You've Gotta See This!

Come and see what God has done,
    the amazing things he has done for people.

Psalm 66:5 

 

If we take the time to stop and look around, we will see some truly amazing things that God has done.  If you've ever seen the beautiful crystal blue waters of the Caribbean or the sunrise peeking over the mountains, or the smile of a newborn, or being greeted by your bride....then you understand how amazing is God.  

 

Sometimes we just need to be reminded to be observant of  all that God has done for us, is doing for us and will do for us. Watch a child discover the world around them.  The first time they see the sea and go collecting seashells.  

We miss so much when we keep out nose to the grindstone and trudge through one day after another without ever daring to be astounded.  How daring are you?  Are you daring enough  to ask God to reveal to you just how mind blowing He is?

 

 If you want to be truly amazed, ask God to amaze you!  Ask him to open your eyes to all the wonders He has given us.

"No One Understands!"

What exists now is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done;
there is nothing truly new on earth.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 

 

What if I told you that there is absolutely nothing new on the Earth?  It's true!  There is NOTHING new on the Earth, but there's quite a bit that is new to us!  Think about it this way, everything you have endured; everything you are going through; everything you will experience in the future....someone has already endured, gone through, experienced and has come out on the other side.  

 

The fact that there is absolutely nothing new under the sun is also some of the best news ever, because that means there's nothing that God is not already aware of and already has a plan in place.  Got moved?  God's not surprised.  In fact, He arranged it on purpose.  Situation changed?  True, we don't really like change.  But change still is nothing that God isn't already aware of and already has a plan in place.

 

No matter what our situation, there is nothing that surprises God.  In fact, God has already been there and has a plan.  Sometimes we just don't see it right away.  Perspective is a wonderful thing (and God created that too).

 

 

Thank You!

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, 

forgiving one another, 

just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

 

We've all seen people getting awards for their service and for the things they do to make the lives of others better.  I am always extremely proud when someone I know is recognized for their hard work.  But they aren't the only people who deserve recognition.

 

I hope you will permit me a moment of pride.  I would like to draw your attention to the Corps of Chaplains who work with First Responders.  This group prays for and with First Responders who deal with and face humanity at its worst.  These dedicated Chaplains go to the scenes to help the Responders and sometimes the families of the victims.  Let me tell you a truth, sometimes it wears on you.  

 

I love my job!  I truly do love the people I get to work with in the Chaplain Ministry, whether they have heard me say it or not, I'm saying it now: 

 

Thank You!  I Appreciate YOU because God has put you right where you are needed.  Thank you for being that person of comfort for those who need to be comforted.  Thank you for being that person who prays for others whether they know you are praying for them or not.  Thank you for being supportive of the Chaplain Program. Thank you for being supportive and encouraging to each other.  Thank You! 

Appreciating others is a form of love and caring.  Let's be more Appreciative of Each Other thus expressing the love that God has shown to all of us!

 

Tired? Weary? There's Good News!

He gives power to the weak
    and strength to the powerless.

Isaiah 40:29

 

I've learned a few things this week and they were more like "face palm" moments.  

 

First, I am not nearly as strong as I believed.  People sometimes look at those in ministry and think, "They have it all together and have not weaknesses or struggles."  Ummm...confession time, I DO have weaknesses and struggles and I don't have anything all together.  As a matter of fact, there have been several times over the last year when I felt completely helpless.  

 

Second, I don't have to have everything all together.  It's normal to have struggles.  It's normal to feel lacking in the internal strength department.  Why? Because, it's been proven to me over and over and someday I hope to actually remember the lesson, if I could do everything myself.....God would be out of a job.

 

Finally, as a child of God, I get to rest in Him knowing full well that, no matter what happens, He will make good out of it.  God is just that wise and strong.  When I feel lost and struggling, I can always go to Him and hand Him my bundle of bothers and get out of His way.  When I get out of God's way and let Him handle the situations that is when the amazing happens.  

 

I am still learning to let God deal with my struggles.  Like I said, God has proven to me over and over how amazing His plans are, but I'm something of a slow student. 

 

Appreciation and Appreciated

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

Philippians 1:3 

 

In this age where everyone is supposed to get a trophy for trying, it's sometimes hard to truly express to someone that they are really appreciated, even if they aren't the best of the best.  Let's face it, when we feel appreciated we are willing to go that extra mile.  But how do we do that without becoming cliche? 

 

There are many ways to show appreciation:

     How about a handwritten note reminding the person that while no one says it, but their hard work has not gone unnoticed and they are appreciated?

 

I have shared this with several people and I think it still holds true, back when the flooding caused so much damage and chaos, the Deputies were working long hours in the heat and were having to listen to people vent their anger about their situation.  And I appreciated being allowed by some of these officers to tag along with them.  But the thing I found to be most meaningful was a relatively small church came to one of the Regional substations with coffee, cold drinks and some food for the Deputies and each one of the paper cups used for the beverages had a handwritten note to the Deputy expressing appreciation (and here's the kicker) written by children.

 

Many months later, the cups have long since gone to the landfill, but several of those messages still have a place in the visor of some of the Deputies.  

 

Let me put it this way, gifts are easy.....expressing appreciation isn't so much, but is worth the effort. 

In The Know

The Lord directs our steps,
    so why try to understand everything along the way?

Proverbs 20:24 

 

If you have children, you probably know that one of their favorite questions to ask is "Why?".  And they will ask it over and over and over until you are ready to ship them off to Grandma's for a month.  I'm not saying that I was ever such a child, but I will admit to being very curious.  Even as an adult I am still very curious, trying to understand why something happened the way it did or why someone acted the way they did, and sometimes I wonder if God ever gets tired of me asking "Why?".  Then today's verse was laid before my eyes.

 

Finally, I had one of the many answers I have been asking God for since I was a child.  I don't need to understand EVERYTHING along life's journey.  I just need to follow the path God sets before me.  I may not like some of the places He has for me to travel, but I trust Him.  I may not like some of the people He has for me to meet, but I trust Him.

 

Believe it or not, God really does make our life so much easier when we let Him be in control!

Tired of Being Weary

“Who kept the sea inside its boundaries
    as it burst from the womb,
and as I clothed it with clouds
    and wrapped it in thick darkness?
For I locked it behind barred gates,
    limiting its shores.
I said, ‘This far and no farther will you come.
    Here your proud waves must stop!’

Job 38:8-11 

Have you ever been so discouraged that you wondered what God was doing?  I have.  To be honest, when I get discouraged my porcupine personality makes its appearance.  I can be irritable and, if the reactions are to be believed, crabby.  I have spent many an hour talking with God about the reasons I have felt discouraged and burned out.  And, unlike those who have turned away from me, God has a wonderful sense of loving humor. This morning was one of those times where I felt like just another kick in the face.  Then when I pulled up the devotion for this morning, God reminded me of something:

I'm NOT God.....therefore, I'm not the one in control of everything or everyone.  As a matter of fact, I mess things up far more often than I get them right, so I need to let God do His job!  And guess what?  When I stop trying to do God's job, then I feel much more at ease with His plans.

God put EVERYTHING and EVERYONE where HE needs them for HIS purposes.  The only thing I need to do is keep the conversation open and be ready to step up and walk alongside someone who may be as discouraged and defeated as I have felt.  God comforts us so we can comfort others....how about that?

The Great Pretender

Don’t just pretend to love others. 

Really love them. 

Hate what is wrong. 

Hold tightly to what is good.

Romans 12:9

 

One of the most fun times, as a child, was playing pretend.  We would pretend to be cops and robbers.  We would pretend to be superheros.  And if there was a refrigerator box or a stove box, the pretending kicked into high gear!  But pretending was part of the adventure of growing up.  When did pretending become part of being a grown-up?

 

I was a Communications Major in college with an emphasis on Theater Arts.  As such, I took part in several productions where I was expected to play a part (pretending).  We were taught that on the day of the performance (which was in the evening) we were supposed to "get into character" and pretend to be that character all day.  There were times when my friends most likely believed my only part in all the productions was as the village idiot.  

 

But think for a moment how we still pretend as adults.  I've seen people who will smile to your face and even I can tell it's fake. There are people who will pretend to care and then push you out of their way.  When do we stop pretending and be honest?

 

Read Paul's words to the church in Rome again: "Don't just pretend to love others. REALLY love them! Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good."  Today would be a good day to stop pretending and being honest with God, yourself and others, don't you think?

 

Rescued....Are You Grateful?

The righteous person faces many troubles,
    but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

Psalm 34:19 

 

The photo is of our dog Woody Bear who was a rescue.  He's had a difficult life and was not sure if he could trust us for a while.  But slowly, little by little, he is understanding that he is loved.  In fact, when I have my morning coffee, I sit on the couch and rub his tummy and remind him that he is loved (hence the expression on his face).

 

Now if we shift gears for a moment, how many will volunteer that they have been through some rough times in their life?  I will.  I still struggle with some of them. And even though there are few people who have any idea what it's like in my head and heart, I know they struggle too.  You see, God created us to be social.  In fact, if you remember in Paul's Letter to the Church in Galatia, he reminds us to "Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."  

 

Why do I bring that up?  Because even thought we face many troubles, God has a way of bringing people into our lives that can help us through our struggles.  God has a plan for each of us and sometimes that plan involves being the one reaching out to help and sometimes that plan involves being the one reaching out for help.  

 

We are in this together, whether we like it or not, so let's help each other and ask God to open our hearts, souls, ears and eyes for opportunities to help rescue someone. And also ask God to open our hearts, souls, ears and eyes so that we are not afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.  God comes to the rescue every single time, sometimes we merely have to be aware that help comes in God's way, which is probably not the way we expected.

 

Ponder that. 

Gluttons For Punishment?

Your kindness will reward you,
    but your cruelty will destroy you.

Proverbs 11:17 

 

Are you a driven person?  Are you the type who simply will not stop until the job is finished, regardless the cost?  Are you among those who willingly sacrifice everything, including your family and your own health, to get the job done?  Do you push yourself without letting up?  Do you find yourself anxious, frustrated, irritated, and even angry by things you cannot control?

 

You see, we ALL are like that to some degree.  We ALL have things we want to accomplish.  We ALL have dreams and goals.  We ALL push ourselves, at times, beyond the point of being healthy.

 

I was recently reminded, rather unkindly, by one of our volunteer Chaplains, who shall remain anonymous (but it "not" Chris Hutnyak), that I'm not as young as I used to be.  This Chaplain even told me that he was glad to know someone who was there when the Ark was built.  After my heart started again, I realized that he was right.  You see, I had allowed the Chaplaincy to take over my life, and I needed to be reminded that it's okay to take a vacation to prevent burnout.  Still not thrilled with the whole "there when the Ark was built" comment, but that's another point for another day.

 

How can we take care of others if we don't take care of ourselves?  We treat others with kindness, yet we punish ourselves by not stopping to take a breath or a break.  And being cruel to ourselves WILL destroy us!  How do I know?  I've already had one quadruple bypass surgery....because I didn't take time to unwind and relax and take better care of myself.

 

I heard a proverb, but I can't remember where (no cracks about age please) that said, "The unmended bucket is of no use to anyone."  Take time to take care of yourself!

How Dangerous Do You Dare?

Investigate my life, O God,
    find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me,
    get a clear picture of what I’m about;
See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong—
    then guide me on the road to eternal life.

Psalm 139:23-24 

If your life were open for everyone to see, every single part of it; every word, every thought, every deed...EVERY part....how would you feel?  Everyone has parts of their lives they want to keep private and secret (although with social media, I wonder sometimes).  Would you dare to ask even your closest friend to delve into the very corners and locked rooms of your life?

I've heard people proudly proclaim that they fear nothing.  Okay, I'm not one of those people, but I wonder how many of those "fearless" people would lay themselves bare and ask God to search them thoroughly, testing every thought and deed against His Measure of Truth and Purity?

One of the things I have to remind the Department Members I get to serve is, "I can't help if I don't know what's going on."  Yet God knows everything that is going on with us but sometimes He waits for us to decide to let Him deal with us about it.  

1 John 1:9 reminds us that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  Confession means we reveal to Him that we have messed up.  Are you brave enough to Dare to pray such a Dangerous Prayer and ask God to search your heart, mind and soul, and then help you correct what He finds?

It's frightening to think about, and it takes guts to do it, but the results will astound and comfort you. 

It Ain't Over Yet!

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.

1 Peter 1:6 

 

There's Good News and then there's Not So Good News.  Ever notice that Good News almost always seems to come with a catch?  

 

The Good News is that WONDERFUL JOY is ahead for believers. That's God's promise to us.

 

The Not So Good News is we will have to endure many trials for a bit before we get to the Joy.

 

I hear the groans and moans every Monday morning.  For some, I hear the moans and groans about having a quiet shift.  For some, I hear moans and groans about everything.

 

But God is telling us, through Peter, that we are to be glad because once we have endured (yes you WILL endure, so don't quit) you will receive God's promised joy!

 

Whatever you are enduring now, just remember that God has promised that it's not going forever, but His promised joy is forever! 

Just Thinking....

Be careful how you think for your life is shaped by your thoughts.

Proverbs 4:23

Remember the old computer adage "Garbage In, Garbage Out"?  Yeah, I'm old enough to remember that and you may stop chuckling any time now.  The reason I bring it up is so we can consider our minds.  Think about all that out minds absorb every single day.  Our eyes see things, our ears hear things, our nose smells things, out skin touches things, and the mind processes everything (whether we like it, understand it, or not).

I've noted before that one of my favorite theologians is George Carlin for the mere fact that he  made me think.  He got it right when he said, "The church was all about the mind.  If you think it....you've done it so save your cab fare!"  And he wasn't kidding.

Sun Tzu, considered the father of modern warfare, said: "Convince the enemy you are stronger then he and you have already won the battle."  Isn't that what our enemy does to us?  Doesn't he convince us that "it's just a thought, no harm, no foul"?  Yet consider this, Thought precedes action!  

In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul reminds us where to focus our thoughts:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is TRUE, whatever is WORTHY OF RESPECT, whatever is JUST, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is COMMENDABLE, if something is EXCELLENT or PRAISEWORTHY, think about these things.

Be careful what you let into your mind.  That which controls your mind IS your god!

Imagine The Power

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them

Matthew 18:20 

 When you hear the word "Power" what comes to mind?  Perhaps political power.  Perhaps military power.  But what about the power that comes through Christ?  Let's think about that for a moment.  

For all the years of my life in which I heard this verse, I thought it applied to prayer.  And....it does.  However, if we limit it to just prayer, we miss so much more!  Imagine if two or three are gathered together in Jesus' Name to ENCOURAGE you.  Imagine of two or three are gathered in Jesus' Name to help you move or fix your car or cut your grass or take you to lunch or gathered to comfort you during a time of struggle.

The point I want you to see here is that there is true POWER when God's People come together in Jesus' Name! 

Down But Not Out!

There Will Come A Day

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. ⁴ He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Revelation 21:3-4

Have you ever messed up so badly that you wished you could get another clean start?  Yeah, I have.  Sometimes, no matter what you try to do it just turns out wrong, and you wish you could start again.  Have you ever been hurt so badly that you wish the one(s) who hurt you would feel the way you do?  Yeah.....me too.

Now, look at today's passage again:  

     *  God will make His home among His people. 

     *  He will wipe every tear from our eyes.

     *  There will be NO MORE death

     *  There will be NO MORE sorrow

     *  There will be NO MORE crying

     *  There will be NO MORE pain.

"ALL THESE THINGS ARE GONE FOREVER!"

I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to that day.  Each and every day we choose how to treat each other.......we CHOOSE!  Choose wisely! 

Leaving A Lasting Impression

1 In the past, God spoke through the prophets to our ancestors in many times and many ways. ² In these final days, though, he spoke to us through a Son. God made his Son the heir of everything and created the world through him. ³ The Son is the light of God’s glory and the imprint of God’s being. He maintains everything with his powerful message. After he carried out the cleansing of people from their sins, he sat down at the right side of the highest majesty. ⁴ And the Son became so much greater than the other messengers, such as angels, that he received a more important title than theirs.

Hebrews 1:1-4

When you think of the word IMPRINT what comes to mind?  Something I have learned during my tenure with the Sheriff’s Department is that everything we touch leaves our imprint on it. For example, my fingers leave an imprint.  This imprint identifies who I am.

But what has that got to do with Hebrews 1? 

Let’s camp here for a moment.  Think of all that have left a lasting imprint on you! Friends, relatives, books, music, movie scenes…..

Consider this:  When God made a model of His own likeness and breathed into it the breath of life...He left His lasting imprint of each and every one of us!

In the past, God spoke to us through many ways!  All we have to do is think for a moment, and that’s all I want you to do, just think for a moment.  God gives us His message in so many ways every single day.  

Do you think the universe just happened?  Do you think that everything on this spinning ball just happened by itself? No!  Look in verse 2: The Son is the light of God’s glory and the imprint of God’s being. He maintains everything with his powerful message. 

Everything and everyone is maintained by the very word of God the Son!  Every single tree grows, bears fruit, and falls because of the word of God the Son, who is the reflection of the glory and IMPRINT of God’s very being!

One of the people who left a HUGE imprint on my life was my Grampa.  My Grampa was proof to me that you didn’t need a lot of book learning to be wise!  Many of the things he told me have left an indelible imprint on my life:

· “If you walk through the pasture, you’re going to step in it, so leave your shoes at the door.”

· “If a snake drops in your boat, let him have it.  If you miss, let him have the boat.”

· “If you want to know if God loves you, check to see if you are breathing.  If you are, then you have your answer.”

You see, as we go through our daily lives, we leave imprints wherever we go and on every life we have contact. 

Will there be people who will not like the imprint we leave on them?  Absolutely!

Even Jesus had people who didn’t like Him or His message and could not care less about His sacrifice for them. But He didn’t let that stop Him from leaving imprints as He went through His life, did it?