Deity on a Donkey

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph Daughter Jerusalem! See, your King is coming to you; He is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus fulfilled this prophesy when He entered Jerusalem the week we remember as Holy Week, an event recorded in all four gospels (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19 and Joh 12).

Triumphal Entry
Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. His followers spread their robes and palm branches along His path and they praised Him saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven." The Pharisees told Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples," to which He replied, "I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out," prophesied in Habakkuk 2:11.

Tearful Entry
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, He wept. "If you knew this day what would bring peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days will come on you when your enemies will build an embankment against you, surround you, and hem you in on every side. They will crush you and your children within you to the ground, and they will not leave one stone on another in you, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation" (Luke 19:41-44).

Tragic Entry
Jesus was at His friends' house in Bethany. Mary took a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume, and poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. The fragrance filled the room and one of the disciples, Judas Iscariot, objected. He thought the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. He didn't say that because he cared about the poor, but because he was the treasurer of the twelve and a thief. He often helped himself to the money bag. Jesus said, "Leave her alone. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial" (John 12:7). How did Mary know about Jesus coming suffering and death? Maybe because she was at His feet, listening to Him (more than once).

Jesus fulfilled the purpose of our salvation during the climax of the first Holy Week. He will come again, but it won't be on a donkey. He will ride a white horse (Revelation 19:11). Will you be ready? Believe in the Lord Jesus and accept His merciful act on the cross for yourself. He did it for you because He loves you and wants you to live in love and peace and joy. He wants you to be with Him for eternity. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. We will know Him as our Savior or as our Judge. The choice is ours. I hope you accept Jesus' love and choose to live for Him.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the mercy and compassion you have shown. Be with the reader of this blog. Draw him/her close to you that he/she will experience your love. Amen.

God's Tool Box

Have you wondered what you would find in God's tool box? I closed my eyes and found the Bible and the Ten Commandments, mercy and love, grace and peace, gentleness and goodness. I didn't expect to find sin, death, Satan, tears, suffering or pain. But they are there.

God works in people, places, things and situations we would never consider to accomplish His purpose. He can use my testimony of a sinful life which He redeemed by Jesus' precious blood. He has used the deaths of close friends and family to draw me close to Him and experience His amazing love. He worked in my mom's suffering to draw her close to Him before He took her Home.

When I look at the sinful world around me, it seems hopeless. It is not hopeless or impossible for God. For Him all things are possible. The good news is, He wants all of us to be with Him forever, and He's waiting for the last sinner to turn and invite Him into his/her life. We have a choice to love Him or not. God will not force Himself on anyone. But be sure, if you choose to follow Christ, to love and serve Him and others, you will reap an incredible, eternal inheritance of peace and love and abundant life.

Lord Jesus, I would not think of using evil for good. I am thankful you can use my past in your tool box to redeem other broken hearts and lives. May your name be praised. Amen.

Are You Living With Eternity in Mind

          “Sue, you won’t believe this place!” I dreamed of hearing these words from my friend, Betty, who lost her fight for life after a brief illness. She’s now joyfully home with our Lord and her cheerful voice made me long to be in heaven. Images of Betty walking with God in the cool of the day replaced memories from a few days before when I held her hand in the hospital during times of excruciating pain. No longer would she experience the unbearable suffering—not because of death, but because of life, eternal life with Christ. He rose from death, victorious, and I’m convinced Betty did and so will all who believe in Jesus as their Savior.

While it’s fun for me to imagine my friend feasting under the Tree of Life or splashing her feet in the River that flows from God’s throne, you and I are left here on earth to finish the work He called us to do.  

Life Goes on in Heaven

Whatever we do for God, whether in ministry or daily tasks we perform as for the Lord, will last forever. Randy Alcorn says in his book, Heaven, that man’s creativity and technological advancement will not be lost in heaven. Could it be this is how God created us in His image? He says in His Word that His gifts and callings are irrevocable. Certainly, these skills will be necessary in the New Jerusalem, a city as high and wide as it is long (from San Francisco to Chicago—cubed). A city of this size will require workers—people with intelligence, skills and abilities.  

Set Your Mind on Things Above

Today God is not as interested in our work, as He is in how we live and show His love to a dying world. Jesus set an example for us. He wasn’t rich as we think of rich, but He fed the hungry, healed the sick and helped the poor. We may think the need around us is too great, but Jesus fed a huge crowd from a boy’s lunch. The boy gave what he had and Jesus multiplied it. I’m amazed how this principle works in my life—that whatever time, talent or resources I offer, God multiplies for His purposes. When I visit or pray for the sick, teach a class, give monetarily or by a word of encouragement, God keeps giving to me so I can keep giving to others.

A few years ago, my friend, Shirley, modeled Christ’s love to me when I fell at work. I didn’t know the fall broke my hip—just that I couldn’t get up. Tears of fear welled up in my eyes. Shirley surprised me when she lay down by my side. Patting her outstretched arm, she said, “Rest your head here and don’t worry about a thing!” She stayed with me until the ambulance came. Shirley’s demonstration of Christ-like love motivates me to find ways to show God’s love by being vulnerable and sensitive to other people’s needs. At our Lord’s glorious appearing, I hope He finds me busy so He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

          Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making a way for us to be with you forever. Thank you for the hope of never having to say goodbye. Amen.

God is Making All Things New

In springtime, Daffodils, tulips, irises, and poppies show off their brilliant colors. Heavenly scents and blossoms on fruit trees enhance every setting. Trees that have been bare all winter, leaf and fill in the landscape. Earth becomes a paradise--until the wind blows and fills the air with pollen. Then sounds of sneezing and coughing interrupt creation's symphony. 

Not everyone can enjoy the beauty of Spring without symptoms of hay fever. Everything grows in the Sacramento Valley where I live and lots of people, like me, endure the season with sneezing, coughing, itchy, runny eyes and noses. Walmart, CVS and Rite Aid stock up on antihistamines to reduce the symptoms but often turn us into groggy zombies.

Once again, I'm reminded that this is not my home. In my future lies a real Paradise where I long to experience springtime forever without sneezing, coughing, itchy, runny eyes and nose. Jesus said, "I am making all things new," (Rev. 21:5). To me that means beauty without the pollen. Our heavenly home will have no need of it because everything will be perfect and permanent--no need to reproduce.

Thank you, gracious Lord, for the hope you give us of spending eternity with you in the place you have prepared for us. Amen.

Are You a Good Person?

Are you a good person? Good enough to get into Heaven? By whose standards? Yours? Gods? God's standards are the Ten Commandments. Have you kept them all? Disobeyed one? Jesus said if you look at anyone besides your spouse with lust, you have committed adultery in your heart. He also said if you have been angry (the source of malice), you have committed murder in your heart.

We have all come face to face with God's law at one time or another. This cover picture of the May-June copy of The Upper Room shows how far we have come. Although the religious leaders brought this woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus, our Lord didn't condemn her. He said, "You who are without sin, you cast the first stone," because the consequences of her sin was death by stoning. One by one, the men dropped their stones, starting with the older men first. Finally, Jesus looked up.

"Has no one condemned you?" He asked.

"No one, sir."

"Then, neither do I. Go and leave your life of sin," He said.

I am reminded how much it cost God for Him to say that. He sent His only Son into the world to pay the price for our sins on the cross so we wouldn't have to. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life." Jesus died on the cross, but death could not hold Him. He rose from the grave to give us life,  abundant life--forever. Think of the reality of living through eternity with Jesus, cashing in on all His promises. This is what Easter is all about.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for resurrection power in our lives today. Let us walk in Your spirit today and always. Amen.

Heaven is for Real-Review

Books about Heaven fascinate me and Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo is no exception. Colton Burpo, Todd's son, reported of what he saw and heard in Heaven. It happened during an emergency appendectomy. The days and weeks following, Colton told of seeing Jesus, Pop and a sister whom his mother had miscarried. Each captured memory is told as a little boy would--in a matter-of-fact way. It was almost like hearing my little grandson's voice.

I appreciated how Todd Burpo verified things Colton saw with how the Bible describes Heaven. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him, but it has been revealed in His word, and through Colton's eye-witness.

Colton said one thing over and over again. "Jesus loves children." It was amazing to me that a four-year-old boy could speak with such urgency about the truth of Jesus and His love. I hope you will read this book. It is available on Amazon's Kindle. Don't forget, if you don't have a Kindle, you can download a Kindle Reader to your PC, laptop or other electronic reader for free.

History (His story)

Every good story has a beginning, middle and end. God promised it would be true of His story (history) too. I am glad His story is still being told. However, too many things point to an upcoming end. Here are some things to think about:

The world has not seen anything before like the catastrophic storms in recent history. Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and tsunamis leave outrageous paths of death, destruction and devastation. Some say all these storms have something to do with the change in earth's atmosphere as well as the change in the sun's gravitational pull. While these things have scientific explanation, I believe they also have spiritual implications. God destroyed the earth in a flood the first time, but He said the next time it would be by fire. Do you see the connection I'm talking about?

Jesus promised at the end of the ages there would be wars and rumors of wars. We have always had wars, but the wars we have now are in the middle east. Although these people have been fighting for centuries, this is where the earth had it's beginnings--in the Garden of Eden. Could it be that this is the place of earth's endings?

As 2012 draws closer, many people speculate the end of life as we know it. Jesus said no one would know the day or the hour, so I don't pay attention to specific predictions. What Jesus said, is for us to be watchful and prepared. Are you ready, my friend? Do you know that if the end came you would be in Heaven with our Lord? You can be for sure. Ephesians 2:8-10 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." [NIV]

God saved us with His amazing love, my friend. He loves us just as we are, but He wants us to be like Jesus--doing wonderful things for the glory of His kingdom. Yet He doesn't expect us to do it alone. He promises to be with us always and to strengthen us to stand firm to the end. Isn't it incredible to know that Heaven is within your reach? Believe in the Lord Jesus, beloved. He doesn't want anyone to be left behind and neither do I.

Thank you, Lord for your amazing love and your plan to have us with you forever. I am praying for the ones reading this right now that they may know you and serve you forever. Amen.

All Saints Day

This All Saints Day in a packed church, I said goodbye to my friend, Greg Cochran, a man dearly loved by his family, church and workplace. Born November 16, 1960 and died October 25, 2010. Author of Saving Grace, a novel, he was writing other books and on his way to more publishing success. I met Greg at our Inspire Christian Writer's Group and soon learned of his quick wit and great sense of humor. We at Inspire appreciated his support and encouragement. Although Greg lost his day job and was applying for work, he coached football at Bradshaw Christian School. After his stroke in early October his team made beautiful get well cards for him which were on a table today for us to see. Filled with color, emotion and scripture verses the young people wrote from their heart. One said, "Please get well Mr. Cochran. If you  don't come back to football, I'm going to play soccer instead." To say the kids loved him is an understatement. 

Growing up Greg had several eye surgeries and many knee surgeries.

The scripture that got him through much suffering is, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 

Greg wasn't sick or expecting to die so young, but he was ready to meet Jesus. Even though I grieve, I know my friend is enjoying the presence of our Lord today and forever.

Lord Jesus, please be with Greg's family today and in the coming weeks and months. Comfort and strengthen them. Let them know your great love for them. Amen.

Though None Go With Me - Review

Though None Go with Me begins at the turn of the twentieth century and spans World War I and II, The Great Depression and considerable personal loss. Elisabeth Grace LeRoy wants what all of us want—to love and be loved. When she discovers her deepest longings can only be met by our Lord, she makes a commitment that will shape the rest of her life—to make her life an experiment in obedience to Christ, regardless of the cost.

As a wife, I learned from Elisabeth to cherish each moment with my husband, even in suffering. As a mother, I related to how she taught her children to love God and how she never stopped loving them and praying for them. I joyfully shared her love story and cried through every loss with her, amazed at her strength. It was hard for me not to pray for her as I read through the novel. I carried the book with me everywhere and read it while I waited for my kids or grandkids.

It’s been weeks since I finished reading the book, but I still ponder Elisabeth’s extravagant faith. The story was made into a Hallmark channel movie and starred Cheryl Ladd. Like other books by Jerry Jenkins, it is heart moving and life changing.

Let the Children Come to Me

Verse: Let the children come to me and do not hinder them. (Matt. 10:14)

My last birthday happened to be on a Sunday. It was wonderful--everyone saying "Happy Birthday" to me. I felt especially blessed when the children in Sunday school sang "Happy Birthday." Eight-year-old Austin played the piano while the others sang.

Children bless me just about every day, whether I am walking my dog or teaching Sunday school or spending time with my grandchildren. Last Saturday I was feeling really grungy. John and I were coming home from camping. It was a bad hair day for me so I wore a hat and sunglasses when we stopped for lunch. Out of nowhere I heard a precious little voice say, "I like your glasses." My head spun around. "Thank you!" I smiled.

When parents brought their children to Jesus for a blessing, the disciples turned them away, thinking they would bother Jesus. Oddly, He said, "Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." I think the children blessed Jesus as they bless me. He took them in His arms and blessed them in return.

Children give me a taste of Heaven. Times I spend with them hold a thread of hope through my life until I reach the banquet in Heaven where every day will be a celebration and everyone will have the innocence, faith and joy of a child.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for a taste of Heaven. Make me useful here on earth until it's time for you to carry me home. Amen.

God Bless America

Suggested scripture reading: Matthew 19:16-30

Verse: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 1 Chronicles 7:14

“The trouble with Americans” our pastor said, “is they have everything and that’s all.” Knowing God is key to the lives we live whether in America or somewhere else. God made us with deep longings, but He wanted to be our deepest longing. When He isn’t, so many things in this world clamor for our devotion.

A man came to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” Now this man had riches and grew up keeping the Ten Commandments. He always did what was right, yet something was missing. The emptiness inside him cried out. Like King Solomon, he concluded that everything was meaningless. So he came to Jesus, but he asked the wrong question. He wanted more to life and thought he could earn it.

“Go sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come and follow Me,” Jesus said. The rich young man walked away sad, but imagine what would have happened if he did what Jesus said. His wealth stood between him and God. Without this barrier, he would learn to trust God with his life and gain eternal life. Isn’t that what he wanted?

Americans are like the rich young man. They have everything and that’s all. Like God’s people many times in history, they have lost their way. And like God’s people before us, we can humble ourselves, pray, seek His face and turn from our sinful ways. He will be faithful to heal our land as He has done so many times before.

Would you join me as many Americans are doing and pray for our country for 140 days. It started on July 4, 2010 with Charles Stanley and his In Touch ministry. Here is a link to register your intent to pray. https://www.intouchbookstore.org/du/(wdwsxi45kc0n42iq0yo4um55)/140Days2010.aspx

Thank you and God bless America.

Interview with Susan King-The Upper Room Part 2

The following is Part 2 of Dr. Mabry's interview with Susan King, Assistant Editor of The Upper Room.

RM: I know that after acceptance it takes a year or more for a submission to be printed in The Upper Room. Why is that?

SK: Actually, it’s NOT because we sit around every day eating bon-bons! No, seriously, it’s because we have to send the completed manuscript to the editors and translators worldwide nearly a year in advance. Some of these translators are volunteers and have to translate the manuscripts after putting in a full day’s work. Also, some of the magazines are distributed in war-torn countries that may not receive regular mail delivery so we need to send the materials to them as early as possible.

Since all the readings of submissions, further reviews of submissions, multiple editing of final candidates, and preparation of the content of each issue has to be done before the issue is sent to all the editors and translators around the world, the customary elapsed time between submission and publication is nearly two years.

RM: At one time, I noted that each issue has an overlying theme. Do you encourage writers to prepare a piece that ties into the theme of a particular forthcoming issue, or do you get a wide enough variety of submissions that you can find what you need?

SK: Actually, we used themes for only a brief period and are now back to not using themes. However, we do note the Christian holy days (including ones like Pentecost, Transfiguration Sunday) if we have meditations on those subjects and always make sure that we have meditations for all the major Christian holiday themes. As a result, we come up short on devotionals about Christmas/ Advent) and Easter/Lent. Meditations on these themes should be sent in during their respective seasons (for publication during the same time period nearly two years later).

RM: When putting together an issue, do you make any attempt to present meditations from authors who live in different regions? Does gender influence you?

SK: Actually, every few years our Editorial Director, Mary Lou Redding and another staff member conduct writers’ conferences in various countries in Europe, Asia, and Australia in an attempt to generate good meditations from international writers. Also, our editors worldwide are constantly recruiting writers from within their own countries. We go to great lengths to feature no fewer than 16 meditations from international writers in every issue.

Also, as we accept invitations from writers’ conferences in the U.S., we try to choose those located in a variety of regions in our own country to train writers—and receive good meditations—from those regions.

Finally, we would like for each issue to represent a balance of male and female writers. However, since we receive submissions from women three-to-one over submissions from men, this is not always possible. Consequently, we are often desperate for great meditations from male writers (and sometimes even have to “borrow from the future,” which means that a meditation written by a male writer may be published in a shorter time span than two years).

RM: Acceptance isn’t always straightforward. Some meditations are “held.” Others get scheduled, then “deferred.” Can you explain that?

SK: How about an explanation of the entire process?

Our Associate Editor reads all incoming submissions received within a two month period (J-F, M-A, M-J, J-A, S-O, and N-D) and “holds” around 120 to be considered for publication in the issue for that same two-month period two years from that time. After a writer submits, he/she will hear back from us within 6-8 weeks, but only if: 1) we are holding one or more of that writer’s submissions for further consideration or 2) we are not holding any submission but the writer included a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard with each submission.

Then, as I say in writers conferences, “No news is good news” for about 9 months because if a writer hears back within that time, it means that he/she hasn’t made it through the next gate—our Editorial Director, who narrows down the selection to 75-80 devotionals/meditations.

Finally, right about a year after the meditations were first submitted, the remaining 75-80 are edited and then copied and distributed to our staff and the senior editors of all our other magazines as well as some staff members from our other ministries, such as the Walk to Emmaus. Over the next two weeks, these staff members read all the meditations so that we can discuss them when we meet together later that month. During the next week of near-daily copy sessions, we decide which meditations will be selected for an issue of The Upper Room. If all make it, then any left over from the paging process for that issue (of 59-62 days, depending on the issue), will go into the deferred file. If we end up with too few meditations, then we pull out meditations that have previously been placed in the deferred file.

RM: What final advice do you have for my readers who are considering submitting to The Upper Room magazine?

SK: First, make sure that you have received training in the skill of writing. This may include: 1) You were an English major in college and remember your instruction in writing well or 2) You have taken a refresher course in English from a community college or other institution or 3) You have taken such a class at a writers’ conference.

Once that’s accomplished, consult our guidelines and adhere to them slavishly. Ideal would be for you to attend one of the writers conferences at which we speak every year so that you can not only brush up on your writing skills but also learn EXACTLY what we are looking for in a devotional. At least every other year, one of our editors conducts a workshop or continuing class at: Florida Christian Writers Conference, Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, East Texas Christian Writers Conference, Montrose Christian Writers Conference, St. David’s Christian Writers Conference, Sandy Cove Christian Writers Conference, Glorieta Christian Writers Conference (Now “Writing at the Ranch”) and, occasionally, the following conferences: San Diego Christian Writers Guild, Write Canada!, Write-to-Publish, and an assortment of one-day events hosted by local churches*. We also appear at Writing for the Soul. For specific information about the remaining conferences for 2009, click this link.

*We are open to teaching/training at such events sponsored by a church or Christian writers guild or critique group. For more information, contact me at sking@upperroom.org.

Susan, thanks for taking the time to give us this detailed look at The Upper Room. I hope that my readers will accept the challenge and begin submitting meditations to you. It would thrill me to read one of them in the future and know that this interview was the stimulus for its birth.
Posted by Richard L. Mabry, MD at 1:00 AM

Wanted: Ordinary People

What would you do if Jesus came to your church and said, “I’m looking for a few ordinary people.” Wait a minute! Why would Jesus waste time and energy on ordinary people? He deserves the highest and best! He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. If Jesus came to my church, quite honestly I don’t know if I would be able to move or speak.

Yet Jesus called ordinary men to be in His circle of friends, men He would spend time with, teach and pray with. Four fishermen, a tax collector, a doctor, and a teacher were among Christ’s early followers. And the more they walked with Him, the more exceptional they became. Before He ascended into Heaven He said to the apostles, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” (Matt. 28:18-29).

His faithful followers accepted His Great Commission and the early church grew by the thousands. On the day of Pentecost as many as three thousand were added to the number of believers, people of different nations and languages.

Soon after that the early church had some growing pains and one of them was among the Grecian Jews. They complained to the apostles that their widows were being overlooked in the distribution of food. Maybe it was because of a language barrier caused on the day of Pentecost. The apostles didn’t think it was wise to sacrifice the time they spent preaching the message so they appointed seven men to administer justice, welfare and charity to the widows. This might be considered an ordinary job, but the men were extraordinary, Greek speaking men.

One of them, Stephen, was a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Although he was an eloquent preacher, he was not above waiting tables. Later he explained the history of the Jews and the gospel message before the Sanhedrin and was stoned to death for it. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” (Acts 7:59). I don’t know if I could do that. Oh, I could administer food and welfare, but die? I love God enough to live for Him but I often wonder if I love Him enough to die for Him. To be willing to die for someone is not ordinary.

The more I walk with God and experience His great love for me, the more I understand how He wants to grow my faith. It takes my surrendering more of me and my desires so they will be the same as Christ’s. By depending on God instead of my ordinariness, I allow Him to work His extraordinariness in me. So if Jesus came to my church and asked for a few ordinary people, I would volunteer—after I fell on my knees and worshipped Him.

Heaven is Here

Jesus said, "I am making everything new,"(Rev. 21:5). The newness started for me when I first believed, but I know a great day is coming when we will see Jesus face to face. What a glorious day! Until then we have these things to remind us His love and promise to us:

Creation:
The pines at Mt. Lassen seemed to stand more majestic. The Feather River flowed with rushing white water over boulders and logs. I wanted to run through the lush meadows as Julie Andrews ran on the hills in The Sound of Music. The fish in Lake Almanor jumped with exuberance whether for fun or feeding on flies. The songs of the birds sounded sweeter.


Friends:
When Jesus was here, He called twelve men to be in His small circle of friends. He knew the value of companionship. He needed relationship and so do we. My friends inspire, encourage and pray for me. When I can do the same for them I feel vital and fulfilled.

My friends know my interests, likes and dislikes. We meet for lunch or prayer or just to have fun. Sometimes we serve in church or community programs together. I depend on them for fresh perspective on issues that challenge me. When I am down, God causes one to call me at just the right time. I am amazed when He uses me in the same way.

Purpose:
The more we experience God’s love, the more need we desire to respond, to give something back. When God created us, He gave each one talents and abilities we can use to tell others about the wonder of God. We love others because God first loved us. Fulfillment comes from using our gifts whether we are preachers, teachers, singers, bakers, doctors, writers or custodians. Whatever we do, if we do it for God and others, we find our purpose.

Animals:
In my favorite picture of Jesus, He is carrying a black lamb on His shoulders. Although I usually relate to being the black sheep in His arms, the picture reminds me that God created animals for His and our pleasure. While riding my bike on the American River trail in Sacramento, I saw a coyote and appreciated the untouchable beauty in his markings. The squirrels on our backyard deck bring my husband John and me great entertainment. They play and chase each other and they eat what John puts in the feeder houses. When their food is gone, they look at us, squawk and bang their front feet on the trellis.

Some day I want to be as wonderful as my late dog, Boo, thought I was. She waited at the door every day at 5:00 for me to get home from work. And when I worked in my home office, she sat on my feet. She loved going on walks with me and she loved teasing John. Even though we miss her, God gave us a picture of her in His arms and He is giving her treats until we get there.

New Heavens and New Earth:
When Jesus said, “I am making all things new,” I believe He means He makes all things new from the first time we believe and trust Him. He also told His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them (us too) and if He went to prepare a place for us, certainly He would return to take us to that place to be with Him. That place will be better than the Heaven we experience now because there will be no sin, pain, suffering or death.

In the New Heaven we will walk the golden streets of the New Jerusalem. God will be all we need—our light, life and worship. We could dangle our feet in the River of Life or eat of the Tree of Life or we enjoy a good book. Whatever we enjoy doing, it will be there. I can hardly imagine. What glorious expectation.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for lavishing your love on us and giving us hope. Amen.

Sanctity of Life

My dear friend, consider this. Before the world began, we were in God’s heart. He created us in His image and He loves us. It is hard for me to conceive that God knows all about me and He still loves me. He is always with me and will never leave or forsake me. Amazingly, the God of all creation desires a relationship with me. He knows how many hairs are on my head and has ordained the number of days I will be here on earth.

When God made me in my mother’s womb, He designed me with gifts and callings He promised never to take back, not even if I don’t use them. But if I am willing, He can use my talents, abilities and resources for His glory. He can even use my personality and my past for His purpose. I am overwhelmed.

My Friend, He created you too. You are His masterpiece and He loves you more than you could possibly imagine. Max Lucado says that if God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. He loves you with an unconditional and everlasting love. I would like to suggest you let go and let God love you. He cares about everything that happens in your life and He wants to bless you. You can trust Him. He will hear you when you cry out to Him and He will answer. I know because that is how I came to know how much He loves me.

The following verses have captured my heart and I hope they have meaning for you too. I am praying for you.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13-19

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Anticipation

My five year old grandson Kurt saw Santa Claus. "Would you like to talk to him?" I asked.

"There's a long line," he said.

"But there isn't!" I exclaimed. "He's waiting to talk with you." I don't know if this has ever happened in history that Santa had no waiting line. Maybe it's because we went when other people were eating lunch. Convinced that he wouldn't have to wait, Kurt went right up to Santa. He looked more grown up than five years old.

"What do you want for Christmas?" Santa asked.

"A smart scooter," said Kurt. That's all he said and he was quite decisive and businesslike. At home he and his brother and sister are filled with curiosity and anticipation as they consider the packages under the tree. All too soon the pretty paper and ribbon will once again be history, but I will ponder the excitement for a few more days.

While we celebrate Christ's birth, we anticipate His second coming, something He promised more than two thousand years ago. Many think because it's been so long that it won't happen, but God keeps His promises. Noah's neighbors didn't believe water would lift the ark, but it did and left many behind. Today thousands of years later a big boat rests on top of Mt. Ararat (in Iran), believed to be Noah's Ark.

The center of the world God created is Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Israel. Many locations in the Bible are in these countries which have endured troubling times since the beginning in the Garden of Eden. Most Bible prophesies pointing to Jesus' return has been fulfilled. The unrest in the Middle East, the movement toward one world government, one currency and dictatorship set the stage for the Rapture when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. We will all see Him either by His grace or His judgment.

Do you feel your life out of control? Do you feel loneliness and despair? I did and I cried out to God. I found that He loves me with an unconditional and everlasting love. There is no better time than now to turn to God. He waits at the door of your heart for you to invite Him into your life. His love is awesome to experience. Don't wait another day.

Merry Christmas and may you anticipate Jesus' second coming with confidence and peace.

Me and You and a Dog Named Boo

God gave my husband, John, and me a little angel fourteen years ago. Instead of wings she had white fluffy hair all over her body and her name was Boo.

She was an energetic and playful puppy most of her life. She loved for us to chase her around the house and yard. She loved sun bathing on the deck or at our favorite Lake Almanor campsite. When we took her for walks on warm summer days, she would lie down at the edge of the water and enjoy the waves splashing over her.

Every day at five o’clock whether we were at home in Carmichael, California or camping in our motor home, Boo went to her chair and barked. This was our special family time of conversation and cocktails before dinner. Boo didn’t care about conversation or cocktails. She waited impatiently for her treats.

Boo brought John and me exceeding love, joy and companionship. She was a great part of our family. She loved the grandchildren and company, but only for a little while. When she had enough she would escape into a closet and we often called her out closet dog.

Some day I want to be the wonderful person Boo thought I was and love as unconditionally as she did. Through her example I learned to worship and wait on the Lord in a more reverent manner.

Our hearts broke the more we saw Boo’s health failing. At the end she had a stubborn kidney infection and she was blind. To complicate matters, she began to have seizures. John and I and Boo’s doctor did all we could for her but she never recovered from the last seizure. We had to say goodbye to our precious pal but she lives in our memories. John barks at five o’clock, but he hasn’t started chasing me around the house—yet.

God gave us a wonderful vision of Jesus holding Boo in his arms where it is always five o’clock and He gives her treats.

Will We see Boo in Heaven?
I hope so. God created animals before people and He preserved each species through the flood during Noah’s time. A golden age is coming when we will live in harmony with all creation. “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them” (Isaiah 11:6, New International Version).

Thank you, Lord, for the awesome blessing of Boo. We miss her terribly and ask for your comfort and healing. Amen.

What the World Needs is God's Love

The world has never had more ways to be connected (telephone, cell phone, e-mail, instant messaging, texting, twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, My Space, postal services, and more). Yet people are more lonely and depressed than any time in history.

In the seventies Dionne Warwick sang "What the World Needs Now, is Love, Sweet Love," music by Burt Bacharach and lyrics by the Posies. Dionne thought it should be our national anthem. We all need love but we sometimes look for it in the wrong places. We end up feeling more lonely than before the relationship began. Maybe it is because we thought we were in love when we were actually in lust. Maybe it is because we had no commitment. I have been there.

I know that what the world needs now is God's love. Since the first time I experienced God's incredible for me, I never wanted to be without it. I feel God's love when I read the Bible and spend time in prayer, when I am with my family or church friends, my third grade Sunday school class or Inspire Christian Writers group.

God's love is unconditional and forever. It gives me security and purpose. I have hope for the future and peace in this uncertain world. My hope is built on the promise Jesus made when He rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven. He said He would come again in the same way He left, so all could see. He said He was going to prepare a place for us and if He went to prepare a place for us, He will certainly come back to take us to be home with Him (John 14:1-4). Don't think because it has been two thousand years since He said that, that it won't happen. The people during Noah's time never thought water would cover the earth, but it did.

Once we experience God's love, it is actually too much for us to hold on to selfishly. We have to find ways to give it away. That is what Jesus did. God wants us to love Him and love each other. That is what the world needs now. We need to be connected. We need to experience God's love every day. It's the only way out of hopelessness, despair and depression.

If you are reading this truth for the first time, I am praying for you. You can experience God's love by surrendering your heart to Him. I waited way too many years before I prayed a simple prayer to invite Jesus into my heart, to live with me and help me live for Him. But when I did, I felt loved like never before. I want you to experience that love too. If you prayed this prayer for the first time, would you let me know by commenting on this blog? If you do not have a Bible, I want to make sure you get one. God be with you.

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, open the eyes and hearts of people today so they can find truth and meaning to life in your love. Amen.

Choices

Purpose:
There was no stopping the apostles! They talked about Jesus wherever they went. When the Sadducees put them in jail, an angel of the Lord came during the night, opened the doors of the jail and led them out.

“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.”

When the captain and his officers found them they brought them before the high priest. “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

“We must obey God rather than men!” exclaimed Peter and again he gave testimony of Jesus’ resurrection after the Jews crucified Him. This made the priests and Jewish leaders want to kill him, but Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, reminded them of Theudas who claimed to be somebody. About four hundred men rallied to him but he was killed, all his followers scattered and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean came during the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers dispersed. “Therefore, in this present case,” he said, “I advise you to leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God,” (Acts 5:28-39).

The apostle’s purpose was from God and today it is our purpose too. Although we might experience opposition, nothing can stop us from what God calls us to do.

Wealth:
In contrast to the apostles, a rich young man tried to live right. He obeyed the laws and followed the rules but he felt something was missing. He asked Jesus what he had to do to gain eternal life. He must have thought that he could earn his way into the kingdom. Jesus’ merciful plan from the beginning was that He would lay down his life so that whoever believes in Him would not die in their sins but have eternal life. Why then did He say to the young man, “Go, sell all you have and give the money to the poor”? Simply because He knew if the young man surrendered everything that was important to him he would have to trust God. And that’s what Jesus wanted. The young man had to make a choice to trust himself or God. The Bible doesn’t really finish the story. Maybe it’s because it is a living story. What choice will we make?

Fame and Fortune:
During the Beatles popularity, John Lennon commented (2000 years after Christ), “Christianity will die someday. Christ was a great man but He wasn’t as famous as we are.” John died in his apartment without knowing Jesus. After one of Marilyn Monroe’s performances, Billy Graham visited her. Even though she was desperately lonely she said, “I don’t need your Jesus.” She died a week later in her apartment. Lord James Pirrie said when he built the Titanic, “Not even God can sink this!” He didn’t have to. An iceberg did. How God’s heart must have ached at the pride and arrogance of these people. He loved them with an unconditional and everlasting love, but they chose to reject Him.

Choices:
God made man for His pleasure, but he gave him a choice – to choose God’s ways or his own ways. Adam and Eve chose their own ways and for too many years, so did I. The world has many distractions. For the rich young man it was his wealth. For others it is fame and fortune, and for still others it is sex, power or relationships. The list goes on and on. Yet God chose to lavish His love on us. When I was ready to give up, God met me at my deepest need, the need to know Him. He promised to stay with me; never would He leave me or forsake me. From the time I experienced God’s great love for me, I learned to depend on His faithfulness.

Our Heavenly Father did not create us to be self sufficient. His desire is for us to depend on Him for all we need. He will take care of us. Once we experience His extravagant love and care, how could we choose to trust ourselves or anything in this world over eternity with Him?

Bethlehem Village 2008

Standing alone at the well, fetching water, I began to interact with the children walking by. “Would you like to help me fetch water to take home?” Until then I didn’t know how much kids loved playing in the water. They couldn’t wait to get their hands on the ladles and fetch the water. Many stood in line to do this ancient chore and while they were busy I explained that in Bethlehem during the time of Jesus’ birth, there was no running water. The women in the village had to go to the well about four times each day to get water for drinking, cooking, cleaning and bathing. “And when they couldn’t go, what do you think they did?” I asked. Speechless, the children waited for the answer. “They sent their oldest son to do the job for them.”

I pondered the life changing experience of the Samaritan woman in Sychar who met Jesus at the well. The love of Jesus changed her and she went to tell the people in town about the Man who told her all she ever did. “Could He be the Expected One?” she asked. The people from town came to the well to meet their Savior. During quiet moments at the well, I thought to myself that my experience was very much the same as the woman in Sychar. When I met Jesus, He took away my sin and gave me a job to do too. That’s what I was doing at the well – teaching children.

I thought about the visitors to Bethlehem Village set up in the courtyard of Sunrise Community Church in Fair Oaks, California. What did they expect? They came and felt the intimidation of the Roman soldiers. They walked the crowded streets with scared animals. They visited busy shops and the Wise Men’s camp. They visited the shepherd’s camp and heard the angels sing. They saw sweet Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. Their hearts must have burned with the wonder of that first Christmas. It is the hope of everyone who worked re-enacting this historical event that our visitors felt the love of God in all we did.

If you have not visited Bethlehem Village in the courtyard of Sunrise Community Church in Fair Oaks, California, I hope you will plan to attend as a visitor or enactor in December in 2009. You will be blessed.