep to come. Apparently the Intracept procedure is done with specialized equipment that they rent at the Surgicenter. My doctor came back about 1/2 hour later and said that there was some type of mix up and that the representative was a 1/2 hour out, this after having been waiting for almost an hour. He said that he really needed to get back to his patients at his office, but he said that he was going to wait for the rep. More waiting and he came back a short while later and said that the rep was 45 minutes out and it would take her a while to set up the needed equipment. He hinted at possibly having to cancel but then again told me that he was going to wait. More time passed by and now I have been sitting back there for over 2 hours waiting for this representative to show up. My husband went down the hallway to the restroom and as soon as he left the doctor came back in. He stood at the end of my bed and just hung his head down and didn't say a word. I immediately knew what was going to happen. And I said no, no, no please don't cancel. To which he replied, “I am so sorry, but I had to cancel and I have to get back to the patients in my office,” because now it had been about 2 1/2 hours that he should have already been gone. I again pleaded with him and rehearsed that the first attempt at this did not work because he could not get in where he needed to be and then the second attempt six weeks ago had to be cancelled because of an infection. I went on to remind him, as I had told him previously, that my entire family was going to be here for Thanksgiving and I wanted to be able to be out of a little bit of pain in order to enjoy them. I reminded him as I had also told him before, that I have a whole church behind me praying for this surgery. He just kept shaking his head and saying, “I'm so sorry, but she is probably still 45 minutes out and it would be another hour and a half before they could get me back for surgery. I had to cancel.”

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.”

Psalms 18:6

Immediately in my mind this picture began to form. I pictured myself jumping on the back of a black stallion. (And no, they had not given me any drugs yet.) As I mounted my horse, I looked all around and saw all the prayer warriors who have been praying for me. In my mind I turned to them and told them to all get on their horses and they did. I then lifted my right arm up in the air and then quickly lowered it pointing straight ahead and said, “Let's charge heaven with our petitions right now.” I was definitely praying fervently that things would change. Again, I've never seen a prayer answered this thoroughly and this quickly but all of a sudden, he looked down, he looked at me, and he looked over at the nurse and he said “We're going to do this!” I have to admit I was a little shocked myself at the quick answer to prayer and was just praising the Lord for hearing when we cry out. I'm praising the Lord for all of you who were praying for me. I know it was the power in those prayers that changed everything. I wondered later if I had not had that thought in my mind to charge heaven, if things would have turned out the same. I have no doubt that God definitely intervened. Now please don't interpret this as me having visions. This was merely me reminding myself that we can go boldly before the throne with our petitions. (And yes, I know I do have a vivid imagination. ��) Please continue to pray for healing as the doctor said it would be about 6 weeks before we know if the procedure worked. I covet your continued prayers.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

James 5:16

Sometimes I think we approach prayer too timidly. Maybe in our hearts not believing that God will hear and answer our prayers, but the Bible tells us that we need to approach the throne with determination and with faith that God is going to answer. We just need to grab the reins and charge heaven in prayer. We need to ride right into the presence of our almighty God knowing that He can answer.

“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”

Psalm 34:17

Yes, I know that not all prayers are answered immediately as this one had been. I know that there are prayers that I have been praying for for years that still have not been answered and I will continue to pray for these petitions. I think that sometimes we limit God's power by our own small minds. We don't ask in faith believing. We don't really think that God can answer our prayers. But I truly believe that when God's children cry out to Him that He bends His ear low to the earth and hears every cry and sees every tear. Prayer shouldn't be a one-time thing. We should continue to pray boldly and with perseverance until He answers and we have the victory. So, have you slacked off in your prayers? Have you lost faith that God can answer them? Then get up on your stallion and charge the throne of grace with your petitions with courage and faith believing that He will answer.

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

I John 5:14-15

When it Rains, it Hails

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:37:10 GMT

“But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.”

Psalms 37:39-40

During my time down with my back and other health issues, I have had a lot of time to relive and think about things that have happened in the past. Sometimes I just sit here and laugh at some of the things that have happened to me. I’m sure it wasn’t funny at the time though. One of those such times came to mind. It was a beautiful, sunny, Saturday afternoon. The weather had called for rain

showers all day, but yet as I sat at my computer in my office working, the sun was warmly shining through my windows. It had rained in the early part of the day but now it had cleared. As I looked outside, I noticed the fully opened umbrella on our table and made a mental note to remember to close it because we had heard weather warnings all week about the high winds coming that night. Later that night we were just getting ready to fall off asleep when we heard the wind pick up and

rain and what sounded like sleet pounding the windows. Suddenly I remembered the umbrella. I never closed it. I jumped out of bed and headed to the kitchen to open our slider to go out and close it. My husband wanted to go out and do it, but because he had just had double knee replacement, I didn’t think that was a good idea at all, especially when we reached the sliding doors, turned on the outside lights and saw our deck completely white and covered with hail. The hail was coming down sideways because it was so windy. I knew I had to get the umbrella down and out of the table because I knew with the wind it could become a flying projectile and go through one of our windows. I opened the door and went out in my bare feet and nightgown. I was getting pelted with hail as I got to the umbrella. I began to wind down the umbrella to close it and as it began to close, an avalanche of hail and rain came off of the umbrella onto my head and body. I was totally

drenched and full of ice. The umbrella was really heavy from the rain and hail, but I finally managed to lift the umbrella out of the table. I went inside and immediately got out my wet clothes and into a dry nightgown. I dried my hair and finally got back in bed. Again, I was just about to go to sleep when my husband sits up in bed and says, “Oh no, the awning over the slide to the camper is open.” Ok, so now I am saying, “Are you kidding me?” Again, I trudge out to the garage frantically looking for one of our 5 or 6 umbrellas. Not an umbrella to be found. They were all in the

car. So, I looked for a plastic bag. Nope, not one of those either and as the wind picked up, I knew I had to hurry. So, with a flashlight in hand, I opened the garage door and ran out to the camper, unlocked the door and pulled the slide in. Totally soaked and iced for a second time. Ok, you can stop laughing. Now I know this sounded more like a comedy act than a trial, but seriously we have all had times in our lives when it just seems that if one more thing happened, it would put us over the edge. When it just seems that the rain keeps turning into sleet.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

1 Peter 5:10

I’m afraid as Christians, we are quick to throw out to other Christians going through trials, I Corinthians 10:13 where it is sometimes translated by us to say, “God will never give you more than you can handle.” First let me say that this verse is talking about temptation in which we do ultimately have the choice to make the right decision. But many times, we don’t have the choice when it comes to trials. They come and come and sometimes like hail. The danger of the above quote is that it makes it sound like we have the power to handle anything that comes our way. That we already have within ourselves the power to handle every trial.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask orthink, according to the power that worketh in us,”

Ephesians 3:20

Not true! I think a better verse to hold onto is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Ah, there is the power. Through Christ, not ourselves. On our own we would be desperate, overwhelmed, discouraged, and depressed but “through Christ” we can get the victory. We can feel strengthened by His love and power. Are you going through a trial? Trials? There is only one hope of making it through and that is your complete reliance on the Lord, not yourself. Give up trying to work things out in your own strength and knowledge. Our self-reliance has to die, and we need to learn to totally lean on the Lord so that He will get the glory. Acknowledge that you can’t do it on your own, that you need the Lord to intervene on your behalf. Ask Him to take over the reins of your life and then safely trust in His results. You will find peace, comfort, and relief like you have never known.

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

Psalms 55:22

Not Today, Satan!

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:41:15 GMT

“ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

James 4:7

So, how is your day going? Your week? Your month? Your year? How about your life, how's it going? Our circumstances can change in an instant and completely cause our lives to go into turmoil. Do you ever have moments when your thoughts seem to get away from you, and you know that you should stop thinking them? I'll raise my hand. I know I have, and in those moments, I have used the phrase that Jesus used when he was being tempted by Satan on the mount which was “Get thee behind me, Satan.”

“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

Luke 4:8

Satan was trying to convince Jesus that he had the power to give Him all the kingdoms of the world. (I don't know what in the world Satan was thinking here because didn't he know that God already owned all of it?) Satan went on to tempt Jesus further. How many times have you heard Satan whisper in your ear and tell you what you should think or do? His voice sometimes seems to be stronger and louder than the Lord's. And that's when we need to realize it and even, if necessary, say it out loud, not today, Satan! I have said it out loud many times. “Not today, Satan!” There's truly something about saying it out loud that seems to empower you and know that the Lord is giving you the strength that you need at that moment to defeat Satan.

“But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

Matthew 16:23

Jesus again uses this phrase when he was telling the disciples of His upcoming trials and eventually death. Peter, who was probably well meaning in defending Jesus and the upcoming crucifixion, told Jesus that basically that wouldn’t happen on his watch. But Jesus knew those words were coming directly from Satan.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Ephesians 6:11

It all boils down to our surrendering to the Lord because when we stay surrendered, Satan loses his power. And when we say “not today, Satan” we're really saying yes to the Lord and His will in our lives. That's why it's so important as it says in Ephesians for us to put on the whole armor of God so that when Satan comes to attack, we are ready with an answer and can defeat him.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1 Peter 5:8

We all have times in our life when we are afraid or discouraged and tempted to do something that we shouldn't be doing and that's when Satan does his best work. He tells us that God doesn't care and that he's not listening to us and that things will probably never change. That's when we need to rebuke him and say “not today, Satan.” After all Satan has already been defeated and we already know the end of the story. So why let Satan get a hold of our thoughts and our minds? Put a stop to it as soon as those thoughts begin to form in your mind and rebuke him. I recently read this quote, and I thought it sums it up very well. “Every time you choose peace over panic, prayer over worry, and praise over negativity you are standing on holy ground.” Praise the Lord! He has already won the victory and all we need to do is claim it!

Not today, Satan!

What is Your Focal Point?

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 20:49:23 GMT

Hebrews 12:2

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Those of you who have given birth in the last few decades and those of you who have been there to witness this birth, will be familiar with the term “focal point.” Expectant mothers are asked to bring something with them to the labor room that they can focus on when the pain comes. Normally it is something that brings them joy or comfort. So, when the labor pains get intense, they are told to look at the focal point and concentrate on it to help them get through the pain.

Although we all can’t relate to this experience, we all can relate to the pain and intense trials that we all go through at one point or another in our lives. What do you focus on? What is your “focal point?” Do you have a “focal point?” For many people, I would say that they focus on the trial or the pain itself. The problem with doing this is that it doesn’t help the pain, does it? It intensifies it and makes it seem even worse than the reality of it.

2 Corinthians 4:18

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:

for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

God tells us over and over again in His Word to focus on Him and Him alone. There are so many verses that tell us that when we are going through hard times, focus on the Lord. But like many other promises and verses that we have access to, we don’t listen, do we? We tend to focus on the trial and the pain that we are experiencing. When your trials become your focal point then your focus is completely off the Lord, the Only One Who can help you.

Matthew 14:24-31

“But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

Let’s take a lesson from Peter. When he was focused on the Lord and didn’t look around at the stormy sea, he was able to walk on the water, but the moment that he took his eyes off the Lord and began to look around at the troubled waters and the tempest that was all around him, he began to sink. He would have been fine and could have walked all the way to Jesus if he had just made Him the focal point and not the trials around him.

The story is told of a friend who showed Helen Lemmel a tract that was entitled “Focused.” Helen was a popular Christian singer and voice

teacher. She was immediately touched by the words written on the tiny piece of paper. Later she wrote the words and music to a hymn that we know and love and I have sung many times. It is “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”

“O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?

There’s light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and things of

earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Are you going through a trial? Are you in pain? Then turn your eyes upon Jesus. Make Him your “focal point.” He will see you through and bring you comfort and healing.

Get Out Your Windex

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 19:31:19 GMT

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

We once lived in a house where the bedroom was very small. It had windows but it still seemed dark at times. I was into glass etching at the time and so I etched 3 long arched mirrors to hang on the wall. I also added mirrored doors on the closet. Wow! What a difference that made. A room that once seemed dark was filled with light. Why? Because those mirrors reflected the small amount of light that was present in that room and multiplied it many times over and produced a bright and welcoming room.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

John 8:12

We have probably all read this verse and realize that God is the Light of the world. But did you know that it is up to us as Christians to reflect His light to a dark world? We are the mirrors that reflect His light to others.

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.”

Isaiah 60:1-2

Did you catch that in the above verse? The glory of the Lord is risen upon US. It goes on to say that His glory will be seen upon us. Is His glory seen on us? Are we reflecting His glory and His light? Are we attracting others to our light that is mirrored from our Heavenly Father? Or is our mirror dirty from the things of this world that interfere with our light? Things maybe that have accumulated

over time, and we don’t even realize how smudged and dirty our mirror has become.

“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

John 9:5

We have a back porch that is completely glass all around and that has been my refuge over the past 4 years as I struggle with my health. I thank God for this room where I am every single day because I get to see God’s nature all around me through the trees and the animals. We have a deer feeder and bird feeders which keep me entertained every day. I love sitting here and watching nature come alive. However, we live in the woods, so the glass gets dirty pretty easily and makes the view not as clear. This past week my husband cleaned them inside and out. Glass is so easy to get smudges on and so hard to get the smudges and dirt off. Just like mirrors. But what a difference it made

when he was done. The glass was clear again and I could see with no obstructions or smears.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

John 5:16

The same can be said of our mirrors. How often do you clean your mirror? Do you even realize that it needs to be cleaned? God clearly tells us that we are His mirrors in this world.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6

How does your mirror look? Is it smudged and clouded with disobedience, fear, doubt, rebellion, and laziness? If so, it’s time to get out the Windex and clean it. Wipe it clean of all the things that keep your mirror from reflecting God’s glory and light.

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”

Ephesians 5:8

The Devil’s Playground

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 20:22:19 GMT

Psalms 141:9

“Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.”

Everyone at some point in their life loved to go to a playground. Especially if the playground had many types of play equipment. However, I have been to some playgrounds that were run down and not very well maintained and, well, just dangerous. So it is with the “devil’s playground.” I’m sure you have heard the phrase “an idle mind is the devil’s playground.” After all isn’t the mind where everything we do and think begins? So we need to be very careful to guard our minds from the devil’s attacks. So let’s look at a few traps or equipment that you will find in the devil’s playground.

Psalms 31:4

“Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.”

Let’s start with everyone’s favorite or most popular ride on the playground, the swing. Swings will take you to it’s highest point but then will quickly take you to its lowest point. You may think that you have achieved the highest thrill of your life only to be plummeted to the lowest in just seconds. The devil knows how to set you up for disappointment and despair. There is never an even and steady ride. You are always faced with alternating feelings.

Psalms 124:7

“Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.”

The same could be said for the seesaw. Your emotions continually go up and down. You never feel emotionally level. You are either really up or really down. Your emotions control your “joy” and not your trust in the Lord. You don’t rely on the Lord to have control of your life and give it the steadfast and constant peace that only He can give.

2 Timothy 2:26

“And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

How about the merry-go-round? I think this is probably Satan’s most popular and favorite ride. The devil loves to replay the sins of your past over and over again. Just going round and round and not getting anywhere. Just getting sicker and more depressed as he spins this ride faster and faster. Sometimes it seems impossible to get off.

Psalms 25:15

“Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.”

Then there are the dangerous monkey bars. Many people struggle, connive, and focus to climb to the top only to find that you can’t go any further. There is no place to go at the top and you find yourself all alone. You have spent so much of your time and energy and burned through many precious relationships to get there and now there is nothing and no one. You are all alone and what you once thought was the ultimate goal has lost all of its glitter and appeal.

Psalms 91:3

“Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.”

We must all be aware of the “devil’s playground,” his tricks and dangerous rides. Don’t trust him. Yes, they may be fun for a while but the end of his rides is never good and will always bring heartbreak, trials, and despair. Jump off these rides right now. Tell the devil that you do not want to play on his

playground anymore. Ask for the Lord’s forgiveness for playing on the devil’s playground. Then run to the Lord and ask Him to give you the peace, comfort, and joy that only He can give!

1 Peter 5:8

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

What’s Down in the Well, Comes Up in the Bucket

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:57:36 GMT

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 of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

I have always been intrigued with sayings and proverbs and am fascinated as to how simplistic they are but yet so profound. I heard this one again not too long ago. I looked it up and it seems that it came from the 1800’s and most likely by a farmer which would seem appropriate. It is a metaphor that basically means that what’s truly in someone’s heart will eventually come out of their mouth.

Matthew 12:34-35

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.”

If your well is filled with muddy water, then guess what? That is what will come up in your bucket. If it is pure clean water, then that will come up in your bucket. The verse above is talking about the Pharisees. The Pharisees pretended to be righteous, but Jesus said this about them in Matthew 23:27 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.” In other words, their wells looked pretty nice from the outside but they were full of wickedness.

How about you? What is in your well? Others may not be able to see but you know and more importantly God knows. You may think that you can hide and camouflage it, but there will come a time when what is on the inside will be glaringly evident on the outside. What emotions and feelings are hiding in your well? Is your well full of resentment, anger, hostility, jealousy, rage, and envy? How about pride, selfishness, deceitfulness, rebellion, and disobedience?

Matthew 15:18

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.”

These are acts of our sinful nature and they are sins. There is only One Who can help us with these sins and clean these sins out of our wells. Many times we are told in God’s Word to just call on Him and ask for forgiveness and when we do, He will clean up our wells and make them clean and usable again. Then we will fill our wells with “...love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

You might ask, “How do all these bad things get into our wells in the first place?” Every day we are bombarded on all sides with all kinds of things. It’s what we take in, what we dwell on and allow to take up space in our hearts that fill our wells with unwelcome thoughts or actions. The music we listen to, is it honoring to the Lord? Would you be ashamed if the Lord walked into the room and listened to it with you? Same thing with TV, books or conversations that you may have or be a part of (intentionally or not). How about the places that you go or the words that you speak? How about the internet and social media? Would you be ashamed if God were right there in the room with you? Guess what? He is and I’m sure His heart is broken when we take Him to places we shouldn’t be and do and say things that we shouldn’t. So what’s in YOUR well? Maybe it’s time to clean it out. Get rid of everything that would not be pleasing to the Lord so that when your bucket comes up you will not be ashamed before the Lord. Don’t be deceived because whatever is in YOUR well WILL eventually come up in your bucket!

Mark 7:20-23

“And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”

Are You 100% Sure?

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:14:49 GMT

Matthew 7:21-23

“ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

I was thinking lately about one of the Ladies’ Bible Classes that I did a few years ago. I was impressed by the Lord to do something different in my Ladies’ Bible Class. Normally I taught on Women of the Bible but that week, I felt led of the Lord to do something different. I had overheard a conversation between a woman that I had known for quite some time and another lady. The woman that I knew well was telling the other woman about her salvation experience. I remember thinking to myself, “Wow, I never knew that.” I began to wonder about other people that I had known for a long time and wondered about their salvation experiences. There are many people in our churches that we know are saved but just never heard their salvation story.

1 John 2:3-6

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

So, the Lord impressed upon my heart to open my class up, beginning with myself, and tell about our salvation experiences. Little did I know the impact that following God’s leading would have. I started the class out with some verses about telling others of the hope that was within us and telling others how they came to the Lord. The response was immediate and one after another the women opened their hearts and shared their testimonies of salvation. It wasn’t long before a pattern started to emerge. Many of the women, although outwardly they had been living the Christian life, told how they realized that they were not 100% sure that the prayer that they had prayed earlier in life was real in their hearts. They told how later in life, even after having been involved in ministry of some sort, they came to the realization that they really were not saved and asked the Lord to come into their hearts as adults. Let me just stop here and say that there are many who pray as children and young people that I believe are saved. But in “these” testimonies, it was more about reciting and not really possessing.

Luke 13:27

“But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are;

depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.”

It was a very moving class, and the women were very open and honest. At the end I closed by making the remark that I am afraid that there are a lot of people who are holding on to a little prayer that they recited as the basis for their salvation. I explained that there has to be a life to back up the prayer and if you just said a prayer and nothing has changed in your life, chances are that you may not be truly saved. Then I went on to say that if anyone had any questions or I could help them in some way, to please contact me. The next afternoon I was working at my desk in my office, and my phone rang. It was a sweet young woman who had been in class the night before. She was crying and told me that she was just like the women who had given their testimonies. She said a prayer and was baptized when she was young but had been struggling with the realization that she really didn’t think that she was saved. I had the privilege of talking with her and leading her to the Lord over the phone. I was praising the Lord with her that now she knew for sure without any doubt that she would have eternal life in Heaven with the Lord. Praise the Lord for His moving on that class.

1 John 1:6

“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:”

How about you? Are you holding on to a recited prayer? Are you living a life that backs up that prayer? Has there been a change? Do you love and long for the things of God or do you have to be forced to go to church and read your Bible or spend time fellowshipping with your Savior? Please be sure today! I would not want to base my eternity on a meaningless prayer if it had no life to back it up. It will mean the difference between Heaven and Hell. Please make sure today that the Lord truly lives in your heart and if you are not sure, pray right now meaning it in your heart. “Lord, I know that I am a sinner. I know that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I am sorry for my sin, and I am repenting or turning away from my sin. I am asking You to come into my heart right now to be my Lord and my Savior. Thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

ARE YOU SURE??

John 14:6

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

^{Romans 10:13}

^{“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”}

If we can help you in any way, please reach out and call the church at 302-322-1029 or myself at 302-561-4922.

Are You Lost In The Clouds?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 19:21:45 GMT

“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:”

Exodus 13:21

Have you ever flown in an airplane when it goes into the clouds? I have many times. Our first thought is probably, “how in the world does the pilot know where he is going?” All you can see is nothingness. You can’t see what is on the other side of those clouds. You are kind of temporarily blinded as far as seeing outside the airplane. The first time this happened to me I kind of got a little nervous. (Not to mention that it usually gets a little bumpy.) Knowing that the pilot knew what he was doing and where he was going was calming. The pilot fully trusts in his instruments and they guide him through the clouds. I didn’t need to be afraid or concerned. I fully placed my trust in the pilot.

“And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.”

Exodus 14:19-20

Did you know that the clouds can be a good thing? The children of Israel found this out. I never really understood the whole verse before. We always read the first part of this verse about how God guided the Israelites with a pillar of cloud. I never really gave much thought to the end of that verse where it says that God not only guided them by the cloud, but that that same cloud God also placed behind them and it became a cloud of darkness to protect them from the Egyptians by night. Wow! How great is our God?

“ Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.”

Psalm 139:5

Do you feel like you are lost in the clouds sometimes? I know we all do. But how encouraging and comforting to know that we don’t have to see, we don’t have to know what is ahead because God is there in the midst of the clouds guiding and protecting us. Praise the Lord! We just need to trust Him and rest in Him knowing that He is in control and He will take care of us. Reminds me of the song, “God Will Take Care of You.” Be not dismayed whate’er betide; God will take care of you. Beneath His wings of love abide; God will take care of you. God will take care of you, through ev'ry day, o’er all the way. He will take care of you; God will take care of you.” And I love the last verse: No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you. Lean, weary one, upon His breast; God will take care of you . What great words for us to cling to.

“And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not;

I will lead them in paths that they have not known:

I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight.

These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.”

Isaiah 42:16

We can trust God when our way is cloudy. When we can’t see or know what lies ahead. We will have no fear because we know that a faithful God is in control and knows exactly what lies ahead. He knows how to get through the clouds of the unknown and arrive safely on the other side.

^“ For we walk by faith, not by sight:”

II Corinthians 5:7

We may not know where we are headed and the path may seem to be hidden, but God knows. Did you know that our faith is strongest when our sight is the weakest? It’s then that we have to fully lean on the Lord, to trust Him even when we don’t see a way out of the clouds. Just like with the children of Israel, God not only guided them forward, but He also protected them from behind. So, the next time you are in the clouds of trials, confusion, or uncertainty, remember that God is in the midst of the clouds. It is He and only He that can guide you out to safety. Will you place your trust in Him?

^“ And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden,

and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”

Isaiah 58:11

Different Gifts, One Purpose

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:57:23 GMT

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.”

I Corinthians 12:4-5

How many times have you felt the tug in your heart to volunteer or to help in some area of your church? You know you should answer the need or call but you feel like you aren’t qualified or are afraid to fail. Or maybe you just don’t want to. On the inside you are raising your hand to volunteer but on the outside, you sit quietly and don’t move.

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto,but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45

As Christians we are commanded to follow in Jesus’s footsteps. To strive to be more like Him. The Bible is very clear that Jesus did not think of Himself above others. Mark 10:45 clearly shows us that Jesus came not to be served or pampered, He came to serve others, and, in the end, He paid the ultimate price. For us! For you, for me. How can we hold back when we are commanded to serve?

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

I Peter 4:10

So, you say, “I can’t do anything. I don’t have any talents.” Again, the Bible is very clear that we ALL have at least one gift to serve. Some, many gifts to share. What is holding you back? It isn’t a request. It’s a commandment. And when we refuse or decide not to serve, we are rebelling against God. Well, you say, “That is pretty harsh, isn’t it?” Is it? The Bible calls it sin. In James 4:17 it says, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” Don’t get mad at me. I didn’t say it, God did. You will have to answer to Him, not me or any other person.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:

for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Colossians 3:23-24

Did you know that serving the Lord is an act of worship? We all should serve for one purpose. To further the gospel and to glorify our Father. Not for recognition or accolades. God will never ask us to do something without equipping and giving us the strength to do it. Reminds me of the quote, “Where God guides, He provides.” He will give you what you need to fulfill your calling. All He is waiting for from us, is our willingness to step out and say “yes, I will do whatever You ask of me.” You would be so surprised how God can use you and to what extent. You may be shocked to find that God can develop your “talents” into a vital part of ministry.

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,”

Romans 12:6

Are all of our talents the same? Absolutely not. Look around your church and it won’t take long to see that some are called to sing, some teach, some preach, and many other ministries. Don’t try to fit into anyone else’s mold. Wait and seek God and He will make it very clear where He wants to us you. You just need to be willing to say yes, Lord. Did you know that God values all talents equally So, no talent or gift when used for the Lord is too small and we all can pray and be encouragers.

“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”

Psalm 110:2

Serving should not be an act of drudgery. We should serve with joy and gladness. Saying you cannot do something is not a valid excuse because God will not ask you to do something without equipping you with the tools to do it. So, NO excuses. The next time the Pastor or someone in ministry asks if you will help with something, say yes and serve the Lord with gladness and joy. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish for God’s glory. You just need to obey His call.

“And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,”

Deuteronomy 10:12

Scars

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:27:25 GMT

Romans 5:3-4

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:”

Over the course of my lifetime and especially the last four years, I noticed that my body is beginning to look like a “Scar Zone.” I have had other surgeries previously and now have added many more scars. Scars never completely go away and when we look at them, they are reminders of a time when something was wrong and had to be corrected by surgery or removal.

James 1:3

“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

I looked up the meaning of scars. A scar is described as a mark left by the healing of injured tissue. Scar tissue is formed when the body suffers from injuries or surgery as a way of healing the wound. “Scars are a natural part of the body's healing process. A scar results from the biologic process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues. Most wounds, except for very minor ones, result in some degree of scarring.”

So, scars are what we are left with after an injury or a surgery that was necessary for our health. What would happen if we never addressed the issues and never had the surgeries that were required? Yes, we would save ourselves from scars but most likely the original problem would get worse and cause even more trouble or unfortunately sometimes even end our life. So, scars are necessary and even can be looked at in retrospect as a good thing.

Job 23:10

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

How about the trials and tribulations that we sometimes go through? They cause hurts and deep wounds that leave scars. Some can be small scars, but some can be large deep wounds that take a long time to heal. The healing process is up to us. Do we take good care of the wounds and follow the necessary procedures to ensure complete healing, or do we refuse to let the wound heal and keep picking at it and scraping the wound open over and over again? I have actually met some people with hurts far in their past and they refuse to take it to God to begin the healing. They carry these deep wounds around everyday rehearsing it over and over again to anyone who will look or listen. How sad because eventually that wound will get infected and will grow into a much bigger problem.

Psalms 147:3

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”

Everyone has scars. Sometimes we try to hide our spiritual scars because we think they are ugly, but we need to share those scars as a witness to Jesus Christ and His healing power. Not dwelling on them and rehearsing them, but telling others of how the Lord healed you. Believe it or not your scars can be a witness to others and a testimony of God’s miraculous healing. The Apostle Paul referred to his scars many times. Remember that our Savior has scars that bought our eternal life. How will you handle your scars? Will you take them to the Great Physician and ask for His healing or will you continue to keep the wound open? The decision is yours. God is waiting to heal you now. When He does, you will see later in life as you look at the scars how those silent reminders have made you stronger, made you lean on the Lord, and made you a better testimony of His love for us. God loves you and He wants to heal you and make you whole. Take your wounds to the Lord.

Job 5:18

“For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.”

A Change of Scenery

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 18:04:01 GMT

Genesis 12:1-2

“Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from

thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:”

As many of you know, I have been housebound because of back and neuropathy issues for about 3 and a half years. The extent of getting out of the house has been for doctor’s visits and surgery. This past week our daughter Heather and her husband Shane wanted us to come down to their beach house in lower Delaware. So, after thinking about it, I decided that I could lay in their recliner as well as my own at home. (That’s the only comfortable position at this point for me.) So, we went down to Bethany for a “change of scenery.”

Isaiah 43:18-19

"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?

I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."

It really was a nice change of scenery, and I thoroughly enjoyed being with our children and grandchildren even though still in the confines of their home. Getting ready to go there, we had to assemble and pack all of the necessary things and equipment that I need every day. We were only preparing for a week. I thought of how God spoke to Abraham and told him to just pack up and leave the only place that they had known as home in the spur of a moment and go to a place that God would reveal in the future. It wasn’t a week trip but a change for the rest of their lives.

Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Can you imagine the Lord telling you to come out of your comfort zone, pack up your belongings and family and go to who knows where? You talk about a “change of scenery.” Would you be willing to just follow God’s instructions without even one question? Not many of us have been called to do as Abraham did, but what about other things that God has asked of you? Maybe to witness to someone or share your testimony with them. Maybe teach a Sunday School Class. Join the choir. Pass out tracts. Lead your family in daily devotions. Be more faithful in leading your family to church. Volunteering for something out of your comfort zone and may make you nervous. Sharing your salvation experience with your family. (That’s a hard one.) There are so many needs in churches today. Just step out and ask your Pastor where there is a need and fill it.

Deuteronomy 31:8

“And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee,

he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”

Wouldn’t it be sad to stand before the Lord some day and Him show you what you could have accomplished for the faith if you had just stepped into some new scenery and out of your comfort zone? Don’t delay to think about it when God lays something on your heart. Just do as Abraham did and say, “Yes, Lord.”

Psalms 32:8

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

Think how many more people we could reach for Christ if we would come out of our comfort zones and explore a change of scenery. How many more souls could be saved and lives changed? By making new changes of scenery, we are compelled to grow in our own spiritual lives and challenge us and strengthen our own faith. Are you willing to step out and change your scenery for the cause of Christ?

Joshua 1:9

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

2 Timothy 1:7

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Paradise?

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 16:56:13 GMT

1 Peter 4:12-13

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

If I were to ask you to describe what “paradise” would look like to you, what would you say? Most likely you would picture a beautiful beach scene with abundant sunshine and not a cloud in the sky. Blue skies and a warm climate. If you had a vote, you would probably cast your ballot for this scene every day of your life, wouldn’t you?

Of course, we would all would prefer sunshine over storms and rain. But if it never rained again, what would our world look like? I read a book about the life of a Pastor’s wife and this excerpt is from that book. Franklin Elmer described a place of no rain located in Northern Chile. He wrote, “Morning after morning the sun rises brilliantly over the tall mountains to the east; each noon it shines brightly down from overhead; evening brings a picturesque sunset. Although storms are often seen raging high in the mountains, and heavy fog banks are observed far out over the sea, the sun continues to shine on this favored and protected strip of land. One would imagine this area to be an earthly paradise, but it is not. Instead, it is a sterile and desolate desert! There are no streams of water, and nothing grows there.” Nothing will grow in a life free of trials. And a life without “rain” does not exist.

1 Peter 5:10

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

How true that statement is. No one has a life free of trials and heartache. We all have those times of rain and storms. But it is through those trials and struggles that we learn and grow the most if we will fully trust the Lord and ask for His guidance, help, and strength to see us through to the end. Do those times cause us pain? Yes, of course, but God is always teaching, always instructing, always guiding, and always there even though at times we may not believe it or feel it. I have used the quote, “The teacher is always silent during the test” many times and sometimes it is very true. But He IS ALWAYS there. I also read this quote by Corrie Ten Boom, “ If God sends us on stony paths, He provides strong shoes.” God will make a way. He will provide you with the help that you need. You just have to yield to His way and His work.

James 1:12

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

I can’t help but wonder how many storms we go through needlessly because we are not living and doing right and it's God's way of getting our attention. I don't know about you, but I don't want to get the Lord's attention that way. We need to stay close to the Lord and yield our wills to Him daily and live in the way that He instructs us. That's not to say that even if you are in God's will, you will not experience storms. As Christians, we will all experience storms at some point in our lives. It's how we respond to them that makes us either weaker or stronger.

Psalm 34:17

"The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."

You can wish and pray for that “paradise” but that is not how we grow and get stronger as Christians. So, the next time you are going through that storm and you are wishing for the calm of “paradise,” remember that it is during this storm that you will become a stronger Christian not only for yourself but also make you able to help others who may be struggling in the battering wind and rain of life.

1 Peter 1:6-7

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

Joshua 1:9

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Load Us Up Lord

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 02:18:11 GMT

Psalms 68:19

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.”

Did you ever read a verse, and it just made you kind of chuckle? When I read this verse (which I’m sure I have read many times before) that was my reaction. Immediately in my mind I envisioned somebody walking along pushing a wheelbarrow in front of them with blessings piled up and overflowing. As I thought about that word picture, I realized that it really wasn’t any different than the truth of this verse.

Sometimes we are so focused on the things that are wrong in our lives that we don’t realize all the wonderful blessings that God has “placed” in our lives and He has truly blessed us (all) so abundantly. We need to change our focus to the good things and not dwell on the hard things. So, I am going to mention just a very few of them, and you can go on and on with them on your own.

HE COMFORTS US! 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” In the midst of those trials and troubles, we can always go to Him and ask for His help. He will help us and not only help us but also comfort us as we walk through the trials. Sometimes we feel all alone because we don’t ask Him to be with us or to help us. We think we can do it all on our own.

HE CAN TAKE OUR WORRIES AWAY! Psalms 55:22

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Now whether we take it to Him is our decision and whether we leave it with Him is another thing. That’s the hard part sometimes isn’t it? Leaving it there. But He promises to sustain us if we put our trust in Him.

HE WILL HELP YOU! Isaiah 41:10 & 13

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” I have to use my life verses here. They say it all. He WILL help us. We just need to call on Him and again put our trust in Him.

HE GIVES US HOPE! Hebrews 10:23

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)". There isn’t much in this world to hold onto for hope is there? It seems every day that our world gets darker and darker. Thank God we can hold on to His promises as truth and know that His promises are true and that we can count on them and put our hope in them and have the assurance that He will carry them through on our account every time.

HE GIVES US JOY! Acts 2:28

“Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.” He will give us joy if we will look for it. Sometimes I think there are Christians who refuse to be joyful. They don’t want to be joyful. They enjoy walking around with a “woe is me” face. How sad for them and their testimony. God wants to give us joy and fill our hearts with His calm.

There are so many more and I will just list some more with references that you can look up on your own.

HE PROVIDES FOR US! Matthew 6:25-27

HE FORGIVES US! I John 1:9

HE GUIDES US! Psalm 25:5 - James 1:5 - Proverbs 3:5 & 6

And most importantly,

HE SAVES US! Luke 19:10

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Thank God that He sees beyond everything that we are and everything that we do and still wants to save us. Thank God for His unspeakable Gift!

I pray these things will help you “load” up your wheelbarrow today!

Psalms 126:3

“The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”

It’s All About Attitude

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:44:15 GMT

Philippians 2:3-4

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind

let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on

his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Years ago, we flew down Tampa to join in the celebration of the adoption of our grandchildren Brittany and Michael. That flight still sticks out in my mind. Because we made our flight arrangements at the last minute, we found ourselves in the very last 2 seats in the very last row of the plane. The seats were straight up, and we were not able to recline because they were against the back wall. They were visibly smaller (if that’s even possible) and also with less leg room between the seats in front of us. (I’m 5’10” so just in a normal plane seat my knees touch the seat in front of me.) There was no window, and I felt like I was packed into the seat. It’s a good thing I don’t have claustrophobia. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper. I began voicing my displeasure to my husband and to myself.

I finally got settled into what was going to be a very long trip and got my seatbelt fastened. As the rest of the passengers got on board, I watched with interest as the last of them made their way to the back of the plane and took the two seats across the row and one row up. One of the young men immediately made an impression. He came down the aisle with a big smile and greeted everyone on his way back to his seat. The flight attendant helped him find his seat and he struck up an instant

conversation with her. He was upbeat and so happy. You couldn’t help but be pulled into his little world. I continued to watch with curiosity as he interacted with the people around him. I wondered what he was so happy about.

Soon the flight attendant began her spiel that for anyone who does any amount of flying is so routine you can almost repeat it word for word. This young man watched her very intently and when she was finished, he broke out in cheers and clapping his hands. Well, now he really had my attention not to mention the rest of the people on the plane.

As I sat there studying this young man (which thankfully took my mind off my own circumstances), I wondered at his attitude as he continued happily talking to everyone around him for the rest of the flight.

Ephesians 4:31-32

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. Ouch! It was all about attitude . I was complaining about my circumstances which in the whole realm of life were not that earth-shaking and here this young man on the same plane was so full of happiness and joy. (Ok, so he wasn’t shoved in the corner of the plane like I was, but I really don’t think it would have changed his joyful attitude at all had he been.)

Colossians 3:23

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Have you ever watched two different people react to the same set of circumstances? I have. It is amazing the spectrum of reactions that you will see. Some act like it is the end of the world and others respond to the very same situation and take it in stride without missing a beat. What makes the difference? Is the situation the same? Yes! It’s all about attitude. Some people are just

determined to think that the world revolves around them and their happiness. It’s all about “my” comfort, “my” pain, and “my” circumstances. Always dwelling on me, me, me. Philippians 2:3-4 tells us to stop dwelling on ourselves and hold others in high esteem.

Proverbs 17:22

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

In recent years, as most of you know, I have been struggling with my health and pain. I have been pretty much housebound and not able to get around very well. I made the decision early on that I don’t want to be known as that person who dwells on myself and more importantly, I want to honor the Lord because He is ultimately the One Who allows and orchestrates my life and circumstances. I choose to trust Him and His plan for my life. I also am reminded that there are so many people in so much worse circumstances. Why should I complain? Think about everything that

Jesus went through for us and never once complained or whined about His circumstances. We should be ashamed sometimes of our reactions and attitude towards hardships or inconveniences.

Attitude is so important in the way that we live our lives and how we represent the Savior Who we as Christians claim. So, before you react to circumstances in your life, stop, pause and think about your attitude. Is it Christ-honoring or self-honoring?

Galatians 5:22

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”

You’re Not Home Yet!

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 02:07:35 GMT

“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.”

Hebrews 13:14

Every year here at Fairwinds we have our month-long Missions Month. What a blessing it is to hear about the various fields from some of the missionaries that we already support and any new missionary that we take on to support.

As I was watching Dr. David Jeremiah one time, I heard him tell this story. It was one that I had heard before, but I thought was worth repeating as it has to do with missionaries and really anyone who serves the Lord and it was an encouragement to me. I pray that it will speak to you today and be an

encouragement to your heart also.

An old missionary couple had been working in Africa for years, and they were returning to New York City to retire. They had no pension; their health was broken; they were defeated, discouraged, and afraid. They discovered they were booked on the same ship as President Teddy Roosevelt, who was returning from one of his big-game hunting expeditions. No one paid much attention to them. They watched the fanfare that accompanied the President’s entourage, with passengers trying to catch a glimpse of the great man. As the ship moved across the ocean, the old missionary said to his wife, "Something is wrong. Why should we have given our lives in faithful service for God in Africa all these many years and have no one care a thing about us? Here this man comes back from a hunting trip and everybody makes much over him, but nobody gives two hoots about us." "Dear, you shouldn’t feel that way," his wife said. "I can’t help it; it doesn’t seem right." When the ship docked in New York, a band was waiting to greet the President. The mayor and other dignitaries were there. The papers were full of the President’s arrival, but no one noticed this missionary couple. They slipped off the ship and found a cheap flat on the East side, hoping the next day to see what they could do to make a living in the city. That night, the man’s spirit broke. He said to his wife, "I can’t take this; God is not treating us fairly." His wife replied, "Why don’t you go into the bedroom and tell that to the Lord?" A short time later he came out from the bedroom, but now his face was completely different. His wife asked, "Dear, what happened?" "the Lord settled it with me," he said. "I told him how bitter I was that the President should receive this tremendous homecoming, when no one met us as we returned home. And when I finished, it seemed as though the Lord put his hand on my shoulder and simply said, ‘ But you’re not home yet! ’"

(From Talking To My Father, by Ray Stedman. Barbour & Co. 1997)

What an uplifting and encouraging thought. Sometimes we get so dragged down by this world and forget that this world is not our home, we are just passing through. Pastor Nate touched on this in his sermon today. It doesn’t matter if you are on the platform where everyone can see or if you are a faithful servant behind the scenes that no one sees. Even if you can do nothing more than be a prayer warrior, God sees no difference in service to Him. There are no levels of importance in serving the Lord with your whole heart. Is your heart heavy today? Do you feel like everything you do is not noticed or not appreciated? Are you just plain tired of fighting the fight? If you

are discouraged today, just remember “We’re Not Home Yet!”

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:”

Philippians 3:20

We’re Not Home Yet!

This old world is filled with disappointments and trouble every day.

Many times I get discouraged and I almost lose my way.

Then I remember I'm just a pilgrim, in this troubled world below.

That's the reason I keep singing as I go.

We're not home yet children. So keep your eyes on the Savior.

Just a few more days to labor and we'll sit down beside the river.

How we long to be with Jesus and our loved ones gone before us.

There's a better day a comin'. We're not home yet!

- Song Written by Jean Bradford

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Colossians 3:23-24

The White Flag is Waving

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:25:22 GMT

Philippians 3:13-14

It has been a long, hard race. Some laps have had mountains to climb and yet others you seemingly coasted along. The race at times has become monotonous, each lap running over into the next. You try to keep your eyes focused on the finish line when it will be worth it all. There have been many distractions along the way that have taken your focus off of the finish line and maybe even your purpose for even being in this race. You quickly readjust your attention to the goal ahead of you. Losing your focus could cost you the race or at least precious time that can never be regained. You are beginning to get weary and wonder if you will make it. But wait! What is that up ahead? You strain your eyes to get a better look. Is it? Could it be? Yes, right up ahead you see a white flag waving. The warning flag that you are about to enter the very last lap . You get a renewed strength and vigor that you didn’t know you had within you. This is it. It’s the last lap. The finish line is not much farther ahead.

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”

1 Corinthians 9:24

I know very little about almost every sport, especially racing, other than cars go around in circles until someone crosses the finish line and wins. But when I heard it explained what the white flag meant, I thought about the word picture that it painted in my mind of these last days. We are all in that last lap. The white flag is waving, and the checkered flag is within sight. How is your race going? Are you going to make it across the finish line? Have you been distracted along the way and have pulled off the track? Did you have to make a pit stop and replace some parts or make some adjustments? Have you just stopped on the track and said, “I just can’t do it, I quit”? Do you feel as though you have just lost too much time so what would be the use to get back in the race now?

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Philippians 4:13

“ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Galatians 6:9

There are so many reasons why we can lose sight of that finish line but in light of eternity none of them will hold up in God’s eyes. No one who has lived life for any length of time will tell you it has been a walk in the park. Everyone has struggles and trials in their lives. Some people are surprised that when they become Christians everything is not a bed of roses. Sometimes the opposite is true. Satan doesn’t want Christians to live for the Lord, so he will throw every monkey wrench he can into our lives to discourage us and disable us.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

Hebrews 12:1

So fellow racer and Christian don’t be discouraged. If you have slowed down, be encouraged and speed back up. If you have quit, get back up and get back in the race. Let’s stay in the race. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:25 that when we see the end approaching to not slow down, but to be even more involved. Be even more faithful! The white flag is waving and the checkered flag is within sight. Let’s finish our race in victory!

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;

but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:25

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself,

so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry,

which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Acts 20:24

Will YOU Stand in the Gap?

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 17:28:44 GMT

“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.”

Ezekiel 22:30

There is a saying in churches that I have heard many times over the years. “Most churches have 10% of the people doing 90% of the work and the other 90% are willing to let them.” We have been very blessed at Fairwinds with many saints over the years who have served the Lord without reserve. Whenever there is a function at Fairwinds or work to be done, they are the people who don’t even have to be asked to join in and help, they are there. Whenever food is needed, they bring it. Whenever there is food to be served, they serve it. Whenever there is help needed anywhere in the ministry, they are there ready to serve. Whenever there are services, they are there. You never have to wonder if they will be there to help if there is a need.

“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.”

1 Corinthians 3:9

There are many names that I could list here but hesitate because I would not want to miss any. But those of you have attended Fairwinds for any length of time, their faces are coming into your mind right now. I started thinking about those people that we have had and have in our church who have been so faithful over the years. You know you can count on them to be there and to pitch in and help whenever and wherever it is needed. But then I started to wonder what will happen as they are no longer able to fill that spot. Those who have passed on or like I find myself these days, physically not able to anymore. (We can always be prayer warriors who lift those up who are able.) Who will stand in the gap? Who will fill their position? It seems in the day and age that we live in, it gets harder and harder to get people involved in the ministry of the church. In this day of technology that is supposed to make life easier, it seems that everyone is busier than ever. Our priorities change. Serving the Lord moves further down the list of importance in our lives.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Colossians 3:23-24

As Pastor Nate preached a few weeks ago, we all are given at 12:00 am every single day, 1440 minutes. No more, no less. We don’t “earn” extra nor are we penalized and lose minutes. Time is no respecter of persons, stage of life, or importance. Do we have any less time than others before us? No! We all are given the same amount. It all boils down to priorities, doesn’t it? If you don’t make your church a priority, then it really isn’t important to you, is it? You can say you love the Lord and your church, but if your actions don’t back that up, what good is it? It’s like the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:1

“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.”

What does that say about your spiritual life? Are you just going through the motions and saying all the right things, but yet living and acting another way? All questions we all need to ask ourselves. Serving in your church should not be drudgery or a burden. We should all have a servant’s heart and look for opportunities to serve and be a blessing in our church because we love our church and we want God’s blessings on our life. Also, it is the very least that we can do after all that HE has done for us.

“Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord:”

1 Chronicles 29:9

So how are you doing? Do you serve Him in your church with an eager and willing heart? Do you look for ways that you can help or do you shrink away when you think you may be asked to do something? Are you teaching your children that it is a privilege and honor to be able to serve the Lord in church? Do they see you acting that truth out in your life with joy? After all, someday THEY will be the ones who will need to fill in the gap. Will they have learned and experienced the joy of serving through you? After all what we teach our children is not so much what has been “taught” but what is “caught.” It’s all the attitude of the heart.

Who will stand in the gap? Are you willing? Will YOU stand in the gap?

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

What a Difference a Day Makes!

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 02:24:09 GMT

Hebrews 4:14-16

"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. "

I read this story and was reminded how true this can be in our own lives.

The story of a parakeet named Chippie reminds me of the pressures and unexpected circumstances we can face in life. Chippie never saw it coming. One second he was peacefully perched in his cage. The next he was sucked in, washed up, and blown over. The problem began when Chippie's owner decided to clean Chippie's cage with her vacuum cleaner. It was when she turned to answer the phone that Chippie accidentally got sucked in.

The owner gasped, put down the phone, turned off the vacuum, and opened the bag. There was Chippie-still alive, but stunned. She grabbed him and raced to the bathroom to wash him off. Then, realizing that Chippie was soaked and shivering, she reached for the hair dryer and blasted the pet with hot air. Poor Chippie never knew what hit him.

A few days after the trauma, a reporter contacted Chippie's owner to see how the bird was recovering. "Well," she replied, "Chippie doesn't sing much anymore-he just sits and stares."

What a difference one day, one phone call, one pink slip, one health report, etc. can make. We may start our day out singing on our perch and by the end of the day will have lost our song and just sit and stare. Each of us have experienced those life-changing moments. It’s not so much the events that change us, but our response to these events. God never promised us that everything in our Christian walk would be smooth; that we would skip through life without any detours, accidents, or road blocks. I’m sure when Chippie was sitting high on his perch, everything was great in his little birdy world. Little did he know what was ahead.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

The mountain tops are awesome and wonderful in our lives, aren’t they? I’d be the first one to raise my hand and say, “yes, I love it up there.” God wants us to rejoice in them and bask in His blessings, but our strength comes when we are down in that valley and totally dependent on His power and strength to get us out. If we never had trials our trust muscles would never get exercised and strengthened and the slightest storm or trial would knock us down. We don’t like to think about it or admit it, but isn’t it true that our strength becomes stronger by having gone through the hard times? Sometimes we think when everything is going great that we are somehow partly responsible for that and pat ourselves on the back. Pride sets in. We need to learn to trust God and give HIM the praise for both times although I know how hard it is sometimes when you are in the depths of despair and pain. That’s when our faith is put to the test. Will you pass or fail?

Proverbs 27:1 is so true.

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

Thank the Lord we have a God as it says in the verses above Who is “touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” He knows what we are going through and only He can give the comfort and guidance that we so desperately need.

1 Peter 5:7 says,

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

God loves us and He wants to help us. We just need to learn to hand it all over to Him and then the hard part is LEAVING it there. Then unlike Chippie, we can get back up on our perch and sing our hearts out in praise to the Lord acknowledging that He alone is our strength.

And a verse that always encourages my heart.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Let’s Go Fishing

Mon, 26 May 2025 17:52:45 GMT

2 Corinthians 12:10

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong .”

It's that time of year again when boats are coming out and being uncovered, fishing gear is taken out and getting ready to start the new fishing season. I’ve never really been one to go fishing. When we would be at the cabin up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, it seems that there was always someone out on the lake just waiting for the big one to hit their line. For one thing, I never even used to like to eat fish (I do now), let alone sit for hours in a boat. When my family would have huge fish fries, which always smelled so good, I would be eating mac and cheese out of the box. Sad, isn't it? Now looking back I sure missed out on a lot of good fish fries.

The other thing was that it seemed to me to be a sport as boring as watching paint dry. Just sitting there hour after hour watching a little string sitting in the water and hoping to catch something. And then there are the smelly, slimy fish themselves. I didn’t want any parts of the whole experience. Funny how your perspective of things changes as you get older. Sitting in a boat and just watching a string in the water somehow now sounds pretty restful and calming now. (Just the string – no hook or lure because I still have no desire to actually touch the slimy things.)

Our lake is a fairly small one and they would catch northern pike for the most part and sometimes they were pretty big. My brother Everett Wayne had a boat at that time and sometimes the guys would go out on Lake Superior and fish for lake trout and king salmon. Bigger fish.

The bigger the fish, the bigger or thicker the line that they had to use.

1 Peter 5:10

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen , settle you.”

I think it is interesting that they call the line “test line.” What does that mean? Well, like I said I don’t know much about fishing except what I learned from watching my family fish. I learned that the stronger or thicker the test line, the bigger fish you could catch. The thin lines could never handle catching a big fish. The line would break under the pressure or stress put on the line.

James 1:12

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

I believe that sometimes God puts trials into our lives to make “us” stronger. If we were put out in the middle of a tragic trial with only a small test line, we would certainly fail and our line would break under the stress. He lovingly builds our faith and our “spiritual strength” by guiding us and encouraging us to trust Him. And each time we trust Him and depend on His strength to see us through hard times, our strength builds and builds. Is it always easy? No! Does it sometimes hurt? Yes, but that is where our faith needs to grow. We need to read scripture to strengthen our walk and our trust in Him. As we do, we move up to the next size “test line” . Does God do these things in our lives because He doesn’t care? No, He does it to help us in those times when we find ourselves in the deep sea and waves are crashing all around us.

1 Peter 1:7

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

We can be confident, because we know that through the process of previous conflicts, trials, and hurts, we have grown stronger and now our “spiritual test line” is strong and can withstand the stormy waters. Trust Him today. Don’t look at the struggles that you are going through as God turning His back on you, but lovingly making you stronger.

How strong is your test line?

2 Corinthians 12:9

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Prescription Side Effects

Mon, 19 May 2025 18:10:42 GMT

Exodus 15:26

“… If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and

wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his

commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these

diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am

the Lord that healeth thee.”

(“?Prescription drug” is not for everyone. “Prescription drug?” may cause serious, even life threatening, allergic reactions.

Stop taking “Prescription drug” and call your doctor right away if you have any signs of a serious allergic reaction. Some signs are

swelling of your face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue, throat or neck or if you have any trouble breathing, or have a rash, hives or

blisters. “Prescription drug” may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Patients,

family members or caregivers should call the doctor right away if they notice suicidal thoughts or actions, thoughts of self harm, or

any unusual changes in mood or behavior. These changes may include new or worsening depression, anxiety, restlessness,

trouble sleeping, panic attacks, anger, irritability, agitation, aggression, dangerous impulses or violence, or extreme increases in

activity or talking. “Prescription drug?” may cause swelling of your hands, legs and feet, which can be serious for people with

heart problems. “Prescription drug?” may cause dizziness and sleepiness. You should not drive or work with machines until you

know how “Prescription drug?” affects you. Also, tell your doctor right away about muscle pain or problems along with feeling sick

and feverish, or any changes in your eyesight including blurry vision, or if you have any kidney problems or get dialysis. Some of

the most common side effects of “Prescription drug?” are dizziness, blurry vision, weight gain, sleepiness, trouble concentrating,

swelling of your hands and feet, dry mouth, and feeling “high.” If you have diabetes, tell your doctor about any skin sores. Do not

stop taking “Prescription drug?” without talking to your doctor. If you stop suddenly you may have headaches, nausea, diarrhea,

trouble sleeping, increased sweating, or you may feel anxious. If you have epilepsy, you may have seizures more often.)

We’ve all seen these commercials, right? It’s almost comical. Doesn’t it make you want to run right out and get some of these medicines? NOT! By the time you are finished watching the commercial, you think to yourself, “who in their right mind would want to take this stuff given the chance of all these side effects?” I guess desperation will sometimes make you want to try it. I have been dealing with neuropathy in both feet for many years now (and now legs and hands) and it has been getting progressively worse and yes, I was one of those unfortunate people who was so desperate to try some of these prescriptions and no, they did not work. In the last 3 ½ years I have been dealing with back pain, 3 surgeries and the addition of many other prescriptions. (If you would, please pray for me today as I have surgery #4. I covet your prayers.) So, the many doctors I have seen, even at Johns Hopkins, have tried this drug and that over the years. But to no avail.

Psalms 103:3

“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;”

I know that I am not the only one who has gone to the doctor to find a solution to a problem and the doctor has tried one thing after another only to keep coming up with no solution and more doctor visits. Again, that’s why they call it “practicing” medicine. I just wish they didn’t have to “practice” on me. Don’t you wish that when you went to the doctor with a problem, they would say the first time, “Oh yes, I know exactly what is wrong and what to prescribe or do” and then do it and voila, problem solved? No such thing. At least, very rarely.

Deuteronomy 7:15

“And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.”

God has taught me many lessons over the last 3 ½ years about waiting on Him. I don't think patience comes easy to anyone. We want instant relief and an instant cure. Looking back on illnesses and sicknesses over the years when I was down for a week or two seems so small to me now. I don’t mean to take away from anyone's pain or serious illnesses because sickness or any pain of any kind and length of time is serious and concerning. So, I may be talking to myself here for a while.

Exodus 23:25

“And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread,

and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.”

I find it interesting as I read these passages in Scripture, that God doesn’t give any disclaimers with his healing prescriptions. He just says that He will heal, and He does! No side effects. No lasting repercussions. Just healing. True healing and perfect healing. Oh, that we could experience that today. Oh, but wait, we can! We can take our broken lives and bodies to the Lord and lay them at the cross. Relinquish our rights, our wills and our ideas. Then, and only then, will He lay His healing hands on our broken and diseased bodies and bring true healing and “new” life. Will it always be the healing that we are expecting or yearn for? No, it will be in God's time and in God's way. That's when our trust in the Lord is so important. We have to trust that He knows what is best even if it's not what we want. Sometimes He brings perfect healing by taking us home to Heaven where we will experience no pain, no discomfort, no medicine, and no more tears. Longing for that day. The question is – are we willing to give up our wills? Take your hurting life and heart to the Master Physician today for complete and ultimate healing!

Jeremiah 30:17

“For I will restore health unto thee,

and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord;”

Jeremiah 17:14

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me,

and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.”

What If...?

Mon, 12 May 2025 20:17:29 GMT

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with

thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace

of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and

minds through Christ Jesus. 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 virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things .”

Philippians 4:6-8

What if I don’t get that job? What if I get a bad diagnosis? What if my children stray from God? What if I lose my home? What if someone hurts me? What if I fail? What if ……….. We have all played the “What if” game. It’s only human nature, but it’s when we keep rehearsing the “What ifs” in our mind with no answers in sight that it becomes dangerous.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

Do you know that statistics show that 85-90% of the things that people worry about never happen? That is pretty staggering, isn’t it? That’s a lot of wasted worry and emotions over nothing. How much precious time and energy do we use up worrying and fretting over things that most likely will never happen? Sad, given the fact that we already complain about having precious little time in our lives.

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Matthew 6:34

There are many people in the Bible who said “What if.” Remember when God told Moses that He wanted him to lead the children of Israel, and Moses said, “but Lord what if they don’t want to follow me?” How about when Joseph’s brothers went to him in Egypt during the famine and they said, “ what if our brother holds what we did to him against us?” And then there were the Hebrew children, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They asked, “what if the flames consume us?” But look at their response below in Daniel 3:17-18. They changed the “what if” into “even if.”

“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not , be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”

Daniel 3:17-18

So, it looks like it is all about our response. How will you respond even if the worst happens? We need to change our minds and hearts to say, “no matter what happens in my life Lord, I will trust You.” Wow, I have to admit that that is not easy, is it? Putting our total faith and trust in Him no matter what our circumstances. We pray and ask God to remove the storms from our lives (and we should) but sometimes like the picture in our counseling room says, “Sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.” So what storm are you in today? Are you rehearsing the “what ifs?” Have you yielded to His way? Have you placed your life and trust into His hands? Do you have faith in Him? Do you trust Him? Let’s change our “What If” into “Even If!”.

Psalms 18:2

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust ; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

Habakkuk 3:17-18

(What if) “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: (Even if) Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

1 Peter 5:7

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Sin Stinks

Mon, 05 May 2025 15:22:52 GMT

“My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness (sins).”

Psalms 38:5

Sight and Sound in Lancaster always does such an outstanding job in all of their productions. We look forward to each one. Years ago, we saw “Jonah” and it was fantastic. I’m sure you are all familiar with the story of Jonah, but I will give a short recap of his story just to refresh your memory. The people of Nineveh were evil people who had invaded and killed many in Jonah’s country. God spoke to Jonah one day and told him that He wanted Jonah to:

“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.”

Jonah 1:2

Jonah hated these people and wanted nothing to do with them much less go and try to save them from God’s judgment, so he ran and tried to hide from God. Really? Did he really think that he could hide from an all-knowing and all-seeing God? We think we can sometimes, don’t we? He ended up getting on a ship in Joppa headed for Tarshish thinking that he could get even farther away from God’s presence. While on board, a storm arises, and it’s discovered that Jonah is the reason for the raging waters all around them. Jonah told the men on the ship about his disobedience and told them to throw him overboard and the sea would calm. The storm got so violent, that even though they didn’t want to, to save their own lives they threw Jonah over the side of the ship. (Let me stop here and ask, did you ever wonder why, if Jonah knew he was the reason for the storm, why didn’t he just jump out of the boat himself? Interesting to think about and another devotional could probably be written about that.)

“Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.”

Ecclesiastes 10:1

God had prepared a “great fish” to swallow Jonah. Even then God was giving Jonah another chance because he could have just drowned, end of story. But God showed His mercy once again to Jonah. Thank God that He shows His mercy to us every day. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” Psalms 103:8 Thank God that we don’t always get what we deserve. Jonah spent 3 days and nights in the belly of the fish. Can you imagine the stench? Can you imagine the thoughts that must have gone through Jonah’s mind not knowing if he would live or die? He finally cried out to the Lord to forgive him, and the Lord caused the fish to spit Jonah out on land. What a sight he must have been. Stinky, filthy, and hungry.

“And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink;

Isaiah 3:24

Sight and Sound used different “signs” to subtly add to the story. At one point as Jonah is running from God, a skunk appears on the scene and sprays Jonah. In the program brochure they explained that they used this scene because “sin stinks.” I thought that was a great visual (and smelly) illustration of sin. Everywhere Jonah went after that, people would back away from him because of the smell. Sin does that to people. You can try to hide it or mask it with perfume, but still underneath it all, “sin still stinks.” It wasn’t until Jonah asked for God’s forgiveness, that he was truly washed clean and freed from the stench of sin. You may try to hide and mask your sin. Maybe you try to cover it with perfume when you come to church or are around other Christians, but you can’t hide it from God. He knows your heart and He knows your weaknesses. We have all seen the results that sin can bring. Smoking, drinking, and a sinful lifestyle. These are all obvious sins, but you may have secret sins in your life that maybe only you know about. You think that you can hide them and that no one knows. So, before you say to yourself “My sin is not as bad as …,” remember that all sin is the same in God’s eyes. There are no degrees of sin. God knows you better than anyone ever could. He is not standing to condemn, He wants to forgive, but you have to ask. Examine your heart today and ask God what things there are in your life that are a stench to His nostrils. It may not be an easy thing to ask of God, because He will tell you and then you will have to deal with them. We all need to do this, even daily, to have that sweet fragrant walk with God.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.”

Ephesians 5:1-2

Clear the Brush and Weeds!

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:27:43 GMT

" I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away:

and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit."

John 15:1-2

At this time of year everyone takes extra effort with their yards and property to clean out the results of a long hard winter. Weeds have grown and are overtaking flower beds and landscaping. You don’t really realize how overgrown they are until you take a close look at how much they have gotten out of control. What starts out as a little sprout and not that noticeable, ends up growing large and quickly chokes out the good plants and trees.

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

2 Corinthians 7:1

As many of you know we live in the woods, and we often have to fight this battle. This past week we had someone come in and take down the dead trees and all the underbrush that have grown and taken over. Because I have a front row seat sitting on my back porch, I was able to see the transformation. Little by little they started pulling out the underbrush that was just wildly growing and encompassing everything. Then they took down some dead trees that had fallen in the last year or so. I have been looking at all of that for so long that I didn't even realize how bad things had gotten. But as they began to clear out all the brush and dead trees, I could see fresh new growth and green everywhere. What a difference that made. It lifted my spirits just seeing the old mess and weeds gone and good, healthy trees left to enjoy.

“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;”

Isaiah 1:16

I think every now and then we need to take a good, focused look at our lives and see all the brush and the dead trees that have accumulated. They grow so slowly that we hardly notice their harmful effects. We need to have the brush and weeds of unwanted thoughts, wrong feelings, worry, despair, anger, and sinfulness that have slowly crept in and purge them from our lives. If we don’t, the weeds and brush will take necessary nutrients from the healthy growth. We also need to take down the dead trees that clutter our lives and are taking up space and eventually become a hazard. Then, when we have purged all the weeds in our lives, we need to plant the flowers of happiness, right thoughts, trust, faith and spend more time fellowshipping with the Lord in the beautiful garden.

“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.”

Matthew 5:29

We need to be careful when we deal with our sin to deal with the roots. Just cutting them off at the surface will not get rid of them permanently. They will eventually grow back. So, we need to get beneath the surface to the root of it. Jonathan Edwards, a pastor and theologian from the 18th century, said this about dealing with the root of sin in one of his famous "Resolutions" :

“Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.”

It Will Be Worth It All When We See Jesus!

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:49:48 GMT

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy

to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Romans 8:18

This is one of my favorite songs that I sing to myself often. It was written by Esther Kerr Rusthoi in 1930. Esther was going through some particular hard and difficult times in her own life when she wrote these words down on paper. I know we all have gone through or are going through difficult times in our lives, but we just need to keep reminding ourselves that as the song says, “This is not our home we're just passing through.” I think most of us get caught up and distracted with everyday life and we begin to believe in the notion that this is all there is. What we live here on earth in the now. We need to remember that this isn't all there is and that our lives here on earth are lived with one thing and goal in mind, that Heaven is our home and that is our final destination for all eternity. Praise God!

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

James 1:2-4

As I write this, one of my lifelong friends who has been battling cancer for several years is getting ready to meet Jesus. It breaks my heart as she has been a friend almost from the beginning of her life. One of the sweetest people that I have ever had the pleasure to know on a personal level. She and I talked or texted every day for the last many months as her health declined and mine also. She called me about a week ago and we talked about Heaven and how wonderful it is going to be. She prayed for me, and I prayed for her through tears. But now she is getting ready to meet her Savior that she has served and loved all these years. Her strength and faith have been such an encouragement to me. Her faith never faltered. I will miss her so very much and her friendship in my life.

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”

2 Corinthians 4:17

I think about the heroes of faith talked about in Hebrews 11. They went through so much in their lifetimes. They were stoned, they were persecuted, they were ostracized from their families, they were put in unbelievable circumstances but yet chose to praise the Lord and put their faith in Him even as they faced death. Many of us are going through trials and heartaches, so we need to follow their example by putting our trust and faith in God and His plan and purpose for our lives. We may not understand it, we may not like it at times, it may be unbelievably painful, but still His truth remains. So, we need to trust Him; we need to have faith in His plan for our lives even though sometimes it makes no sense. As most of us have experienced, that is easier said than done, isn't it? But as we do, our faith gets stronger and then something incredible and wonderful happens. We start to look forward to Heaven so much more and what awaits us there and most of all seeing the face of our Savior and Lord. Be strong and steadfast knowing that our reward in Heaven will make all the suffering and trials down here worthwhile.

Sing it with me:

“Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,

We’re tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;

But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,

All tears forever over in God’s eternal day”

“ It will be worth it all when we see Jesus ,

Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,

So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

But until then ……..

A Sigh and a Song

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:43:51 GMT

“ 1 How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou

hide thy face from me? 2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having

sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep

the sleep of death; 4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him;

and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

6 I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.”

Psalm 13:1-6

I love the book of Psalms. I have read it over and over again. It is always an encouragement to me. There is so much packed in that book of short chapters. One time I went through each chapter and underlined or highlighted the beginning of the chapter which was many times David lamenting and crying out to God about what was going on in his life. But I love how by the end of the chapter, he is rejoicing and praising God even in his difficult and hard times. I highlighted those last verses as well. If you can, sometime you should do the same. It will amaze you and encourage you how uplifting reading and highlighting those verses will be in your own life and situations. It brings this verse to mind.

"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort

them who are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith

we ourselves are comforted of God."

2 Corinthians 1:4

How many times do we go through situations and trials thinking that there is no end to our pain and suffering? That things will never change. The book of Psalms is so encouraging when we see how David starts out in so much sorrow and pain but by the end of the chapter his attitude changes and he is rejoicing and praising the Lord. Does that mean that God fixed all of his problems, and everything is great, and problems resolved? No! If

you read carefully, you will see that David still has threats on his life and many other issues that still plague him. So, what does that mean? It means that no matter what is going on in your life and whatever circumstance you are in, that we should still praise Him.

"I will bless the LORD at all times:

his praise shall continually be in my mouth."

Psalm 34:1

Is that easy? I will be the first to tell you that it is not. But as we mature in our spiritual journey, we learn that we need to depend on the Lord and trust in His will for our lives. That’s not always what we want to hear or experience but as I have said before, that is what grows our “trust muscles” and makes us stronger followers of Christ.

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Are you going through a trial right now? Do you feel like there is no hope? No end? No solution? That you or things will never be “normal” again? We all go through these times in our lives and if we look at the physical and hard circumstances that we face, it is easy to take our eyes off the Lord and dwell on our own pain. But don’t give up and don’t give in. Regardless of your situation, set your eyes on the Lord. Praise even when you don’t feel like it. Sing praise songs and it will amaze you that after a while you will be singing with your heart being refreshed and strengthened. Remember that God is working this out for your good even if we can’t see it. Trust in Him!

“ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love

God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28

“… And all my life You have been faithful

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.”

Is Your Praise Greater Than Your Pain?

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:28:41 GMT

"I will bless the Lord at ALL times: praise shall continually be in my mouth".

Psalm 34:1

I ’m not going to lie, the past 3 years have not been a Sunday School picnic. Starting with 2 failed back surgeries and the progression of my small fiber neuropathy and then year before last (2023) the passing of my precious Dad, my mother-in-law Vincetta, and then my sweet sister Trudy. All within a few weeks. Then throw in my husband Carlo’s heart attack and quadruple by-pass. I’ve always said that our family doesn’t do calm and easy. (Probably because there is Italian blood in the mix. ;) ) Because I have been down so long, obviously I have had a lot of time to think. Right from the beginning though, I made the decision to get “better” not “bitter.” I know getting bitter is so easy to do and I will admit there have been moments when I have been tempted to fall into that trap. You might have to remind yourself to not get bitter and choose better.

“ Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” Psalm 150:6

I have watched many people over the years and have observed how they respond to trials and pain. It really is about a conscious decision to choose joy over defeat. Notice that I didn’t say happiness because that is ever changing and temporary, but joy comes from deep in your soul and mind. Joy comes only from the Lord. Remember the Sunday School song, “The Joy of the Lord is My Strength?” We draw strength from the Lord as we experience joy.

“…for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Do you know that Satan would love nothing more than to see you defeated and discouraged but I think it confuses and angers him when he sees someone praising the Lord in the midst of their trials. Remember Job? That’s a good book to read when you are down in the dumps and think that nobody has trouble and pain like you do. Wow! That poor man really went through trial after trial and in a constant state of pain and persecution from his “friends.” I don’t think any of us have had it that bad. Yet the Bible tells us that he didn’t lose faith and still trusted the Lord to bring him through. I wonder if Job sang praises to the Lord? I find singing songs to the Lord not only honors Him but also you will find that it lifts your spirit. And no, I don’t mean singing “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.” God knows and He cares. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” “ I Sing Praises to His Name.” And my favorite song that I sing all the time, “It is Well With My Soul.” So many other praise songs run through my mind. Even songs of praise sung through tears will soon turn your tears into joy. The song, “Tears Are a Language God Understands,” comes to mind. You may say, “I don’t feel like singing praises.” Remember your feelings are what always get you in trouble. Remember the saying, “Fake it until you make it?” I’m not saying to fake it, but once you start singing, you will be surprised how when you meditate on the words, that God will turn your sorrow into joy and praise.

“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.” Psalm 28:7

If you are going through a trial and you are in pain (physical or heart), start singing. Rejoice in the Lord. Sometimes we get so focused on our own pain and troubles that that’s all we see and feel. I think about so many others who are going through much greater pain and trials, and it makes me realize that it could be so much worse. When we take our eyes off ourselves, it forces us to reach out to others and pray for them and try to encourage them in the Lord to not give up. To make our praise greater than our pain. It truly is “Well With My Soul” and I am safely “In His Hands.”

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” John 16:20