Past Devotions

I like coffee. You’d probably guess that right away if you ever come into my kitchen. There’s a Keurig coffeemaker for when I want just a quick cup of hot coffee. There’s a Bunn coffeemaker that is ready to go for that morning pot of hot coffee I share with Bob. And now there is a Cold Brew coffeemaker. I’ve found I like the cold brewed coffee for my afternoon cup, the brewing eliminates much of the acid and the coffee is smooth and rich. Up to now I’ve been buying a cold brewed coffee at either Starbucks or Dutch Bros. The cost, however, is prohibitive, so I’m limited to one or two cups a week.  I bought a cold brewed coffeemaker $10!

I like my coffee, bold and strong. I like certain blends of coffee. And yes, one of my favorite coffees comes from Starbucks. Why am I telling you all this … apparently Starbucks is in hot water (again) for the actions of one of its employees.  At a Starbucks in Arizona, six police officers on July 4 were asked to leave because they made a customer feel uncomfortable.  When someone posted in social media about the incident, with a “dump Starbucks” graphic, it went viral. Soon the company was apologizing and once again, moving to re-train its employees.

 I’m not going to say anything about Starbucks as an organization. I just want to note today that in our culture it only takes one person’s actions to put a company’s reputation at risk.  It’s going to take a lot of energy and work for Starbucks to gain back a good name among first responders in Arizona, all because of the actions of one individual.

 Have you ever thought about how quickly our actions—or inaction—can damage the reputation of our faith?  Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” [Eph 4:1]

 As Believers in Christ Jesus, we must be so careful that we live worthy of Him. We must never do anything that would dishonor the Wonderful Name of Jesus, our LORD and Savior.

A recent ad in my email asked me “Are you an overcomer?” Then it went on to tell me there is a book I can read that will help me to be an overcomer. This book will tell me how to overcome fear and rejection, shame and sickness, and other such bondages. I am sure it is a good book; the author has verifiable credentials and apparently a successful ministry to people who are hurting.

 I wondered as I read the ad how the author became an overcomer … perhaps by reading a good book?  Perhaps even by reading “the Good Book?”

I encourage people to read “the Good Book” themselves. We should be going through our Bibles—all the way through them—at least once every two years, preferably once a year. Yes, Old Testament and New Testament. Psalms and Proverbs, even Leviticus and Job! 

 If you want to overcome the enemy of your soul, you need to know God, love God, obey His commands and place your faith in God. How do you know God, except by reading His book? How do you know what He commands unless you read His book? How do you know God is worthy of Your faith? You read His promises and see His mighty power proven first in the Scriptures and then in your life. 

John tells us, “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”  [1 John 5:3-5]

 You want to be an overcomer?  You can read what others have gleaned from the Scriptures about God, or you can read the living word of God yourself and learn through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. 

I was walking last week, early in the morning. I wore my new “Under Armour” shirt with its hood and long sleeves. I had on long pants, socks, shoes. I was totally protected against those early morning bugs and mosquitoes. My MP3 player was resounding with worship and praise music. I was away from anyone who could hear me, so I was singing aloud and praising my Lord. It was a great morning.  Until a bug flew in my mouth.

 Apparently the one part of my being left vulnerable to those early morning bugs was an open mouth. After I got over the initial shock of having a bug in my mouth, I did eventually laugh. I thought maybe I need a filter on my mouth – for what might fly in as well as for what might fly out!  I also remembered Jesus’ “woe” to the Pharisees and teacher of the law.  Hard not to remember when you are trying to “strain out a gnat!”

 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.” [Matthew 23:23-24]

Jesus was angry with those teachers and leaders for focusing on “gnat-like” issues rather than the weighty issues. They were consumed with how much of their spices they should tithe rather than important issues of justice, mercy and faithfulness. He called them hypocrites for their attitudes and lifestyles.

 Are we so much different? We focus on the minor and ignore the important matters just as much as they did. Oft times we are more bothered by what someone is wearing rather than the condition of their heart. Let’s be aware of the minor things, but never, ever, ignore justice, mercy and faithfulness.

I once took a course on how to fight “fair.” (I’ve told you that Bob and I are strong, obstinate people, haven’t I?) The course was designed to eliminate the triggers we often resort to when angry and instead use protocols that encourage dialogue. I remember most of what I learned; I just can’t say that I’ve always gone about it the way I know I should.

 One trigger to avoid was the “pointing finger.” Instead of beginning sentences with “you” as if pointing a finger at the person, begin sentences with “I.” “I feel …” was a good way to start.  The second major trigger to eliminate was the use of the words “always” and “never.” Avoid saying things like, “You never …” or “you always….”  Always and never, the instructor said, should seldom be used.

 Well, maybe in arguing we should eliminate always and never, but certainly not when talking about our LORD and Savior.  I love the always and never promises I read in the Word of God. They lift my heart and soul daily.

Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

2 Corinthians 1:19-20: “…but in [Christ Jesus] it has always been ‘Yes.’ For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.”

Psalm 9:10: “…for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

Hebrews 13:5: “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

When we want to fight fair, we probably should eliminate “always” and “never” because they can trigger an angry defense. But, when we are talking about our wonderful, ever-present, all-powerful, all-knowing God, “always” and “never” trigger faith and peace.  Hallelujah!

I hate July and August. They are hot. Very Hot. I hate hot. I don’t do well in hot. That means I’ve had to move my now 2 ½ mile worship walk earlier and earlier each day to avoid the hot.  Now I get up, send out my devotions, pray, and head out the door. Breakfast and shower wait until I get home.

 Because I am now out in the early mornings, along with those early morning bugs and mosquitos, I need to protect myself. Bug repellent doesn’t agree with my skin. So, I did something last Monday I seldom do, I bought something at full price.  I took to the stores looking for a lightweight, long-sleeved, breathable, hooded shirt and I found one. It is glistening white – I shall be visible. Breathable – yes. It has long sleeves, a hood, and elastic at the hem to keep it tight against my pants. It even protects against the sun’s UV rays.  Right over my heart is the “Under Armour” logo. 

 Every day this week I’ve gotten up early, donned my “Under Armour” shirt and set out on my worship walk.  I bet you can see where I’m going with this, can’t you?

 Paul tells us to face each day by being, “strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”  He tells us to “put on the full armour of God so that [we] can take [our] stand against the devil’s schemes.” [Eph 6:10-11]

 That armour consists of truth, righteousness, and the Gospel of Peace. It includes faith, salvation, the Word of God and the presence of the Indwelling Spirit of God.  Those are the things we must make certain we have in our hearts – they are our “Spiritual Under Armour!” They must become a fundamental part of our lives, ever available and ready when needed. 

 And joy upon joy, it is Christ who paid the price for my “Spiritual Under Armour” – the full price!

We have new neighbors on our street. I’ve met two families, both with young children and dogs. The neighbors down the block from us moved into a home where the previous owners planted four fruit trees outside the fence next to the sidewalk. Seemed like an odd place to put fruit trees, but then I guess anyplace they’ll grow is a good place. They planted an apple, peach, pear and cherry.

 As I walked past those trees recently, I noticed that the cherries were ripe. I wondered if the new couple would pick them, and then I spotted the entire family last Saturday with buckets in hand. The little girl and mom were having a great time picking cherries and filling their buckets while Dad and the dogs watched.  I was glad that the fruit would not go to waste.

 At the end of the Sermon on the Mount recorded in Matthew, Jesus reminds his listeners that “by their fruit you will recognize them [people who speak for God].” Then Jesus uttered a stark warning, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” [Matt 7:20-21]

 Frankly, people who walk into a church and say “Lord, Lord” and walk out to live their lives as they please are a dime a dozen. They profess Christ as LORD with their mouths but rarely obey His word. It doesn’t cost anything to be a “professing” Christian. 

 However, it costs everything to be a “true” Christian who not only says, “Lord, Lord” but also “does the will of the Father in heaven.”  We have done a great disservice to people by allowing them to think that Christianity can be acquired by mere words. In truth, it is a life totally given over to pleasing God.  It costs everything.

I don’t think God Almighty would get very far in today’s military. His strategic plans for combat seem futile and foolish. Take Joshua at Jericho. God asked Joshua to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, a land He promised their forefathers. When they cross the Jordan and enter the land what do they see first? An insurmountable walled city. Not just straight up walls a few feet high, but 3-tiered walls that may have been the equivalent of a 10-story building. They can’t go around and leave this outpost at their rear; they must conquer it.  [Joshua 6]

 God’s plan? Get the ark, and then a bunch of priests with trumpets. Have the army march in front and behind them around the city once each day for six days while the priests blow the trumpets. No one is to say a word. On the seventh day do that seven times and then have everyone shout. Now is that a good military plan? 

 It may not have ranked up there with plans that military academies study, but it worked. At the shout, the walls fell flat.  Why?  Because God said they would. And when God gives a promise, you can guarantee its fulfillment.

 For Joshua and the Israelites, their part was twofold – faith and obedience. When we are faithful and obedient to what God tells us to do (no matter how foolish it may seem to our natural man), that equals victory. 

I must acknowledge that sometimes I am not so faithful, nor obedient. Sometimes I don’t do what God says to do. When that happens, I usually end up in trouble. I cry out to God in repentance. He comes and gets me out of trouble. I understand, however, that’s a rescue, not a victory. I want to be a victorious Christian!

 Want victory?  Remember the formula. Faith & Obedience to God’s word = Victory.  Amen!

I was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but raised across the state in Pittsburgh. The signing of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776, took place at the Pennsylvania State House, Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Fifty-six men declared their thirteen colonies independent from British rule. They became the “United States of American.” Nine of those men were Pennsylvania delegates, including one named, Benjamin Franklin. 

 This was the history I learned growing up in Pennsylvania. The Revolutionary War, the fight for independence was what I cut my teeth on.  One of my favorite memories is seeing and touching the Liberty Bell on a trip to Philadelphia.  When July 4, Independence Day, rolls around each year, I am reminded of my heritage.  I am proud to be an American. I am proud to be a native of Pennsylvania.

 When I think of the 4^th of July I think of the men and women who sacrificed and fought for freedom. To me, it is so much more than picnics and parades, barbeques and fireworks. To me it is battlefields and graveyards; a freedom obtained through the courage and blood of determined men.

 Have we made mistakes as a nation since?  Surely, that is without debate. Still, on July 4, I am reminded of the greatness of a people who loved freedom enough to give their very lives for it. I pray there are still those willing to do so.

This freedom that we love so much is born in the heart of God.  Christ came that we might experience true freedom. There is a link below to one of the greatest songs ever written and sung about freedom, “Let Freedom Ring,” performed at Carnegie Hall shortly after 9/11.  Let it remind us today of what is truly important.  [Luke 4:18, Galatians 5:1]

 https://www.bing.com/search?q=let%20freedom%20ring%2C%20gaither%20vocal%20band%20at%20carnegie%20hall&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=let%20freedom%20ring%2C%20gaither%20vocal%20band%20at%20carnegie%20hal&sc=1-52&sk=&cvid=AE6BDDB38019470F930DC021BAA95892

“What is the most important commandment?”

 One day the Sadducees were debating with Jesus. What they were actually doing was trying to trap him with trick questions. A teacher of the law heard the debate and asked Jesus the above question. “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”  [Mark 12:29-31]

 I read much written by people who claim to know “what Jesus would do” in every situation. They have latched onto the second part of the great commandment, the part about loving neighbors and then use this to chide anyone who doesn’t agree with their political philosophy.  Where they often fail, however, is to embrace that first part of the commandment that commands all to love the Lord God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.

I often notice that those who shout the loudest about the second part of the great commandment are the most silent about the first part.  You can’t, however, have one without the other.

 What is the most important? Our lives are to be living examples of the devotion Jesus had to the Father. He said to do the will of the Father was His “meat” – meaning what governed and sustained His every word and action. If you want me to heed your words about what “Jesus would do” you had better show me first that you are at least seeking and striving to love the LORD our God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

I had a cousin, Tommy, on my father’s side of the family. He was a few years older than I. Tommy’s mother contracted German measles when she was in her first trimester and Tommy was born mentally challenged. It was before there were schools available, so Tommy spent most of his time in his room with his record player.  We visited them in Cleveland, Ohio, when I was around nine years old.

 Tommy loved to play his records. The problem was, he’d get stuck on one song and would play it over and over and over again. That weekend Tommy was stuck on “Sixteen Tons” by Tennessee Ernie Ford.  To this day whenever I hear it, I think of Tommy.

This morning as I was walking and listening to my worship music, “Amazing Grace” came up, and as it always does, it made me weep. I spent most of my walk thinking about God’s amazing grace. I thought when I get back home, I’ll sit and write about God’s amazing grace. It always just amazes me so!

 Then I thought, good grief girl, if you write about amazing grace again, they are going to think you are a broken record. Then I started to laugh and thought, I am not so much different from Tommy – I could listen to “Amazing Grace,” and write about amazing grace all day long! 

 I don’t want you to think I am a broken record, however, so I won’t talk about how God’s grace is so amazing. I won’t remind you that we are justified freely by God’s grace through Jesus Christ. I won’t even remind you how God is able to make all His grace abound to you.  I won’t write that it by God’s grace you are strengthened. I won’t even speak of the incomparable riches of grace that will be ours for all eternity.  Nope, won’t talk about any of that. Don’t want you to think I’m a broken record!