Gathering Rubies

You are so pretty, so talented so smart, so ________ (go ahead, fill in the blank). No matter how much others encourage us we simply don’t see it. Somewhere in our journey, no matter how long or how short, the link has been broken, we have become in our own eyes damaged goods.

How we view ourselves molds how we think, what we do and how we do it. It’s all about our self-esteem. I’m not sure I know anyone who isn’t critical of themselves; people who seemingly have everything going for them yet they never see themselves as other see them.

I have struggled with self-esteem issues since I was very young, even though I have been able to shed most of the baggage, and really, that’s exactly what it is, tons of baggage that we have allowed someone else to burden us with. Most often it is a person close to us whose approval we desperately want. We long to be loved, to be accepted, needed, to fit in.

When we are told that we are stupid, fat, ugly, worthless _______ (again, fill in the blank) we began to act in a negative manner. We begin living “down” to the other person’s view of ourselves. I find it interesting and baffling that instead of trying to prove the negativity wrong by demonstrating the opposite behavior, we began to act out the label(s) given to us. It is not the “facts” about us but rather what we believe to be true about our self.

We began to self-destruct with alcohol, drugs, extreme anger, self-mutilation, promiscuity, over-eating, the list is endless. The more we do what we hate doing, the more we do it, and if we manage to live through the self-destruction we finally hit our bottom.

The road to recovery can be long and painful if one chooses to remain a victim. I realize that may sound harsh, but our entire life is about choices.

Two critical things which helped me enormously were forgiveness and refusing to remain a victim. I have experienced despicable things in my life and the way I responded to them nearly killed me. It took me many years to realize that all of my hate and anger was not affecting the abuser at all; instead I realized it only meant they still controlled me.

We live in a society which seems to pride itself on putting others down. Demeaning others is so out of hand that it is now referred to as bullying. Elementary kids all the way to high-school are being taunted, some to the point of suicide.

We can all make a difference and hopefully someday turn things around. We can start by carefully choosing how we speak to each other. Words are powerful and they can hurt us and do severe damage to our self-esteem. Even things said in a joking manner can scar a person. Be examples, especially in front of your children. Always try to use words that build up, not tear down and teach your children the importance of using words in an encouraging way.

May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.
2 Thess 2:16-17 (from THE MESSAGE)

I WILL hear what the Lord God will speak in me.

Blessed is the soul who hears the Lord speaking within her, who receives the word of consolation from His lips. Blessed are the ears that catch the accents of divine whispering, and pay no heed to the murmurings of this world. Blessed indeed are the ears that listen, not to the voice which sounds without, but to the truth which teaches within. Blessed are the eyes which are closed to exterior things and are fixed upon those which are interior. Blessed are they who penetrate inwardly, who try daily to prepare themselves more and more to understand mysteries. Blessed are they who long to give their time to God, and who cut themselves off from the hindrances of the world.

Consider these things, my soul, and close the door of your senses, so that you can hear what the Lord your God speaks within you. “I am your salvation,” says your Beloved. “I am your peace and your life. Remain with Me and you will find peace. Dismiss all passing things and seek the eternal. What are all temporal things but snares? And what help will all creatures be able to give you if you are deserted by the Creator?” Leave all these things, therefore, and make yourself pleasing and faithful to your Creator so that you may attain to true happiness.

This is from Thomas a Kempis: The Imitation of Christ I love reading his writings as they cause inward reflection.

I was reading the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) this morning. It starts out with an expert in the law, standing up to test Jesus by asking “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

As I read more of the story and another question of “who is my neighbor?”, I tried to image what circumstances could compel a person to simply pass by someone in obvious distress and keep on going without stopping to help. Is it lack of compassion, fear, busyness, selfishness or perhaps a combination of all of these?

We read that we are to “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  Lk 10:27 If we don’t reach out to help those in distress is because we don’t love God, ourselves or our neighbor?

The recent story of a two year old Chinese girl who was ran over by two separate Vans and ignored by at least 18 people passing by is probably what sparked my thoughts this morning. I watched an edited video clip of the incident and all of the people who walked, bicycled, or drove by were close enough to reach out and touch the toddler. I simply cannot comprehend this lack of concern or compassion!!

The man who was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho (v. 30) was ignored by a priest and Levite, both who would have traveled the road frequently and would have been obligated to show mercy to the man who was robbed and beaten. Jews and Samaritans culturally had no love for each other, yet it is the Samaritan who stopped to help, he is the one who showed what it is to love your neighbor as yourself. And the two silver coins he gave to the innkeeper were equivalent to two days wages. The injured man was put on the Samaritan’s donkey, while the Samaritan walked.

Being a neighbor is showing the love of God to all who are in need. Love is the most excellent way and it never fails.

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb saying: “You have dwelt long enough at this mountain.”
Deuteronomy 1:6

If God allowed us to live on the “mountaintop,” we would not experience trials, but neither would we achieve any victories. The Israelites had gathered at the foot of Mount Horeb while God spoke to them and gave them His law. It was a breathtaking experience! Fire and smoke covered that awesome mountain; lightning flashed, and loud trumpet sounds pierced the air in a deafening crescendo! The ground at the food of the mountain shook, and the people trembled in fear (Exod. 19-:16-25).

As important as it was for God’s people to have this inspiring encounter with Him, their Lord had not rescued them from Egypt in order for them to settle around a mountain in the wilderness. God delivered them so that they could conquer the Promised Land. God wanted to demonstrate His power to the Israelites so that they would trust Him in their conquest of Canaan. Finally, God announced that they had been long enough at the mountain’ it was time to go to battle.

The mountain is an enticing place to set up camp. Peter, James, and John were prepared to reside on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus, but their Lord knew that a demon-possessed boy needed their assistance down below (Matt 17:4, 14-18). At times God will graciously provide you a mountaintop experience. These times come in many settings: during your time alone with Him, at a Christian conference, by reading a Christian book, or at a prayer meeting. You may wish you could spend the rest of your life basking in the glow of your encounter with God. But remember, these mountaintop encounters are God’s way of preparing you for the battles that await you.

From my devotional “Experiencing God Day-By-Day by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus

As we are nearing fall, enjoying cooler weather, and looking ahead to shorter days I am looking back somewhat in amazement that another year is winding down.

I clearly remember in January I was relieved to have the rush of November and December behind me, anticipating and looking forward to bit of a slow down. I wondered what this new year was going to bring. January was a slow month, a doctor appointment for mom, a dental appointment for Larry, some birthdays and hair appointments. February was a lot like January.

March was more exciting, we were having some beautiful weather. We took care of our income taxes and got those out of the way, finished paying the property taxes and began planning for the Tulsa Workshop. This was our second year to attend and we were not disappointed. We truly enjoy attending, hearing great lessons, singing, renewing old acquaintances and making new friends. It’s just a great place to be!

April was a quite month and we attended our yearly family reunion in May. So many have passed on and many of the younger generation were not able to attend this year. Still, we always have a great time and plenty of good food and reminiscing throughout the day.

June (and most of the summer) keeps Larry busy with our yard and mom’s, plus all of our regular activities. Spending time with our church family, eating out, first Friday nights at the Opery, etc, etc. It’s quite amazing how many hours are spent on trips to the grocery store, post office, gas station, beauty shop and other little life necessities that grab our time. That’s just away from home. At home there are repetitive hours of cooking, cleaning, yard work (for Larry) and laundry. Since our retirement in 2004, we have commented many times wondering how we did all that we do and still worked. Ha! I guess that is a sure sign that we have slowed down.

July is a big month for birthdays in our family. Three of our girls have birthdays in July, one granddaughter and two of Larry’s sisters. Our anniversary is also in July.

What can I say about August? Well, it was just plain HOT!! Too hot to do much of anything and the hottest on record for Oklahoma. Since moving here in 2004 our neighbors seem to link all of the phenomenal weather incidences to our arrival. Things like the great ice storm, drought, snow storm blizzard, copperheads, rain for two straight months and just recently a plague of moths. They tell us they are now waiting for scorpions, toads and water to blood. All kidding aside, we are blessed with really great neighbors!!

September is one of my favorite months. I love the weather! We started walking again after several months of not doing it. Seems we go through times of burnout. I must say though, it feels really good to be walking again and it always makes me feel so much more energetic. (Also makes me realize how out of shape I am).

I read more this time of year. I just finished reading Jon Zen’s The Pastor Has No Clothes. It’s a very good book. I am currently reading Pagan Christianity, written by Frank Viola and George Barna; it too is an excellent read and very thought provoking.

October will likely be a quieter month. Perhaps we will get a couple of day trips in and get acquainted with our new truck. November and December will be whirlwind months and then, come January hopefully that sigh of relief for slowing down a bit.

Soon the leaves will be turning and I will be outside with my camera!

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.
Ps 113:3

Our Thursday night group ended on a discussion of can we say we are already saved? While our thoughts ran in different directions our conclusions were somewhat the same. My response was “yes.” I do believe that I am already saved and that should I die today that I am saved.

Let me state up front, I have much to learn. I merely want to share some scriptures with you why I believe that I can say “I am saved”.

Grab your bibles and join me in looking at these verses.

Following are some of the scriptures that lead me to my conclusion.

Chapters one through five of First John are beautiful reminders of our assurance of salvation. In these chapters we will read about examples of knowing we are saved. I strongly encourage you to read all five chapters of First John to get a clearer picture.

The points below are from the outline in my bible-
Fellowship with the Father and the Son (1:5-2:11)
Moral likeness (1:5-7)
Confession of Sin (1:8-2:2)
Obedience (2:3-6)
Love for other Christians (2:7-11)
Contrast: apostates verses believers (2:18-21)
Person of Christ: the crux of the test (2:22-23)
Persistent belief: continuing fellowship (2:24-28)

In Chapters four and five we read of love, the source of love, the fruit of love and our relationship of love for God and love for our fellow Christians and obedience, the evidence of love for God’s children.

The first verse below was written to those who had already heard the gospel message, believed it, repented of their sins and were baptized.

1 John 5:11-13 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. (cf 1 John2:26).

Titus 3:4-8 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Rom 10:9-13 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”  For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (See note from ESV Commentary below)
If you confess with your mouth does not mean that a spoken affirmation of one’s faith is a “work” that merits justification, but such confession does give outward evidence of inward faith, and often confirms that faith to the speaker himself. that God raised him from the dead. Paul does not mean that people need to believe only this individual event with no understanding of Christ’s death, but rather they need to believe in the resurrection along with the whole complex of truth connected with it, particularly Jesus’ sin-bearing death in mankind’s place, followed by his resurrection that showed God the Father’s approval of Christ’s work (see note on Rom 4:25). with the heart one believes. Saving faith is not mere intellectual agreement but deep inward trust in Christ at the core of one’s being.

John 6:40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Lest they should take a wrong meaning out of his words, as many have done since, he tells them that far from any person being excluded from his mercy, it was the will of God that everyone who saw him might believe and be saved. The power, without which they could not believe, he freely gave them; but the use of that power was their own. God gives the grace of repentance and faith to every man; but he neither repents nor believes for any man. Each must repent for his own sins, and believe in the Lord Jesus, through the grace given, or perish. (from Adam Clarke’s Commentary)

2 Cor 1:21-22 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

I know this is a lengthy post and I apologize. There are so many more scriptures in the New Testament that teach us about our salvation. I have been so encouraged by re-reading all of these and hope that it has encouraged you as well. I will end with this final scripture from Second Peter and an explanation on salvation from Nelsons Dictionary.

2 Peter 1:10-11 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

SALVATION The salvation that comes through Christ may be described in three tenses: past, present, and future. When a person believes in Christ, he is saved (Acts 16:31). But we are also in the process of being saved from the power of sin (Rom 8:13; Phil 2:12). Finally, we shall be saved from the very presence of sin (Rom 13:11; Titus 2:12-13). God releases into our lives today the power of Christ’s resurrection (Rom 6:4) and allows us a foretaste of our future life as His children (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:14). Our experience of salvation will be complete when Christ returns (Heb 9:28) and the kingdom of God is fully revealed (Matt 13:41-43).(from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Romans 6:1-2

A Christian has died to sin. Sin has no control over a corpse. Temptation can present itself enticingly and persistently, yet a corpse will not succumb! Before you were a Christian you were keenly susceptible to sin. Sin held you in its grip. When you became a Christian, your old self died (Gal. 2:20). Sin now has no more control over you than temptation has over a corpse. You have died to sin. You can still sin, but you are no longer in sin’s power. If you choose to succumb to temptation, you are rejecting the freedom from sin that Christ gained for you by His death.

God’s grace is a further motivation for us to resist sin. It was God’s grace that enabled Jesus to endure mocking, beating, and crucifixion at the hands of those whom He had come to save. It was grace that led God to forgive our sin despite our rebellion against Him. It is this same grace that God expresses toward us each time we sin against Him. Knowing this grace, we cannot continue to practice sin (Rom. 6:1-2). We cannot presume upon God’s forgiveness by committing further offenses.

You are no longer the helpless victim of your sin. The victory has already been won. God does not have to win a victory over your sin; He already has! You only need to apply His victory to each area of your life. If there is a sinful habit, an ungodly attitude, or an unrighteous relationship that you need to put to death, claim the victory of Christ’s resurrection today. Then you will be free to experience the abundant life that God intends for you.

This is from one of my daily devotionals. I think it is a beautiful reminder of God’s grace.
From Experiencing God Day-By-Day

The world entices us to put ourselves first in all things. We are encouraged to indulge in any thing that brings us pleasure, regardless if it’s right or wrong. L’Oreal wants you to you purchase their products because as the commercial says “I’m worth it.”  Entitlement is rampant!

If our senses have been so dulled by how wonderful or important we think we are or how much we deserve to have something or how much we deserve to be “number one”, then I encourage you to read on and see what God says about how we really should be living. Take a look at all of these one another verses in the New Testament.

Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. 2 Cor 13:5-6 (THE MESSAGE)

I admit I need to improve in many areas. Reading and contemplating on the following verses has encouraged me greatly and has caused me to do a “checkup”.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

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

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Rom 12:16

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. Rom 13:8

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. Rom 14:13

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Rom 15:7

I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Rom 15:14

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings. Rom 16:16

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Cor 1:10

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Gal 5:13

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Eph 4:2

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4:32

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Eph 5:19

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Eph 5:21

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Col 3:13

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Col 3:16

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

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Heb 3:13

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Heb 10:24

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Heb 10:25

Brothers, do not slander one another. James 4:11

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 1 John 3:11

And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 1 John 3:23

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. 1 John 4:7

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:11-12

Did you just say “Wow”? I did!!

I can’t find any of the above encouragements in what we are bombarded with in any advertising media. What do we really deserve? Ps 103:10 — he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

1 Cor 9:24-25 You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. (The Message)

We are familiar with the hot weather in Oklahoma. It seems this year is exceptionally hot and I’ve been hearing and reading plenty of comments about how hot it is. So for your amusement I thought I would share these one liners on just how hot it really is!

 Stay Cool…

• Your car overheats and you haven’t even started it
• Your braces are making blisters on your lips
• The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.
• The cows are giving evaporated milk.
• The trees are whistling for the dogs.
• You no longer associate bridges (or rivers) with water.
• You can say 113 degrees without fainting.
• You eat hot chilies to cool your mouth off.
• You can make instant sun tea.
• You learn that a seat belt makes a pretty good branding iron.
• The temperature drops below 95, you feel a bit chilly.
• You would give anything to be able to splash cold water on your face.
• The 4 seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!
• You discover that in July, it takes only 2 fingers to drive your car.
• You discover that you can get a sunburn through your car window.
• You notice the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
• Hot water now comes out of both taps.
• Its noon in July, kids are on summer vacation, and not one person is out on the streets.
• You actually burn your hand opening the car door.
• You break a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m. before work.
• No one would dream of putting vinyl upholstery in a car or not having air conditioning.
• You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.
• Pigs complain about sweating like humans
• You can water the yard with your own sweat
• The big craters in the land are empty ponds and lakes

 The Dog Days of Summer are here!

I remember crouching down on one knee, holding my arms out and coaxing my babies to walk toward me. My fingertips barely touching theirs as they wide-eyed looked at me with a bit of apprehension and a bit of excitement  tottering on their tiptoes. They usually trusted me enough to take at least one or two steps before plopping down on their diaper padded bottoms. I would clap my hands and say “yay” and they would wave their little arms around in the air so pleased with those first steps. It was always only a matter of days before they were walking on their own, getting more confident and bolder with each success.

I find we can be the same way. Can you remember when you first became a Christian? Many are on fire, ready to conquer the world and win over everyone they know and then some. Unlike the toddler learning to walk, the times of failure are more likely to cause us to quit instead of getting back up and trying again. Toddlers are determined to conquer walking; they seem to know there will be something new to explore with each step, some new treasure across the room to examine.

As adults we don’t like failure. We shouldn’t look at our efforts (when unsuccessful) to reach out to people as failures. Instead we should trust God just like our babies trusted us as we are coaxing them into our arms with those first few steps. We are gardeners. Like Paul and Apollos, we are only servants doing our everyday jobs. Each one of us can help germinate the same seed with our own individual talents, some planting and others watering, while remembering it is God who gives the increase.

I know it can be scary to invite our friends to church or even to have a conversation with them about Jesus. One of my fears is rejection. None of us like to be rejected. I also fear confrontations, what if they challenge me with something I can’t immediately answer. I guess those are legitimate fears, it helps to remember that it isn’t us they are rejecting, it is the opportunity to know Christ and the opportunity for a new life they are rejecting. And for the other fear; none of us will ever have all the answers, we can say, without shame, that “we don’t know” but we are willing to study to try and answer their questions. I believe in all situations where we want to bring others to Christ that God will give us the courage we need. I know for me I must put my fears away and truly desire that others have the same hope I have. The hope of spending eternity in heaven with God.

Luke 10:16 “He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

I challenge all of us—-starting today, reach out to the lost. Invite your friends, your neighbors and strangers, invite them to church, to a get together with other Christians, to read the bible with you. Give all of them the same opportunity, the same grace, God has given us. Like a parent with their child, Jesus waits with outstretched arms.

Who is Apollos? Who is Paul? They are servants by whom you believed, even as the Lord has given to each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. Neither is he who plants important, nor he who waters, but God, who gives the increase. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his own reward according to his own work. We are God’s co-workers, and you are God’s garden. Also, you are God’s building, and according to God’s grace given to me as a wise builder, I have laid a foundation, and another builds upon it. But let each one be particular how he builds. No man can lay another foundation other than the one laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Cor 3:5-11

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop — a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.” Matt 13:3-9

Are you up for the challenge?