"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." (Proverbs 17:22 - KJV) "Laughter is good for the soul" the saying goes. Have you laughed lately? A good hearty laugh surely makes one feel so much better than mustering up the energy to frown!
What a testimony to the unbelieving world when Christians laugh and have a merry heart. Look for things that will make you laugh. Focus on the positive and don't dwell on the negative. Focus on the blessings God has given rather than on the difficulties of life. There will be more smiles and laughter and less frowning.
The word blessed in Scripture can often be translated happy. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:1-2 - "Happy are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Happy are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart." Have you been seeking happiness in the wrong places? Christians find happiness in living a blameless (upright - without willful sin) life, walking according to God's Word, His teaching and instruction.
Another aspect of laughter is learning to laugh at ourselves. I had several occasions to laugh at myself last Sunday (it does not always come easy for me!). It was just one of those days. First I left my purse in the Sanctuary, then I wrote our memory verse on the board (Psalm 119:10-11) and left off the word not. It was a very important word - "that we might not sin against God." Read it without the not!! I could go on, but that is enough. How much better to laugh at ourselves than dwell on our inadequacies or mistakes. Laughter surely works good like a medicine. Don't forget to take your medicine!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
So All Went Well
The desire of our lives is often that things would go well for us. In Jeremiah, some key truths are given, that will help that desire be fulfilled.
"He did what was right and just, so all went well with him. He defended the cause of the poor and needy and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me? declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 22:15b-17)
When we truly know God, we obey His commands. We do what we know is right and just and we defend the cause of the poor and needy. To really know Him, we must spend time with Him - spend serious time in prayer and in His Word. He will reveal Himself and His will through the pages of His Word and as we communicate in prayer.
"So all went well" does not mean nothing ever goes wrong. We live in a sinful, imperfect world so bad things happen to good people. It does mean - "All things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Seek to know God with your whole heart so all will go well with you.
"He did what was right and just, so all went well with him. He defended the cause of the poor and needy and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me? declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 22:15b-17)
When we truly know God, we obey His commands. We do what we know is right and just and we defend the cause of the poor and needy. To really know Him, we must spend time with Him - spend serious time in prayer and in His Word. He will reveal Himself and His will through the pages of His Word and as we communicate in prayer.
"So all went well" does not mean nothing ever goes wrong. We live in a sinful, imperfect world so bad things happen to good people. It does mean - "All things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Seek to know God with your whole heart so all will go well with you.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Do the Next Thing
Are you overwhelmed? Do you think you have too much to do? You may be thinking - "Surely God wants me to give up something I am doing." That has been my thinking for months and I have been asking God for direction. I was convinced that He wanted me to give up at least one of my responsibilities, but I did not get clear direction of what it was to be. In November, I wrote in my Prayer Journal - "Lord, I will continue doing what I am doing right now until I hear from You." This was what I knew the Lord was saying to me at that time. I continued to pray for Him to show me what I was to give up.
Lately, everywhere I turn, I keep getting the same message - "Do what is in front of you right now." I received this same answer back in November. I guess I wanted to know what God wanted me to do this summer, this fall, etc. He had a different plan - keep on doing what you are doing until you hear from me. I trust He will give me what I need to keep on keeping on.
Priscilla Shirer shared the following quote from Elisabeth Eliot in Priscilla's Bible study, Discerning the Voice of God: "One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was 'Do the next thing.' ''
The Israelite elders told Moses to "Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then tell us whatever the LORD our God tells you. We will listen and obey." (Deuteronomy 5:27) The Israelites were afraid to hear from the Lord directly, but we can "come boldly to the throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16) because Jesus opened the way through His death, burial, and resurrection. God desires the same thing from us as He did the Israelites - "listen and obey."
We need to listen to what God is saying to us and obey. Maybe He is telling you to give up something, but if not, just "Do the next thing."
Lately, everywhere I turn, I keep getting the same message - "Do what is in front of you right now." I received this same answer back in November. I guess I wanted to know what God wanted me to do this summer, this fall, etc. He had a different plan - keep on doing what you are doing until you hear from me. I trust He will give me what I need to keep on keeping on.
Priscilla Shirer shared the following quote from Elisabeth Eliot in Priscilla's Bible study, Discerning the Voice of God: "One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was 'Do the next thing.' ''
The Israelite elders told Moses to "Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then tell us whatever the LORD our God tells you. We will listen and obey." (Deuteronomy 5:27) The Israelites were afraid to hear from the Lord directly, but we can "come boldly to the throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16) because Jesus opened the way through His death, burial, and resurrection. God desires the same thing from us as He did the Israelites - "listen and obey."
We need to listen to what God is saying to us and obey. Maybe He is telling you to give up something, but if not, just "Do the next thing."
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Spring Break 2010 For Case
I have such fond memories of Case as an infant. He is the only one of my grandchildren I had the privilege to keep for a period of time on a regular basis. While his mom worked part-time, Case went to our church's daycare. When I had Bible study or other meetings at the church, or just when I took the notion, I would pick him up at daycare and take him home with me. I did this every chance I got. He spent many afternoons with his Kay-Kay. He doesn't remember those days, but I sure do! He was such a good baby and such fun to be with.
Case has grown into a handsome young man of over 6 feet tall and still growing. He is a very conscientious student, but what I appreciate the most about him, is the fact that he has a mind of his own. He is not as easily influenced by his peers as many teenagers are. He became a Christian at a young age and enjoys being active in his youth group at church.
Case took part of his Spring Break to help the people of Bayou DuLarge Baptist Church. He stacked lumber at the saw mill one day and other days, helped in the building of a home for church members
who experienced a loss during a hurricane. When Eddie brought Case home that Sunday night, he asked him if he would like to go again. He said, "I would go again right now if I weren't so tired."
Case will always remember his Spring Break of 2010 and so will his grandfather. What a blessing grandchildren are! Our children and grandchildren are worth the investment we make in their lives.
"Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right." (Proverbs 20:11)
"Children's children (Kaylee, Kam, Case, and Josh) are a crown to the aged . . . . . " (Proverbs 17:6a) Well, I don't consider myself "aged" yet, but we are their thankful, and blessed grandparents.
Eddie said I would have been so proud of Case, and I assure you I am. I have a special place in my heart for all of my grandchildren. They are each unique creations of our Maker.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Don't Miss the Blessing of Obedience
Jessie sent his son David to check on his three oldest sons who had followed Saul to war. He sent food with him and requested that he bring a report back to him.
David arrived at the camp, left his grain, bread and cheese with the keeper of the supplies, and went to the front lines to greet his brothers. David heard the giant, Goliath make his threats causing all Israel to run in fear. David began to question the men concerning the Philistine giant. As he did his oldest brother began to belittle him and he burned with anger toward David. Eliab asked, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle." (I Samuel 17:28b) David's response to those words is understandable. "Now what have I done? Can't I even speak?" (I Samuel 17:29)
David had come to bring food to his brothers, check on their well-being and take a report back to their father. Eliab's words were completely wrong, but I am sure his words stung. When family members mistreat us, it is more painful even that the wounds caused by others.
David did not let his brother's hurtful words deter him. He did what his father asked him to do and then he did what God called him and equipped him to do - kill the Philistine giant, Goliath!
Don't let a family member, friend, or others deter you from carrying out God's mission for you. Don't let their discouraging and hurtful words keep you from being obedient to God's calling. Don't let them cause you to miss the blessing of obedience.
"To obey is better than sacrifice." (I Samuel 15:22b)
David arrived at the camp, left his grain, bread and cheese with the keeper of the supplies, and went to the front lines to greet his brothers. David heard the giant, Goliath make his threats causing all Israel to run in fear. David began to question the men concerning the Philistine giant. As he did his oldest brother began to belittle him and he burned with anger toward David. Eliab asked, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle." (I Samuel 17:28b) David's response to those words is understandable. "Now what have I done? Can't I even speak?" (I Samuel 17:29)
David had come to bring food to his brothers, check on their well-being and take a report back to their father. Eliab's words were completely wrong, but I am sure his words stung. When family members mistreat us, it is more painful even that the wounds caused by others.
David did not let his brother's hurtful words deter him. He did what his father asked him to do and then he did what God called him and equipped him to do - kill the Philistine giant, Goliath!
Don't let a family member, friend, or others deter you from carrying out God's mission for you. Don't let their discouraging and hurtful words keep you from being obedient to God's calling. Don't let them cause you to miss the blessing of obedience.
"To obey is better than sacrifice." (I Samuel 15:22b)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
I'M WEARY LORD
God sure turned my plans for this week upside down! Last week a good discription of me would have been tired, weak, powerless, discouraged, a little depressed, and yes, weary. I did not realize just how weary I was until God changed my plans.
My plan for this week included traveling Monday morning to New Orleans to take a class, returning late Wednesday afternoon, leaving early Thursday morning on a mission trip with Eddie's Sunday School class to south, very south, Louisiana. I packed my car with everything except my make-up kit Sunday afternoon. I woke up very early Monday morning thinking I should not make the trip. I got up, got on my face before the Lord, asking for His direction. He gave me a peace about not going. (I am thankful that unpacking takes a lot less time than packing!)
I didn't go on the mission trip either. God seemed to be telling me that I needed some time to relax, refresh, be refueled. I have had a quiet week at home (most people didn't know I was here). Sometimes we just need a little rest when we are tired and weary. God knows what we need even before we do. We just need to listen.
Several verses of Scripture came to my mind as I reflected on my lack of strength (my weariness) and on His All-Sufficient strength.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 2:9).
". . . nothing is too hard for You." (Jeremiah 32:17)
"He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak" (Isaiah 40:29).
Are you a little weary? Listen to your body and especially listen to the Lord. He will help us take better care of ourselves. He will refresh us and renew us. I'm getting there!
My plan for this week included traveling Monday morning to New Orleans to take a class, returning late Wednesday afternoon, leaving early Thursday morning on a mission trip with Eddie's Sunday School class to south, very south, Louisiana. I packed my car with everything except my make-up kit Sunday afternoon. I woke up very early Monday morning thinking I should not make the trip. I got up, got on my face before the Lord, asking for His direction. He gave me a peace about not going. (I am thankful that unpacking takes a lot less time than packing!)
I didn't go on the mission trip either. God seemed to be telling me that I needed some time to relax, refresh, be refueled. I have had a quiet week at home (most people didn't know I was here). Sometimes we just need a little rest when we are tired and weary. God knows what we need even before we do. We just need to listen.
Several verses of Scripture came to my mind as I reflected on my lack of strength (my weariness) and on His All-Sufficient strength.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 2:9).
". . . nothing is too hard for You." (Jeremiah 32:17)
"He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak" (Isaiah 40:29).
Are you a little weary? Listen to your body and especially listen to the Lord. He will help us take better care of ourselves. He will refresh us and renew us. I'm getting there!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Never Be Shaken
Psalm 15:5b - "He who does these things will never be shaken."
I don't want to be shaken - do you? Most of us want to be on firm ground, standing tall. What does a person have to do to avoid being shaken? The psalmist asked a question about who can dwell with God in Psalm 15:1 and proceeded to describe the kind of person who can. He, whose walk is blameless, is righteous, speaks truth from the heart, no slander is on his tongue, does his neighbor no wrong, casts no slur on his fellowman, and on and on. The person who does these things will dwell with the LORD and he "will never be shaken."
Dwelling with the LORD for a Christian, means spending time with Him in prayer and in His Word. The person who spends quality time with God is the person who will be blameless (without willful sin), righteous, honest, etc., and the one who "will never be shaken."
Everyone is a little shaken at times, but the one who dwells in God's presence on a continuous basis, will not be shaken permanently. God brings us back to a firm foundation and we will be strong in Him.
Serving Him,
Kay Martin
I don't want to be shaken - do you? Most of us want to be on firm ground, standing tall. What does a person have to do to avoid being shaken? The psalmist asked a question about who can dwell with God in Psalm 15:1 and proceeded to describe the kind of person who can. He, whose walk is blameless, is righteous, speaks truth from the heart, no slander is on his tongue, does his neighbor no wrong, casts no slur on his fellowman, and on and on. The person who does these things will dwell with the LORD and he "will never be shaken."
Dwelling with the LORD for a Christian, means spending time with Him in prayer and in His Word. The person who spends quality time with God is the person who will be blameless (without willful sin), righteous, honest, etc., and the one who "will never be shaken."
Everyone is a little shaken at times, but the one who dwells in God's presence on a continuous basis, will not be shaken permanently. God brings us back to a firm foundation and we will be strong in Him.
Serving Him,
Kay Martin
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