Category: Perspectives

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Celebrate!

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Nehemiah 8:1-12

Key Verse:

So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them. Nehemiah 8:12 (NLT)

Have you ever gotten that AHA moment of understanding while reading your Bible? During a sermon? At a conference? Listening to the radio in your car? Chatting with a friend over a steaming sweet brew?

Have you ever had your initial joy turn to bitter regret? A hollowed out feeling of sorrow and shame? A desire to erase the understanding so you could eliminate the pain? Has your joy in reading your Bible ever turned to dreadful fear of the understanding it would bring?

If so, I understand. So did the Israelites in today’s Scripture passage.

In verse eight, God’s word was being explained and understood by the people.

In verse nine, they were weeping even while they listened.

In my younger years, I was like the Israelites. I totally missed the reason for celebration. I would gain understanding of God’s word, but I would allow the enemy to rob me of my initial joy.

Who’s the enemy? Satan is the enemy. He’s God’s enemy, AND he’s the enemy of every Jesus-follower. Satan is sometimes called the accuser because he stands before the LORD pointing a finger of accusation at us. He wants us to stand before the LORD condemned. He wants to rob us of our joy in Jesus and give us shame in exchange. And what better time to accuse than when we’ve just gained a new understanding of God’s word and how it applies to our lives?

So back to the people who were weeping instead of celebrating. They had missed the blessing of understanding and were wallowing in the pain of shame and regret.

Our son loved all things G.I. Joe as a child. I wish I had a nickel for everytime I heard (or said) the phrase, “Now you know, and knowing is half the battle. G.I. Joe!”

The same is true for us as Jesus-followers! Knowing is not a reason for weeping, but celebration. Understanding God’s word enables us to see we can make our choices differently.

Understanding frees us from the chains of misunderstanding. Chains confining us to where we are, doing the same things we’ve always done, and getting the same results we’ve always gotten.

These verses in Nehemiah are our reminder that God doesn’t give us understanding of His word so we will feel bad about our past choices. No! He’s freeing us to make life giving choices in the future.

It’s God’s gift to us every time we are given understanding of His word. So I say, “Let’s practice celebrating!” Yes, let’s definitely confess any sin our new understanding of God’s word reveals, but then let’s intentionally rejoice over our new understanding. Let’s celebrate the freedom we will get to exercise in making new choices. And while we’re celebrating, let’s embrace the struggle of learning to make those new choices.

LORD, thank You so much for Your word. Thank You for the people You use to help us understand Your word. Help us recognize our sin, but teach us to confess it and then leave it in our past. Help us receive Your forgiveness AND also forgive ourselves. Strengthen us with Your joy! Enable us to celebrate our freedom to choose new things and practice living all You’ve helped us understand. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

Psalm 119:45, 1st John 1:9, Galatians 5:1, & Philippians 3:12-16

Friend, there is no “right way” to read the Bible, but there is one thing I encourage everyone to do BEFORE you start reading; ask God to help you understand what you read. After all, the Bible is God’s word. It’s His message, so Who better to help You understand it’s purpose and meaning? You can read it in any order, but please read it. All of it. Then read it again, and again, and again.

If you’re not already a Jesus-follower, I promise, it’s a lifetime commitment you’ll never regret. Use the link to find out how to take your first step. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Stop!

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
    “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so my ways are higher than your ways
    and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)

I was at the top of the first level parking garage ramp and turning right when Jane said, “You can’t go that way.”

I stopped, looked both ways and asked, “Why not?”

“Because there’s a sign that says, ‘Do not enter.'”

I couldn’t see it, but I turned the wheel left and started moving in the other direction. That’s when Jane moved the sun visor from her passenger side window back to the front and clicked it into place. There was the sign.

I could clearly see it through her side window. It was red and was attached to the ceiling. Directly behind the place where the sun visor had just been.

We immediately began laughing, but we’ve since talked about how much our position changes our perspective of a situation. I totally missed the sign and would’ve been going the wrong way if Jane hadn’t seen it and said something to me.

There’s a spiritual truth found in this.

Sometimes God moves me when I cannot see what He sees.

Sometimes He moves what’s blocking my view, like Jane moving the sun visor.

Either way, movement is necessary. And movement in life is just another word for change.

Sometimes even the word change creates anxiety and dread in our hearts and minds. Other times it looks like an escape from a situation or circumstance that’s uncomfortable.

Change brings uncertainty. It creates a pause as we try to figure out what to do next.

I used to imagine the LORD putting a sticky note on the fridge with step by step instructions on how to get from where I was to where I needed to be. Or maybe His note would tell me to sit tight and keep doing what I was doing.

I never got a sticky, but I do have His written word. Inside the Bible is written everything I need to know about making wise and right choices. And everything I need to know about the dangers of not making those choices. God’s word is filled with information to help me clearly see my options from His perspective.

Change forces me to choose between trusting my point of view or looking for and trusting God’s point of view.

LORD, I struggle with change; it’s filled with the unknown. Help me be quick to look for You, stay close by You, and seek Your point of view with intention. Help me choose Your way over the way that looks right to me.

And LORD, for those reading this today, I ask You to help them see You with clarity during times of change. Bless them and keep them. Smile on them and be gracious to them. Give them Your favor and Your peace. Amen.

Friend, if you’re walking the fence line between knowing about Jesus and knowing Him, you are in a precarious position that is difficult to live. I’m praying you will follow these steps to peace with God and begin walking in the freedom of following Jesus. https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Check The Mirror

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:22-25 (NLT)

Wow! This passage includes another reminder of the blessing of obedience, but it’s not where I want to focus today. Nope! I want to tell you what I’ve learned about the importance of checking the mirror.

Several years ago, I was given a physical understanding of this spiritual truth.

Back then, our daughter’s family lived in the area. It was convenient whenever I was going downtown because we got to visit before they dropped me at the Metro station for my traffic-free ride into D.C.. From there, it was a short walk to meet George at work. Then we’d stroll down the boardwalk to the baseball stadium.

This particular Friday, I was running behind for a date night ballgame. I pulled on a cute but cool skort, shucked my jersey over my head, brushed my hair in front of the bathroom mirror, grabbed up my bag, and dashed out the door.

Traffic on I-66 was thick, but I was pulling into our daughter’s driveway with plenty of time to spare. I parked, pulled out my lipstick, smeared some on, and leaned over to check my lips. The reflection in my rearview mirror brought tears of horror and self-annoyance to my eyes.

My morning had started out fairly routine. I ate, read my Bible, went for my morning swim, showered, slapped on moisturizer, and left it to “dry” while I did my chores.

Mind you, I never go out without the protection of foundation on my face. I especially don’t go on a date with my hubby without the added benefit of color. But today I’d looked into the mirror without seeing what the mirror revealed about me. I had never put on any foundation or color!

Thankfully, our daughter saved the day with the basics of foundation, blush, and mascara. Protection and color. Whew!

Okay, now that you’ve enjoyed a chuckle, let’s talk about why we look in a mirror. To see ourselves, right?

God’s word is like a mirror. It shows us the truth about ourselves. God is Creator! He’s the definer of truth. Jesus — God in the flesh — is Truth.

There are two ways I can fool myself when reading my Bible. Both leave me walking away unaware of what I look like in the mirror of God’s word.

One, I’m fooling myself when my mind is on something else entirely while reading my Bible. Like when I was brushing my hair and thinking about my need to get on the road. I totally missed what the mirror would’ve shown me; I didn’t have on my foundation and color!

Two, I’m fooling myself when I use the mirror of God’s word to look at someone else. George and I often stand side by side to brush our teeth. I usually spend more time looking at him than I do looking at myself.

Both are harmful when we’re looking into the Mirror of God’s word.

When I am not really thinking about what I’m reading, I don’t see my attitudes and choices through the filter of God’s word.

When I focus on others while I’m reading, I’m in danger of becoming critical, judgmental, and condemning of them and their choices.

Both leave me walking away deceived (fooling myself). Yes, I’ve read my Bible. Cha-ching! Check that off the list for today! But…

Bottom line?

It’s not enough to consistently read God’s word. I must do what He says is right or I’m just fooling myself!

LORD, thank You for the truth of Your word. Please don’t let me read Your word with half a mind. Please don’t let me deflect your truth toward others, but help me reflect Your truth through obedience. Do not let me fool myself, but walk in the freedom and blessings of obedience.

And LORD, for those reading this today, give them a desire to read their Bibles. Help them see themselves in the mirror of Your word. And protect them from the accusations and condemnation of our enemy. Thank You, LORD Jesus. Amen.

Holy Spirit helps us understand the truth of what we read in the Bible. He is every Jesus-follower’s God given Helper. Are you a Jesus-follower, or do you only know about Jesus? If you’re not sure, you can use the steps in this link to be sure. https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Know Your Position!

When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” John 14:20-21 (NLT)

Last week I looked at the blessings of practice and how reading our Bibles is a vital part of practice. https://barbaracoulson.com/practice-brings-blessing/

I’ve spent this week pulling that same thread. I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about those blindfolded sailors. Like a dog with a bone, I kept gnawing over the purpose behind that drill. I felt a deep truth just beyond my grasp and I’ve chased it all week.

The blindfolded sailors had to know two things. Everything about the interior of their ship AND their position in the ship. Knowing those two things was imperative for the drills to successfully ensure their safety.

What does that mean for me as a Jesus-followers? I need to know two things.

Who the LORD is AND who I am in Him.

Who the LORD is…

The LORD is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow; He’s unchanging! So everything I’ve learned of Him so far, every facet of His character He’s revealed to me is as true of Him today as it was when I first learned it.

Who I am…

I am His daughter, redeemed by Him on the cross and through His resurrection. Every benefit and blessing of our relationship is mine. I have all the authority and power of His name accessible to me through His word and prayer.

What am I learning? How do these two truths translate into facing the unexpected? How do they help when fear, doubt, sorrow, anger, and discouragement crowd into my mind and create a fog of distress?

Remembering tethers me (and you) to unchanging truth when the world feels out of control. Remembering turns our eyes from our circumstances to the One who is our help in times of trouble. We can take a breath because He’s bigger and stronger and able to show us the way through whatever it is we’re facing.

NOTE: Just like every sailor needs to know their position in the ship, we need to know our position. Are you in Christ? Maybe you’re not sure. If not, you can be. Use the link in the green box at the bottom of this post and take steps to be sure.

LORD, thank You for being unchanging in a world that is ever-changing. Thank You for making it possible for me to be in relationship with You, the God of all creation, the Maker of heaven and earth. Thank You for loving me that much. Please keep showing me more of who You are so I will trust You more and more.

And LORD, for those reading this today, please help them see You more clearly. Help them understand who they are (or can be) in You. If they are not Jesus-followers, grow in them a hunger to know You. If they are, grow in them a hunger to know You even more and grow in their understanding of their position in You. Thank You, LORD!

For more information on how you can be sure of your relationship with God, go to https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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What’s a Jesus-Follower?

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?  Luke 9:23-25 (NLT)

After writing last week’s post, https://barbaracoulson.com/bold-words/, I’ve begun to look at the different uses of the word follow. In a world where social media is the norm, I’ve realized something. We use the word follow in a much more casual way than Jesus did in today’s verse.

Being a Jesus-follower is a lot different than following someone on Facebook or following your favorite blogger.

Why? Look back at today’s verse. Jesus was the One speaking to the crowd in this passage, and He said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” (the underlined is my emphasis)

There is no qualification here. No loop holes for what it means to follow Jesus. Either I’m a follower of Jesus or a follower of my own way. I cannot do both, unless…

What I choose is His way. There is no other way I can live my life my way and still be a Jesus-follower in the purest representation of the name, Jesus-follower.

But this leads me to ask, why were we all created so uniquely if we’re not supposed to be ourselves? Why not just create clones of the “perfect person” who does everything the way Jesus would do it?

Okay, I think it goes beyond the pat answer, “because He wants us to willingly follow Him.”

1 Corinthians 12 & 13 tell a story of just how important our unique differences are AND how genuine love creates unity and harmony through those differences. We discover our differences have purpose and enable us to live the life He created us to live (Ephesians 2:10)

God created us uniquely because He wants to use us uniquely. He has created us with specific purpose. Just as the creator of my food processor realized there were some kitchen tasks a blender doesn’t fulfill as well as the food processor, God knows there are tasks I can carry out in a unique way. There are also tasks He wants you to carry out in your unique way.

And just as I can do without both my food processor and my blender, my task is much easier, more enjoyable, and much less time consuming when I use them.

We become usable when we choose to follow Jesus, but the unique qualities He has given us also lend to the perfect timing of His purpose.

He knows me (and you) intimately. And that has nothing to do with whether we are a Jesus-follower. It also has nothing to do with how closely we do, or do not, follow Him.

He knows how we learn. He knows our fears. He knows what we’ve experienced, our strengths, our weaknesses, our likes, our dislikes. He knows us.

And how intimately He knows us has no bearing on how intimately we know Him. That is the greatest benefit of being a Jesus-followers…

Being in an intimate relationship with Jesus, God in the flesh.

The more we follow Him, spend time listening to Him (reading His word, the Bible), talking to Him (prayer/journaling), and learning from Holy Spirit, the more intimately we will know Him. (Holy Spirit is our Teacher and lives in everyone who chooses to believe Jesus is God, lived a perfect life, died to pay for our sins, rose from the grave three days later, and is in heaven preparing a place for each of His followers).

The more intimately we know Jesus, the easier it becomes to follow Him.

LORD, thank You for taking my sins as Yours and making Your righteousness mine. I want to follow You and Your ways, but I often struggle with wanting to do things my own way. Change my heart, LORD, so I will desire to please You more than myself and/or others. Help me to learn more of You. And help me let go of my old ways of thinking.

And LORD, thank You for each one reading these words today. Help them know their unique qualities are not mistakes, but what makes them perfectly equipped for the good works You created them to do. Help them to see You clearly, so they can follow You well. Give them a greater desire to follow You than their own way. Thank You for hearing our prayers, LORD. Amen.

If you’re not sure you’re a Jesus-follower, you can use the link below to find out how to take that first step to being sure. I’m praying for you, Friend! If you’re walking the fence line between knowing about Jesus and knowing Him, you are in a precarious position that is difficult to live. I would love to see You jump down on the side of Jesus and enjoying the freedom of following Him. https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Listen More and Talk Less

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 (NLT)

I chose today’s verse because I felt like it was the perfect backdrop for what I’m sharing today. It’s a Facebook post written by my long time friend, Sarah Bramblett. Sarah and I met years ago in Iceland when our husbands were stationed at NAS Keflavik, Iceland. We haven’t lived in close proximity a lot since then, but for a short period of time our duty stations did a quick overlap in Virginia Beach. Fortunately, the world has become much smaller with the help of the internet.

Sarah is not only my friend, she’s an amazing woman. She’s a grandma now. She and her husband are currently taking flying lessons, so they can “go see the grandkid and kids” and her dad too. She’s smart, funny, and always learning. She’s a Jesus-follower who is always looking for ways to use what she’s learned to bring help and healing to those around her. No! She’s not pushy about it; she’s just super kind and compassionate. She’s willing to invest her time, energy, and resources to help anyone in need. She’s generous, but also wise enough to recognize when just coming alongside someone is all the help they really need. For more about Sarah, you can read her bio at the bottom of this post. And just in case you’re wondering, I did ask Sarah’s permission.

“Long post here…but I’ve had to take time to find what I want to say with the right words. I tried to be concise and not muddy the message. I suspect most, if not all of you, will feel about the same, but I wanted to say it anyway.

I want to share some things I’ve learned in life. Everyone wants to feel included and that they belong. They need to know they matter. When people don’t feel heard and understood, they repeat themselves – sometimes more loudly or aggressively, and often simplifying the message. The more important their view is to them, the more effort they will put into getting their message across. Being told “I heard you” only works if there is matching action. The listener does not have to agree, but they have to engage to let the speaker know they are being heard. They have to be “present”. This is the only way to let the speaker feel heard and that they matter. If this is not done, the connection and conversation cannot proceed – nothing will get resolved.

The current social tensions are just like this. Part of our people feel like they don’t matter to the other part of the people and that their needs to be included and belong are ignored. This is, literally, a life and death situation for them. Because it is important that the rest of the population hears and understands, they are getting louder, simplifying the message, and sometimes getting more aggressive in the delivery. This is to be expected in a life and death situation. The rest of the people need to not only hear, but engage with presence. Being present is listening, not challenging the message, confirming you heard and understood the speaker’s message by sharing your understanding of what you heard, and giving the speaker the right to express their feelings – even though it’s uncomfortable. Doing this does not take away your place at the table, it allows everyone a place at the table. It allows everyone to belong and to matter. It allows us all to de-escalate so we can connect and proceed. We need a collaborative discussion and focused problem solution to make sure that law breakers are still caught, but officers and civilians are not hurt, and no one is left feeling like they don’t matter. Because they do.

These are just my thoughts, based on what I know about people and how they interact. I don’t know anyone who is so ignorant as to say black people are not as valuable, or human, as white people, but I know several black people that would say they don’t feel safe, protected, or valued. That breaks my heart and I hate that I can see why. That means there is evidence in the world that their feelings are justified. I cannot change anyone else. All I can do is to add my voice to the call to find real, effective change and to make a space at the table on either side of me and be present.” -Sarah Bramblett

LORD, soften my heart to hurt when others hurt. Help me to cry over the things that make You and others cry. Teach me to listen, to quietly stand with those who are hurting, speak out against injustice, and freely offer hope to the hopeless.

And LORD, for those reading this today, please help them know just how much You love them. Help them know You didn’t make a mistake when You created them in their mother’s womb. They are fearfully and wonderfully made. And help those around them to see them as the beautiful, lovable, and valuable individuals they are. Thank You for making each one. Thank You for the unique harmony they bring to the music of life. Amen.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Sarah’s bio: Sarah grew up in a Christian military family. She has been married 28 years, raised 2 children, and is blessed to be a grandmother now. She was exposed to cultural diversity at an early age and it remained a way of life for her throughout her entire life.   She has lived in 4 countries outside of the United States and learned to appreciate different values and cultures. She was truly surprised at the differences when, after her husband retired from a military career, she moved away from the “military towns” she had always lived in and ended up in a place where there was very little diversity. She became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2008 and has worked with a multitude of different families and individuals, finding ways to help them resolve problems through developing insight, increasing communication skills, and growing deeper connections with themselves and others. There is so much that goes into each person’s and each relationship’s development, but ultimately, it comes down to people knowing they are not alone, that someone cares, that someone is with them in their struggles and their joys.

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Why Do I Do What I do?

“Commit everything you do to the Lord.
    Trust him, and he will help you.” Psalm 37:5 (NLT)

This verse captured my attention several weeks ago and I’ve been praying over myself and those I love ever since. It immediately follows another verse I pray over myself, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.”

When read in context, it’s easy to understand the only way I can commit everything I do to the LORD is to delight in Him above all others.

The only way my desires are going to be desires I can ask the LORD to fulfill are the desires He has given me.

When I’m delighting in the LORD, I will ask Him for things He wants to give me. I’ll ask for things that please Him and bring about good in the lives of others and myself.

When I’m delighted in the LORD, I will desire to think, say, and do the things that are pleasing to Him. I will be committed to Him and His ways. I will trust Him and His timing. I will trust Him.

There’s a song our oldest granddaughter shared with me almost a year ago. I love the words, the tune is catchy, and I’ve realized it is speaking this same reminder…

It’s a reminder to commit my way to the LORD and never look back. I’ve included a link at the bottom of the page. If you have a few minutes, take a listen. The words are in the video. I hope you enjoy it.

LORD, I want everything I do to be an intentional choice to follow You and your ways. Help me to delight in You above all others, so I will desire those things that please You. May my confidence be in You alone, so I will trust You above all others and follow You without hesitation.

And LORD, for those reading this today, I ask You to give them a fresh new delight in You. May they commit all their ways to You and willingly follow You all the days of their lives; no hesitation, but complete trust. Amen.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=i+won%27t+look+back+matthew+parker&docid=608046499932342859&mid=9AA462BD18C2F54133C69AA462BD18C2F54133C6&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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The Nail Police

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” Matthew 7:12a (NLT)

George calls me the “Nail Police” because I always pick up nails and screws when we are out and about. My response is always the same.

“Well, since I don’t want one in my tire, I pick them up so nobody else gets one in their tire.”

It’s my version of today’s verse, aka the Golden Rule.

The thing is, I’ve run across this verse several times in the last few weeks and I’m also beginning to see it implied in other verses.

For instance, the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). Paul reminds us love does no wrong to others (Romans 13:8-10).

I’ve been rolling this around in my head, and a new understanding of how to live it out is emerging.

Look at the verse again. “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” This verse doesn’t tell me to think about doing. It says to DO.

I’m often guilty of thinking about the good thing I ought to do but never actually doing it. Yes, I’m to use Holy Spirit discernment so I don’t enable others or hinder them from doing what is theirs to do, but…

When I know something is the right thing to do and I do not do it, it is sin (James 4:17). And pretending I don’t know the right thing to do is too.

I’m also learning to recognize partiality in my doing. Look at today’s verse one more time. “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”

It’s just like when I’m picking up nails. Anyone driving that way benefits.

We are not to show favoritism in our obedience to the LORD’s instructions (Malachi 2:9). God shows no favoritism (Acts 10:34 & Romans 2:11).

Now, for the hard part of this going deeper lesson. I need to practice doing the right thing in every circumstance with everyone.

LORD, thank You for showing me more of Your perspective on a verse I’ve known a long time. Help me as I learn to put action to my compassion, and do not allow me to play favorites. Where I am not willing, I ask you to make me willing.

And LORD, for those reading this today, please surround them with Your presence. Protect them from harm. Provide for their every need. Enable them to walk in Holy Spirit power. And fill them with Your peace as they delight in You and do whatever it is You have for them to do today. Thank You! Amen.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Afterward…

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NLT)

We live in a world of instant. Instant gratification and little effort. In some things, instant works. But in others, instant gratification means living a life of compromise and missing out on the benefits.

Afterward is used in today’s verse, and it reminds me instant gratification is not my goal.

Afterward means there is a lapse of time between where I am now and what I will receive. Afterward means waiting.

If you’re like me, even the word wait calls up feelings of idleness when we want to be doing. I envision a waiting room at the hospital or doctor’s office.

A few years ago, the LORD gave me a perspective change when our pastor at the time asked, “What do you call someone who waits?”

Answer? One who waits; a waiter or waitress.

How’s that for a perspective changer? No more sitting and twiddling our thumbs. Waiting is active!

What does today’s verse tell me will happen between now and when I receive my reward?

I will be tested and tempted! And I’m to go through the testing and temptation with patient endurance!

Our youngest granddaughter once told me she learned patience is waiting with a happy heart.

Waiting and patience collided in my mind when I read today’s verse. I am to serve the LORD with a happy heart and not be concerned with my reward. It will come, but that cannot be my focus or I will fail each test and succumb to the temptations of my day.

I’ve been reminded I cannot wait well without a steadfast focus on the ONE I’m waiting on. I must be attentive to the LORD and what He asks of me. Otherwise, I will trade the instant gratification of this world for the reward He has for me. That would be a very sorry trade indeed!

LORD, thank You for this reminder to keep You and not my reward as my focus. Please keep me focused on You as I wait, so I will pass each test and resist every temptation with patient endurance and a happy heart.

And LORD, for those reading this, surround them with Your presence. Enable them to see their value in Your kingdom. Cause their hearts to be filled with Your joy as they wait on You this day. May every test and temptation seem small as they live this day happily serving You and trusting their reward will come, afterward. Amen.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Goodbyes

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29b (NLT)

Yesterday brought a nice surprise. I was included in George’s retirement telecom, and I got to hear his co-workers share their memories of George and how he had impacted their lives over the years.

You know, I was struck by how similar it was to what happens when someone dies. Yes, I’m sure Daddy’s recent death has made it easier for me to see this, but really!

People do the same when someone dies. Except they’re telling the loved ones all those things instead of the person who touched them.

So, I’m thinking about goodbyes and wondering why it is we wait to tell the people in our lives the different ways they touch us. Is it because we don’t stop to think about it until they’re leaving or gone?

Do we not even notice the gift of their lives until they’re no longer a part of our life?

So today, I’m wondering who it is I’m neglecting to appreciate? Who in my life is a blessing I’m not noticing? Who do I need to give my thanks for their influence in my life? And how can I tell them today?

And what about tomorrow and the next day and the next? I want to practice saying these types of words right in the middle of living life. I want to notice the gift of blessing people are in my life and I want to practice telling them. Who knows how this may encourage them?

LORD, thank You for the people who surround me each day. Help me see them and apprecite them. Help me speak words that bless them as they bless me. Allow me to be an encouragement with my words.

And LORD, for those reading this today, thank You for each of them. Thank You for the people You’ve given them. Help them see the blessing of people in their lives and tell those people right in the middle of the living.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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