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Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Gospel for the Poor


When Jesus launched his ministry beginning in Nazareth (Luke 3:23), He used a passage from Isaiah 61. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

 Since Jesus was from Nazareth the people were amazed by what he said, but then they became angry with him because he said he was fulfilling this prophecy. They were infuriated with him because they believed he was just one of them. His own countrymen rose up against him and tried to throw him off a cliff, but he passed through them (Luke 4:29). They did not recognize that he was the Messiah. So, he went on his way and minister to the people in Capernaum. Here, the poor people received him and he cast out a demon, and the man was set free.


 
Jesus’s heart was always for the poor and the marginalized. He was born to a young woman of little means, Mary who was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and conceived the son of God. He was born in a manger where animals feed, not a castle or a palace where rich men dwell. The angels announced his birth to a ragtag group of shepherds, who were on the lowest rung of the social, political and religious ladder of the times.

 He came to set the captives free, to heal the brokenhearted and preach the gospel to the poor. Are you poor? Not only those who don’t have money are poor, but those who are poor in spirit can receive the good news. If we are too rich in ourselves, we think, what is the need of a Savior?

 If we recognize our need to be reconciled to God then indeed, we see and are not spiritually blind. It is only those in need of a Savior who will take the gospel message to heart.

 Jesus illustrates this in a parable of the rich man who invited all of his friends to a wedding feast Luke 14:15-24). They all had excuses and said they couldn’t come. So, he told his servants to go out to the highways and the byways and invite them. The banqueting table was filled with the poor and the needy. However, they were clothed in the wedding garment of the lamb, who is Jesus Christ.

 Have you accepted Jesus’s invitation to God’s wedding feast? Christmas and New Year is a great time to think about it!

 

 

Friday, December 24, 2021

I AM Calling You today

 Here are two powerful excerpts from the unique devotional I AM Calling for this Christmas Season

D e c e m b e r 2 3 

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in,the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one! The Lord is with you, blessed are you among women. But when she saw him, she was troubled at his statement saying, and considered what kind of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall name Him Jesus.” (Luke 1:26–31) 

Mary was quite surprised at the message of the angel, as nothing like this had ever happened to her before. The angel also delivered a divine proclamation that appeared impossible by human standards. Yet though she did not understand, she bowed to My will. This demonstrated her humble and accepting nature. You would do well to model her attitude. Trust Me with your life even if you do not understand, even if what I ask of you seems impossible or even ridiculous. Do not fear, nor look for angels to appear, but let life unfold and listen for My voice to direct you. I may require something small or great of you, but it does not matter. What’s important is your response. Be open to My will and to My Voice, and I will proclaim a word over you. Do not look for greatness, but obey Me in your heart. Do not fear what I speak to you, but contemplate and accept. 


DECEMBER 24

 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:13–14) 

My desire is for goodwill and peace toward men, but Satan desires your destruction. As you approach this day of celebration, pray for peace—not the temporary peace of circumstances, giving you what you want, but peace with God. My peace comes though reconciliation between you and Me, through the life and death of My Son. The angels greatly rejoiced because they knew that at long last, man could be freed from the chains Satan had forged since creation. Mankind could finally achieve a lasting peace with Me—a peace that was based not on the continuous shedding of blood sacrifices but on the blood of the Lamb. This is the joy of Christmas, the foreshadowing of His future and yours joined with Him! His birth is a miracle, but each child of God is a miracle as My Son breaks the bonds of sin and death. Join in that miracle and celebration today! 

Monday, November 15, 2021

Digging New Wells

Have you ever tried to find fulfillment in experiences or places of the past? I know I have. How about you? Well, the story of Isaac in Genesis twenty-six just might shed some light on your situation.

 In the days of Abraham after his death, Isaac, his son lived in the land of the Philistines in Gerar when there was a famine. Isaac became prosperous and multiplied his flocks a hundredfold, but the Philistines became jealous (Genesis 26:13-19). They told them to leave so that they wouldn’t be trouble. So Isaac left and went to the valley. When he got there, he found that all the wells of his father Abraham had been stopped up, He ordered his men to re-dig them, and when they did, they got water. But the herdsman of the area said it was their water. (Genesis 26:20). Even though they had filled in the wells and were not using the water, Isaac left.

 I’m sure Isaac was a bit miffed but he went off and dug another well. Once again, they fought over that. Consequently, Isaac moved again and dug yet more wells and no one bothered him. Finally, he had peace in the land. The significance of this hit me like a bucket of water in the face. The wells which Isaac had dug out were rightfully his through his father Abraham. He could’ve fought for them, but instead he moved on, away from his adversaries.

 So the question becomes, are you trying to live off a former wellspring of life? I know at times I am. A place where I was well provided for… like the teaching job I retired from two years ago. The friends I use to have and the things I use to do that felt right, comfortable. Yet God wants me to move and dig a new well… A new place which will spring up with “living water.”

 So back to the story of Isaac. He built an altar there on the new land in a new territory. He didn’t complain that he had to move several times, Isaac rejoiced that there was now room for him and his flocks (Genesis 26: 22-25). Is it time we moved out of our complacency, the familiar and strike out for new territory in the Lord? Yes, I believe so. Like Isaac we can dig new wells and build an altar of praise and worship daily. Go to a place away from our enemies, shut up with God. Go where He indicates, though he doesn’t necessarily show us beforehand. It might take digging a few wells here and there until God shows up and declares, “That’s it. This is the place!”  This is where you can drink “living water” and worship me—here, not back there.

 

It is time some of us moved on in the things of God? Are we so entrenched in our beliefs that we will not move forward? Are we going to the same places to draw “living water” when the water there is a murky puddle or has dried up? Are we fighting our adversaries instead of moving on? These are questions to ponder.

 

 I’m know I’m excited to follow God daily where He leads me. I might make a few mistakes here and there, but He understands. Ultimately, He’s leading me in the right direction. How about you?

 

Friday, October 29, 2021

Autumn’s Last Song: A Poem

 Here's a poem I wrote while walking down the Rail Trail. See if you can guess what it's really about. Write your answer and you'll be entered into a FREE BOOK Giveaway.

                Autumn’s Last Song



I wrap myself in canopy of trees, hovering over above me—leaves.

I see the sky it’s shining sun.

It leads me homeward

 to where it all begun.

 

The winds blow; the autumn leaves fall

I’m walking along the path to all.

This day has been splendid, an extravagant display.

The hand of the creator evident all day.

 

The winds of change are blowing.

Will I let them stir?

Have I heard the message and the crying of the dove?

Or have I only looked at leaves from down on the ground

                 Never looked down from heaven and seen their crown?

 

The trees, they are clapping and dancing for joy

When the winds are blowing, they lift their arms more.

 

Do we truly see creation?

Or do we just stare?

            Do we truly see?

            Do we dare?

Do we see nothing?

No one there.

 

My shoes scuff the sandy path,                                        


    but am I just walking with no understanding 

                    of where I am?

I am is with us.

But do I understand?

Do I see a burning bush or red crimson stands?

 

The path takes a bend, where I cannot see.

Can I be led around this dying tree?

Must I know in advance where every foot falls?

Or does the spirit lead me when I don’t know at all?

 

I feel His presence all around

In the laughter of children when they make a sound.

            In the bicycles cycling on the ground.

 

It brings me back to years gone bye of laughter and music and a song.

But now the days are autumn gone.

            in a blaze of glory, they die.


And winter will soon be upon me.

Will I stumble over winter snows?

Will I go where the spirit goes?

Will I take heart in my Spirit?

When my heart is ripped out?

If the sun no longer shines

and the eye is dim

and the memories far gone.

Can I be with Him?

 Partners in life, yet little known.

Little bits of each other.

Halfway grown?

Can you walk beside me on this lonely road?

Oh, dear Jesus,

            Hold my hand, please now!

 

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

The Secret Place

 

 I find myself today in a similar place today due to having to quarantine. If you're a type A like me, this might just help you.

            I so wanted to go to the Art Symposium I had registered for on Saturday, but my husband was still feeling the after effects of his Lyme disease and didn't feel well enough to push me in a wheelchair. You see, I've been practically nailed to the couch since I had surgery on my foot, then hurt my left leg hopping all around the place. I was so looking forward to going, but it was going to be a stretch in a wheelchair.

            Feeling disappointed, I turned to read My Bible and the Lord gave me a gem "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15 ). Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to be busy doing a million things: teaching, painting, reading, writing, gardening, going to plays, museums etc. But the Lord tells me my strength comes from being confident in Him, trusting in Him, not complaining, but being quiet.

            In this crazy, busy world we all need quiet times of rest, not just physical rest but spiritual rest. We need to find that secret place under the shadow of the Almighty's wings. It is a place of peace and trust in Him. It is a place of knowing that God is El Shaddai , Almighty all sufficient. He is my provider, and gives me " all things that pertain to life and godliness”(2 Peter 1:3 ), which is not always everything I want. I wanted to go to that Art Symposium, but God had different plans for me.

            Having been strapped to this couch, I've had time to think and learn a few lessons. Numero uno (Number one) is that the spiritual work God does in me is far more important than what I do. I've had to learn that lesson a few times, being a type A personality. I need to spend more time in that special "secret place" so I can be filled with more of Him. His attributes of kindness, mercy, goodness, self-control and agape, unconditional love will then replace the not so lovely parts of my personality. Only then can rivers of living water flow out from me to a parched and weary land.

            The second lesson I'm learning is don't let your job take up too much time away from family, friends and church. More and more employers want to own you and your time. Don't get me wrong, I really like my job and we should, but don't let it steal from you what's really important in life-godly relationships. Connect with people to pour out whatever it is God pours into your life to serve others. That's number three.

            King Solomon tells us to find whatever your hands can to do that is before you and do it. Wise advice. Just don't overdo it. Give to others, serve in the capacity God is calling you, without any thought of getting in return. Give freely of yourself after you've spend time with God, in His Word and prayer. Most importantly find that secret place where you can abide with Him in the midst of the chaos of this world. Don't be content to let that be just your quiet time, but abide there, dwell, live. That's been my problem. I love my quiet time with Him, but I've got to learn to bring more of that godly peace and love into the everyday work a world. I need to quiet my mind, my heart and my soul to hear Him throughout the day. and listen to His still, small voice. In the place I will receive quiet strength to face any challenge thrown in my path. How about you?

Monday, October 18, 2021

No Longer Blue


For over a year, I’ve been trying to straighten out my airplane tickets with JetBlue. I had to cancel in 2020 because of the pandemic and then again in 2021 because the VRBO owner had to take a month off. I never knew how much difficulty these two canceled trips we’re going to cost me. I think if I had known ahead of time, I would’ve just let the money go, but it goes against the grain of my personality to let a dime slip through my fingers.

 Since this involved over $700 I was quite persistent. During Covid I spent several hours on the phone waiting for JetBlue to answer, and I finally got through and I purchased my ticket for almost $250 more than the original. All that waiting, just for it to crumble before my eyes when I had to cancel it again. That’s when it got really interesting. I called them up about a month later and I was told I got 7000 points for my canceled tickets. Confused why my two tickets were worth so little, I decided to get a JetBlue credit card and tried to get enough points to earn new flight tickets without spending extra money. The first time I went onto check flights, it cost double that amount, 15,000 points, so I called up, waited an hour and got the confirmation that I only received 7000 points, nothing else. I didn’t understand, but decided I’d talk to a supervisor.

 And so on and on I trudged through the phone lines and finally after another hour I got to a supervisor. I told her my tale of woe of how I needed more points and that I didn’t understand why I only got 7000 points for my two flight tickets. She completely understood and her voice was wobbly with concern. I felt sorrier for her than for me because she had to deal with this every day. She nearly burst into tears telling me that this was happening to everyone, everywhere and that it was getting really difficult to tell people the bad news.

 So I just let it go and worked on earning my points. I finally earned 15,000 points and went online to only find out the flight cost 20,000 points now. I didn’t have the heart to call back so I decided I would just earn the points. When I went back on the site the flight now cost 25,000 points. I felt like JetBlue was playing a game of cat and mouse with me. I called once again but I was told that if I wanted a supervisor, I had to call back two hours later.

 Well by then I was broiling. I had earned 36,000 points and now a flight cost 40,000. But a few days later I called again and I asked for a supervisor. He informed me it would take me from one to two hours to wait for a supervisor. That’s when I lost it!

 I told him that I was going to report JetBlue to the attorney general of New York and I was going to file a complaint and tell all my friends about it. I was a little bit loud. My husband told me he heard me outside but I couldn’t help myself because I’d been dealing with this for almost 2 years! I reminded myself that I was a Christian and I should be nicer to this young man who was trying to help me.

 He asked me for my name, account number and all that kind of information and so I calmed down and gave it to him. I questioned him whether he was going to help me since no supervisor had been able to. I waited on the phone for 10 to 15 minutes and he finally got back to me. He told me that I had a travel bank account.

 “What?” Once again, I was confused. I stated emphatically. “No one ever told me about that?” I remember another airline doing that, but JetBlue never mentioned it. I figured there’d be nothing in it and everything would’ve been expired anyway.

 As I waited on the phone line, he looked it over and told me that I had $530 credit. “Really!” I was surprised. “Oh that’s pretty good that might cover most of the flight”. I was pleased but wondered why no one ever told me about this? Then he said. “You have more money than that, about $250 that was expired, but that I’m going to try to extend the expiration date and put it back into my account. I waited again and when he got back on the line, he added. “You now have $867 for your flights,”

 I could hardly believe that this nice young man was able to help me so much. I’d been buying things furiously on the jet blue card to get points, only to need more points every time I tried to book a flight! Six months ago, even the supervisor couldn’t help me, and she never told me about this. It seemed almost kind of miraculous. It restored my faith, and I was no longer upset or “blue” about the whole situation. While we both worked on purchasing the ticket, I asked. “What’s your name?’

 “Emmanuel.”

 What? I could barely believe his name since I thought I reached an Indian call center and his accent gave him away. He said it again. “Emmanuel”

 Emanuel. God with us. Of course!

 No one else had been able to access this $850 plus sitting in my travel bank account, except Emmanuel, God with us! Here I had the all the resources I needed for two flights for my husband and I that included the seats and the luggage, but I hadn’t known about it. No one else had known about it either apparently. But the money had been there the whole-time, waiting for me. Yet I had to reach the right one. Emanuel – God with us in order for all of it to be accessed. I even had the expired money restored, to my astonishment.

 What an object lesson! God has everything we need for this life and the next, but we need to go to Him in order to get it. He even restores what we think is lost.

Thursday, April 15, 2021

I Have Finally Found a Place to Live

 Many years ago, I sat on my bed staring at the patterns on my orange fringed quilt, swaying to the music and listening to the words. “I have finally found a place to live in the presence of the Lord.” I flipped over the album cover and strained to hear the chorus. It repeated. “In the presence of the Lord.”  It blew my mind. Did Clapton find the secret of being in the presence of the Lord?  The preceding words challenged me “Everybody knows the secret; everybody knows the score.” Does everyone know the secret? Which one? The secret to living in the presence of the Lord? I didn’t know it back them, though I thought I did. 

I thought many things were the secret: I-ching, yoga, meditation, Buddha, a myriad of experiences and finally Jesus. Like Jesus. the song has stayed with me throughout my life, sometimes haunting, sometimes comforting. I wandered through many distant lands before I found Jesus or more correctly before He found me. There I was, in a pit I dug for myself. Alone. I finally came to the same conclusion as Clapton. “I have finally found a way to live, just like I never could before. And I know I don’t have much to give, But I can open any door.” At that time, I thought I was opening the door to Jesus, but I think Jesus was the one who opened it and let me out. I didn’t have much to offer him, but my sins and a broken life.

Jesus rescued me and brought me the freedom and joy I longed for, though that took some time with Him. Yet Clapton, though a brilliant guitarist, appears to have lost sight of Jesus. An easy thing to happen when your idolized by so many. Clapton had so much talent that it distracted him with all that fame. But perhaps it was just a song to him, though it sounded very sincere and he’s continued to sing it. Yet I know very little about him, as I don’t follow famous people’s lives.

However, throughout the ups and downs of my life, Jesus has become stronger and sweeter to me. The strains of the song come back to me every once in a while, “in the presence of the Lord.” Though staying in His presence has always been a challenge. It’s easy when I’m listening to music, with friends, praying and reading the Bible, but when life throws a lot of curve balls my way, I sometimes get hit in the head. When that happens, its time to sit down, relax and get in the presence of the Lord. And music helps me get there. Whatever it takes, there’s nothing sweeter that the presence of Jesus. I finally found a place to live.