Hear I Grow Again

..... faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of God. Romans 10:17 

Calm down I spelled 'here' incorrectly because I wanted an ear in it. The society we live in has brain washed us into thinking difficult times are bad, life should be fair, love is getting your own way and peace is the lack of problems. After making that statement I think I am hearing a chorus of choking angels.

Have you read the Bible? I'm not talking about the parts you understand and use to pontificate your great spiritual intellect. I'm talking about reading God's Word to be in relationship with Him. There is no where else I have ever been able to learn what love is or how to love another.  Where does love start? Have you ever noticed how you respond to anyone who loves you? Love is a blessing that started with God first loving us. (1 John 4:19) How does He do that?  Have you looked in a mirror lately? Are you lovable? Well I'm sure you have your moments just like I do but God sees all. Ugg! 

Jesus’ existence didn’t begin with His birth or conception, but pre-existed Creation, as made by Him and for Him. Jesus was both with God and God Himself. The plurality within the Godhead makes it possible for God to be intrinsically a ‘God of Love’.

In Jesus, God took on human nature, so He could die for our sins as a fellow human, taking the penalty we deserve for our sins. In fact, this was planned from Eternity, as the names of the Redeemed were already written in His Book of Life from the foundation of the World.  When Jesus took on humanity, this was an addition to His divine nature, not a subtraction of His divinity. He first loved us.... He died for us..... He shows us the way! So to love others first we have to die?  We can't do that!  Yes, yes we can.  We don't have to die dead.... we're not saving anybody.  We just need to die to our selfish ways so love can live. 

A pearl to string:  It has been said that first Corinthians 13 is the love chapter.  God is love and verses 4 thru 7 are His characteristics: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and Love keeps no record of being wronged. Love does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 

Replace the word "Love" with your name. When you read it out load with you name, does what you read have truth?  Reading God's Word is a life long adventure that brings you closer to God's characteristics as your faith in Him grows. 

His eye is always on us

because He loves us with His life

                                                     Lyndi

One Two Three

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”  Lena Horne 

I thinks of the load in one's day as a pile of irritants that I gritch & moan about but a burden is a deep pain in my heart.  Most of us shoulder our burdens alone and share our loads with friends but God intends for us to share our burdens and carry our own loads.  “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”(Galatians 6:2)  In this verse burden in the Greek translates into boulder; a boulder is something that is too heavy for an individual to carry alone. Scripture also says: “ … for each one should carry his own load.” (Galatians 6:5 ) Load in the Greek translates into knapsack; a knapsack is something that each individual is responsible to carry on his own. So, there are boulders and there are knapsacks. We are to help carry one another’s boulders but not one another’s knapsacks. When we carry one another’s knapsacks we get in the way of their maturing process.  

Among the new verbs created out of nouns, “efforting” won't be found in your dictionary but it seems so appropriate here.  It means struggling unnecessarily in an effort to do something. It could be illustrated by pushing a car to your destination when it would be much easier to start the engine and drive it. When I find myself “efforting,” I think of Jesus’ invitation to let Him take the heavy part of the yoke, leaving me the lighter side. He does not necessarily say that He will carry all of my baggage. Yet, He does promise that when we accept His invitation, He will gladly lighten our load.   

 

(Matthew 11:25-30) Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.”  Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. “The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I’m not keeping it to myself; I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.  “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”   The Message 

A pearl to string: God gave us the formula in His Word. First, turn to Him, second give up control, and third trust Him and follow.  

First: He said, “Come to Me.” There is no peace outside of Christ. Too many Christians are living with one foot in Christ and one foot in the world. There will be no peace for those who do not come completely to Him. Second: To take up the yoke of Christ is to give up control to Him. The yoke is a symbol of partnership. Christ is right next us, yoked with us to help us with our load. A yoke is also a symbol of guidance. Yoked with Christ, we can only move in His direction and at His pace. But we must give Him first place and give up our control. Third: Giving up control always leads us to trust Him. If we let Christ guide and control us, we trust Him. Without trust, we can not follow.  

In His grace

You are loved,

                   Lyndi

The Law of the Garbage Truck

This is just one of those anonymous stories that has a good word for each one of us. One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.  So I asked, "Why did you just do that? That guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!"  

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."  He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage -- frustration, anger, disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you.  Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.  Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.  The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.  Anger, hatred and resentment that lives within us is destructive and counterproductive.   

A pearl to string: There are many places in life where we get the opportunity to live

the "....forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" part of the prayer our Lord taught us to pray.  (Matthew 6:9-13)  

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.” - Martin Luther King Jr. 

Love the people who treat you right.

Pray for the ones who don't.

Because you are loved,

                               Lyndi

Reciprocity

Some years ago in a Bible Study group a lady told me I had the 'gift of reciprocity'.  I like that gift... it's a very cool sounding gift I thought to myself.   As I pondered  the lady's words over and over in my mind in connection to serving the Lord I began to wonder..... what the heck does that mean?  I discovered a very interesting detail in my study. The Ethic of Reciprocity or the Golden Rule is the one maxim, ethical code, or morality that all religions and philosophies have in common with God's Word. (Lev. 19:18, 34, Matt. 7:12, Lu 6:31)  Of course the variation is vast but the meaning is the same. As a green wordsmith I guess I'm not understanding what that lady intended by 'gift of reciprocity'. I don't really want to treat others the way I want to be treated.  I want to treat others the way God treats me.  

I've always been drawn to encouraging wives and mothers. I learned the hard way husbands and children don't come with a set of directions. Too often women find themselves operating in crisis mode.  I found myself in those crisis modes many times in my life.  As a terrified child running from abuse I would crawl into my imaginary cave and close the opening to where I could see out but no one could see me. Even as a grown woman my natural instinct is to hide.  It's just plain safer in my imaginary cave because I'm not alone.  Jesus was always there with me.  Eventually one learns that there's nothing better than a few crisis in one's life to strengthen the soul.  Then one day, I think it happens to everyone in some form, calamity hits your life and no amount of previous experience or coping mechanism will suffice.  You need Jesus and no one else will do. 

Life has road signs: warning signs, regulatory signs, guide and information signs, temporary traffic control signs, school signs, railroad signs and emergency signs.  I even came across a sign that said, "no traffic signs".  Oh that has to be the worst.  How are we suppose to know what to do or where to go?  That is just where I feel called to encourage and share..... not what my life experiences have taught me but what I learned when I gave the pain to Jesus.  Is that the 'gift of reciprocity'? 

A pearl to string: When you feel all alone in the midst of a crisis and no one is coming to rescue you that's where any individual can find the Lord.   When your whining and complaining end. When your screams and curses dry up. When you run out of tears.  When the silence is deafening. That's when you can hear that faint knock, knock, knocking at the door of your heart. Anytime you come to the end of yourself.  His smiling face and open arms welcome you.   

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me".  (Revelation 3:20)  Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.  (John 14:23) 

Oh how He loves you and me

                                         Lyndi

OUTSIDE INSIDE OUT

(Mark 7:15 NLT) ^"It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”

 

We get so hung up on externals, appearances, and facades.  It's not just a matter of taste, or maintenance problem.  Fashionistas, compulsive exercisers, workaholics, social butterflies, sports nuts, extreme dieters, the primal urge to splurge shoppers, or excessive decor revolutionists.  All the over the moon habits are  intense needs for control in our lives and become the breeding ground for perfectionist pathology.  Not everything is beautiful from every view point. Healthy people organize their enjoyable activities around their lives, whereas control-dependents organize their lives round their excessive activities. Horace, the Roman poet, sums it up: "Clogged with yesterday's excess, the body drags the mind down with it".   

"Jesus said to the crowd, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'"  (Luke 12:15)  "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Luke 12:34)

Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when the Father has to pry your fingers open!  Corrie Ten Boom

A pearl to string: Jesus cuts to the core of God's concern -- our spiritual heart condition. He wants us to not only focus on what we put in or on our body, but what we allow to grow in our hearts and simmer in our heads. The inner world is what needs our most earnest attention.  

The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) 

Our weary hearts, our wayward hearts, our broken and fearful hearts - our inner selves need a Savior.  Whatever brings our hearts to Christ brings us near to God. 

Count your blessings and

know you are loved,

                       Lyndi

To Church or Not to Church

Some people joke about the “Bedside Baptists” who attend the "Chapel of the Tube" on Sunday mornings. Another "tongue in cheek" joke: "Those that attend Sunday morning love the preacher. Those that attend Sunday night love the church, and those that attend midweek services love the Lord!" But it's more than a joke. Many people refuse to get near a church unless their nephew is playing the role of a sheep in the Christmas pageant! They claim they can get more out of a walk in the woods than from the typical sermon.  Can a Christian survive apart from a church? Some Christians have no choice. They are trapped in a hospital bed, or working in an isolated area where no church exists. And God is certainly sufficient to care for their needs. You can still get to heaven if you can't go to church. But even though it's technically possible to live the Christian life in isolation, it's certainly not the norm. Well, why would a Christian go to church every Sunday? I could get all Holy and give you tons of Scripture verses that tell you: because God said so that's why! Well my goodness... has God been to some of these churches? Why would He tell us to go to church? I think I'll just let a little holy terror's mama tell you why:

Little Dewey was one of those holy terrors. His dad was surprised when Dewey's mom suggested that they buy him a bike for his birthday. "Do you really believe that'll help improve his behavior?" he asked. "Well, no," she admitted, "But it'll spread it over a wider area."

That's it! Right there! That's why I go to church! To spread what God has given me over a wider area. To fellowship and worship with others who love Jesus, to encourage a sister or brother when times are tough, to support the work of God in the world, in our community. Did you know it's the churches in a community that are among the first responders to a crisis? It's just amazing how the time and resorces you give to your church united with other gifted member will grow like fishes & loaves. Your involvement keeps you from spiritual drifting, backsliding or apostasy and the array of spiritual blessings are immeasurable.

A pearl to string: God has placed each one of us in the body of Christ as it pleases Him and not where we place ourselves. God says through Paul in I Corinthians 12:18, “But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” God did not place these members outside of the body nor did He intend for each member to be in single, individual homes because they can not function properly detached from one another.

He gave His life for you
Know you are loved,
Lyndi

Drug Inspection

A DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) officer stops at a ranch in Montana and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs." The old rancher says, "Okay, but do not go in that field over there," as he points out the location. The DEA officer verbally explodes, saying, "Mister, I have the authority of the federal government with me." Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the farmer. "See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish, on any land. No questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?" The old rancher nods politely, apologizes, and goes about his chores. A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and sees the DEA officer running for his life, chased close behind by the rancher's prize bull. With every step, the bull is gaining ground on the officer, and it seems likely that he'll get "horned" before he reaches safety. The officer is clearly terrified. The old rancher throws down his tools, runs to the fence, and yells at the top of his lungs, "Your badge! Show him your badge!"

You say, "I am allowed to do anything"--but not everything is good for you. You say, "I am allowed to do anything"--but not everything is beneficial. (1 Corinthians 10:23)

Oh how much you miss if you suffer from slurred hearing. Maybe if the not so humble DEA agent had exercised his manners to listen to the old rancher and not cut him off mid sentence his little scrawny office legs would not have had to work so hard. You may have a big ole badge (job) and think you are all that with your bad self but there's a big bull in everyone's life eventually. And how many times have you seen a light at the end of a tunnel only to discover it's a train speeding toward you. People need the Lord.

A pearl to string: Everyday they pass me by, I can see it in their eyes. Empty people filled with care, Headed who knows where? On they go through private pain, Living fear to fear. Laughter hides their silent cries, Only Jesus hears. We are called to take His light, To a world where wrong seems right. What could be too great a cost, For sharing Life with one who's lost? Through His love our hearts can feel, All the grief they bear. They must hear the Words of Life, Only we can share. At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door. People need the Lord. (Song: People Need The Lord, 1984: http://youtu.be/AibBR6j2g54)

"So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image". (2 Corinthians 3:18NLT) As messengers of God’s love, we are to be human mirrors who reflect without distortion a growing likeness to our Lord; And our lives are to be marked by the love for God and others.

The lillies know Him and
He knows and loves you,
Lyndi

Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (Feast of Booths).

Open publication - Free publishing - More 2012

Chattering Crows

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for He has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

There is an old Persian fable of a hen, a mouse, and a rabbit who lived together in a little house in the woods. They shared all the work and lived in harmony. The chicken found the firewood, the mouse brought the water from a nearby brook, and the rabbit cooked the meals. Each did his work faithfully and contentedly. One day, while the hen was out in the forest looking for wood, a nosy crow approached her and asked what she was doing. When he heard, the crow began caw, “That’s not fair! You’re doing the hardest part of the work! That rabbit and mouse are taking advantage of you! The chicken continued about her work, but try as she would, she could not stop thinking about what the crow said. These feelings festered and festered, and by the time she got home, she was so upset that she burst out in tears, screaming, “It’s not fair! I do the hardest work of the three of us! That’s it! I’m not going to gather this heavy firewood anymore!”

Discontent spreads, as you know, and immediately the rabbit and mouse also began to argue that they had been doing the hardest work and that they were not going to do their jobs anymore either. The three argued until they were tired and finally decided to switch jobs – from now on the rabbit would gather the firewood, the hen would bring the water and the mouse would cook. As the rabbit hopped into the forest for wood, a fox trailed him, caught him, and ate him. The chicken put the pail into the creek, but the current pulled the pail down under and the chicken with it. The mouse, while sitting on the edge of the big pot of soup, lost his balance and fell in. Discontentment not only destroyed their happiness but their very lives.

A pearl to string: Oh those chattering crows! They surround us and whisper into our spirit. They mess with our mind and encourage discontent in the name of enlightenment. No person is greater than the next. No job is greater than the next. We all have a call on our lives and we all have a job to do while on earth. There may be many that are referred to as gods (Gal 4:8) but there is only one Jesus, the Son of God, himself God over all, Creator of heaven and earth. Out of love for mankind He stooped to become a man and die for the impious, for those who have no reverence for God. (Rom 5:6) At some point in time that would be each one of us. We have a Savior that we can spend all eternity with if we choose. I've read about the alternative and it isn't for me.

Rejoice in what He made you to be,
and be content in being you and
Know you are the love of His life,
Lyndi

Baseball Class

When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy Job 38:7

A professor at a well known University was legendary for giving boring, cliché-ridden lectures. At the beginning of one semester, an innovative class breathed new life into the course by assigning baseball plays to each trite phrase. For example, when the professor said, "On the other hand," that counted as a base hit. "By the same token" was a strike out; "and so on" counted as a stolen base. Divided into two teams by the center aisle of the lecture hall, the students played inning after inning of silent but vigorous baseball. On the last day of class, the impossible happened: the score was tied and bases were loaded. Then the batter hit a home run! The winning team stood and cheered wildly.
Though deeply appreciative, the professor later was quoted as wondering why only half of the students had been enthusiastic about his lectures.

How delightfully inventive.... someone from that class needs to run for President!

Do you know what happiness is? As the Word itself implies, happiness is associated with happenings, happenstance, luck, and fortune. If circumstances are favorable, you are happy; if not, you’re unhappy. Happiness is the personal experience of feeling good.

Do you know what joy is? In Philippians 3:1 Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord.” The Lord is both the source and object of Christian joy. Knowing Him brings joy that transcends temporal circumstances. Obeying Him brings peace and assurance. Joy is an attitude of the heart that knows Jesus.

We have a family blog to keep up with all the families' activities of fun and accomplishment along with prayer requests. The motto we voted on for our family: Gratitude is the attitude that sets the altitude for living. Now that's JOY!

A pearl to string: God is infinitely worthy of our delight. The only thing standing between the command of God to rejoice and our experience of that joy is a heart that delights more in the things of the world than in God. If you cannot rejoice in God and you want to: ask Him to heal your heart. My prayer for each one of you is from Romans 12 verses 9-13 in the English Standard Version: "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality". Amen

What do you have to cheer about?
Find joy in knowing you are loved,
Lyndi

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