A couple of years ago, during a Thanksgiving Day service, our Pastor told a story of a woman who, without fail, gave thanks for the daily blessings that she received from the Lord.
One Sunday morning as she was walking to church a storm moved into her area but despite the rain and wind she remained determined to reach her destination. Arriving drenched and weary she was greeted at the door by a fellow church goer who challenged her to find something on that day to be thankful for. But without a moments hesitation the woman replied, "I'm grateful that it doesn't rain like this every Sunday as I walk to church."
Truly, we do have SO much to be grateful for but how many of us look at the circumstance that we're in rather than giving thanks for something we're being spared. So on that Thanksgiving Day our Pastor challenged us to follow that woman's example and for the next year jot down at least one thing each day that we were grateful for.
Determined to meet the challenge, I faithfully took a moment or two each night before turning off the lights to log my thanks in for that day. My blessing came the following Thanksgiving Day as I spent time reading back through the memories I had recorded. Talk about gratitude!!! There in black and white I saw the hand of God in my life in a real and lasting way. His love for me became so obvious. His grace was truly amazing. And thankfully a new appreciation for Him emerged.
So now I challenge you. Start today and for the next 12 months jot down daily at least one thing that you are grateful for. I promise you that it won't be a waste of time. Then, one year from today be prepared to be amazed as you read your year in review!
It is written in Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His love endures forever."
Lord Jesus, You shower us with blessings each and every day. May we come to realize the extent of Your incredibly generous nature as we venture through the next 12 months.
Amen and Amen
bo
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Ants . . . Who Knew???
One warm Sunday afternoon I was sitting on the swing out in our back yard. As I leisurely soaked up the warmth of the day I caught sight of something moving in the grass by my feet. As I paused to investigate I found that the movement was brought on by a 'band' of ants who were transporting something they obviously thought of as a treasure. As they marched off in what appeared to be a work detail, their valued cargo was being rolled along effortlessly from ant to ant.
This kind of 'excitement' wasn't something that I would normally go looking for but on that warm day I was totally captivated by their ingenuity and resourcefulness. I watched as each ant took his turn - every one of them teaming up to achieve their goal. I was in awe of God's creativity and the instincts that He had given each of them. I also became aware of the fact that at nearly every turn they would run into a wall. A thick blade of grass, a twig, or even some old bird seeds.
As they trudged along I watched. From my vantage point I could clearly see obstacles that would soon be in their path. How in the world, I wondered, were they going to get by that roadblock. As they neared yet another challenge I heard myself saying to them "Just ask me and I'll move it for you. Look up here - ask me - I would love to clear your path for you. But I can't do it unless you ask me to."
Well, it was as though the heavens opened up to me at that very moment and God Himself said "HELLO - that's exactly what I want you to do when you're faced with challenges in your life. Look up. I'm right here just waiting for you to ask me for help. I would love to clear the path that you're on. From my vantage point I can see the roadblock that's ahead of you and I dearly want to help you cross over this one."
It is written in Luke 11:11-13 "You fathers - if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him."
We serve one truly incredible God!! He meets us where we're at - even when we're just watching ants work! And He's willing to shower us with gifts beyond what we can fathom. How much more wonderful could it possibly get.
A friend of mine reminds me often that He never misses an opportunity to bring glory to His name . . . to which I always reply - AMEN - and rightfully so!!!
I praise You, Lord God, for Your generous out pouring of Grace on us. NEVER have You failed to amaze me.
Amen and Amen
bo
This kind of 'excitement' wasn't something that I would normally go looking for but on that warm day I was totally captivated by their ingenuity and resourcefulness. I watched as each ant took his turn - every one of them teaming up to achieve their goal. I was in awe of God's creativity and the instincts that He had given each of them. I also became aware of the fact that at nearly every turn they would run into a wall. A thick blade of grass, a twig, or even some old bird seeds.
As they trudged along I watched. From my vantage point I could clearly see obstacles that would soon be in their path. How in the world, I wondered, were they going to get by that roadblock. As they neared yet another challenge I heard myself saying to them "Just ask me and I'll move it for you. Look up here - ask me - I would love to clear your path for you. But I can't do it unless you ask me to."
Well, it was as though the heavens opened up to me at that very moment and God Himself said "HELLO - that's exactly what I want you to do when you're faced with challenges in your life. Look up. I'm right here just waiting for you to ask me for help. I would love to clear the path that you're on. From my vantage point I can see the roadblock that's ahead of you and I dearly want to help you cross over this one."
It is written in Luke 11:11-13 "You fathers - if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him."
We serve one truly incredible God!! He meets us where we're at - even when we're just watching ants work! And He's willing to shower us with gifts beyond what we can fathom. How much more wonderful could it possibly get.
A friend of mine reminds me often that He never misses an opportunity to bring glory to His name . . . to which I always reply - AMEN - and rightfully so!!!
I praise You, Lord God, for Your generous out pouring of Grace on us. NEVER have You failed to amaze me.
Amen and Amen
bo
I'm out of balance but I'm in my glory!
Never has there been a time in my life when my focus has been well balanced. I've been an 'all or nothing' person right from the 'get-go' (as my mother would say). I wear my heart on my sleeve and the encourager in me is always more than willing to share my passions with anyone who will listen.
To illustrate, let me explain that I have an over the top passion for my children. The day I realized that I had allowed them to become idols before me - and that the Lord wanted me to "give them up" to Him - was, to say the least, a very humbling day for me. Crying out to the Lord I couldn't get my arms around the fact that HE had given me these two treasures - HE had given me that all consuming agape love for them - how in the world could He tell me now that I was wrong for letting them be my all in all?
As I considered all of this I came to realize that even though I had been blessed with love beyond measure for my children, they had from time to time disappointed me, hurt me, made me cry, and many times I was left wanting for something more in my life. What an eye-opener it was to see that it was not possible for them to be my all in all.
It is written in Matthew 10:37 ". . . anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
And it was then that Jesus said to me "I am enough.
Come and be consumed by Me.
Come - I am the Bread of Life and I will nourish you.
John 6:35 paraphrased
Come - drink from the Living Water and you will thirst no more.
John 4:13-14 paraphrased
Come - I will never leave you, I will never forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5
My all in all. Faithful. Honest. Trustworthy. Dependable. My Counselor. My Best Friend. My Husband. My breath. My very life.
To this day I remain 'out of balance' but now Christ in me is the hope of glory. People sometimes make me feel like I'm a 'freak' when it comes to being out of balance about Him. Jesus said to expect that. But little do they know that I fervently pray that they too will someday be consumed and 'out of balance' by the truth that is in Christ Jesus.
Hallelujah, Jesus - Thine the Glory.
Hallelujah, Jesus - Amen
bo
To illustrate, let me explain that I have an over the top passion for my children. The day I realized that I had allowed them to become idols before me - and that the Lord wanted me to "give them up" to Him - was, to say the least, a very humbling day for me. Crying out to the Lord I couldn't get my arms around the fact that HE had given me these two treasures - HE had given me that all consuming agape love for them - how in the world could He tell me now that I was wrong for letting them be my all in all?
As I considered all of this I came to realize that even though I had been blessed with love beyond measure for my children, they had from time to time disappointed me, hurt me, made me cry, and many times I was left wanting for something more in my life. What an eye-opener it was to see that it was not possible for them to be my all in all.
It is written in Matthew 10:37 ". . . anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
And it was then that Jesus said to me "I am enough.
Come and be consumed by Me.
Come - I am the Bread of Life and I will nourish you.
John 6:35 paraphrased
Come - drink from the Living Water and you will thirst no more.
John 4:13-14 paraphrased
Come - I will never leave you, I will never forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5
My all in all. Faithful. Honest. Trustworthy. Dependable. My Counselor. My Best Friend. My Husband. My breath. My very life.
To this day I remain 'out of balance' but now Christ in me is the hope of glory. People sometimes make me feel like I'm a 'freak' when it comes to being out of balance about Him. Jesus said to expect that. But little do they know that I fervently pray that they too will someday be consumed and 'out of balance' by the truth that is in Christ Jesus.
Hallelujah, Jesus - Thine the Glory.
Hallelujah, Jesus - Amen
bo
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Bouncing Back . . .
It probably won't come as a surprise to most of you that even the heart of an encourager can someones 'take a hit'. Burdens come at all of us and an encourager is not exempt from these attacks. I dare say that it is the encourager himself (or if the shoe fits - herself) who is most shocked by the direct hit. Oh, those rose colored glasses!!!
But it is written in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Jesus is promising to be our help in times such as these! If you are good at reading between the lines you'll see that what He's saying is "I am mighty. I am powerful. I am strong . . . so bring it on!" There isn't anything to insignificant - or so heavy that He can't manage it. For you see, these are the burdens that He overcame when He hung on the cross. Truly the weight of the world was on His shoulders - our oppression, our pain, our disease, our sin. He became it all . . . HE OVERCAME IT ALL . . . and He declared "It is finished." John 19:30
Because He knows the weight of what is coming against us, He is willing to partner with us to see it through.
Call on Him. Praise Him. Thank Him.
Lay your burden down - step back away from it - and walk away!
NOOOOO - don't turn back and try to pick it up again - remember you're weak and picking it back up may be hazardous to your health!
As you empty yourself of this unwanted baggage, allow the Holy Spirit to come in and fill you with His joy - experience His peace that surpasses all understanding. (paraphrased Philippians 4:7)
You are not called to go it alone - call on the Name that is above all names. For it is written in 1 John 4:4 "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world."
Hallelujah, Jesus!
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for allowing us to trade our sorrows in for your joy!
I am so thankful to confess, Lord, that Your joy is my strength!
I give You praise and honor, and glory, Oh Prince of Peace.
Amen and Amen
bo
But it is written in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Jesus is promising to be our help in times such as these! If you are good at reading between the lines you'll see that what He's saying is "I am mighty. I am powerful. I am strong . . . so bring it on!" There isn't anything to insignificant - or so heavy that He can't manage it. For you see, these are the burdens that He overcame when He hung on the cross. Truly the weight of the world was on His shoulders - our oppression, our pain, our disease, our sin. He became it all . . . HE OVERCAME IT ALL . . . and He declared "It is finished." John 19:30
Because He knows the weight of what is coming against us, He is willing to partner with us to see it through.
Call on Him. Praise Him. Thank Him.
Lay your burden down - step back away from it - and walk away!
NOOOOO - don't turn back and try to pick it up again - remember you're weak and picking it back up may be hazardous to your health!
As you empty yourself of this unwanted baggage, allow the Holy Spirit to come in and fill you with His joy - experience His peace that surpasses all understanding. (paraphrased Philippians 4:7)
You are not called to go it alone - call on the Name that is above all names. For it is written in 1 John 4:4 "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world."
Hallelujah, Jesus!
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for allowing us to trade our sorrows in for your joy!
I am so thankful to confess, Lord, that Your joy is my strength!
I give You praise and honor, and glory, Oh Prince of Peace.
Amen and Amen
bo
Saturday, August 2, 2008
The Fam
There's nothing more important in life than your family.
Whether you've developed a good relationship with them over the years or not, there's no getting away from the fact that they are important to who you are.
Being close to them sometimes drives you crazy.
Being distant from them always creates a hole within you.
It is written about Jesus in Matthew 12:47-50 "Someone told Him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? Pointing to His disciples, He said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
With that, Jesus brought all believers together as the Family of God.
To say that JESUS - as the Son of the Most High God - realized the importance of family is a gross understatement but in addition to that family relationship, He taught us the importance of the kinship with fellow believers.
As I apply this truth to my own life I can recall a time when I had no church family.
I was unsaved and full of myself.
My belief system consisted of 'The Truths According to Bonnie".
I had no one to pray FOR me or with me.
I had no Pastors to stop by and visit me when concerns were mounting.
I had no involvement with ministries that would direct my thoughts and efforts to anyone other than myself.
It was a time of no friends. No fellowship. No life.
I was self-centered . . . self-sufficient . . . self-reliant . . . AND . . . self-destructing.
To say that I was miserable and lonely is yet another gross understatement.
But now, PRAISE GOD, BY HIS GRACE, with two families I am whole and full of life.
I am so blessed to be part of the life of a church family - with people around me who are anxious to teach me about the grace and mercy and forgiveness of our incredible God.
A very special 'family' who helps me fulfill the purposes the Lord has for me.
It took the combined effort of both of my families but finally I have come to know that not only am I not in control . . . but thank You, Lord . . . I know that I don't want to be!!
All hail to You, Lord Jesus!
Thank You, Jesus for the richness of both of my families.
Thank You that I am right where You want me to be.
Thank You for giving me joyous family members who cheer me on, lift me up in prayer and direct Your angels to guard me.
Hallelujah and Amen
bo
Whether you've developed a good relationship with them over the years or not, there's no getting away from the fact that they are important to who you are.
Being close to them sometimes drives you crazy.
Being distant from them always creates a hole within you.
It is written about Jesus in Matthew 12:47-50 "Someone told Him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? Pointing to His disciples, He said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
With that, Jesus brought all believers together as the Family of God.
To say that JESUS - as the Son of the Most High God - realized the importance of family is a gross understatement but in addition to that family relationship, He taught us the importance of the kinship with fellow believers.
As I apply this truth to my own life I can recall a time when I had no church family.
I was unsaved and full of myself.
My belief system consisted of 'The Truths According to Bonnie".
I had no one to pray FOR me or with me.
I had no Pastors to stop by and visit me when concerns were mounting.
I had no involvement with ministries that would direct my thoughts and efforts to anyone other than myself.
It was a time of no friends. No fellowship. No life.
I was self-centered . . . self-sufficient . . . self-reliant . . . AND . . . self-destructing.
To say that I was miserable and lonely is yet another gross understatement.
But now, PRAISE GOD, BY HIS GRACE, with two families I am whole and full of life.
I am so blessed to be part of the life of a church family - with people around me who are anxious to teach me about the grace and mercy and forgiveness of our incredible God.
A very special 'family' who helps me fulfill the purposes the Lord has for me.
It took the combined effort of both of my families but finally I have come to know that not only am I not in control . . . but thank You, Lord . . . I know that I don't want to be!!
All hail to You, Lord Jesus!
Thank You, Jesus for the richness of both of my families.
Thank You that I am right where You want me to be.
Thank You for giving me joyous family members who cheer me on, lift me up in prayer and direct Your angels to guard me.
Hallelujah and Amen
bo
Friday, August 1, 2008
He Inhabits the Praises of His People
Together we do battle for those You give us to love, Lord.
Oh, let us praise you, Jesus!
When our hearts are full of joy and when we need You most.
Let us sing of Your goodness and power and love.
You are mighty in battle and gentle in care.
Your soft hands surround us with security.
You are our Rock. Solid - Unmovable.
Your love for us is our lifeline.
Your power, our mighty fortress.
You are the Leader of Heaven's Army.
Strong in battle. A Warrior, second to none.
Arm us, oh Lord, we pray
with assurance and confidence and boldness.
You are our Victor. You are our conquering Hero.
Champion. Freedom Fighter. Triumphant in war.
You are GREAT in loving kindness.
You are Magnificent in strength.
Your tender mercies sustain us.
Your grace is without end.
You overpower our enemies before us.
You are our answer to prayer.
You slay the desires of the enemy.
You defend the upright.
You protect the innocent.
Your compassion and mercy are unfathomable.
Your Blood, Jesus, is our ONLY defense.
Your Blood, Jesus, brings us peace.
Your Blood, Jesus, creates in us a power to overcome.
Your Blood, Jesus, defeats all enemies.
It is Your Blood, Jesus, that was shed - once for all - for You declared
"IT IS FINISHED" John 19:30
. . . So it is written. So let it be done.
Amen and Amen
bo
Oh, let us praise you, Jesus!
When our hearts are full of joy and when we need You most.
Let us sing of Your goodness and power and love.
You are mighty in battle and gentle in care.
Your soft hands surround us with security.
You are our Rock. Solid - Unmovable.
Your love for us is our lifeline.
Your power, our mighty fortress.
You are the Leader of Heaven's Army.
Strong in battle. A Warrior, second to none.
Arm us, oh Lord, we pray
with assurance and confidence and boldness.
You are our Victor. You are our conquering Hero.
Champion. Freedom Fighter. Triumphant in war.
You are GREAT in loving kindness.
You are Magnificent in strength.
Your tender mercies sustain us.
Your grace is without end.
You overpower our enemies before us.
You are our answer to prayer.
You slay the desires of the enemy.
You defend the upright.
You protect the innocent.
Your compassion and mercy are unfathomable.
Your Blood, Jesus, is our ONLY defense.
Your Blood, Jesus, brings us peace.
Your Blood, Jesus, creates in us a power to overcome.
Your Blood, Jesus, defeats all enemies.
It is Your Blood, Jesus, that was shed - once for all - for You declared
"IT IS FINISHED" John 19:30
. . . So it is written. So let it be done.
Amen and Amen
bo
Pure Pleasure . . .
In 1 Peter 2:5 it is written "Through the meditation of Jesus Christ,
you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God."
Ahhhhh, meditating on Jesus
. . . The God
. . . the man
. . . the incredible goodness that defines His very nature
How awesome - - -
. . . to experience His compassion
. . . to hear His truths
. . . to be inspired by His humbleness
. . . to realize His wisdom
Have you ever - - -
. . . shared in His victories?
. . . enjoyed His mercy?
. . . basked in His presence?
. . . felt His touch?
Are you - - -
. . . honored by His attention?
. . . thrilled with His boldness?
. . . strengthened by His protection?
. . . overwhelmed by His love?
Have you even considered - - -
. . . His sense of humor?
. . . His playfulness?
. . . His joy?
Can you even - - -
. . . understand His grace?
. . . deserve His forgiveness?
. . . consider His power?
. . . fathom His agony?
. . . imagine standing with Him face to face?
. . . want for ANYTHING but Him?
How could something that is so rich beyond description for me, be so pleasing to my God?
It is written in Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image."
And although we soon fell away, the sacrifice that Jesus made for us reconnected us once again with the Father . . . and once again our pleasures are one with His.
With a grateful heart I praise you, Father, for your loving kindness to us - your chosen ones.
Thank you for the privilege of pondering the indescribable nature that is Your Son.
Amen and Amen
bo
you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God."
Ahhhhh, meditating on Jesus
. . . The God
. . . the man
. . . the incredible goodness that defines His very nature
How awesome - - -
. . . to experience His compassion
. . . to hear His truths
. . . to be inspired by His humbleness
. . . to realize His wisdom
Have you ever - - -
. . . shared in His victories?
. . . enjoyed His mercy?
. . . basked in His presence?
. . . felt His touch?
Are you - - -
. . . honored by His attention?
. . . thrilled with His boldness?
. . . strengthened by His protection?
. . . overwhelmed by His love?
Have you even considered - - -
. . . His sense of humor?
. . . His playfulness?
. . . His joy?
Can you even - - -
. . . understand His grace?
. . . deserve His forgiveness?
. . . consider His power?
. . . fathom His agony?
. . . imagine standing with Him face to face?
. . . want for ANYTHING but Him?
How could something that is so rich beyond description for me, be so pleasing to my God?
It is written in Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image."
And although we soon fell away, the sacrifice that Jesus made for us reconnected us once again with the Father . . . and once again our pleasures are one with His.
With a grateful heart I praise you, Father, for your loving kindness to us - your chosen ones.
Thank you for the privilege of pondering the indescribable nature that is Your Son.
Amen and Amen
bo
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