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A HOLE IN MY SIDEWALK

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SIDEWALK . HOLE
When you are tempted, He will also provide a way out
so that you can stand up under it.
I Corinthians 10:13

Some things you read, are just imprinted on your mind like photographs. And every so often something you experience or something you observe brings them back to your mind’s eye just as vividly as when the first impression was made. Such is this essay I read by Portia Nelson. It reads, “I walk down the street. There’s a hole in the sidewalk and I fall in. I’m lost; it isn’t my fault. It takes me forever to get out. I walk down the street again. There’s a hole in the sidewalk, but I pretend I don’t see it, so I fall in again. I can’t believe I’m in the same place; still, it isn’t my fault. I walk down the street again. There’s a hole in the sidewalk I see it, but I still fall in ~ it’s a habit. But now my eyes are open and I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately. I walk down the street. There’s a hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it! Finally, I walk down another street!”

Oh, My Friends, I don’t know whether or not you can relate to this, but I think it’s been the story of my life and has caused me so much sorrow, guilt and pain! Let me give you my translation. “I am walking through life. Temptation is in my path and I fall in its trap. I’m devastated, but it really isn’t my fault. Satan tricked me! It takes me forever it seems to get over the guilt and shame. I am walking through life again. I am faced with the same temptation, but I PRETEND I don’t see it, so I fall into the trap again. I can’t believe I’m in the same place; still it isn’t my fault (so I say!). Satan tricked me again! I am walking through life. I am faced again with the same temptation. I see it, but I still fall in ~ now it’s a habit. But this time my eyes are open and I know where I am. It IS my fault! The choice is mine alone. I get out immediately. I am walking through life. I am faced with the SAME temptation. I recognize it as the same trap the enemy has used before. I resist it through the power of the Holy Spirit. FINALLY, I take another path through life!”

Those of you who are acquainted with me are wondering what that temptation is. I say IS, rather than WAS, because I am still faced with it on occasion. Suffice to say, I have a strong tendency to try to find security on my own, rather than depending on the Lord. It can lead to problems. But it is not in my best interest to declare that temptation in this blog.

Those of you who are my close friends probably know what it is, for you have been there beside me the whole time, helping dig me out of the trap and regain my self-esteem. Jesus knows, for He too, was right beside me all the way. But YOU know what that temptation is for you. Is it a trap that you keep falling into repeatedly? It may be what some people would consider a small sin, such as a bad temper or a stinking attitude. It may be something with far more lasting consequences such as alcoholism, drug addiction, chronic lying or sexual impropriety. I don’t have to know, but if after reading this you recognize it, then you are at the last stage of this analogy. It’s time that you recognize it as a recurring trap of Satan, a habit and something that only you can resist through the power of the Holy Spirit. Habits are not easy to break, even with God’s help, for as the Apostle Paul says, the flesh with its desires has a mind of its own. But it is not impossible, for ALL things are possible with God! If there is something in your life that is making you miserable because you keep falling into the same trap, leading to guilt and depression, it’s time for you to repent, turn around and take another path of the Holy Spirit’s leading!

I can do ALL things through Christ Who strengthens me!
Philippians 4:13

THE GAME’S NOT OVER

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HOMERUN
SONG: MY LORD WON’T LET ME DOWN

Everyone who competes in the games
goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last,
but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
I Corinthians 9:25

♫ One, two, three strikes…you’re out…♫ in the ole ball game! ♫ ♪ The line from that old song is about all I know about baseball. So why I started thinking about the analogy between baseball and life, I do not know! But often times, the Lord just brings something to my mind that I would not have thought of myself.

In baseball, the goal of the pitcher is to strike out the batter before he can hit the ball and make any bases. (Now aren’t you impressed with my vast knowledge!) The pitcher will throw a fast ball (cutter), a curve ball (deuce), a split-finger fast ball (forkball) and many others in order to catch the batter off guard. (Isn’t the internet just a trove of trivia?!) Sometimes it works…sometimes it doesn’t. It depends on how vigilant and tuned in the batter is. It is not a game of chance, but of skill, persistence and heightened awareness. Are you starting to get my drift?

Life is often referred to as “the game of life”. Actually there is even a board game by that name. The Apostle Paul likens our spiritual walk in this life to an athlete running a race to win a prize, that prize of course, being ETERNAL LIFE! He talks about the stamina, focus and determination required to do it successfully. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (I Corinthians 9:24-27)

In any sport, we have to discipline our body to perform to its highest potential. Does my body want to be disciplined and trained? Of course not! Did you get what Paul said, “I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave.” I know from experience, if you don’t master your body with its carnal desires and motives, it will master you and the result can be devastating! Sometimes I actually look in the mirror, look myself in the eye and say…“Stop it, Nancy! You are NOT going to do that! You are NOT going to think that way! You are NOT going to give in to that temptation!” The devil bombards your mind and emotions. He is just like that pitcher on the baseball field. If he can’t get you with a cutter, he’ll try a deuce and if he can’t strike you out with a deuce, he’ll try a forkball! And if he can’t send you to the dugout with any of those, he’ll invent something new.

The only chance you have of hitting a home run or at least running the bases is to be wary of his tactics. Look at some of the film footage in your own life. What balls did he throw at you previously? Bone up on your game by reviewing the old tapes and learning from them! Practice your swing until you can knock that ball completely over the fence and into the stands where it can’t be retrieved! Give the devil a black eye! The Book of James says this…“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

And if you do strike out sometimes, don’t quit! Step up to the plate again! Never give up and never give over! The games not over until you’re six feet under and I know you don’t plan on being there anytime soon!

DEVIL…MAKE MY DAY!

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CAT FIGHT
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil
walks about like a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour.
Resist him, steadfast in the faith.
I Peter 5:8-9a

Here begins another exciting anecdote from the archives of Nancy’s everyday life! You obviously are familiar with my cat family by now…you know…the one that keeps growing as the word gets around that there’s this crazy lady that offers free food just for the taking. Anyway, I wrote not too long ago about the cat fight that ensued between two male cats vying for territorial rights at my place. They were rolling around the yard with fur flying in every direction while I stood on the porch yelling for them to stop! (You can just imagine how much that helped.)

So the other morning, I went out to feed the cats. There, on the steps of my back porch sat the skinny yellow cat who won the fight. He reminded me of a sentry standing watch…ears honed like glistening antennas; eyes peeled searching the horizon for any sign of intrusion by the enemy. He felt like he had won the territorial rights, now he had to diligently preserve them!

It immediately came to me that we, as Christians, should be as vigilant in our watch for the enemy of our souls. Indeed that is exactly what Peter is saying in this verse. Now if we are born again, we should not fear Satan, for the Lord says, “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” (Luke 10:19 AMP) But even though an opponent does not fear his enemy, he wants to be ready and prepared in case of an attack. How many of you know that Satan doesn’t announce himself at his arrival? Remember he disguised himself as a serpent when he came to Eve in the garden. And when he acted through Judas to betray Jesus, he even disguised himself as a friend and greeted Him with a kiss. My point is this…we have to be ever alert to the tactics that Satan uses to put stumbling blocks in our walk with God. It doesn’t always have to be big things. Someone can speak a discouraging word. Things just didn’t go right at the office. Someone talked you into doing something that didn’t turn out for your good. Maybe an old habit just keeps cropping up, trying to get you off course. “It’s the little foxes that spoil the vines.” Often Satan doesn’t come at us with big dilemmas, but with multiple little irritations or disappointments, one after the other. He is not overt, but very subtle.

Sometimes the thing that he tempts us with is not necessarily sinful, but is not what’s best for us. If he can get us to make choices that are not in God’s will for us, he can get us into discouragement and even depression.

Learn to recognize his attacks and resist them in the power of the Holy Spirit within you. Like that cat guarding his territory, we need to stand sentry over our souls! If there’s one thing Satan hates, it’s for us to recognize his strategies!

No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord.
Isaiah 54:17 NKJ

STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH

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ARMOR OF GOD
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:13

Have you ever prayed this verse before? You probably have. I know I have.  It’s a part of what we call “The Lord’s Prayer.” By the way it’s worded in the King James Version, it  sounds kind of like God would lead us into temptation. Not so! The Bible plainly tells us that God tempts no one…“And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.” (James 1:13 NLT)

The verse from Matthew 6 in the New Living Translation reads this way, “And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” And listen to the verse in The Message Bible…“Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.” I kind of like that. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve prayed, “Father God, save me from myself!”

I know you’ve heard the old saying coined many years ago…“The devil made me do it!” Well, for one thing, it’s not very likely that the devil or anyone else could make you do something that you sincerely didn’t want to do. Now you may know that it’s not the best thing for you. You may WISH that you didn’t want to do it. You may even pray for the strength NOT to do it. But if you don’t exert some restraint on your part, it’s likely that you WILL do it. Even the Apostle Paul, one of the greatest men of all time, who wrote most of the New Testament said this...“I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:21-25a)

Don’t get me wrong, God will help you if you really rely on His strength and draw from the power of His Holy Spirit within you. Paul plainly says so. But the fight between good and evil is an age old battle that will not be abated until the end of time, when Satan’s ultimate defeat is enforced and he is banned from roaming the earth.

But Jesus didn’t leave us defenseless when He returned to heaven. He gave us weapons of warfare that we can use very effectively. “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:13-18 NLT)

We definitely are in a consistent battle with a very persistent enemy every day of our Christian lives. Some days maybe more so than others. God’s Word tells us, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8 NLT) Then He gives us the antidote in James 4:7, “So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 AMP) We resist him by putting on our armor and “having done all to stand, we stand firm!”

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHO YOU ARE?

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MIRROR IMAGENow we see things imperfectly,
like puzzling reflections in a mirror,
but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.
All that I know now is partial and incomplete,
but then I will know everything completely,
just as God now knows me completely.
 I Corinthians 13:12

This post by my daughter Sherry Crowson Evans

So…how are you feeling today? Feelings can be crazy. One day you are just fine, and the next moment you are swept off your feet again. Despair creeps in stealthily. Insecurities are amplified. Failure seems imminent.

Have you forgotten who you are? Your feelings have deceived you. The deceiver has deceived you. You are a messenger…a messenger to the world. You have a job to do. God has a plan and a purpose solely for YOU. God has chosen YOU to be HIS light.

When you fail don’t crucify yourself. You are too hard on yourself! Look to God for reassurance and continue working. When your plans fall apart, look to Him. He will guide you. When your mind is confused, look to Him for clarity. When you’re depressed find comfort in the One who designed You.
Remember… it’s His plan and His purpose…for YOU…TODAY!

I know it’s hard to believe, but It is the truth. Take a moment… stop everything…find a quiet place. Now, think of your children. Think of all the love, hope, and dreams that you have ever wished for them. God gave you those hopes and dreams. They are a small glimmer of His hopes and dreams for YOU. Think back to all the times your heart has bled for your children. When they are hurting you hurt. You comfort them. You sacrifice for them. They are your hope and your future. You would die for them. God took His only Son. He sacrificed Him for YOU. His heart bled for YOU. YOU are the hope of this dark world because God’ s light shines in YOU! God loves you MORE than you love your child.

Remember who you are today. Look in the mirror…really LOOK…take off the mask. Don’t look at yourself with disappointment, disgust, or shame. Soften your eyes and look at yourself for who you are. God made you in His image. God is proud of you. He doesn’t see your flaws. He doesn’t see anything wrong with you. He sees your kindness. He sees your goodness. He sees you trying so very hard every day. He knows it’s difficult. He knows your struggles. God sees you making progress and He is PROUD! Believe in yourself. You can do it! God is with you. God believes in you and He is cheering you on!

GOODBYE GRANNY

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The following is post is a story written by my daughter Sherry Evans.  She is writing about the death of MY Mother, HER Grandmother and THE GIRL’S Great-grandmother, whom we all called Granny. I thought it would be an encouragement to those who have lost loved ones.

HEAVENLY DANCE 2
GOODBYE GRANNY
by
Sherry Crowson Evans

The two little girls knew their granny would die someday. They just didn’t expect her to actually…die. Granny was very old and she was very tired…worn to a frazzle, she sometimes would say. The girls would laugh and smile even though they didn’t know what that meant. Granny had always been old and tired as far as the girls knew.

Today however, was different. Today, when the girls went to visit Granny she was in a hospital bed. She looked so worn out. Granny started singing the sweet old hymns her grandmother had sung to her. The girls sang too and granny clapped when they were done.

Just Before they left she whispered to the girls, “Jesus is coming to get me in a few days. Soon I’ll be dancing a jig in glory.” Then she reached out her hand to the girls and reminded them, “Girls remember, always trust in Jesus. That’s’ the only thing that matters.”

And for a moment Granny had a twinkle in her eye as she smiled and said goodbye. But the girls wore concern on their faces. Momma could tell the girls were upset at what Granny had told them. The girls hugged and kissed their Granny for, as it turned out, the last time. They could hardly wait to get out into the hallway to ask their questions.

“Momma, we can’t really see Jesus right now. How can He come and take Granny away?”

Momma explained that Granny’s body was tired. It would stop working one day and then she would go live somewhere else. The girls were happy now. “Oh, then we can still visit Granny!” Momma explained that it was too far to visit but if we trusted Jesus just like Granny said then we would all go live there one day.

The next day Granny went to sleep and didn’t wake up for a few days. Then she was gone… Granny drifted off to sleep still hearing the girls’ voices singing sweet hymns. She even dreamed she was still singing with them…“♫ when we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be ♪… Her own voice sounded so pure, so beautiful, and so young? She could feel her lips moving as if the beautiful song was coming from her own mouth.

Slowly Granny opened her eyes and there she was lying on a bed of the softest silk she had ever felt. She sat up and looked around. This was the most lavish home she had ever seen!
But somehow she knew it was her home…her dream home that is. The bedroom was a beautiful shade of yellow, Granny’s favorite color. Everything was just as she had always imagined a perfect home to be.

She was so happy she wanted to dance but she knew her old legs wouldn’t hold her…and that is when she realized this must be a dream! There was no other explanation. In dreams you can do anything you want. So she might as well try. Granny started to dance…slowly at first, then faster. She danced and danced! She remembered dancing this way before, but that was many years ago. She lifted her hands in the air and twirled in a circle! From the corner of her eye she saw her own hand, spotless and creamy white.

“I used to have beautiful hands like this when I was young,” she thought. Just for fun she reached out and pinched herself. She didn’t feel a thing, but she didn’t wake up either. The pinch did not even leave a red mark. Granny wondered could this possibly be real? Can there really be something this wonderful? She had never felt this great…ever before. A ring at the doorbell stopped her mid-thought.

“Who in the world could that be?” she said aloud. Even as she said it her voice sounded strangely sweet and soft. She ran, actually ran, down the stairs. She opened the door and there stood the most handsome man she had ever seen! She gazed deeply into his blue eyes and recognized him.

“It’s time to go dear,” her beloved husband said.

Without thinking she followed him. Walking hand in hand they strolled down the street of gold. Friendly neighbors smiled and waved from their homes.

“Don’t you want to know where we are going?” Paw paw asked his beautiful bride.

Granny looked down and realized she was in a flowing gown of purest white. The bridal dress had diamonds that shimmered and sparkled in the light. They were heading toward a terrific warmth and brightness. Sounds of a party drifted along.

“Where are we going?” Granny confusedly asked.

“Why to your birthday party of course.” Granny was led to the head of the table.

“Happy birthday!” they all shouted.

The young man beside her hugged her and said, “Welcome home my Darling Daughter. I have missed you!”

She looked into his eyes…“Daddy!”

On her other side a beautiful girl who looked somewhat like herself had tears in her eyes…
“Mother!!!!!”

Many people she had known and loved stood clapping for granny. Suddenly, there was complete silence, then, “Ruth…..may I have this dance?”

Granny hadn’t been called Ruth in a long time. Ruth was her name before she was called Granny. She looked over to see who had spoken. A kindly man walked up, shining in the most beautiful light she had ever seen. A pure uncontrolled love shone from his eyes. Streams of light showered down upon Him from the throne on the hill.

As Granny looked up she saw God shining from His Own light. Raining down gleaming bursts of light and warmth, God in all His glory smiled and nodded His head at Granny. She immediately threw herself upon the ground and covered her head with her hands in shame.

Gently, Jesus uncovered her hands and lifted her up. He tilted her chin up and looked straight into her eyes. Grinning, Jesus asked, “Ruth may I have the first birthday dance?”

Before she had time to answer Jesus grabbed her and wrapped her in a big bear hug. Granny was so startled she began to giggle. She then heard Jesus laugh out loud in pure joy as he swung her around in wide circles.

Suddenly her Daddy had her in his arms swirling and twirling her around. Granny laughed and laughed. She was so happy! She thought she would cry for happiness but no tears came.

Back in her home after the party there was no need to rest. Granny thought about all the times she had said her old legs would give out. But now her legs were new and she would never say that again!

Granny thought about the little girls. She wished they could know how wonderful heaven really was! But no one could believe without coming. She knew the girls would be sad and miss her. And she would miss them too, but she wasn’t sad. Heaven was more than Granny had ever even imagined! She smiled as she thought about the little girls’ birthday party one day. When she saw them again she would stand and clap and dance and dance! Granny was thinking of all the fun she could have with the girls and never get tired.

Just then she heard a scratch at the door. It was a little dog the girls’ used to have. He was so excited to see granny that his little doggy tail shook his whole body. Granny took him up in her arms and surprisingly he didn’t stink. He then let out a small whimper.

“Yes, I miss them too”, she told the little dog as she scratched behind his ears. “You can live with me now and we’ll wait for the girls to come home to see us. I don’t mind waiting. It won’t be too long. You know what little doggy, if time flies when you’re havin’ fun, then time will soar here…I just know it!”

YOU ARE VALUABLE

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SPARROW LG
SONG: YOU CAN MAKE IT

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin?
But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground
without your Heavenly Father knowing it.
And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God
than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

Do you feel valuable? If you’re like me, it probably depends on what day you’re asked. Some days I feel valuable and some days I feel somewhat worthless! But know this…You are ALWAYS valuable in the eyes of your Heavenly Father. Matthew gives us a vivid illustration of how much we mean to God.

I can’t imagine how many sparrows there are in this world. When I checked the dictionary, one classification alone had 140 species. And there are several different classifications all over the world. But Matthew tells us that our Heavenly Father knows when even one of them falls to the ground. He also tells us again in chapter six to “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?” (Matthew 6:26) If the Lord feeds the little sparrows and keeps up with their coming and going, how much more will He take care of us, His children?

I don’t think anyone put it more succinctly than Peter. “Cast the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” (I Peter 5:7-9 AMP) Read that verse again slowly, emphasizing the word “all”…and make it personal. Lord, I “Cast the whole of my care [ALL my anxieties, ALL my worries, ALL my concerns, once and for ALL] on You, for You care for me affectionately and care about me watchfully.”

You are valuable to your Father God! And if He is caring for you, why should you take the care also? Cast it on Him today!

BALLOONS OF WORRY

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BALLOON THOUGHTS
Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.
It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Philippians 4:6
The Message Bible

There has been many a devotional written on the topic of worry. And I think we all know why that is… because no matter what your status in life, it is an emotion that we, as human beings, have to battle on a regular basis. But, as Christians, I firmly believe it is something that we can overcome and actually rise above. Indeed, it is an emotion that we, as children of God, should overcome and rise above! How it must sadden our Heavenly Father to see that we do not have complete trust in His love and provision for us in every area of our lives.

As I was reading this verse in Philippians 4:6, the Lord brought an illustration to my mind. He often shows me mental pictures to help me understand a passage or concept. Worries themselves are like balloons that have not been inflated. They are simply passing thoughts of what could come to pass. But when we start to meditate on and embellish those thoughts, we begin to inflate the balloon. The more we meditate on (worry) about the matter, the larger the balloon becomes. We can let those renegade thoughts continue until the balloon reaches its full capacity and you know what happens then…pop! It explodes and little pieces fly everywhere. By this time, our nerves are shot…literally!

But have you ever seen anyone who does balloon art? It’s so cool! They blow balloons to probably three-quarter capacity and then they make them into wonderfully fun shapes that bring joy to the onlookers. They twist and tie and manipulate those elasticized containers of air into objects of joy…a graceful swan, a cute puppy, a lovely flower. Why can’t we learn to do that with the anxious thoughts and worries that try to invade our lives and fill our minds until we reach the breaking point?

When worrisome thoughts come, and they will…when they start to inflate your mind with all sorts of scenarios that likely will not even come to past…stop! Realize what is happening and turn those thoughts around. Twist them and tie them and turn them around until they are totally transformed into something beautiful that fills you with joy and gladness and complete peace…so much so, that it spills over onto those around you!

You may be thinking…well, that is a lovely illustration, but how do I possibly go about it? Well, if you call yourself a Believer, do you or do you not believe God’s Word? Do you believe the verse that says that He will work ALL things for good to those who believe? (Romans 8:28) Do you believe that He will meet ALL your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus? (Philippians 4:19) Do you believe that He loves you with an everlasting love? (Psalm 103:17) Do you believe that He directs your steps and delights in every detail of your life? (Psalm 37:23) Well then, begin meditating on these thoughts and start turning those worries around to objects of beauty! Let’s make some beautiful works of art from what is trying to cause us potential disaster! The minute the worries try to creep in, recognize it and start turning them around! God is faithful. He will NEVER let you down!

 Give all your worries and cares to God,
for he cares about you.
I Peter 5:7 NLT

BEWARE OF BUG BITES

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BUG BITE
SONG: MY LORD WON’T LET ME DOWN

Let us strip off every weight that slows us down,
especially the sin that so easily trips us up.
And let us run with endurance the race
God has set before us.
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus,
the Champion Who initiates and perfects our faith.
Hebrews 12:1b
New Living Translation

I woke up in the middle of the night the other night with an itch. An itch is such a small thing, but has the ability to make one miserable to the point of screaming…especially if for some reason you can’t scratch it. I discovered the source of this itch was a bug bite…on my stomach, no less. Now how did a bug get to my stomach to bite me? It’s an absolute mystery! Anyway, back to my story… I was so comfortable in my warm, soft bed, not to mention extremely sleepy. I didn’t want to get up to put cream on it, so I procrastinated for a while. But eventually I realized that the itch was not going away without some intervention on my part. So I boost my resolve, get out of bed, find the cortisone cream and apply it. The relief was not instantaneous; nevertheless I knew it was on its way.

You may be thinking to yourself, “What in the world does a bug bite have to do with the things of God. As you know from reading my devotionals, the Lord uses the simplest things to get a point across to me. (Hey, I’ll have no comments on that one, please!) Anyway, as I pass them on to you, hopefully we both will learn a spiritual truth. The Bible talks about how a small amount of sin can wreak havoc in our lives. And just like that bug bite, it can cause a large amount of discomfort. That bug didn’t buzz in front of me as if to say, “I’m going to bite you now!” Nor does the devil announce to us the plans for his subtle temptations. He sneaks up on you and attacks you in the most unexpected places. At first you feel an itch, a little discomfort, as though something in your spirit man is not quite right…those thoughts you’ve been having…those words you’ve been speaking. But if you don’t get out of your comfort zone and apply the Word of God to the area, not only will you have no relief, but the poison will spread. A guy in my office had a spider bite. That’s the worst kind of bug bite! If it is left unattended, the poison can get into your bloodstream and cause severe complications. Jesus said sin is like that. He likened it to a small amount of yeast put into dough. That tiny bit works its way through and eventually permeates the entire lump, making it rise to double or even triple proportions. It is so important that we be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. If you have the slightest feeling that something is not right, deal with it immediately. Don’t allow it to spread. Some of my friends lovingly tease me about the fact that when I say something I know I shouldn’t have, I immediately say, “Father, forgive me.” It’s because right away I feel a check by the Holy Spirit. I want to do what’s right, but once again that “bug of sin” bites me and I have to apply the healing Balm of God’s Grace to keep the poison from spreading.

Therefore submit to God, Resist the Devil,
and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 NKJV

DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE SPIDERS

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LILAH SLEEPING

At that time the disciples came up and asked Jesus,
Who then is [really] the greatest
in the kingdom of heaven?
And He called a little child to Himself
and put him in the midst of them,
And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent
(change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving],
you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].
Whoever will humble himself therefore
and become like this little child
[trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving]
is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:1-4 AMP

Have you ever heard of the show back in the days of black and white TV called “Kids Say the Darndest Things”? It was hosted by Art Linkletter and was very popular for a long time. It was based on the premise that you never know what kids will say when asked certain questions. Most young children just “tell it as they see it” with no reservations or filters. It can be quite humorous at times (or embarrassing), which accounts for the popularity of the show.

While adults often get caught up in the politics of things, children just look at the facts and accept them in blind trust. Why else would they accept it when they ask a parent why they can’t do a certain thing and the parent says, “Because I said so!”. End of conversation.

Jesus knew the trusting, loving, humility of little children when He told the disciples that the only way to attain greatness in the kingdom of God is to attain the purity of spirit that children display…the honesty, the blind trust in the things of God. We, as adults, tend to complicate things too much. Have I prayed enough? Do I have unconfessed sin? Have I been good enough? If all those things are necessary for us to come before God, why do we need Jesus blood? Those things are based on pride…what do “I” need to do? Jesus has done it all. We need to come before Him in faith in what He has already done!

Having four granddaughters, I have the perfect example. How it blessed my heart when my daughter gave me the following testimony of God’s goodness! My almost three year old granddaughter, Lilah, had not been sleeping well for months. She would wake up several times each night crying and screaming that there were spiders in her bed. We had no idea where the fear started, but we knew who started it…the enemy of our peace, Satan himself! My daughter prayed with her and I prayed for her every night before going to bed.

A few days ago, at this writing, Lilah stood beside her bed and told her mom, “God helped me with the spiders. Jesus tell me not to be scared of spiders an’ then He give me a hug. Then I hugged Jesus an’ He give me a kiss an’ I said, ‘Ewwww, dat was gross…like dat.’”

She has had no problem sleeping since then. Our God is so good and He does answer prayers! He knew what it would take to comfort my granddaughter and He revealed Himself to her in a very special way. Lilah related the experience in a very matter-of-fact manner. She knew what Jesus did and it was no big deal. It was just Jesus being Jesus.  Why don’t you let Him be Jesus in your life today!

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.
Don’t stop them!
For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those
who are like these children.”
Matthew 19:14 NLT