Changing the Face of Love

I must be getting old – a quick glance and I see my mother’s hands at the end of my arms – yes I am getting old. I think I’m getting a little cranky too because I do not like what I am seeing on TV. Pardon my spew but show after show after show and over half the commercials deal with illicit sexual content. What is that teaching our young people? Just this week the Parents Television Council reports the broadcast television networks favor adultery and promiscuity over marital intimacy, and in a new study, suggests that “many in Hollywood are actively seeking to undermine marriage by consistently showing it in a negative manner.” In addition the violence is so graphic and it’s ok to use foul language and use the Lord’s name in a disrespectful & highly offensive manner. The choices have grown very small as to what various age groups can view on TV these days. The Disney channel is about where regular TV was 40 years ago – in need of parental guidance. We’re down to a few game shows, sports, men quit laughing, and a small percentage of the reality shows. That’s about it.

I was reading in 1st Corinthians chapter 8 where Paul is addressing some of the issues of the day that members of the church had requested his counsel. And while I am aware he is addressing dietary issues the 9th verse just leapt off the page at me.

But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. -- 1 Corinthians 8:8-9NIV

String a pearl: In the God’s Word translation, “But be careful that by using your freedom you don't somehow make a believer who is weak in faith fall into sin”.

Yep, that’s verse 9 again – different translation – yes I am repeating it – instant replay if that terminology is more comfortable. We have so much freedom in this country that we have run amok! We’re changing the face of love. What does TV show the face of love to be? Certainly not family – God maybe?  Not on my TV. Wow, if this keeps up we’re all going to be forced to turn the big box off and talk to each other. Oh Revelation!

I don’t know what the face of God looks like but I love the familiar optical illusion of Him where truths about God are etched in His face. I think I would also see my husband, my family, my friends, my church and myself in the face of His love. You too?

You are loved,
Lyndi

THE PRODIGAL SON RETOLD

Luke 15:11-32

Feeling footloose, fancy-free and frisky, this feather-brained fellow finagled his fond father into forking over his fortune. Forthwith, he fled for foreign fields and frittered his farthings feasting fabulously with fair-weathered friends.

Finally, facing famine, and fleeced by his fellows in folly, he found himself a feed flinger in a filthy farmlot. He fain would have filled his frame with foraged food from the fodder fragments.

"Fooey! My father's flunkies fare far fancier" the frazzled fugitive fumed feverishly, frankly facing fact.

Frustrated from failure and filled with forebodings, he fled for his family. Falling at his father's feet, he floundered forlornly. "Father, I have flunked and fruitlessly forfeited further family favors."

But the faithful father, forestalling further flinching, frantically flagged his flunkies to set forth the finest fatling and fix a feast.

The fugitive's fault-finding frater, faithfully farming his father's fields for free, frowned at this fickle forgiveness of formal falderal. His fury flashed, but fussing was futile.

His foresighted father figured, "Such filial fidelity is fine, but what forbids fervent festivities? The fugitive is found! Unfurl the flags! With fanfare flaring, let fun, frolic and frivolity flow freely, former failures forgotten and folly forsaken. Forgiveness forms a firm foundation for future fortitude."

That fun formulation of this famous parable of Jesus is called The Prodigal Son in the key of F and was originally written by Rev. John Garlock and Gwen Jones in the 1940s (see p. 10 of A/G Heritage, Fall 1990).

A pearl to string: Salvation can, but doesn’t always involve being rescued from a life of wallowing with the pigs. And pigpins cannot be fur-lined by parents. There is another son in the story. He wasn't lost..... he never left home, never asked for his inheritance early, never wasted a penny, and served his father every day. If he was never really lost, it follows that there is no need for him to be found. But as the parable unfolds, it becomes clear that there are two prodigal sons. The oldest son had been a part of the safety and nurture of his father’s household his whole life, but had failed to develop a grateful, joyful spirit. And he is lost. There’s a party going on and he won’t participate he remains on the outside judging and calculating whether this is fair or just or deserved for someone far less faithful than him to be celebrated like this. The parable ends unresolved. Here's the truth they each must discover: (John 14:6) Jesus says "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

We are deep and wide in His fadeless love,
Lyndi

The Magnetic Pull of Temptation

Ever notice that the news these days isn't new at all? Same old same old. It still
centers on man’s eternal struggle with temptation and the ever present nose-dive into sin. Temptation is not sin. but it is the forerunner of sin. Temptation is an appeal to the carnal, human mind and flesh to think or do something contrary to God's law of love. It's a force of attraction in the wrong direction. Magnetic! Life altering! Sin will keep you longer than you wanted to stay. It will take you further than you wanted to go. And it will cost you more than you wanted to pay. Sin is treacherous! “The inclination of man is evil from his youth.” (Genesis 7:21) This is a warning shot, at the very beginning of history, across the bow of mankind: Watch yourself; be ever mindful of your negative tendencies to cheat, steal, hurt, to be corrupt, to engage in immoral behavior. The temptation to do wrong is built in to every human being. It is a powerful force, and no one is immune from it. Jesus well understood the subtleties and powers of temptation and the weakness of human beings. On His final night with His disciples, before His crucifixion. He gave them a warning: "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26.-41) I love God's Word. That's pretty clear. How do I keep from entering into temptation and falling into sin? Watch and pray... that's what He said.... watch and pray.

String a pearl: Forgetting how human we are is a serious mistake. It will lead us to lower our spiritual defenses and allow ourselves to draw near situations we ought not. Human nature or, more accurately, carnal mindedness is tuned into temptations. It desires to go the wrong way. It is naturally attracted to Satan's lures. Unless we catch ourselves and resist soon enough, we will be caught off guard and pulled into sin. No human being has the strength to fight this spiritual warfare alone. But though we can do nothing of and by ourselves, Jesus also tells us, "With God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26) When a person is spiritually close to God and relies on God's power, seemingly impossible tasks become possible.

The song "Just a closer walk with thee", just popped into my head: "I am weak, but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong; I’ll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to Thee".

Watch and pray - our hope is in Him
and He loves you,
Lyndi

Set In A Family

Psalms 68 says that He "sets us in families" and Oh.... am I in love with the family God set me in. Each one a treasure that lights up my earth time. Then God decorated my life with so many lovely friends.... they are the jewels that sparkle and glow. Even an old lady can get positively giddy counting her blessings. We're just coming off a very special week. Our 4 children along with their mates and our 10 incredible Grands gathered at our home to put on a celebration for our 50th Wedding Anniversary. The date isn't actually until December but they wanted to do something special when everyone could travel and be involved. What a delightful surprise the evening was and what a blessing of love for those who were able to share in that evening. So what's the secret to 50 years with the same person? Never throw anyone out of your heart…. hang on till Jesus says "lets grow". To assume that our ability to love another person has its source in our own hearts is foolhardy. It's a setup for pain and bitter disappointment. We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19) The tell tale sign that you are operating under your own strength is anger at your beloved. That's right! If they get on your last nerve and you (in your mind) want to deck em???? you are the one out of control. To love another isn't "you" being the one who is right. As soon as it is about you it's no longer about love.

We're not the example of how to do this thing called love but God blessed us anyway. We're just two imperfect people who came from two imperfect families who birthed 4 imperfect children who married imperfect people from imperfect families and had our 10 most beautiful ever imperfect grandchildren but we have a great big perfect God and it is in Him we seek to grow and love. I might mention we don't exactly do that perfect either.

A pearl to string: Love began when God became flesh and came to live among us. It's in Him we are given both access to love and patterns with which to offer love. Consider Jesus washing his disciples’ feet; consider Him willingly and sinlessly going to the cross for our sins. This is what draws us out of ourselves and into the heart of Love, this place where His mercy meets our unworthiness and still, He loves us. Standing in that place of watching Jesus, the call becomes both clear and accessible. It is then that we are to be willing to lay down our own rights and pour out that same love to the one with whom God has joined us together in covenant. I love you Coach Wonderful. (Focus on the Family)

It's so still and quiet after all the hustle and bustle and laughter goes home. Kind of miss that beautiful chaos. In the hushed tranquility Coach Wonderful and I found ourselves cheering when the dogs barked.

Thank you beloved family and friends for the sweet time of blessing..... we love you
Lyndi

Baby Baseball Godly Truth

A few years back, Sports Illustrated ran a story on a T-ball game in Wellington, Florida, where a seven-year-old first baseman, Tanner Munsey, fielded a ground ball and tried to tag a runner going from first to second. The umpire, Laura Benson, called the runner out. But young Tanner immediately went to the umpire and said, "Ma'am, I didn't touch him." The umpire reversed her decision and sent the runner back to second base. Tanner's coach awarded him the game ball for his honesty.  Two weeks later, Laura Benson was again the umpire, and Tanner Munsey was playing shortstop when a similar play occurred. This time, Benson ruled that Tanner had missed the tag on the runner going to third base, and she called the runner safe.  Tanner looked at Benson and without saying a word, tossed the ball to the catcher and returned to his position.  Benson, sensing that Tanner was troubled, asked Tanner, "Did you tag the runner?" He said, "Yes." Benson called the runner out! The opposing coach came roaring onto the field in protest, but Laura Benson explained to him what had happened two weeks earlier.  "If a kid is that honest," she said, " I have to give it to him".  (Story from Sports Illustrated article  9-16-93) 

A pearl to string:  It may be that no Christian characteristic has suffered more in our society than honesty. It's lacking in the workplace, it's lacking in many of our marriages, it's lacking in our government, and sometimes it's even lacking in our churches. There is something about Christians that should stand out like a neon sign on a dark night.   Jesus wants his people to be known as a people of truth. We should establish a reputation, like Tanner, for speaking the truth even when it would not benefit us. Then, and only then, will those around us trust what we say without hesitation, without wondering whether we really mean what we say or not. 

"What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself".  (Ephesians 4:25 MSG) 

Some lessons are tougher than others. If your heart wants to change and turn towards God... that's good!  If you feel condemned.... just know that is NOT God's way.

In Him you are loved,

                              Lyndi

Is the grass really greener next door?

John and Charles were sitting on the front porch chillin' when a large truck hauling rolls and rolls of sod (grass) went by. 

"I'm gonna do that when I win the lottery," said John. 

"Do what?" asked Charles. 

"Send my grass out to be mowed," answered John. 

Oh my, that made me laugh.  It also reminded me of how goofy my youthful expectations were of people and life in general.  I thought dreams came true. Ha! Nightmares do but dreams... not so much.  To be truthful, though it's embarrising, I thought the lack of trouble and problems were a sure sign of God's love.  Like God's job is making me, me, me happy? Furthermore people who loved me would always be kind, loving and respectful.  Life is an eye opener and no one sends their grass out to be mowed.   

A pearl to string: As long as any of us are focused on how we are loved or how people treat us ... we are in trouble!  If our measuring stick in life is based on what happens to us then our expectations of others will always fall short. Loved ones and friends will always disapoint us.  ALWAYS!  If you are the lens and everything that happens in life is based on what you need, think and feel then you become the judge of right and wrong.  When self is enthroned in the human heart it's a tell tale sign of spiritual immaturity. When Christ is crowned the Rightful King of Our Soul the focus switches from what is right in our eyes to choosing what is love in God's eyes.  So to preserve and promote the Reign of Christ in our hearts by preventing the resurrection of selfishness ^"Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that". (Ephesians 5:1-2 MSG)  

Walk lovingly, talk lovingly and act lovingly

Ahh yes, love like our Sweet-smelling Savior

                                                                             Lyndi

Insurmountable

Did you ever have a problem that seemed insurmountable?  Are the mountains before you this morning too big?  It's almost impossible not to focus on the troubles and pain when they take up so much space in your days.  When thorny times hit we can often feel overwhelmed by the enormity of it all.  My Coach Wonderful always says, 'there is no way around it, no way over it, no way under it... the only way is thru it'.  True words and you don't have to go it alone... ever!  The God who is capable of creating and sustaining the universe will never be overwhelmed by circumstances or at a loss as to what to do with our hearts and minds in times of trouble.  "Trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes defeats, are the very food of faith".  (George Mueller)   

Do you remember the guy who built the bridge over Niagara Falls?  I don't actually remember him either but I read about him this morning and it inspired this devotional. One of the first problems he faced was how to stretch his first cable across the wide expanse of raging waters. If a boat tried to carry the cable across the river it would be swept over the falls. I don't know if the bridge builder, Charles Eliet prayed or if he read God's Word.  But I have no doubt that it was God who put the idea in Eliet's mind to fly a kite across the river and use the cord to pull a larger cable across. Eliet called for a kite flying contest and a young man named Homan Walsh succeeded on his second try in flying his kite to the opposite shore of the river. The vital link was established and the bridge was built. 

A pearl to string: Sometimes we lose heart when the circumstances seems too great and vast.  If we go on our own wisdom we could be swept over the falls so to speak.  We need to see and trust from God’s perspective and learn to rely on His bigger than life view of the situation.  We have a vital direct link to God the Father available to us that Jesus established.  (John 14:6)  Reading God's Word is building our bridge from our hearts to God's heaven.  God does not make our problems go away He fortifies us with His love to go through them. How can He do that?  By each one of us spending time with Him in His Word on a daily basis and dressing our lives in His peace. 

Hebrews 12:12 (The Message) “So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs.”.  

Know you are loved,

                               Lyndi

A Father's Love

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.  As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.  Curious, but disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.

Many years passed and while the young man was successful in business, had a beautiful home and a wonderful family he had a restlessness in his soul. He needed to make amends with his father. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a message telling him his father had passed away and that he needed to come home immediately and take care things.  When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and  regret filled his heart.  His father had left him everything.  He began to search his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it so many years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible.  It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.

A pearl to string:  How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?  I was struck by this story.  The father had given his son his hearts' desire wrapped in the Word of God.  What the father wanted to 'drive' home with his son was the greater gift is to 'walk' with the Lord.  

Don't run out naked in the world today.... clothe your heart in the Word.  Pick up your Bible and read what God has for you today.  "Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him".  (Proverbs 30:5)  

You are loved,

                 Lyndi

Potato or Chip

There are many choices that we face day in and day out. Let's get down to bare bones life here. The potato or the chip? The potato is a nutrient-dense food. Rich in vitamin C and hard to get B6 and has long been known to be a storehouse of minerals. Each potato contains valuable supplies of essential trace elements: manganese, chromium, selenium and molybdenum. It's low sodium high potassium, fiber, iron and protein packed and contains the common form of complex carbohydrates important to a good diet plus potatoes are virtually fat-free. /The chip? Not so nutritious for your body. Saturated animal fats are heavy and turn to stone inside the body, hardening the arteries, leaving you at risk of heart attack and stroke. The body is not designed to deal with these types of fats which interfere with blood sugar levels and cause liver stagnation, which can lead to depression and weight gain. The body cannot effectively process bad fats, so many are turned into toxic balls and stored in the body, making you even fatter. The hydrogenated fats change into the ever more dangerous trans-fatty acids which have been shown to cause diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Trans-fatty acids also cause you to gain weight as they interfere with the metabolism and breakdown of essential fatty acids. They increase the bad cholesterol in the body and deplete the good. Free choice! Potato or chip! 

A pearl to string: How about a Spiritual choice? Jesus: Perfect. Holy. Righteous. Loving. Kind. Helpful. Protective. Powerful. Mighty. Restoring. Compassionate. Forgiving. Empowering. Discerning. Consuming. Cleansing. Healing. Delivering. Creating. Smiting. Fulfilling. Providing. Teaching. Purifying. Freeing. Preserving. Victorious. Historical. Reproving. Proven. Incorruptible. Infallible. Trustworthy. Protected. Responsive. Honorable. Reliable. Good. Reputable. Celebrated. Praised. Glorified. Famous. Renowned. Loved. Served. Worshipped. Honored. Sought. Needed. Required. Requested. Beautiful. Living. Breathing. Alive. Active. Amazing. Inspiring. Productive. Imaginative. Abundant. Pure. Wholesome. Safe. Beneficial. Excellent! Eminent. Remarkable. Extraordinary. Supernatural. Miraculous. Astounding. Jesus the Christ is the only onewho could SAVE anyone from having to pay the punishment(s) for their own sins. Thus, as he has said: "I AM the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father [GOD], but by me."

(John 14:6). "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). "Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:10-12). /Satan? Great singing voice could probably cut it on American Idol. Charming, beautiful, deceitful, divisive, the beguiling prince of liars. His sIn was prIde. He had "I" problems. He temps people to do evil (1 Thessalonians 3:5), opposes the servants of God (Zechariah 3:1), confuses people about the things of God (Matthew 13:25), and deceives people (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). (NOTE: The lie is one of his most effective tools - John 8:44). Ezekiel 28 Because of his beauty, his heart became proud and his wisdom was corrupted (v. 17) Pride in his perfection, wisdom and beauty (v. 12) became the source of his downfall, and God threw him to the earth (v. 17). Satan's final defeat and his eternal fate are foretold by the Scriptures - Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:7-10. Your Choice! Jesus or Satan! 

Always remember you are loved

God made a way for you,

                                           Lyndi

God Always Answers Prayer

When the idea is not right, God says," No."
No - when the idea is not the best.
No - when the idea is absolutely wrong.
No - when though it may help you, it could create problems for someone else.
When the time is not right, God says, "Slow."
What a catastrophe it would be if God answered every prayer at the snap of your fingers. Do you know what would happen? God would become your servant, not your master. Suddenly God would be working for you instead of you working for God. Remember: God's delays are not God's denials. God's timing is perfect. Patience is what we need in prayer.
When you are not right, God says, "Grow."
The selfish person has to grow in unselfishness.
The cautious person must grow in courage.
The timid person must grow in confidence.
The dominating person must grow in sensitivity.
The critical person must grow in tolerance.
The negative person must grow in positive attitudes.
The pleasure-seeking person must grow in compassion for suffering people.
When everything is all right, God says, "Go."
Then miracles happen:
....A hopeless alcoholic is set free!
....A drug addict finds release!
....A doubter becomes as a child in his belief.
....Diseased tissue responds to treatment, and healing begins.
....The door to your dream suddenly swings open and there stands God saying, "Go!"
Author Unknown -- Dr. Robert Schuler 

A pearl to string: Sometimes we can get so caught up in our own expectations of what prayer should look like and smell like that when we look for God's reply, we limit our thinking to our own limited view of what is needed.  We can miss what God is doing.  It's not our prayers that work.  It's God that works!  God doesn't need our reminders, He doesn't forget and He's not unaware of His peoples needs. God is our Father and loves being our Father. Because of Jesus and through Jesus our prayers are our time with our Father, our relationship with Him as He listens and grows us His way.  

"I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing."  (1 Timothy 2:8) 

Be blessed wherever you are in your life today!

God has His hands on the situation!

Know you are loved,

                             Lyndi

FIRE

One dark night outside a small town in Minnesota, a fire started inside the local chemical plant and in the blink of an eye it exploded into massive flames. The alarm went out to all the fire departments for miles around. When the volunteer fire fighters appeared on the scene, the chemical company president rushed to the fire chief and said, "All our secret formulas are in the vault in the center of the plant. They must be saved. I will give $50,000 to the fire department that brings them out intact." But the roaring flames held the firefighters off. Soon more fire departments had to be called in as the situation became desperate. As the firemen arrived, the president shouted out that the offer was now $100,000 to the fire department who could bring out the company's secret files.  

From the distance, a lone siren was heard as another fire truck came into sight. It was the nearby Norwegian rural township volunteer fire company comprised mainly of Norwegians over the age of 65. To everyone's amazement, that little run-down fire engine roared right past all the newer sleek engines that were parked outside the plant. Without even slowing down it drove straight into the middle of the inferno. Outside, the other firemen watched in amazement as the Norwegian old timers jumped off right in the middle of the fire and bravely fought it back on all sides. It was a performance and effort never seen before. Within a short time, the Norske old timers had extinguished the fire and had saved the secret formulas. The grateful chemical company president announced that for such a superhuman feat he was upping the reward to $200,000, and walked over to personally thank each of the brave fire fighters. The local TV news reporter rushed in to capture the event on film, asking their chief, "What are you going to do with all that money?" "Vell," said Ole Larsen, the 70-year-old fire chief, "Da first thing ve gonna do is fix da brakes on dat old truck!"  

A pearl to string: Fun little story that reminded me we all have faulty breaks at times.  Life is about choices and we choose our behavior.  We need to keep our breaks in check and be aware that the mixing "truths" of man with God's Word is dangerously weakening Christianity. Today's airwaves are filled with information, programs and commercials that move us toward the profane and dark side of mankind.   If we do not allow God to conform us then the world will.  Thoughts generate direction, and direction determines destination. "For as a man thinks in his heart, so he is…" (Proverbs 23:7)  Be encouraged by the "break fix" in Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed (Don’t allow peer pressure and trends to be the model to follow) to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, (by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit) - that you may prove (by testing the truth of Scripture) what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  

Know you are loved,

                          Lyndi

It's Over.....

"Oh, No!" she gasped as she surveyed the disaster before her. Never in her many years of life had she seen anything like it. How anyone could have survived she did not know.  She could only hope that somewhere amid the overwhelming destruction she would find her 18-year-old son. Only the slim hope of finding him kept her from turning and fleeing the scene. Walking was virtually impossible with so many things strewn across her path. She stepped gingerly through - tripping and nearly falling several times.  She heard someone, or something, move. At least she thought she did. Perhaps, she was just hoping she did. Her heart raced and her stomach churned and her breathing was gripped with fear. She could not understand how this could have happened.  With tear rimmed eyes she struggled to see in the dim light of morning what just brushed against her hand. In desperation, she took another step then cried out, "Derek!".  From a nearby pile of unidentified material, she heard her son. "Yes, Mom," he said, in a voice so weak it could hardly be heard. "It's time to get up and get ready for graduation," she sighed, "and, for heaven's sake, clean up this room." 

A pearl to string: Congratulations graduates!  You've made it and we are all so proud of you.  Just know it's over! No more mom waking you up mornings. Next thing you know it will be your room-mate pounding you in the back or leaving you like road kill for some professor to devour at a later date.  Ahh the thrill of adult life ...... booyah! 

A Prayer for the Graduate

Each family prays blessings on each new graduate as they begin their new journey ~ Lord may you lead their way ~ Upholding each one & sustaining  their faith with every passing day. While each graduate walks this new road, may they trust in You and not lean on their own understanding.  May their eyes be on You Lord. May their minds be in Your Word and may their hearts be continually wrapped in Your love. Amen & amen. 

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path".

(Psalm 119:105) 

Know you are loved,

                              Lyndi

Busy, busy, been.....

"We are all busy, and it seems like between work, end of the school year and extracurricular activities, and all of the other commitments we try and cram into each day, we are only getting busier. Our busy lifestyles have shocked our diets, forcing us to grab whatever is easy for a quick meal.  The result of eating on the run is a poor diet that is making us sick. The average American's diet is made up of over-processed, high-fat, high-sugar and chemical laden foods. These foods are modifying the balance of our intestinal flora, which is vital to proper digestion, while protecting us from cancers and helping us absorb needed vitamins. Just changing your diet to eliminate fast food and processed food can help protect your body's gut flora" 

That's part of a message that arrived in my email on health.  It made me want to ask what about our soul flora?  Do we have soul flora? I googled it.  Not happening so I'm inventing it now. Our busy lifestyles are wrecking havoc with our soul flora too. Going to church on Sunday, being a good person, leading a moral life just doesn't cut it.  Why because we live in a fallen world. How do you even know what's right?  Right and wrong is constantly changing ..... in God's Word (Bible) you find God's truth not man's truth.  It is God's truth that will renew your mind and give your soul flora the strength to understand and fend off evil in these dark days. 

A pearl to string: There are many different symbols used to describe the Bible. In Psalm 119 it is the Light and the Way, in Jeremiah it is a Fire and a Hammer, in Ecclesiastes it is a Nail and a Goad, in Deuteronomy it is Food, in Luke it the Seed,  in Ephesians it is our Sword and in Psalm 91 it is our Shield of protection.  God has blessed us with His Word. It is our shield of protection throughout this life and for eternity.  

His Word will bless you, guide you, and will never fail you. Trust Him and His Word.

And know you are loved,

                                  Lyndi 

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.  -- Psalm 5:11

On The Island

Once upon a time, in the middle of the ocean, there was the Island of Trid.  It seems that most of the Island of Trid was covered by a large mountain. On this mountain lived a Giant. The Giant did not allow Trids on his mountain. If a Trid dared to climb onto the mountain, the Giant would kick him into the ocean. Trids are notoriously bad swimmers, and frequently drowned when kicked into the ocean.  Every square inch of the island, except the mountain, was crowded with Trids. The Trids spent their days dreaming of the open space available on the ever visible mountain. Every few days, a Trid would decide he couldn't stand the crowds any more. He would start to climb the mountain, and the Giant would kick the Trid into the ocean. The Trids were a very depressed people. One day a traveling Rabbi visited the Island of Trid. Despite their overcrowded conditions, the Trids were extremely generous to this man of God.  The Rabbi decided to return the favor, and to go plead the Trid's case to the Giant. "Surely the Giant can be convinced to share some of the mountain with you," the Rabbi explained.  The Trids were horrified. "Please don't go, Rabbi", the Trids implored. "The Giant will kick you into the ocean, and you will surely drown." The Rabbi knew how to swim and therefore insisted that he talk to the Giant. The Trids sent out every boat they had. They formed a ring around the island, so that they would be able to rescue the Rabbi.  The Rabbi started walking towards the mountain. No sign of the Giant. He walked through the foothills, and there was no sign of the Giant.  He started up the slopes of the mountain, further than any Trid had ever been. Still no sign of the Giant.  Finally he reached the summit of the mountain. There the Giant was waiting for him. The Rabbi asked "Tell me Giant, why have you allowed me to climb to the top of the mountain, without kicking me off the moment I started climbing?"  And the Giant replied, "Silly Rabbi, kicks are for Trids!" 

A pearl to string: Groan.... sorry just could not resist!  We've got a giant right here on earth. He is the major influence on the mind-set expressed by the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His areas of influence also encompass the world’s philosophies, education, and commerce. The thoughts, ideas, speculations and false religions of the world are under his control and have sprung from his lies and deceptions.  According to 2 Corinthians 4:4; the "god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ."  Yikes that is bad news! But there is good news: Man does not have to work to earn God's favor; eternal life is a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9). And that free gift is available through Jesus Christ and Him alone (John 3:16; 14:6). 

We have an awesome God

and He loves you,

                         Lyndi

Terror Cells in Church

Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin. Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.  

However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along. Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ, to return.  NO CHURCH IS EXEMPT!  (However, you can spot them if you bin lookin and bin goin.) Author unknown 

It's not some terrorist across the sea that we need to fear.  We're doing a fine imploding job right here at home.  The statistics on people leaving church and the teachings of their youth are heart wrenching.  Oz Hilman writes: "In the early Hebraic church, wisdom was gained by obedience. Hebrews learned that wisdom was gained by knowing and doing the will of God and that it often did not line up with logic. However, as the church became impacted by the Greek culture through the influence of scholars like Socrates and Aristotle, knowledge-based systems became more influential in the way education was taught and applied. Greeks believed that the way to gain knowledge was based on reason and analysis. When Joshua walked around the city of Jericho seven times blowing his trumpets, he was exhibiting a Hebraic model of decision-making - pure obedience. Logic and reason played no part in this decision. When Elisha instructed the army general to go wash in a lake in order to be healed of leprosy, it confronted his intellect. This was Hebraic thought rooted in obedience.  The Church has moved into a more knowledge-based and programmatic system of operation over the centuries, rather than obedience-based methods that are motivated by a heart fully devoted to following God. We've replaced obedience with reason, logic, and slick marketing for attractive programs to entice people into our churches".  

A pearl to string:  When things run amuck it's always the same answer.... back to the fundamentals.  Seems we need to return to yesteryear and the Hebraic model of decision-making - pure obedience.  “Lord, I’ll go! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) 

Know you are loved,

                            Lyndi

FEW WORDS

Once upon a time there was a prince who, through no fault of his own, was cast under a spell by an evil witch. The curse was that the prince could speak only one word each year.  However, he could save up the words so that if he did not speak for a whole year, the following year he was allowed to speak two words.  One day he met a beautiful princess (ruby lips, golden hair, sapphire eyes) and fell madly in love. With the greatest difficulty he decided to refrain from speaking for two whole years so that he could look at her and say, "My darling."  But at the end of the two years he wished to tell her that he loved her. Because of this he waited three more years without speaking (bringing the total number of silent years to five). 

But at the end of these five years he realized that he had to ask her to marry him. So he waited ANOTHER four years without speaking.  Finally as the ninth year of silence ended, his joy knew no bounds. Leading the lovely princess to the most secluded and romantic place in that beautiful royal garden the prince heaped a hundred red roses on her lap, knelt before her, and taking her hand in his, said huskily, "My darling, I love you! Will you marry me?"  The princess tucked a strand of golden hair behind a dainty ear, opened her sapphire eyes in wonder, and parting her ruby lips, said: "Pardon?"

Fortunately we are not limited to one word a year but in God's Word we are advised to use words sparingly. It's nice to know we are not required to say everything we think. 

A pearl to string: I love words.  They are powerful, important, influential, endearing, instructive, inspiring, and tender.  But like a kaleidoscope when the cylinder is spun in the shadows and we see a dark and different design, so, too, words have the  tainted potential to be devastating, defeating, derogatory, discriminating, demeaning, and divisive. Notice proverbs does not instruct that knowledge is silent but rather reveals wisdom in voicing carefully chosen words.  

He who has knowledge spares his words. (Proverbs 17:27a) 

Ok I admit that this didn't work well for the prince in my story but I promise it will work well for you. 

Know you are loved,

                              Lyndi

YOUR WILL

Most of the world knows four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. For the Mac family it has always been just three seasons Football season, Basketball season and Baseball season. 

Wanting our children to be inspired by Christian athletes we hung Walt Huntley's poem, "God's Hall of Fame",  on our wall for more than a decade. Bobby Richardson had autographed it to Coach Wonderful.

God's Hall of Fame
Walt Huntley

Your name may not appear down here
In this world's Hall of Fame.
In fact, you may be so unknown
That no one knows your name;
The headlines here may pass you by,
The neon lights of blue,
But if you love and serve the Lord,
Then I have news for you.
*
This Hall of Fame is only good
As long as time shall be;
But keep in mind, God's Hall of Fame
Is for eternity.
This crowd on earth they soon forget
The heroes of the past.
They cheer like mad until you fail
and that's how long you last.
But in God's Hall of Fame
By just believing on His Son
Inscribed you'll find your name.
*
I tell you, friend, I wouldn't trade
My name, however small,
That's written there beyond the stars
In that Celestial Hall,
For any famous name on earth,
Or glory that it shares;
I'd rather be an unknown here
And have my name up there.

Bobby Richardson played second base for the NY Yankees during the late 50's & early 60's. He was nominated as MVP of the American League nine times. He played in seven All-star Games. He won five Gold Glove Awards. And he was the only man in baseball history to ever win the World Series MVP Award while playing for the losing team.  In the later years of Bobby Richardson's career, he coached the baseball team at Liberty University. The reason such a great player was willing to coach at a Christian university was because Bobby Richardson was himself a committed follower of Jesus Christ and ready with a heart full of God's love to serve others.   

A pearl to string: We are living in perilous times and are witness to the heart of mankind growing  cold. We seem to seek that which will make ourselves famous and rich rather than do for the good of others in every day living. The exception would be in catastrophic events across this world where we see love reaching out a helping hand to our fellow man. It touches my  heart to see God's love in action.  To see the many ministries in churches across this land reach out to help and bless others. Oz Hillman said, "One of the great tragedies of the Christian life is that if we fail to enter into a relationship with God that is born of the Holy Spirit, we are left with a religion, not a relationship".   

People need the Lord

Know that God loves you,

                                    Lyndi

During a speech at a meeting of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bobby Richardson was called upon to pray and here is his prayer:  

 "Dear God, Your will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. Amen."

Ahh

Ahh, Sunday ... the best day of the week to be “re-righteoused”. I use to wonder how on earth can I go so wrong in one short week. I can go from slightly askew to a great big falling short of the glory of God. Don't you just know not too many of us need a revelation of how sinful we are? I know when I sin ... don't you? I am the classic snapper --- like one of those snippy little dogs. Before you know what happened you are missing a head. I married a classic volcano and together we created four beautiful children. Sweet & proud smile. Ok, so we all need Jesus. The one thing we can all count on when we are acting out of our sin nature is the creepy one (devil) will remind us of our sins. Even friends and loved ones sometimes point out our sins. What you need, instead, is a revelation of how forever righteous you are in God’s eyes, especially when you sin.

It is not what you do that makes you righteous. It is what Christ has done at Calvary. Romans 5:19 says, “For as by one man’s [Adam] disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” It is the obedience of one Man — Christ — and not your obedience, that has made you righteous!

A pearl to string: When you are conscious of this gift of righteousness that is everlasting, you will live as a person saved from death! You'll learn to be guided by the Holy Spirit and not be run over by sin, bad habits, sicknesses, lack or anything that holds you back from a victorious life!

Living under the shadow of His wing
protected and loved,
                            Lyndi

2 Corinthians 5:21 "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him".

Happy Resurrection Sunday

What?

It really helps me understand God's Word when I know what the Scripture verse I am reading is addressing.  To be fully understood it must be kept in context. You've probably had the experience of opening the Bible when you were hurting and searching for help.  Lo and behold a single verse comes right off the page and ministers to your present need by giving you a heart hug.  Awesome isn't it?  That's the Holy Spirit ministering to you.....that's personal.  Early in my walk with the Lord my understanding was not based on knowledge and study of Scripture.  In my youth my understanding was based on my personal experience.  Personal experience is only the part of truth that I am seeing and may not coincide with the big picture.  In fact, experience alone doesn’t make you better it just makes you, well… older (ha!).  I noticed in experiencing those wonderful moments when I just opened the Bible and was ministered to that I confused the true meaning of that particular Scripture verse with the ministering application to the momentary need.  Over the years that led to many places in the Bible that I just didn't understand. Places that seem to contradict Scripture that I did understand. 

Here's an example where God used warning as the means to the end of fulfilling His promise.  It's not a contradiction at all but if you read a single verse without understanding the whole picture you may confuse yourself. 

Promises of Divine Security:
"there will be no loss of life among you..." (Acts 27:22)
"God has granted you all those...with you." (Acts 27:24)
"not a hair will fall from the head of any..." (Acts 27:34) 

Warning of Human Responsibility:
"Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." (Acts 27:31)  

Now, how in the world could God possibly warn of those sailors losing their lives, since He just promised that they wouldn't lose their lives? It's simple...God used the warning of death to keep them in the ship, to preserve them from death. 

A pearl to string: Likewise, God uses the command to repent, as the means to grant repentance. And, He uses the command to believe, as a means to give the gift of faith. And, He uses the invitations to come to Christ, as the means to draw sinners to Christ for salvation and eternal life with the Father.  

Because He loves us all,

                                  Lyndi

Cause for Pause

I read a small devotional the other day from Heartlight: "The Corinthians boasted in their wisdom, giftedness, and tolerance. But, no matter how gifted a church, no matter how full of earthly wisdom, no matter how tolerant, if the people of that church are caught up in petty arguments, cliquishness and ugly quarrels, they are immature. Rather than being a place where Christ is known and shown, it is just another gathering of human foibles". 

It led my thoughts to an incident that occurred last week when I got crazy mad cuz someone figuratively stepped on my mother toes.  Oh boy... Lioness time! I choose not to react in anger outloud but took it to the Lord and threw it down at His feet. I was angry just getting it off my chest to Him.  I prayed.... still angry.... prayed some more.... dog gone .... still angry. Determined to wait on the Lords direction before I spoke to this person to give them a piece of my mind. (Humm, a mind is a terrible thing to waste - thought just popped).  You know what the Lord did?  He gave me a clear and perfect set up for dispensing my anger but I did not act on it.  I was flabbergasted that I didn't!  I suddenly saw the deep woundedness of the other person, that "hit dog hollars" kind of thing.  The Lord held my lips shut then pushed them up in a smile and suddenly it wasn't about me anymore. I have to say thank you Lord... I would have done wrong on my own.  Wow pushing 70 and seeing signs of maturity and wondering why it takes so long. 

"You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men"?  (1 Corinthians 3:3) 

A pearl to string:  I've come to an age where I am not tempted so much by the things of this world.  Family, friends and the desire for health hold more eartly value than anything else.  But I find a long life becomes my most difficult temptation when I yield to my own way.  I have to fight being set in my ways - it is definitely a cause for pause so I can let the Lord lead. 

God loved us first

and He loves us now,

                               Lyndi

Stormy Weather

Victor Hugo, who is famous for his novel the Hunchback of Notre Dame, also wrote a story called "Ninety-Three." It tells of a ship caught in a dangerous storm on the high seas. At the height of the storm, the frightened sailors heard a terrible crashing noise below the deck. They knew at once that this new noise came from a cannon, part of the ship's cargo, that had broken loose. It was moving back and forth with the swaying of the ship, crashing into the side of the ship with terrible impact. Knowing that it could cause the ship to sink, two brave sailors volunteered to make the dangerous attempt to retie the loose cannon. They knew the danger of a shipwreck from the [loose] cannon was greater than the fury of the storm.

Ever notice that you seem to weather the storms of life but it's your "loose cannons"  that take you down?  A spirit of bitterness, jealousy, pride, greed or unresolved hurt, anger, a lack of forgiveness, guilt, or lust.  All "loose cannons" inside  our hearts that can rock our world and shipwreck our relationships, our faith or even our life. These cannons violently crash about lashing out from within us severely wounding loved ones and peoples of our lives and capable of doing life long damage to another.  

A pearl to string:  We each make a choice to be self controlled or we give ourselves permission to be out of control just by saying, "that's just how God made me". Horse feathers!  God didn't make no junk!  Each person is responsible for doing their own inventory before the Lord and bringing to the forefront any unresolved "loose cannons" in their life.  If you really love others then deal with your stuff  and bring it under control by the Holy Spirit.  Be brave - go to your ship's cargo and retie your "loose cannon". 

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works".  (Titus 2:11-14)

May the joy of the Lord bless you,

                                                  Lyndi

A Frayed Knot

Are you feeling like a frayed knot these days?  Does your life feel like you are on the wrong end of a lemon?  Did the stuff that hit the fan all land in your life?  Did your dreams shatter? Did they all come true only to find you had your ladder up on the wrong building? Did life pull the rug out from under you or was that someone you knew?  Are you over worked, under paid, not appreciated or worse taken for granted? Com’on did you think I’d have the answer?  What if I told you – this is it.  It’s not going to change. It won’t get better if you get a nicer car or a higher paying job or a bigger house or a mate or a better mate or a healing.  Talk about sucking on a lemon lady – not very encouraging.  What if every time you complained you left a mountain of dirt behind you?  After a few years wouldn’t it be somewhat difficult to get around in your corner of the world?  That’s what happened to me.  I kept bumping into ‘Complaint Mountains’ that had accumulated in my life.  Dog gone, they nearly squeezed me out.  I was forced to my knees before the Lord.  “I give up, I can’t do this any more – I don’t even want to do this anymore”, I cried.   Then God said to my heart, “be a frayed knot my child”.  That’s biblical!  Oh Lord, “how am I supposed to be your woman under this load?”  And God said, “The question is good”.  Long silence………  “That’s it?  I was kind of expecting a more definitive answer.  Could I maybe get a little help here – a little illumination?”  I begged. The quiet was deafening and unending.   

From the play “Man and Superman” by the Irish dramatist George Bernard Shaw comes a quote that I pondered for years, “There are two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart's desire. The other is to get it.”  As a young woman I could not get my mind around Mr. Shaw’s quote.  Life experiences brought a reality to the two tragedies but God brought me a quest and this weeks pearl.  

Pearl to String: No matter what circumstances I find surrounding me, no matter how unfair, difficult or painful they might be - the constant in my life is not to complain about it but to ask myself: How can I be God’s woman (man) is this situation. Right here, right now.  That question always leads me to prayer, thanksgiving and God’s Word.   

In The Message translation of 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 we see Paul learning to be God’s man in his situation. “Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it's all you need.  My strength comes into its own in your weakness.  Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.” 

Like a kid at Christmas opening toys, (Yea!) clothes, (Huh?) socks and underwear. (Ugg!) not all gifts from God are fun but all have purpose.

No longer a frayed knot - Now dancing in the palm of His hand,

                                                                                                 Lyndi

OTHERLY

"To be or not to be" is the opening phrase of a soliloquy in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet.  What's on my heart this morning is a different question: What is it to be or not to be otherly....Am I "otherly"?  

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ". Galatians 6.2, "Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor". 1 Corinthians 10.24, "Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others". Philippians 2.3-4,  Jesus said, "You know that the rulers of the gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20.25-28 

Me-centeredness is so powerful and prevalent in our society that if we don't deliberately fight it we will undoubtedly live it and become cloaked in false humility. I have to ask myself am I only enthusiastic and giving to efforts that involve me? Deliver me Lord 

Everyone has the God-given right (and ability) to control their own thoughts and actions. Self-leadership is about developing the ability to choose how we respond to others regardless of their behavior. 

A pearl to string:  Many of us are inclined to see the world based on what we like and dislike. It's just not true that everyone has the same hopes, fears, likes and dislikes. Too often we expect others to behave just like ourselves. But, when they don’t and they expect us to act the way they do, we run into conflicts. The block to knowing God is the same as the one that blocks us from loving others. It is our self-will.  

We grow spiritually when we learn how to eliminate our self-will and put the other person’s welfare before our own desires. Whoomp! There it is .... OTHERLY 

Know you are loved,

                             Lyndi