Building Sandcastles

I sat on the beach in Galveston watching a family nearby. Three children were building an elaborate sandcastle. What caught my eye was a little girl – 2 ½ or 3 years old – coming up from the water’s edge carrying a plastic bucket full of water. I watched as she shifted the bucket around in her arms struggling to keep any of the water from sloshing out. She reached the sandcastle with her bucket still nearly full, and much to the dismay of the older siblings, she upended it, pouring the water on top of their construction. A little tussle for the bucket ensued, but only for a moment before all was forgiven and they began making repairs on the castle. Apparently, their love for the little sister won out. They realized that despite not knowing their intended design for the castle, she thought she was helping. If only she had asked … But they didn’t give up, they finished the project.

How often I am like that little child, struggling with my bucket, intent on helping out without consulting the Master Architect to find out His plan or design! As I spill out my meager (and sometimes damaging) “contribution,” He graciously continues working to fulfill His purposes. He knows my heart and He loves me.

Thank you, Father, for forgiving me when I don’t ask You for direction, when I try in my own strength to carry my bucket and do things my way. And thank You that even when I make a mess of things, Your plan is never thwarted.

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. Lord, your faithful love endures forever; do not abandon the work of your hands (Psalm 138:8 CSB).

Blessings,
Ruth

PASS IT ON

In Acts chapter 7 Stephen is giving his defense before the Sanhedrin. But rather than using this time to defend himself, he gives a history lesson to the religious leaders. He spoke of the covenant God gave to Abraham and then he continued with the stories of Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve sons of Jacob. He reminded them how the brothers had treated Joseph when, because of their jealousy, they sold him into slavery. God was with him, “rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household.” (Acts 7:10)

 If you know the rest of the story, you know that Joseph became a great leader in Egypt, saving the lives of people from all over the known world during a seven year worldwide famine. (You can read an abbreviated account in Acts 7:11-16 and a more detailed account in Genesis chapters 41-47.) His own family was saved and moved to Egypt. Over time, generation after generation, the family multiplied from the 75 people of Joseph’s family to a large and “exceedingly mighty” group of people “so that the land [of Egypt] was filled with them.” (Exodus 1:7)

Stephen continued his story to the Sanhedrin with these words: “Until there arose another king over Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph.” (Acts 7:18)

Whenever I read those words, whether in the Acts or Exodus accounts (Exodus 1:8) it makes me stop and wonder – why didn’t the new king know about Joseph? Joseph had been instrumental in keeping so many people alive during a disastrous time in their history. He had brought vast amounts of wealth into the land of Egypt. He was a hero!  Sure, it had been in the past and much time had gone by, but the story is not one that would be easily forgotten.

Then it hits me – the new king had not forgotten the story. He had not heard the story. And why not? No one had told him. The king, despite all his education, did not know his own country’s history.

This brings me to today, and I wonder. How many people know the history of our country – the true history? What are they being told in a country bent on rewriting or even ignoring history to suit the current narrative?  How much do we learn from the history we DO know. And whose responsibility is it to let the people know. If we are not telling, why not?

And then I think about our personal faith history. How much do our friends and family members know of our faith story? How much do we talk about the faithfulness of God in our family through past generations and up to today? If we do not tell them, how will they know?

Scripture challenges people to “remember” or to “not forget” what God has done.  But one does not remember what one has never heard. Tell the stories!

“To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.
Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.”
~ Francis J. Crosby, 1875

God HAS done great things for us – for our country, and for us as individuals. What one good thing could you pass on to someone today?

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3

Blessings,
Ruth

Bully Little Bird

I sat on the beach watching the tide come in. Birds lined the water’s edge waiting to eat any tidbit brought in from the ocean. It was entertaining watching the birds – Seagulls loudly squawking at each other, little birds picking who knows what out of the brown seaweed thrown up on the sand. The little birds were fast, skittering along the wet sand – groups of them.

Then I saw the bully – just as tiny as the rest of them – but acting all tough and mean. He was alone. If any bird dared to come into “his” space or even looked like it might come near, he ruffled his feathers, puffed himself up, and darted after it, chasing it away. I saw him do this over and over and over again. I thought maybe if he spent less time chasing, and more time eating, he might feel more satisfied.    

It made me laugh, really, watching him pecking and fighting … pecking among the pile of seaweed, then fighting to guard “his” little patch. What made it so humorous was that the swath of seaweed stretched as far as the eye could see in both directions! There was plenty for all and then some!

And I thought … sometimes we can be like that little bird – fiercely holding on and guarding “our” spot, “our” stuff, “our” position, “our” _ _ _ _ when in reality there is more than enough to meet the needs of everyone.

I thought of those who bully others – just because they can! How they act all puffed up and proud of their strength and their ability to intimidate those around them. I thought how sad it is not to enjoy the strength that can be found in being part of a group, and in getting along with others. How tragic it is to be alone because you drive away anyone who tries to get close, when there can be so much joy in community.

And yes, there is a time and a place, and a need for solitude – for alone time – to rest and reflect, to meditate and to pray – to recharge and renew, but we are made to be in relationship and to have fellowship with others. And being part of something requires sharing – our time, our space, our experiences, our strength, skills, and talents, our joys and sorrows, and our “stuff.”

Here are a few verses to keep in mind when we feel like going it alone.

1 Thessalonians 5:11  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Romans 15:5-6  May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:10  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Galatians 5:13  You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Blessings as you share friendship and fellowship with others,

Ruth

Look Up!

On April 8th, many people were outside wearing funny-looking glasses, looking skyward to see the eclipse. Some gathered with friends for “watch parties” to see the moon pass in front of the sun in the middle of the afternoon.

Although, according to the Associated Press, solar eclipses happen “about every year or two or three” they often are not visible in this region. Supposedly the next one “of this magnitude” over the USA will be in 2045.

The eclipse gave me pause to consider what it takes for people to stop what they are doing and look up!

I’m a bit of a sky watcher myself. I love catching a sunrise or sunset, seeing cloud formations in bright blue skies, rainbows arcing across the heavens, stars in a night sky. And I marvel!

So often we look around and may become fearful and anxious,
Or look down in sadness or despair,
Or look inward and feel hopeless and discouraged.
But when we look up! Ah, that changes everything.
It takes our eyes off ourselves.
It takes our eyes off others.
It engenders thoughts like this one, expressed by the prophet Isaiah:

“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
“Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” Isaiah 40:25-26

I can’t help thinking about Stephen, who spoke up fearlessly for what was right even if it killed him (and it did). And as they were stoning him, he looked up. The Scripture says it this way:

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55

Even in his dying he gave this witness:
“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:56

He was focused on His Savior, and it gave him strength and courage in those final moments.

What will it take for us to be courageous in troubling circumstances?
How can we continue to stand up for truth and morality when facing opposition?
How will we “keep on keeping on” when it is just plain hard?
The same way.
We look up!

… looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (Or, as the NIV translation states, “so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”) Hebrews 12:2-3

The Psalmist wrote “But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge…” Psalm 141:8(a)

Perhaps you are familiar with these words written by Helen Howarth Lemmel in 1922:

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

You may have sung these words from “We fix our eyes on You” by Chris McClarney.

“We fix our eyes on You, and look toward eastern skies,
Awaiting that triumphant day when we will rise
With Jesus Christ, our glorious Divine,
Descended Son, Exalted One,
We fix our eyes.”

So, eclipse or no eclipse, there’s no better time to look up than right now, looking up to Him, the One who never fails.

Blessings
Ruth

What’s it all about?

People around the world are commemorating what for many, is the most important period of time in history – the Easter season. Some have given up something for Lent and look forward to having that special something back once the season is past. Many are buying candy and items to fill Easter baskets, dying eggs and organizing egg hunts, shopping for new clothes, and making reservations for that special Easter meal. Others anticipate visits from extended family and friends, and time off of work and school!

Pastors and worship leaders prepare for multiple services and greater than usual number of attendees, as some people return for their first visit since Christmas. And somewhere in the hustle and bustle of it all, just like at Christmas, we pause to remember what it’s all about.

What it’s NOT about is the eggs, and candy, and baskets, and new clothes, and special meals, and holidays. It’s not even about temporarily doing without something for a short period of time. There is nothing wrong with all of that. It is part of the joy of celebrating.

BUT

What it IS about is the greatest gift ever given to mankind, and the ONE who gave it. It’s about making a way for us to be in relationship with our Creator, about having our sins forgiven, and being adopted into the family of God. It’s about conquering death and giving life to those who will believe and receive Him.

The Apostle Paul spells it out in two short verses in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4. “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

Paul said it was of first importance. Nothing is more important than this! He said Christ died for a reason – for our sins. He died and was buried. He was confirmed to be dead. He was put in a tomb. But He did not stay dead! On the third day He rose again. And that, friends, that is what it’s all about. It’s about Jesus taking our place, dying for our sins, rising from the grave, offering to us the free gift of eternal life … LIFE.

It’s appropriate that we celebrate at this time of year, when trees are budding, and flowers are pushing up through the earth. Signs of life are all around us, reminding us that although there was the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, LIFE follows death, and we can have life if we follow Him.

Have you received the gift He is offering you? A gift is not yours until you receive it. Receive it and thank Him today for so great a salvation.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” In verse 13 he writes, “Whosoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

May this be your happiest Easter ever!

Blessings,

Ruth

Kicking Against the Goads

In my devotions I came across this statement:

“(God) allows trouble to pursue us, as though He were indifferent to its overwhelming pressure, so we may be brought to the end of ourselves.” L.B.Cowman, Streams in the Desert.

Although I do not like the troubles that may at times pursue me, I want to come to the end of myself, because it is there, at the end of myself, that I find HIM. At the end of myself I lose my focus on self, and in seeking a solution find that He IS the solution, my hope, my only hope. He is present, always, and forever. He is able – able to do above and beyond what I could ever imagine – much much more than I could ever do for, or by, myself.

In myself, without Him, I can do nothing – nothing to solve the troubles that pursue me – nothing to accomplish His purpose.

But with Him, I can do all things.

What a reminder not to kick “against the goads.” A goad was a pointed sharp stick that a farmer would use to move his oxen in the right direction – the way he wanted them to go. If an ox kicked against the goad, it only increased the pain. 

Sometimes that is us, kicking against the trouble – the annoyances, the pricks and prods – instead of using them to move us forward in the right direction with Him and towards Him.

We might ask ourselves:

1. In what ways am I resisting the prodding of the Lord?
2. How can I use this problem for God’s glory and my good?

Dear friends, when troubles come into our lives perhaps there is a lesson to learn, a change to make, a resolve to enforce, a courage to build up, a trust to strengthen. Usually in the midst of the problem we cannot see through to the other side, but when we get there perhaps we will understand. And if not, we can take comfort in the knowledge that He knows and He understands.

In the words of a hymn we used to sing:

“No one understands like Jesus;
He’s a Friend beyond compare.
Meet Him at the throne of mercy;
He is waiting for You there.

No one understands like Jesus
When the days are dark and grim.
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus;
Cast Your every care on Him.”
~ John W. Peterson, 1950

Blessings,
Ruth

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

See, Hear, Touch

True story… I dreamt that I was teaching a class of young adult students and I heard myself say, “I sometimes wonder – isn’t it better to be able to go to someone you can see and touch and feel when you have problems, like the disciples could with Jesus – to look into a friend’s eyes, and know that your friend is listening and hears you?”

After raising his hand, a young man in the back of the room asked, “Like it was with Adam and Eve when God walked and talked with them in the garden, before sin entered the world?”

“Yes,” I said, “Sin messes everything up… But although we cannot see Him, He is there in the problem with you. The beauty of it is that while others may give a listening ear, He is able to solve it … if and when and how He chooses. But just His presence comforts us. While troubles rage around us, He gives us peace. When sorrows threaten to overwhelm us, He gives us comfort. When pain seems unbearable, He gives us joy.”

Then I woke up to face another day, knowing that even though we cannot yet see and touch and feel Him, HE sees and hears us! And like a father has compassion for his children, He feels for us and that touches me right in my heart.

He is the ever-present God – Psalm 46:1

He is our compassionate Father – Psalm 103:13

He sees – 1 Peter 3:12

He hears – Jeremiah 29:12-13

He is able – Ephesians 3:20-21

He can do the impossible – Matthew 19:26

And yes, He has given us friends, people to be in relationship with, and I thank Him for each one. They can encourage and support, but they cannot take the place of God in our lives. They have their own problems, but He does not. They may fail us, but He will not.

Won’t you trust Him today?

“And He walks with me and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.”
~ (C. Austin Miles, 1912)

“Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.” ~ (Charles A. Tindley, 1916)

Have a great day,

Ruth

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!

Sitting on my deck one morning, I watched the sun come up and I marveled.
Streaks of bright pink, light blue, and purple painted a beautiful mural across the sky.
A bird welcomed the morning with a song.
Another joined him from a distance.
A squirrel ran across the top of the fence.
A soft breeze blew.
It was 48 degrees; I shivered a little, but I wouldn’t have missed these moments for anything.

What a beautiful start to the day and a reminder that:
“This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rock and trees, of skies and seas-
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily-white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world:
Oh, let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King, let the heavens ring!
God reigns, let the earth be glad.”
~ Lyrics by Maltbie D. Babcock, 1901 (hymnary.org)

We are living in days when evil is called good, and good evil (Isaiah 5:20) when hearty approval is given to godless practices (Romans 1:32), when “wrong seems oft so strong.” Violence runs rampant and unchecked, while trying to hold it back seems as futile as trying to hold back the tide.

Discouragement and fear come easily in times like these.

Oh, dear friend, God does not want us to live in fear.

Remind yourself of the promises of God. He is not finished. He has not abdicated the throne. He is Lord of lords and King of kings,
“God is the ruler yet.”

Tune out the world for a while.
Open His Word.
Meditate on Him today.
Go outside.
Look up!

Blessings,
Ruth
“The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)

Thank You!

I woke up with the words of this chorus, written by John C. Hallett in 1917, running through my head.
“Thank you, Jesus, for all you’ve done,
Thank you, Lord.
Thank you, Jesus, for victories won.
Oh, thank you, Lord.
For thy love and tender care
For thy Word and answered prayer.
Thank you, Jesus, for all you’ve done.
Thank you, Lord.”

I couldn’t help thinking about what Jesus has done.
He was there in the beginning at Creation.
Laying aside His glory, He left heaven and came to earth, born as a baby.
He grew up, lived a perfect exemplary life,
Healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the multitudes,
Discipled twelve men while teaching many others about the kingdom of God.

Victories Won
He died a brutal death so we could be forgiven of our sins and reconciled to a holy God.
He conquered death, rising from the tomb, promising eternal life to those who believed in Him,
And ascended to heaven where He is interceding for us, even now.

Love
Greater love hath no man than this – that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).

Tender care
He is the good shepherd (John 10:11)
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him (Psalm 103:13).

His Word
The Scriptures! They bring comfort to the suffering soul,
Joy to the downcast heart,
Peace to the anxious mind,
Instructions for living,
Light to guide our paths.

Answered Prayer
How many wonderful answers I’ve seen over the years –
Not always the answers I’ve wanted, but always what He deemed best.
“Thank You, Lord.”

What has He done for you? 

Have you thanked Him?

Blessings,

Ruth

Explosive Joy

We’ve just celebrated a season of joy – Great Joy! From the giving of thanks – to the birth of our Lord and Savior – to the start of a new year – it’s been a season of friends and festivities, of gatherings and remembrances. And now we’re moving into 2024 with renewed hope, energy, and excitement… or are we?

Last year I was gifted a wonderful devotional book called He Walks With Me, written by Carol Kent, which I used throughout 2023. Near the end of December I read the phrase “Exploding Joy,” and it got me thinking…

What if instead of explosive rage, the more common response would be explosive joy?
Think of it … joy bursting forth – music – celebrations – attractive, magnetic joy that draws people in rather than pushing them away.
Joy that embraces others.

So much joy that it cannot be contained, but bubbles over and splashes on everyone and everything.

Joy that comes from deep within –
Unshakeable
Undeniable
Unexplainable
Supernatural
JOY.

Joy that leads to blessing others with kindness and appreciation.
Joy that calms the anxious heart, quiets criticism, and repels bitterness.
Effusive joy can change the atmosphere of a room, attitude of a heart, actions of a group.

The Bible speaks of Abundant, Increased joy (Isaiah 9:3),
Inexpressible, Glorious, Unspeakable joy (1 Peter 1:8,9),
Full, Complete joy (1 John 1:4, 2 John 1:12, John 15:11; John16:24),
Strength-giving joy of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10).
This is the kind of joy that kept Peter preaching when threatened (Acts 4), and Paul rejoicing in prison (Philippians).

This year I want my life to be characterized by the joy of the Lord, joy that strengthens me, fills me up, spills over, and splashes on those around me.
I want a heart that rejoices in the love and goodness of God,
to sing with abandon,
to worship with sincerity,
to delight in being in the presence of God,
and to bring joy to the hearts of others.

I want that for you, too.
May you have a year touched by the love and joy of God Almighty.

Happy New Year!
Ruth