His Perspective

For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. Romans 15:4

We study the Bible because within it are the very words of God. God “breathed out” the Scriptures and inspired men to write His truth. It is an expansion of Himself to all mankind. As Christians, we rely on these words to complete us and equip us for every good work to bring the Father honor and glory. Can you imagine life without them?

The Father employs scripture and prayer to communicate. God is known as an intimate and relational spirit. When we speak with Him and ask for clarification of truth, God reveals wisdom and understanding. Remember, Holy Scriptures are fashioned to feed our souls with everlasting nourishment and refresh our mind. In Matthew 4:4 Christ reminds us, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Not only do we have God’s Holy Word and a direct line to the Father through prayer, but we possess the Holy Spirit. He lives within us as a helpmate. As we read in 2 Peter chapter 1, verse 21 discloses the fact that interpretation of scripture is never attained through human means but from part of the divine Trinity’s promptings. (aka Holy Spirit) Just like Jesus informed the disciples in John 14:26, the Holy Spirit is a gift to us to guide and instruct. We cannot uncover truth in scripture through the use of our human flesh and thinking. Why? God’s ways far outweigh our own and we would be fooling ourselves to believe otherwise. “For is anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Galatians 6:3.

God’s word makes known His directives and assurances. They are a road map for righteous living. His perspective and outlook, along with faith-filled reliance on the Holy Spirit, empowers us to grasp His truth and live out God’s will. The bible is our source of truth, yet spiritual development and perception requires trust and dependence on the Holy Spirit AND continual interaction with the Father through prayer. Our reliance on these mutually supporting actions generates clarity and precise scripture meaning. Once clearness is obtained, we can commence to launch God’s truth into our present-day circumstances and daily living. Without God’s viewpoint and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we are left on our own accord to determine meaning based on our evaluation. How clear of a picture do we get using this method?

Given our current crisis, I would extend the message from Sunday’s service by encouraging you to draw out God’s perspective for Psalm 91. Read it. Meditate upon it. Through prayer and the Holy Spirit’s promptings, allow God to reveal His words for you as a means to cope during a time such as this.

LOVE AND PRAYERS for our world!

March 24, 2020 0

Manifested Loyalty

But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Ruth 1:16

Happy Saturday friends! Our world has been turned upside down over the past couple of weeks and has shown to be an ever changing environment. Who would have ever thought we would be social distancing and desperate for essential items? (even medical facilities are short on masks) It seems like the world is on pins and needles when trying to deal with the unknown future.

Yet, this week I have seen faithfulness shown over and over. It has been heartwarming to see people show loyalty to others without it benefitting themselves. Such a different view than the “ever man for himself” view displayed as empty shelves, lack of goods, and heightened emotions.

The love of Christ and respect for others was demonstrated when I witnessed:

1. Someone donating many rolls of toilet paper for those who may have a need instead of hording.

2. A friend willing to shop hop with you during lunch to find eggs for your husband’s birthday meal.

3. A college student assisted a couple unable to pick up a Walmart order during workhours by picking it up, delivering it, and even putting the cold/frozen items away! (who does that?)

4. A church secretary taking toilet paper to a family who was running low and two of the family members had just undergone surgery in the past five days.

5. Administrators carrying out social distancing procedures and working out remote systems.

6. Employees putting in long hours without extra compensation.

7. People holding doors for others who were trying to leave the store with what they could possibly find with kids in tow.

8. Phone calls, emails and text messages-checking in with others and making sure everyone is doing okay.

9. Less comings and goings on the roads because people are following the health officials’ mandates/suggestions.

10. A doctor cancelling his family’s ski trip due to his concerns for his patients and their needs.

11. People dedicated to prayer and setting aside time every night at 7:00 p.m. to specifically pray for the coronavirus issues.

12. Social media postings thanking local medical staff.

13. Parents understanding the struggle of educating through online means and teachers scrambling to roll out online instruction.

14. Business owners following regulations despite profit concerns.

15. Restaurants giving away hand sanitizing wipes and/or toilet paper with orders.

16. Food facilities willing to sell eggs and bread to the public without price gouging.

17. Government officials taking things serious and unifying their efforts.

18. A teenage boy warming up lunch for his mother who is working from home.

And the list goes on and on…

I love seeing loyalty in action and not mere words. God brought faithfulness to mind this week when reading the book of Ruth. Her story highlights unselfishness and dedication. She stayed true to her family and did whatever was required. Ruth placed Naomi’s needs before her own and God showed faithful to meet their needs.

How is God using this time to resurrect your loyalty and faith in Him? Are you witnessing acts of love and concern during the COVID-19 outbreak? Take time to reflect on your personal journey and don’t forget to acknowledge kindness and the outpouring of love you see all around. May it inspire you to do likewise.

I know it has for me!

March 21, 2020 7

FEAR

March Madness may have a different meaning in history for the year 2020. COVID-19 has caused a panic internationally. The wide-reaching virus has caused universal speculation and alarm. It has recently been referred to as a global pandemic. I believe the last count I read was 100,000 people infected worldwide with over 4,000 deaths.

Many are surprised to see the extreme self-preservation measures taken over the past two weeks since the virus has tripled in number. Travel restrictions are rolling out and cleaning procedures are being heightened. Although some say these are reactionary measures based on fear, it is reassuring to see authorities expressing concern for those under their influence.

However, these types of situations are often frustrating due to the conjecture and panic the media portrays. It truly concerns me when the upcoming generation witnesses a frightened society exhibiting extreme irrational behavior. I am not suggesting we take COVID-19 lightly, but I am proposing for the knowledge about the virus to be based on true facts. What is its main cause? What are some rational prevention steps to take? How can we respond?

Fear and panic were definitely emotions throughout my childhood. I can effortlessly recall all the physical outcomes I endured due to these triggers. And it was always because of concern for someone’s life being severely hurt. An alarm would ring throughout my mind, body, and soul and worry would bring on fright, distress, and absolute terror. I learned how to panic, shutdown, and be irrational because I didn’t know any different.

Through years of healing and assistance, I have mellowed tremendously and slowly learned to be cautious in my reactions. Honestly, years ago this recent virus news would have sent me into a tailspin.

Times like these truly give me an opportunity to display where I place my faith and who I really fear. I believe fear is a two-sided coin. Fear of God or Fear without God. Heads you win, tails you lose.

FEAR OF GOD	FEAR WITHOUT GOD
There is reverence for the Almighty Father who loves beyond compare. Hebrews 12: 28-29	There is no hope. Ephesians 2:12
God’s love overcomes earthly fears. 1 John 4:18	Fear without faith in God’s power is unprofitable. Matthew 25:25
God’s peace allows us to remain steadfast. 2 Timothy 1:7	Worry only subtracts from life. Luke 12:25

While going through 2020’s March madness, I will place my faith in God. I will cling to Isaiah 41:10 and remind myself that God is beside me, strengthening and assisting in times of fear. I will stand on His word and claim God as my refuge during this troubled time. (Psalm 46). May we all remember Philippians 4:7 and rely on God’s peace to calm our hearts and minds.

God is on His throne and He knows our earthly struggles. Find comfort in God’s Word and adhere to His goodness. May we be His unfaltering light as we walk through the days ahead. Let us pray for the victims of COVID-19 as of today and in the weeks to come.

March 13, 2020 2

You Have an Enemy

March 7, 2020 3

Spiritual Muscle

You’re killing me Smalls! How did I get roped into your “God Word”?
Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity… Ephesians 5:15-16

Anyone have spring fever? March is the month when spring break is the buzz word on the street and students are geared up for some fun away from school. Plans are being made and parents are requesting time off. During this time of the year, people begin to be out and about doing yardwork, washing cars, walking the track, spending time outdoors, etc. Seems like everyone is getting a little more exercise outside of the house.

Exercising and discipline use to be my middle name. I would follow through with my goals, plans, schedules, workouts, house cleaning, healthy cooking, you name it. Oftentimes, to a fault! The “pit” truly pulled me off track and Tamoxifen left me tired, unmotivated, and battling a thyroid issue. My pickup and go had packed up and left. Unfortunately, there was little discipline and I barely recognized nor felt like myself. What an experience to say the least!

Hang in there. I do have a point to make…

So, why did I reference spring? Last spring marked one full year of God allowing me to live out His directed pathway. He lifted me out of the valley and showed me the refining of my life amidst the storm. I cannot express the inner peace and joy I found after I humbly surrendered it all to Him. At this year mark, the Lord gave me the words for the Refining study, set my feet on His pathway, and then said “I gave you a year to recover now GO!” Here I am a year later in disbelief. God is truly a miracle worker. By His almighty hand, he has me writing. (an area that was never my strength nor my favorite) Never in my wildest dreams!!!

Last summer, when taking the pilot group through the Refining study, I received a new God Word. When we walked through the steps of “One Word”, the Lord gave me DISCIPLINE! I didn’t want the word nor did I want to be held accountable. Seriously! I did ask over and over, “God, why this word?” He answered when I read “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it” in Luke 11:28.

Well, here I am nine months later eating better, walking when I can, reading through the entire bible, and applying “discipline” to my life. Let me tell you, I have a long way to go and I might have this God Word for several years. Why? Because I have allowed my muscles to be lazy in so many ways for waaaaaaay tooooo long. I allowed the spiritual battle to overwhelm physically and mentally. Somehow the enemy found a way to take away my value, self-control, and proper priorities.

The gig is up Satan!

Through God’s authority and power, I am retraining and strengthening muscles. Each day, I intentionally plan to make healthier choices because I am not my own. I was meant to fulfill God’s will and my entire body belongs to Him. The Lord wants me stronger and has fabulous plans for the days ahead. My Heavenly Father is giving me a workout and building my spiritual muscle beyond my imagination.

How’s your spiritual muscle?

I truly care about you my friend and your growth plan. I never want you to feel devalued and lifeless like I did several years ago. My prayer for you is to live a life empowered by His goodness and grace where you experience a secure connection with the one and only Lord. He delivers freedom and protection, but you must choose to engage in the workout.

Give God praise as Psalm 30:4-5 declares. Place your trust in Him alone because He is faithful as we read in Psalm 37:2-3. Stay in His word (Psalm 119:1) and talk to Him (Psalm 116:1-2). Be intentional with your time (Ephesians 5:15-16) and know that your creator will help strengthen every part of your body, mind, and soul because you are part of His magnificent design (Psalm 139:14). Set your goals according to His authority and commit to Him.

I am praying for you and your days ahead. You can do it! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You are not alone! Tap into your assets (Romans 8:37) and know you are created to bring glory to the King (Ephesians 2:10). You are a royal family member who God loves dearly.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3.

P.S. Poor Jace. I made him walk five miles one evening this week. He hasn’t done that in several years.

March 6, 2020 1

Unified

*Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17*

Most of us live by certain principles based upon personal values and beliefs. Our identity often rests on these ethics and ideologies. Once we become an independent individual and are on our own, we have the freedom to separate or unite with the standards our parents established (or did not). Just like our salvation, we are given the freedom to choose our individual morals and tenets.

So, how do you identify yourself? “I am a good person.” “I am a renowned doctor.” “I consider myself a productive citizen.” “I am just a soul trying to make ends meet.” “I am independent.” “I do the best I can with what I have.” I am a legendary athlete.” “I deem myself as a conservative.” “I am a male Native American.” “I am a prominent business owner.” “I am an educator.” And the list goes on and on of a multitude of answers people might give. Maslow theory states that our identity is a formation process beginning as an infant which is based on a hierarchy of needs. The psychologist notes there are levels to accomplish before obtaining self-actualization.

Paul might argue that self-actualization occurs differently. We all know how he distinguished himself in his early years. However, I bet if we asked Paul how he identified himself after his Damascus road experience, he would probably say, “I am a child of God through His unity!” Have you ever thought of yourself as unified? I am not sure I have given it much thought until now.

In Ephesians, Paul sheds great light on being identified as unified. Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 1 that Christ Jesus came down from His heavenly home for the primary purpose to join Himself with man. It establishes the mere fact that God loves us beyond measure and desires for us to become one in our beliefs and faith in Christ. This first chapter affirms that our Lord and Savior extends the gift of grace with the opportunity to find identify ourselves in Him. Once we accept this distinct portrait of who we are in Jesus, the worldly identification seems to fade away. It no longer holds the significance it once did. Our notorious titles, positions, crafts, race, etc. is not our primary standard nor is our self-individuality.

We now want to be known as: UNIFIED!

I am unified with Christ. I am not my own. I am a child of GOD! In Him I find my security and empowerment. Through my faith, He has freed me from all unrighteousness. Christ Jesus has connected me with the Father and fully equipped me with all I need including His Spirit, which is alive and well within me. I treasure my unity and I never want to be found without Him by my side. I am who I am because of the the GREAT I AM!

Who do you say you are?

Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13

February 28, 2020 0

Clothed in Love

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Colossians 3:14

Happy weekend friends! What fun are you having? I spent the majority of the morning cleaning closets and washing clothes. This crazy weather has had us wearing everything from shorts and t-shirts to thick sweaters and thermals within a week’s period of time. Instead of having a closet with clothes for the current season, it holds everything I own.

How do you decide what to wear during your week? Wake up and grab whatever is clean? Plan the night before and lay it all out? Start on Sunday and build your weekly outfits down to accessories? Do you iron everything or tumble the wrinkles? No matter the approach, none of us gets dressed accidentally. We all purposely choose to cover our body with clothing.

What if every morning we purposely clothed ourselves in love as well? Can you think of someone who exhibits a fine “love outfit” daily?

My thoughts immediately proceed to a neighbor I had for over a decade. Her name was Sally Richardson. This sweet lady displayed the finest evening gown of love day-to-day. She was far from being self-centered and always focused on other’s needs. Her prayers filled the room with love and wrapped around your heart like a high-end cashmere scarf on a snowy day. When life was difficult or she was sick, I would visit her with the intent of lifting her spirits. However, I was always the one walking away so elevated in God and filled with amazing hope and faith. How did she do it?

She believed…

Love is patient. She knew God was always patient so she strived to be patient with others. (I Corinthians 13:4)

Love keeps no record of wrong. She gave love without keeping score of what she received from others. (I Corinthians 13:5)

Love always protects and preserves. She was confident that when she prayed God’s love over the situation, the Lord would protect His children. (I Corinthians 13:7)

Love is controlled by actions not feelings. She would love people even when they didn’t deserve it. (Matthew 5:44)

Love is powerful, unconditional, and life changing. She extended love because she knew the power of the Lord and His miraculous, life changing abilities. (Romans 12:20)

What are you wearing tomorrow?

**Tribute to Sally Christine Richardson**

February 23, 2020 6

When it reaches out and grabs you

For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as his child. As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? Hebrews 12:6-7 (NLT)

It is up to us to stay in His Word and pay close attention to His call. When we are plugged into God, we will know His voice. John 10: 27 says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” It is a mutual recognition. The Spirit of truth prompts us to dig deeper into the verse/s which personally stand out in order to fully digest scripture. He bids us to apply it to our circumstances and claim it over our lives and those around us.

Let me share one of my attention moments with you.

During my difficult season of life, I began questioning if my faith was real. Why would I feel so helpless if I was truly a child of God? Honestly, this was a dark period of my soul. I was struggling for answers and asking God why over and over and over. Nevertheless, I continued to attend church, show up for small group, and worship the Lord through song.

One particular Sunday morning, the pastor was preaching from 1 Corinthians to shed light on the faults we continue to exhibit like those addressed by Paul with the church in Corinth. As the pastor read and explored chapter 4, he began examining and analyzing reasons we can become self-absorbed and arrogant. I was curious how he would deliver his closing comments. While summarizing the various points of the sermon, he read 1 Corinthians 4:20-21. I leaned in and fixed my mind on what I anticipated to be his main point. Like in many churches, the words appeared on the screen: For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit? It was like fireworks on the fourth of July. I saw those words and knew God was talking directly to me. I went straight to my iPad, opened the notes app, and typed out the verses.

What? You aren’t seeing fireworks too? Perhaps you can’t even imagine a bad sparkler. Why? Because God personally luminated this particular scripture at that very moment just for me. He desired my attention. The Lord removed all distractions in my mind and spoke loud and clear while I was fully present in an environment focused on Him. Upon hearing those scriptures, my question of faith was answered.

It became clear that this dark valley was a discipline gorge. God revealed my lack of engagement in His Word and the Holy Spirit had definitely exposed my deficiency. When seeing those words, I realized I had not placed myself in the Lord’s text. I was lacking the ability to fully submit to His great power because my life wasn’t drenched in scripture. For all those years, I had viewed the bible as talk uttered by God without acknowledging the supernatural force, potency, and capability it possessed. This was God’s invitation to infuse my life with scripture. He welcomed me to a completely different way of thinking and living. His empowerment lured me to seek Him on a more intimate level and to bring my life under His absolute authority.

This was my attention moment which exposed me to a personal definition of submission.

How has God used scripture to grab your attention?

February 8, 2020 1

But Who Is the Real God?

I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have. **Abraham Lincoln**

Hi friends! How’s your week been? I am adjusting to my new weekly travels and students for the spring semester. Getting to know each student takes time. Most students are a little reluctant at first and seem to be more receptive once I share a bit about my personal life. I am always ready to talk about my #1 love but, as you know, this isn’t always allowed in an educational setting. So, very rarely is God the topic of our discussion.

At each location, I meet with students in various locations: janitor’s closet, library, conference room, teacher’s lounge, someone’s office, guided reading closet. . . This week, at one of the locations, we utilized the assistant principal’s office. When entering the room, colorful posters filled the walls and 3D models were carefully displayed on every table like an art exhibit. As the student and I sat down to begin the intervention session, the student asked who the people were on the crafted posters. I replied, “It looks like a class has been studying Greek Mythology.” “Oh yeah, all those gods and goddesses. I’ve read about them,” the student stated. I decided to use this as a teachable genre moment and defined Ancient Greek folklore. After I shared the basic explanation of a myth, the student asked, “So, who is the Real God? Is it Zeus? You know, the true one, the main God?”

Silence. . .Wheels turning. . .Appropriate “educational setting” response or the TRUTH? “No, it is not Zeus. The one true, real god’s name is God and He is not a myth,” I replied. Then out of nowhere, a god poster fell off the wall.

On my way to the next location, I kept hearing the student’s question over and over in my head. “So, who is the Real God?”. How can someone know that they know the true God? Vaguely I could hear Jack Graham, Power Point Ministries, in the background. I turned up the volume. Graham was referencing John 16 as the words in verse 25 caught my attention, “I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father.” The plain truth. Just speak the plain truth of who the Real God is.

God is . . .

Yahweh, Almighty God	I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty’—but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them. (NLT)	Exodus 6:3
Creator	Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (NIV)	John 1:3
Holy One	For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. (KJV)	Psalm 16:10
All Knowing	for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. (ESV)	1 John 3:20
Ever Present	O LORD, You have searched me and known me., For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.	Psalm 139: 1, 13
Jehovah	That they may know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, Are the Most High over all the earth. (NASB)	Psalm 83:18

God is my everything. He is my Jehovah Jireh. He has never failed me nor left me as stated in Deuteronomy 31:6. May I forever declare Psalm 91:2 so the world will know He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, I will trust in Him always. God’s love and truth is the highest-ranking genre that could ever be taught, studied, or experienced. God is the Real REAL! He stands alone. Nothing else can compare. He is Holy, Holy, Holy! The Almighty Lord is beyond supernatural. God is the ONE and ONLY! And that’s the plain truth.

February 1, 2020 0

Suffering + Praise

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Hello! As we say in Texas, how’s the weather in your neck of the woods? Last night was windy, wet, dreary, and frigid but this morning was glorious with a bright glow of the sun and beautiful blue skies. Such a contrast within less than a 24-hour period. I am always amazed how fast conditions can change. My grandpa often referred to this by saying, “Things can change at the drop of a hat.” Of course, as a kid, I never knew exactly what that meant and besides, I never saw a hat adorn his head.

Psalm 22 was part of the reading plan today. Many of the words were familiar and the writing brought a variety of thoughts. I even read a few commentaries and translations while pondering. This passage is composed of two parts: a cry for help and a song of praise. I found it surprising how quickly the demeanor changed from the beginning to the end in this passage. It brought to mind a couple of words: suffering and praise.

Even though Psalm 22 is a clear depiction of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion, my wandering thoughts landed upon a question. What would it be like to praise the Lord with my entire being while undergoing intense persecution and pain? Am I even capable of doing this? Is my faith strong enough to claim God’s love and promises for me when He may seem so far away or silent? Then silence filled my mind for a brief pause. Why this take on Psalm 22? Oh yeah, it is you Holy Spirit!! You are prompting me to examine my life and assist me in my spiritual walk. (My light bulb still works at times! YIPPEE)

I don’t know about you but adding praise plus suffering seems foreign. However, lets reflect on Paul and Silas. In Acts 16, we find them in jail and bound by chains. Surprisingly, they are singing hymns to the Father and in the middle of the night none the less. This is an excellent example of followers praising God for who He is despite their circumstances. They were not thanking the Lord for their situation of course, but were reflecting on the Father’s promises and His steadfast nature. Can you imagine how quickly their perspective and disposition changed because of their devoted worship? I bet a counselor would agree that this act of thanksgiving was their essential source of physical and mental health. They stood steadfast and displayed the endurance of Job. WOW!

How vibrant is my spirit to praise continually when the storms of life come? Why do I wait until the glowing sun and blue skies appear again to give Him praise?

Almighty God is constant in all situations and walks of life. God never alters his character. Psalm 25:10 reminds us “All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and His testimonies”. It is me that varies “at the drop of a hat” or situation. May I be refined to display 1 Corinthians 15:58.

January 22, 2020 0