Listening to the Right Voice

Wrong motives will eventually be revealed.

Consider King Herod in The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 2. He instructed the wise men who were traveling from the East,

“Go and make careful search for the child; and when you have found him,

report to me, that I too may come and worship him.”

They went,

They found,

They rejoiced,

They worshiped.

Then they listened to God’s instruction and did not report back to Herod!

That is when Herod’s true motive was revealed!  

He became “very enraged” and ordered the extermination of all male children aged 2 and younger, living in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas. His intent was not to worship, but to destroy! Although his words sounded good, his true intention was sinister and diabolical, resulting in the murder of many children and devastating grief to their families.

We must beware of good sounding words, lest we too become participants in evil. Listening to the voice of God for discernment and direction, and following His instruction will put our feet on the right path!

Proverbs 16:2 “All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, 

But the Lord weighs the motives.”

Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

Safe Travels,

Ruth

Despair or Hope

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13

These are disturbing days of protests, violence in the streets and anti-President rhetoric while Americans turn against one another. We seem to have forgotten who the real enemy is. These days listening to the news or trolling social media can cause one to despair.

Yet everywhere we turn we can see the goodness of the Lord if only we look for it!  Focusing on each other's short comings, hot-temperedness and objectionable opinions will not give us hope. Hope comes only from THE God of hope! Therefore I can say as the Psalmist continues in verse 14,

"Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord."

I choose to wait for Him.

He is "my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him." Psalm 28:7

I choose to trust in Him.

I choose to thank Him.

Listing ways I see the goodness of the Lord might be a good way to put my heart and mind to rest at the close of each day.

Rejoicing in Hope,

Ruth

"He is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting." Psalm 106:1 

It's the Little Things

My husband woke me in the middle of the night so I could take him to the Emergency Room.  A CT scan revealed what he already suspected, a kidney stone. Measuring about 5mm this tiny stone, insignificant in size compared to the rest of his body, was creating unbearable pain.

Last week I had foot surgery to repair a torn ligament and straighten out my toe. Now in brand new footwear for the next 6 weeks I am constantly reminded that one little thing (a stone or a toe) can cause pain disproportionate to its size.   

Which leads me to think about some other “little” things that cause pain:

• An unkind word
• A criticism
• A “white lie”
• A harsh look

And some which bring comfort:

• A kind word
• A compliment
• A smile
• A helping hand

All are little things yet with opposite results.

In today’s painful climate of protests, hate speech, thuggery, fear mongering, threats and accusations, a few ‘little things’ could bring a ray of sunshine into an otherwise dismal day.

What little thing will I do today?
What will you do?

Love and joy,

Ruth

James 3:5 “So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.

See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!”

Proverbs 25:11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”

Resolutions

I'm not big on making resolutions. But I usually like to give a look back and a look ahead at the beginning of the year. This year I decided to create an A-Z list. I still have my "To Do" list of projects and plans but here is my list of what I hope will guide my lifestyle.

A-Z GOALS

A- Always keep my eyes on the Lord - Psalm 16:8 
B- Be Thankful - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
C- Consider Him - Hebrews 12:1-4 
D- Do all to the glory of God - 1 Corinthians 10:31  
E- Encourage someone daily - Hebrews 3:13
F- Focus ahead, not behind - Isaiah 43:18 
G- Grow - 2 Peter 3:18 
H- Help my Husband and others - Genesis 2:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:14 
I- Inspire others - Titus 2:7-8 
J- Judge myself not others - Matthew 7:3 
K- Keep on keeping on - Galatians 6:9 
L- Love the Lord wholeheartedly and Love my neighbor - Luke 10:27 
M- Memorize and Meditate on Scripture - Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:11  (Maybe I'll start with the ones on this list!)
N- No Complaining - Philippians 2:14-15 
O- Obey God’s Word - Psalm 119:60 
P- Pray more for myself and others - Matthew 26:41, Colossians 4:2, Ephesians 6:18  
Q- Quiet times for rest and renewal and maintain a Quiet spirit - Isaiah 30:15, 1 Peter 3:3-4  
R- Rejoice - Psalm 32:11 
S- Speak the truth in love - Ephesians 4:15 
T- Trust God- Proverbs 3:5-6 
U- Understand His will - Ephesians 5:15-17,  Proverbs 2:1-11 
V- Value the right things - Matthew 6:19-21 
W- Walk in the Spirit - Ephesians 5:8, Galatians 5:25 
X- eXercise Patience - Colossians 3:12, Proverbs 19:11 
Y- Yield when appropriate - James 3:17 
Z- Zest. Tackle life with keen enjoyment and gusto! Romans 12:11, Colossians 3:23 

We're a week into the New Year and I've already failed at some of these, but I am so grateful for a loving, forgiving Heavenly Father who knows our weaknesses and gives plenty of opportunities for second (third, fourth...) chances. And by His power I know that "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength."

Love,
Ruth

Confidence for the New Year

Resting in His sufficiency I have everything I need to walk confidently into the New Year.
Following Him I will be on the right path.
Focusing on Him I will not be side-tracked.
Thinking of Him I will not be overwhelmed by chaos around me.
Trusting Him I will not be afraid.
Loved by Him I am secure.
Led by Him I am safe.
Listening to Him I have joy!
Hallelujah!
What a Savior!
Fanny Crosby wrote of this assurance in the Hymn: All the Way My Savior Leads Me.

"All the way my Savior leads me: What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, who thro' life has been my guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate'er befall me, Jesus doe-eth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me, cheers each winding path I tread.
Gives me grace for every trial, feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps my falter, and my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! a spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me; Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father's house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song thro' endless ages: Jesus led me all the way."

Thankfully placing my confidence in the unfailing Lord Jesus Christ,
Ruth
"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." Psalm 118:8

The Message of Christmas

“… The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.” 1 John 4:14

This is the message of Christmas told to Joseph as he slept,

“Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21

It was the message delivered by the angel to a group of shepherds on the hillside.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11.

This is the good news. 

We have a Savior

His name is Jesus.

The angel announced it.

Simeon confirmed it when he took the infant Jesus in his arms declaring,

“ Mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” Luke 2:30-32

J. Wilbur Chapman spelled it out in the hymn, One Day, written in 1908.

“One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my Example is He!

Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He’s coming—O glorious day!”

Rejoice today in the one who came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

Merry Christmas!

GOOD NEWS

The shepherds were just doing their job out on the hillside when the startling angelic announcement lit up the night sky, 

“Fear not! For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10, 11 

We know the story.  We hear it every year around this time. Maybe so often that the wonder of the message is lost amidst the items on this season’s “to do list.” So much to do. Little time. And even less energy. As I considered the message this verse came to mind: 

“As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country.” Proverbs 25:25

How fitting! God’s good news was delivered by an angel from a far country, an angel who worshipped at the very throne of God in Heaven! THAT news refreshes weary souls today like no other news possibly could. God’s GOOD news brings peace to the troubled soul and joy – “Great joy” - to all people if we will believe it. 

Reflect on the words of this hymn, penned by Helen Howarth Lemmel in 1922.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus   

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?

There's light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face;

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conquerors we are!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

His word shall not fail you He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well.
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

So this Christmas, let’s look long into the wonderful face of the Savior, remembering that the baby in the manger was the One who came from the glory of a far country bringing salvation to a world hopelessly lost. HE is Christ the Lord!

Joy and Peace,
Ruth

Hope is Born

Reading in the book of 1 Peter this week I found myself zeroing in on the word “hope.”  It is encouraging to remember that Christians have a living hope that rests fully on God’s grace, a hope that is in Him.  This hope is a sure thing, a confidence that is alive! This confidence is based on the mercy and grace of the Almighty, Sovereign God, the Resurrected Christ who will be revealed at the proper time. Peter reminds us that:

Redeemed by Him,

Kept by Him,

And Saved through faith in Him.

We can Rest fully in Him,

Believe in Him,

Trust in Him,

Be at Peace in Him,

Call on Him,

And Rejoice in Him.

In this Advent season we give thanks for the hope we have because of Jesus.

Consider the words of this hymn from the 1700’s. 

TO US A CHILD OF HOPE IS BORN – lyrics by John Morrison, 1781.

To us a Child of hope is born,

To us a Son is giv’n,

Him shall the tribes of earth obey,

Him all the hosts of Heav’n.

His Name shall be the Prince of Peace,

Forevermore adorned,

The Wonderful, the Counselor,

The great and mighty Lord.

His pow’r, increasing, still shall spread,

His reign no end shall know,

Justice shall guard His throne above,

And peace abound below.

To us a Child of hope is born,

To us a Son is giv’n,

The Wonderful, the Counselor,

The mighty Lord of Heav’n.

“Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder:

and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father,

the Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

A sacrifice of praise

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God,

That is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." 

Hebrews 13:15 

Continually offering praise does not come naturally to some of us. It takes dependence on a supernatural God. It is “by Him,” a sacrifice that does not come easily.  But for one who abides in the Vine (that is Jesus) the fruit produced IS praise and giving of thanks. In this Season of Thanksgiving, let us pray to be so filled with the presence of Jesus that what flows from us comes from Him. May our lips praise Him and our hearts overflow with thanksgiving.

This song from 1948 is a good reminder to get us started. 

“Thank You, Jesus, for all You’ve done,

Thank You, Lord.

Thank You, Jesus, for victories won,

O! Thank You, Lord.

For Thy love and tender care,

For Thy Word and answered prayer,

Thank You, Jesus, for all you’ve done.

Thank You, Lord."

                                                                            (John C. and Ruth G. Hallett)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,
Ruth

Fall Favorite Things

Some of my favorite things about November...

Beautiful Fall colors

Cool, crisp weather

Open windows

Hot coffee with Pumpkin Spice Creamer

Cinnamon, Ginger and Nutmeg Scents

Hot dogs and marshmallows roasted on sticks held over the fire-pit

Fragrant, lit candles

Thanksgiving celebrations

But… one of my MOST favorite things is the 30 Day Thankfulness Challenge!

This is how it works:

                Every day by day’s end, write down one thing I am thankful for that day.

                That’s it … just one thing.  But no repeats!

It helps me remember the many ways God blesses us, and give Him thanks.

What are you thankful for?

Are you up to the challenge?

Oh, and one more thing... That extra hour of sleep I'm going to get tonight!

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Post debate thoughts

My reading this morning came from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. I know that Jeremiah was writing concerning another people in another time,  but somehow it seemed fitting for today.

6:12 “For I will stretch out my hand against the inhabitants of the land,” says the Lord, “Because from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is given to covetousness;  and from the prophet even to the priest, everyone deals falsely…”

Last night we watched the 2^nd Presidential debate. It’s been a terrible election year for both parties, colored by lies and accusations, dirt-digging and mud- slinging. One hardly knows what is true and what is not.  There is no sense of morality, no shame, no concern for what the children hear and see from our leaders.

So much bickering, arguing, fighting, blame-casting…

THIS is who we have become! A people whose word cannot be trusted, a country bent on self-destruction, people who refuse to take responsibility, choosing rather to blame someone- anyone else- rather than admitting our own wrong-doing.  It is appalling, shameful, reprehensible and can be summed up with these words from Jeremiah “Everyone is given to covetousness, everyone deals falsely.”

And my heart cries – surely not! Really?  Everyone?

There is a remedy. There is hope – if we will heed it.

Verse 16 Thus says the Lord, “Stand in the way and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is. And walk in it. Then you will find rest for your souls.”

But they said, “We will not walk in it.”

Our stubbornness is our own undoing.

Verse 17 But they said, “We will not listen”

Verse 19 Hear, O earth! Behold I will certainly bring calamity on this people – the fruit of their thoughts because they have not heeded my word, nor my law, but rejected it.”

And there it is:

Refusal to listen.

Refusal to heed God’s word.

Refusal to obey His laws.

That is what dooms a nation to judgment and calamity.

We’ve been dancing, teetering on the edge and now we are toppling over.

God help us!

Climate Change

 “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good,

and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Matthew 5:45

It’s raining today...again! 

I’m more of a sunny day kind of person. 

But this morning I remembered the words of this hymn, written by Daniel W. Whittle in 1883.

Showers of Blessing

There shall be showers of blessing; This is the promise of love;

There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Savior above.

               

                Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need;

                Mercy-drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead.

There shall be showers of blessing—Precious reviving again;

Over the hills and the valleys, Sound of abundance of rain.

There shall be showers of blessing; Send them upon us, O Lord!

Grant to us now a refreshing; Come, and now honor Thy Word.

There shall be showers of blessing; O that today they might fall,

Now as to God we’re confessing, Now as on Jesus we call!

There shall be showers of blessing, If we but trust and obey;

There shall be seasons refreshing, If we let God have His way.

As the song weaved its way through my consciousness I began to appreciate the opportunity to sit with my Bible and devotional books,

hot coffee,

fragrant candle burning,

sounds of raindrops hitting the deck.

Retirement has become a ‘season of refreshing’ allowing me to reflect on a lifetime of busy, active service while waiting on God to help me know my place in the now.  And I admit, that sometimes it is hard to wait and ‘let God have His way.’  For me it is more about knowing what not to do, than what to do. There are so many opportunities but I’m not looking for time fillers. What I want is to walk in trust and obedience to the One who sends the times of refreshing and blessing. And I want to live a life that refreshes others.

In this present climate of accusations, hatred, cultural and political upheaval and uncertainty, perhaps a good way to start a rainy day is to do what Johnson Oatman wrote in this hymn from 1897:

Count Your Blessings

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

                Refrain:

                Count your blessings, name them one by one;

                Count your blessings, see what God hath done;

                Count your blessings, name them one by one;

                Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.  

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings, money cannot buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.  

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.  

Happy Counting!

Love,
Ruth