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)

ROSE

Recently I went sideways with an atheist on face book.  This particular atheist happens to be a relative and for the sake of family cohesiveness I didn't choose to do battle but a friend of mine stepped up to the plate with my blessings.  Oh my goodness she was amazing.  Tough in battle, brilliant with her well chosen words. Scripture was her battle sword.  Cool was her spirit.  My agnostic relative was puffed-up with anger and wound up declaring he was God but quickly recanted and put a less offensive moniker to his final punch.  It was interesting to witness.  I realized that I am not wired for that kind of a battle. Yikes, I nearly drowned in my own tears I was so upset.  I love this relative and I have deep concern for his soul. It was easy to see that there are no winners.  One can't hit another with a Bible.... no one benefits - no one grows.  God's Word is love and for me arguing can never produce love.   Jesus died for us but didn't stop there.  Jesus rose from death so we might live.  How can there be a greater love than that?

 Isn't the resurrection of Jesus Christ a verifiable fact from history?  And doesn't Christ's resurrection answer the question of Christianity's validity from being merely a philosophical issue to being a historical one?  It seems only those who never study the evidence -- or who refuse to listen to its testimony -- could deny the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Josh McDowell (The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict) comes to mind as one person in recent history that set out to disprove Christ's resurrection -- only to become a believer instead!  What an incredible ministry arose from his quest more than 40 years ago.

A pearl to string: It remains a fact: Confucius' tomb, Buddha's tomb, Mohammed's
tomb, and Lenin's tomb are all occupied. But Jesus Christ's tomb is EMPTY!

"I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death." REVELATION 1:18 NKJ

I am preparing my heart and mind to remember and celebrate Resurrection Sunday the Easter I always knew.....

May love always lead the way

                                          Lyndi

FUNdamental

There was a Scottish tradesman, a painter called Jack, who was very interested in making a pound where he could. So he often would thin down his paint to make it go a wee bit further. As it happened, he got away with this for some time.

Eventually the Presbyterian Church decided to do a big restoration job on one of their biggest churches. Jack put in a painting bid and because his price was so competitive, he got the job. And so he set to, with a right good will, erecting the trestles and putting up the planks, and buying the paint and...yes, I am sorry to say, thinning it down with the turpentine.

Well, Jack was up on the scaffolding, painting away, the job nearly done, when suddenly there was a horrendous clap of thunder. The sky opened and the rain poured down, washing the thin paint from all over the church and knocking Jack far off the scaffold to land on the lawn.

Now, Jack was no fool. He knew this was a judgment from the Almighty, so he fell on his knees and cried, "Oh, God! Forgive me! What should I do?"

And from the thunder, a mighty Voice spoke, "Repaint! Repaint! And thin no more!"

Ok, groan.... it's an old story but if  you are continually tripping over the same problem you might consider a different approach.  The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians, passed on from generation to generation, says that, "When you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount."  However, in government, education, and in corporate America, as with some Christians more advanced strategies are often employed, such as:

1. Buying a stronger whip.

2. Changing riders.

3. Appointing a committee to study the horse.

4. Arranging to visit other countries to see how other cultures ride dead horses.

5. Lowering the standards so that dead horses can be included.

6. Reclassifying the dead horse as living-impaired.

7. Hiring outside contractors to ride the dead horse.

8. Harnessing several dead horses together to increase speed.

9. Providing additional funding and/or training to increase dead horse's performance.

10. Doing a productivity study to see if lighter riders would improve the dead horse's performance.

11. Declaring that as the dead horse does not have to be fed, it is less costly, carries lower overhead and therefore contributes substantially more to the bottom line of the economy than do some other horses

12. Rewriting the expected performance requirements for all horses.

A pearl to string:  Seems like God's Word gave us answers to problems before we ever  encountered them.  Why do you suppose that His wisdom is last on many lists? “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). but “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7).

Got problems?

Seek His wisdom,

                            Lyndi

A VIEW FROM THE ZOO

Which just happens to be the title of book by Gary Richmond. Illustrations from the animal world fill the pages with spiritual truths. The birth of a giraffe gives insight to life's trials and hardships.

When a calf is born, he falls ten feet and lands on his back. The mother then momentarily hovers over the newborn before kicking the baby head over heels, if the calf doesn't get up, he gets another good kick.

This process is repeated to stimulate his efforts. Finally, when the little giraffe gets up on his wobbly legs, the mother kicks him off his feet again. To an outsider such behavior seems cruel and unnecessary. (Ya think? Wow, I wouldn't make a very good giraffe) To the mother it is an expression of love. This first lesson in life helps the newborn to quickly develop the skills needed to move rapidly with the herd when predators are near.

Sometimes we feel as though God has no sooner gotten us on our feet when He turns around and knocks us down. The next time that happens, think about the newborn giraffe. God may simply be strengthening you for your own protection in the future.

"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-4)

A pearl to string: Perseverance and patience are two essential qualities for the followers of Jesus.  They were demonstrated by Christ and they help believers deal with adverse circumstances.  When I was a little girl my Grandmother taught me not to ask God for patience because the trials would increase but rather ask God for wisdom.  Patience is a gift of wisdom and perseverance is the joy of patience. I do not find those words specifically in God's Word but 2 Thessalonians 3:5  sure looks like the essence of wisdom "Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ."

Be In His Love,

                    Lyndi

Me, Me, Me

I read in a Nancy DeMoss devotional that our lives are made up of endless variations on the word me. Our instinctive reaction to life is self-centered: How does this affect me? Will this make me happy? Why did this happen to me?  Good grief it's not enough that we each want to be the center of our own universe but we also want to be the center of everyone else's universe ---including God's. I don't think that's going to work very well. If everyone just watches out for themselves then who will serve those who can't help themselves?  Who will love the hurting peoples? Who will come alongside the oppressed and give hope?

Me-centeredness is so powerful and deeply rooted in our society that if we don't deliberately fight it we will undoubtedly live it and become veiled in false humility. I have to ask myself am I only enthusiastic and giving to efforts that involve me? Deliver me Lord! The more self focused we are the more unhappy we become.  It's true  - we were created to give outward - away from the center of self.

Tony Berti, an offensive tackle for Coach Wonderful's CU Buffs back in the early 90's said on face book recently: "Sometimes people's perception of us is not really based on us, but on their own issues and insecurities. The Lesson is that we have to be confident in who we are and know what we are about and know to try not to judge others based on our own issues and insecurities".

The years have taught me a most wonderful beauty secret with more visible results than any man made solution.... it's the study of God's Word.  "His Words evoke her beauty" (Ephesians 5:26-27^MSG)

A pearl to string: Joy is my balance marker.  If I'm out of joy I am out of balance. Joy is where I don't give myself room for an opinion.... I believe God and trust the outcome to Him.  He is the God of Hope: hope always points to the future. In God our future can always be dramatically different from our past.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit". (Romans 15:13)

Love you, you, you,

                          Lyndi

Trickle Down Parenting, by Joe Beam

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21 NIV).

Did you know that according to marriage experts the first major crisis in many marriage relationships is after the birth of their first child?

With all the stresses of caring for a toddler, it's easy to see why trouble could erupt. To keep your marriage out of crisis, several things need to be considered.

Who's Your Baby?

One of the things I often say in my marriage seminars is that the reason the birth of the first child is often the first crisis in a marriage is because "mama has a new baby."

Before her child's birth, her husband was her baby. Maybe she woke up early to cook breakfast for him before he left for work, she paid close attention to him to ensure he was happy and comfortable and she planned her schedule around him. But when Heather's new baby, Tanner, was born, she altered her focus almost entirely.

When Jason got home from work, Heather hardly noticed. After a hard day of changing diapers, cleaning spilled milk off the carpet and listening to Tanner cry, her nerves were shot. Her exhaustion carried over to the bedroom, where the two hardly made love anymore.

Though Jason loved his son, he occasionally had feelings of resentment toward him.

What could this couple possibly do? They certainly would not ignore their child. But they would decide to ensure that they remembered their vows to each other.

Jason and Heather recommitted to making sure the other felt fulfilled and happy. They decided to reserve one night for the two of them to relax at home or go out for dinner. That night, a baby sitter whom they trusted would keep Tanner. Also, during Tanner's daily naps, Heather would nap. This way she could catch up on some of the sleep she lost from nursing Tanner during the night. After work, Jason prepared supper for Tanner and fed him while Heather cooked their supper. The two noticed a drop in stress simply because they refocused on each other.

Unity

After some time passed, Jason and Heather had raising a baby down to an art form. Though it was very hard work, they both felt a sense of pride in being parents and had renewed feelings of closeness and warmth for each other. However, the eye of the storm gave way to disaster when Tanner became a toddler.

Tanner learned that occasionally Jason gave in more than Heather. When Heather would put Tanner in bed for the night, Jason would often allow him to get in their bed. Heather did not like the loss of intimacy that resulted in Tanner sleeping in their bed and didn't appreciate Jason ignoring the rules she made for Tanner.

As Tanner began to learn he could go to "daddy" for a "second opinion,"

he would cry to Jason after Heather had said, "no." One day, when Heather went shopping, Jason kept Tanner. Tanner began asking Jason for a marker so he could draw. Both Tanner and Jason knew that Heather did not allow Tanner to play with markers. But Jason didn't think it would hurt anything.

When Heather came home to find the walls covered with scribbles, she was very upset. Jason hadn't noticed when Tanner snuck away from him.

I can't stress enough the importance of focusing on your marriage relationship!

The little guy had learned to manipulate Jason and Heather in order to get what he wanted. It wasn't because he was a bad little boy. It was simply because two-year olds live life only to please themselves. He would grow out of it in time, but until he did, Jason and Heather would have to set some more guidelines in order to protect their marriage.

They decided that they would determine rules together. And if one of them set a rule for Tanner to follow, that rule would stand simply because of the loyalty that existed between Jason and Heather.

It took a while, but Tanner learned that "mommy and daddy" were united in parenting. If one said no, the other did as well. This was difficult but Jason and Heather were determined to be just as focused on each other as they were on being parents.

To Be Good Parents, It Takes A Good Marriage

Though it's tempting to nurture our children above our marriage, statistics tell us that children in homes with parents in strong marriages are more successful, mentally stable and have more self-esteem on average than children in homes with parents in weak relationships.

In our make-believe scenario, everything worked out nicely for Jason and Heather. That isn't always the case. Therefore, I can't stress enough the importance of focusing on your marriage relationship just as much as you focus on being a good parent. By working to improve your marriage, not only are you helping yourself, you are helping your children.

If you have a son, he needs to see his father treat his mother with compassion, respect and love. If you have a daughter, she needs to see her mother treat her father with the same compassion, respect and love.

Not only will it help them in the future, but it provides them a pleasant home and a healthy attitude toward God's institution of marriage.

So practice the "trickle-down effect" with your family. The good things in your marriage will usually trickle down to your children and, hopefully, to their children and generations to come.

---------

  (c) 2011 Joe Beam <joe@joebeam.com>.

RELATED LINKS:

* Ahead of My Time

  http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200409/20040922_aheadoftime.html

* The Power of Influence

  http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200305/20030503_influence.html

* Stressed Out!

  http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200809/20080927_stressedout.html

* Marriage Helper

  http://www.marriagehelper.com/