Love that is Never Fickle

Every once in a while, I will be looking at Facebook and someone will post, “like” if you love your daughter. Or “like” if you love your son. Of course I always click “like” because I do love my children. Sometimes someone will even post “like” if you love God. I always want to press “like” 10,000 times, but of course I don’t, I only get one click. Much is said about love in February with the celebrating of Valentine’s Day. It is wonderful to celebrate and express our love to others, but human love can sometimes be so fickle and conditional. Don’t get me wrong, I do love the chocolates that I get from Jon, LOL. I want to share with you about a love that is never fickle or conditional and is freely given.

John 3:16…”For God so “ loved” the world (us) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever would believe in Him would have eternal life,”

Romans 5:8-10 “But God demonstrates His own “love” toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ Jesus died for us. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

Romans 8:35 & 38…”Who shall separate us from the “love” of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 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.”

If you have not accepted Jesus as your personal savior, this is such a beautiful time to accept God’s “love” through Jesus, and let Him lavish that unconditional “God the Father’s love” on you! If you, like me, have already accepted His forever “love,” let’s tell Him now how eternally grateful we are and celebrate His true “LOVE.”

Joy

Phyllis

God, the Master Artist

“For we are God’s workmanship recreated in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:10

When I am inspired as an artist to draw or paint a picture, I usually get a new clean white canvas. As the painting begins step by step to slowly become the image that I had in my heart and mind, only then can others begin to see it, too. There are many phases and hours spent in the development of the painting. What a joy for me, as the artist to see that image coming to life on the canvas.

When we repent from our sins and receive Jesus into our life as Lord and Savior, I think at that moment, we become a new clean canvas. 1 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if any person is in Christ, he is a new creation.” God the Father then begins His work in our lives to make us into the image of Jesus, His dear Son. Unlike my paintings, it does not just take a few days or hours, but a lifetime of the Father’s love and care instead. Truly He is the Master Artist. He uses many light and bright colors (days). Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and peace.” He also uses dark colors (days) to contrast those days. Why? He is teaching us trust and thankfulness in all things. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Be thankful in everything no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful for this is the will of God for you, who are in Christ.”

We must remember that only the Master Artist knows what He has to do to make that image of His Son, Jesus come alive on our canvas. He is using all the colors and every brush stroke that is needed to develop a beautiful painting. In the eternal “Art Show” of God, we will be one of many famous portraits painted by the mighty hand of God, as we come alive in Jesus on that heavenly canvas.

Joy,

Phyllis

BEHOLD OUR GOD!

Events and circumstances in life can sometimes, let’s admit it, be a real downer. I guess it is because those happenings catch us off guard. I will have to admit that my first response is not always the most Spiritual. It does make me feel a little better when I read that some characters in the Bible didn’t always respond well to their circumstances. In anger, Peter, who was with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane reached out and drew his sword, striking the servant of the high priest and cutting off his ear. That is recorded in Matthew 26:51. In Luke 9:54 when the people were rejecting Jesus, James and John asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them.” Another event where self-pity reigned was when Jezebel was trying to kill Elijah. He came to a large bush and sat down in the shade and begged the Lord, “I have had enough, just let me die.” Yep, to my regret I have experienced both anger and self-pity when presented with unwanted happenings.

It would be easy to say that we deserve to get angry or have self-pity. Truthfully, the only right and good answer to the unexpected circumstances and disappointing things in life is also found in the Scriptures. Let’s take a brief look at Psalm 46.

We must BEHOLD OUR GOD! “God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas.” He is our Supreme power. He has authority in heaven and earth. “Come behold the works of our Lord who does wonders in the earth.” “Be still and know that I am God.” Be still (stop moving, have tranquility of mind. Know (observe, reflect, by experiencing) I am God (Sovereign, Supreme power, Superior to all others). God is the One that controls every event that affects our lives if we are His children. Selah (pause and calmly think on this).

I am really working on those times when life sends me those unexpected events and circumstances, so that I can BEHOLD MY GOD and turn the downer things into the joy of the Lord.

Joy,

Phyllis

Encourage

The word for today is, “encourage.” Have you ever had someone to be an encourager to you? I have been blessed through the years to have people like that in my life. Sometimes life can get very discouraging. Many years ago, I went through months of depression, and the Lord brought people around me to encourage me. They shared that I could keep on trusting God and in time He would bring good out of that experience. Romans 8:28 says, that all things work together for good to those that love God and are called according to His purpose. Little did I know that the very experience of that depression vaulted my future speaking career in Women’s Ministry that lasted more than 30 years. To this very day the Lord has been gracious to bring encouragers in my journey with Him.

In Psalms 11:25 the Bible says that a generous person will prosper and they who refresh others, will be refreshed. Hebrews 3:13, states that we are to encourage one another day after day, while it is still day. Everywhere we turn we meet people that are living with sorrow, discouragement, unfulfilled hopes and dreams. Have we been so busy with our own agenda and problems that we just pass them by without a word? How long would it take to send a note, a text or maybe a phone call?

Oh Lord Jesus, let me be that one that shares your love and encouragement to those that need someone to care.

Joy

Phyllis

A SIMPLE BUT PROFOUND TRUTH! “JESUS LOVES ME!”

As I sat with my grandson many years ago, I was singing this old familiar song, Jesus Loves Me. I have sung that song so many times to all my grandchildren, and now great grands, as well as my own children when they were young. It is a simple tune and has easy words, but the impact of this song has a powerful truth. This song has been sung by children and parents all around the world.

Anna Warner wrote these words in 1860. It was written for a man who was comforting a dying child. William Bradbury set the words to music in 1861.

“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so; little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.”

What an awesome truth. It would do we adults good to sing that song often and be reminded of the incredible love of God toward us. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 8:35-39 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, persecution or famine, nakedness, peril, or sword? For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor anything present, nor things to come, nor height, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Jesus loves you!! Do you know this powerful truth? I mean in the very depth of your soul; do you really know?

Joy

Phyllis

Living a life of significance

Now that I am getting older, I am learning more about what really matters in life. There is a story told by Janice Hune, an associate professor at Kansas State. She said that she was using obituaries as a little window to look at cultural values. She discovered obituaries of the 19th century focused on the deceased’s character while in the 20th century it centered on their financial worth and work.

A life well lived has some qualities that are unmistakable. It is a life of significance declared by God Himself in His word. That life has a significant purpose, to “tell” the great works of God. Psalms 71:18 “When I am old and grey headed, oh God forsake me not until I have declared Your mighty strength to all generations.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your being. You shall teach these things (what things?) the wonders of God to your children and grandchildren. You shall talk of them when you are in your house, walking by the way, lying down and rising up.” Then, “trust” in the Lord. Psalms 31:14 “Trust in the Lord and rely confidently in Him.” Psalms 28:7, “The Lord is my Strength and Shield; my heart has learned to trust in Him.” Then a significant life has learned what the word “toil” really means. When I am feeling unworthy because I am unable to work in the Lord’s fields because of age, sickness, weaknesses, etc. we must remember what our Lord said when the disciples ask Him, “What are we to do, that we may habitually work the works of God? Jesus replied, “This is the work of God that you believe in Jesus Whom the Father has sent you.”

Keep telling, keep trusting, and keep toiling in believing prayer! You are one of the Lord’s most precious significant ones. Our God has declared it!!!!!

Joy

Phyllis

Run to the Rock!

“In this world you will have tribulation, trials, distress and frustrations.” John 16:33a

Where do we run when the things that were warned of in the Bible in John 16:33 come to pass in our lives, as well as our family and friends’ lives? I hear some say that they run to their preacher. Some to a psychologist. Some say that they just go to bed and cover their head and pretend it will go away. One thing about growing older is hopefully we grow a little wiser. If we know Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we have a Rock in which to run.

The phone rings and the voice on the line says, “Your grandbaby is on the way to the hospital. Mom, I have cancer. Your son has had a bad car wreck. Your best friend’s husband just died. Your husband (wife) has cancer.” I could go on as many of you have already experienced or may soon get that unexpected phone call. What do we do? Where do we run? Our gracious heavenly Father has already planned for everything that we will ever face in this life.

John 16:33b. I have told you these things so that you may have peace and confidence.

Psalm 61:1 Hear my cry; O God listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth, I call to You. I cry as my heart grows faint. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my Rock, and Fortress, and my Deliverer. My God, my strength, in Whom I will trust, my Buckler, and the Horn of my salvation.

Psalm 28:1 Unto You do I cry, O Lord, My Rock.

Psalm 31:3 For Thou art my Rock and fortress.

Psalm 62:7b The Rock of my strength, my refuge, is in God.

When trouble comes, and it has or will, let’s RUN TO THE ROCK, Who, is our strength and powerful God!

Joy

Phyllis

Thanksgiving!

In 1621 America celebrated the harvest and other blessings of the past year. The holiday was believed to be modeled by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. It wasn’t until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln and then later presidents supported the event. In 1941 Congress made it an official National holiday.

I can remember when the children in school would dress up as Pilgrims and Indians having a play to celebrate Thanksgiving. Have you ever helped your children make the turkey drawing using their hands as the pattern? Those were such fun filled day for the children in our schools. Some might call them the “good old days.”

Long before America decided to declare to be thankful on a certain National Holiday, the God of the universe stated over 70 times in the KJ version of the Bible to give thanks. Our Lord knew that having a thankful heart was the key to having a contented life. I am afraid that we have forgotten this truth as we are so tuned into this world and all the problems that we have forgotten to give thanks in “all” things.1 Thes.5:18

Colossians 3:17… And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

1 Chronicles 16:34… Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His steadfast love endures forever.

Psalms 118:24…This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Colossians 3:15… Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly.

Psalms 107:1…Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.

Just a few verses to remind us that no matter how bad things are in this world, in Jesus Christ our Lord we have been blessed beyond measure.

Joy,

Phyllis

A Life of Joy

A character in the Li’l Abner comic strip several years ago named Joe Btfsplk always had a dark cloud hanging perpetually over his head. Doom and gloom. Yet in Psalm 87:7 the Bible says, “All my springs and resources of joy are in You, city of God.” Meaning God’s Spirit dwells in us if we are born again Christ followers, in other words, joy comes from the Lord, while doom and gloom come from people, circumstances, things, etc. I think Paul was a great example of how we can live in joy and victory as we read the book of Philippians. He experienced beatings, flogging, and imprisoned on several occasions. In fact, he was in a Roman prison when he wrote the book called the joy book! Some 16 times he uses the words rejoice, or joy. Philippians 4:11 Paul states, “In all things I have learned to be content.” Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.”

How can someone experience and even encourage us to have joy or rejoice when things all around us are upside down and painful?

Paul challenges us to remember and rehearse the enormous privilege and surpassing value in knowing Christ personally. He reminds us of being heaven bound. We are so blessed with the power of Christ living in us and through us to do the Father’s will and good pleasure. He says because we have the power of Christ living in us that we don’t have to grumble, complain, and be filled with anxiety. Our Father in heaven says, “I’ve got this.”

What is the Bible’s answer to the challenges of today in this century in which we live.

1. BELIEVE…Philippians 1:6, “He Who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ developing, perfecting and bringing to full completion in you.”

2. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you that My joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11

3. Jesus said, “The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that you might have Life (God’s Life) and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

4. “All things work together for good to those that have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

A man tells a story that in a town that he visited, there is a well located in the middle of the town. People would flock to that well and drink fresh water. While visiting one day he noticed an older man drinking from the well. He asked him, “has the well ever run dry?” No, the older man said that they had tried to pump it dry. They even got the fire engines to try to pump it dry. Then, to their amazement they found there was an underground river flowing right through the town. God says, that His well of salvation and grace will NEVER run dry. It flows from the “river of God.” WOW what a Savior!

Joy,

Phyllis

 

 

FINDING REST

Mathew 11:28-30 “Come unto Me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you REST. I will ease and refresh your soul. Take My YOKE upon you and learn of Me for I am gentle, (meek) and humble and you will find REST for your souls. For my YOKE is wholesome, good, and not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but is comfortable, gracious, and pleasant. My burden is light and easy to be borne.”

I have heard many say that life has become so crazy and seemingly out of control. Everything is turned upside down with so many burdens. How can we have REST in all this?

Bible REST is by definition when one ceases to be agitated or disturbed but finds peace and a place of quietness. The Bible speaks of REST some 71 times. Jesus says, “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you REST.” We seem to think we can find rest in drugs, alcohol, self-help books and just about everything but Jesus. In the eyes of our heavenly Father, resting is an imperative, not now and then, but on a regular basis. We must learn that rest is simply taking God at His Word. If this is not so, why would He put it in the Bible so many times. Everything that the Father commands, the Holy Spirit is there to provide the power.

Matthew also speaks of being “yoked” in this verse with Jesus. “My yoke is easy.”

When a farmer would put oxen in a yoke, a younger ox was always fitted in one side with an older wiser one on the other side. The older, wiser would teach the younger by helping guide him in the right direction. Matthew is saying that we are to be yoked with Jesus, the One Who teaches and guides, pulling in the same direction and helping to carry the load. We no longer have to be agitated and disturbed over things.

I heard a song Rest For The Soul this morning by Austin French that speaks so well of this verse. These are the words in part:

Are you tired and troubled? Weighed down with a heavy load? Praying for change, searching for faith. Waiting for a miracle. Are you drowning in questions? Can’t believe where the road has led. There is One who knows, the heavy load and He says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy burdened. All who are hurting, come to Me. I’ll be your shelter. My yoke is easy, my load is light, and you will find Rest for your soul. Rest for your soul.”

You were never meant to carry that weight alone. You were never meant to carry it on your own. Come to the cross, lay it at the feet of Jesus, lay it at the feet of Jesus. There is One who knows the heavy load, and He says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy burdened. All who are hurting, come to Me. I’ll be your shelter. My yoke is easy, my load is light, and you will find rest for your soul. Rest for your soul.”

Phyllis