June 28, 2017 Wednesday

            As I write this it seems no one is reading from the markers beside the entries.  At first I thought maybe I should just stop but God reminded me that in reality I was doing this for Him and that this helps keep my mind and soul active.  So I will continue and if no one reads this but My Love I am happy.

            Slept well and the tea bag treatment was relaxing and helpful.  The pain continued but a new thing of feeling like my skin was wrong.  All over my body it felt like it wasn’t my skin and didn’t fit right.  Worse than the pain.

            Still weak from yesterday.  It seems if I get out one day I have to pay for it the next day.  Bonnie and Rebecca had an afternoon away.

            But God is so good and blessing us each day.  The disability people didn’t call as promised but we trust God to be our provision.  I pray every day that God will be glorified by me in my pain and our trusting in Him. 

As Bonnie and I had our devotion this morning God showed me this.  I pray this will bless you as it did me.

Easter

I sit in my tomb locked in the dark and bound up in my sin

I try to coax light from a little lamp to keep darkness away

But I cannot move within the coil of my addictions and sin

Ever tighter they grow as they grow in my life killing me

I cry out to God afraid of death and yet afraid of God too

But God hears my voice and the ground begins to shake

It is a sound like an earthquake as the tombs stone moves

Light peeks in the small opening and blazing light invades

Warmth floods my soul and Another blood flows in me

The grave wrapping start to loosen and I can finally move

The stone slowly rolls and Light begins to flood my soul

More and more my grave clothes begin to fall from me

I can stand on the sure ground beneath me and walk

My throat cries out in praise to the One setting me free

As the stone rolls and clears the way I take small steps

I still get tripped by my grave clothes even as they fall away

Each step is slow and I fall again but still head for the light

As each wrap of the cloth fall it gets easier to take a step

Step after step leads me into more Light as I step upward

I look back and get dizzy from the journey and I stop

Maybe it is safer in that dark tomb which is comfortable

For the Light hurts my eyes so accustomed to the dark

But a Voice speaks to me “Child Arise” so I turn back

More grave cloths fall from me at my decision to trust

Even though the path is harder the Way gets easier

I come out of the tomb and the Light floods my soul

I cry and I weep as I realize the darkness I dwelt in

I realize I was more afraid to live than I was to die

But now God’s Life flows through my veins and soul

The tomb calls me back to a comfort not real I know

For the Light is reality and the tomb is a dark death

I step away from the tomb and looking back I see

I see a cross on the ground above my tomb rising

Blood dripping down from the cross to my stone

And now the stone breaks and falls in two parts

Whose blood is this that has set me free to live

At the top of the cross I read “King of the Jews”

A voice speaks His name into my heart and soul

“Jesus” He tells me and I fall to my knees and cry

I weep for a love that would bleed for such as I

I weep for my sin that caused Him to die for me

I fall on my face and weep at Our shame and pain

A Voice says quietly to my soul “My Child Arise”

I look up and the Light burns the dross from me

The grave clothes fall away some more from me

“Walk with Me” the voice says and I rise to go

“For My name means Emmanuel and I Am with you”

“At least until you that one day you come with me”

I continue to follow Him and more falls away

Each day brings me closer to Home to see Him

To really see Jesus who rolled my stone away!!!                      6/28/17

This is the final installment of A Story of Life.

A Story of Life

            I at times feel sorry for Mary.  To some she has almost become like a God and to others she is not understood or appreciated.  Can you think of a higher honor that being named to be the human Mother and Father of Jesus?  It does seem the Father would pick amazing people to have the honor of “raising” His Son.  I remember watching a movie about the birth of Jesus and Joseph tells Mary his fear that he will have nothing to teach his Son.  At the time he is washing Mary’s travel worn feet.

Read Luke 1:39-45

Have you heard this story before?  What has it meant to you?

Who is Elizabeth?

Who is the baby Elizabeth is carrying?

Why did the baby jump?

Do you believe that Mary is blessed because she believed and trusted God?  Are you blessed if you believe and trust in God?

Though not part of the reading I hope you will read Mary’s response or what at times is called The song of Mary.  Discover the heart of this simple “Handmaiden of God.”

As you complete this study take time to write your understanding of what life is and what part God should play in your life.  If you want to get really deep write down what part you play in God’s life.  Over the years I have come to realize that with all the suffering God faces I want my life to be a reason God can smile!!!

May the Lord bless you and may you be a blessing to God!

June 27, 2017 Tuesday

            Slept well and decided to start Genesis over and begin my second trip through the Bible this year.  One of the few good things about what I am going through is the time to spend in the Bible and in deep prayer.

            It was a busy day as Bonnie and I walked down to the pool, went to order some glasses and went to the library.  Came home exhausted.

            Jonathan came by bringing the records he stored for us during the move.

            I was so weak after the day I napped. My strength declines in spite of the daily exercise and trying to walk.  Getting out helps but still I seem to decline.  I find it hard to form words at times and this seems to be getting worse.

            But You My Love are the creator of all and You allow me to sit in Your lap to find strength.

This is the ninth lesson and we take a little turn as we look as a different Gospel.

A Story of Life

            The Christmas story had either become so old to us we no longer see it or it gets all mixed up with Santa and Frosty.  But think about the very real people involved in the birth of Jesus.  Do you realize that the meaning of Christmas is Christ Mass or the Christ came in the flesh?  Can you wrap your mind around the fact the God came as a human being?  That the Creator entered into His creation to redeem and fix His creation.  And that includes you!

Read Luke 1:26-38

Have you heard this story before?

Who is Mary?

Who is the baby?

What does it mean to be the handmaid of the Lord?

What would have happened to Mary as an unwed mother in the time of Jesus?  What about today?

How would you respond to such a call from God?

What does it mean that the Son of God and the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was an illegitimate Child? Why would the Bible include that?

June 25, 2017 Sunday

            To the Lord all praise and glory on this Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus!  For the One we love has risen and we rejoice with the Mary’s and all who love Him that Jesus is alive!!!  As I read through Revelation I experienced the worship of the most High God.  I pray that each and every one of Your children will experience that today My Love and that You will receive that worship and smile!

            Went to Asbury UMC for worship.  It was a wonderful service and blessed by so many memories of Saints who were there when we came there 25 years ago.  Going there is like going home though First Jefferson City UMC still also our home.

            Had a good time with Jonathan as Bonnie and Rebecca went to a movie.  They are afraid I will fall so hate to leave me alone.

            Walked tonight but all day long my pain has been terrible.  I threw up during the service and once again had to swallow it since I couldn’t get out in time.

            But I “know that my Redeemer lives” and I praise Him in the midst of and for the pain.  My I glorify God and make Him smile by my faithfulness.

I continue to prepare sermons to keep my mind active.  Here is the one for today.

June 25 Genesis21:8-21Sibling rivalry 3^rd Sunday after Pentecost

Abraham begat the sons who still fight as Jews and Muslims.

Psalter reading Psalm 86:1-10

“1 ¶ «A Prayer of David» Bow down Your ear, O LORD, hear me; For I am poor and needy. 2 Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; Save Your servant who trusts in You! 3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, For I cry to You all day long. 4 Rejoice the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. 6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; And attend to the voice of my supplications. 7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me. 8 ¶ Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works. 9 All nations whom You have made Shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name. 10 For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.” (Psalm 86:1-10 NKJV)

“8 So the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the same day that Isaac was weaned. 9 ¶ And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing. 10 Therefore she said to Abraham, "Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac." 11 And the matter was very displeasing in Abraham’s sight because of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, "Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called. 13 "Yet I will also make a nation of the son of the bondwoman, because he is your seed." 14 ¶ So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water; and putting it on her shoulder, he gave it and the boy to Hagar, and sent her away. Then she departed and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. 15 And the water in the skin was used up, and she placed the boy under one of the shrubs. 16 Then she went and sat down across from him at a distance of about a bowshot; for she said to herself, "Let me not see the death of the boy." So she sat opposite him, and lifted her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the lad. Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, "What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. 18 "Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation." 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water, and gave the lad a drink. 20 So God was with the lad; and he grew and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. 21 He dwelt in the Wilderness of Paran; and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 21:8-21 NKJV)

We are a fast food people.  We are not good at waiting.  Sarah was like that and pushed Abraham to “help” God. 

Many of us think Sarah was making a rational decision that if what God said didn’t work when we wanted we must find a way to make it work.  The problem is the unintended consequences.

The child born because of trying to hurry God would become the people who currently are fighting the son of Sarah!  The wars in the Middle East are really just sibling rivalry.

This can be seen in that both Jews and Muslims claim their authority as coming from being a child of Abraham!  Both see their child of Abraham as being offered in sacrifice to God!

Just as fast food often causing gut problems the fast work of Sarah caused centuries of burning, death and despair. One decision has brought about religious warfare and division of people claiming to be people of the Book, the Bible.

As well as Sibling Rivalry this could be called unintended consequences.  Wait on the Lord and you will pass good things on to those who follow and not consequences that destroy!

June 24, 2017 Saturday

            I slept well and late.  Was concerned after head troubles last night and storm that went through but I did well.  Head a little bad but better than yesterday.  Bonnie and I walked again.  They worry about me falling (and not being able to get up) so either Rebecca or Bonnie goes with me.

            Listened to the last chapter of Romans and as always I am amazed by the book. Through June I want to read Romans and Revelations before I start my through the Bible again.  The only thing I like about being disabled.

            Was able to work some and Bonnie and Rebecca got some more of the boxes put up.  We slowly are making Mom’s place into our home.  Bonnie has been such a trooper and a blessing.  As I get weaker and have some more issues she has not only been faithful but so loving.  God really has blessed me with her!

            Thank You My Love for blessing us every day!!!    

In this Eight installment of our study we can see the difference in those who are religious and those who have a relationship with Jesus.  This begs the question, which are you?

A Story of Life

            There are three amazing parts to the scripture we have in this lesson. First we see Matthew writing about his call, second we see again those who are religious angered that Jesus spends time with “sinners” and third we have the remarkable response of Jesus.  Take time to meditate and think about these three lessons and how they apply to you.

Read Matthew 9:9-13

What is a tax collector?

Why would a tax collector be considered a “sinner”?  Does this explain the response of the religious people?

Jesus again talks about sin being like sickness.  Why?

Why does God want mercy instead of sacrifice?

How does the statement of Jesus “For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”  Affect you and congregation where you worship and serve?

Who are righteous and who are sinners?

If Jesus has called you what has He called you to be?

June 23, 2017 Friday

I slept in until about 5AM this morning!  But I had the mother of all dreams and so awoke feeling like I had vertigo as I acclimated to the real world.  The only way to share the dream is to share my Heart Talks about it.

My Love I had a terrible dream last night

Could it be the future gave me such fright

We were in a mall have never been before

I bought something too small in a store

Got separated from others couldn’t find car

Wandered through the mall going very far

I’d bump into people names didn’t know

Would tell me things no longer did know

Around the corridors in fright I went

Praying to God that help would be sent

I went through a door but lost in the way

Went back inside got caught in the fray

Grew more scared didn’t remember name

Every place in mall just seemed the same

I stood in a place as people just went by

For help my heart just wanted to cry

But I stood there not knowing what to do

Why My Love didn’t I cry out to You

Everything lost even that too small coat

My cry of fear was caught in my throat

People went by I was cut off from all

Lost and alone in that unknown mall

I wanted to scream but I had no voice

All stripped away no longer with choice

My mind was gone lost stripped away

No longer was aware of hour or day

The real fear came when dream did end

Will I become this someday in the end                                               6/23/17

            Later in the day had a screaming pain in my ear and then a terrible pressure in my head.  Felt giddy and almost drunk, and experience I have not had for about 39 years.

Going through all this has given me a time to look back.  As I read some of my Heart Talks from before one really struck me because as this all started I took a time to remember how good God had been.  I will share this with you.

Looking back

As I look back over my life with Christ

I am given strength for the journey to come

I see terrible brokenness and suffering

I experienced brokenness and suffering

Yet God has taken me back to those times

And I see God watching, working and loving

In the midst of beating and so much worse

God was there before I even knew He was

Even when I wondered where He was

I have seen death in so many ways

I have looked into eyes of dying souls

Their pull still haunts and pains me

I see people as they shouldn’t be seen

I want to look away but I cannot do so

And then everything changes for me

I see God touching even such as me

Reaching into my brokenness and despair

I see that I was in pieces like my ghosts

Not really afraid of death but of life

Into a broken little boy God came

As I saw God dark became Light

God brought Life overcoming death

My eyes were changed not the world

Where before I saw only fear and evil

I now could see the Glory of God

I saw a Japanese man accept You Love

Even at the cost of his family so dear

Then his family joined him in faith

I saw a prisoner tall, big and strong

Cry like a baby needing, finding You

I saw my life become more living

As Bonnie and I saw You in each other

Children that could not be for me

I saw You bring to us blessings three

You showed me before in a dream

Sitting at a table with those three

And the joy as it all came to be

I saw abused souls set free to love

Knowing they were loved by You

I saw families destroyed by drugs

Healed to live in love once more

I saw Your Light in others eyes

Knowing the adventure to begin

I have seen rapists weep forgiven

I have seen murderers come to life

I have, o blessed sight My Love

I have seen Your glorious children

Walk in Your humbleness unseen

The world misses the wonder

But I have seen Your glory shine

As I walked with them in time

Gramps who saw Your face daily

Ken Perkins who believed at cost

Bonnie who held on to me through

And so many others who shine You

They walk in glory though feel less

They do not see the glory they shine

But my eyes have seen and rejoiced

To see Your Church alive and well

Men who wept discovering You

Women who silently spoke You

Children who walk daily with You

And those who give all for You

I have seen the prisoner bearing

Tears of murder inked on their face

Tears running overcome by grace

Seen Murders alarmed by grace

Anger and wonder on their face

Men and women free in locked space

I have seen brokenness You healed

Death You have turned into life

I saw people around a table plans

And from that came Your 5@5

From that children in Haiti learn

Children here hear of Your love

And Pilipino kids are not sold

Because they belong to You

I have seen lives freed from hell

Drugs and alcohol enslaved them

Stealing their soul a gift from You

Receiving it back to live life in You

I see around the world Your glory

As Your children bow in Your Light

As darkness cuts off their heads

But they remain the Body of Christ

Now they are alive to die no more

Their Light from You shines forth

Though I face a mind wracked

A body weary worn from pain

A daily struggle with the stain

I will see Your glory shining bright

And remain rejoicing in the sight

I will remain Your human being                                 2/5/2017

June 22, 2017 Thursday

            Woke early and read some and worked on blog.  I am behind because I have tried to help out and that leaves me weak.  Without this writing I do believe I would not know day from day.

            Bonnie and I continued devotion and I listened to entire book of Revelation and thus ended my reading of the Bible in 6 months.  I will begin again soon since I have time but want to spend some time in Romans and Revelation. 

            In the last weeks I updated the study A Story of Life and completed a new study called Psalm of the Good Shepherd.  God has helped me to be very productive in spite of the pain that grows every day.

            The jerking and twitching is back today and I stumbled a lot and nearly fell several times.  I fear a fall that will break something since I seem to heal very slow. My stomach bothered me so ate rice with vegetables and a little ham in it.

            Stay awake hoping it would help me to sleep better.

Here is the seventh lesson of the study A Story of life.  For me this lesson helped as I discover the Great Adventure of my new life.

A Story of Life

            There are three amazing parts to the scripture we have in this lesson. First we see Matthew writing about his call, second we see again those who are religious angered that Jesus spends time with “sinners” and third we have the remarkable response of Jesus.  Take time to meditate and think about these three lessons and how they apply to you.

Read Matthew 9:9-13

What is a tax collector?

Why would a tax collector be considered a “sinner”?  Does this explain the response of the religious people?

Jesus again talks about sin being like sickness.  Why?

Why does God want mercy instead of sacrifice?

How does the statement of Jesus “For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”  Affect you and congregation where you worship and serve?

Who are righteous and who are sinners?

If Jesus has called you what has He called you to be?

June 21, 2017 Wednesday

            Woke early again after a fitful night.  After fixing a meal and cleaning some I hoped I would sleep better.  The medicines help but do not take away the pain and may be part of my weakness.  Taking four medications that work through the brain sometimes leave me wondering what is the disease and what is the medication.

            Bonnie and Rebecca were able to get away and that seemed to help.  They have been under so much.  A friend from Renovatus called and that helped.  Bonnie talked with some friends from First.  It is good to be remembered.  I think one of the worst things about being disabled is feeling cut off.

              I am a day behind because I have not felt well.

Here is the sixth part of A Story of life.  I pray God will bless you through it.                                 
A Story of Life

Sometimes it is hard to know if our troubles are physical, emotional or spiritual.  At times if seems they are a combination of some if not all three.  Jesus confuses the religious by both connecting them and then by forgiving which is an act of God.  Meditate on what this says about the troubles in your life and what it says about God.

Read Matthew 9:1-8

           

Why did Jesus “forgive” a man who was sick?

Why were the “religious” people so upset?

Can Jesus forgive your sin?

Draw a picture of this story as though you were the one being healed.  Or draw a picture of when Jesus “healed” you.

June 20, 2017 Tuesday

            Woke early again and the pain climbs and I feel weaker.  Slept some yesterday and wonder if that is why woke early.  Finished up James and 1 Peter and the following verse helps me.

“So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.” (1Peter 4:19 NLT)

Right now we are not just in God’s hand but we are resting in our Father’s lap!

             Bonnie and Rebecca are both so weary.  Some may wonder but over the last year even just hitting the harder moments: They have watched my gradual decline physically, have seen my dealing with old memories where I nearly lost my mind, dealt with my dad’s illness, his amputation and his death, the death of her brother-in-laws dad, my dad’s will, her sisters loss of her job, my loss of my pastorate due to health, my going on disability, many hours with doctors, her mom breaking foot, moving to a smaller house and even when getting disability discovering we are just in another waiting period as they decide what to pay.

            I love and appreciate them so much!

Here is the fifth lesson in The Story of Life.  May you celebrate the life God has for you.  In what ever form you have received it!

A Story of Life

            Some talk about the storms of life while others see life as a storm in itself.  To the Jews the sea was a way of seeing sin and both come from the root of chaos.  Sin is the basis of all our the storms we face and if you don’t believe me compare the picture of life before the Fall and after.  I pray as you meditate on this scripture that God will grant you the faith to live through the storms in your life.

Read Matthew 8:23-27

“What kind of man is this that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

Why isn’t that question answered for us?

What storms are there in your life that you wish Jesus would help you with?

Have you prayed for them to go away?

What if God wants to use the storm to help you grow in your Life with Him?

June 19, 2017 Monday

            Woke with my eyes burning and not wanting to stay open but the tea bag treatment helped me a lot.  There is still so much pain and so much up in the air.  Read through Hebrews and half of James.  I wonder if Hebrews and Romans are not the same teaching to Jews and Gentiles as God seeks all to understand?

            Lately I have been singing “This is the day” after listening to the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles sing it.  Listening to them quiets my soul and give me relief from the pain if only for a short time.  So I wrote one of my Heart Talks about this.

This is the day that the Lord has made

A day of pain and of grief over loss

Let us rejoice and be glad in it

Rejoice in loss and in the pain

This is the day that the Lord has made

A day of wondering how my body will fail

Let us rejoice and be glad in it

Rejoice in the failure of my body

This is the day that the Lord has made

A day to know that You are My Love

Let us rejoice and be glad in it

Rejoice that You work all for my good                                    6/19/17

            I give all glory to God who has saved me and will use all I am going through for His glory and for my salvation and growth.  My Love, may I make You smile by my praise, worship and love!!!

June 18, 2017 Sunday

            Today is Father’s Day and I celebrate Loran Ramsey who was my adoptive father and Ken Perkins who was my father-in-law who treated me like his son.  I also remember in prayer the biological father who left when I was little.  But most of all I honor and celebrate my Heavenly Father who has always been there for me.

            After scripture reading and our devotional we went to Asbury United Methodist Church for the Father’s Day service and the first service of their new pastor.  It was a good service and a good message.  Whenever I go to Asbury I see so many Saints who have gone to be with the Lord.  They still worship God and the faces of those who are still at Asbury are a reflection of those who have gone to be with the Lord.

            The pain settles in and I get so weary.  Weary and worn, but also weary of being weary and being in pain.  Lately my neck has been hurting so bad.  All the other places hurt but they seem drowned out by the pain in the side and my neck.  My Love, please be my strength and my hope!

June 18 Genesis 18:1-15 Afraid to laugh 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost               

God seems so frightening we can miss the joy of His love!            

Psalter reading Psalm 100:1-5

“1 ¶ «A Psalm of Thanksgiving.» Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” (Psalm 100:1-5 NKJV)

“1 ¶ Then the LORD appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, 3 and said, "My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. 4 "Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 "And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant." They said, "Do as you have said." 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, "Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes." 7 And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. 8 So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate. 9 ¶ Then they said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" So he said, "Here, in the tent." 10 And He said, "I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son." (Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.) 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. 12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?" 13 And the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ 14 "Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." 15 But Sarah denied it, saying, "I did not laugh," for she was afraid. And He said, "No, but you did laugh!"” (Genesis 18:1-15 NKJV)

When I was a Presbyterian we used to joke that we were the frozen chosen.  Methodists who used to shout and sing in praise of God now look quietly and follow their bulletins.

In Genesis Sarah laughs at what she sees as a foolish promise of God and in true Church fashion denies it.  How silly we are!!!

But the Psalmist calls us not only to joy but to a joyful shout!  Look at what we are called to as part of our worship of God.  We are called to “make a joyful shout”, “serve the Lord with gladness”, “come before His presence with singing”, “know that the Lord He is God”, “enter into His gates with thanksgiving”, “into His courts with praise”, “be thankful to Him and bless His name”. 

Like Abraham we must offer to God our worship and love and wash the feet of the God who washed ours.  We must rejoice and celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness rather than laughing at His plans as we do each time we turn from His call because we do not trust Him!

God never asks anything of us that He hasn’t already given to us and God never asks us to do anything for Him that He hasn’t already done for us.

Are you hiding in the tent behind others who are out working hard to serve God as they are called to? Are you laughing at God and at those who seek to be faithful to the God who has been faithful to them?

YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD, WEAK, BUSY, WEARY OR TOO ANY OF THE EXCUSES YOU USE TO PUT GOD OFF!

 Jesus suffered for you in a way He didn’t deserve to give you a life which you don’t deserve!  Be faithful to your faithful God!  Rejoice and laugh with joy at the redemption and love of God!!!

June 17, 2017 Saturday

            I slept long but not well last night.  Bonnie and I continued our devotion from “Reliving the Passion” and had a time of prayer.  We had started having a more regular devotion and prayer time together before things started getting bad.  Thanks to Bonnie who pushed for this because it has helped us in so many ways.

            We went to Cracker Barrel for Father’s Day and had a great time.  Bonnie, Jonathan and Rebecca blessed me so much.  It means so much for me.

June 16, 2017 Friday

            Slept in until almost 7AM!  I am better rested but the pain continues to climb above the medication.  Still no word from Liberty Mutual on the disability which they told me would be decided Wednesday.  Called but still no answer from them.  Read Colossians and once again see Paul concerned about those who have been deceived by teachings of those besides those of Jesus. 

            Lately God has called me to pray for those who are not being good shepherds and are not leading their flocks to the Good Shepherd.  So many have not realized the fullness of a relationship with God they can have through the Bible and through prayer.  May God guide us to guide those who come to us for guidance.

            During our devotion reading from “Reliving the Passion: by Walter Wangerin  Jr. he had the scripture about the soldiers gambling for the cloths of Jesus.  This hits me personally and always brings me back to when they medivaced me from my ship and I spent two weeks in the hospital learning that I was dying of a blood disease.  As I was heading home I discovered that those who sent my ditty bag had stolen most of my good uniforms and left little of mine.  There is that sense of violation and sadness when your most personal possessions are taken from you.

            Got a call from Liberty Mutual and I have been approved for disability but they are waiting on the conference to get them the information they need.  The conference has delayed the process by two days.  After they get the information they will calculate the settlement and the monthly amount.  Thank you God for providing.

Here is the fourth lesson from A Story of Life.  This study has been very helpful to me at this time and I pray God will use it bless you.

A Story of Life

Read Matthew 8:18-22

            When Jesus has given us life we are left with a new problem.  What do we do with that new life?  So often I have heard preachers and teachers emphasize salvation as though this is the final work of God.  But from the Fall we see that God saved us so we could once again have a relationship with Him!  How do we live in that relationship with God?

Does Jesus seem mean here to you?

Why did Jesus answer the Scribe in such a strange way?

Why wouldn’t Jesus let the man bury his father?

What does this say to you about living in relationship to God?

How is God calling you to live with Him?

June 15, 2017 Thursday

            Woke at 1AM and back to bed about 5:30AM and then up again at about 2PM.  My eyes wouldn’t open for a long time and when they finally did they are not working right.  Yesterday and today are really bad days and the pain seems to be growing again.  For the first time it seemed the medicines were catching up to the pain but now the pain is gaining.

            We are all tired from no news from the disability that was supposed to tell us for sure yesterday, moving, the van, the knowledge that everything has changed and so much unknown and unsettled in the family.

            But as I read the book of Philippians God reminded me of His character, His willingness to become human and for Him to even become a servant.  My Love, help me to indeed have this same mind as Jesus had and to no grow weary from the pain and in bringing glory to You.

            Some good news is the stove Bonnie’s sister and brother-in-law bought has arrived and seems to work well.  Again My Lord You continue to provide and bless through Your children.  Blessings on them and glory to You God!!!