Freedom Means?

For the past few days our focus has been on celebrating freedom, the freedom from British domination that our forefathers fought and died for, the freedom our founding fathers created in such documents as the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and later the American Constitution, and the freedom that has been maintained on our shores by the bravery and dedication of men and women who fought to keep this nation free, those who stand firm.

Freedom in Christ is older than our country. It has been offered to us since the beginning of this world. Our greatest threat is our slavery to sin....something of our own making and what largely controls our individual thoughts, behaviors, attitudes and actions. We can not point a finger beyond ourselves even when we declare "the devil made me do it." It is our choice to become a slave to sin. It will not be solved by a war or declaration by a group of politicians. But it is a war within ourselves and sometimes a very bloody battle. It destroys individuals, families and even countries. Yet, freedom is offered to each of us and, like the sin itself, is our own choice. So, what's it going to be? When and how will we celebrate our freedom from sin or at least our struggle to defeat it?

"For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery" Galatians 5:1. Keep on reading and find the best choice.

Prayer time

Remember the hymn, "Sweet Hour of Prayer?" Do  you have a designated time for prayer each day? Some of us like to begin our day in prayer and possibly end it in prayer as well. So what happens the rest of the day?

Have you heard that we are to pray constantly? Do you know the Holy Spirit prays for us when we don't know how or what to pray?  In my life "stuff" happens all day long and even through the night. For me prayer time is any time, all the time, because I need the Lord's help 24/7 365.

"I bow down toward your holy temple
    and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
    for you have exalted above all things
    your name and your word.
 On the day I called, you answered me;
    my strength of soul you increased." Psalm 138:2-3

And The Rains Came Down

Wow, we woke up to a surprise rain this morning. Yesterday, the weather was showing dry. I'm sure the folks whose homes are on the edge of over flowing creeks and lakes are ready for dry. Who can correctly forcast the weather?

Seems to me it's up to God. So I've taken the attitude the weather its what I see and feel at the time and that we don't know why God sends us weather that causes damage and makes us uncomfortable. We often try to figure out why and blame it on a message we are receiving because of world events or man's sin. We are wasting our time trying to figure out why. It's just one of those thngs we can not control and must just accept. God will let us know in his time. And in his great mercy, we know that "all things work together and this,too, shall pass."

"He loads the clouds with moisture;
he scatters his lightning through them.
At his direction they swirl around
over the face of the whole earth
to do whatever he commands them.
He brings the clouds to punish people,
or to water his earth and show his love.
Job 37:ll-13

Choosing a Leader

What do you all think about the NAACP leader who is actually Anglo? She has certainly had her "day in court", as they say. I find the various opinions quite interesting in their different viewpoints. I actually like what 1 Samuel says when he was tasked with annointing a new king after Saul and chose David.

" But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

Isn't this controversy about looking at this woman's heart and not her color? David had some flaws, but is remembered for his love, more than his flaws. I pray this current controversy will do just that, FOCUS ON LOVE AND NOT COLOR OR ETHNICITY OR RACE. Hopefully the result will be greater unity and understanding.

Obedience brings Joy

As Chrstians we are expected to be joy filled. But do you sometimes feel someone or something has stolen your joy. What do you do to bring it back?

Well, today Susie Jennings, the famous "blanket lady" shared her secret at a Chritian Women's cub luncheon here in Irving, Tx. Joy turned a ministry of deivering blankets to the homeless of Dallas into an international ministry, Operation Care, that has reached thousands of children in 9 countries and over 130,000 men, women and children in the Dallas metropolitan area. She attributes this to listening to God and giving him unconditional obedience. What follows is JOY that comes from Jesus, others and yourself.

"Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, “Oh, thank you, God!” I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers." Philemon 1:4-7 (Message)

Reunion

Summer is often a season of reunions for families and other groups or organizations. We spent several days in San Antonio with the reunion coordinator for Jim's destroyer group looking at multiple possibilities to bring a group of 60 or more from across the countty to reminisce about their naval experiences and enjoy a fun time together. What kind of reunion are you attending this summer? A family reunion, a college or high school reunion, a friend or previous employment or former church? Who do you hope will be there and what do you hope the outcome will be?

Psalm 60 is a beautiful passage reminding us what a Godly reunion can be. Have you ever considered planning a reunion witih God? Who do you expect will come? What do you expect the outcome will be?

"I’ll give you only the best—no more hand-me-downs!
Gold instead of bronze, silver instead of iron,
bronze instead of wood, iron instead of stones.
I’ll install Peace to run your country,
make Righteousness your boss.
There’ll be no more stories of crime in your land,
no more robberies, no more vandalism.
You’ll name your main street Salvation Way,
and install Praise Park at the center of town.
You’ll have no more need of the sun by day
nor the brightness of the moon at night.
God will be your eternal light,
your God will bathe you in splendor.
Your sun will never go down,
your moon will never fade.
I will be your eternal light.
Your days of grieving are over.
Psalm 60: 17-19 (Message)

First Priority

"Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands,
    for there I find delight.
 Turn my heart toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain." Psalm 119

Ever have difficulty figuring out God's plan for you? Seems that from this passage understanding comes through our hearts, not our heads. It would also seem that we need to turn out hearts toward his statutes. And where do we find these statutes that helps us to know and obey what he wants from us? Must be from scripture...God's Holy Word.

So, where do we go to find our God's plan for us? Reading his word and turning our hearts to him and away from thoughts of worldly gain, praying for understanding and guidance and seeking his heart...his love. Not impossible, is it? Let go of worldly thinking and desires and instead open your mind and heart to God's love for understanding and direction. Make that your priority every day, all day. It's how to begin and spend your day.