Just a small flame...

“Later in one of his talks, Jesus said to the people, ‘I am the light of the world. So if you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path.’”         John 8:12  LIVING BIBLE

The dictionary explains “darkness” as: “…entirely or partly without light, neither giving nor receiving light.”

Who among us has not been afraid of the dark- even a little bit? Why is that? It may or may not be a learned fear. Most of the time it just seems like instinct. Spiritually speaking, instinctual fear of the darkness may save our lives.

If you have ever been caught unaware in total darkness, you know it’s not necessarily a pleasant experience. The last thing you want to do is to take a step forward and find your way with no point of reference. No one wants to stumble and fall. All concept of distance and depth are taken from you, changing your reality.

But when you open a door to a darkened room, and a little light gets in, it’s no longer dark! The same is with our hearts. When we are without God in our life, we experience spiritual darkness. The light of Jesus is our point of reference. It is up to us to crack the door so Jesus and the words He speaks can bring light.

He gives us the light and wants us to share it in return.

There are plenty of influences in this world that encourage darkness. Our job is to reflect the light that can dispel it. The little things we do and say may be the light someone needs to illuminate their heart and mind. Remember, even a small candle can illumine a dark room.

Father in heaven, Please use me to be a light, even in a small way, in someone else’s life today.

Processing with Eternal Filters

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  John 14: 1-3

The followers of Jesus were having a difficult time understanding him when he talked about heaven. Not ever having heard this concept before, their minds continually returned to the here and now – the tangible. They were stuck in the rut of earthly thinking.

We are creatures of the same habit. Often in our spiritual lives we internalize the principals of Jesus’ teaching. But internalizing is only temporary. Our focus should be on eternalizing our thoughts and actions. Thinking in terms of our beliefs having an eternal effect puts perspective on what we do and say. Our vision of life should extend beyond our life on this earth.

God has given us a glimpse of heaven and it’s a picture that is almost too big for us to comprehend. But when we change the way we think, and keep our eyes on eternity, the concept becomes clear. Are we processing our beliefs through eternal filters?

Life is not about the here and now. We must let go of internalizing life. Think bigger than you have ever thought before, then think even bigger than that! You will be closer to understanding the kind of place that will be your home for eternity.

Be Mindful of Your Seeds

"And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed of wheat or whatever you are planting. Then God gives it the new body he wants it to have. A different plant grows from each kind of seed." I Corinthians 15:37-38

I have often marveled at the amount of parables and teaching that comes out of the principle of sowing a seed. The object of the seed is used by Jesus to make many different points of great meaning. It’s a word picture that is easy for us to understand and relate to our lives.

Today, as I read scriptures about the parables of seeding, I thought about my husband and the way he farms his wheat land. He is a good farmer, and always does a great job at doing all the proper things in the proper order. It’s imperative for us to reap a good crop every year. But I wonder what would happen if by some careless mistake my husband planted all the wrong seeds?

What would he do? Would he tear up the entire field to start all over with the planting process? Cost prohibitive. Would he just take whatever plant happened to grow and make something out of it? Most unlikely. Would he have a nervous breakdown? Probably.

Seriously, I think my own parable tells us that we should be careful what seeds we are planting. They will grow, they can’t help it. But what will they produce? I want only the best and most productive seeds planted in my life. I never want my farming efforts to be in vain, producing a product that will offend, mislead, or damage someone else. I want to help feed the world with good fruit. I know you do too. Be mindful of your seeds – before you plant them.

Dear Lord, bless my seeds and make them into fruit You can use. Forgive me when I am careless.

Oh, the Heart...

1 Samuel 16:7 

“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Why is this such a hard concept to grasp? I don’t know very many people who don’t struggle with this reality on a daily basis. We don’t have to be obsessed with self to forget the importance of a clean heart. We don’t have to be overly vain or self-centered to fool ourselves into thinking the condition of our heart is under lock and key – not visible to God or anyone else.

God looks at our heart because He knows therein lies our true self. The condition of that vital “organ” is the barometer for everything else we do and say. If it is covered with layers of fear, bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy or even indifference, the heart will be uglier than any imaginable disfigurement of our outward appearance.

When beauty, youth and robustness are the standards we use to measure our value or someone else’s value, we are dangerously missing the mark. I say dangerous because when we are distracted from the true measure of a man, we cannot meet their needs. We may miss what God is calling us to do in and for the world.

Pray every day for the eyes of discernment – the eyes that see others as God sees them. And even to see our own hearts for the condition they are in. Only then can we effectively make an eternal difference.

Put on the Armor

“But to do this, you will need the strong belt of truth and the breastplate of God’s approval. Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. And you will need the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit – which is the Word of God.” LIVING BIBLE



When I read this scripture, I think of an old movie I saw with Roman soldiers. I wondered how they could possibly fight in a battle with all that heavy, metal gear. How could they even stand up?! The Bible tells us to “put on the full armor of God” – but this kind of armor won’t weigh us down. Its purpose is to aid and protect us in the battle. Yes, we are in a battle every day. Satan will try to throw things at us to make us stumble and fall away from God. He will invade our minds to plant lies and seeds of discouragement. The influences of the world around us will quietly wear us down.


Truth, righteousness, the good news of peace, faith, salvation, and God’s word, are all parts of the armor God gives us to win the battles. Truth gives us stability to stand. Righteousness is God’s goodness in us – it shelters our heart, which is so vulnerable. The good news will give you sure footing and a reason to fight. Faith – our belief in God and His promises – is the shield that makes the temptations and other things that may hurt us bounce right off. Salvation, which is our hope, keeps us pointed in the right direction. God’s word is the ammunition we need to keep fighting. It’s all there anytime we want to put it on. We never have to go into battle unprepared or alone. God is faithful.

Mothers, teach your children to put on the armor each day before they enter the world. Their tender little hearts need the protection while they are away from your care.

Blessings all!

Now I know why...

As I sat staring at the scenery around Sedona, Arizona today, I had a revelation. No, I didn't see a vision, or an angel or hear the voice of God. But I did come to realize something important to understanding God's character.

He did not create all of this magnificent beauty for himself. He has the universe, the galaxy and beyond to behold. He created this earthly beauty for us to enjoy. He knew we would need something to catch our eye in a big way - something to be in awe of - something we can actually touch, feel and admire to the fullest.

It's like a father who wants to bring home the best toy he can find for his precious child. Something that will make him smile and squeal for joy. He loves his children enough to do some of his best creating just for us.

I saw some of that creation today and I appreciate it more than ever before. Especially now that I realize why it's there.

Because He loves me.

Following Instruction

“I take joy in doing your will, my God,

for your instructions are written on my heart.”

Psalm 40:8


Whose vision are you living? Is it someone else’s vision, or one that God has given to you personally? Are you trying to live out someone else’s direction?

God has instruction for all of us. He speaks to us individually—writing dreams and visions on our hearts. They are meant just for us—tailored to suit our gifts and personality.

How will we know his direction unless we hear his voice and answer his call? It takes practice in stillness, expecting and listening. Many of us have poor listening skills and are not good at waiting to hear God speak. Yet his words are life, and following his instructions brings joy.

Just as the compass points us in the right direction, God shows us the right path we are to take. We only need to pay attention to the teacher and guide. He will never lead us astray.


Jesus, through patience and stillness, I will listen to your direction.

Look no further..it's all here.

"It is ironic how we stretch our imagination and seek extraterrestrial life forms with unique qualities in the dark vastness of space, when in essence they are amongst us in the light of day. Those mysterious life forms we call animals."  P.A. Rittler

This is a strange quote to find on a devotional blog, I know. You may be wondering what in the world it has to do with anything spiritual. Let me explain.

We took our grandchildren to the zoo the other day. Once again I saw strange and mysterious creatures, some are beyond my ability to describe. As I walked through and examined the variety of life forms, I was again struck with the awesomeness of a creative God. No human mind could ever contrive such intricate uniqueness in this world and beyond. We serve a Creator that knows how much we need to explore and seek. He has provided enough interest here to last a lifetime of discovery.

Psalm 111:4 (Amplified Bible)


"He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious, merciful, and full of loving compassion."

It was his pleasure to create this wondrous world for us. Sometimes it's best just to look in your own back yard before wandering beyond to satisfy your longing. Let us praise Him for his creative gifts.

Respect for Mary and Joseph

I sang a song in church a few weeks ago that was in Mary's point of view. I had to stop and remind myself that her situation was indeed unique and certainly different from the others in the stable that night. The other observers could admire, adore, worship and walk away. Mary and Joseph however were Jesus' parents - they had to stay and bear the burden of rearing the Son of God.

They knew Jesus would have a difficult road ahead. They could not afford all the dreams and hopes for their child as we do for ours. They could only love him from afar - knowing that Jesus was not really theirs to possess.

When I think of the sacrifice that Mary and Joseph made, it humbles me. Although many others in the bible made the ultimate sacrifice for Christ, his parents had a special heartbreak to endure. They did not choose - they were chosen. They did the job that God asked of them. Then slipped away into obscurity, losing their child to the world.

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord, let us also take heed of the example left to us by his parents. There are lessons in obedience and humility and sacrifice to be learned from these two figures in the manger.

Merry Christmas.

Science vs Revelation

 "Science is showing that you and I are crafted with astonishing precision so that we can, on occasion, peer into a spiritual world and know God. And rather than dispel the spiritual, science is cracking it open for all to see." Barbara Hagerty

I sometimes get discouraged at the efforts the world is making to erase God from the hearts and minds of people. We hear the negative theology shouted that man is his own creation, or that we are here by sheer accidents of nature.

The whisper of the enemy tells me that soon everyone will be convinced that God never existed at all. This is the lie of all lies.

The smarter man gets, the more likely he is to prove God does exists and that He alone is responsible for the galaxies and beyond. Man can't help it - he has a inborn need to discover. And the only real thing there is to discover is God. Behind and underneath everything is God - waiting to be exposed. It's only a matter of time before all the scientific maneuvering will make the crack that God will shine through.

We need never fear that "they" will win. We already know who holds the victory.

Whom do you fight and with what???

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age..."
Ephesians 6:11 & 12

I must admit that I have a hard time remembering this admonition. When people are in my face or I have been thwarted on every side when Im just trying to do good, I want to jump in and fight with someone.

But our fight is not with people, it's with the influences, powers and darkness of this crazy world we live in. Why do I continually take on battles that are not fought in the natural? And why do I not consistently put on the armor of God? Pride? Laziness?

We are distracted from out post by all the little battles in our lives when we should be standing guard where God has positioned us. What more can we ask? He gives us a commission, armor, ammunition and a cause for which to fight.

Let us answer the call to fight the right battles in the right way. Anything else is a waste of time and effort.

Can You Hear Him?

For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.  Romans 8:16




How does God speak to us? Can He speak to someone who hasn't received Him?
Do you remember as a child attaching a long string to 2 tin cans and using it as a telephone to your buddy?

Our connection to God is a Spirit to spirit one. The string that connects us to God is his Spirit living in us. He cannot speak to our flesh or our reason - they dont have God in them. But our spirit is indwelled with God's spirit when we commit to communion with Him - receiving Him into our life.

Our flesh and reason is under our command - we have the power through Christ to make them obey and come into line. But our spirit is the temple where God speaks. If we aren't in tune with our spirit, we won't be listening for his voice. We must find Him where He is and then listen.

Can you hear Him? Tighten up that string.

Are You Being Taught or Made?

"We are inclined to think that everything that happens is to be turned into useful teaching. In actual fact, it is to be turned into something even better than teaching, namely, character. The mountaintop is not meant to teach us anything, it is meant to make us something. There is a terrible trap in always asking, “What’s the use of this experience?” We can never measure spiritual matters in that way. The moments on the mountaintop are rare moments, and they are meant for something in God’s purpose."
Oswald Chambers/My Utmost For His Highest

What a profound statement this is. Many of us tend to think in terms of God teaching us rather than Him making us. Anyone can teach...only God can make.

My husband and I had a discussion last night about Christians who never do anything. By that I mean they are content to be saved and in their own little world without impacting those around them in any significant way. I find it hard to relate to people like that. There is so much to be done and so many opportunities to reach out and make a difference. If we are truly letting God make us into his image, how can we not do something?

Maybe my impact isn't as big as I would like it to be, but I cannot just sit on what I know. I don't want to just be taught, I want to be made.

Run to the Most High God

“Those who go to God Most High for safety will be protected by the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘You are my place of safety and protection.’ You are my God and I trust you.”


Psalm 91:1-2


How many times have we been rescued by God? We cry HELP when we are in trouble or don’t know where to turn. He is faithful to cover us, and protect us from ourselves. I personally can’t imagine how to live without his sheltering arm.


But I’m not sure God’s children fully comprehend the magnitude of that protection. The arm of our Creator is broader and longer than our minds can fathom. The fact that He would outstretch it just for me is an expression of his loving character. All I need to do is to go to Him, trusting He will do as He says.


It’s not that God needs to acknowledge us, He does that in ways we don’t even realize. But when do we acknowledge Him? Only when we need help? Only when danger lurks? He is ready to gather us in every minute of every day. He watches and faithfully guides all who look to Him.


As a child, I knew my parents would be there if ever I needed them. When I was in danger, I would run to them. Our Heavenly Father waits like a caring, protective parent. But his power to protect is mighty. Our praise and thanksgiving should rise up accordingly, for his shelter is undeserved.

Hope of Heaven

"In my Father's House are many mansions." John 14:2

I read in a devotional today that "If you have a well grounded hope of Heaven you are never really unhappy."

I had to think about that for a minute. I have always believed in my home in Heaven - since I accepted Christ as Savior. But there have been many days when I have been truly unhappy. I know of many other Christians that live with fleeting happiness, struggling to hang on to joy. So how do we fit in to that statement?

The key is the "well grounded" part. Hope of Heaven is to be rooted deep in us. We must think of ourselves as eternal beings. I know in my spirit that this earth is not my home and that God has prepared a place for me. I often joke about hoping there will be pristine golf courses to play on!

I only have to bring that hope to mind and my mood lifts. But I also know that if I had not that hope, I would be experiencing a certain kind of unhappiness that I never want to know. I need to thank God every day for my future home. That's what will keep my hope well grounded.

Be Still? Right.

When was the last time you invited God's Holy Spirit to guide your day? Too often, I forget to do it. But this morning, as I tried to start my day, I lifted my voice to heaven and asked what I was supposed to do. My project list is getting longer by the day and my ability to concentrate has been compromised lately.

Then here is the devotional verse today from an old devotional book I use. Psalm 46:10:
"Be still and know that I am God."

"But I don't want to be still, God," I protested. "I have so much writing and other things to do."

Then I read more: "How often have we thought and said 'I have so much to do, I do not know how I will ever get it all done!' But then have we analyzed what we have to do and why we have to do it?"

Ok. I got the message. It was time to be still, rest, and let God take care of my list of projects. My body is tired and my mind was feeling the effects of it. But I was obedient and didn't push the day.

It's a good thing God can make up for lost time.

The Gift of Dreams

"In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you."  Romans 12:6

God has given you your gifts. You didn't choose them. Your gifts are essential to finding God's will for your life and you will find fulfillment in them.

If you are a new creature in Christ and are in communication with his Holy Spirit, you will begin to notice desires and ideas that point you to a dream. If you are trusting God, you can trust Him to point you to your destiny. Your heart's desires is what He uses to motivate you to doing what you were destined to do.

If you aren't sure what your dreams are...ask God and then listen. Be still and hear what He is calling you to. Your dream will only make sense when you have heard from Him and implemented his plan for you. Your dream is your own, designed just for you.

Stay with it - take courage when all seems for naught.

God Sees The Heart

1 Samuel 16:7


“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Why is this such a hard concept to grasp? I don’t know very many people who don’t struggle with this reality on a daily basis. We don’t have to be obsessed with self to forget the importance of a clean heart. We don’t have to be overly vain or self-centered to fool ourselves into thinking the condition of our heart is under lock and key – not visible to God or anyone else.


God looks at our heart because He knows therein lies our true self. The condition of that vital “organ” is the barometer for everything else we do and say. If it is covered with layers of fear, bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy or even indifference, the heart will be uglier than any imaginable disfigurement of our outward appearance.

When beauty, youth and robustness are the standards we use to measure our value or someone else’s value, we are dangerously missing the mark. I say dangerous because when we are distracted from the true measure of a man, we cannot meet their needs. We may miss what God is calling us to do in and for the world.

Pray every day for the eyes of discernment – the eyes that see others as God sees them. And even to see our own hearts for the condition they are in. Only then can we effectively make an eternal difference.

Lullaby CD winner......and thought for the day.

Congrats to Jeanette....I hope your friend enjoys the CD.

Thought for the day:

The path of least resistance isn't always the best way. It's resistance that builds muscle, holds the earth in place (gravity), and keeps us walking upright.

Blessings.

Don't Get Ahead of God

Here's what I learned today:

1.  Do not be afraid.

2.  Take your station.

3.  The Lord shall do battle for you.

4.  You shall keep still.

This is what Moses told his desert wanderers when they were ready to revolt. Waiting for God's plan for our lives can be frustrating. We want to jump ahead and make things happen. But our actions just might delay our dreams and God's call on our life even further.

I'm learning to wait...have a ways to go. How about you?

The four points were taken from a DVD by Joseph Bentz titled "When God Takes Too Long"