Gray hair and toddlers

Proverbs 16:1-3
We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.

Our way may not be the best way, however, being human means to learn the process of seeking wisdom. This is a life long process, to stop being a toddler stamping feet, screaming “No, I can do it myself!” Instead, we must stop and take deep breaths, count to ten as we tell our kids and pause. The Lord will give a better Word and the best directions.

The fruits of the Spirit( Christs’ character traits) are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, and self control. They are found in Galatians 5.

Galatians 5:22-26 AMP
But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites. [25] If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage-our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]. [26] We must not become conceited, challenging or provoking one another, envying one another.

Pride, challenging provocation to debate or even fight and jealousy are tools the devil uses to divide us. A Follower of Christ should be able to speak for injustice after they filter their response with Godly wisdom. We are all created in the Image of God. The devil hates us. He will insight us to hate each other. But God is love.

The Holy Spirit and our commitment to walk with Him are the keys to gaining impulse control and showing the character traits of Him to those lives we intersect. Personal integrity and moral courage do not come by our strength. Love isn’t always easy.

As a child of God I am able to see situations where I need extra help to respond as Jesus, He and His warring angels are my rear guard. I don’t have to be led as people pleaser but instead as a child covered by Jesus. New perspectives and responses can abound in better communication.

As we strive to make changes in our responses, words and actions, we can expect plenty of experiences that challenge our success to change and grow more like Jesus.

However, I remind my kids and myself, God is not finished with us yet. Everyday, we get a chance to reconnect to our Savior Jesus and recommit to letting His plan for our life to unfold. Seeking accountability from likeminded women and men can keep us growing in faith and character.

So take a deep breath, say “Jesus I need you, mold me and make me into who and what You know I can be. Thank you for loving me and dying for my sins, forgive me for my sins, and I want Your best for my life. Guide and teach me, in the precious Name above all Names, Jesus,”

Someone asked me once as they observed my increased gray hair, “will you color it or keep it real.” I replied,”Every gray hair is a reminder to me of a life lived and when I found this scripture it confirmed my emotion,” I hope it resonates with you. May we all reflect more Jesus and less of ourselves.

Proverbs 16: 31-33 31] Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. [32] Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. [33] We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.

We need Spiritual blessings

Why a spiritual blessing? What does it mean? An Eternal, personal connection with our Creator was the plan from the beginning of humanity. But sin took its place as Eve and Adam ate from the tree of wisdom. God gave them everything but forbid their access to the tree of knowledge. God had solid reasons. He wanted Adam and Eve to seek a relationship full of blessing with the all knowing One.

As my faith in God has grown, I am amazed that our Father, Jesus wants to give us a supernatural gift when we are united ( joined) in Christ. He doesn’t want to hold anything back. It is the full monte for His children.

As Paul wrote in Ephesians, God loves us and chose us in Christ to be holy before he made the world.

Ephesians 1:3-23 NLT
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. [4] Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

What a mystery and priceless gift, spiritual blessing is a returned connection with God through His Son, Jesus. Despite our stupidity, impulse control issues, sins. His Kindness undeserved is yet given.

5] God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. [6] So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. [7] He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. [8] He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. [9] God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ-which is to fulfill his own good plan.

As a mom of adoption, the verse in 5, “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what God wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure”, He brings tenderness and deep love.

10] And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ-everything in heaven and on earth. [11] Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

God has a plan, He chose me, He chose you in advance. Seek to reconnect to the source of Life, wisdom and His spiritual blessing.

12] God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. [13] And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.

Jesus came to save you! Believe it ! Believe in Jesus Christ, He is the bridge to our Father God. There is no other. The Holy Spirit is the third connection, an internal compass of wisdom.

14] The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. [15] Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere.

Paul explains further in this letter to the people of Ephesus, their faith in the Lord Jesus and love for His people is well known. I am grateful for the people in my life that extended their time, their testimony and the Lords’ wisdom through the Bible.

16] I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, [17] asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. [18] I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

I pray that through my simple blog posts you are lead to the amazing spiritual blessing of our God. Glory to God alone.We can have confident hope and share in His best.

19] I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power [20] that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

His mighty power is attainable when we are connected to His relationship. We must trust Him for life and direction.

21] Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else-not only in this world but also in the world to come.

No power or scheme of man can take us from His hand. It takes faith in an unseen God that has a plan for our lives. It doesn’t mean it is easy. But we are not alone when we actively seek Him.

22] God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. [23] And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

What is the value of truth?

I was mindlessly channel surfing on my car radio this morning, Chuck Swindoll, a well known Christian writer, pastor was discussing the value of truth. I had just discussed this topic with someone I love. I turned up the volume and share this 2023 pearl of wisdom.

We have so many potential sources of truth being thrown at us daily. Whether we listen to liberal or conservative ideas, pop culture, music or the latest trends on YouTube or TikTok. It can feel like a tornado or sound like a freight train with wind blowing smoke into our conscious and unconscious minds.

So what is the value of truth? According to Mr. Swindoll, there are 4 points to consider, they all point to the absolute truth in the Bible:

1. If we’re led by the truth, we don’t let feelings rule us but instead we go to God‘s truth.
2. Absolute truth of the Word stabilizes us in times of testing. No matter the trial when we seek Him first, the wisdom is there.
3. We can handle the Bible correctly because we discover where to look in scripture for the wisdom.
4. Truth of God equips us to detect and confront error. It could be error in the way someone else speaks,it could be just as feeling that we get when we know what someone is saying is not the same as the Word of God. We base our truth on what aligns with God’s Word.

We need truth to live, to survive, to share with those we love.

Truth never changes as the Word is unwavering. When Moses was gathering the tablets of stone to direct the Israelites. God encouraged Moses.

Exodus 34:6 AMP
Then the LORD passed by in front of him, and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth (faithfulness);

We are not passive in our seeking truth, we listen or read truth and then we must obey the commands of our Creator God for our best lives. The Lord shared more directions in the scriptures that follow.

Exodus 34:7-10 AMP
“keeping mercy and lovingkindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin; but He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting (avenging) the iniquity (sin, guilt) of the fathers upon the children and the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers].” [8] Moses bowed to the earth immediately and worshiped [the Lord]. [9] And he said, “If now I have found favor and lovingkindness in Your sight, O Lord, let the Lord, please, go in our midst, though it is a stiff-necked (stubborn, rebellious) people, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your possession.” [10] Then God said, “Behold, I am going to make a covenant. Before all your people I will do wondrous works (miracles) such as have not been created or produced in all the earth nor among any of the nations; and all the people among whom you live shall see the working of the LORD, for it is a fearful and awesome thing that I am going to do with you.

If we choose to ignore or blind our eyes, ears and minds from the wisdom of God, we are held accountable even done through our children’s and their children’s generations. God is loving and just.

There have been crazy weather patterns across the country. This past week we had sleet, snow, subzero temperatures, more snow, and fog so thick you couldn’t see far ahead of the car. Trusting God and His wisdom is like continuing to drive through fog so thick you have to trust what is on the other side. It is a straight stable road when your trust is in Him. There is light on the other side and wisdom for the journey.

So where is the value of truth? It is where it has always been with the Lord. We must give all authority to Him, He will never betray or leave us. New year new steps to His truth, one step at a time!

Matthew 6:33 NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Holy Spirit?

Who is your compass? photo by Tobias Aeppli

Who is the Holy Spirit? Why do we need to know Him? Times are changing but He never has. Even the prophets share Wisdom from Him.

I’ve been reading the books of Daniel and Isaiah lately. Potential prophecies for the future, words of wisdom for Daniel and Isaiah who must’ve been baffled by their imagery. In our current social climate, things seem to be taking shape.

As we continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus we must realize that the Holy Spirit came upon Mary at the conception of Jesus. Jesus is God’s Son and God is the Father. This is threefold (triune) representation of our God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:35 AMP
Then the angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a cloud]; for that reason the holy (pure, sinless) Child shall be called the Son of God.

It’s not just a matter of accepting Jesus as Savior but it’s allowing the Holy Spirit which is the third part of the triune God: (Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit) to rule and guide your life.

John 4:21-24 TLB
Jesus replied, “The time is coming, ma’am, when we will no longer be concerned about whether to worship the Father here or in Jerusalem. For it’s not where we worship that counts, but how we worship-is our worship spiritual and real? Do we have the Holy Spirit’s help? For God is Spirit, and we must have his help to worship as we should. The Father wants this kind of worship from us.

When Jesus was preparing the disciples at the last supper, He told them that He would be leaving but would leave them with wisdom from another source. That other source is the Holy Spirit.

I for one do not like to lose control. And yet the Holy Spirit guides by love, grace, forgiveness, mercy and truth. The Holy Spirit is a supernatural compass that keeps you directed by God’s precepts. His precepts will never change.

As we come to the close of 2022 I reflect on the times I allowed the Holy Spirit to lead me. I also reflect on the times I did not center my wisdom on His wisdom.

John 14:15-21 NLT
“If you love me, obey my commandments. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. [17] He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. [18] No, I will not abandon you as orphans-I will come to you. [19] Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. [20] 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. [21] 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.”

I know these concepts may seem hard to grasp but I’m hoping that the scriptures that I’m laying in this blog will be beneficial for you to read for yourself and then open your own Bible and ask the Lord to speak directly to you. He really does want to fill you with the wisdom from above.

If you have stepped away from the love of Jesus your best friend or if you don’t know him yet, He is amazing! He waits your extended hand and your willingness to allow him to lead your life. There’s a song by Chris Renzema featuring Elle Holcomb, “Just as good.”

The lyrics of the song remind me: the God (Jesus)of your youth is still the same God. He knows you, He knows the details of your life, He knows detours of your life, and Jesus just wants to love you. The phrase Ebenezer Stone (described in the song) in Hebrew, means “stone of help” and is found in 1 Samuel 7, the Bible.

Matthew 28:18-20 MSG
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

Amazing that God thought of His children from the beginning of time. Hold onto His hand and let Him instruct you, the Holy Spirit will not leave you. Give your life to Him today, let the Father, Son and Holy Spirit guide your words, steps and life.

Isaiah 59:21 TLB
“As for me, this is my promise to them,” says the Lord: “My Holy Spirit shall not leave them, and they shall want the good and hate the wrong-they and their children and their children’s children forever.”

Christmas blessing for all! God honors women!

Do you have a favorite part of the Christmas story? I love the story of women in Jesus’ life. God blesses women too. He loves them and He has plans to use our lives in the tapestry of His love. He just needs our permission to guide our lives.

Luke 1:38-55 NLT – Mary Visits Elizabeth
³⁹ A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town ⁴⁰ where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
⁴² Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. ⁴³ Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? ⁴⁴ When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. ⁴⁵ You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise
⁴⁶ Mary responded,
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
⁴⁷ How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
⁴⁸ For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
⁴⁹ For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.
⁵⁰ He shows mercy from generation to generation
to all who fear him.
⁵¹ His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
⁵² He has brought down princes from their thrones
and exalted the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with empty hands.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel
and remembered to be merciful.
⁵⁵ For he made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children forever.”

Amazing to read that God blessed an older woman, Elizabeth with a son later in life, John the Baptist, and Mary, a young teen with the Christ child. God has plans for all women. He loves them. He honors them.

We each have an amazing Creator God that loves us. When we allow ourselves to be used as His instruments even vessels for life, He is there.

Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth and God’s gift in His Son. His life changed the world forever. He is Immanuel (God is with us!). Jesus came as a baby, walked on earth, He understands human weakness yet did not sin, He took on humanness to gain understanding and compassion for our plight.

He allowed Mary a front seat of honor. She pondered things in her heart. She was blessed as a humble personal witness. She was chosen as we are to have a personal relationship with Jesus.

So many sweet stories of Mary and Jesus’ relationship from the first wedding experience miracle of Jesus turning water to wine at Mary’s request. From watching Jesus as a child, at the temple teaching elders from His wisdom to observing Jesus and His disciples build the Kingdom of God and watching their battles with others.

She must have been overwhelmed by worry for her Son Jesus especially as times became harsh and evil, especially at the arrest and crucifixion, yet the Prince of Peace was living at her side. How amazing!

Jesus is present with us when we call on Him to be our Savior! Christmas reminds us to slow down and ponder Jesus. He is Immanuel, God with us. He is joy, love, new beginnings, and hope in a chaotic world. He is the Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords.

Even at His death on the cross, Jesus comforted Mary and directed John, his faithful disciple watch over Mary (at His death on the cross). What a provider and love from Christ from the beginning of life on earth to His resurrection. He is Immanuel! What an amazing gift of love! Open the free gift of love, and open your heart and mind to the Savior.

Be amazed that Jesus came for you and He wants to be your Savior! Our trust in our God will give us the ability to overcome any hurdle. Reread Mary’s song of praise above. You don’t have to be a mother, just be a vessel and let Him mold you into what He already knows and believes you can be! Merry Christmas!

His Words are truth

Youversion scripture photo Bible.com

This is just an add-on to my post, Charisma or truth, there are no other words to say! Let God equip you for every good thing.

Charisma or truth

Matthew 7: 15-16 MSG   “Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character.

Charismatic people can blind us with their antics, boldness and charades. Scam Alert, are you being played?

I have heard the statement regarding truth, “Check anyone who speaks wisdom from the Lord to know if their teachings align with the Bible.” It is even more important today, in Matthew, we are reminded as the second coming of Jesus gets closer, there will be false teachers. Those who speak with a puffed-up stature, bold and prideful, they will be called false prophets. Their purpose is to do the will of the enemy and draw the Lord’s children, created in His Image, from the King, Jesus.

There is NO King but Jesus!

Here’s the question, who will we follow for wisdom? How do we know what is truth?

Proverbs 12:15  Fools are headstrong and do what they like;
   wise people take advice.

The Bible is not just a book of stories. It has stood for 2 thousand years. There are prophecies that were spoken about in the Old Testament that came to pass in the times of the New Testament. The pearls of wisdom can carry from the times of Adam and Eve regarding families, joys, and hardships that show conflicts similar to current times. There are stories of evil and good people who struggled to believe they were called to a purpose, who sinned, yet God still used them for great things.

Abraham was the father of many nations, yet he lied to a King saying his wife was his sister because he worried about her safety. Abraham and Sarah took the process of having a baby into their own hands having Abraham’s slave be a surrogate mom to Ishmael. Hagar was a single mom treated unfairly yet God blessed her with Abrahams’s son, and even came to her at her lowest grieving time in a desert and made Himself known, He is El Roi “the God who sees.” Ishmael, Hagar and Abraham’s son, was blessed and became a nation in conflict, his lineage is in many Arab countries. We may step away from seeking God’s truth and still with our return for His wisdom, God has been known to bless.

Teachers of the Bible are called to a higher standard. Scary proposition.

James 3: 1-2 Don’t be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified. We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. If you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true, you’d have a perfect person, in perfect control of life.



3-5 A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!

God uses all people even us sinners as He did Abraham and Sarah, Adam and Eve. However, first, we need to seek wisdom from the only Source of wisdom, The Lord God Himself. Here are other words to describe Him: Elohim, Almighty God, Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords!

James 3: 13-16 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish plotting. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.

17-18 Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

So how do you know a person is honest and of integrity? Check out what Proverbs tells us:

Proverbs 12: 16 - 19,23
16  Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly;

    the prudent quietly shrug off insults.



17 Truthful witness by a good person clears the air,

    but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit.
18 Rash language cuts and maims,

    but there is healing in the words of the wise.



19 Truth lasts;

    lies are here today, gone tomorrow.

23 Prudent people don’t flaunt their knowledge;

    talkative fools broadcast their silliness.

I may share little nuggets of wisdom that I am learning, however, always seek to know Jesus for yourself. You will not be disappointed by the time you spend soaking up His wisdom. Our Source of Truth is important. Because the wisdom we find can direct our lives not only today but reach into our future. Charisma is overrated but truth is essential.

Life is a test

“You can do it!” photo courtesy of Pexel.com

Do you remember the midterms and finals of your high school years? It’s been a while for me however watching my youngest tackle a load of classes, organizational techniques, develop her tribe, and handle the emotional stress is something.

I am so glad my school testing years are behind me. I don’t know how I would measure up to the current academic standards. I find myself glancing over her course syllabus and assignments and thinking, “wow, I didn’t learn that until college.” By the way, this is no snub to our current teachers and expectations.

In this fast-paced world, computers excelled in bringing us to another quantum level. The hard part is the individual is assessed on their capacity to keep up and perhaps not as much on the internal compass of kindness, compassion, and stillness with Christlike moral compass instead it seems the push is in taking on the world.

“In our need for speed” on many levels, our youth and young adults can be so overstimulated, overstressed, and overwhelmed on the midterm and final test day. Every day is a test.

Tests of character traits of integrity and compassion for our fellow man will bring more potential to future success than a cutthroat mentality of dog-eat-dog.

God’s way is perfect. He enables us to stand on mountain heights. He gives us opportunities for success that reflect His character and love. Even in our challenges when we feel a failure, we can grow in our faith. No one wants to fail. We can allow those times to remind us in the testing God is not through with us yet!

Psalm 18:30-35 NLT
God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. [31] For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? [32] God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. [33] He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. [34] He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. [35] You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great.

We do need to put forth effort in gaining knowledge to study and retain information. We do need to seek wisdom from wise, compassionate, eager teachers, and we do need to not expect a good grade if we are lazy. In the end, reflecting a Christlike character is a sign of success. We can be an example for Jesus regardless of the final test results. The Lord will direct our lives and develop our gifts when we allow ourselves to learn. Who is with me?

Testing one, two, three. The bell has rung. Time to get in your seat, the teacher is ready to place the final exam on your desk. Are you ready? Have you prepared?

James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

The cool thing is our Teacher, Jesus, the best friend of the disciples, the good, good Father already accepts us. He loves us regardless of the final grade. Wisdom comes from above. So take a deep breath and smile at the Teacher. He believes in you.

Who is on first?

When I consider the phrase, “who’s on first,” I think of the trio of comedians from the 1920s golden age, Abbot and Costello. The comedians fed off each other with witty humor during a depressed time as the stock market crashed, and many were in financial crisis with food shortages.

This same phrase “who’s on first”, could be a phrase from a softball or baseball game. It covers two teams: the offense as the guy on first base from the opposing team or the defender who covers first base preventing a successful hit at bat.

Here’s the comparison to our faith life, “Who is on first in your life?” Where is your focus? Is it on seeking wisdom in culture, the stock market, being a sports fan or is your focus on God?

Sure, there are many little g gods contending for your attention. I struggle with this same conundrum. It’s okay to find a temporary pleasure in watching your favorite sports team, comedian or participating in a hobby. As a parent, We must teach our kids to choose wisely who we keep as our focus.

The trouble erupts like a volcano when we are off balance in our daily life by not seeking God first for wisdom. Instead, we may purge another little g god. Our favorite Netflix series can calm and distract our stressful life. I have been guilty of this same idol. In the end, we still need to gain insight about stress management, coping with life struggles and seeking productive solutions. These issues do not disappear as we click on episode 10 of our current obsession on our movie channel.

So here’s my question for you: “Who is your first?” If it is not God/ Jesus, maybe it’s time to change the priority to the big God who can guide and support in unfailing love. His wisdom comes when we seek Him first. We have to turn off the other distractions.

Matthew 6:25-33 NLT
"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? [27] Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? [28] "And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, [29] yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. [30] And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? [31] "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' [32] These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. [33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

This song, “First things first” by Consumed by Fire, pierced my heart, mind and soul yesterday. I felt a healthy conviction to my soul. Not condemnation ( that’s from the devil)! It was as if my best friend Jesus was whispering, “Am I your first?” I felt drawn back to my priority of time with Jesus. I repented saying aloud, “Forgive me for stepping away, I choose you, Jesus.”

Jesus is your offense and your defense when you let Him coach your life. Even more significant at Christmas time, we can get back to the awe of Jesus, his name means “God with us.” We can choose Him for the first time or return to Him for a do over.

Romans 10:9-13 NLT
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. [11] As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." [12] Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. [13] For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."

Don’t let another day go by without saying aloud, Jesus I am a sinner, I need you, I repent ( turn away from my past sins) Please forgive me of the past sins and guide me into the future. I choose You, Jesus. I believe You are my Savior, be the Lord of my life. Thank you for loving me unconditionally, Amen!

May today be a day of celebration, welcome to the family of God, I rejoice with you. Make Him First! He will bring abundant hope even in trials.

Septic or Manure

Today was an interesting day. We live in the country with a septic system instead of the standard home plumbing system.

There are times when the frozen winter temperatures cause ice/ paper/toilet garbage to form in the pipes from home to the septic tank buried in our front field. Perhaps, the use of low flow toilets does not always provide enough water to flush contents down and out of the pipes. Maybe it’s the use of too much toilet paper.

Regardless, there are days when the pipes get clogged, the pressure increases and the sinks / toilet overflow into our home.

Are you shoveling manure? photo by Mary Mesikapp

Todays’ septic event provided a disgusting predicament. As I resolved the inner house mess, I pondered our latest relational challenge. It sure does stink. The situation feels a bit much, yet it just needs to be processed and cleaned up. Thank you to my husband the outside septic access was dug up and he cleared the pipes. Glad it was him not me.

Instead of looking at an uncomfortable challenge as a pile of manure, I am seeing an opportunity for a workout. Just as cleaning up the septic mess in my basement was an unplanned detour, I still need to get rid of relational or heart messes.

Slowly but surely, I sopped up the liquids, cleaned up the cement along with the unfinished basement and bathroom area. The sink in the shop was scrubbed. Next, I scrubbed the floors with a bleach cleaner and air dried. The stench disappeared and the area was clean again.

Our hearts can be unclean and filled with bitterness, the stench that can keep people away. The loneliness deepens and love seems an unreachable option.

I can choose pressure and to be filled up with manure or septic garbage, or I can choose to put in the effort necessary to clean up the attitude and my heart mess.

Jesus wants His children to be open to His love, His ways, His plans but we have to clear out the garbage that blocks our hearts and minds.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 AMP

No bleach needed, just an open heart and mind so get ready to shine.

Let’s Pray:
Create in me a clean heart, Lord, show me the attitudes, responses and actions that push Jesus, friends or family away. Instead, I want a shiny new heart that is open to blessing, love and filled with encouragement. These character flaws need to go. I want my thoughts to reflect a new life and a greater love that comes from seeking You.