Keep your FOCUS!

Psalm 119:69 (MSG)
The Godless spread lies about me, but I FOCUS my attention on what you are saying;
Oh my goodness!  Is anyone else having a hard time focusing...or is it just me?!  I went into a local craft store the other day and came out with nearly everything under the sun except what I went in for.  Good grief! 

I don't think it is a coincidence that this verse popped up for today's post.  Nor was it a happen stance that opening the word of God for my daily reading landed me in 2 Peter 1:19-20(MSG) where I found these words: 

We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard-God's glory, God's voice.  The prophetic Word was confirmed to us.  You'll do well to keep focusing on it.  It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. 


Focus on the light of God's word...and keep looking
up to Him!


 

Wow!  These words are so strong and hold so much weight for our lives today.  Dark times?  Confusing times?  Scared?  Distracted?  What should we do?  Focus.  Direct our attention to the light of His words and move straight forward into His strength and love.  He will certainly confirm the Word of guidance and clearly define His way.

Yep...I needed to hear that!

Father,
You have allowed me to find peace and direction in Your word.  Help me to keep focusing on it and on You as we head into the season of Your Son's birth.  Thank You for the grace and favor that is poured upon us moment by moment.
Amen

Book Review: A BRIDE FOR ALL SEASONS~The Mail Order Bride Collection

Great book!

A Bride for All Seasons: A Mail Order Bride Collection by Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Mary Connealy, and Robin Lee Hatcher is a lively and entertaining book! 

A Bride for All Seasons: A Mail-Order Bride Collection by Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Mary Connealy, and Robin Lee Hatcher is a great compilation of four novelettes.  In each piece the reader is jettisoned back into the 1800’s to the commonplace practice of submitting an application to an add agency (The Hitching Post) for a spouse. 

 

Each author carefully weaves an account of intrigue and creative circumstances surrounding the uniting and eventual destination for each of the individuals seeking matrimony.  The couples are brought together by a masterful matchmaker, the owner of the Hitching Post, who allows his intuition and power to intercept letters and add to or subtract from the initial applications in an effort to knit the pairs together in perfect union.  As each detail of the character’s life emerges, the reader is taken on a beautiful narration journey with the end effect of stirring up emotions of joy, compassion, sadness, and hope.

I immensely enjoyed the patterned format of this book.  Once I read the first two mini-books, I recognized that the remaining stories would continue to utilize the same meddling character to orchestrate the marriages.  I found myself not wanting to put the book down in anticipation of meeting the newest characters and unearthing what was changed in their application that would actually become the glue to stick the couples together!

This is a quick, fantastic, heartwarming, and uplifting book to add to your collection.  In addition, I actually learned a little history as I passed through the pages.  I am confident that you will not be disappointed in these authors.  Enjoy!

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishing for providing me with this review copy through the Booksneeze Blogger Book Review program.  I was not required to give a positive review.  The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

The Source of Goodness

Psalm 119:68(MSG)
You are good, and the source of good;  train me in Your goodness.

Kiwi Berries!  I learned about
them today and tried some...
yummy, good and nutritious!

I've heard it said that as we age...yes...I am aging and so are you...it is important to challenge ourselves to learn new things.  It really is a marvelous idea!  In the spirit of this reminder, I have decided to take piano lessons!  I grew up in a home with three beautiful sisters who each knew how to play the piano to varying degrees.  I have a baseline level of knowledge on the subject, but lack any real depth and certainly have not had any consistent practice, so this is a true challenge that I'm undertaking. 

Selecting a teacher was simple.  My daughter is my instructor!  She has already given me my first lesson and I cannot applaud her patience and clarity enough!  What fun!  This is good!
God is good...and the source of all goodness!! 

What about you?  Is there something you have been wanting to learn but keep putting off?  I think you should go for it!  What have you got to lose? 

Lord,
Thank you for Your never ending supply of goodness.  Help me to sense Your presence every moment of every day!
In Christ's Name,
Amen
 

Extravagant Worship.....It's Happening All Around You

Psalm 119:67(MSG)
Before I learned to answer You, I wandered all over the place, but now I'm in step with Your word.



A quiet evening to reflect on our day.

Our message at church Sunday centered around the subject of "Extravagant Worship" and all the implications within that framework.  As I listened, verses from the Bible began swirling around in my head about the principles of this type "of full on" worship to our Lord.  Our pastor used the scripture verse and subsequent story from John 12:3 where, in overt fashion, Mary (sister of Lazarus) anointed Jesus with expensive perfume and then proceeded to use her hair to wipe His feet as a tender and genuine form of honor and respect filled worship to the King of Kings.  (If you would like to hear this sermon in it's entirety, you may do so by clicking here.) This action taken by Mary would have drawn a great deal of attention to the Lord and herself as she worshipped Him in this manner.

The behaviors of Mary made me think of present day and what extravagance in worship might look like even though it might be more covert in nature.  The definition of extravagant refers to going beyond normal limits to the point of excess and even possibly to the extent of wastefulness.  I decided that perhaps I am surrounded by "Extravagant Worshippers" every single day and because I'm so busy "wandering all over the place" as today's verse describes, I miss out on them!  As I pondered this further, my mind began to flood with recognition of those sweet faces that I encounter nearly every single day and how their actions exemplify the very nature and principle of what would be considered extravagant worship.  To some these actions might be viewed as a complete waste of resources, but to those who know Jesus.....who have faith to believe that His love and grace is never ending....they will recognize more quickly the true acts of worship happening all around us.  I thought of a few examples of some "Extravagant Worshippers" that I have had the distinct privilege to observe firsthand.  Beware as you read these examples....I might have seen you worshipping today!  Thank you for your covert exaltations!

I see Extravagant Worship in the young widow who is left alone with a child to raise, but continues to get up every single morning and wipe away her tears and thank God for the provision of a home.  She insists on teaching her daughter about a loving Father who will never leave them and will always protect them with His loving hand of grace despite the absence of her earthly father.
That is Extravagant Worship and courageous!

I notice Extravagant Worship in the mother whose only daughter is stripped from her hands and taken to heaven and yet this woman continues to serve the Lord with passion and conviction, refusing to become bitter and confused by this turn of events.
That is Extravagant Worship and encouraging!

I recognize Extravagant Worship in the father who is blessed with a son and has to stand by helplessly watching while this sweet infant suffers from a dreadful disease that ends his short life, but despite this enormous loss, this same father continues to serve in a leadership role mentoring other youth to know a kind, compassionate, and caring God.
That is Extravagant Worship and strength filled faith!

I observe Extravagant Worship in the parents of a special needs child who despite long and tiring days of extensive care, they refuse to complain and never quit serving and pouring out unconditional love to their child, because they are confident that one day (maybe not this side of heaven) their child will comprehend how great the Father's love is for every person He has created.  A waste of time...I think not.
That is Extravagant Worship and humbling!

I  have watched Extravagant Worship play out through the life of a single woman who has educated herself in the most prestigious of schools and instead of utilizing her highly esteemed credentials to climb the corporate ladder, decides to isolate herself in a foreign country surrounded by poverty and immerse herself in caring and praying for the needs of malnourished orphans.
That is Extravagant Worship and complete selflessness!

I have witnessed Extravagant Worship in the married couple who already have a full quiver of children, but have listened to the command of the Father and are opening their already "complete home" to take in orphans and foster children, so that they can take care of their physical needs, incorporate them into their family, and introduce them to the Savior.
That is Extravagant Worship and tireless service!

Extravagant Worship is also on display in the one who endures chronic and sometimes debilitating pain, but rather than quit and denounce the name of God, they chose to remain steadfast in prayer, love, and devotion to the Father. 
That is Extravagant Worship and an incredible example of perseverance!

Our worship is a response to the Giver of Life.....God Almighty and can only be obtained through a continual relationship with Him!  Sometimes this worship is overt, as in the case of Mary, and other times, it is less obvious, but one thing is for certain, God is worthy of all of our praise whether we are singing from the mountain tops to Him, or quietly caring for the needs of others in His name.  Both modes are extravagant indeed!

What about you?  Have you seen some Extravagant Worship taking place around you?  I would love to hear about it.

Lord,
Thank you for the privilege of worshipping You and for allowing us to remain in step with Your words.  May Your name always be glorified in all that I do and say.
In Your Name~
Amen


 

Seasons~Days~Years

Psalm 119:66(MSG)  Train me in good common sense;  I'm thoroughly committed to living Your way.



What season of life are you in?

Oh my goodness!  What a beautiful day in the Ozarks, both from a weather standpoint and from a worship point of view.  It's been simply incredible!  The outside temperature is a breezy 78 degrees with slightly cloudy skies and gently chirping birds in the background.  If I didn't know that it was the middle of August, I would certainly think it was October. 

More importantly, however, was the contagious atmosphere inside the sanctuary of God this morning, where a message of hope found in Christ reached the chaos of our hearts!  This has become a weekly occurrence from the preaching team at our church and unless I'm confused, it should be an experience happening in all Gospel preaching churches throughout the globe!  Why?  Because the Word of God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and it is most certainly a life giving force!

Today, that Word was delivered by Pastor Robert Madu.  It was clear, concise, and received with complete joy to the gathering of believers!!  We laughed.  We cried.  We prayed.  We worshipped the King of Kings!  Can I get an "Amen?!" 

Pastor Madu had a lot to say about "God's Word power" and a clear message for us to quit trying to do life with our "will power"!  He eloquently reminded each one of us that we need the Word of God in our lives to understand and respond appropriately to the season of life that we are currently in.  If we will remain responsive to His Words and aware of the season of our life we are going through, then our days will be good and our years will be fruitful for the Lord!

You will be able to access his message at JRAG (click) within a day by simply scrolling over and then clicking the "message and resources"  tab on the website, followed by a search for his name and today's date.  If you are able to set aside 30 minutes to listen to his encouraging words, you will most certainly be refreshed and rejuvenated and thoroughly committed to living His way", as today's verse directs!  Seriously good stuff!!

Dear Almighty God,
Refresh and renew our hearts today and give us the common sense to remain in Your Word and to dedicate our lives to living through Your "Word power" instead of our willpower.  Please continue to bless Your message through Pastor Robert Madu.
In Jesus Name,
Amen