Love Notes

Worship service "notes" by my Dan, age 8, 1993

Worship Service notes, by my 8-year-old grandson, 2014

"I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children." (Matt 11:25)

        A treasure I'll keep in my Bible forever is a sketch of Jesus on the cross and John the "Badist" that my Dan drew during a morning worship service as an eight-year-old. Recently, I placed a second "love note" between the pages of my Bible - a sermon outline penned by my eight-year-old grandson during a service at Church of the Highlands. Through my babes, God reminded me of two simple, yet profound, truths: 

1. He loves me!

2. [So, I can] face my fears!

"So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us...is there anything else He wouldn't gladly do for us...The One who died for us - who was raised to life for us - is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed...None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing - nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable - absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love." (Romans 8:31-30, The Message)

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Zeal without Wisdom

My dear Bible Study friend, "Bee"

"[Sisters], my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge." (Romans. 10:1-2)

          I love, love, love studying the Bible with my beloved sisters in Christ! This semester, we are investigating Paul's 13 letters in the New Testament. 
          Today, our wise friend, Miss Evelyn, shared, "When I was first save, I had a passion for God, but was running around everywhere and trying to do everything without taking time to sit still before the Lord. I had a zeal without wisdom. The Lord had to train me to come into His Presence, hear His voice, and then go forth in His assigned works."
          Wise words from a wise woman!

"But each man must be careful how he builds...for no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the [Judgement] day will show it because it is to be revealed by fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work...remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet through fire." (1 Cor. 3:10b-15)

          Look at your schedule this week. Test the quality of your activities. Are your works God glorifying gold, silver, precious stones or self-serving wood, hay, straw?         

          

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The Lord's Schoolhouse

Watercolor by Cami Monet Webb
From The Schoolhouse
by Jill Glassco

"No discipline [testing] seems enjoyable at the time, but painful! Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead." 

(Heb. 12:11-13)

 “What’s
                  God
                            teaching
                                              you
                                                        these
                                                                        days?” 

          Every triumph we experience, as well as every heartache, can be a schoolhouse – a place to learn, change, and grow.

            “Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,”whenever you turn to the right or to the left” (Isaiah 30:20-21 NASB).

            In delays, God offers a lesson on waiting on Him. In disappointments, God offers a lesson in trusting Him. In achievement, God offers a lesson in humility. In pain, God offers a lesson on eternal perspectives.

            What's your schoolhouse today? Don’t be late for class and pay close attention to Jesus, your Teacher!

           

            "I'm certain that I learned more lessons during these months than my students. My eyes beheld my Teacher and my ears heard His voice behind me say, “This is the way, walk in it.” God taught me that He truly is sufficient for all circumstances and trained me to face my fears with courage and fortitude."¹

¹ Jill Watson Glassco. The Schoolhouse (Peoria, AR: LifeHouse Publishing, 2012), 43.

(The Schoolhouse is available online at Amazon.com)

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God Gifts

Yesterday on the farm

"Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him is no variation or shadow cast by turning. By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the first fruits of His creatures." (James 1:17-18)

        My sweet Phillip and I consider the farm a generous gift from Father God. Along its riverbank, beside the fishpond, and on the trails through the woods, we thank Lord Jesus over and over and over again.
        In Paul's first letter to Corinth, chapter 12 teaches that according to His will, the Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to those Jesus saves. First Corinthians 12:7 of The Message reads: "Each person is given something to do that shows who God is."

                                                      wisdom
                  knowledge
                                       faith
         healing
                                                         miracles
  prophecy
                           distinguishing of spirits
                                                                         tongues
        interpretation of tongues
service
                     teaching
                                            exhortation
                                                                      generosity
                  leadership
                                              mercy

                               (Spiritual gifts listed in 1 Cor. 12 and Romans 12)

            O Christian, let us share our God gifts with others today and introduce them to the Giver of all good gifts! 

"Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to God."     
                                                                               ~Leo Buscaglia~

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Words

My grandmother's high school senior portrait, 1916

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens
    and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
    producing seed for the farmer
    and bread for the hungry.
¹¹ It is the same with My word.
    I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
    and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
¹² You will live in joy and peace.
The mountains and hills will burst into song,
    and the trees of the field will clap their hands!
¹³ Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow.
Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up.
These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name;they will be an everlasting sign of His power and love.” (Isa. 55:10-13)

       Written words. Only recently have I come to recognize the countless numbers of written words woven into my daily tapestry. The genesis of my storybooks was a handwritten letter by my grandmother in 1955. The foundation of the Bible studies I teach and devotional website I maintain are written words. Most importantly, the primary source for instructions, encouragements, wisdom, and discipline I receive from God is His written Word - the Holy Bible.
       In Isaiah 55, the Lord describes the fruit of His Word applied: a life of increased joy and peace. Got joy and peace? Want it? Consume more of His written Word!

"Listen to Me, O my people...open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things!" (Psalm 81:8a,10b)

          

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Alabama's Blustery Day

Our Little Fishpond today

"The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." (2 Chron. 16:9a)

         Yesterday, a mere two inches of snow wreaked havoc along the highways and byways of Alabama. Everyone has unique stories to tell about wrecked cars, stranded kids, or hours in traffic, but every story I've heard has ended the same: "Thank You, Jesus!" 

My story:

          My dear friend, Jane, and I were in Bible study at the N. Avondale library when the librarian told us that road conditions were rapidly deteriorating. Because Jesus placed a trail of good Samaritans along our way, we made it safe and sound to our warm homes...9 hours later.
         Good Samaritan #1: the nice man that told me to put my Volkswagen Beetle in low gear to make it up the slippery hill.
         Good Samaritan #2: the young man at the gas station that gave us directions back to the freeway.
         Good Samaritan #3: my sweet husband, Phillip, who stayed on the phone with me for almost two hours coaching me on which roads to take and how to drive in icy conditions. 
         Good Samaritan #4: my hero son, Ben, who drove his 4-wheel drive Jeep for hours and hours and hours up mountains, around stalled cars, and out of ditches to rescue not only Jane and me, but also a young couple who'd been walking on hwy. 280 for 5 1/2 hours, a gentleman that needed to get home to heart medication, as well as, his own sweet, pregnant wife, Gabbi, and a co-worker who were stranded at work.
         Thank You, Lord Jesus!

"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds...You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is Your unfailing love, O God. All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings." (Psalm 36:5-7)

         

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His Rod and His Staff

Frozen Road on our farm, 2014

"The Lord is my Shepherd...Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil. For You are with me. Your rod and staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:1,4)

         The equipment of a shepherd is normally limited to two instruments: his rod and his staff. The rod is the primary weapon of defense against predators for himself and his sheep. Whereas, the staff serves as a tool in caring for the sheep - to guide or rescue the animals entrusted to him.
         It's a bit melodramatic to say that I'm walking through the valley of the shadow of death; however, I am maneuvering a valley of uncertainty concerning a health issue. This past weekend, I stumbled, allowing those pesky little demons of worry and dread to nip at my heels. Then came my Shepherd!!! 

He wielded His rod:

Stay alert, Jill! Watch out for your great enemy! The devil is prowling around this valley attempting to devour you! Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith! Remember that Christian sisters all over the world are going through this same kind of trouble. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

He stretched forth His staff:

Jill, do not despair! Believe you will see My goodness in the land of the living! Wait patiently for Me. Be brave and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Me. (Psalm 27:13-14)

             O Christian, are you walking through a troubled valley? Stay close to Jesus, your Shepherd. Search His Word for His protective rod and comforting staff. For He will lead you beside peaceful streams and renew your strength. Your great Shepherd will guide you along right paths, which bring honor to His name. Surely His goodness and unfailing love will pursue you all the days of your life, and you will dwell with Him forevermore! (Psalm 23:2-3,6)        

           

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21 Days of Prayer - Day 20

My Dan, 1993
(At Devils Tower: 867 foot, mountain of igneous intrusion rock in the Black Hills of Wyoming)

"I tested you at the waters of Meribah - Selah" (Psalm 81:7c)

              Over these 21 Days of Prayer, I've meditated on, pondered, considered, contemplated, thought about, and chewed and chewed and chewed Psalm 81 - particularly verse 7. The Scriptural genesis of the "waters of Meribah" named here is found in Exodus 17 in the account of the wilderness journey of Moses and the children of Israel. The story goes -

             "At the Lord's command, the whole community of Israel left the wilderness of Sin and moved from place to place. Eventually, they camped at Rephidim, but there was no water there for the people to drink. So once more the people complained against Moses....tormented by thirst, they continued to argue with Moses,...'Are you trying to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?'
              Then Moses cried to the Lord, 'What should I do with these people? They are ready to stone me!'
             The Lord said to Moses, 'Walk out in front of the people. Take your staff, the one you used when you struck the water of the Nile...I will stand before you on the rock at Mt. Sinai. Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink.'
             So Moses struck the rock as he was told, and water gushed out...Moses named the place Massah (which means 'test') and Meribah (which means 'arguing') because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the Lord by saying, 'Is the Lord here with us or not?'"

            I'm 57 years old and have heard the rock water fountain story since nursery school, but I've NEVER recognized the position of the Lord during that miracle! Almighty God was BEFORE Moses and ON the rock! SELAH (REST)!!!

            O Christian, do not fear, doubt, or complain! May the Holy Spirit reassure you today, free you from doubt, give you great confidence, strengthen you, and enliven you with understanding that, in whatever desperate need you face, Almighty God is BEFORE you and ON the resolution of your great need!

"Sing for joy to God our strength...you called out in distress, and I rescued you; I answered you from where the thunder hides...I am  Yahweh your God, who brought you out of Egypt. Open your mouth wide and I will fill it...I would satisfy you with honey from the rock!" (Psalm 81:1-16)

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21 Days of Prayer - Day 19

My sweet  Rebecca's family
 (A day at the children's museum, 2013)

"God is within her; she will not be toppled. God will help her when the morning dawns." (Psalm 46:5)

           While praying for Rebecca yesterday, I found this verse above tucked in the middle of the Psalm which promises that God is our refuge and strength, a Helper who is always found in times of trouble. Although the "her" of verse five is literally the holy city of God, the Lord used His living Word to reassure this storm-tossed mother that He dwells within my daughter, she will be okay, and He is helping her. 
           It's praiseworthy to realize that as morning dawned yesterday, Rebecca's intense pain began to subside, and even though joints remain swollen and mobility is taxing, the tides appear to have turned toward healing.

"Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with a jubilant cry! For Yahweh, the Most High, is awe-inspiring, a great King over all the earth!" (Psalm 47:1-2)

          O Christian, ransomed by the Lord Jesus, know that His Holy Spirit lives in you (Rom. 8:11), you will not be toppled by your troubles (John 16:33), and God will help you (Heb. 13:5-6) when the morning dawns: "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to attest these things to you for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the BRIGHT MORNING STAR" (Rev. 22:16)!

          

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21 Days of Prayer - Day 18

My Rebecca, age 2, 1983

"Sing praises to God, our strength. Sing to the God of Jacob. Sing! Beat the tambourine. Play the sweet lyre and harp. Blow the ram's horn at new moon, and again at full moon to call a festival!" (Psalm 81:1-3)

           In Psalm 81, Asaph calls percussion, stringed, and wind instruments into symphonic praise of Elohiym - Almighty Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. Have you ever stopped to consider that, at creation, God placed an orchestra within each one of us - percussion hands, stringed vocal chords, and wind or breath of life - so that we might praise Him? Mankind was designed to give glory to God in the good times and in the difficult ones.
           Today, my baby girl is 500 miles away from her mother's arms in a bitter-cold city buried under snow, and she's very sick. What's a mother to do?!?!? 
                                         
                                         Praise God!!!

            Care to join me? It's what you were made for!

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even thought the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights!" (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

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21 Days of Prayer - Day 17

Campout at Eberhart's Pond, 1993
(My brother, his kids, Phillip, our kids, and me)

"...I tested you at the waters of Meribah." (Psalm 81:7c)

    
           The past couple of weeks,  I've camped beside Lake Meribah on a survival of the "faithful" test. 

Faith trial #1: 
Discover a small "something" in your body that's not supposed to be there and then maintain God's peace and trust in Him while you wait to learn what "it" is. 
(check - accomplished)

Faith trial #2: 
Experience one of your children having the sudden onset of bizarre physical symptoms and continue to maintain God's peace and trust in Him as you wait to learn what's going on in her and yourself.
(Okay, Lord, this is harder than I thought it would be. I need Your help, please!)

Contestant, "do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you [pass the test]; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand!" (Isa. 41:10)

Thank You, Lord Jesus!

             Is your faith also being tested at Camp Meribah? Let's trust the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. For Jesus Christ, who is with us, is FAITHFUL - a refuge, strength, and very present help in trouble!

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21 Days of Prayer - Day 16

My kids at Rebecca's wedding, 2004

"Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy." (Proverbs 27:6)


                   I was pleasantly surprised last week to learn of Martine Bates Sharp's review of my storybook, Secrets of Shiloh, in the January 16th issue of The Alabama Baptist. Sandwiched between her gracious compliments like "the book is well written with an engaging story" and "I would recommend it for older children", however,  lay a short stack of constructive 

criticisms: "too good of a story for a book this length", "the story leaves feeling cheated", and "too short."
             After a slight wince, I thought, Hey, she makes a good point and offers wise counsel worth heeding! I think I'll try it! So, today begins the amplification process of Hoot Owl Hollow, the next storybook, to Hoot Owl Hollow, my first novella!

             Dear friend, when criticisms or corrections come our way, let's choose to embrace the opportunities to grow and glow for Jesus!

"My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline, but don't be crushed by it either. It's the child He loves that He disciplines; the child He embraces, He also corrects." (Heb. 12:5-6, The Message)   

                   

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21 Days of Prayer - Day 13

My Ben (age 3) and my Dan (age 1), 1986

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." (Gal. 6:7)


             When Dan was a toddler, sometimes he got pushed around or down by big brother Ben. I'd warn Ben, "You better be careful, Ben, he'll grow up one day!" And I chuckle every time I remember when one day arrived.
             My boys were probably around 19 and 17 when their wrestling match ended with Ben pinned to the ground by "little" brother Dan who would not let him up. Ben yelled, "Mama, make him stop!" 

L-R - "big" brother Ben, "little" brother Dan, and friend, Brian, 2004

             What "seeds" are you sowing today? Be careful! A day of reaping will surely come!

"For the one who sows to his flesh will from the fresh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the [Holy] Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life!" (Gal. 6:8)

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21 Days of Prayer - Day 12

My rough (really rough) sketch of Hoot Owl Hollow

"It shall be when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines."(1 Chron. 14:15)


               I'm working on a third Christian storybook for families, Hoot Owl Hollow. This very rough sketch is vastly different from the beautiful, watercolor paintings by Cami Monet Webb and Donny Finley in The Schoolhouse and Secrets of Shiloh.

               In a recent devotion by Os Hillman, I was reminded that God is magnificently creative with novel game plans that may differ from past strategies. When the Philistine army made a raid on the valley of Rephaim, David inquired of the Lord saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines?" Then the Lord answered him, "Go up, for I will give them into your hand" (1 Chron. 14:9-10).
               Just three verses later, Scripture records that when the Philistines made yet another raid in the valley, David inquired of the God again, and God said, "You shall NOT go up after them; circle around behind them and come at them from in front of the balsam trees." David did just as God had commanded him, and they stuck down the army of the Philistines (1 Chron. 13:14,16)!
                In Bible story after Bible story, we learn that King David never lost a battle. The key to his success? He inquired of the Lord and then obeyed God's commands. David refused to assume God's instructions, but instead, sought and followed the Lord every single time!

               Whether I am to sketch the illustrations for Hoot Owl Hollow or not, I don't know. However, I resolve to inquire of the Lord before each step and obey whatever He tells me to do, in Jesus' name!

                My friends, I urge you to also inquire of the Lord in each and every one of your endeavors and do just as Jesus Christ commands you to do! For He is able, through His mighty power, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or even imagine (Eph. 3:20)!

               

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