Renew, ....

I am not a big TV viewer, but I can't help but notice that there are a lot of ads about changing out bodies...we can renew  our faces, our arms, our legs, our body chemistry, our exercise program, our eating habits. ....of course, all for the better to give us longer lives, renewed health, vigor,etc......we never want to grow old.....just better...on the outside...

There is not much said about growing better on the inside, our minds, hearts, souls,   The places that God looks at...the places that are really eternal.....

When God was directing Samuel to choose David from among his brothers, He said of another brother whomSamuel thought was much more "kingly material".....in 1 Samuel 16:7, He says

"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 people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

In the book of Ruth, Naomi, was encouraged with a grandson ...and was encouraged and renewed in mind and thoughts after being so discouraged from the death of her husband and sons

"He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age......."

We desire a renewed body in our culture and well we should take care of ourselves...but the more important renewal come from being transformed day by day in our mind so that 

God sees a clean heart which follows Him.....

Job 33:25

let their flesh be renewed like a child’s; let them be restored as in the days of their youth’—

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Isaiah 40:3

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Lamentations 5:21

Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old..

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

Only through feeding God's truth into our minds, are we renewed .....moment by moment, day by day.....

Beauty in unplanned places....

Along one of my walks,  there are some flowers growing out of the street pavement and side walk...unexpected......unplanned by people,  but planned by God...it just takes you by surprise...a little smile,,,,laughter at the peculiar place... But sunshine along the way.....

"Serendipity...Serendipity means a "happy accident" or "pleasant surprise"; a fortunate mistake. Specifically, the accident of finding something good or useful while not specifically searching for it. "

I like the pleasant surprise ......I don't believe there are mistakes or accidents....God holds the surprises...the plans....

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Psalm 27:4

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Take time to smell the flowers.....look for the surprises that God put in your path....He loves to see you smile and give thanks........

Pride , pride, pride. And starting over....

Recently, I started to taking a class for future church members for the church I am attending ...

It is the basics of what this church believes, their vision, mission, etc...a well done study with a nice booklet, videos, etc....but my pride arose hitting me in the face, heart...

I have done all these things, not only done them but taught how to do them, life groups, spiritual gifts ing, temperaments, love languages, etc.....

I felt like paul when he listed his back ground , although I haven't said as much In class...

I am there to learn..but my pride has raised its ugly face again and again. ....not a pretty picture.....truthfully, I didn't know it was so strong, so THERE...maybe I have had blinders on to not see it....I am so sorry if I ever came across with it to anyone..

I want to serve, find a place where  God wants me to serve..I love to serve... But have gone back to square one....as a single , as a widow, as a newcomer , as an unknown .. It is frustrating,  it is humbling.....my pride wants want to shout out...But, God's still quiet voice is saying "listen , listen, learn , wait,   There is a path,,,let's walk it together, but first, let's deal with this pride....."

Psalm 73:5a

Therefore pride is their necklace; .....

Proverbs 11:2

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10

Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

Proverbs 29:23

Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

Ecclesiastes 7:8

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Isaiah 2:11

The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.

Daniel 4:37

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

2 Corinthians 5:12

We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.

1 John 2:16

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

Luke 18:9 

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else......

I don't want to wear pride as a necklace,  what a graphic picture......I want what comes from God and not from the world...His agenda, not mine....

So pride go away, to be replaced with care . ...Listening....timing....humility....service....

Armies of ants....

This morning as I was walking, there were armies of ants out for the first time.......thousands, maybe millions of ants...cracks, joints, in  driveways, sidewalks..

Looked like moving sidewalks...

Why this morning, why those places?  What were they doing ? 

I am sure hidden away in some library, some masters thesis or doctoral dissertation is the answer to all my questions and observations....why, where, when, how, and time......

Some colonies or flocks or whatever groups of ants are called, already had mounds of cheat grass seed on top, others looked ready to take orders and disperse to do whatever they were supposed to do.....but all moving and moving......

Even these tiny creatures have scripture written about them...we are to consider their ways...

 Proverbs 30:25

Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;

Proverbs 6:6

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

7 It has no commander,

    no overseer or ruler,

8 yet it stores its provisions in summer

    and gathers its food at harvest.

Industriousness.....little strength, but moving ahead, providing for the seasons ahead.... 

We can learn wisdom as we consider the ants who are tiny,  as well as the creator who in control of all

What else are the wise...

- take warnings seriously

- take heed of Gods law

-do good, make right decisions 

-ponder the loving deeds of The Lord

--listen and add to their learning

-fear The Lord and shun evil

-inherit honor

-are able to take rebuke and learn more wisdom

-will be rewarded

- bring joy to parents

-able to accept commands

-store up knowledge 

-saves lives

- listen to advice

-brings healing

-heeds  instruction

Proverbs 13:14

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

James 3:13

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom...

I so want to be that fountain of life....not the constant dripping, nagging, irritation.....

but bringing life to others .....

Watch out for ants....consider....be wise....give life....

I don't want to be a fool.......

We rarely hear the word "fool" anymore...it is probably not politically correct  in our society...

But in two books of the Bible, Psalms and Proverbs, it is stressed 81 times....!!!

The writers weren't worried about being politically correct...they just didn't want to be fools or foolish...

Fools :

-say there is no God

-are corrupt

-deeds are vile

-do no good

-scorn, mock others

-revile God 's name

-have no understanding

- rebell

-despise wisdom and instruction

-hate knowledge 

-are complacent

-inherit shame

-bring grief to their families 

-come to ruin

-spread slander

-die for lack of sense

-finds pleasure In wicked schemes

- will a servant to the wise

-does not take advice

-are quick to anger or annoyance

-blurts out folly

What a list....being on the wise side would be much better....

When I react.....am I on the foolish side or the wise side,.....a need for examination is in order.....I don't want to be a fool.....

Proverbs 10:21

The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.

June 27- Jesus calling

Rest with Me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.

I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn’t bear to see all your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you. Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence. The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment. I am with you, watching over you wherever you go.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

—Psalm 143:8

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

—Genesis 28:15

Rest

Focus 

Trust

Time

Refresh

I am with you.....

What easy and hard words.....sometimes our minds run in a hundred different ways, trying hard to work through the events, activities, past, present and future.....working out our own plans. No giving into the eventuality that there may be bends, switchbacks, detours in the road...especially if it is "our" plans and we haven't consulted with the Big Plan Maker..

Then, you add, fretting to the list....but that is on our part....

psalm 37 says it all..active verbs, not passive....do not fret, t rust....delight...commit...the whole psalm is good....

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil

    or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither,

    like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the Lord and do good;

    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Take delight in the Lord,

    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord;

    trust in him and he will do this:

6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,

    your vindication like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the Lord

    and wait patiently for him;

do not fret when people succeed in their ways,

    when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;

    do not fret—it leads only to evil.

9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,

    but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;

    though you look for them, they will not be found.

11 But the meek will inherit the land

    and enjoy peace and prosperity.

12 The wicked plot against the righteous

    and gnash their teeth at them;

13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,

    for he knows their day is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword

    and bend the bow

to bring down the poor and needy,

    to slay those whose ways are upright.

15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,

    and their bows will be broken.

16 Better the little that the righteous have

    than the wealth of many wicked;

17 for the power of the wicked will be broken,

    but the Lord upholds the righteous.

18 The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care,

    and their inheritance will endure forever.

19 In times of disaster they will not wither;

    in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20 But the wicked will perish:

    Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,

    they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,

    but the righteous give generously;

22 those the Lord blesses will inherit the land,

    but those he curses will be destroyed.

23 The Lord makes firm the steps

    of the one who delights in him;

24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,

    for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

25 I was young and now I am old,

    yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken

    or their children begging bread.

26 They are always generous and lend freely;

    their children will be a blessing.[b]

27 Turn from evil and do good;

    then you will dwell in the land forever.

28 For the Lord loves the just

    and will not forsake his faithful ones.

Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed[c];

    the offspring of the wicked will perish.

29 The righteous will inherit the land

    and dwell in it forever.

30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,

    and their tongues speak what is just.

31 The law of their God is in their hearts;

    their feet do not slip.

32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,

    intent on putting them to death;

33 but the Lord will not leave them in the power of the wicked

    or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34 Hope in the Lord

    and keep his way.

He will exalt you to inherit the land;

    when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man

    flourishing like a luxuriant native tree,

36 but he soon passed away and was no more;

    though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;

    a future awaits those who seek peace.[d]

38 But all sinners will be destroyed;

    there will be no future[e] for the wicked.

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;

    he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

40 The Lord helps them and delivers them;

    he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,

    because they take refuge in him.

Mind over matter....

There is a song that I sang many years ago, from a musical about Joseph, son of Jacob...

He went through any trials before being released....

"In moments like these, I lift up my hands , I lift up my hands to you , Lord". 

There were times that is all he could do...lift up his hands to The Lord.....but he keep his eyes on in The Lord, his thoughts on truth...no knowing what would befall him at some point..

His brothers meant him harm,  but in the end, God used all of his trials for good and Joseph was faithful to recognize that...

When We are pursued by thoughts, people that are not of God, we are to be alert, on guard, watchful... And then fleeing from those things which would devour us....and devour us they will .......they devour our joy, our peace of mind and ultimately our soul's peace.  They cannot take away our salvation, but life becomes pretty rugged, paths strewn with burdens meant only to be given over to the restorer and giver of peace....

I need to ask, am I anxious for nothing, .....am I giving over to a mind that is troubled,  ......what am I thinking about....is my worry fruitful....am I listening to truth or lies.....am I taking these things and laying them down or continuing to pick them up......and finally,  do I trust that God can take care of the situation?

What makes the break through......truth overcomes if we choose truth....

1 Peter 5:8

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

1 Chronicles 28:9b

.......acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you;.....

Psalm 26:

Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Lamentations 3:21

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope...

Matthew 6:27

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Matthew 6:34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own..

Matthew 22:37

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Romans 8:6

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:27

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 15:5

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,P

2 Corinthians 13:11

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Ephesians 4:22-24

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Philippians 4:6-8

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Colossians 3:2

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

1 Peter 1:13

[ Be Holy ] Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

Rain.....

It has been raining for several days now, of and on, cloudy, cool temperatures..but rain , sometimes in torrents enough you wake you in the dead of night, .....other times softly, ever so softly, you hardly know that is is there, except for the dampness on the ground..

It is refreshing, bring moisture for growth, coolness for refreshment, clean smelling earth and trees.   It can be good for the farmers/ranchers or it can spoil the crops on the ground...making mush of the strawberries, cut hay, .......it is trouble to the golf tournaments, flying shows or open air markets....lawn keepers.....

God promised rain on the righteous and I righteous, rain for crops,  rain of fire for judgment....., replenishing ......rain for a variety of reasons

Rainbows for promise .....

So,as we grumble or rejoice in the rain....it is there for a purpose.....for growth , in many areas of our lives ......

Leviticus 26:4

I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their season.

....Deuteronomy 11:14

then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.

...

Deuteronomy 28:12a

The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.

Job 5:10

He provides rain for the earth; he sends water on the countryside.

Psalm 147:8

He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.

Isaiah 30:23

He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows.

Joel 2:23

Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.

Hebrews 6:7

Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.

Deuteronomy 32:2

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.

 Have you ever thought that these drops of rain may have  been in the mixture that fell on noah or Elijah ?  The rain is used over and over on the earth, going from place to place...it was formed thousands of years ago and we just use it over and. Over agin....recycling at its ultimate.....

Rest for my soul.....

Finding rest sometimes is nearly impossible...not just rest from physical tiredness, but rest that is soul deep....the weariness that hurts your inner most being...where we fight those battles...in the night, in the deep dark places....

We want that peace that settles down into every part of our being , enfolds us, surrounds us..clinging.....not letting us go without it...

It may mean a change of life, scenery, giving up something we hold dear or giving in to God's direction....to get to that rest, peace....things we don't want to admit,  or even realize we need to  change. ....but we still yearn for the rest for our souls...

God is there waiting ever so patiently....holding out his hand .....with that look of compassion that is like no other.....He doesn't turn away in frustration, waiting...until we Fully look at Him and take that hand...surrendering. ....at last...

Then He enfolds us.....reaching into those dark places.....filling with His light....He fights our battles......He alone is the victor......He is the comforter.....the creator of. Rest and strength .....

Job 3:26

I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.”

Job 11:18

You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

Exodus 33:14

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Deuteronomy 12:10b

.......settle in the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, and he will give you rest from all your enemies around you so that you will live in safety.

Psalm 62:5

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

Isaiah 28:12a

to whom he said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and, “This is the place of repose”— 

Jeremiah 8:18

You who are my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me.

Jeremiah 31:25

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Praise to the God of All Comfort

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.