Don't Do IT

by Sharon Jaynes
www.girlfriendsingod.com
Today’s Truth

“Flee from sexual immorality…Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God.  You are not your own, you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:18, 19-20 NIV).

Friend To Friend

Can I talk girlfriend to girlfriend for just a moment?  It’s about a very uncomfortable subject, and honestly, one most of us would rather pretend does not exist in “Christian circles.”  It’s sexual sin.

In my last devotion, we stood road-side and looked at the story of the woman caught in adultery, and Jesus who set her free. Even though she wasn’t behind prison bars, she was in bondage to a sinful lifestyle.  Sexual sin is highly addictive and the search for love in all the wrong places, insatiable.  It is a drink that never satisfies the soul and leaves the partaker only thirsty for more.

A woman is enticed by a syrupy word from a co-worker, an e-mail from an old boyfriend, an invitation on Facebook, or an alluring smile at a neighborhood gathering.  Loneliness fills the room and passion comes knocking at the door.   But when the smoke clears, loneliness returns with new hunger pangs laced with regret.

Sex outside of marriage can lead to many things: unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, divorce, mistrust, regret, shame, loss of family and a whole list of undesirable dominos that tumble in succession.  But in Jesus’ day, a woman caught in the act of adultery faced possible execution.  In some parts of the world it is still enforced today.  So why would the woman we meet in John Chapter 8 who was caught in the act of adultery take the risk?   Was it worth it?  No.  The answer is always no.

There is no greater longing in the heart of a woman than to be loved, cherished, and cared for. It can cause the strongest to break a resolve and succumb to the tempter’s lure. Adultery has been the cause for church leaders to crumble, ministries to meltdown, and families to falter.  Sexual sin has caused the most sensible to act like a fool, the most moral to march into madness, the most devout to be devoured by desire.  The desire to love and be loved can sometimes scream over the din of reason.

The yearning for love gnaws at the heart.  And then the brush of a hand, the glimpse of the eyes, or the stirring of a comment blows on a spark and sets it ablaze.  Loneliness echoes in the hollow soul just as passion comes scratching at the door. Never doubt this, my friend: Satan is an opportunist who takes advantage of the lonely heart (Luke 4:13).

To be loved is one of the strongest desires of the human heart.  God planned it that way because He longs for us to have that longing filled by a relationship with Him. But so many settle for a sip from the rusty tin cup when God offers an everlasting stream.

A woman can risk it all for a few moments of passion.  She can lie to herself that a sexual relationship or liaison is love.  Then after the brief pleasure lies exposed by the morning sun, she realizes what felt like love was tainted with the poison of shame.  It can happen. It does happen.  It did happen to the woman standing before Jesus with an angry mob of rock holding Pharisees gathered around.  It has happened to many women who e-mail me every day.

I sat in a movie theater with a friend who had succumbed to sexual temptation.  She had lost her husband, her family, and many of her “friends.”  During a preview for another movie, the film showed a woman contemplating an affair with a suave Frenchman.  Martha (not her real name) spoke a bit too loudly for the moviegoers sitting in the darkened theater.  “Don’t do it,” she cried aloud.  The words came out of her mouth before she could stop them.  Martha was living the devastation of yielding to sexual temptation, and her audible cry was the overflow of her pain-filled heart.

Can I shout with Martha for just a moment?  “Don’t do it!” 

I know this devotion is not for everybody.  But if there is one woman out of the 200,000 or so that receive our Girlfriends in God devotions every day…just one woman who will turn away from the temptation that is knocking on her door today, then it is worth it. 

Don’t do it.  Turn to God and allow Him to fill the emptiness in your heart today.  He’s waiting with open arms.

Let’s Pray

Dear God, I pray that I will be alert to the devil’s schemes today.  Help me to see when and where he is tempting me to sin against You.  Give me the strength to flee temptation and run straight into Your arms.  I cannot do this on my own.  I need the power of Your Holy Spirit to empower me to do what is right and good in Your sight.  Thank You for being all that I need.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

GOD IS . . .

(Exodus 34:5-7 NIV) Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. {6} And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, {7} maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."

(Numbers 23:19 NIV) God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

(Deuteronomy 3:24 NIV) "O Sovereign LORD, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?

(Deuteronomy 4:24 NIV) For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

(Deuteronomy 4:31 NIV) For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.

(Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NIV) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. {5} Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

(Deuteronomy 9:3 NIV) But be assured today that the LORD your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the LORD has promised you.

(Deuteronomy 10:17 NIV) For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.

(Deuteronomy 20:1 NIV) When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.

(Deuteronomy 20:4 NIV) For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."

(Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV) The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, 'Destroy him!'

(Joshua 1:8-9 NIV) Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. {9} Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

(Joshua 23:3 NIV) You yourselves have seen everything the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the LORD your God who fought for you.

(2 Samuel 22:32-34 NIV) For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? {33} It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. {34} He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.

(2 Chronicles 30:9 NIV) If you return to the LORD, then your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him."

(Ezra 8:22 NIV) I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him."

(Psalms 10:4 NIV) In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

(Psalms 33:11-13 NIV) But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. {12} Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. {13} From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;

(Psalms 37:30-31 NIV) The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. {31} The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.

(Psalms 46:1-2 NIV) For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. {2} Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

(Psalms 46:4-5 NIV) There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. {5} God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

(Psalms 48:14 NIV) For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.

(Psalms 50:6 NIV) And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah

(Psalms 54:4 NIV) Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.

(Psalms 59:9-10 NIV) O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, {10} my loving God. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.

(Psalms 62:7-8 NIV) My salvation and my honor depend on God ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. {8} Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah

(Psalms 68:19-20 NIV) Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah {20} Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.

(Psalms 73:26 NIV) My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

(Psalms 84:11-12 NIV) For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. {12} O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

(Psalms 94:22 NIV) But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

(Psalms 116:5 NIV) The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

(Psalms 144:15 NIV) Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.

(Proverbs 30:5 NIV) "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

(Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV) The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, {2} to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, {3} and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

(Matthew 12:28 NIV) But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

(Matthew 22:32 NIV) 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob' ? He is not the God of the dead but of the living."

(Mark 1:15 NIV) "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

(Luke 7:28 NIV) I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

(Luke 10:9 NIV) Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.'

(Luke 16:16 NIV) "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.

(Luke 17:21 NIV) nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."

(John 4:24 NIV) God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

(John 6:33 NIV) For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

(Acts 10:34 NIV) Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism

(Romans 5:5 NIV) And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

(Romans 6:23 NIV) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Romans 7:1 NIV) Do you not know, brothers--for I am speaking to men who know the law--that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives?

(Romans 14:17 NIV) For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

(1 Corinthians 1:9 NIV) God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

(1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV) For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

(1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

(1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV) For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints,

(2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

(Galatians 6:7-8 NIV) Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. {8} The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

(Ephesians 4:24 NIV) and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

(Hebrews 4:12 NIV) For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

(Hebrews 11:16 NIV) Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

(Hebrews 13:16 NIV) And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

(1 John 1:5 NIV) This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

(1 John 4:7-9 NIV) Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. {8} Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. {9} This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

(1 John 4:16 NIV) And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

(Revelation 21:3 NIV) And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

THIS IS GOOD!

The story is told of a king who had a close friend with whom he grew up. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) and remarking, "This is good!"

One day the king and his friend were on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the king. In preparing one of the guns, the friend had apparently done something wrong, for after taking the gun from his friend, the king fired it and his thumb was blown off.

Examining the situation the friend remarked as usual, "This is good!"  To which the king replied, "No, this is NOT good!" and proceeded to send his friend to jail.

About a year later, the king was hunting in a dangerous area.  Cannibals captured him and took him to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to it. As they approached to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the king was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone that was less than whole. So after untying the king, they sent him on his way.

As he returned home, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend. You were right," he said, "it was good that my thumb was blown off." And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. "And so I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad for me to do this."

"No," his friend replied, "This is good!"

"What do you mean, 'This is good'? How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?"

"If I had NOT been in jail, I would have been with you."

A pearl to string: Any time I look back while in a negative mood I am bound to succumb to a bout of narcissism: seriously, I just don't know what's come over me, me, me, me. In contrast if I look back with the intent of counting my blessings I can see how God is working in my life and I am blessed. Situations may not always seem pleasant while we are in them, but the promise of God is clear. If we love him and live our lives according to his precepts, even that which seems to be bleak and hopeless will be turned by God for His glory and our benefit. Hold on... God is faithful! 

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28

This is good walking in Sonshine

and knowing you are loved

                                         Lyndi

Slow Dance

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round,
or listened to rain slapping the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight,
or gazed at the sun fading into the night?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,
time is short, the music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly,
when you ask "How are you?", do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed,
with the next hundred chores running through your head?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,
time is short, the music won't last.

Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow,
and in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a friendship die,
'cause you never had time to call and say hi?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,
time is short, the music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere,
you miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
it's like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life isn't a race, so take it slower,
hear the music before your song is over.

Reprinted with permission from the author
About the Author
David L. Weatherford is a child psychologist with published poems in "Chicken Soup for the Soul". If you want to enjoy more of David's beautiful writings, please visit www.davidlweatherford.com

Daisy Love

He loves me... He loves me not. Chance petal plucking won't give you love. Daisy love won't satisfy a hungry soul. Yet many a person will base their faith on the chance that mankind will do right by them.

I've been confronted of late with people who have left the church and no longer believe in God. I am always dismayed at how anyone could know Jesus and turn away. In my mind that is impossible. I can only surmise they never knew Jesus and put their trust and hope in man. Oh that's not good...... for man, not men, but mankind will always fall short of the glory of God. And yet as often as we feel troubled by a fresh discovery of human frailty, we feel strangely relieved by the company.

When the Lord doesn’t meet our personal expectations on earth we turn against Him!

Isn't it really that simple? As long as loving and serving the Lord is about our expectations our faith is shaky. It can be tossed and turned at a moments notice. Just let one little crisis enter the picture and many people climb upon the monster roller coaster of daisy love. I've taken a ride or two or forty myself.

In our everyday living mind we expect God to make our lives better. We want God to change things so we would be on the receiving end of worldly rewards and benefits. Stop and think about it - isn't it true? We want jobs or better jobs, marriage or a better marriage, health or better health. Really the list is endless. I could write a seventy three inch paragraph just listing the things I wanted out of this life. I wonder where on earth I got my ideas of what is good and pleasing? Did the Joneses write the book of "Want"?

The French make the most beautiful pastry in the world but if you bite into the confections expecting a sugary decadence of delight you will be sadly disappointed. And you can't sugar coat God with your grocery store tastes either.

A pearl to string: God had His focus on our eternal happiness and therefore His actions on earth were misinterpreted. A deeper grasp of Scripture is needed and that cannot be done with the Bible being stuck in the book shelves or still at the store. Going to church spotlights Scripture for practical purposes in living our lives. Personal study grows us in understanding and knowledge of God's heart and who we are in God's life. I study the word of God deeply because I don't want to wear the skin of religion and miss knowing the heart of God.

I pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, (Ephesians 3:17-18) Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. (Ephesians 4:14)

His love endures forever,
                                 Lyndi

Song of the Zapper

Since no one would describe themselves as perfect one might describe a family gathering as a commingling of imperfect people. That being stated you might picture in your mind the sound of a bug zapper going off every other second in almost melodious tones as normal situations produce trespasses among us.  Through generations of peoples families are notorious for nit-picking at each other and generally causing a raucous where many a gathering has been marred by such common occurrences. A good verse to carry in your heart at any gathering is from the Lord's prayer in Matthew 6 verse 12 "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."
 

We've been gathering yearly over the 4th of July as a family for 17 summers. Not exactly unusual for families to gather.... that's just what families do.  We have had members go sideways then high and off to the right a time or two but we as a group are intentional to guard against that and give each other room for our imperfections while forgiving each other our trespasses.

 

Wouldn't that be nice if intentionality of purpose were the answer?  It's just a step.... a good one albeit.  There are 19 of us now. It use to be just Coach Wonderful & I then we added sparkles upon sparkles upon more sparkles. Children, marriage mates and grandchildren.  We glow now with lots of personalities, opinions and thoughts with a myriad of ways to do things. Of course we share some common belief as we each walk with the Lord. Like everything else we are in diverse places but generally when you have a slew of creative, God gifted, original thinking and talented individuals with a shared last name.... ire happens. I think that's when the hairs on the back of your neck go up and frustration capitulates and the sound of the trespass zapper rocks out.

 

A pearl to string: Why? Because even with group purpose of intentionality individuals cannot do the 'goodness' thing on their own.  We have a sin nature and there is only one who can control it.  The Holy Spirit. We have learned through reading God's Word daily year in and year out as we grow more in love with Jesus that it is God's Word that equips us to receive the Holy Spirit and make the choices that follow God's goodness.  There is protection in God's goodness.  I am a witness to this. We had an extraordinary time together and I saw the Holy Spirit working in individuals when the trespass zapper sang. It's a beautiful sight to witness grace in your family. I see you Macs.  I love you MacFamily and I miss you already.

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them". -- Psalm 126:2. amen....

Thank you Mike & Jenni for hosting our MacGathering for the second time in your beautiful home. We love your pool. Our Jenni was a phenomenal servant to her Mac family feeding all 19 of us multiple times a day and generally taking care of each persons needs.  Big thunderous shout of thanks Jenni you blessed us all.  Lucky Mike, Nick, Justin, Brandon & Lexa!

 

Sharing the love with you all,

                                          Lyndi

JERUSALEM Imax movie

Jerusalem | Filmed in Imax 3D from JerusalemGiantScreen on Vimeo.

HIS

There is a story that comes out of the Bedouin culture. "Bedouin" is the Aramaic name for "desert dwellers." These people live much as the characters of the Old Testament did. During a heated argument, according to this story, a young Bedouin struck and killed a friend of his. Knowing the ancient, inflexible customs of his people, the young man fled, running across the desert under the cover of darkness, seeking safety.
     He went to the black tent of the tribal chief in order to seek his protection. The old chief took the young Arab in. The chief assured him that he would be safe until the matter could be settled legally.
     The next day, the young man's pursuers arrived, demanding the murderer be turned over to them. They would see that justice would prevail in their own way. "But I have given my word," protested the chief.  "But you don't know whom he killed!" they countered.  "I have given my word," the chief repeated.
     "He killed your son!" one of them blurted out. The chief was deeply and visibly shaken with his news. He stood speechless with his head bowed for a long time. The accused and the accusers as well as curious onlookers waited breathlessly. What would happen to the young man? Finally the old man raised his head. "Then he shall become my son," he informed them, "and everything I have will one day be his."

A pearl to string:  What if you were the one that killed that day?  There are many words that can take the place of the word kill: my bad, faux pas, rash behavior, messed up, made a regrettable mistake, sinned, all meaning the same thing that you fell short of the glory of God. None of us is perfect but do we deserve that kind of forgiveness that we should be made sons/daughters of the King?  Whew, it's a good thing I'm not running the world. My answer would be no. I am blessed with compassion but honestly...... you mess with my babies and your tail feathers are in deep doo-doo. The young man certainly didn't deserve such generosity. And that, of course, is the point. Love in its purest form is beyond comprehension. No one can merit it. It is freely given. It is agape, the love of God. Look to the cross. At the cross we encounter love in its purest form.  Thank you Lord, you don't leave it up to me.... you died for my sins and those who sin against me.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)

 

In His arms we too can forgive,

We are so loved,
                     Lyndi

Six Eggs

I am told that this is a story which is perfectly logical to all males: 

A wife asks her husband, "Could you please go shopping for me and buy one carton of milk, and if they have eggs, get 6."  A short time later the husband comes back with 6 cartons of milk.
The wife asks him, "Why on earth did you buy 6 cartons of milk?"  He replied, "They had eggs."

I've lived this only to discover that presumption of understanding is based on our own reasoning.  Too often, I think, I do the same thing with the Lord.  I believe  that  I understand what I am reading in His Word only to discover at a later time that my presumption of understanding  was based on my own reasoning.  In God's Word Jesus taught us to pray by example (Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4).  In the 10^th verse of Matthew 6 we find the words: 'thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven'.  Wow, right at the beginning of the prayer trouble erupts.  I am not seeing a lot of God's will being done on earth.... some maybe but not a lot.  Of course before I look around to others I must look at myself.... God's will being done?....some maybe but not a lot.

A pearl to string: What I see is a whole lot of need for understanding, need for acceptance, need for validation, need for encouragement. We need to be heard and we need to feel our value and live our dreams. But it all seems so centered on self.   Something seems to be askew.  In his book "The Purpose Driven Life", Rick Warren said;  "The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born BY his purpose and FOR his purpose".  

The only way I can understand how God's Word directs me personally is by fully depending upon the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that his words were not "wise and persuasive" but rather a "demonstration of the Spirit's power" in order that their faith "might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power" ( 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NIV)             

I don't want to go home with 6 cartons of milk....

I want to go home with 6 eggs
Walk with Him for it is there you are truly loved,
                                                                       Lyndi

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.  (1 Peter 4:12 NASB)

Mountain tops are for views & inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.

Speed Trees

A state trooper pulled over a woman on a lonely back road and said, "Ma'am, is there a reason why you're weaving all over the road?"

The woman replied, "Oh officer, thank goodness you're here! I almost had an accident! I looked up and there was a tree right in front of me. So, I swerved to the left and there was another tree in front of me. Then, I swerved to the right and there was another tree in front of me!"

The officer reached through the side window to the rear view mirror, and explained, "Ma'am... that's your air freshener."

Like that woman, we spend much of our lives "dodging the trees" that are not really there. We worry (and lose sleep) over things which never materialize. We hesitate to take action because we are fearful of what "might" happen. Our imagined fears keep us from driving down the straight and narrow ("What will they say? What will they do?") Remember only negatives are developed in a darkroom!

"The lazy man says, 'There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!' "
                                                                                                            Proverbs 22:13
Was there really a lion in the streets? No, but any excuse will work when you don't want to do something, even dodging imaginary obstacles. Henry Ford had a handle on this when he said, "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."  Remember whose kid you are.  You’ve got genetically disposed gifts in your gene pool.

String a pearl: If you want your dreams to come true, don't oversleep.

With a Mother’s solution there are three ways to get something done:
    1. Do it yourself.
    2. Hire someone to do it for you.
    3. Forbid your kids to do it.
We know in God’s Word that Jesus himself, tells us “Everything is possible for him who

believes.”  Jesus is telling us He has the sufficiency of power, if we can just bring the mustard seed of faith to receive it. As our son Mike always says, “Christians don't fight for victory, we fight from victory”.

Is there anything you've hesitated doing lately because of tree type obstacle in your way? Be certain the obstacle is real. It might just be your air freshener! That really stinks!

Depending on Jesus to freshen my air,

                                                         Lyndi

The Girls

Come to our door and you'll be greeted by jumping bundles of joy. "Wow you came to see us and play with us.... yeah".  Actually you would probably hear barking but really, our two little dogs are excited to see you and believe you came to see them. We hang together all day and night and I tell them things about life.  They are such good listners. They act like they understand every word my husband or I say. Of course they don't have a clue. The girls know we love them.  They feel safe, get fed, go crazy over treats. They want to be where ever I am and if I leave they wait for me in the front window. Neighbors walk by and wave to them..... they are so cute. Tyler, the neighbor's cat, walks real close to the front window and gives 'em a cat scan and enjoys watching them freak out. And when my car comes back up the street? Jumping bundles of joy!

Our little dogs do not understand when my husband or I discipline them that it is for their own good. Nor do they comprehend how dangerous it is outside of their home. They hate their leash and want to run free not walk! When it comes time for their bath they hide, shake and generally act like I am about to kill them.  They are not crazy about the cleaning process but love the end result and walk with a little spring of pride in their step. Really they act like we are here solely to make their life function exactly the way they want. No problems! You can actually witness each of them using 'dogchology' on us to get what they want. They think they have got us figured out. LOL They do not. They cannot reason on our level. They cannot think the way we do. They do not comprehend future.  They live for now.... this moment..... this need..... this want. We have a relationship, but we are not equals. We love each other, but my husband and I are their master.

A pearl to string: Am I talking about dogs here???? or is this how it is with God and me?  We are not equal. We operate on completely different levels of thought. I cannot think like God. I cannot understand God. I tend to go closer to self focus when I'm suffering.  I may get glimpses of His character. I may see the fruits of His action. I can even communicate with Him. But for me to assume I understand God is a serious mistake. I might end up thinking God is the way I want Him to be, or imagine He should be. God created me. Not the other way around. So I read His Word and depend on the Holy Spirit to help me live it.

 

"But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to Moses’ laws. Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity, idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions, envy, drunkenness, wild partying, and things like that. I’ve told you in the past and I’m telling you again that people who do things like that will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that" (Galatians 5:18-23^GW)

Leaning NOT on my own understanding,
Know you are loved
                           Lyndi

Entrusted Principle

How do I help a friend when her husband is acting like a snake with reptile dysfunction?

Just thinking of murder isn’t illegal ….. No, no, no……… that doesn’t lead down the right path!  Just as I was about to give up on this issue for now my computer dinged.  It does that when an e-mail comes in.  No time to check it now – I need to focus - back to staring at my page while God works.  Hummm 10 minutes, nothing!  20 minutes, more nothing!  Ok, 45 minutes and a whole lot of nothing!  I’ve either got writers block or my heart ears are plugged.  Off to the pile of unfinished devotionals for ya! Bye!!!

Hello, I’m retrieving my tossed devotional because I just read the best advice ever in Oz Hillman’s devotional.  It was one of those, “pop me in the middle of my head, I could have had a V-8” moments.  Not new but just said in such a way that really hit home with me. 

A woman of faith was struggling with a non-believing husband who wanted to make a large purchase.  They could not afford such an expense and it would wreck havoc with their finances.  She was completely opposed  to her husband’s plan yet wanted to be God’s woman in the heart of the situation.  She brought her dilemma to her Home Life group for their counsel.

Someone said, "You really only have a few options if you adhere to the principle that God has entrusted the man as the leader in the home. God has placed you under the umbrella of His protection as well as your husband. There are times when he will not make the right decision. Does that mean God is not protecting you? No. There may be several things working here. God may be testing your own obedience to this principle. He may use you to open up your husband's spiritual life due to your obedience and submissive spirit. Your obedience may cost your family something, but it will be beneficial in the long term. Your alternative is to rebel and pay him back for his decision by withholding your love from him, which is often what a wife does in this situation. It becomes a vicious circle of paybacks. My suggestion is to tell your husband how you feel about his decision and the impact you feel it will have on you and your family. If he still wants to make the purchase, you must let him do it and support him. What happens next will rest in God's hand as your ultimate protector."

A few weeks later the lady returned to her Home Life group. "I have some wonderful news. We did make the purchase. However, we were able to make it in such a way that we did not go into debt and I was able to support my husband. I have already seen a change in his attitude toward me by the way I responded to him in this. It has been a real lesson for me. I see him much more open to spiritual things since I made this decision and supported him, even though I disagreed with it." "Reprinted by permission from the author. Os Hillman is an international speaker and author of more than 10 books on workplace calling. To learn more, visit http://www.MarketplaceLeaders.org"

A pearl to string: Oz stated that God has made man and woman equal in His sight. Yet He has given each a different role to play in marriage. Husbands must answer to God for their leadership in the home. They will be judged for that leadership. When a wife submits to that leadership, God protects her from wrong decisions of that husband, although sometimes it may not appear that way at first.  You can trust God to protect you in your decisions that are made in obedience to His Word.

The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Trusting in His Word,

                            Lyndi

Meet Yeahbut

I want you to meet my not such a good friend Mr. Yeahbut.  He appeared in my life the first time I didn't forgive someone a trespass. That's about the same time my "I'm right" mode kicked in.  Which by coincidence morphed into "my way".  Somewhere along the "my way", not sure when, "or the highway" got tacked on. That all happened before I was three. My expectations grew from there. Too many people along life's path did not live up to "my way" so I took a plethora of psychology classes in high school and college. That did give me some understanding into human nature. I gathered plenty of good advice from adults in my life but Mr. Yeahbut always seemed to step in with an "if".  Basically and fundamentally I kept running into the same "if others would quit behaving that way I would improve" wall.  Of course I had a choice not to keep running into that wall but apparently I liked bruises, hurt feelings and crying a lot. One cold, dark lonely night of my soul after repeated trips into the wall I heard a question, "how's this working for ya?"  Feeling compelled to answer I replied into thin air, "really not very well at all".  Knowing it was God and having an Adam think alike moment I added, "it's the people you put into my life, what's wrong with these people?". "Did you explain your expectations to them?"  came another question.  "That requires a two fold response I replied: Yeah but they didn't listen and No but they should know.... it's fundamental good behavior". (Nobut? Must be Yeahbut's cousin)  "Hmmm, they must have missed the publication of the 'book of you'. Try forgiveness!" came the word. "Yeah but they keep doing it over and over again" I protested. "Forgiveness" was the Word again and again.

In Scripture taken from The Message 20th chapter of John verse 23 another good question is asked. "If you forgive someone's sins, they're gone for good. If you don't forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?" 

When unforgiveness has had time to take root, it begins to grow into bitterness, anger, wrath and hatred, to the point that even love that had once warmed the heart, will become cold and distant. Words that were once tender and loving will become filled with negativity & curses. We need to realize that the license we've given ourselves to judge others can weaken us all. Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hope that the offender will get sick from it. The reality is it is making YOU sick and begins a slow death to those who will not release it.  Unforgiveness wreaks havoc with anything in it's path like a cyclone that sucks life right off the earth. Your expectations are off track, all relationships are at risk for doom and your thinking process become like murky water. So many people unknowingly hold on to their pain from the past. They have chosen to forget rather than to forgive, and there is a difference. Forgetting does not take the poison away, forgiving does. Unforgiveness is a huge obstacle in this life that keeps us from obedience and intimacy with the Lord.

A pearl to string: When you align your expectations, thinking and actions with the Lord and His Word it's not that people will suddenly behave better or that all your expectations will be met.  It's not even that you will personally improve with great strides. What you do is create an atmosphere for which forgiveness can be a way of living because it is most certainly the way of loving.

Living in His forgiveness

You are forgiven and you are loved,
                                              Lyndi

Never Discouraged

Imagine that I dump 10,000 plastic eggs in your back yard. I assure you that inside one of those hollow eggs is a check for $1 Million dollars with your name on it. Would you get discouraged if you opened the first 100 eggs without finding the check? How about the first 1000 eggs? Of course not!  You'd just keep opening those eggs, just waiting for the moment when you'd find the check.

Paul knew the meaning of the word "suffering." He had been beaten, stoned, imprisoned, shipwrecked, starved, and rejected and that was just on Mondays. And yet Paul said that his sufferings were nothing compared to the glory that would come. In other words, Paul had opened a lot of empty eggs, but he never gave up or got discouraged.  He believed that something great was in his future - God's glory revealed in him.

Perhaps it feels to you as if your life has been nothing but empty eggs.  You've already opened 9,562 of them and you're not sure you've got the will to go on. Let me encourage you today. Don't give up. I don't want to trivialize the challenges you are facing, but I do want to help you put them into perspective. They are only temporary, and God has something much greater in store for you.  Compared to the glory that will be revealed in us one day, our suffering doesn't merit discouragement.

A pearl to string:  I don't know who wrote that but it was certainly encouraging to me so I wanted to share it with you. I drove a VW when I was a kid.  I always knew when the gas tank was low I still had 3 gallons left in the reserve tank.  Just flip the lever and away I'd go.  God gave each one of us a reserve tank. Flip your prayer lever. Hang on. Don't give up. Keep going. One day God will replace your discouragement with incomparable glory!

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18)

Stay in His beautiful Sonshine

The rainbows of life follow the storms

Know you are loved,

                              Lyndi

Clipped Wings

Have you seen the Athenos Greek Yogurt commercial with Yiayia? (Greek, for grandmother)  http://youtu.be/JmD-wDEeOds   It opens with a charming young couple, all a flutter with love, sharing breakfast. The off camera announcer asks what their plans are for the day.  The young man eagerly replies while his lady love hangs on every word with coquettish adoration. The announcer breaks in, "That's wonderful" he says, "let's see what Yiayia thinks". Yiayia cuts to the chase.... with this sweet expression upon her face and a suspiciously syrupy voice to match Yiayia asks, "are you two married"? her voice rising at the end of her question.  Young woman looks at her man with flirtatious eyes, a little giggle and gives Yiayia a sheepish reply, "well no"!  Still maintaining that sweet expression Yiayia does the shame, shame, shame thing with her fingers and says: "but you are living together? ..........."    OK I'll cut in here: You go Yiayia... she tells those kids where they are headed and the expression on the young couples face fades rapidly to shock & bewilderment. Of course the announcer breaks in here and explains Yiayia approves of  the Athenos Greek Yogurt. Scene fades out with Yiayia helping a motorcyclist slow down.

Even our commercials present sin against God with such worldly beauty that what use to be wrong is now appearing right. What a cover up the deceiver has accomplished.  It seems to be perfectly acceptable for skimpily clad young women to parade about.  Young men wear ill fitting clothing and look permanently disheveled. The language and self serving actions follow any old whim that appears on the horizon.  Of course there are exceptions, like your kids, grandkids and mine but don't you just get irritated with what you see around you?  Each generation suffers the indignity and rejection of their standard operating procedure. I think I must be feeling the sting. Sometimes I just want to scream! Then suddenly a previously unknown section of my mind takes control of my mouth and immediately produces: "put some clothes on", "pull your pants up", "get a hair cut" and "use some words with more than four letters". "Try some good manners", "be kind", and  "be considerate of those around you". IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU!  But of course just like my generation, each upcoming generation knows best.  Where is all this headed Yiayia?

A pearl to string: Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity. It doesn't give you wings - it clips them. If God lives in us, then there's no way of keeping Him from "showing through". That's the essence of Christian living - living in such a way that people around will see God in our lives. Not shouting it or getting bonged on the head with a placard of love. Ok - I'll put my soap-box away!

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."  Matthew 5:16

Staying with a truth I can count on His truth never changes.

You are loved,

                 Lyndi

The Bride

I came across a question a few weeks ago that set my mind on fire. It burned for days and days getting my heart caught up in the tortuous pondering until my soul joined the mêlée of sorrowful conjecture. My goodness you say, what on earth would disturb you so? Here’s the question I’ll let you ponder it’s depth for awhile. Did you ever stop to think about what a bad deal Jesus got when He chose us to be His bride?

Ugg! I can’t bear the pain of that question. I’ve grown into the belief over the last 49 years with Coach Wonderful that marriage is the one relationship on earth that prepares a person for the intimate relationship with Christ Jesus. Why you ask? It’s the one relationship that teaches you to die to yourself on a daily basis or the marriage relationship dies. There seems to be a cultural impression that a good marital relationship is an inalienable right. Folks appear to be escaping marriage commitments by the droves with the thought there is someone else out there with whom a good relationship will be easier. Good grief, didn’t anyone read the fine print? Relationships are going to have their challenges and even the best of them will be severely tried. Dan Haseltine wrote in Relevant magazine a few years back, “Look at the marriage of Jesus… the one with the bride who sleeps around, never listens, disowns, scorns, dishonors, runs away, intentionally proves to be more interested in anything but her husband, is selfish and bears the children of every affair and the scent of every escapade. It was a marriage that killed Jesus. And it was the Gospel that brought Him back to life to love once more”.

Our groom Jesus doesn’t look for a way out. "I will never leave thee." -- Hebrews 13:5 He waits expectantly and with great love for his bride while she clothes herself in wedding attire. He isn’t thinking about Himself or His own rights. He is thinking about us. He sees us as holy, blameless and beautiful. He sees the completed bride that He paid for and washed clean through the healing blood of His forgiveness on the cross. With that kind of love shinning on us we should be able to see each other that way, die to ourselves and live offering one another to Jesus in love.

A pearl to string: Mark Steel said, “Jesus can turn water into wine, but He can't turn your whining into anything”.   None of us will find peace within ourselves until we find peace in God’s gift of eternal life. 

Humbled by His continuous grace,
                                       Lyndi

Resurrection Mural by Ron DiCianni

A friend sent me a copy of this wonderful artwork by Ron DiCianni that is now on display in the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, Texas.

Pictured from left to right: Abraham, Isaiah, David, Moses, (an angel on either side of Jesus), Elijah, Noah, Queen Ester, John the Baptist, Daniel.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us"

Hebrews 12:1 verse used for artist's inspiration

Watch Video!

By Ron DiCianni
March 28, 2010

Every artist longs for the definitive subject to paint, the one that captures a moment in time, hoping that viewers will put themselves there. Mine is the Resurrection. The one act in history that separates Christianity from every philosophy, every religion, and stops the mouths of every critic of Christ. Some may choose to ignore it, but none can deny it.

Two years ago, the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, Texas, asked me if I would consider painting a mural on the theme of Jesus’ resurrection. After praying and summoning up the courage to face such a task, I agreed. My only solace was in knowing that God had promised me many years ago that He would hold my hand whenever I painted. Knowing that the God of the universe is with you is what caused David to confront Goliath, Elijah to stand alone against 400 crazy prophets, and is what sustained Jesus when faced with the cross.

Taking my cue from Hebrews 12:1, I envisioned Christ emerging from the tomb with many heroes of the faith waiting for Him. These Old Testament faithful were able to see the One who fulfilled what they could only have dreamed of!

On a more practical note, I have to laugh when I think of how God loves to go against the grain of our comfort zone. I paint on a mechanical lift that raises a small, unsteady platform quite high off the floor. For as long as I can remember, I have been terrified of heights! Isn’t that just like God to make us face the very thing that proves He’s bigger and stronger than our fears? No question who is going to get the glory from such an assignment!

The mural required extensive preparation. Every costume for each model was hand-made. Every prop for the photography (for reference to paint from) was professionally made. The tomb was custom sculpted for me by the same people who had worked on such films as Indiana Jones. I even solicited the help of four prominent Christian painters. Thomas Blackshear posed as Abraham, Michael Dudash as Isaiah, Morgan Weistling as David, and Chris Hopkins as John the Baptist. The reason for all the effort? Whatever we, as artists, put our hand to, ought to be the best for our King! To Him belong the best efforts, time and talent we possess. No one else should get better treatment for the greatest message of all!

When I look at the finished mural today, I see in the details reminders of God’s guidance.

You might miss some of these messages at first glance. Notice the rock beginning to crack under Christ’s feet due to the earthquake. Look up to the top right of Noah and see the dove flying across the rock. On Moses’ belt in Hebrew are the words “I AM.” (Jesus used those words to describe himself in John 8:58.) On the angel’s swords are the letters for Alpha and Omega. On the top of the swords is the Star of David. Notice the “keys of death and hell” tied on Christ’s belt. The three kneeling figures are David, Esther and Daniel … royalty bowing to the greatest of all kings! In the right top background is Mount Calvary, also known as “the place of the skull.” You can see the hint of a rainbow above reminding us of the promises of God.

With any of my paintings, my prayer is that viewers will have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ as their Savior. Friend, have you met Him? Has the Resurrection brought you new life? You can discover that life today.
________________________________________
RON DiCIANNI is an internationally recognized artist. His paintings depicting the four cardinal doctrines of the Assemblies of God are on permanent display at the Fellowship’s headquarters in Springfield, Mo. Prints of this mural are available at TapestryProductions.com. A portion of the proceeds from Pentecostal Evangel readers will provide Bibles for African AG pastors.

Jeruselem.... OBITUARIES..... 33AD

I Am The Door

There is a story told of George Adam Smith, the 19th century biblical scholar traveling in the holy land and coming across a shepherd and his sheep. Not exactly an unusual experience but it was in the course of conversation with that shepherd  the man showed him the sheepfold into which the sheep were led at night. It consisted of four walls, with a way in. 

Smith asked him, "This is where they go at night?" 

"Yes," said the shepherd, "and when they are in there, they are perfectly safe."

"But there is no door," said Smith. 

"I am the door," said the shepherd.

He was not a Christian man and wasn't speaking in the language of the New Testament. He was speaking from an Arab shepherd's viewpoint. 

Smith looked and him and asked, "What do you mean you are the door?"

"When the light has gone," said the shepherd, "and all the sheep are inside, I lie in that open space, and no sheep ever goes out but across my body, and no wolf comes in unless he crosses my body; I am the door."

God's Word tells us in John chapter 10: " Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.  I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep".  (John 10:7-11).

A pearl to string: Only Jesus can save us from sin. Muhammad cannot save us. Buddha cannot save us. Krishna cannot save us, nor can Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, or even the law of Moses.  Nothing opens heaven's door except the One who is the door, and that is Jesus Christ. Just makes me want to break out in song:

Oh, how He loves you and me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.
He gave His life, what more could He give;
Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.

He does you know...

God loves you and me.

Happy Resurrection Sunday,

                                     Lyndi

SIMON

A pearl to string: Sometimes things are so good you just have to share them. Max Lucado's devotional, "Simon from Cyrene Carries Jesus' Cross" is just one of those good things I just have to share with you.

“A man named Simon from Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was coming from the fields to the city. The soldiers forced Simon to carry the cross for Jesus” (Mark 15:21)

Simon grumbles beneath his breath. His patience is as scarce as space on the Jerusalem streets. He’d hoped for a peaceful Passover. The city is anything but quiet. Simon prefers his open fields. And now, to top it off, the Roman guards are clearing the path for some who-knows-which-dignitary who’ll march his soldiers and strut his stallion past the people. “There he is!” Simon’s head and dozens of others turn. In an instant they know. This is no dignitary.  “It’s a crucifixion,” he hears someone whisper. Four soldiers. One criminal. Four spears. One cross. The inside corner of the cross saddles the convict’s shoulders. Its base drags in the dirt. Its top teeters in the air. The condemned man steadies the cross the best he can, but stumbles beneath its weight. He pushes himself to his feet and lurches forward before falling again. Simon can’t see the man’s face, only a head wreathed with thorny branches. The sour-faced centurion grows more agitated with each diminishing step. He curses the criminal and the crowd. “Hurry up!” “Little hope of that,” Simon says to himself.  The cross-bearer stops in front of Simon and heaves for air. Simon winces at what he sees. The beam rubbing against an already raw back. Rivulets of crimson streaking the man’s face. His mouth hangs open, both out of pain and out of breath.  “His name is Jesus,” someone speaks softly.  “Move on!” commands the executioner. But Jesus can’t. His body leans and feet try, but he can’t move. The beam begins to sway. Jesus tries to steady it, but can’t. Like a just-cut tree, the cross begins to topple toward the crowd. Everyone steps back, except the farmer. Simon instinctively extends his strong hands and catches the cross.  Jesus falls face-first in the dirt and stays there. Simon pushes the cross back on its side. The centurion looks at the exhausted Christ and the bulky bystander and needs only an instant to make the decision. He presses the flat of his spear on Simon’s shoulders.  “You! Take the cross!”   Simon dares to object, “Sir, I don’t even know the man!” “I don’t care. Take up the cross.” Simon growls, balances the timber against his shoulder, and steps out of the crowd onto the street, out of anonymity into history, and becomes the first in a line of millions who will take up the cross and follow Christ.

He did literally what God calls us to do figuratively: take up the cross and follow Jesus. “If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross each day and follow me” (Luke. 9:23 CEV).

Happy Resurrection Sunday

You are dearly loved,

                            Lyndi

Jesus Rose

A carpenter by trade, Earl was involved with the demolition of an old dilapidated apartment building in town  While tearing out the walls he discovered an antiquated note.  He opened it carefully.  It had been protecting a dried up red rose.  He read the signed note with great interest, because he recognized the names. "This little rose was given to me on our first-month anniversary. I hung it inside this wall with the hope that all who live in this apartment will be as happy as we have been."

    

The two people mentioned still lived in the community and were still married. Hugs and tears of joy followed when Earl hand-delivered the single dried rose and vintage note!

    

Another person might have ignored the rose, or called it junk and tossed it. However, Earl recognized it for what it was: love.

Ah love... the Beatles sing: All You Need is Love. Mary J Blige sings Love Is All We Need. Céline Dion sings about the Power of Love. In the love chapter of God's Word 1 Corinthians 13 Paul calls love the greatest of all.  Love is not a noun to be defined but a verb to be acted upon.

   

A pearl to string:  What makes love so amazing? For starters, it is what inspired the Father to send His only Son to die for us. Without love, there would have been no redemption for mankind. Not only would we be without love, but without the redemption that was activated by love, there would also be no faith, and no hope. You see, nothing else matters, without love. It is foundational for every other good thing in our lives.

Jesus rose from the dead. Some deny it. Some refute it. Others leave the resurrection hanging where they found it -- no decision for them. But others see that Jesus Rose and understand the message. And they want to pass it on. Have you seen the Jesus Rose for yourself?

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life".

The Jesus Rose, the emblem of God's love

In His fragrance

                      Lyndi

"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:17)