How Do We Touch the Indifference and Unbelief in the World?

My grandson Nathan when he was hospitalized last spring.



By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. John 13:35

I had been asking myself some questions.  How do I touch the indifference? 
How do I touch the unbelief that I sense around me every day?
How do I make a difference for the Kingdom of God?

Then I read John 13:35.  I felt God was reminding me of Christ's command to love. 

By loving others, I demonstrate the love of Christ to the world.  As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, I am empowered to do that by the Holy Spirit who lives in me.  My realm of influence is my little world--those people I come into contact with as I go about my life every day.  Through reading the Word of God in the Scriptures, I felt He was giving me more understanding regarding my questions.
 

Then that last night I received the monthly newsletter from "Living Hope Pregnancy Support Services" in Whiteville, N.C.  This ministry opens its doors to the community, providing counseling as well as practical and material assistance to those who come through their door.

Janet McPherson, the Director of the center, wrote,
 

 "There are many hurting people and extremely limited resources in our community.  Sometimes there is little that we can do aside from giving a Bible, providing a listening ear, and praying.  As Mother Teresa once said, 'We can do no great things, only small things with great love.'" 
 

Again, God spoke to my heart through her words.  As those kind volunteers listen to each person's story, they touch the indifference.  As they wipe each tear and hold each hand, they touch the hurt.  As they give out baby clothing, car seats, and so much more, they touch the unbelief.  They are manifesting the love of God. 

 

And this is how the world comes to know Him.  By the love that Christians demonstrate to others.  That's how we promote the gospel of Christ in the world.  That's how we touch the indifference and the unbelief.  By providing hope to one heart at a time.



Google image

 

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Since you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.  Matthew 25:40

 

May God bless you today. You make a difference in your world. Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I appreciate you so much.  

 

( And a special note to those of  you who read this blog regularly, I hope you don't mind that I've used a meditation from the fall.  Expect something new on Thursday.)

 

Please consider writing your thoughts below--click on the little pencil icon to leave a comment.  Blessings...





Cries of the Heart and Renewal of Our Minds

Grandson Nathan's kindergarten graduation~2012

 

Do not be conformed to this world, but continuously be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God's will is—what is proper, pleasing, and perfect. Romans 12:2

 

I was thinking how much I need continual renewal.  God’s mercies new every morning are a wonderful gift.  Each new day an opportunity to live for His glory.  Each morning full of promise and hope.  But I need His constant renewal.  I need that constant transforming of my heart and mind to know Him. 

My daily prayer should be...

Transform my heart to know Your love and compassion

Transform my mind to understand the Great I Am and my relation to You and what that means to how I am to relate to this world ~ to my family, my neighbor, and every one that comes into my realm of life.

My pastor once asked us, “Can you really love God without loving your neighbor?”

Indeed, Jesus Christ is our model.  I want to see as He sees.  But that’s only possible by the transformational power of God working in me, or else I am spiritually blind and deaf and numb to the cries of humanity.

For over twenty years, I've worked with thousands of children as a teacher.  By His grace my eyes were opened to the invisible ones, and my heart has reached out to them...seeing many grow and blossom in the light of His love.  I’ll share a simple poem I wrote years ago.

Invisible child, with your eyes cast down,

Did I hear you say look in my eyes?

I look in your eyes, and a speechless voice is asking,

“Do you see me?”

I look in your eyes.

I hear them patiently asking,

“Be with me long enough to understand

What it is that I cannot say;

Long enough to believe I mean it.”

I look in your eyes and what do I see?

A heart hoping for love,

A soul searching for salvation,

A hand reaching for another’s hand to hold,

Eyes trying to understand the voiceless cry of my heart.

I’ve looked in your eyes and what did I see,

Someone just like me. 

For it is God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

 

Birdie playing in the rain

~photo courtesy of Julie Lyda

 

Thank you for bearing with my rambling thoughts.  I am glad you took time out of your day to visit Write Moments with God. Please consider leaving a comment below.  I appreciate everything you share.  May the light of Christ shine on you and through you today and always.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



How Do You Like Your Coffee? Hot, Cold, Lukewarm?

 

Photo of flat white coffee courtesy of Jeanne Henrique's ~ Collage of Life

 

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  1 Peter 4:17 

As I read, I absentmindedly reached for my cup of coffee.  I took a sip, expecting the bold, fresh taste of hot coffee, but instead it was lukewarm. Yuck! That was not what I wanted.  I poured the coffee in the sink and made a fresh cup.  Hot or iced, it’s delicious.  Does anyone like coffee lukewarm?

I thought of the Lord’s message to the seven churches in the Revelation. 

The church at Laodicea had become lukewarm. (See Revelation 3:14-22)

I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot.  Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.  Revelation 3:15-16

Spew us out of His mouth!  Just like we might do a bland sip of coffee that has gotten lukewarm.

I used to think that statement was too harsh.  It sounded rather like a kick in the seat of the pants accusation.   The Lord rebuked the church, but He goes on to say that He chastens those He loves. 

The church at Laodicea needed revival.  They needed to repent of their sins and return to God with their whole hearts, ready to embrace their calling with renewed enthusiasm. Not unlike the Church today needs revival.  We all know far too many Christians that could be described as lukewarm. 

We need repentance…renewal…fresh fire in our souls.

I remember the time when I had newly dedicated my life to the Lord.  I was so excited about the Good News of Jesus Christ and so grateful to God for my salvation.  Joy filled my heart with love and hope.  I wanted to tell everybody about Jesus.  No one could have accused me of being lukewarm then. 

We ought to pray as David did.

Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:12-13



Mya showing off her new princess skirt.

 

I'm glad you've visited Write Moments with God.  I pray that you will have renewal in your heart and it's warm glow will give you strength.  Remember, the joy of the Lord is your strength.  Please consider leaving a comment below.  I always appreciate hearing from you. 







Have You Chosen That Good Part?

Some of my lovely azaleas ~ April 10, 2013

 

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.  Luke 10:41

I spent some time with this familiar story this week.  I almost heard my name being called as I meditated on it.

Jesus and those with Him came into Martha’s village, and she received them into her house.  How wonderful that she welcomed Him and those with him into her home.  Certainly she is to be commended for her hospitality and willingness to serve.  Her sister, Mary, was there too. 

But while Martha is busy multi-tasking, preparing the food and serving her guests, Mary sat at Jesus feet and listened to Him.  Bless her heart!  The Master had entered into their home, and she wanted only to sit at His feet and listen to His every word.  She adored Him.  Worldly cares, responsibilities, duties were all forgotten as she focused wholly on Him.  How could she think of food preparation! Her soul was being fed.

But Martha.  Oh how I identify with Martha.  She was busy in the kitchen.  I can imagine she had so many tasks going on at once.  Possibly she wiped a bit of sweat from her brow as she focused on the cares in her little world.  Possibly a little anger and resentment entered her heart as she thought of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet while she scrambled around serving all.  Martha was offended that Mary didn’t share her passion and help her get the work done.

…Lord, doest thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.  Luke 10:40b

Obviously Martha was a believer.  She had received Christ into her home.  At some point, she had received the good news of the gospel.  I am reminded of the parables about the good seed.

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word: and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.  Matthew 13:22

Martha was a hardworking woman.  We know she wanted to be fruitful.  But, alas, those cares!  While she was in the kitchen stirring that pot, she was missing an opportunity of a lifetime.

Jesus did not share Martha’s perspective.  He sees beyond the here and now. 

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:  But one thing is needful:  and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.  Luke 10: 41-42

One thing is needful.

Mary had chosen.  Ah…choice.  That element of free will exercised.  Choose you this day!

That good part.

That shall not be taken away.

I am convicted.  I am Martha.  I discipline myself to be Mary.  I pray to see from Jesus’ perspective and worship at His feet with an undivided heart. 

 So that “the good part” becomes my second-nature.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Matthew 6:33

I've been known to make some fine cakes for my guests. :-)

 



Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I appreciate you so much. 

Consider leaving a comment below, or you can write me at writemoments@gmail.com.  God bless you.  I pray that you choose the good part that shall not be taken away from you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Blessings in Disguise

 

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope," Jeremiah29:11 (NKJV).
           
Sometimes, we find ourselves caught up in a frustrating situation, and we forget that everything that comes into our lives is filtered through His hands.  I want to tell you about such a situation that happened to me last summer. (Some of you will remember this story from last summer.)

          
My kitchen stove had many broken parts.  Even the oven was broken--and I have to have an oven. I didn't think it was a good idea to invest in the expensive repairs.  I decided to buy a new stove and have it installed in plenty of time to bake a cake for my house guests who would be arriving in a month.


 I found a stove I liked and ordered it, with a suitable promised delivery and installation date.  The stove came into the warehouse on schedule, but due to miscommunication within the store, the installation did not take place as promised. 

Many phone calls and much frustration later, the stove was delivered almost two weeks late.  I had to rearrange my schedule to accommodate the new delivery time.  My broken stove was uninstalled and taken out of the house.  But as the installation team brought the new one into the house, they discovered the new one was broken.  Imagine my dismay.


We made a call to the store.  What could they do for me?  Order me a new one, they said, but I probably wouldn't have it for three more weeks.  I told the manager I'd come into the store in a few minutes and take care of it.  This paragraph cannot convey the amount of frustration I felt.  After the old appliance was reinstalled and I stood alone in the kitchen,  I said to the Lord, "What is happening here?"  I hadn't expected getting a new stove to become a "customer service" nightmare.  

Then I went into the store, and politely cancelled the sale. 
 

When I returned home, a message awaited me from the store.  Besides an apology, they offered me an upgrade to a much nicer stove that was on display on site, and promised to install it within two days, for the same price as the original sale.

Would that make me happy? Ah....it certainly did. 


As soon as I hung up the phone, I realized I should have trusted God all along.  I remembered other occasions as well when I should have trusted God instead of getting upset about a situation that was out of my control.  The situation had frustrated and disappointed me, but God turned it around for my good.  


This time the store followed through and provided excellent service.  I got a beautiful new stove in time to bake a cake for my guests. 


"We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose," Romans 8:28 (NKJV).

The first cake I made in my new stove--required six broken eggs

 

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I hope you find some encouragement from this little story and the Scriptures I offer to you today.  Have you had some blessings in disguise?

 

Please consider leaving a comment below.  I always appreciate hearing from you.  Blessings!

 

 



Have You Ever Been Stuck in Mud?

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I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined unto me and heard my cry.

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.  Psalm 40:1-2

 

Have you ever been stuck in mud?  It’s an awful feeling.  The more you  push the accelerator, the deeper you sink.  Until finally in desperation, you throw up your hands, quit trying on your own efforts, and call for help.

I’ve been stuck in the mud a few times.  What’s more, I’ve been stuck in some of life’s miry pits a few times as well.  I have a friend who is stuck in a miry pit right now and all of her self-defeating efforts remind me of the long agonizing process I went through getting out of some slimy pits.

My sister, bless her heart, would listen patiently as I tried to figure out all the minutia that led up to the catastrophe—that horrible thing that had happened that never should have happened that was never supposed to happen but it had happened and it happened to ME.  And stuck I was in a horrible pit.  It was as if my emotional and spiritual life got put on hold while I relived the pain in an attempt to unravel the inexplicable.

I’d pray and put it all in God’s hands.  But, I wouldn’t leave it there.  I’d snatch it back and obsess over it more and feel all the pain again—basically, spinning my emotional tires to no avail.  Slipping deeper into the mud.

The worst thing is—we can slip in and out of a pit for years.  Life goes on, but we’re stagnating, even dried up like a spring without water. 

 My sister would say…we’ve already figured that out… you know we’ve already talked about that many times.  And to a point, she helped me so much, as did the counselors and the pastors through the years.  But only to a point.

I, even I, am the LORD; and besides me there is no savior. Isaiah 43:11

Only God could pull me all the way out of the pit and establish my feet on solid ground. 

I cried to thee, O Lord; and unto the LORD I made supplication.  Psalm 30:8

I don’t mean to minimize in any way the profoundly devastating heartbreak that can occur in someone’s life.  I know.  So many tragedies.  It’s humanly impossible to overcome them.  Our help comes from the LORD. 

I’ve reached a point in my life where I trust that everything that happens to us has been filtered through God’s hands, and everything that we experience serves to draw us closer to Him.  He promises to hear us and help us if we cry out to Him.

God’s restorative power is a wonderful thing.  Not only does He give us permission to be happy, He gives us JOY.  He heals the hurt.

It’s good to be able to look back, knowing those pits were there, and feel no pain at all, only contentment, rejoicing in where He has brought me, and looking forward with confidence knowing that He will never leave me nor forsake me.  What a wonderful Savior!

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent.  O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.  Psalm 30:11-12

New Zealand photo courtesy of Melanie Giovino

If this devotional has touched on your situation, I pray that you will cry out to the LORD and cling to His promises. I pray that He will bring you out of that pit and set your feet on firm ground.  He is your salvation.  All praise and honor to Him forever.

Has a particular verse given you strength and encouragement when you were stuck in the mud?  Please share it with us.

Please consider leaving a comment. I appreciate what you have to say.  Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  May God bless you.

Be As Little Children ~ Plus the Winner of our Monthly Give-Away

Birdie fishing with Daddy ~ all photos today courtesy of Julie Roberts Lyda

Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 18:3 (KJV)

I’ve been thinking about that verse a lot this week.  “…become as little children.”  I’ve been trying to figure out all that assertion implies.    

Children are trusting innocents with eyes wide-open to wonder and possibilities. 

They have no stipulations.  There is no such thing as disbelief.  All things are possible to their loving hearts.

So, maybe that’s the key.

Let go of all preconceived notions, prejudices, and prior knowledge based on laws of nature or man. 

Hold onto God alone.

Trust Him ~ He is the Source of Life and Love and all things good.

Then, enter into your prayer closet (Mt.6:6) and

Kneel before His throne of Grace (Heb. 4:16) and pray.

Pray until you forget all those things that constrain you in your grown-up life~

Forget time nipping at your heels.

Pray until earth seems to fade away and you rise to a vast open space where there’s nothing but you and God alone.  Your expectation in Him and from Him alone. 

Then, as a little child, all things are possible. 

When the LORD says to you, as He did to the blind man,

Believe you that I am able to do this? (See Matthew 9:28),

the ready answer springs forth from your heart.  Yes, LORD, I believe.



Reid and Jacob Lyda

 

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.  Psalm 62:5

***

 

 And now, to announce the winner of one of Deborah Malone's cozy mysteries.

Congratulations to Patsy Parham.  You will be receiving one of Deborah's mysteries!

 

Many thanks to all of you who visited last week and left comments for Deborah and me.  We so appreciate what you had to say.  Thank you Deborah for being my guest and giving away one of your books.

Please consider leaving a comment below regarding today's post.  I enjoy hearing from you.  God bless you, little children.  Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.