Category: A Christian life

1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.

Matthew 6:28b-30 (KJV)

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

My daughter and I made a 24 hour trip simply to see the Texas wildflowers blooming alongside the road way. Naturally, we threw in some eating and shopping along the way. We took our time, and on more than one occasion, we stopped and took advantage of the picturesque views.

Jesus said, “Consider the lilies….” I can imagine if Jesus was from central Texas He might have said,

“Consider the bluebonnets….”

As I gaze upon the field of wildflowers, I marvel at the beauty and contrast. Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes, and Butter Cups are a few of my childhood favorites. Each flower unique in color and form, yet together, they create a beautiful blanket for the earth.

Jesus said of the Father, “…shall He not much more clothe you?…” Why is it so difficult to place our trust in God? He proves himself season after season. God’s got this! He clothes the flowers, and He will clothe me.

1 Peter 5:7 assures me. I am what God cares about! He cares for me. The word “care” in the Greek means: to be of interest or concern. God is concerned about me. God is interested in me.

All my cares, worries, and anxieties I have in this world are no match for my God. I must give my cares to Him. You must give your cares to Him. For, He cares for me, and He cares for you!

Philemon vs 19 (NLT)

I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it. And I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul!

This short letter written to Philemon from Paul contains a story of second chances. History explains that Onesimus, as a slave, stole from his owner, Philemon, and ran away. Onesimus came to know Paul, and Paul introduced him to Jesus and a new life. Now that Onesimus has changed, Paul intends to send him back home, not as a fugitive slave, but a redeemed brother in Christ.

It’s comical to me. Apparently Paul knows that Philemon has a past, too. Paul does not elaborate but simply reminds Philemon, “…I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul!” Like a line from a sitcom, Paul says he won’t mention it, yet in that very statement, he mentions it.

I am certain Philemon’s heart melted toward his runaway slave, Onesimus, once Paul reminded him of his own second chance. Not only was Onesimus to be allowed to return, but he was also to be elevated. Onesimus left a slave but returned a brother. What an amazing God we serve!

We serve a God of second chances. And third chances, and fourth chances…… The redeeming blood of Jesus and our step of faith is all it takes.

Philemon vs 6

“I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.”

Today is a new day. The sun shines new every morning. I hope you realize your place in Christ and begin to live like the child of God you are not the slave of this world.

Titus 3:8b (NLT)

… so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good.

What does it mean to do good? Is “good” subjective?

Titus 3:14(NLT)

“Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others….”

When you do good, you are unselfishly thinking of others. The act of doing good becomes second nature when practiced. Titus 3:14 says you “must learn to do good by…”. You must take action. You must be about the practice of doing good, and the more you do good, the easier it will become.

Daily examples:

When driving in the parking lot and met by a pedestrian, stop, patiently, and allow the pedestrian the right away. Don’t speed up thinking, “they are walking too slow!”

Do good.

When you are out with a group of 11 people, do not sit at a table for 10. Consider everyone and draw in the outsider.

Do good.

When planning a meal, try to have something everyone likes. Occasionally, we focus on one family member or another, but we should strive to have options.

Do good.

When frustration attacks, take a step back, breathe, reevaluate the situation. Try a new approach.

Do good.

When the waitress seems to be having an especially bad day, and your service is directly hindered, show mercy. Smile, be kind, and tip well.

Do good.

Wave. Smile. Make eye contact. Greet a stranger. Slow down. Say, “I am sorry”. Think of others first. Be the last in line, somebody’s got to do it. Empty the dishwasher. Take out the trash. Replace the trash liner. Say, “I love you”. Say, “Jesus loves you”.

Do good.

When you do good, you “do😃 God”. You are God’s hands extended. He uses you.

[“DO GOOD” spelled backwards is “DOO GOD”.

I know it has an extra “o”, but phonetically it works.]😉

Philippians 3:20a (NLT)

But we are citizens of heaven….

Philippians is a short letter written by Paul to his friends in Philippi. Paul has been imprisoned for preaching the Good News of Jesus, but his concern is not for himself but to encourage others who might suffer a similar fate. I hope you can take the time to read the book in it’s entirety and feel empowered to continue to spread the gospel.

The simple phrase, “but we are citizens of heaven,” pricked my heart this morning. What does it mean to be a citizen? I imagine all the blessings I received as a citizen of the United States of America. I am covered by the Constitution and the laws of the land. I’m granted freedom of speech, the right to vote, the right to bear arms, freedom to worship, and so much more simply because I am a citizen of the USA. When I travel to other countries, I don’t travel in fear because I have the support of the American government and Armed Forces because I am a citizen. When I return to the USA from travels, I do not worry about crossing the border because I am a citizen. Being a citizen grants me special privileges.

How much more are the privileges of being a citizen of heaven? I am able to come boldly to the throne of grace and receive mercy because I am a citizen. (Hebrews 4:16) I receive the gift of eternal life because I am a citizen. (Romans 6:22, John 3:16) The angels rejoice over me because I am a citizen. (Luke 15:10) What ever I ask the Father, He hears, and He will give it to me because I am a citizen. (John 16:23) The list is endless.

The best part is that becoming a citizen of heaven is free; there’s no test; only one requirement: receive Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Galatians 3:26 (KJV)

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Will you believe today?

Will you become a citizen?

Titus 3:4-7 (KJV)

But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Throughout this Christmas season remember Jesus made the way for you to become a citizen.

Only believe.

My entire life, as long as I can remember, I have been told, “You look just like your mother.” Most recently, about 15 of my classmates met at the homecoming game of our alma mater, and again and again they remarked how I resembled my mom. My mom was one of our school teachers. For some, she was their 1st grade teacher, but for all of us, she was our junior high English teacher. I cannot recall actively participating in junior high English, but I know my grammar rules! And, when in doubt, I know just who to call. 😉

My mom’s penmanship looks sharp, neat, and highly legible. I suppose I inherited more than simply my mom’s appearance, in that I too, receive compliments on my penmanship. As I sit here today and compose my weekly blog, I’m reminded of my mother’s great talent for writing, as well. She’s penned a multitude of poems (we really need to get her published). Many of her writings carry on her legacy of an involved, loving school teacher. Each November our hometown, Edgewood, Texas, hosts it’s annual Heritage Festival. Children from various grade levels perform songs, orations, and dance. This year as my sister’s second grade class prepared to dance the Cotton Eyed Joe around the gazebo, we were reminded of our own heritage. The children began with the recitation written by my mom well over 20 years before. Earlier in the day you could hear a familiar tune around the flagpole as children sang the history of Edgewood, Texas to the theme music from The Beverly Hillbillies. The lyrics written by my mom.

My mom is not only beautiful and talented, but she is giving. She thinks of others, and her hospitality reaches beyond her doors. Time and again my mom prepares food for her friends and neighbors in need. She is a thoughtful, reliable, and faithful friend.

Two of the best weeks of my entire life are the weeks after my two children were born. Upon returning home from the hospital with my newborn baby, Mom was there. Even though I was a new mom, for a week I enjoyed the blessings of being a child again. My mom cooked, cleaned, did laundry, and let me sleep as an exhausted young mom had need. Even if I try to recreate a meal from that time, it never tastes the same because those meals contained a special ingredient that I cannot replicate for myself: unconditional mother’s love.

Perhaps, I also inherited a couple of Mom’s annoying habits. For instance, being a backseat driver, worrying over time schedules, and a desire for everything to go according to plan (Admittedly, the plans are often in my head & unknown to others, but there’s always disappointment when a plan doesn’t come together). But, even in that, I’m thankful because I know I can trust my mom to be true to her word, and I believe others can trust me, too.

During this week of Thanksgiving, I’m grateful and blessed for my entire family. My family loves the Lord, and even though we are not together often enough, our love for each other out reaches any divide. This Thanksgiving week just happens to be my mom’s birthday week, as well. Thank you, Mama, for believing in me, supporting me, and giving me your genes. I love you.

Proverbs 31:28-30

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Psalm 34:4

I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me….

The entire chapter of Psalm 34 is worth a few extra minutes of your time to read today. What an encouragement! Sometimes we need a rescuer. David, the Psalmist, had many battles in his life. He fought giants and defeated them, yet he ran and hid from the wrath of King Saul. His own children tried to rise up against him and overtake his throne. He committed adultery and had one of his best friends murdered to cover his sin. David, far from perfect, yet still considered a man after God’s own heart, cried out to a merciful Father and received help in his time of trouble.

Psalm 140: 13b

…the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

Psalm 84:2

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord….

Something great can be said of spending time in the presence of the Lord.

I think back to my childhood and how much I enjoyed spending time with my daddy. Many times as he would sit and watch TV, I would find my place close to him. Sometimes I would just sit on the floor, next to his chair, lay my head on the arm of the chair, and he would play with my hair or rub on my back. Those moments are treasured in my memory. It wasn’t about conversation or activity. In those moments, it was about spending time in his presence.

Similarly, we need to take the time to sit at the feet of our Heavenly Father. Not to receive a list of needs, not to check off a to do list, but we need to just simply be in His presence. I hope you will take the time this week to bask in His goodness. Click on the following link, close your eyes, and enter the presence of the Lord.

Feel His touch.

Allow Him to rescue you from the thoughts and fears that plague you. Hear the lyrics:

“I called. You answered, and You came to my rescue, and I want to be where You are….”

Embrace your time alone with Jesus. Be where He is. Let Him be your rescuer today.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT)

For we live by believing and not by seeing.

Oh, Lord, how I want my eyes to be opened to You. I want to see others how You see them. I want to see myself how You see me. I want to know Your perfect plans. I want to see through eyes of unconditional love, eyes of grace, and eyes of compassion.

Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Unfortunately, most of the time, I just can’t “see” it. So in the meantime, what do I do? God‘s perfect plan for my life is not rolled out before me like a treasure map. Life often seems more like a maze than a map. I have run slap dab into a dead end and had to retrace my steps to find another route. Sometimes I feel as if I am wandering in circles. Other times my way get shrouded in darkness, and I grope to make my way out. What then?

Reading this scripture last week was like a slap in the face. “Wake up, Amy, you don’t have to see to live, just trust Me.” Wow!

Isn’t that what Christianity is all about? Being a believer. Believing God works on my behalf even when I cannot see the results.

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Can you believe it? This familiar scripture conveys so much! We must believe. “We live by believing and not by seeing.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Lord, forgive me for not living my life by faith.

In Mark chapter 9 we find the story of a father asking Jesus to heal his son who is plagued with seizures. Jesus says anything is possible if we believe. The father proclaims in verse 24, “…I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Contemplate this scripture. What has God promised you? What does God‘s Word say about you? Do you believe him?

I think back to the story in last week’s blog, 2 Kings 6:8-23. Elisha didn’t see the armies of God surrounding him, yet he believed they were there. Do we want to be like the servant whose eyes were opened or do we want to be like the prophet who believed by faith? The story of the servant is a blessing and a wonderful story of the spiritual realm surrounding us, but upon further reflection, I desire to walk in faith whether I see or not.

John 20:27-29

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.

Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

We can be among those who are blessed today. If only we will believe in Jesus without having to see Him with our physical eyes. Oh, I want to see Him! And, some day I will! But, in the meantime, I believe! Now, Lord, help me live everyday according to my faith in You.

2 Corinthians 2:15-16

Our lives are like a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are life-giving perfume.

“Oooo po-cat!” I have never forgotten that phrase. Driving down country roads with your car windows down, you are certain to encounter skunk smell. Either a threatened skunk has sprayed an enemy or met his misfortune traveling the same country road and becoming what’s lovingly known as “roadkill.” My dear friend, Amy Drake, never called the skunk by his name but the phrase “po-cat” instead. I suppose that’s short for poor cat since the cute, but smelly, creature favors our common house cat. Skunk smell is difficult to shake. There are numerous home remedies such as bathing in tomato juice, but thank the Lord I avoided being sprayed while growing up in the country.

Now, my grandfather, Papa, had a different opinion than most. He actually liked the smell of the skunk spray! He often said he wished they could bottle skunk scent for perfume. I’m thankful I did NOT inherit my Papa’s sense of smell. I much prefer mint, cinnamon, spice, and everything nice.

But, that’s my point, isn’t it? What’s nice for one isn’t necessarily nice for another. During the fall season, I love the smell of pumpkin. My friend, however, cannot stand pumpkin, but she chooses apple pie for a favorite scent. Another friend of mine adores rose scented candles, but that’s not a favorite of mine.

Similarly, our walks with the Lord are not all the same. A sinner, one who doesn’t know Christ, may be offended and wrinkle up their nose when you present your faith. Condemnation and ignorance play a huge part in their resistance. That is why it’s so important as Christians to temper our walk with Love. We want our fragrance to draw others to Jesus not repel them like Raid! Live a godly life, be a good example, and hopefully you will attract others, who are seeking, with an irresistible fragrance.

How many of you know that you cannot run on empty very long? Have you ever ran out of gas in your car? You hear the warning signal; you notice the red gas light; yet, you continue to push your luck until it’s too late. You’re stranded. There’s nothing you can do. Whether you drive a Porsche or Pinto, an empty car simply will not function.

It’s the same for our spiritual life. It’s one reason why church attendance is so important. Consider church your filling station. We need the word poured into our lives to propel us into the world we face throughout the week. Attending a church service isn’t enough, however. Just as your car requires other maintenance in addition to gas in the tank, to live a fulfilled Christian life, requires time in prayer, study, and devotion to God on a daily basis. The better the upkeep of maintenance, the better the results.

Pastors have a difficult time finding a working filling station. We were traveling to New Mexico to my husband’s aunt’s funeral. We stopped in Amarillo for the night. The next day we found ourselves about 40 miles outside of Amarillo and realized our gas gauge was near empty. Now, there isn’t much in the way of stops out West on that stretch of road. I typed “gas stations near me” into my phone, and just 14 miles up the road showed a Phillips 66 station on the old route 66. Thankful, we took the next exit, and to our dismay the antique station appeared to have closed in ’66. We drove to the overpass just before the on ramp, and thank the Lord, there was an open filling station on the opposite side of the road. We gassed up, used the facilities, and I told the lady at the register we sure were thankful to find a station in the middle of nowhere. She responded, “We’d like to think that we’re halfway to somewhere.”

We religiously checked our gas gauge at every stop after that scare. On our way home, we were caught in a snowstorm. Traffic was crawling at less than 10 miles an hour for ages. Thankfully we had gas. Nearing Amarillo, we decided to exit to use the restroom at “our” filling station. It was closed. I’ll never know if the workers just couldn’t come in for work due to the snow, or if perhaps the Lord provided the station just for us on our coming trip. I like to think of God’s provision in that moment! That lady behind the register very well may have been an angel. It sure taught us a lesson to keep our tanks full.

Spiritually, I filled my tank last week at a pastor’s conference. I gave myself a mental peptalk: try to receive; have an open mind; let God speak to you. So often, I’m so preoccupied with others and doing my “job” that I neglect to hear the Lord for myself.

One thing really spoke to me above all else I heard last week. I want to see like God sees. The preacher said, “Remove the filters from your eyes with which you view yourself, your church, and your ministry. Leave the filters at the door. All the things from your past that jade the way you see reality. Lay them down, and see through the eyes of God.” Wow!

He also said, “God is not concerned with the past. God is a God of the future. God wants you to live NOW, so you can see to walk through the doors he has opened for you.”

Sometimes we get so caught up on the regrets and pains of our past that we miss the glories and mercies we are experiencing right now. We are living today. Life today cannot look like life did yesterday. It’s literally unfair to today when you dwell on the past. It’s time to refuel. Learn from those empty experiences, gas up, and move forward.