DUSTERONOMY

A recent sermon by ABC elder Mark Andrews, in Texas on the fruit of the Spirit....focused on the aspect of faithfulness. 

The opposite of faithfulness is forgetfulness. Pithy with a punch! 

I'm still musing on it. One cannot remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ, if they forget who He is! God's son. Our sovereign Savior!

Emphasizing how the faithful love the Lord and serve others, he used reminders from Deuteronomy of the same truths.

He encouraged listeners to explore one of the most quoted and alluded to OT books in the NT. (Allusions are important but can be difficult to measure) 

Narrowing it down to the top 3, I became interested in Deuteronomy as earlier, Mr. Andrews had used the term, Dusteronomy. Being more familiar with Psalms and Isaiah, I decided to "dust off" the verses of Deuteronomy and ask the LORD for contextual clarity as I begin to study this 5th and final book of the Pentateuch! 

Emphasis loving God and serving others.

When asked the greatest commandment, Jesus, in Mark 12:30 cited Deuteronomy 6:5, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." 

Seems like a good place to start my dusting!

CLOSET COLLECTION!

Drizzly beginning to the day. Three tries to procure the right clothes for a much needed early (9am) morning walk. 

Decision making is not my strong suit. Emotional struggles can be more difficult than physical. How does one dress appropriately for each new day? Regardless of the weather or emotions?

Therein lies the question! 

The correct answer was a spiritual one. 

"Put on" a new self. Wear the clothing of Christ---humility and love each new day.

When one seeks the things above, one's mind becomes set on things above, appropriate apparel for all days. 

When I opened my closet door I had affirmation on the chest inside.

God's got this!

FRIDAY FOCUS!

This week my prayer focus has been for many who are battling medical maladies, especially cancer, individually or alongside their spouse and unexpected difficulties.

May the Lord continue to be their counsel and refuge as I shared with several of them. 

Psalm 16:8 emphasizes one's intentional focus on God as a source of His Presence granting protection.

To focus on a particular verse I use Bible Gateway with the verse citation.

 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2016%3A8&version=ESV

At that point, I have access to read the full chapter for context or select the verse in all English translation. For me, that adds depth to my focus.

Over 50 versions are listed. If I don't understand the abbreviation, I can click on it and the source is shown.

Today's jottings showed me positional differences as well as outcomes which have become today's "Friday Focus"! 

I am the one doing the setting---continually (AMP & NASB), 

always keeping eyes on the LORD (NIV)--sounds like focus.

The word for LORD in all caps, Jehovah (ASV, YLT), ADONAI (CJB, TLV) & Yahweh (NOG)

Why keep the LORD set before me at my right hand? 

So I am not shaken. (ESV, NASB +) I am not moved. (18 versions) I will not slide. (GNV) I will not be defeated. (ERV) I will not be upset. I will not stumble or fall.  (TLB) I will not be hurt. (ICB)

I will be protected from fear. (CEV) I will stand firm. (ISV) I will always be secure. (NIRV)

FOCUS! FOCUS!! FOCUS!!!

PRAYER CHAIR PROMPTS!

SCRIPTURE PROMPTING PRAISES!

He tends His flock like a Shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. (Isaiah 40:11)

PRAISES for a LORD who keeps us close to His heart!

POWERFUL HEARTFELT WORDS!

A timely card from a talented friend brightened my day. 

I thank my God in all remembrance of her. (Philippians 1:3) She uses God's word to share that she" holds me in her heart." (Philippians 1:4)

On a week when I await the funeral of two friends' husbands, those words offer comfort that I can pray for them as well! 

"When I pray for you, my heart is full.....for you have a very special place in my heart." 

BUT GOD.....1

Blue skies. Green trees. Milder temps.

All magnified by a phrase from God's word on a car in the parking lot.

Walking slowly holding hubby's arm and  praying for friends who last week were labeled wives and this week are leaning into the LORD even more as widows who will be attending the funeral of their late husbands this week.

Though all around them circumstances have changed, both have clearly understood the importance of "but God" who in His love and mercy has provided many prayerful saints as their prayer warriors and helpers.

O Lord continue to be their "refuge and the strength of their heart and portion forever."

THANKFUL THURSDAY CONCLUDES WITH A GREAT BOOK1

When eyes grow weak an avid reader might struggle. But God in His love and mercy has provided all the tech needed for audio books or 

'books on tape" as they were dubbed in the 80s. I know because as I read aloud years ago to a blind friend paralyzed friend, I would leave audio books set up for him on weeks I would be unable to visit & his caregiver would just press start. He dubbed them life savers!

In the past year, I have listened to a few audible books on my Libby app, but none as timely as The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs.Kip by Sara Brunsvoid, a Christy Award - and Carol Award- winning author who creates stories of hope.

It has been a Godsend since my recent short hospital stay 2 weeks ago followed by rest for recuperation to "hear" of a spirited septuagenerian spending her final season of life in a care facility. The audio book is enriched as "narrator" Sara Farrington is excellent!

An enjoyable book of hope, regardless of circumstances. 

A great reminder of the importance of dying to self, again and again in order to serve others well.

How thankful I am for that reminder!!

HEART RESTORATION!

3 Rs of Heart Restoration.

Last night my heart monitor quit.

I never saw the signals. Beeps and Blinks. 

I never felt the alerts. 

Hubby reread instructions......which I couldn't understand.

Restoration was needed. Guidelines were required for recharging.

I called the "24/7 hotline". The answering machine suggested going to emergency room or calling back M-F between 8 and 5 pm EST.

Whatever happened to truth in advertising!?

How grateful I am for the Lord's restoration of my heart. He is truly available 24/7! Revival comes through prayer! True Heart revival. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
1Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. (Psalm 51:10-12)

His word has all the instructions clearly written, understandable & ever available via the Holy Spirit......for relatable, renewing, reviving of one's heart.

BLOSSOMS!

Blooming where planted regardless of circumstances, even aging, has one flourishing and producing fruit. Think blossoming spiritually!

Fruit bearing is a result of spending time with the Lord whether in bed, on a prayer walk, sitting on a front porch or in a prayer chair!

The godly will flourish......even in old age! (Psalm 92:12, 14 NLT)

PITHY PONDERINGS!

How doe one survive the storms of life?

(Tim Keller faith in Christ reminder to "rest in Him."

Hope in the One whose name is majestic in all the earth. (Psalm 8:1, 9)

He is "our" God.

In short, to survive the storms of life, stay in the boat with Him!