Step Back Little Boy

Fun day at Birmingham Zoo with girls and grands

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests but also for the interests of others." (Phil. 2:3-4)

While two-year-old toddlergrand and I pressed our noses to the fence watching the giraffe and ostrich parade, another little fellow ran up beside us. My grandboy held up his hand and said, "Step back, little boy!" 

Sharing is so hard at two... and four... and twenty-four...and forty-two, isn't it. We're all born with a serious case of me-itis. The cure? Humility. C. S. Lewis once said, "Humility isn't thinking less of yourself; it's thinking of yourself less." 

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Make-over

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men." (Col. 3:23)

Quick post because I'm going to the zoo with my girls and grands on this fine autumn morning.

My 2012 children's book, Secrets of Shiloh, is getting a make-over. Why? As the character Col. James would say, "Anything worth doing is worth doing with excellence."

Beloved, whatever you do, work with excellence, "knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve" (Col. 3:24).

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Through Loving Hands

Sweet Nicole and me
Single-20s-Women Bible Study

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail..." (Luke 22:31-32)

At Single-20s-Women Bible Study last night, we dove into the deep end of the Old Testament book of Job. Have you ever noticed that it's only with God's permission that Satan wreaked havoc on Job's blameless life? 

At the end of the story, Job tells the LORD, "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees You!" And when Job prayed for his friends, God restored him and increased all he had twofold.

God is never the author of evil, but He is totally in charge! Almighty God uses the schemes of darkness to accomplish His good purposes and work all things together for good for those who love Him (Rom. 8:28).

Under enemy attack, beloved? Peace be to you! Every strike of darkness must pass through the loving hands of Light!

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See You At the Pole

Our grands at See You at the Pole

"I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth." (3 John  1:4)

Thrilling, heart-thumping picture: our family's next generation participating in "See You at the Pole" this morning (an annual gathering started in 1990 of thousands of Christian students at local-school flagpoles for prayer, Scripture reading, and worship).

What are you teaching the next generation, beloved?

"Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the LORD." (Psalm 34:11)

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Transformed

Photo by our Rebecca

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."  (Romans 12:2 NLT)

Over recent weeks, Rebecca's family enjoyed watching God transform caterpillars into butterflies. Over recent months,  in joy, I've watched God transform an ordinary Joe into a mighty man of God - a spectacular sight to behold! The Potter's tool? Truth. The Word of God.

"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." (Heb. 4:12)

Need a makeover, beloved? Apply the word of God. It's transforming!

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ReCreate Women's Conference Live Online

ReCreate '16 Women's Conference

"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD." (Psalm 122:1)

ReCreate '16 Women's Conference

Special guests: 

Christine Caine, Andi Andrew, and Christy Nockels

Live online: Saturday, September 24th

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Daylight Central Time

www.churchofthehighlands.com

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Norman Hyde Glorified

Norman Hyde (the praying mantis)

"There are also bodies in the heavens and bodies on the earth...Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength!" (1 Cor. 15:40,43 NLT)

In my children's book, A Chancellor Ferry Tale, Norman Hyde, a little praying mantis with only five legs, lives along Alabama's Coosa River during the Great Depression of the U.S. of A.. Yesterday, because of that book, my dear friend, Tammy, gave me an adorable, 6-legged praying mantis - Norman Hyde glorified! 

Scripture teaches that "no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor. 2:9). "For we know that when this earthly tent we live in (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God Himself and not by human hands" (2 Cor. 5:1). "Our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies...This Scripture will be fulfilled:

Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?

For sin is the sting that results in death...But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless" (1 Cor. 15:43-58).

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Standing on His Promises

Our Rebecca and Stephen





Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. 1

Recently, one of our little grandboys had repeatedly been having trouble falling asleep, which escalated to a meltdown of anxiety and tears. So I read him Psalm 4:8 and taped it to his bed: 

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, will keep me safe."

That night, the sweet, little guy fell asleep quickly. The next morning, he told his mom, "I knew God was with me, and I wasn't alone. He would keep me safe, and I went to sleep."

Personally, I'm standing on the promises of 1 Peter 5:10 these days:

"In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation."

What God-promise are you standing on, beloved?

1 STANDING ON THE PROMISES. Russell K. Carter, 1886.

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Is It Right To Be Mad At God

From I Love Ruthie
Written and Illustrated by Phil A. Smouse

"...Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD Himself has raised His fist against me....the LORD has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me." (Ruth 1:13,21)

In studying the book of Ruth at Single 20s Women's Bible Study last night, we found Naomi bitter and blaming God for her troubles. I asked the girls, "Is it ever right to be mad at God?"

A young lady wisely answered, "It's not right, but it is human."

Anger towards God implies that He's made a mistake. God doesn't make mistakes. It's impossible. He's perfect. Thus anger is in the lap of fools (Eccl. 7:9) and does not produce the righteousness that God desires (James 1:20).

Feeling angry at God, beloved? Don't cut off your nose to spite your face. 

Draw close to the LORD, and seek Him with all your heart. 

You need Jesus. 

He is your help and hope! 

For Jesus Himself said, "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33). I will never fail you. I will never abandon you" (Heb. 13:5). 

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Go On

Grandboy #2
Upward Soccer

"So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding..." (Heb. 6:10)

Upward soccer has trained our three older grands well in basic soccer skills. The oldest, however, has now gone on to a higher level travel team.

Are you stuck in kindergarten Christian fundamentals, beloved? Get moving! Press forward! Go on to maturity in Jesus Christ, His word, and His ways.

"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15)

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Who Has Your Back?

My superman, grandboy, and favorite son-in-law

"So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows." (Neh. 4:13)

Over my 60 years, I've found the Lord Jesus, our Captain over angel armies,  standing nearer and voice resounding clearer in times of distress. As I battle physical pain, the Commander orders, "Never expose your back to the enemy. My armor (Eph. 6:10-18) only protects the frontal plane. My rear guard comes through others."

In my mind's eye, I stood back to back with my Phillip with armor on and swords raised - an impenetrable tower.

Who has your back, beloved?   

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Muscle, Bone, Nerve, or the Devil

Our Ben and pet snake, Samantha 1990ish

"...listen to Me. Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Don't be scared. Don't be afraid. Don't panic or be terrified by them. The LORD your God is going with you. He'll fight for you. He'll help you win the battle over your enemies." (Deut. 20:3-4 NIRV)

Yesterday, back and chest pains, shortness of breath, and an elevated blood pressure sent me to the ER in the wee hours of the morning. A clear chest X-ray, CT scan, and heart catheterization ruled out heart or lung problems, narrowing the perpetrator field to muscle, bone, nerve, or that tricky ol' serpent, the devil. No matter the what or the who of the problem, the Lord God is with me and will fight for me.

In a battle, beloved? Victory is in the Lord Jesus. He saves you from your enemies and keeps you safe from attackers (Psalm 59:1).

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Victory

Fall Festival 2015
(My Phillip and me)

"See, God has come to save me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; He has given me victory!" (Isa. 12:2)

It's that time again. Are you ready for some football? Every team wants a V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!

In the game of life, Jesus is our strength and fight song. Only He gives the victory! Are you on His winning team?

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God's Vocabulary

father and son: our son-in-law and grandboy





"May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble..." (Psalm 20:1)

Twice in recent days, I've asked my heavenly Father's advice on relating to difficult people. (My friend, Tammy, calls them heavenly sandpaper people.) 

With sandpaper person #1, Matt. 25:40 came to mind: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me."

With sandpaper person #2, Matt. 10:16 came to mind:  "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."

Got sandpaper people in your life, beloved? Need Father God's advice? Increasing your knowledge of the Bible will increase God's answering vocabulary exponentially!

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Ham, Green Beans, and Scalloped Potatoes

My handsome groom and his wonderful parents
1977

Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to Him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear...Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb! (Rev. 1:7-9)

Thirty-nine years ago tonight, compliments of my gracious, soon-to-be parents in law, I enjoyed Holiday Inn ham, green beans, and scalloped potatoes at our wedding rehearsal dinner.

I'll be a bride again one day, in the sweet by and by. And so will you if you belong to Jesus Christ - bought by the blood of the Lamb.

In the book of Ephesians, God commands husbands to love their wives, just as Christ loved the church. For Jesus gave up His life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word. As the Scripture says, "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one." This mystery is great, but it is the illustration of the Christ and His church.

Will you be at the heavenly wedding feast of the Lamb beloved? Not sure? Read the Gospel of John in the Holy Bible to discover the way - the only way.

"Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" (John 14:6)

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Make Him Feel Better

Our Ben and his beautiful bride

"This is the message from [Jesus] the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, and the One who walks among the seven gold lamp stands. 'I have this complaint you. You don't love Me or each other as you did at first.'" (Rev. 2:1,4)

When toddlergrand gets a boo-boo, he asks for a kiss to make it feel better. Yesterday, he showed me this picture and said, "Mama kiss Daddy. Make him feel better."

"I'm sure it did!" I replied.

Tuesday night, I told my single 20s Bible study, "Jesus wants your heart first before He gives your hand to an earthly man."

Beloved, make Jesus your first love. It makes Him feel better.

The greatest of all romance

Love of God my Savior!1

1 LOVE ON THE LINE. Hillsong Worship

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Kickin' Doors

Our Ben and his Pawpaw
1991

"I turned away from God, but then I was sorry. I kicked myself for my stupidity! I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days. You disciplined me severely, like a calf that needs training for the yoke. Turn me again to you and restore me, for you alone are the Lord my God." (Jer. 31:19,18)



A story worth retelling.

After watching our Ben karate kick a hole in his screen door, Pawpaw (my daddy) said calmly but firmly, "Come on, boy. You and I are are gonna fix a door."

Wise grandparenting!

Been kickin' down some doors, beloved, and ashamed of bad behavior? Return to the Lord Jesus for living-life-well training. 

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Gentle Whispers

Our Lit'lest Babygrand

"After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper...and the Voice said..." (1 Kings 19:12-13)

Before my babygrands go night night, Memaw whispers in their little ears. They get as still and quiet as a mouse and lean in for another secret.

In Part 1 "How Do I Hear God's Voice?" of the new series: You Asked For It, Pastor Chris taught that three weapons of mass distraction - busyness, competing voices, and an unprepared heart - hinder hearing God.

"If you want the right fruit," he said, "you've got to get in the right environment." 

When we're still before the Lord, God speaks as we read His Word, cultivate His presence through worship, and become deeply rooted in His church.

Need to hear God's voice, beloved? Slow down, be still, read His Word, worship Jesus, get rooted in His church, and listen for His gentle whispers. I guarantee you'll lean in for more!

Full message available at: www.churchofthehighlands.com

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Overflowing River

our oldest grands
(photo by our Rebecca)

Jesus said, "Anyone who believes in Me may come and drink! For Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" (John 7:38)

Fall small groups at Church of the Highlands kick off next week. A good friend and I are offering home-cooked suppers and Bible study for a dozen single women in their 20s - a God-given opportunity to pour truth and love into young hearts.

Oswald Chambers once said that he who believes in Jesus will have everything he receives escape out of him. Success is measured by what God pours through us.

"Check your river today, [beloved]. Has it become choked and clogged by outward pressures, or is it still flowing freely?" 

~ Pastor Larry Stockstill

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Triggers

L-R My brother, Mark, and me
playing cowboys, 1958

"...let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up..." (Heb. 12:1)

I'm battling nagging headaches this summer - not just hour-long  skirmishes, but days-long, sometimes weeks. So I'm on the hunt, tracking down headache triggers.

The unidentified author of Hebrews instructs believers to strip off every sin that so easily trips us up so we can run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Got nagging sin, beloved? Track down temptations that trigger transgressions. Avoid those snares like the plague, and leave sin behind.

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