COMPLICATED PILGRIM!

Life is  complicated..........to say the least! But God, is there for those who turn to Him in faith! Life on earth is temporary for His children who have the hope of eternity with Him. According to John Bunyan, life in the ""Celestial City" is sought by many pilgrims who have 

Hope in Him enhances our fellowship. What about our relationship toward those who choose not to know God? Follow God's leading comes to mind. Bunyan, in Pilgrim's Progress says, "You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."

He (God) is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). 

Open the door of your heart and invite them to sup with you in kindness. That might be a bit tricky but it's not complicated! 

Begin your day with a humble heart. Supersize your order with kindness verses.*

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32).

 

When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us…”  (Titus 3:4). 

Truth from God's Word is not complicated for His pilgrims!

*Several "pilgrims" in Memphis, TN joined together at Complicated Pilgrim restaurant 21 South Cooper to share fellowship along with a variety of delicious culinary options........including the best french fries any had ever had!

It's not complicated....food and fellowship go well together!

HOPE-RENEWING STRENGTH

Essentials of life are faith, hope and love. My focus this year has been on hope!

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scotty-smith/a-prayer-for-drawing-strength-from-our-tireless-hope-renewing-god

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isa. 40:28-31

Gracious Father, thank you for providing your timely Word and prayers of others this week,  As Scotty S. once said, Our God who speaks truth through his word, does not stutter. I often speak in circles, but not the Lord. I grow tired and weary, but not my Father God. 

How grateful I am to be your child, O Lord and I'm thanking you today for renewing my heart, replenishing my strength and refreshing my hope.

My hope is in you, loving Father, who grants unending mercy through your son Jesus. 

LEFT HANGING!

Ever been in a lurch?! A vulnerable and unsupported position.

Think……….left hanging!    Dangling!!

Even worse......hanging upside down for almost 30 minutes! 

It can happen anytime. Anywhere! (Even peeing and vomiting) It doesn't have to be on a broken 10 story high pendulum ride at Oaks Park amusement park  in Oregon.

Precarious pendulum dubbed AtmosFEAR had commentators' catastrophic remarks loudly calling out, "Oh my God...." and "Jesus Christ."

I prayed for safety of the riders along with hopes that the commentator who used the personal pronoun "my" for God, truly knew Him. Who do people call out to in distressing, uncertain times? We all know the "correct" answer. 

But God.....puts answers in His Word.* During stress, those might come quickly or maybe relegated to one word. "Help."

But God won't leave you hanging!

*Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” - (Isaiah 41:10)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - (Joshua 1:9)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble....(Psalm 46:1)

He asks us to take our fears, worries, and anxieties to Him because He cares about us and wants good things for our lives (1 Peter 5:7).

SPIRITUAL MARKERS!

According to Blackaby in today's Experiencing God, "spiritual memory is crucial in the Christian life." Such memories identify decision-making times when one clearly knows God guided them. This is clearly pointed out in our Jordan River Rules book study with the words given to the Israelites when God instructed them to build a monument on the banks of the Jordan River. 

Important moments in all our lives encourage us as we clearly recall God's guidance during times of decision when His direction was needed and provided. 

These Ebenezer stones of sorts, stones of help, give the sense of direction needed as one faces future decisions.

Keep your compass at hand.........

..................Spiritual markers for Spiritual Decisions.

NEARNESS OF GOD!

Five words or less! 

"I will be with you." (Joshua 1:9)

As "Coming to Light Bible Study" calls it---"5 minute Friday."

NEAR.......closeness in proximity.  Accessible in a heart to heart intimate way regardless of virtual distance.

Jordan River Rules book study folks have learned much of nearness of God this month. Even when some are absent, they have been near in Spirit. Kathie G. even shares an Isaiah verse reminder for us.

Give Cheer! God is near!

Don't veer. Stay near!

GOD'S DIRECTIONS!

How does one follow God's will.....for His purpose and His glory!

Directions are needed. Directions are found in His word! Trust is key. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Sometimes I desire specifics. 

Sometimes God clearly leads.....follow the narrow path and turn toward the cross!

Clarity of direction is needed, O Lord!

HEART CHOICES!

Why can some decisions seem so difficult? 

I love Scotty Smith's * illustration of ease in decision making as he stands at the cereal and chooses the one that is "buy one, get one free."

I prefer those "easy" choices, because I know the outcome of those decisions. Cereal Decision = Money Saved! A lure for a frugal lady!

Other decisions require a spiritual compass for me and still give me "heart knots." (a Scotty term) Yet, knowing God leads in many ways---through his word, prayers and the counsel of others.....discerning His will, as one decides, can still be difficult.

One thing I do know is our heart choices must honor Jesus first.

*More food for thought from Scotty Smith--

In our time-framed decisions, what will honor you the most, Jesus? What choice is most in keeping with the truth and rhythms of the Gospel? Are we running from something for which you haven’t given us running shoes yet? Are we seeking, seeing proverbial “greener pastures” that, like all pastures, turn brown in time? May your peace rule in our hearts, as we discern and decide.

TRUE STARS!

Whether physical or spiritual, increasing the maturity level of a real champion requires much exercise. (1 Peter 5:3)

Weights or Bible---Lift both.  

Listen to others, whether a coach or a pastor.

Daily choose the combo way of exercise and faith. (Psalm 119:30)

 Your life might be the only way, others see Jesus, as you show love to others. (John 13:35)

A true star walks the talk! (Matthew 5:16)

Let's start our week this way! (Ephesians 5:1-2)

WORDS TO LIVE BY...........

WORDS TO LIVE BY---from your wedding day, June 15, 2024.........

Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV)

12) Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13) Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. 14) And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful, 16) Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 

17) And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the 

Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

.......until the day you die!

CASTING CARES!

Casting is difficult in the rushing waters of Deep Creek according to son-in-law Corey. It can also be difficult in Colorado according to my nephew Ryan, who ties his own flies  Casting is difficult. From getting better at casting to fly-fishing is what grandson Caleb works on all the time in his fishing adventures.

I, on the other hand, had to have lessons years ago on "casting."  Celebrating in Serenbe, GA as  the "Baby" of our group turned 60, we all gave it a try. I didn't learn much but it was so fun exploring "the "high church" of fishing which fly-fishing has been labeled. (Fishing gear hard to see but we did have some. It came with an instructor.)

As we have all aged exponentially, we have learned the need for casting. 

Nowadays, "casting" is the importance of letting go of "what ifs" of medical testing and the "fear of the ramifications of the latest malady" discovered. Lots of praying. Lots of fellowship on the same side of the struggle as we groan with and for one-another. Casting for a fish is nothing compared to the need to cast our anxieties and worries for each other to the only One who can bring comfort. Jesus, who cares for each of us, His children! 

Lately, as the cares of our hearts are many, His consolations cheer our souls. (Psalm 94:19)

So.....I keep prayerfully "casting" for dear friends.

OVERFLOW OF THE HEART!

HEART- FULNESS is necessary for overflow.

What about a weary heart? Is your heart filled to capacity with fatigue?

Be careful! Our words give proof of what is filling our heart. Our heart controls our  tongue.

Conviction! My fatigue infested heart spews complaints of my maladies way too often lately!

Today's devotional from Experiencing God 6/13 begins with "But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart"....(Matthew 15:18)

 In my first read through I marked 10 hearts. Heart focus! You think!

May I look to you Lord. You are the heart and heartbeat of the gospel.

Use me, O Lord,  even in my weariness, to speak your words to "encourage and edify others" today! (Experiencing God, p.165)

GOD'S DIRECTION!

How does one read the compass of God's direction. Study His Word. Follow His direction. All are answers I've heard from believers. Robert J. Morgan gives ideas in his Jordan River Rules book, which our group has been reading together.

Morgan sees the center of the compass as a deep conviction of God's sovereignty. All agreed knowing that the Lord is in control....not us! Morgan also espouses that the circumfrance of the compass is wholehearted willingness. In the book of Joshua we have been encouraged to meditate on Scripture day and night, standing on the promise that we can be strong and courageous, knowing "the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8-9) 

Standing on God's promise of His Presence has sustained us .

For those directionally challenged, a visual is often helpful! 

N= Nearness aka his Presence (Morgan, p.53)

S= Scripture leads to divine truth (IBID, 53)

E=Entrusting every detail to the One who knows the path He has uniquely for us

W=Wise plans, a watchful heart & waiting on Him; result=His way to move forward

So grateful for believers together......who desire to follow God's directions to the path of righteousness which is found in Christ alone. (Acts 4:12)

As we seek to move forward in life may we all clearly hear His voice saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)

R.I.P.

R.I.P. NO. It's not Rest in Peace.

It's a play on words for wanting to be ripped. As athletes in my small town seemed to always be exercising for football and other sports, they spoke "gym-lish" often. Gym-lish is English with an athletic reference, some of which I didn't even understand as it was locker-room talk according to my brothers.

Ripped was one I did understand They wore muscle shirts to display their biceps.

These days it's even a part of a Keto Gummies ad.

Even a 5 year old gets the idea.*

What about our well-developed prayer muscles? We need to keep "exercising" even when we are weary and prayer seems difficult. Spiritual exercise is needed!

The acronym I needed today!

R emain

I n

P rayer

You will be fully and reverently spiritually ripped if you R.I.P.  daily!

* Photography by Owen a.k.a. Buh!

EARS TO HEAR!

Prayer is a reflection of one's dependence on God. (Rad Andrews)

Ask self, am I prepared to listen as I kneel or bow my head before his throne of grace or am I prompt to petition? When sharing with friends, am I the one doing all the "sharing?" Be "quick to listen" and "slow to speak"  as it says in James 1:19. Listening ears are ears that truly hear from God and others.

T.H.O.T. notes (cropped) from a recent (5/19/24) Pace Mckee Harvest sermon took listening to a whole new level.Do you think the Lord is trying to get my attention?

Expositional listening leads to action NOW….not tomorrow!

 

Listen carefully-- Luke 8:16-21

1)          Pews are for taking in but truth is for giving out! Listen evangelistically. Empty the pews for the glory of God & good of the church

2)          In pew…..Listen for introspection (secrets of your heart will come into light, you can’t hide from God) and repentance V.17 God’s character will not bend.

3)          Caution (“Heed”) and diligence in listening.. Don’t be ever hearing & not understanding. Listening carefully cannot leave you unchanged. Do you just want your ears tickled! Take heed. v.18 Take care how you listen! Listening is NOT passivity but activity. A heedful hearer. Listen as a church. Be in the pews gathered…..not virtual It’s not an individual activity---church, baptized believers listening to sermons together in pews keep us accountable. Plural (us)---preaching for y’all! Kids too. Consider how to spur one another to good deeds. Pray before, after and during your hearing.

4)          Obedience is a part of expositional listening ---relationship with Him. V.21 Hear it and do it. Apply it! 

Pace would probably ask, "Do I hear an Amen?"

Do you hear an AMEN in your heart? You might if you have ears to hear!

MONDAY MEDITATION TRUNCATED!

A prep for tomorrow's book study to keep me from talking more that listening or even talking in circles!

Pain Drains                    Drained!? Fill up with Fellowship

 

Don’t Live Digital Distracted Life (5 words or less)

 

Listen more to talk less. (5 words or less)

 

Travel Light      Lay aside every encumbrance

 

Fix Eyes on Jesus    Focus More on Jesus   

 JESUS + 0 = EVERYTHING!

 

More of THEE—Less of me   THINE—not mine

 

Jesus’ life: Paragon of Righteousness (5 words of less) 

(Blackaby. Experiencing God, p.235)

 

Get Daily Nourishment from Scripture (5 words of less)

 

Feed your faith and your doubts will starve. (David Stevens (1/28/24)

 

HOPE: journey to right destination. (5 words of less) Chuck Swindoll

 

Hope springs from truth rehearsed. (M. Vroegop, T.Billings Incurable Cancer 14)

 

HOPE: not wishful thinking, BUT…CONFIDENT EXPECTATION!

 

trUst       Do you trust me, Dotsy? 

 

Thrust of trust answers meandering thoughts.

 

A heap of worry staggers you.

 (Me, or us…choose own pronoun)

 

Meek is power under control. 

(Not an “in you face” encounter to another)

 

Move from Petition to Praise-----“ACTS” as in Tony Evans NOG  (5 words or less)

 

 

Dotsy THOTS--Trusting Him On This Subject