Nothing Like Home, … Or My Favorite Lipstick

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions

I was recently cleaning out some old make-up and found several old tubes of lipstick. As I was gathering them together to throw away, my mind went back to several years earlier. One day I had gone to the store and thinking about how I’d like to get a new shade of lipstick. Ladies, you know how sometimes you feel like you have gotten into a rut and even a new shade of lipstick can make things better? That’s what I was feeling. I searched eagerly through all of the shades and happened to spot a shade I really liked. I picked it up and felt a little excited about purchasing it. (I know what some are thinking – it doesn’t take much to get me excited when my life seems boring!)

When I got home and started putting away my purchases, I took my new lipstick into my bathroom. When I opened up my make-up drawer and got my old tube out to compare it to my newly purchased tube, I was dumbfounded. The new tube I had eagerly purchased and was excited about wearing for the first time, was exactly the same shade I had been wearing. After being surprised for a moment, I had to laugh at myself. I obviously really liked that shade and felt it suited me, even though I thought I needed something new.

After re-living that memory today when I was cleaning up, I realized something. Sometimes in my spiritual life, I let things become a little boring. I get in a routine of reading my Bible and praying. It’s like I’m doing it out of habit and not getting a lot out of it. But when I approach my quiet time with a sense of anticipation and excitement, the joy I have in my relationship with my Lord is refreshed.

Life is like that. Or maybe I should say, humans are like that. We get stuck in routines. We get bored. And we come to the place where we feel like we need something new. Something more exciting. That longing inside of us can sometimes lead to things we are better off without. Especially if that longing is for something God’s Word says is forbidden.

Let me explain it this way. We very seldom go off on vacation. Sometimes, though, I just really want to get away. Go someplace new, see something new. But after being gone for just a short while, there’s just nothing like being back home. Home is my haven. My safe place. It’s where my heart is. It can be like that with our relationship with Christ.

When we allow things to become routine, when we don’t anticipate spending time with our Lord, we can start feeling like there has to be something more. When we start longing for more, we look for something new to fill that longing within us. We think that some new possession, or some new relationship, some new job, or some new whatever, will give us new meaning in life. But for those who have a real relationship with Christ, that searching for fulfillment should lead us into a deeper relationship with Christ. It should make us just want to go back home to Him. We will understand that our relationship with Christ was what we really wanted and needed all along, but we were the ones that allowed it to become stale.

It is good to be in a routine of reading God’s Word. But when we do read it, we need to remember it is God’s way of communicating with us. We need to read with an open heart and open ears, ready to receive the message and hear the Holy Spirit teaching us from it. When we pray, remember to not let it be a one-way conversation. Take time to listen and allow the Spirit to do the interceding for us.

We need to remember that longing we feel is often the Spirit nudging us to spend a little more time with the Lord and not pushing us to find something else to fill the space. We don’t need to look for something new and fresh and exciting – we need to rekindle the love we have for the One we already have within us. I didn’t need a new tube of lipstick. I needed to remember why I wore the one I had.

Taking Off His Belt

Published on by Joan Category: Dad's Journey

My Dad was a quiet, humble man. Many other characteristics could be used to describe him, such as genuine, honest, hard-working, and compassionate. He wasn’t perfect, because he was human. But because he was my daddy, in my eyes he was perfect. And I’m sure my Dad saw my imperfections, but he overlooked my flaws and loved me unconditionally. That’s how our heavenly Father looks at us. As His children, because of Christ living in us, our Father sees us as perfect.

My Dad loved to joke and pick with people. His sense of humor stayed with him up until the end of his ability to communicate. One of the hospice nurses suggested to my Mom that she cut a t-shirt up the back so it would be easier to dress him in his weakened state. After he had been bathed and settled into his bed, I went to speak to him. He said, “I don’t know what I’m going to do with Momma.” I said, “Why daddy?” He said, “She’s cutting up my t-shirts. She’s going to break me.”

Friday morning as I was trying to wake up, and was drifting in and out of sleep, I had this glimpse of Daddy standing in a doorway. He was young and strong in appearance, and he was holding his belt in his hand. At that point, I woke up. I couldn’t get that dream out of my mind, but wondered what him holding his belt in his hand meant. I got out my Bible and began looking up passages about belts. The belt was used to confine clothes close to the body. It was also used to carry things such as a person’s money purse or weapons.

In Mark 6:8, when Jesus sent out his disciples on missionary journeys, He instructed them to take nothing with them, no money in their belt.

And He instructed them that they were to take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt.  Mark 6:8 NASB

In Ephesians 6:14, Christians are to gird themselves with the belt of truth. That belt, being a part of the armor, also held other defensive weapons.

13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16]in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.   Ephesians 6:13-17 NASB

The more I thought of seeing Dad holding his belt, the more I felt like he was saying, “I’m taking off my belt. I’m done with my journey. I have no need to carry any money, because where I’m going, the streets are paved with gold. No need to carry my weapons, I’m done with my fight. I don’t need to be girded with truth, because I’m going to be in the very presence of the Way, the Truth and the Life.”  

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”  John 14:6 NASB

One day when he was in the hospital, he motioned me to come beside him. He took hold of my hand and we had a good talk. He asked me to promise him something. He said, “When I pass, I want you to rejoice!”

So, I’m doing my best. I’m going to praise my heavenly Father because He has welcomed my Daddy home. Daddy has taken off his belt and his journey on this earth is complete. He’s ready to worship. And now my Daddy is completely and totally perfect.

In another conversation Dad had with my daughter while he was still in the hospital, he told her that he was getting ready to go on a new journey, one from which he wasn’t coming back. That journey will be one that will last for all eternity.

Journey on, Dad.

The Resting Chair

Published on by Joan Category: Dad's Journey

My salvation and my glory rest on God; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Psalm 62:7

Today has been tough. Watching someone slowly slip away is hard. I had to get out of the house for a few minutes so I walked down to Dad’s pole buildings. As I’ve stated many times in the stories I’ve shared about my Dad, he loved being outside piddling. After he became sick, some days it took all the strength he could muster to walk down to his outbuildings. His solution was to set a chair in one of the sections of the building, so that when he was able to make it that far, he could sit down and rest. The chair isn’t that pretty, but it held him up.

Through the years I’ve learned Dad loved to do that. He would go walking in the woods or out to one of his buildings and have some alone time with his Lord. I can only imagine some of the conversations he had with the Lord while sitting in his resting chair. From things he has shared, I know he had questions. I know he had moments when he prayed to be taken on Home. But I’m also sure, as hard as it has been, he knew he just had to rest in the Lord.

I sat in Dad’s chair and had my own quiet time. Resting isn’t always pretty or easy. It takes effort to get to that place, just as it took effort for my Dad to get to his chair. But once you’re there, you find the ONE you’re resting in, is able to hold you up.

Rest easy, Dad. I love you.

His Strength Will Sustain Me

Published on by Joan Category: Dad's Journey

I believe most people would agree that when you have been on a long, extended journey, you come to a point when you just want to go home. The traveling becomes so tiresome, and the weariness reaches to the very depths of your soul. Dad has come to that point.

As I stood beside his hospital bed, holding his hand, we talked about the hard decisions that he had made. I told him I still firmly believed that God could heal him. I believe with all my heart he can still have some good days at home. He shook his head and said he did too, just like Christ healed the man in Mark 1. But in his weakened voice, Dad said, “But if it’s not God’s will, I know His strength will sustain me.”

The thing about a long, tiring journey besides the weariness is the wondering. You look back on the journey and you wonder what good has come from the struggle. What was the purpose? Sometimes we may never know until the journey is over. Here, too, we just have to trust God does have a plan and a purpose.

Paul had that hope in God. Although he had experienced all kinds of difficulties in his journey, (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-28), he persevered. And Dad has persevered for almost six years on his journey.

My hope and prayer, and I know it is my Dad’s as well, is that his journey will do what Paul said in Philippians 1.

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from goodwill; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. But not only that, I also will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your pride in Christ Jesus may be abundant because of me by my coming to you again. 27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;  Philippians 1:12-27 NASB

Dad, you have been an inspiration. You have shared the gospel through preaching, through living, and through the imprisonment of your sickness. And yes, because of your faithfulness to God, His strength will sustain you. I love you, Dad!

A New Source of Strength

Published on by Joan Category: Dad's Journey

I have shared a lot about my Dad’s cancer journey since 2017. Some good and some bad. But the ugly…well, not so much. The truth is, there has been a lot of ugly. There have been at least three specific times when we did not think Dad would make it. He recently just came through one of those times.

He had been on a break from chemo since last May. It became very obvious the cancer was coming back and he resumed chemo two weeks before Christmas. But he went down quickly after that. By the time he was supposed to receive another round, he was too weak and would not have been able to handle the treatment. He spent one night in the hospital receiving fluids. The doctor thought that the specific type of treatment that previously worked so well had either stopped being effective, or had actually reacted on him.

After some hard discussions, it was decided that Dad would be given a high dose of steroids for a week. At the end of that week, if he showed improvement, he might could try another type of treatment. If he did not show any improvement, then there was nothing else to be done.

It’s amazing what a new source of strength can do! Dad started showing improvement within just a couple days. He was able to get up better, started walking better. He started exercising as best he could and even has gotten to the point where he is using his cane instead of the walker. He is eating much better and his hope has returned. For the first time in a long time, he greeted me standing straight and tall. Instead of me stooping to give him a hug, he joked he was taller than me once again.

When the doctor saw him at the end of that week, he was surprised. There is just one more kind of treatment that the doctor thinks can be tried. Instead of going five days a week, once a month, he will now go one day a week, every week, for six weeks. At the end of that time, he will be reassessed.

As I was talking with my Dad this evening, he told me about a passage in the Gospel of Mark. A man showed he had faith in Jesus by saying he knew Jesus could heal him, if Jesus was willing. Jesus said He was willing and He did heal the man. Dad knows our Lord can heal him if He wills. We are praying it is His will.

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.   Mark 1:40-42 NKJV

I’ve been thinking about how that one medication given to Dad enabled him to gain strength. It helped him physically, but seeing the improvements has also helped him mentally. When we feel better, we think better. I also firmly believe it is God showing out in answer to many prayers.

But I’ve also pondered this fact. So many people are attempting to live life in their own strength. They may be managing well or they may have their head barely above water. Their weakness often shows up when a new trial begins. Things in their life can become very ugly and hopeless. They look to other people. They look to the world. But nothing can fill that emptiness and weakness they are experiencing. Without a new source of strength, they will surely perish.

But God.  

The first thing we have to do is look to the right Source of strength.

In the Book of Micah, the prophet was acknowledging the sinfulness of the people. He was acknowledging how they all had turned from God and all was hopeless. However, when he turned his eyes to God, he discovered a new source of comfort and strength.

But as for me, I will be on the watch for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, enemy of mine. Though I fall I will rise;
Though I live in darkness, the Lord is a light for me.  Micah 7:7-8 NASB

In the Book of Acts, Peter and the apostles were causing a disturbance among the people because of preaching the truth of the Gospel. They were imprisoned, released by an angel of the Lord, brought back before the religious council, and threatened. When they continued to preach, the religious leaders again discussed how to handle them. One Pharisee had enough sense to advise them. He said this:

“And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or movement is men, it will be overthrown; but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39 NASB

People can look to the world and they will not receive what their soul desires. In fact, they are actually fighting against God by not receiving Him. But when we come to that point and finally turn to the Lord, we find everything we never even knew we needed.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than mankind, and the weakness of God is stronger than mankind. 1 Corinthians 1:25 NASB

The Psalms are full of verses about the strength of God. Here are just a couple.

Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.  Psalm 105:4 NASB

On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul. Psalm 138:3 NASB

Christ, alone, is our source.

Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him. Hebrews 5:8-9 NASB

Once we receive Christ as our personal Savior, He then becomes our very life. His strength is provided and also implanted within us in the person of the Holy Spirit.

But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and rescues them; He rescues them from the wicked and saves them, Because they take refuge in Him. Psalm 37:39-40 NASB

And because we are living from His strength, He alone receives the glory.

Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.  1 Peter 4:11 NASB

And so, we are claiming by faith, that God is the source of Dad’s new-found strength. We are waiting and watching to see what God will do. Whatever it is, we know it will bring glory and praise to God.

And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all. Acts 3:16 NASB

Dad, you still have a generation to speak to. Keep standing tall!

Who Caught the Birds?

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions

I can’t say that I really enjoy washing dishes, but I often find my mind wondering over a variety of topics as I stand performing that necessary duty. One bonus, however, is that my sink is at a window, so I can look outside and watch the birds at the birdbath and bird seeder. They will fly from sitting on a nearby branch, down to the feeder, then back to the limb. Or will fly to the birdbath and splash around. There is something about watching them I find relaxing.

One verse that often comes to mind when I am watching the birds is this one from Matthew 6:26:  “Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they?”

One day as I was washing dishes, I saw a good size dove just sitting on the edge of the birdbath. It sat there for quite a while, I imagine, just enjoying the sunshine. This time I called to mind that when Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple.

21 And when eight days were completed so that it was time for His circumcision, He was also named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days for their purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what has been stated in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young doves.”  Luke 2:21-24 NASB

As I watched the dove and thought about that passage, this thought came to mind: “I wonder who caught the birds?”

We were told in the Book of Leviticus that those who could not afford a lamb to offer as a sacrifice could offer the turtledoves. But who caught the birds? My sanctified imagination started going into overdrive. I could picture a small boy laying on his belly, maybe up under the edge of a bush, with a string in his hand waiting for a bird to go underneath the basket several feet away. Once the bird went under the basket to peck at the mound of grain, the little boy would pull the string connected to the stick holding up the basket, and voila! I could then see him carefully lifting the basket to get his hand on the bird to add to the others in a cage made of sticks to carry to the market to sell. I wonder how long he had to lay there watching? How many birds of the wrong species did he have to shoo away waiting for the right kind of bird suitable to be offered for sacrifice? Did he know the bird he just caught would be bought by Joseph, to be offered in the temple as a sacrifice for Mary giving birth to the Son of God?

Well, I guess instead of chasing a rabbit, my mind chased after that bird. I have no idea how things were handled in Bible days. Perhaps there were vendors who sold the birds used in sacrifices. Or perhaps God the Father allowed those turtledoves to land right into the hand of Joseph. But as my mind chased that bird and I thought of that little boy patiently lying under the edge of that bush, it made me think of how he was just performing a duty, a task. He was probably being obedient to his earthly father who was the vendor at the market. And when he took his birds to his father, he was given a smile and a, “well done, son.”

As I finished washing up my dishes, another thought came to mind. I hope someday to hear, “well done, child.”

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24 NASB

…But He Has a Good Heart

Published on by Joan Category: Dad's Journey

It’s been quite a while since I have written about my Dad. His last chemo treatment was back in May. The treatments were very hard on him and his cancer seemed stable, so the decision was made to take a break from the chemo. However, it wasn’t a break from other health issues which plagued him. 

Dad has had some skin cancers to appear, a side effect of chemo. One particular spot on his hand was removed a couple times. They thought they had it all but each time it returned. They finally removed a much larger section of the back of his hand in July. The bones and tendons could be seen before they finally felt confident they had removed all of the cancerous cells. The spot has been slowly healing and is now the size of a small coin. Dad said all along it would be Christmas before all the skin grew back and it certainly appears that will be the case.

Another issue he has had since almost the beginning of his cancer journey has been problems with his back. There are several areas along his spine where the discs are bulging. Close to the bottom of his spine, the bone is pressing against his nerves which is causing numbness from his waist down. Because of that area getting worse, he cannot walk without a cane or walker.

The loss of full feeling and weakness in his legs has been hard on him not only physically, but mentally. As I have mentioned several times, my Dad was never one to be still long. He loved being outside “piddling.” If he didn’t have actual tasks to take care of, he would just be out walking around. This loss of mobility has brought feelings of uselessness.

The neurosurgeon was willing to try the least invasive option of shaving bone away from the nerves and leaving the other “bad” places in his spine alone. Before he would consider surgery, the doctor wanted Dad to have an echocardiogram and a stress test performed on his heart. Due to having had a heart attack before, and how exhausted Dad becomes when he does try to walk any distance at all, we were all concerned the tests would show his heart had weakened. But God is faithful and answered prayers. The tests actually showed his heart function had improved since the last tests were performed a little over a year ago. So, with all the health issues Dad has and has come through, we can say he has a good heart.

As I pondered over that phrase in my mind, I thought of how often we use that saying to describe someone’s character. We may use it in a positive way when describing how a person was lending help or performing an act of service. Or we sometimes use it as an offset to balance a negative comment. For example, “That person doesn’t go to church, but they have a good heart.”

But is having a good heart enough? When Dad had to go through having the tests on his heart, the heart doctor said he is often asked to “clear” someone for surgery like he was having to do for my Dad. But just because tests can show if a person’s heart is functioning within what is considered normal ranges, it’s no guarantee that the surgery will go perfectly. There are so many other areas to consider such as the overall health of a person, their age, the type of surgery they are having, etc.

And when we say a person has a good heart, there are still so many other factors to consider. The only thing that truly matters when a person comes to the end of their life is not whether or not they have a good heart. It matters who their heart belongs to. You see, the most moral, loving and kind-hearted person you know could still die and go to hell if they have not given their heart and their life to my Lord Jesus Christ.

I know for sure that my Dad has a good heart. Physically, the tests he had showed that. But morally, he is a humble, kind man. I have never heard him be unkind to anyone. People love speaking with him. Everyone I know that knows my Dad will tell me how much they think of him. But the most important thing is that I know my Dad has given his heart to Christ. He has a good heart because of the One who holds it.

I am reminded of a Psalm in which the writer is comparing his life with those who are living wickedly. He thought those people had it so much easier than he had. They never seemed to have problems. They went through life scoffing God and seemed to get away with it. But then God allowed him to realize their future. Those who did not live for God would be eternally separated from Him. But those who trusted in the Lord, would have eternity with God. Please read all of Psalm 73, but notice these verses:

23Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.  Psalm 73:23-28 NIV

So, what about you? What is the condition of your heart?

Dad, I’m so glad the strength of your heart is the Lord and He is your portion forever!

Wait for the Signal

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions

8 Now when the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. And David heard of it and went out against them. 9 Then the Philistines went and made a raid on the Valley of Rephaim. 10 And David inquired of God, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” The Lord said to him, “Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand.” 11 So they went up to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there. Then David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand like a breakthrough of water.” Therefore they called the name of that place Baal Perazim. 12 And when they left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire. 13 Then the Philistines once again made a raid on the valley. 14 Therefore David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. 15 And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” 16 So David did as God commanded him, and they drove back the army of the Philistines from Gibeon as far as Gezer. 17 Then the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations. 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 NKJV

As I was reading through this passage one morning, one verse caught my attention. I will point that one out in a minute, but first, let’s look at what is taking place.

David had already asked God one time if he was to go to battle against the Philistines and God said yes. David and his army soundly defeated the enemy and burned the idols they left behind. One might would think that when the Philistines showed up again looking for another fight, David would just assume God still wanted him to fight that battle. Afterall, God gave David the victory one time, wouldn’t He give him the victory again? But instead of advancing against the enemy, once again David took the time and asked God before making a move.

We should never be quick to assume anything with God. We may have felt led to do the very same thing many times, but there is always the chance that God wants to use us in a new way. Maybe there is a deeper level of faith and trust He is wanting us to experience. David took the time to ask for God to guide him, just like we all should as stated in this proverb:

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6 NKJV

Although God still wanted David to fight the Philistines, this time God revealed a different military tactic. Instead of going out to face the army, God gave the instructions to circle around to the rear and wait for the signal. And what was the signal? The verse that caught my attention:

15  “And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” 

God’s Angel Army went to battle on behalf of His people. We are not told exactly what happened or what the enemy may have seen or experienced, but when the sound of the marching was heard, David’s army was there to battle the Philistines as they retreated to the rear. Somehow, God’s Spirit sent the enemy fleeing directly into the hands of the waiting Israelite army. God had already won that battle for them; they just cleaned up the mess.

That verse just got me thinking. As believers, we are constantly in a spiritual battle. I firmly believe that God has His angel army around us and is helping us in those spiritual battles but we just cannot see all that is taking place. If we only had the spiritual eyesight to see, I believe we would be totally amazed!

When Paul was teaching the Ephesians how to live a Christian life, he gave them instructions on how to prepare for battle.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—”   Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV

Four different times in this passage, Paul says we are to stand. We are not to advance, we are not to retreat. We are to stand. We are to stand knowing that God has already won the battle. We are to stand knowing He has already gone before us, and behind us. (Psalm 139) We are to stand ready to listen for His orders.

Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 NKJV

David had learned as a young boy going up against Goliath that the battle was the Lord’s. When he became king over Israel, he continued to look to his God for direction.

Maybe this doesn’t touch you like it did me. I just know that in this fallen world in which we live, with all of the fussing and fighting over issues that are clearly labeled as right or wrong in the Bible, but are deemed as a personal choice to the world, it’s hard to know what battles to fight; when to speak and when to be silent; whether to advance or circle to the rear.

Do I fight the fight, or stand firm? Yes. We do both.

We put on the armor of God. We acknowledge Him as our Lord and King. We ask Him for direction. And then we listen for the sound of marching. God’s already won!

Lesson of the Potato

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions

I’ve stated this before, but I just love it when God will use ordinary situations and general conversations to reveal spiritual truths. And then in my Bible reading, the Lord will confirm with a perfect scripture to go along with that spiritual truth over which I had been pondering.

One day as my husband and I were having a meal with my daughter and her fiancé Michael, we began talking about potatoes. (Like I said, just a general conversation.) Michael shared with us how he once worked in the produce section of a local grocery store. He said when arranging the bags of potatoes, they were to do a quick visual inspection and smell to detect any bad potatoes. I believe most people recognize the distinctive smell of a rotten potato!

The thing about those potatoes is that they may often still look okay on the outside, but they put off that odor that gives away their true condition. Other types of produce can be the same. Such as watermelons.

Michael stated that once an odor was coming from a bin of watermelons. And of course, it was after taking each watermelon out of that bin and he reached the bottom and picked up a melon, that he could feel the shift in the weight as the liquified bad contents moved and the bottom of the melon revealed the rottenness not seen from the top. If rotten produce is not removed as soon as their condition is discovered, their close proximity with other items can cause multiple items to go bad quickly.

As Michael was talking, I just started thinking.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could be fully warned in some way, like with a bad odor, of those people we should avoid because of the possibility of them affecting (or infecting) us? You know, the people who seem to be one way, but after getting to know them, you find out they are not what they profess. Sometimes, relationships with the wrong individuals can cause us to fall ourselves. Or perhaps we don’t fall, but we are betrayed and hurt for trusting and confiding in someone unworthy of the confidence we had placed in them.

But this topic can be looked at from both sides. It’s not just about figuring out the people we should distance ourselves from, but being sure that we live what we profess. That we are not “that person” that puts off a foul odor and spreads the rottenness of our behavior to others.

So, what are we to do?

Go to the Word. The Bible is full of scripture to help teach us who we should avoid.

13 Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil people.
15 Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on.  Proverbs 4:13-15 NASB

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these.  2 Timothy 3:1-5 NASB

4 Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. 6 No one who remains in Him sins continually; no one who sins continually has seen Him or knows Him. 7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one who has been born of God practices sin, because His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin continually, because he has been born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother and sister.  1 John 3:4-10 NASB

Now you may be thinking, “I thought we were to love everyone? Didn’t Jesus day ‘Go into all the world’?”

Yes. We are told to love. We are told to be witnesses. We are to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone. We are to live among them, but we are not to live like them. The way we live should distinguish us from those who do not trust in Christ as their Savior.

14 Do not be mismatched with unbelievers; for what do righteousness and lawlessness share together, or what does light have in common with darkness? 15 Or what harmony does Christ have with Belial, or what does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 Or what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,  “I will dwell among them and walk among them;
And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
17 Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord.
“And do not touch what is unclean;
And I will welcome you.
18 And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.     2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NASB

So, we have read of those we are to avoid. The Bible also tells us how we are to appear before others.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.  Ephesians 5:1-2 NASB

This verse says that Jesus’ sacrifice was a pleasing aroma to God. When we receive Christ as our Savior and the Holy Spirit then resides within us, then the same sweet aroma that the sacrifice of Christ lifted up to God the Father, should be rising up from us. Afterall, we are to be crucified daily with Christ. If the crucifixion of Christ resulted in a fragrant aroma to the Father, then our daily crucifixion should be a pleasing aroma rising constantly before our Father!

The following verse expounds on this truth.

14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 17 For we are not like the many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.  2 Corinthians 2:14-17 NASB

When we are Spirit controlled, the words we speak and the actions we take reveals the fragrance of life to those who are saved and are being saved. However, to those who do not know Christ and who are refusing to heed to the drawing of the Spirit, then our lives are a fragrance of death to them.

Allow me to illustrate it this way. If my husband and I have been working outside all day, we become dirty, sweaty and smelly. Normally when he showers, the fragrance from the body wash can be smelled easily even after he is dressed, and it’s very pleasing. If we both are filthy and then he showers first, the clean fragrance of him seems to intensify the smell of my own dirtiness.

When we live lives controlled by the Holy Spirit, unbelievers around us are confronted with the truth of God. If they are refusing Christ, then they are really smelling the fragrance of the eternal death they are facing apart from Christ, and that aroma to them is not pleasing.

The verse I came across that confirmed the spiritual truth I had been pondering after our conversations about rotten potatoes was this:

13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 NASB

Peter and John were being questioned by the religious leaders. Not only had they performed a miracle in the name of Jesus, but the way they handled themselves gave evidence of Christ. How I hope and pray I am recognized as having been with Jesus! I long to exude that sweet fragrance of being crucified daily with Christ, without a hint of the rottenness so widespread in our world.

Living in this world is hard. The Bible clearly teaches what things and behaviors are sin. But this world has accepted certain things once considered wrong as right. Those things, those lifestyles that God deems sin, is affecting us all. Sadly, it’s becoming harder to detect the real Christian because they are living lifestyles so closely resembling those we were instructed to avoid.

So, after thinking about rotten potatoes, I found myself asking these questions, and I hope you will ask the same of yourself.

Do I handle myself in a way that others can see Christ in me? Do I put off a fragrance that is sweet, rising up to my heavenly Father? Or do I put off a fragrance of rottenness that tells others I have been too closely associating with the unbelievers around me?

The most important question to ask yourself is: have you truly received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, or is the rottenness coming from you evidence that the Holy Spirit is not living within you?

13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 NASB

Just For Who You Are

Published on by Joan Category: Dad's Journey

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Peter 5:10 KJV

Life is hard. And often discouraging. Even Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” I could talk about how unkind, mean, and even downright evil some people are. I could talk about how one bad thing after another seems to happen. How sinful the world is. About how devasting sickness and disease can be. I could dwell on a multitude of reasons why life is hard and how sometimes it feels like even God doesn’t care anymore. Just like Jesus must have felt when He said, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)

But to dwell on just the “tribulation,” means we have missed the rest of Jesus’ words. The whole verse is:

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33 KJV

And remember that after Jesus cried out to God, asking why He had forsaken Him, He then said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) He willingly faced the tribulation so that He could complete the plan of salvation.

Do you get it?

Instead of focusing on the bad, instead of reading just one part of a verse, look at the bigger truth. Yes, we live in a sinful world. And it’s hard. But God sent His Son to die for our sins and then raised Him from the dead. Jesus has victory over sin, death, hell and the grave! Then, when we receive Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit dwells within us to empower us to live for Christ. We have the Spirit of God and the Words of God, the Bible, to teach us all truth of how to live in this fallen world.

When I stop and really think about what Christ did just for me, I’m humbled. He was persecuted and mocked. Beaten and scorned. He endured more than I can really imagine so that I could be saved. And God has blessed me in so many more ways. I could list blessing after blessing. He has also had to lovingly convict and correct me at times. But this verse sums it up:

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. John 21:25 KJV

If God never does another thing for me, He did more than I deserved. If He never blesses me with another blessing, I will still love Him simply for who He is and what He has already done. I can enjoy His presence and fellowship now, without expecting Him to do another thing. He is my Abba, Father, and I love Him.

All of that was the introduction to tell you about my Dad and his journey.

My Dad has also endured much. His suffering and tribulation has been heavy. It’s been more than five long years now that he has been on this journey. In his weakened humanity, he feels useless, even sometimes forsaken, because of not being able to do the things he once did.

But let me tell a little bit about what he has done.

I remember Dad meeting me one day as I got off the school bus, draping his arm around my shoulder, as we walked to the house. I felt proud and loved that he would do that in front of all the kids watching from the bus driving away. I remember riding in the back of his pickup truck on summer days. I remember going on walks through the woods as he taught me what different trees looked like. I remember Dad teaching me how to ride a go-cart, a mini-bike, a motorcycle and eventually, a car. I remember spankings, but mostly the talking-to before the spankings, and hurting more for knowing I had disappointed him than from the physical punishment.

I remember him pulling me out of the water as I was sinking, saving my life.

I remember how both he and Mom worked hard to provide for me and my brother. I remember him walking me down the aisle when I was married. I remember him bringing a new rocking chair into my house when I had my first baby. I remember him doing the plumbing on our remodeled home. And I could go on and on, but page and time could not hold all that he has already done.

What I really cherish is the many conversations we have had through the years. All the spiritual conversations and truths he shared. The silly jokes and funny stories. The tales of his own childhood. And, oh, his great wisdom.

So, Dad, it’s not about what you can no longer do. It’s for all the things you have already done. It’s the time together and conversations we can still have that makes you so special. It’s simply because of who you are. You are my Daddy and I love you!