Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Birthday gift

After returning from the mall, my husband (who rarely goes shopping) expressed his concern over finding me a birthday present. "Everything I looked at wasn't good enough for you" he said, almost painstakingly. "What a great problem to have" I thought to myself, "knowing that nothing "materialistic" could ever express enough your love for someone."

"The one thing I ask of the Lord – the thing I seek most – is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in His Temple." Psalm 27:4 NIV

Fifty years of living has taught me one thing on this day; everyday is a "birthday" present from God when you have Christ. The joy of knowing that one day I'll "live in the house of the Lord" for all the remaining days of my life makes me celebrate everyday I'm here as a "birthday" gift from God.

Thought to live by: Salvation through Christ gives new meaning to the word "birthday".

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Warning Signs

The Department of Highways usually posts a "Do Not Enter – Wrong Way" sign at an exit ramp just in case a driver misinterprets the ramp as an entrance onto the interstate or highway. Drivers who commit the mistake of entering in the wrong direction will usually only do that once, assuming they survive the mistake.

"My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." James 5:20 NIV

Only God knows if our mistakes are immediately or potentially fatal. When we separate our lives from Him we lead ourselves to walking into our own demise, not knowing immediately the danger that lies ahead. Sometimes we see the signs, but ignore them. Other times we not only miss the warning but fail to equip ourselves with the knowledge of how to handle it. Sadly, many people – including those who proclaim to love us – allow us to walk in the wrong direction. If you find yourself in this position then ask yourself this question; do I love this person (yourself included) enough to help them live? If the answer is yes (and it should be), then do everything you can to bring them back to the truth.

Thought to live by: Going in the wrong direction leads to nowhere.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Forgiveness, first

Can you imagine walking into a "Doc in the Box" and the first thing the doctor says to you upon hearing about your impending condition is, "Your sins are forgiven"? We would (probably) think that the doctor was not all "there"! We came to get well and he's talking about forgiveness. What in the world do the two have in common, you might ask? Faith.

"Some men came bringing Him a paralytic…..When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:3, 5 NIV

Jesus wasn't just the Great Physician of our physical needs; He was and is the reason we have a life in the first place. Jesus saw that many were following Him for what they could receive in the natural (healing) but He knew that what they really needed to "live" was more than what they could comprehend; forgiveness. Think about how many, many times you've been sick, depressed, in need, etc., and you've called out to God? Those times in our lives will come and go continuously….and God knows that. What we will only have a short window of time with is our moment we receive His forgiveness. If we miss that "moment" all the wellness in the world won't even matter.

Thought to live by: Forgiveness of sin heals everything else.

"Who's your Daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a devotional written by Pat Ferguson

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Where does “wisdom” begin?

"We thought, because we had power, we had wisdom" (Stephen Vincent Benet). "The beginning of wisdom is to desire it" (Gabriol). "The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names" (Adam Hammond)

Wisdom, from our human understanding, often equals hindsight. Wisdom rarely is the first thing we pray for but always the thing we need. Wisdom is priceless, timeless and unbiased. However, the beginning of wisdom is the turning point in our lives; without it we simply run in circles looking for answers that seemingly elude us and keep our dreams and desires at bay.

"But wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it." (Matthew 11:19)

Jesus' life was the ultimate example of living a life birthed in wisdom. Daily, Jesus sought God for direction, spent time in the word of God and obeyed God's calling upon His life. Even Jesus, who was both God and yet a simple man, knew that wisdom wasn't a given but a lifestyle of devotion and obedience, resulting in what was right.

Thought to live by: The beginning of wisdom comes from fearing that we haven't asked God for the answer.

Friday, June 3, 2011

The two sides of “entitlement”

"An Albuquerque man was sentenced to prison Wednesday after he asked to repay his investment scam victims through poker tournament winnings, but failed to find luck at the card table." (Albuquerque, AP, April 8, 2011). It's hard to imagine such stupidity exists along with the sense of entitlement that goes with it. Not only did this scam artist rob innocent people of their hard earned money, he attempted to take a short cut in returning it. Fortunately, the judge said "no" to his suggestions and sent him on his way to prison.

"Lord, you have poured out amazing blessings on your land! You have restored the fortunes of Israel. You have forgiven the guilt of your people; yes, you have covered all their sins." Psalm 85:1

What life hands us will never seem quite fair if we look at it from our point of view. The innocent victims of a scam artist not only lose their fortunes they lose their faith in mankind. But God, who is the only One we can ever fully trust, steps in on our behalf (much like a judge) and finds a way to restore us even if it doesn't appear to be what we expected or thought we would be "entitled" to.

Thought to live by: Entitlement isn't always something we deserve but what God bestows upon us even when we don't expect it.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

You've got mail!

There’s hundreds of email service providers on the internet but only one stick’s out in most of our minds when you hear the familiar words, “You’ve got mail!” Just the sound of these three words tells us that someone is trying to “speak” to us, hopefully, with a message we need to hear.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

When God speaks to us, audibly, internally or through supernatural occurrences, we have the option of listening or turning away. Whether or not we act upon God’s calling is always up to us. But the one thing we can rely upon is this; God will speak to us through whatever manner He chooses. It’s up to us to open the “mail” He sends our way and read it if we’re to walk with Him, today.

Thought to live by: God speaks to those who listen.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Restoration

"This old house" is a program that has become synonymous with making all things new again without disturbing the beauty or character of the original treasure. When my husband brought home a mantel to restore and install in our home, little did we realize that there were over 53 layers of woodwork in the design of this one hundred year old keepsake. Painstakingly, Doug raised the grain one layer at a time to not only "restore" the piece to its original condition but to "preserve" the character and quality of this priceless treasure. In many ways, God does the same thing in our lives.

"O Lord, by these things men live; And in all these things is the life of my spirit; So You will restore me and make me live." (Isaiah 38:16 NKJV)

When God allows us to be "stripped" it's not for our demise but for our renewal. If Doug had not painstakingly raised each grain by hand the beauty of the mantel would have been covered from the oxidization of the past. Our lives are much the same; it takes the steady continuous hand of God to raise the depth of our beauty and potential to the surface of our lives. Allowing God to raise the grain in us is always our choice. Should we resist, we will probably "miss" the greatest moment of our life and our purpose.

Thought to live by: What God restores, He redeems. What God redeems, He uses. What God uses, He blesses. Restored….redeemed…..blessed…..each connect to God's plan for our lives.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Mindfulness

President Obama made a declaration that he would "stay in touch" with the people when he entered into office in 2008. In doing so, he made a bold pledge; to read ten letters a day from American's. Why only "ten" a day, you might ask? Well…..if you received approximately 65,000 letters, 100,000 emails, 1,000 faxes and 2,500-3,500 phone calls a day, "ten a day" might sound more doable and focused.

"But there is a place where someone has testified: "What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him?" Hebrews 2:6

Can we only imagine how many prayers God receives, daily? I'm certain the number is too high of a count for our imagination. So how can God be truly mindful of us, our needs and our individual lives? Amazingly, He just can……because He's God. The intimacy God desires with us is nothing compared to a President's genuine concern for the people of his country. A president is just a man trying to understand us, from a small sampling of people. God is creator of the universe trying to help us understand Him and His genuine love and compassion for us.

Thought to live by: As inconceivable as it may seem…..God is mindful of me.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Forgetfulness

Well known talk show host, Larry King, recently produced a mini-documentary on Alzheimer's interviewing Ronald Regan, Jr., son of former President Regan who unwittingly became a victim of the disease. As part of the documentary, Larry voluntarily underwent preliminary testing to determine if he was a possible candidate for "Dementia" aka Alzheimer's in his later years. At his own request, he kept the results to himself. During his interview with a doctor specializing in Alzheimer's, Larry asked for a simple explanation of the disease and if "forgetfulness" was a concerning red flag. "No" responded the doctor. "A better way to look at it would be not forgetting where I left my keys but not remembering what my keys are for." Forgiveness has a very funny way of working the same way. It's not forgetting what we were forgiven of but not remembering that we were when it comes our turn to forgive others.

"…….his fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, "Be patient with me and I will pay you back. But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt." Matthew 18:29-30

Alzheimer's robs its victim of the ability to recall the purpose of something, a familiar face or parts of their past. However, amidst all the "painfulness" of this disease the one thing left in tack is the humanity of the victim's spirit. They still instinctively know how to forgive. And in a twist of fate, they actually are much better at "forgetting", as well. When God has forgiven us of so much, over and over again, it's up to us to take His forgiveness and extend it to those we encounter cancelling the same "debt" we ourselves could not pay.

Thought to live by: Forgetting may come with time; but forgiveness eventually comes full circle.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Befriended

Facebook has brought a whole new meaning to being "befriended". With just one stroke, you're either "accepted", "blocked" or "unfriended" as a friend. It kind of reminds me of my high school days when we just wanted to be accepted unconditionally and included in a circle of favorable friends. Who likes being shunned, rejected and not included? The mere thought just breaks my heart and makes me want to seek out that person who falls outside the "circle of acceptance", just to show them they're unconditionally loved.

"A friend loves at all times" Proverbs 17:17

Friendship is possibly the most valuable gift we can give someone. It's enduring, selfless and unconditional. But being a friend requires more than just hitting the button of acceptance; it requires an action from the heart and a loyalty that sustains.

Thought to live by: True friendship loves at all times.

Monday, May 16, 2011

“Daytimers”

The entry of the "daytimer" universally made those who used it change their way of thinking about their day, altogether. I recall my first encounter with mine and how it not only organized my plans it subliminally kept me moving forward all day long. Now my Blackberry has taken its place and a "ring" has become my instant reminder that something important requires my immediate attention.

"The Lord gave me a message. He said, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world." (Jeremiah 1: 4-5)

Back in the day, God's intimacy with us was thought to be much more audible, intentional and direct. However, it probably wasn't much different than it is today; we're just busier and poor on time. The same God who spoke to a young Jeremiah speaks to each one of us, audibly, distinctly and directly, today. The question isn't "does God still speak to us?" but "are we listening?" We simply can't listen if we're too busy, if our calendar has weighed us down with demands and if we haven't made time to stop, pray and listen to God, today. If we believe that God knew us before we were even born then we believe God's word entirely; that we were set apart and appointed to be spokesmen to the world for Him. However….we can't speak about what we don't know or haven't heard.

Thought to live by: Just spending a few minutes listening and praying to God and meditating on His word each morning will determine the rest of our day.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Breaking point; when enough is enough!

Everyone has a breaking point, a place they reach when finally they declare they've had "enough". For each person, reaching that place can happen through an unexpected moment; a letter in the mail, a phone call, a text, an email, a pink slip, a turn off notice…. No is immune and everyone is entitled to declare they've had enough.

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, we are crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going." Corinthians 4: 8-9

Getting back up and going again requires our faith to be greater than our circumstances, creating in us the will to want to press on and live. If today you are facing astronomical odds, uncertainty and loss, reach for the hand that is reaching out to help you along your journey.

Thought to live by: We're never waiting on God but He's always waiting on us to ask for His help. Ask Him today and witness the difference a simple prayer can make in your life.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

My three sons; the cost of sacrifice

I've often wondered, "How does a mother send her son off to war?" Really…..how does she do it? What does she tell herself in order that she may have the courage to face the possible truth; he's laying down his life for his fellow human man, someone who would (probably) never fully comprehend the value of a life sacrificed for theirs. Our three sons are the most precious gift that God has ever given to my husband, Doug, and me. Even with all the trials that come with raising "boys", there are the joyous moments that take their place. The eleventh hour ballgames, the musical learning curves (trumpets, drums and electric guitars vibrating throughout the house) and the annual rituals that are celebrated and part of enjoying family life. So how does a mom compartmentalize all of that stuff in exchange for his life? I must say, I don't ever want to know the answer to that question.

"For God so loved the world (those who would never fully comprehend the value of a life sacrificed for theirs) that He gave His only son (we have three….God had only one), so that everyone (the good, the bad and everyone in between) who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his son into the world to condemn it, but to save it (His love is unconditional and readily available)." John 3:16-17

The only hope a mother has is that her son will return from war or that the value of his life will not be in vain. No guarantee's; just hope. She understands that the "cost of sacrifice" compels her to let her son go while trusting that the lives saved will be worth the price paid. Perhaps at the core of God's love is a mother's heart, the same heart that compelled God to let Jesus "go" and become the sacrifice that was necessary for a lost and dying world.

Thought to live by: God loved me so much that He gave me all He possessed at the cross.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Nationwide is on your side

When you think "Nationwide" you think of the four little words that followed and became synonymous with its name; "is on your side." The two thoughts almost seem inseparable. Even if you can't carry a tune in a bucket you can sing that simple little jingle to a "tee".

"Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, who later became a leader among the Thirty, and he said, "We are yours, David! We are on your side, son of Jesse. Peace and prosperity be with you, and success to all who help you, for your God is the one who helps you. So David let them join him, and he made them officers over his troops." (1 Chronicles 12: 18, NLT)

David was way in over his head and he needed all the help he could get. Can we only imagine when David saw what could have potentially been his enemies coming to his aid, telling him they were there to help him via God? Even blessing him in advance and affirming they were on his side? David, out in the wilderness, surrounded by overwhelming odds, suddenly see's the hand of God coming to his side. Perhaps today you're out in the wilderness wondering "Where's God?" Don't worry….you're not alone…..God is just waiting for you to trust Him and allow Him to join you in your time of need. Had David attempted to fight his battles with his own might he would have lost. But David chose to follow God and to trust God in every situation. And God chose to take those who could have opposed David and turn them into his army.

Thought to live by: "Your God is the One who helps you" and He's on your side.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Winning shot

^{Described by most as a "normal" kid, Wes Leonard was anything but. Standing tall at 6' plus, Wes not only physically soared over his friends he mentally, spiritually and emotionally reached heights most adults have never even imagined reaching. Known as a talented athlete and a humble young man, Wes was someone who took all the recognition his young life would receive in stride while never realizing that his final "winning shot" would bring the world to their knees. Only seconds after Wes' last shot rung through the rim, his heart gave out on him. As a gasping audience cried and prayed Wes went to claim his heavenward prize; to be with Jesus.}

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14/NIV)

How often is it that we take for granted the last thing we just did, said or engaged in, thinking that one more tomorrow is on the calendar of our short existence here on earth? I often have to remind myself that the last thing I just did could be the first thing God wants to talk to me about when I get to heaven – and that makes me stop and think, quite often. Living in fear is not of God and neither is living to die; but living in the moment while being fully present and embracing who Christ is in our lives is very much of God. Today, as you plan what your world will look like think about what you will say to God should today be the last chance you have to make a "winning shot". I'm almost certain Wes just thought he was playing basketball when in reality he was changing lives for eternity.

Thought to live by: I will make every moment of today count for Christ.