Devotional – B Is for Blessed!

Into the Light

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. As a young child, I was mesmerized by Christmas lights. As an adult, I rationalize reasons to put them up earlier and earlier each year. Now older and hopefully wiser, I realize that what we all hunger for is the true Light that promises peace, joy, and salvation.

As we journey through life, we can find ourselves in dark places. The loss of loved ones can be especially profound this time of year. Physical and mental illness can leave us feeling isolated. Political clatter and economic uncertainly can drive us to hibernate and move away from the Light that sustains us.

I suspect Jesus proclaimed that He was the Light of the world to give us hope in increasingly dark times.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV).

The gift of Christ as our Savior grants us freedom from the dark and offers a glimpse of the Light that awaits us in eternity. I’ve learned over the past decades to nourish myself with the Word of God. Inspirational devotionals, television programs, and old-fashioned testimonies always chase away my dark thoughts and inspire me.

That said, I am honored and humbled to contribute to the Christmas issue of Refresh Magazine, a Lighthouse Bible Studies Publication. The latest issue celebrates not only the Nativity but also offers uplifting articles that recognize heartfelt issues that often multiply this time of year. Grief, depression, and loneliness are addressed. It’s refreshing to see a publication touch upon the realities that can accompany the holiday season. Yet, this issue also offers Christmas miracles and bits of Bible trivia. My favorite article thus far is Just a Shepherd by Dorcas Asercion Zuniga. It offers a fresh perspective on the traditional “background” characters associated with the Nativity.

Refresh Magazine blessed me with the opportunity to shed a little Light this year. We should continually strive to brighten the days of those in need and to check on those we miss, especially at Christmas.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV).

Wishing you peace, joy, and Light.

Merry Christmas!

Great Pumpkins?

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed (James 1:14 NKJV).

When I was a kid and cartoons were scarce, I would watch the Charlie Brown televised specials. They were broadcast like clockwork, an indicator that the holidays were upon us.

The Halloween episode didn’t resonate with me as much as Thanksgiving and Christmas. I could relate a little too readily to Charlie Brown’s misplaced trust in Lucy, his failed attempt at a costume, and his receipt of rocks instead of candy. Still, the dominant theme around Linus’ obsession with the Great Pumpkin is even more significant now that I am decades older.

Linus placed all his hopes and dreams into one idea to the detriment of time spent with family and friends. I suspect we all have great pumpkins in our lives that steal more time and attention than they ever deserved.

Our pumpkins disguise themselves as the very things we desire. They tend to come packaged with a fear of missing out—erroneously magnified in our minds. In hindsight, I recognize situations in my life where I wasted time and worried when I should have trusted God. The fear of losing something—like a job or an opportunity—can loom so large in our lives, we fail to view things in their proper perspective.

The Great Pumpkin Linus sought didn’t exist. He dismissed correction from his harsh but well-intentioned sister, Lucy. Suggestions and questions directed at us when we are desperate aren’t usually well received either. That’s why it’s vital to keep our focus on what is true and everlasting.

In a world of continual news and notifications, it can be hard to hear God. But it is possible. God corrects us with prompts and whispers—it’s up to us to hear and obey. When we take the focus off of our pumpkins and center it on God, we can then discern that our pumpkins and their promises are far smaller than we imagined.

Is your faith in God or in an illusion?

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning
(James 1:16-17 NKJV).

This Is Only a Test…

When I was a kid, one of the most annoying frustrations was to be sitting in front of the television watching Saturday cartoons only to have the EBS break up my bliss and declare, “This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. This is only a test. In the event of a true emergency…”

That was probably one of the first tests of patience I had to overcome as a kid. Now that I’m an adult, the stakes are much higher. I have since learned there are always times of testing. Testing strengthens us for the trials ahead. Or, it can prepare us for promotion and greater responsibilities.

In this season of Lent, we observe the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness and His season of testing. If Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to be tested, we should not become as alarmed as we do when we are tested as well.

The most rigorous tests I’ve endured have allowed me to put other things in perspective. What I once would have viewed as major disruptions, I can dismiss as minor annoyances.

We can be tempted to acquire the things we want out of God’s timing. Satan tempted Jesus, but our Savior refuted him with Scripture.

People test us. The people we love usually test our patience, endurance, faithfulness, and commitment. Yet, these are the same traits we wrestle with in our relationship with God.

Testing is most trying when God is silent. Though He may be silent, God is always present. He supports us through our trials in ways we may never recognize, and He always provides a way out of temptation. It is up to us to recognize it.

As many of us observe Lent and may soon struggle to keep the commitments we have made, be encouraged.

It is only a test.

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.
Job 23: 10-11 NIV

Christmas Presence

For Ashley, a post from Christmas past…

“Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me,” Psalm 51:11 NKJV

Many people who celebrate Christmas and even some who don’t find themselves rushing around with too much to do and too little time to do it this time of year. A few are stressing over hosting duties. Others have parties they must attend. Still, more are in a frenzied search to find the perfect gift. If retailers had their way, we would all be enticed to buy more presents!

However, I challenge you to breathe a little and focus instead on God’s presence.

God is ever waiting for us to come before Him, worship, talk with Him, and listen to what He would say.

If some of us would only slow down, we could enjoy the goodness of God instead of falling into the trap of running ragged to meet the expectations of others. If only we put that much effort into pleasing God.

If you want to truly embrace the reason for the season, come into God’s presence. Slow down. Sit down. Bow down. Allow God to enter in your spirit and your space.

Christ’s birth and death provides us not only salvation but also the privilege to connect with God without the need for a mediator, high priest or intercessor. Jesus Christ left and ascended so that the Holy Spirit could be available to us. Such a perfect gift our Savior gave us, yet we often fail to “enter in” and appreciate the comfort and peace only He can provide.

The pursuit of things and our attempts to please others can often leave us with little time for God if we aren’t careful.

So, if you are in a continual state of chaos this holiday season, I implore you to run toward His presence. God can calm, refresh and restore. Allow Him to dictate your Christmas season and prompt you to be a blessing instead of constantly stressing.

Choose to end this year seeking God with a renewed passion. Allow each gleaming light to remind you of His Light. The best gifts can’t be placed under a tree. Only God can provide peace, joy, and unconditional love.

May you be overcome by God’s presence this Christmas season.

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore,”
Psalm 16:11 NKJV

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,”
Acts 3:19 NKJV

Fruitful?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

I finally grasped the difference between busy and fruitful at some point in the last few years. I once ran myself ragged trying to do far too much and none of it to my satisfaction. I now realize fruitful doesn’t equate to a steady stream of productivity coming off a line.

As in my garden, there are times in the process of bearing fruit that seem barren. It looks like nothing is going on. There are dry patches and periods of dormancy. Then there are times when the storms of life inundate us, and we feel like we will never feel the warmth of the sun (or Son) again. Yet, it is all part of the process.

Few things of any substance grow without considerable changes to their environment and a substantial amount of time.

Some things sprout overnight, like the weeds I’d rather be rid of. I’ve grown wary of anything that offers instant gratification. Things that are truly valuable like fulfilling relationships, accomplishing goals and realizing our dreams tend to take time and attention to not only develop but to also keep those things alive.

Thankfully, God rewards faith and patience as evidenced by Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, Moses and a slew of other flawed yet willing figures in the Bible. And God rewards us as well.

If we do not give up on those dreams God plants within us, we can eventually yield the promised harvest if we trust and obey. This also means keeping the faith when we are pruned (as were our heroes of the Bible) so we can eventually produce something good!

Pruning is painful and leaves lasting scars. But it is necessary. God would have us reach for the new things He wants to give. Instead, we often hold fast to dead dry things. When we are stubborn, God simply rips away the very things (or people) we are clinging to for our own good.

Left to ourselves, we can produce a lot of different things.

Doubt. Fear. Worry.

But that is not what God ever intended. Our Father wants more for us in this life.

From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,
and the work of their hands brings them reward. Proverbs 12:14 NIV

So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ,
that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead,
in order that we might bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4 NIV

I’m striving to produce those things our Father desires, not just whatever happens to come to mind.

I’ve also learned that becoming fruitful means enduring temporary pains to produce long-term gains. I’ll admit that lesson probably took a lot longer than it should have to learn.

Thankfully, God is patient. God’s power working in and through us can produce a harvest that truly glorifies Him and even allows us to love one another in the process.

What are you bringing forth?

Time…

Timing is everything.

Or, at the very least it is mighty important.

Time is quoted in the Bible hundreds of times. The NIV cites “time” eight hundred and eighty-eight times!

I have a strange relationship with time. There have been times in my life I was quite short on time. As a result, I don’t like to waste it or eagerly give it up.

Some people don’t like to give up their money. My issue is with time. I figure, I can always earn more money but time, once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Then there are times when I know I did not act in God’s timing and lost favor I would have received had I done it when I was prodded to.

A few days ago, it struck me to go for a walk. There is a hill nearby that would give me a quick mile. It was nice and cool, around seven that morning. Well, I sat on my porch and drank some coffee. Then, I watched the birds. I even spent time with God. When I got up and got going it was nearly nine o’clock. The same number of steps, same calories burned but I worked for them! The time of favor (ease) I let pass a couple of hours earlier.

Have you ever regretted not doing something in a timely manner?

Did you learn from it?

I am a firm believer of “all things work out for the good of those who love the Lord,” having witnessed this firsthand. Still, I’d like to remember to do what God wants me to do promptly and not have to wait on God to work out the mess I make.

Live and learn.

Continually.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need,” Hebrews 4:15-16 NIV

“In our time of need.”

This makes me wonder if in those times I don’t receive what I’m looking for, if maybe I already have the grace and mercy I need and just don’t realize it?

Hmm…

Time is fleeting.

It is also precious.

I am trying to make the most of mine even as I learn to give it away.

Our times are in God’s hands.

Thankfully.

My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Psalm 31:15 NIV

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8 NIV

Dark Places…

Easter weekend found me giving more than a bit of thought to “Silent Saturday.” Other than egg hunts as a kid, little attention was given to the Saturday before Easter. Yet, these many years later, I suspect there are more “Silent Saturdays” in our lives than repentant Fridays or Sunday resurrections.

Perhaps, when things look worst, as they did after the crucifixion, is when God is doing the most. Our silent times tend to linger far longer than one day, and in some instances, years. Still, that does not mean our personal transformation is delayed.

Jesus foretold the disciples of his death and resurrection, nonetheless, the disciples were not waiting expectantly on Sunday. They disregarded the very promise Jesus personally gave them.

We, too, can find it hard to hold on to those things God promised us as well. When circumstances look less than ideal, it is easy to let go of our dreams and purpose and instead merely seek to survive. Like Thomas, we can find ourselves surprised and doubtful of the very things we prayed for when they come to fruition.

As Jesus fulfilled His promise to the disciples, God fulfills His promises to us. Jesus lay in a tomb separated from those who loved him before He was glorified before the Father. Maybe we must endure some dark places as well in preparation for the very miracles we seek to receive.

I have witnessed a caterpillar spin a cocoon. I have seen beautiful butterflies break free of them. However, I have never observed the metamorphosis of one into the other. This transformation is done out of sight, silently and without fanfare. Only when there is movement out of the darkness and into the light can we delight in the miracle.

We all endure some dark places.

Yet, the darkness is temporary.

We can push forward, into the Light, to become the very people God created us to be.

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
John 12: NKJV

Spring Forward!

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,”
Philippians 3:13 NKJV

Some things are intended to move with us.

Memories. Love. Lessons learned.

Others are meant to be forgotten and buried such as regret, disappointment, and fear.

Spring as a verb means to move in a forward direction; it also suggests momentum and height.

Some of us have lost our momentum. Others are not reaching high enough to attain the promises and abundance God generously gives.

In the above verse, emphasis is placed on the “I do.” This indicates that it is an active and continual process to forget those things which are behind and reach forward.

It takes an effort to let go of pain and hurt. Remaining somber and disgusted won’t make the memories and emotions fade. It takes a concerted effort to forgive and forget. It takes a determination to reach, think, and look forward.

But it is God’s will for us to look forward and to look up to Him!

In spite of the many miracles experienced by the Israelites on their journey toward the Promised Land, their faith did not overcome the temporary discomforts of moving to a better place. They complained.

A lot.

In fact, their lack of faith, complaining, and the poor report from the spies sent to survey the land promised to them angered God so much that these naysayers never lived to see the promise fulfilled (Ref Numbers Chapters 13 and 14).

We would do well to learn from their mistake!

Spring, new blooms and the Easter Season will soon be upon us. This is the perfect time to renew our minds and spring forward in whatever manner “forward” means for you.

Forget what lies behind.

Embrace the new!

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert,” Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV

Still Searching for a Real Love, Baby?

As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:9-12 NKJV

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39 NKJV

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

May God’s love surround you and manifest through you this day.

B Blessed!

Sow Good Seed…We Are What We Speak!

We reap what we sow.

This principle is demonstrated many times throughout the Bible. Yet, one of the simplest ways for us to sow good seed for our lives is something many of us struggle with.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. James 3:8 NIV

We “God folks” tend to worry far more about the things we do and not contemplate as much the things we say. I wonder if we gave more thought to what we say, would we then “do better?”

This doesn’t require fancy words or eloquent speeches. A few kind words at the proper time can mean the world to someone on the brink of a meltdown.

“You can do it,” may be the encouragement someone needs to apply for that job or enroll in classes.

“I’m thinking of you,” can ease the pain of grief or loneliness.

Our words are impactful, powerful.

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; Deuteronomy 30:19 NKJV

Very few of us would intentionally choose death, yet sometimes that is exactly what we do. To curse others is to curse ourselves. The vile with which we speak will eventually find its way back to us.

I’ve heard it said “our words should be sweet so should we be forced to eat them, they will go down smoothly.”

Choose to sow kind words.

Our voice may be the most powerful weapon we have.

The Bible prompts us to “declare” the works of the Lord. We are urged to “sing” God’s praises.” Jesus instructed His disciples to “proclaim” the message. These three words are mentioned nearly 800 times in the Bible.

The use of our voices isn’t for God’s benefit, but our own.

Words are seeds that activate our faith. Our professions and confessions can bind and liberate.

God spoke the world into existence!

Be bold.

Be deliberate!

Give thought to your words.

Exercise restraint.

Don’t allow words said in jest, haste or anger to curse your future.

Our words set the stage for our lives, our prayers facilitate the changes we seek.

What say you, today?

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24 NIV