Don't Forget to Remember: Psalm 78

We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord…Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

Psalm 78:4, 7

The older I get the more forgetful I become. Grocery lists are left at home, hair appointments are missed, sentences remain unfinished because the thought …what was I saying? Some forgetfulness is frustrating, some is disappointing, but some forgetfulness is dangerous!

The Cure for Despondency: Psalm 77

Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, though Your footprints were not seen. Psalm 77:19

 

When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted (Psalm 77:1). Ever had one of those nights? Your ‘ordered’ world caves in. A crisis rears its head. The solution is nowhere in sight. You cry out to God for help. Though you verbalize your trust in Him, sleep eludes you.  Momentary peace is interrupted by fears and doubts that come in waves swelling over you. Your soul refuses to be comforted.

From Confusion to Understanding: Psalm 73

“When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.”

Psalm 73:16-17

 

Have you ever looked around and become confused and discouraged? You see people who are prideful, selfish, and evil remain carefree, healthy, and strong. The wicked around you continue to flourish. Yet, though you love the Lord and seek to follow and obey Him, you face numerous difficulties and heartaches.  

Speak Up! I Can't Hear You!: Psalm 78

We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. 

Psalm 78:3-4

I once had an interesting conversation with a woman. She had attended an event and while there was asked to share about her relationship with Jesus. This woman was irate. Her words to me were, “That is personal. It’s no one else’s business!”

Raised By God: Psalm 71

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things.

Who, O God, is like you? 

Psalm 71:19

Who raised you? Who helped provide for your needs? Who cared for you and guided you and taught you things you needed to know? I like to say I was raised by God.

Necessary Words

“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”    

Matthew 12:34

My maternal grandparents lived in the hilly woods of North Louisiana. I spent a lot of time with them when I was growing up. My favorite thing to do when I was there was to go sit be the spring near their home. I loved to listen to the gentle flow of the water which flowed continuously. Sometimes I would take a book. Sometimes I would just sit and think. The spring never stopped flowing.

Wise Words

A wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one’s reputation. . .They make a lot of sense, these wise folks; whenever they speak their reputation increases.

 Proverbs 16:21, 23 The Message

Every time I talk with my friend Gloria I say: “Why can’t I say wise things like Gloria?” Gloria is not a real talker, but when she speaks it is certainly worth listening to.

Trashy Words

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

 Ephesians 4:29

Our culture has really developed a habit of trash talking. By trash talking, I am referring to those cheap, empty expressions that we often use. Just think of the words and expressions we hear on TV and in movies, read on the internet, and hear on the streets. In our passage today, Paul calls this unwholesome talk, and it should not be coming out of our mouths.

Listening and Doing

My dear brothers, take note of this: Every one should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.  

James 1:19

The book of James has some great wisdom concerning personal communication. The book was written around A.D. 50 by James, Jesus’ half-bother. James was a leader in the church at Jerusalem. It is said that James had knees like those of a camel because he spent so much time on them praying.

Taming the Tongue

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken.” 

Matthew 12:36

Have there been times in your life when you wish you could take back the words you just said?  I would have to answer YES, YES, YES to this question. Without realizing it, we often speak words that hurt, words that criticize, words that put others down, words that do not glorify God. Jesus tells us that we will have to give account for all of these careless words on Judgment Day.

Let's Go To The Circus: The Juggler

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

1 John 2:17

 I once heard a juggler tell his audience that anyone can juggle. “If you can juggle three objects, you can learn to juggle ten.” He said the same principle applied no matter how many objects you have. 

The problem is that I have a hard time keeping three objects in the air at one time. Juggling is just not my thing. However, I do juggle my twenty-four hours each day. Time management is a juggling act.

Think back to our ancestors. These pioneers faced many hardships. We certainly wouldn’t want to go back to the backbreaking responsibilities they endured. Washing clothes in a black pot and scrubbing on a rub board is not my idea of the ideal life.

Though most of their tasks were physically hard, they had fewer to juggle. They knew when the cows had to be milked, the chickens fed, the bread baked and the canning done. The pioneer woman knew her schedule and it rarely changed.

Today’s women have so many more choices. We can fill our day with a variety of activities including housework, carpooling, volunteering, shopping, and recreation. We must juggle our time and decide our priorities.

Granted many of our choices are mandatory. The children must be fed and clothed. Groceries must be bought. The wash still has to be done. The problem arises when we become frustrated with our busyness. 

“Do I volunteer for the clothes drive at my child’s school? The local food bank needs me to pack food boxes. Each of my three children wants me to be his homeroom mother. Our elderly neighbor fell and broke her hip. How should I help? My husband has an important meeting out of town. He wants me to go, but it is during tryouts for my daughter’s drill team. Help! What do I do???” Juggling must take place.

On top of the many every day choices, many of you are making choices concerning elderly parents. “What do I do with my ninety-five year old dad? Should he come to live with us? Should we put him in a nursing facility? Help! What do I do?” More juggling!

There is a solution to your frustration. Let God be your time manager. Turn to Him in prayer and tell Him your problems. Spend time with Him. I can testify from experience that you will not only get help in juggling your life, but you will receive the peace that Jesus promised us when he left. 

You can be a master juggler with many plates passing through your hands. Remember to depend on God to direct your path. “ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” ( Psalm 32:8). I would like to close the week by giving you a blessing from God’s Word.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way ( Thessalonians 2:16).

Janice Yandell

Let's Go To The Circus: The Clown

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 

Proverbs 17:22

A small boy spied a clown on the street corner holding up an advertising sign. He turned to his mother and asked, “Mother, is that a real clown or just someone dressed up like a clown?” To children a clown is a real person.

Although some children are afraid of clowns, most of us are drawn to the colorful clothes and makeup of these characters. Ronald McDonald is probably today’s most recognized clown .  Emmett Kelly is the most famous circus clown of all times. He created a hobo character called “Weary Willie.” Willie drew sympathy from the crowds as he tried to sweep up the spotlight in the center ring. It kept moving and kept the crowd laughing. Kelly’s “sad sack face” is captured in bronze in the Missouri capitol rotunda.

Clowns bring smiles to our faces. Cheerful people do the same. We are all drawn to the person with a smile and a kind word. 

Some people have innate cheerful natures. They seem to come into this world with smiles on their faces. Others develop a sanguine personality as they realize what a wonderful world God made. They grow a spirit of optimism. I am often amazed at the change in an older person who accepts Christ. They exude joy. Oh that all Christians could catch some of that “joyous spirit.” Some of us just need a rekindling. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me ( Psalm 51:12).

Then there are those who seem to wallow in misery. They aren’t happy and they don’t want others to be. We’ve all been around these negative people. No matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to please them. “Woe is me” seems to be their motto. The world has “done them wrong,” and they want you to know it.

Which are you? Examine your attitude. Do you try to find positive things to talk about or are you always discussing “gloom and doom?” Please don’t knock on my door!

Nowhere is a cheerful spirit needed more than in the home. Mothers and wives, you set the personality of the home. Your attitude permeates the atmosphere. Yes, I know many of you live with demanding and sometimes un-Christ like mates. Others have rebellious children who continually test your patience. Still, you can help any situation if you display a cheerful attitude. Ask the Lord to help you achieve this.

Put on your blinders and blot out the world of turmoil and decay. See the world God has given us through the eyes of an optimist. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4). 

Dear Father, We don’t always choose our circumstances, but we do our attitudes. Lead us to choose a cheerful spirit and show Christ to the world.

Janice Yandell

Let's Go To The Circus: The Lion Tamer

Be steadfast and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

The circus lion tamer is a brave man. The roar of the lion brings fear to the audience, but not to him. Although the lion is a ferocious beast, he has met his match with a skilled lion tamer. 

Satan is the lion in our lives. We need to know our enemy before we can deal with him.

Satan was an anointed cherub set apart for God’s Divine purpose. He perverted that power and sought to be like God. Isaiah 14 tells about the fall. How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God” (Isaiah 14:12).

Angels are referred to as stars in the Bible. Revelation 12:4  calls Satan the red dragon and describes him sweeping a third of the stars out of the sky and flinging them to earth. Although Satan is only one angel, he took legions of angels with him when he fell from Heaven. These fallen angels became the demons we fight every day. Satan commands them. 

Satan’s number one goal is to keep us from accepting Christ as our Savior. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4).When he can’t attain his first goal, he and his demons set about tempting Christians with a myriad of worldly pleasures. 

Satan is a liar. Jesus chastised the Pharisees who challenged Him.” You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him” (John 8:44). Jesus goes on to describe Satan as the father of all lies.

Our evil foe has many tricks up his sleeve. Our God is greater. Satan’s time is limited. God is forever. We must remember that the ultimate battle will end with Satan and his angels thrown into the lake of burning sulfur where he will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:10 tells of his demise.

How do we tame this roaring lion? We can’t, but God can. We can cause Satan to retreat when he tempts us. What better weapon to use than scripture. Jesus used it in the wilderness. Speak of God’s promises, quote verses that show God’s power, and hide God’s Word in your heart.

Do you have a specific temptation? Prayer is another volatile weapon. Ask God to give you wisdom to fight the temptation Satan puts in your path. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Dear Father, Teach us to use scripture and prayer against the roaring lion as we battle him in our lives.

Janice Yandell

Let's Go To The Circus: The High Wire Walker

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

Jerry and I watched with bated breath as three of “The Flying Wallendas” performed their triple pyramid act on the high wire at Silver Dollar City. Two brothers balanced on bicycles and shouldered another wire on their shoulders. Their mother balanced on a chair perched atop this wire. No net waited for them if they fell. How daring…how brave!

Wait! We had seen a more daring fete a few weeks before. In June Nic Wallenda performed a death defying walk across Niagara Falls. He had a microphone attached to his clothing. We could hear every word he said. So could the sixteen to seventeen million TV watchers.  In spite of the blowing wind, cold mist, and swaying cable, Nic prayed all the way across the falls.

We were impressed and thankful for his testimony as he carefully advanced across the length of four football fields above the roaring falls. He prayed continually. We heard him say over and over, “Thank You, Jesus, thank You Jesus.” When asked about this prayer on Good Morning America, Nik replied, “The Bible says to pray without ceasing and I’m always praying.”

Now I’m not suggesting that we all take to the high wire to give our testimony. I would certainly not volunteer to be first. I am astounded that someone walking across Niagara Falls would have the presence of mind to pray and praise the Lord during his perilous journey.

I thought about all the times I should have mentioned the Lord’s name.  I need to be more vocal about my faith. I need boldness when I am with an acquaintance who doesn’t know Christ as Savior. What a coward I am! I am thinking of one unhappy individual. She is so miserable and without a faith in Christ. How can I keep silent? Lord, help me be like Nic Wallenda. Give me the boldness he portrayed as he prayed over the cascading falls.

Each of us has a challenge in our life that tests our strength and our testimony. We should be quick to turn to the Lord in prayer during our challenging moments just as this acrobat did.

Your tight rope may be a broken relationship. “Lord, give us bravery like Nic to make the first move to mend fences.” You may be walking the tight rope of a failed marriage. Pray like Nic. Ask God to help you balance the hurtful, scary path you are forced to travel.

These are shaky financial times. Jobs are lost, homes are foreclosed, and budgets are impossible to balance. Try picturing yourself as Nic walking across the falls. Call the name of Jesus and praise Him.

Dear Father, Thank you for Nic Wallenda’s testimony. Help us remember that we each have a testimony of our own. Give us the bravery of this young man as we witness for Your Son.

Janice Yandell

Let's Go To The Circus: The Ringmaster

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

Psalm 147:5

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages…” The booming voice of the ringmaster could be heard from the center ring. He stood in his bright red topcoat and tails with gold trim. A tall top hat finished off his costume. My childhood memory of this leader is of a tall, dignified gentleman. 

If I'm a Princess, Then Where is My Castle?

--the joy of the LORD is your strength—

Nehemiah 8:10

Castles are fascinating.  They are icons of majestic beauty and intrigue.   

Chalk It Up To: Intimacy with God

Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses. 

Proverbs 21:1 (MSG)    

As we are barely into a New Year, let us begin with resolve to make a mark of sorts for the Kingdom in 2012. I like to think that God graciously hands me a clean slate January 1st, along with a fresh pack of chalk. He then guides my hand, allowing it to trace His glory in vivid color so it will rub off on others. I can let Him do it, or I can leave the chalk in the box. Hmmm!

Pam Ferrell has written a book, Woman of Influence, categorizing ten ways women can have a positive effect on their friends. I like her list, so thank you Pam—I am going to borrow from it.  

The first quality of an influential woman is that of Intimacy with God, and I can’t think of a better place to begin. In fact, it is the only place to begin. If you are not intimate with God, you may indeed influence others, but to what end? You’ve heard it said: win the rat race, you’re still a rat. That is so hauntingly true!

The effect I have on family and friends comes from deep within. It cannot be separated from spirit and soul. What I am is controlled by my intimacies, and my intimacies are determined by time carefully spent, be it engrossed in a good book, mesmerized by Dancing with the Stars, perusing the pages of Facebook, or be it time spent with God.         

Characteristic of intimacy is a closeness, familiarity, warmth, affection. The Abba relationship Jesus had with the Father is representative of real, profound intimacy. Mary of Bethany exhibited intimacy in her desire to hang on every word Jesus spoke. But then so did Martha, no matter how distracted she may have been by her compulsion to serve (Luke 10:38-42). Her confession of Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world” (John 11:27) could only have come from intimate moments with the Lord.

And I cannot help but think that Jochebed, Moses’ mom, was intimate with God as well, to take the chance of floating her three month old down the Nile under the nose of the Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 2:1-10).

If you have a hint of influence for the Kingdom in the marrow of your bones, you can chalk it up to your intimacy with our great God. He is more than willing to float you along in the direction you should go. 

Nancy P

The Gift of Friendship

A friend loves at all times.   

Proverbs 17:17

My husband and I are richly blessed with many Christian friends. A few years ago, we retired and moved to Tyler, Texas, where we now live. We left some life-long friends and wonderful church friends back in Louisiana. However, we had prayed about our decision and felt a peace about such a move.

Getting a Head Start on 2012: Don Your Servant’s Uniform

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ”

 Galatians 1:10

Our church has a student building on Texas Highway 110. The teenagers’ gathering place is called The 110 Center.  I always thought it was named for the highway.  Last month our pastor preached from Galatians and told us that the students chose the name for both Galatians 1:10 and the highway. Clever!

When Things Get Shaky

Right now I'm sitting at my work computer, chowing down on hummus and carrot sticks, and making a conscious effort to take a deep breath.

I feel burdened.

I have several big things going on in and around my life right now. Some things that are frightening, some exciting, and some just down right maddening.

All of these burdens came to a head yesterday as my husband and I made the drive home from Dallas, where we'd been hospital-sitting for 2 days as our newest nephew successfully made his way into this world. As I poured my thoughts out to my husband, who is always a safe shelter in the midst of a storm, I felt tears stinging my eyes. I just needed a release. You can relate, I'm sure.

In situations like these, where we feel the weight of the world more than the weight of the One, we have to go back to what we know to be true. When we are surrounded by unknowns and our stability seems to falter, we have to remember what we've previously identified to be certain, sure, infallible. Otherwise, we'll panic ourselves with the torment of the unknown.

I recall a time when I was waiting on test results, and the unknown was literally paralyzing me with worry. I was putting stock in things that I did not know to be true.

As I allowed God to transform my mind, He reminded me that I didn't need to fret, but instead, "go back to what you know to be true."

I am the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life.

 John 14:6

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31

But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm.”

Proverbs 1:33

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27

Y'all, what we know is that God is trustworthy and good in all things. We know that His timing is perfect. We know that Satan is powerless in the face of Jesus. We know that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or imagine. We know that He is Sovereign, and He loves us and our loved ones more than we love us and our loved ones.

So, when things get shaky, when you get scared or frightened, go back to WHAT you know about the One you know.

May the God of all peace and comfort invade your hearts and minds today. Love you!

Lindsey Pond

Don't Miss It

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3

My husband asked me to spend time with a few college students who were from another country. I checked, and my calendar was free, so I agreed.

Bargain Roses

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

John 15:4

A few months ago I came across a plant sale. We happened to be putting in many plants at the time, so I really needed several things to fill a blank space in my yard. I decided to look through the 75% off rack. Most of the plants on this rack looked a little pathetic. As much as I like a good deal, I didn’t want to buy plants, then have them die momentarily. However, some rose trees in the back caught my eye. There were no roses, only some slightly yellowed leaves on a couple of tiny trees. Most people had passed on them because they were not very remarkable. I then remembered that one of my closest friends has a very remarkable rose tree in her yard.

Peace Out or In?

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 John 14:27

You’ve probably noticed over the last few years that the peace sign has made a re-appearance. My daughter has numerous shirts, bags, etc. that boldly show off the peace sign. She even doodles the peace sign or writes “peace out” on her stuff. I seem to be raising a 21^st century hippie!