My New Book

"Coming Soon" changed to "ARRIVED" in my mailbox!

A couple of weeks ago, I excitedly joined the team for Mesu Andrew's BOOK LAUNCH, coordinated by Tina Chen at mommynificent.com and since then, I've been waiting anxiously for a package to fill my mailbox.
On February 14th, Mesu Andrews gave her new book to me! It's cover is gorgeous with rich purple and golds and the artist caught a beautiful pair of eyes, making me love the main character's sweetness covered-up well by brave caution. I cannot wait to begin my new read!

Until I read Tina's link for Booknificent Thursday, I didn't know that February 14th was International Book Giving Day but will remember the gift given to me on this special day!

Sadly, I was not prepared to give away any books. I have bookcases in every room and could freely give many books away, but each time I dust the shelves, I am reminded of the joy I had in reading the book pulled off the shelf and add it to a basket to read real soon. Now, not only is my house full of bookshelves, but baskets rest in each room, overflowing with old favorites waiting to be read again!

Theater

Garage Sale

But February 14th was a long day away from home and my books as I served little ones on our missionary campus. I watch wonderful foreign missionary children while their parents are in training. This past week there were five little ones and on Friday, five more staff kids joined in the play.
We spent the day playing TOWN.
The room held a full-fledged layout with a bank, theater, jail, factory, home, church, garage, and so on. The children filled hours performing the business of daily chores they had seen their parents live. Play money was attained at the bank and spent everywhere around the room. I enjoyed listening to their conversations, their laws, the Scripture readings, and even the choice of movies (DVD) at the theater while enjoying real popcorn!

Church...Scripture Reading

A waitress graciously served snack at her restaurant and they even had fun around a supper table while their parents enjoyed a Valentine Dinner in the main dining room.
I was invited to join my husband and have adult conversation for a couple of hours, but I found our conversation was wrapped around our children, their play and the enjoyment I found hanging out with them.
I rushed back to the playroom for cleanup and tired good nights.

Mesu Andrews

It was a great week because of the great LOVE we all share in Jesus Christ.  This new book is based on God's precious Scriptures and segments of the story can be found in the Old Testament. Even before I begin my book, I want to say I appreciate Mesu's research and preparation. Even through fiction, her love for our Lord causes her pen to proclaim the goodness of God and His covenant of grace extended to each of us.

The Big Snow of February

Everyone is marveling at the new amount of snow. My patio table already shows a good 7" pile and there's no sign of it letting up yet!

Weather channel reports:
1"/hour for 12 hours!
This may be unusual most of the time, but when it happens there are mixed feelings around the city! Smiling kids cheer for a snow day while parents rush to make arrangements to stay home. We're a little more prepared for it than the states south of us, yet the hills make some of the communities more challenging than the flat plains to our west.
Actually, this beautiful white stuff is so much easier on our trees, our driving experiences, and for clearing away than the dreadful black ICE we often find decorating our winter pavements.
For Don's January birthday, we decided to invest in more power and updated his little antique snow blower for a bright new self-propelled one.
Today, we are both very glad.
Immediately after a day in the office, Don started removal of snow with the turn of the key, rather than the failing and wearying yanking on a rope while pumping the primer!

Clearing the large long driveway only takes 1/2 the time and is so much easier to walk behind while the self-propelled blades move quickly and snow is blown further out of the way.
I can actually see the pavement as he makes his first trip across the driveway!
This storm is moving very quickly, piling wind-tossed snow in deep drifts. As I watch from the window, I'm saddened to see Don's well blown path filling quickly with snow as he moves on to another area.
A couple hours later in the evening, we looked outside to see the progress of the storm. It doesn't even look like the car was cleaned off, or the driveway cleared. The drifting is filling in so much we can hardly see the 3 foot wall to the south of the driveway.
So, as we relax in our warm home, we both know that he'll get to use his new toy at least another time for this snowstorm.

A Colorful Review for Bible Study...

Through January, I had a small group of ladies join me in my first attempt to teach this LORD series from Precepts Ministries with Kay Arthur. This group of publishers are well know as the "Markers"

- students of Bible studies who do an inductive study by marking with symbols and colors. Many are overwhelmed with the details of the study, and never even take the smallest bite of INDUCTIVE Bible study because of the fear of these details.

Knowing this, I chose to simplify even more for beginners under my guidance. I chose to be consistent through the study with only 3 colors and rarely mark in more detail.
You see, for many years, I've used 3 basic colors and have learned to consistently use them for three relational categories.
1. YELLOW - My Relationship in Christ
2. BLUE - My Relationship in the Body of Christ (church)
3. RED - My Relationship in the Work of Christ (non-churched)
I use them for living out my priorities, showing in a Day Timer the relationship represented and encouraging a balance in my life. I've learned to study the Bible, using these three colors to let me see at a glance what relationship it emphasizes. Finally, in the last few months, I've used these 3 colors to pray (as described in this post) for the 3 relationship groups in my life.

FB NKCWC Connection

I even took a huge step and agreed to be the local Prayer Coordinator for using these 3 colors to show how women can:
1. YELLOW - CONNECT with God
2. BLUE - CONNECT with each other,
3. RED - CONNECT with ladies in their community.

It has been an exciting path of learning for me, so I thought I would once again, pass it on.

Here it is:
My purpose is to show myself that I can keep my mind focused on Christ and give him glory in all my relationships. Colossians 1:17
So, while reading a Bible passage, I look for any revelation about God and his personal relationship with me. I highlight it in YELLOW.  These phrases emphasize first of all my relationship with God, as Creator and what He has revealed through Scriptures about Himself. Then, my position IN CHRIST because of his atonement on my behalf draws me to who He is to me. This draws my thoughts to his glory, splendor, and majesty and His gifts of grace and mercy.
The second color is BLUE. I chose blue because of the blood that I see running just below my skin and giving life to my body parts. Life is in the blood. Spiritually, I was adopted into God's family of believers when I accepted the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. His family is royal. His family is unique and throughout the New Testament, there are characteristics that describe members of His family. These I color in blue so that I can learn to make them part of my choices and character.
Finally, I use RED to remember the stop sign I wish to put in unbelievers pathways so that they have an opportunity to consider Christ for the forgiveness of their sin. There are many passages that warn such people to stop and turn around on their paths, accepting God's gift of GRACE. Any warning or characteristic of these unbelievers I highlight in red to keep me aware of the need for the message of reconciliation to be proclaimed. 

Just using these 3 relationships and showing them in our study with the 3 colors helped each of the ladies understand our relationship in Christ, our relationship in the Body of Christ and the behaviors that grow this relationship. Finally, it also showed us the need of reconciliation and the behaviors that displease God. From this, we learned to apply the living Word of God to our lives and realize our task of discipleship. 

The Results Are In

Well, my first attempt of featuring a nearby business at the Women's Connection was a great success.

Of course, I only invited the guests, and planned for my Asian Feature to graciously began our evening and set the atmosphere for a wonderful evening.


Our feature was the Hunan Garden Restaurant in Kearney, MO, with the owner, JOY serving as our caterer and special guest.

For the buffet table, Joy's family brought in steaming hot plates of Honeyed Chicken, 
Fried Rice, 
Crab Ragoon, 
and Egg Rolls.
Then they changed their apparel to beautiful Chinese outfits of bright red and gold. The girls adorned formal wear of different styles, and even added some beautiful hats!
Victor, the leader was in vivid red vest and Uncle Xi wore a beige vest. Both men looked so classy with their bow ties at the neck of their white shirts.

They decorated a makeshift stage at the front of the room with Chinese figurines and flowered banners to give more to the Asian atmosphere.
The girls were so beautiful as they sang with sweet voices. Victor brought one of his young gorgeous students to grace us with a vocal performance.
Uncle Xi was fantastic on his harmonica and wow, Vivian, the daughter played a Chinese instrument that was so peaceful.
With the use of a borrowed keyboard, Victor accompanied many of the solos. He also played some specials and honored us with an awesome solo while Vivian accompanied him on the keyboard.
Tears blurred my vision with the passion of love heard in their song for their homeland, China, and their group "thank you" song brought a huge applause. they had treated us with a beautiful program, and then, topped it off with gracefulness and gratitude!

The night didn't end with music though.
We had an awesome speaker from Arkansas.

Linda Goff gave her personal story of victory over a food addiction. She retold the agony of her out-of-control appetite and how she cried out to God for help after every imaginable diet had failed her, and she realized the waste of her life, relationships and purposes.
Her voice peacefully and melodically gave praise to her Creator and all credit of victory was given to her Father God who reminded her through His precious Word that He would honor faith, even if it was the size of a mustard seed.
We saw the before/after photo, yet her success stood before us and made us praise such a loving, caring, awesome God. her peace of mind and intense love for her Savior was so evident as she spoke to us, challenging each lady in attendance to trust the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She sold many copies of her book which you can find at www.amazon.com
As the evening closed, many ladies ventured to the front to visit with Linda and then, as they left the room, they commented on their pleasure for the evening.
The Skinny Budget Diet

Our team was encouraged to invite our "Feature Creatures" - JOY and her family back for another night of catered Honeyed Chicken and Fried Rick so we could have more time to hear their beautiful music again.

February 20 - NKC Women's Connection meets again in the large room at the Souder Family Funeral Home for another monthly evening of entertainment and challenge. Will you be in attendance?
You can keep up with the happenings at NKC Women's Connection
Hope to see you there!!

WC JANUARY...BEFORE & AFTER & Asian Night

Here's a great opportunity for ladies to make CONNECTIONS with other ladies in the Northland and enjoy each other's company, a cuisine from a local merchant and a story of God's influence in the life of a co-resident. The topic for this month will be
BEFORE-AFTER, which should just spike your curiosity!

I made this bulletin to hang as a reminder at my workplace. Everyone and anyone is invited and encouraged to bring a friend.
They only ask that you call in a reservation for a place-seating by the Sunday evening previous to the occasion which means to make your
RESERVATIONS right away! The deadline for a count is January 12th which will help them plan. You must call 816-505-7278 and just let them know how many will attend with you.

SOUDER Family Funeral Home

For $10/person, each receives a meal, an evening of entertainment, laughter, fellowship and sometimes, even some new friendships in your community. On top of that...they offer FREE CHILD CARE for those who reserve a spot!! Can you believe it?!

Inside the mansion!

They meet at the SOUDER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, where the owner, Scott, arranges the room in a banquet style of tables for all of us. IF you're not familiar with this location, it's the big white mansion on the south hill of Barry Road, just west of Maple Woods Community College! Look at these photos...isn't this place elegant?!

So, on JANUARY 16th at 6:30 - 8:30...join us!
Hey! Just click on the site....it's on Facebook!
Women's Connection Kansas City North

There's an invitation on the site...click yes...and we'll see you there!

A New Study for A New Year

LORD, Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days seems like the perfect prayer for the very first 28 days of a brand new year.
I've asked five girlfriends to join me in accomplishing this new goal, although I would welcome anyone else to encourage me in this endeavor.
Our plan is to take this "very practical, hands-on, learn-by-doing Precepts' Ministry book by Kay Arthur and use the tools in her instructions for personal Inductive daily studies. We are going to accomplish this study in 28 days...meeting 4 times, but faithfully doing a chapter per day in the study.

Through this simple means we want to learn how to study the Bible in such a way that we discover truth for ourselves. The inductive approach is described in the Inductive Study Bible as a method that brings you directly to the Word of God apart from another's understanding or interpretation of the text, and involves three skills: observation, interpretation, and application. 

Each Tuesday morning we plan to come together to discuss the techniques we've learned over the past week,  glean any special insights benefited in our studies, encourage one another to keep moving forward and to especially pray together. We also plan to journal any parts we found difficult, confusing, or overwhelming so that we become familiar with this type of study and learn helpful hints from each other. We also want to prepare a path of study for future groups.

Most of all, we plan to be held accountable as we dedicate these next 28 days to the Inductive study of the Bible.
Want to join us?

The Greatest Gift is for You!

Christmas decorations line the store aisles, the jingling of bells fill the air, and shoppers scurry to purchase wanted items for loved ones. Under many decorated trees, packages tied with pretty ribbons wait for a date marked on the calendar. Plans and gathered supplies anticipate celebrations in homes without many knowing or offering the Greatest Gift which began this whole holiday of giving.
Yet, with constant news of troubling times for our world in crisis, sights of many hurting people lining the sidewalks and knowledge of hundreds of homes without peace, my heart searches for every opportunity to offer the very best gift ever given. 
This gift is God's only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, sent to earth to bring us back to God. Sin entered our world bringing sadness and destruction. We chose our own way and grapple for control in a dying world. Jesus Christ came to earth and paid the price of a horrible death, full of rejection and sorrow, to reconcile us back to God and give us eternal life in Him.
It's a beautiful story of love recorded in Scriptures and history. Seeing the sadness in many eyes,  I long to share this tremendous gift with many.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to speak of this awesome GIFT during a class for ladies. After sharing Scripture on the covenant God made with Abram and fulfilled in Jesus, we decided to meet each Wednesday morning for 10 weeks and study the story in context. 
As our guide, we used a Stonecroft study book, Following Jesus with Luke  and the New Testament book of Luke as our text. The book encourages reading designated passages of Luke along with each chapter, and then, asks questions to help the readers think through what is actually said and how it applies to our understanding of Jesus' purpose in life. 
Because I believe that Luke is an inspired book of God's Word, I began each class with prayer, asking God to show us what he would like us to know about His GIFT. Luke 24:45

Luke's research approached actual eyewitnesses of the life and ministry of Jesus. Many were touched personally by contact with him. They heard his lessons, were touched by his power, and followed Jesus through the region of Galilee. The chosen stories, messages, and parables of Jesus were recorded as Luke depicts Jesus as the true Son of Man.

The most important message I take away from this study is God's faithfulness and overwhelming love. As far back as the Garden of Eden, God promised to send a "Seed" who would be the Savior of the world. Galatians 3:3 tells us that God preached this Gospel to Abram in a blood covenant. Although humanity put Jesus to death, resurrection shouted the victory of completion! Not even death could thwart the promise of God given in the gift of His Son. 
Now, in our day, God is patiently waiting for many to claim His gift as their very own and receive forgiveness of sins.

So, while many try to find just the right item to prettily wrap and put under a tree, I hope my readers take this post as an invitation to consider the most precious GIFT ever given anyone. The Bible says "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
"But to all who did receive HIM, who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God." 
John 1:12

God's gift is for you. 

Whispers of HOPE

Once a week, I join about 12 ladies in a hang out to discuss and encourage each other to develop the habit of prayer. 
We're reading WHISPERS OF HOPE by Beth Moore. We've committed to a 10-week devotional time which we hope grows our understanding of prayer habits and teaches us to genuinely focus on set times of PRAYER. 
Beth takes a passage of scripture for daily reading and then, allows us to peek into her journal for the lessons God taught her while she read the given passages. We take the time to share how God used His word during our daily mediating on prayer and how we are learning to make it a focal part of each day.

In Whispers of Hope, Beth suggests using the acronym PRAISE in prayer, but because I'm already comfortable in a routine of habitually thinking in color, I'm trying to adopt her word into my own colorful outline. Praying in color has helped me stay focused whether I pray audibly or silently. It's just a simple outline of three colors.

These three colors have already become my primary outline in daily priorities and show up in my Bible studies, my schedule, and my relationship building. Using the 3 colors in prayer has helped me categorize what I want to say in my 3 relationships to keep my mind focused on Christ and give him glory. 

So, while reading a Bible passage, I look for any revelation about God and his personal relationship with me. I highlight it in YELLOW.  These phrases emphasize first on my relationship with God, as Creator and what He has revealed through Scriptures about Himself. Then, my position IN CHRIST because of his atonement on my behalf draws me to who He is to me. This draws my thoughts to his glory, splendor, and majesty and His gifts of grace and mercy.
The second color in my small is BLUE. I chose blue because of the blood that I see running just below my skin and giving life to my body parts. Life is in the blood. Spiritually, I was adopted into God's family of believers when I accepted the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. His family is royal. His family is unique and throughout the New Testament, there are characteristics that describe members of His family. These I color in BLUE so that I can learn to make them part of my choices and character.
Finally, I use RED to remember the stop sign I wish to put in unbelievers pathways so that they have an opportunity to consider Christ for the forgiveness of their sin. There are many passages that warn such people to stop and turn around on their paths, accepting God's gift of GRACE. Any warning or characteristic of these unbelievers I highlight in RED so that I will remember them when confronted with these behaviors.  

Now, getting back to Beth Moore and her book, she suggested using the acronym PRAISE in prayer.
I took the first week to just focus on PRAISE and grasp what each letter would represent while I use my three colors. I found that her PRAISE letters actually fit words I already use, making it easy for me to fit her whole devotional into my daily walk with Christ without referring to my notes during prayer! 

My prayer journal has become a doodle pad as my heart overflows with colorful details I want to discuss with my heavenly Father!

YELLOW: the Presence of my majestic Father of LIGHT and Glory...
I began with P in focusing on PRAISE to God for His glory, splendor and majesty. I thank Him for His continual PRESENCE with me throughout my day.
R causes RESTORATION in my heart as I mediate and claim by faith God's promises to conform me into the image of His Son. I consider who Jesus is and pray that throughout the day, I am a good REFLECTION of His glory.
A helps me ACKNOWLEDGE Jesus as God's Promised ONE and surrender to his Lordship in my ACTIVITIES for the day. Often I find myself just writing Scripture that proves to my faith what God has declared, and that reminds me to bow my knee ASKING him to steady my staggering steps on his straight paths.

BLUE: Christ's love which units His family through His blood...
INTERCESSION is going to the One you believe has the power to meet needs. I bring my list of ITEMS on behalf of others and give each to my Father for His purpose and planning. I tell him what I would like to happen, but realize it is His WILL that will heal their ILLS. There are so many who need to hear from the Creator. 
S moves me into SUPPLICATION for my friends and family and even for myself. All those in Christ Jesus face STRUGGLES that can overwhelm and so I ask God's SPIRIT to STRENGTHEN their inner person and help them live God's purpose today. For many of my believing family members, there are SPECIFIC needs I mention while I am in talking to the SAVIOR'S heart. I also include Jesus' request to His Father and ask that our SOURCE of witness will be love for each other.
Our need to be EQUIPPED, leads me to pray for faithfulness in reading God's WORD daily. I pray His compelling love ENCOURAGES and EDIFIES his children through the inspired WORD. I pray that it does its work in EACH of us.

RED: Those needing to know Christ's forgiveness for sin and who can't yet PRAISE him with thankful hearts...
Time with my Father seems to always linger over my longing to share the Love of Jesus with those who do not yet know His forgiveness and have no Praise. How they need His PRESENCE in their life. My REQUESTS mention the specific names of my ACQUAINTANCES, longing for them to join God's family and know His grace through Jesus Christ. I ask God to IGNITE a fire in them that would burn with longing to know the SAVIOR. I ask Christ to give them ETERNAL LIFE as he promised those who come to Him. 

What a wonderful day His children will have together in the future when we circle His throne in glory, PRAISE and honor! I want all my family and friends to join me there! So, I close my prayer thanking my Father for His work of drawing many loved ones into a relationship with Him, then tell him I've enjoyed the special time of prayer I've had with Him, and how I cannot wait for the future day he promises each of us in his PRESENCE FOR ALL ETERNITY!

Whatever your method of PRAYER, I hope you enjoy your time with the Father and find PRAISE for our wonderful God, His grace, and His mercy on your lips today!

In Covenant with God

My life is truly a season for THANKSGIVING!
It's breath-taking to drive through the hills and countryside and view Autumn's colorful splendor and majesty declaring the glory of my Creator God. The trees and flowers have burst into colors that are exquisite and the warm sun glistens off the golden fields. On one such drive, I found myself gazing upward toward the bluest skies with white puffy clouds totally overwhelmed that the God who created this natural phenomenon also made a way for me to know Him! Coming in human form, Jesus Christ bridged a path for a LOVE relationship with God and Covenant was sealed with His blood on the cross of Calvary.


My blog has been silent for a season while I read some fantastic and life changing books. Some even claimed my earliest morning hours as I compared the content with Bible study. There has been times when I've felt like those who first heard the Gospel and searched the Scriptures daily to see if these things were true!

OUR COVENANT GOD by Kay Arthur is my newest favorite book. It has made me fall deeper in love with Jesus than I thought possible and it has filled me with an overwhelming gratitude for His willingness to "walk into death" for me. Heart tears well up inside as I read the various rituals of the ancient covenant and hear Christ's words saying those same words in many of the gospel stories.
My favorite words, "I call you my Friend."
Lately, there's been reviews telling of best sellers books which try to disengage historical facts or have the premise of unbelief in Deity visiting earth, yet, this wonderful book takes a firm stand in the literal Scriptures and through much research and study elaborates what God purposed in His COVENANT with man.

Participating in the Lord's supper became even sweeter this month as I heard the familiar words from the biblical passages and realized again these were the same words spoken by covenant partners in the celebrating meal. My heart filled with gratitude to meditate on Jesus, my precious Savior, who walked into death for me and shed his own blood in covenant. With His work "finished", He sealed the covenant once for all and took the payment of my debt. HE declared me 'Not Guilty'! (Rom 3:24; Titus 3:3-8 NLT)

We become participants in the covenant when we come to God through Christ. He gives me a new identity, his weapons and belt, and his strength takes over my weakness. Each day grows sweeter in my knowledge of His grace and mercy.
Yes...I have much to be THANKFUL for in this season of my life.

Little Ears Listen...

While I enjoy the warmth of summer, the joy of watering flower pots, and a little traveling to visit family, my computer has been quietly waiting for me to journal my summer schedule.
Lately, my days have been so full. I barely get my flower pots watered before the clock tells me to rush out of the driveway, yet it's necessary to turn on the lights when we drag up the patio stairs to finish off the day.

A very fun place to be...

In spite of my busyness, it's exciting days around our workplace. For two weeks I watched 7 kids under age of 5 creatively play while their parents train in cross-cultural studies.
These families are preparing to live overseas for the simple reason to obey the command (Mark 16) Jesus gave his disciples:
"GO, and proclaim the gospel to every creature". 
These families count it a privilege to share Jesus and the good news that His death provided abundant life for anyone willing to turn to Him as their Lord and Savior. The contagious excitement of "going" encompasses all I do in the Day Care!

Tea time...

Trains tooting...

The children are precious. Their minds are so creative in play and their imaginations surprise me with many giggles and chuckles as I listen to their conversations. It always amazes me to hear their vocabulary and even some definite quotes.

One morning, I thought one precious little boy was totally oblivious to his surroundings as he pulled a toy train around the play room. There were several conversations going on around him, but suddenly he looked at me in all seriousness and said, "Don't let anyone put you down because you are young." 

Outside play...

What made this quiet little fellow give this awesome advice at that moment?
I realized he had overheard a teen helper talking about giving her testimony at the workplace. His sensitivity and purity of heart responded in complete innocence. He quietly reminded us of what the Word of God says about speaking truth with a pure and gentle response when we're asked about our faith in the Lord Jesus.

I asked the little guy who told him that - and was awed at his response...
"My DVD told me that the Bible says that to us!"
Praise God for parents who provide good and valuable listening tools in their homes! What an honor to care for these little ones who have God's truth available for their little ears, and attentively listen to God's great message which reaches and strengthens their beautiful tender hearts!

Summer is stealing my time...

I'm sorry for the neglect of this blog during this summer month. It seems when the sun begins to really shine and the weather gets a little warmer, my day is stolen as I putter outside in the garden. I love the trim flower beds, and the joy of little blossoms delight my yard with so much color!

My Iris bed was gorgeous this Spring, and I even had the joy of planting day lilies of bright yellow. Now, the New Guinea Impatience line the patio and walk way.

Summer crept up and surprised me with busyness. We took a quick trip to NYC, 2100 miles of driving in 7 days! We were able to visit with 3 generations and I absolutely loved getting much desired hugs from these precious family members.

Now, for a couple of weeks, I'm caring for 7 children under age 5 each day while their parents attend training classes in cross-cultural studies. I have 2 wonderful helpers, but with my time being so captured with the adventures of these little ones' creativity, my computer time is limited.

And admittedly, my evening leisure moments finds escape to my back yard. I relax after the busy hot days while the gentle breezes sway my hammock in the shade of a leafy maple. I reason silently that I can only do so much, but value this time by capturing some awesome reading time. I'm also having fun while studying some awesome books loved ones suggested for summer reading.

So, dear readers, thank you for being very patient with this blog.
I'll pop back real soon, but in the meantime, enjoy your summer days in the sun!

Speech Gives Evidence

Our final workbook chapter draws us to Malachi 3 - 4, yet I would like to narrow the study and close in relevance of our current affairs.
With days filled with scandals, deceit and terrorism...it's wonderful to lean on the Word of a faithful God and hear His promise like these found in Malachi 3:16-18:

Observation: "Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and loved to think about him."
The Promise: "They will be my people, says the LORD Almighty. On that day when I act, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient and dutiful child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not."

The recent scandals focus our attention on the Right to Privacy. Every circle of news media throws our rights around, arguing who has the authority to listen to our conversations and read our mail. Many reactions are fierce with anger filling the wires.
What will be the reaction when the anger over government interference through the use of phone taps and email checks realizes an even mightier Someone listens also?
What will they say to the Almighty Judge when they stand before him to give account for every word spoken?

Those saying "IF you have nothing to hide, there's nothing to fear." seem caustic, but it's rebuttal of "it depends who's listening and their reason" stands even more on the side of truth.
This last message from the Old Testament tells each of us the Creator is listening, and yet many of us honestly can sing...
"I know the KING, there's no need to dread".

To me, having a relationship with the Creator makes current affairs all but passing. His authority will right all wrong. He listens, records, and remains in total power over the whole world with its people and all their activities.

Several years ago, I was encouraged to read this promise of God, recorded as the old historical books of the Bible closed for hundreds of years held in silence.
There would be no more words from God until the first advent of His Beloved Son. Then, the Bible declares, "The WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us". Jesus came.
Through Jesus, I asked for mercy. God acted in grace and kindness, forgiving me and washing me clean from my sin. All my words, my attitudes, and my behavior were laid on His Son and HE nailed them to the cross. The Bible proclaims "He bore my sins. He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows...he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him and by his wounds we are healed...He bore our sins. " Isa 53:4-5,12.
God placed His judgment for my sins on His Beloved Son. Jesus paid it all for me.
Then, in a resurrected life, victorious over death,  Jesus declared me "not guilty". Titus 3:3-8 NLT
                                             I became "His [God's] treasure". Mal 3:17; 2 Cor 4:7

As the Lord's treasure, the Lord watches over me and LISTENS to what I say to others, who fear him and love to think about him." .
Do I encourage?
Are my words kind and uplifting?
Would my words shame me if the Lord became visibly before me?

Walker AZ Photography

When the Almighty God acts upon His earth is not really up for debate. It all belongs to Him and He will claim it whenever He chooses.
Whether one believes that fact or not will not really matter when God claims what He says is His own.

The Almighty Creator has promised to return.

Some day soon, Jesus Christ will shout "They are MINE!"
Many other passages in the NT describe in more detail who His treasure really is. I choose to believe His Word which tells me as His treasure, I have nothing to fear.
Now, I long for His coming.
Each sunrise, I wonder if this will be the dawning of that glorious Day.

For God promised "On that day, you will see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." 
Justice will prevail.
                                   What about you?        
Are you "his special treasure" ?
Are you anxiously waiting for that day in joy or with dread?
Are you longing for the Creator to come and make all things right?

And now, as you wait for that shout, how's your speech?
Do your phone conversations and emails give evidence that you really belong in the King's treasury?

Detoured Study

Hidden within the disputations of the book of Malachi are the rich tidbits of God's history with his people! Just a mentioned name fills our minds with awesome stories of God's intervention on earth. During this week's group time, I suggested a small excursion into this deeper history to enjoy more fully the beautiful meadow of gratitude we wandered into last week.

First place we visited was Jacob and his relationship with God. We climbed into the children's overlooked foothills protecting this sacred meadow of righteousness, and found they had a Broken Vow.
That path beckoned us to go further into history and visit Abraham. With him, we looked beyond the horizon and gazed upon the stars in the heavens.
This detour was to be a fast little jaunt, a paragraph or two, but we lingered on the discovery of such rich treasure describing all believers. Although an abbreviated study of God's relationship with Abraham, the grandfather of the "children of Jacob", it looks at two separate occasions where God promised Abram the blessing of offspring. Each occasion Abraham was asked to compare this offspring to the vastness of what human eyes could not count.

Abraham received a promise of offspring two separate times.  Please click over to our detoured study Redeemed Dust Shines as Stars, then join us again as we check out this distinction found also in Malachi.   

Redeemed Dust Shines as Stars

WalkerAZ photography

Our detour in the study of Malachi took us to the home of Abraham, the grandfather of the "children of Jacob". Here, hidden in the foothills of God's promises, we found a distinction of offspring.

The first promise is found in Genesis 13:16 "I will make your offspring as the DUST of the earth." This was given to Abram as he gazed over the huge land territory where God was promising to settle his offspring and make his name great. A photo of a plowed field illustrates dust for us, blowing around with every wind, unstable and movable, shifting, affected by its environment, and deteriorating in nutrients and substance without rest from labor.
With land in sight, Abram settled his tent and there he built an
altar of worship, thanking His Creator God for his provision and care.

WalkerAZ Photography

In Genesis 15:5-6, there is another blessing given to Abraham.  "Look toward the heaven, and number the STARS, if you're able to number them...So shall your offspring be. And he believed the LORD and He counted it to him as righteousness." Millions of stars shining brightly in darkness, declaring the majesty of their Creator, lighting paths, giving direction, yet so stable, dependable in following their Master plan.

Comparing the two occasions of promise, we can see a trail of those who reject God and those who walk by faith in the goodness of God. We also noticed a difference in Abram's second response. This time his heart was involved as he gazed on God's omnipotence in the heavens. He acknowledged the Almighty Presence of God, believed the Word of God, which began a relationship of faith with his Divine Friend. He was forever changed. His faith was counted to him as righteousness. God even changed His name to Abraham, meaning "the father of a multitude of nations". This birth of faith offspring began in heaven and would span all nations, having no boundaries in their expanse.

In faith, Abraham grasped the difference between dust and stars, the natural birth and the spiritual birth. Abraham received a physical promise of offspring, naturally passed on through the composition of DUST inherited in the lineage of Adam by Creation. With this offspring, he would fill the land given as his inheritance.
Through faith, he also received the honor of fatherhood to a spiritual offspring who would believe God's word and walk by faith in the power of God. When God pointed his gaze to the STARS, a spiritual eternal family was born through Abraham's "Seed" of faith in his "offspring, who is Christ" (Galatians 3:16) ,  passing on the riches of his glorious inheritance to his spiritual children.
"Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham." (Galatians 3:7)

Understanding that the story path leads two different ways through Abraham's offspring, helps us grasp those disputing with God in Malachi. We see God is urging Dust to grasp the reality of their circumstances, their hopelessness and helplessness. Their rejection of God's righteousness leaves them vulnerable to evil which only ends in judgment. The Dust family attempts to keep rules and regulations their own way, but their end is "shame and everlasting contempt". (Daniel 12:2)
Faith in God on the other hand leads to life and wisdom. Faith gives strength and courage to follow Him in obedience. Stars rely on the Word and God is their Light, shining through them and lighting the darkened path. God's Word "became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:12) and is the "Seed" God promised Abraham.

Through mercy and grace, God declares DUST to shine as STARS through faith in His Son!

CHALLENGE In Adam's Dust, the cross was raised which held the Son of the living God, the "seed" of Abraham. Through faith in His atoning love, we receive "the right to become sons of God". (John 1:12) By his blood, Jesus paid it all and declares us "not guilty". He offers Life through His righteousness.. 
Has you released your Dust through faith in his glorious Life and Light?

A Broken Vow

“For I the LORD do not change, therefore, you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6 

We chose to take a detour to investigate the mention of Jacob, and paused in our progress to open documents containing his life's journey. 

Why did God bring Jacob into conversation when accusing Israel of robbery? 

During his adventurous trek through the wilderness, God visited Jacob and promised, "Behold I am with you and will keep you wherever you go and will bring you back to this land." (Genesis 28:15) In return for God’s promise of love, protection, and return to his home. Jacob vowed "If God will be with me and keep me in this way...then the Lord shall be my God. And all that You give me I will give a full tenth to You." (Genesis 28:20)  

On his deathbed, Jacob asked "the God who has been my Shepherd...and the Messenger who has redeemed me from all evil" to bless his two grandsons. Jacob stated this covenant was both spiritual as well as physical, extending even after his death. Genesis 48:15-16

In this blessing, Jacob placed his hands upon the boys' heads and declared, "let my name be carried on and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac". Through this bequest, they carried the blessings for all generations as a covenant with their God, who promised, "I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." In passing on this part of the blessing, Jacob expressed to his children the eternal covenant of the "promised Seed of redemption" had not yet been completed. Genesis 48:15-16

That part of the eternal blessing would be placed on these grandsons through Joseph from Jacob’s father, Abraham. Genesis 49:22-24 

So, in Malachi 3:6-12, to make it clear Jacob's vow was being discussed, God called them the "children of Jacob". God was declaring his rightful expectation of them through their father's covenant. In faithfulness, He had upheld his part of the covenant, but they had been withholding the promised tenth. He declared this robbery and exclaimed their excuses were wearisome. Yet, He also challenged them to "put Me to the test...if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need". (3:10) They could personally know His faithfulness as Jacob and really experience the goodness of a relationship with God.

The intended family heritage promised the forefathers was now being disputed between the offspring and God. God desired a spiritual relationship with them. Arrogantly, they wanted to receive an uncontested inheritance, regardless of their disobedience to the conditions of Jacob's covenant.  

CHALLENGE: Have we been guilty of breaking any vow promised to "the Lord who does not change"? 

And extending even a wider circle...

Has our generation neglected vows made in the past to "the Lord who doesn't change" which will hinder blessings for future generations?