AC 2020 Day 1

ADVENT CALENDAR 2020

 From: 12/3/12

A few weeks ago I had written of my desire to write a Christmas Story with daily increments to be published in this blog.  After much prayer and consideration though, I have come to the conclusion that this particular blog is not the right medium for that idea.  Instead I would like to publish a series of encouraging words based around the idea of an Advent Calendar throughout the month of December leading up to Christmas Day.

If you will recall, the Advent Calendar is a special calendar that originated with the 19th century Lutheran’s in Germany and is used to count down the days until Christmas.  Each day a special event such as a reading, activity, gift or candy is unveiled to the participants.  It is a great family experience, but also can be used as a daily devotional for individuals or for small groups.  It is a wonderful opportunity to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.  So I would encourage you to let this month’s blog posting become a part of your Christmas tradition!  Please feel free to share your thoughts and personal experiences with us all throughout this Holiday Season!

 

A Puzzling Announcement – Monday, the first week of Advent

 

Today’s Reading:  Mark 1:1-3 / Luke 1:1-25

As I studied the first chapter in the book of Luke verses 1- 25, I was repeatedly amazed at the significance of every little detail of the interaction between Zechariah and the angel Gabriel.  It became very evident that our heavenly Father wanted to make sure that every part of His plan for our salvation was accomplished in perfect order, according to the prophecies of old.  From His very selection of Zechariah and Elizabeth and their shared family heritage from the line of Aaron, their having His approval because they chose to live a life that “followed all the Lord’s commands and regulations perfectly” (Luke 1:6 God’s Word ©), to the specific location of the visitation in the temple in Jerusalem, and the particular hour that it occurred during the daily time of public prayer.  In legal investigation jargon you could say that God wanted to leave a clear and undisputable paper trail that would easily lead the Jews to the correct understanding of the importance to the event that happened on that day.

A few more points to consider would be that the angel Gabriel was the same heavenly messenger that prophesied to Daniel some 500 years earlier about the coming of the Messiah, and that his appearance to Zechariah was the first such visit or prophesy given to the Jews for some 400 years.  This was an earth shaking event that should have shook the very foundations of the nation of Israel… but then the human part of the equation came into play!

As a descendant of Aaron according to the division of priests from Eleazar, the eldest son of Aaron, Zechariah was most likely trained in the Holy Scriptures from his earliest childhood years.  He had to have been very knowledgeable of the prophesies regarding the coming Messiah, but when the angel appeared to him and presented his glorious message, Zechariah immediately slip into the natural mode and could only see the impossibilities of his wife’s and his old age!  His exhibited no faith, but demanded physical proof before he would consider accepting what had just been told him.  That seemingly little slip caused the potential of a big snag in God’s highly planned series of events that were to begin with the birth of the one who “will prepare the people for their Lord.”  (Luke 1:17 God’s Word)

Gabriel though, was a seasoned messenger and probably had a good understanding of the human disposition and quickly remedied the situation by silencing Zechariah so that his unbelief would not stop the plan of God.  His inability to clearly explain what had happened with the heavenly visitation to the people who anxiously awaited his over-extended return from the Holy of Holies outside of the temple, just added to the confusion surrounding the event and resulted in the puzzlement of the people.  The people knew that something special had occurred, but had to wait another year before they understood the true significance of the event that day.

This story makes me consider all the well laid plans that God has for yours and my life, and the many times we have stepped in trying to understand the plan from a natural point of view and thereby throwing a wrench into God’s directions for us.  God knows us, He knows our idiosyncrasies, our personalities, our education, our family backgrounds and our job resumes!  When He outlines something for us to do, He has already taken that all into consideration.  Zechariah was the perfect choice for this part of God’s plan for the coming of Jesus, but he looked at the natural and panicked!  God used him anyway, but I am sure that the time between the announcement of the event and the birth of their son was very difficult and emotional for the old priest.  I would think that Zachariah wished he had responded differently to the heavenly messenger who approached him on that fateful day while in service in the temple.

This event that occurred at the very beginning of the New Testament, is a good place for each of us to take a personal look at ourselves and where we stand when it comes to our faith in the callings that God chooses for us throughout our lifetimes.  Like Zechariah, would you have a hard time looking beyond the physical state of things in the situation you faced?  Would your health, your finances, your education or what your family and friends may think be more influential to you than your personal experience and trust in God?  How would you like to live the time between the announcement of God’s plan for you and its fulfillment?  Zachariah has given us some insight, and it would probably be a good idea for us to consider it!  Have a great day.  Stay in tune to His Word, and keep asking yourself… “What Course of Action am I expecting to Take today?”

The Pied Piper

When I went to bed last night, I flipped on the TV in the bedroom and music from the classical music station I usually listen to while I read at night filled the room.  With each selection that is played, the screen normally displays interesting facts about the composer, the writing or performance of the song or explains something unique about the time period in which the song was written.  Usually there is also a picture of the artist.  When I first glanced up to the screen, I noticed that instead of a portrait of the composer, they exhibited a rather large shot of the flute section in an orchestra.

That picture kind of startled me as the main instrument that I thought I'd heard playing at the time was a piano.  Since her passing, I have developed the habit of calling out “Play it Piper” whenever I hear a piano playing on our home entertainment system.  I guess it just makes me feel closer to her as she was a classically trained pianist and I loved nothing more than to hear her play!  Well, last night I had nonchalantly called the saying out as soon as I heard the music, but when I saw the flutists, I stopped short, unscrambled my brain and found myself sort of apologizing to the dog laying on the bed who looked to be questioning my statement and stammered out… “Well… she played that too!”

I don’t know if she took up the flute and piccolo as her band instruments of choice because of her “Pied Piper” name or not, but she was pretty accomplished on those instruments as well.  She proudly played the piccolo in the marching band in high school!   I always thought that it was pretty adorable… little Piper marching down the street playing her little piccolo!

It always seemed very appropriate to me that she did play the flute and piccolo… because of the song that she always carried in her heart.  And like the Pied Piper, people tended to follow her lead and join in with the overflow of joy that simply poured from her and splashed onto anyone around her.  And I am very blessed to say that since we were so close, that the splash of her joy, many times, inundated me to the point that it became a natural response of mine in any and mostly every situation I faced during and now after her life here.   Take this morning for instance…

I knowingly went off my diet yesterday and enjoyed a full Thanksgiving dinner complete with a large slice of pumpkin pie that I made sure was totally covered in whipped cream!  Well… I most definitely paid the price this morning… I awoke feeling like I had a hangover, but instead of alcohol being the culprit it was carbs, sugar and calories galore!  But I pushed on through… since I didn’t have anyone to cuddle my self-pity like Piper!  I had my Bible study, drank some coffee, fed the dog and took a shower.  That helped a little so I grabbed a coat, got the leash and took Fiver for his morning constitutional thinking that I’d feel better after a long walk in the crisp and windy morning air.

After we were out for about five minutes, I began to question my decision.  I finally had to stop for a few moments to let my light-headed feelings go away while I looked down at Fiver who was not pleased with the stop to his walk, and I said, “You know, Buddy… we might need to go home… I’m not sure I can make this!”  I am sad to say, that I learned over the last few years with Piper’s illness and passing, that when I was alone… I was on my own!  If I went down in the middle of the field there near the deserted golf course this morning… it could be a while before somebody found me… and I also had the dog to think about!

So, I took a few deep cleansing breaths and thought, “Okay, what should I do?” … and in a flash, I heard the very familiar sound of Piper’s voice in my head praising the Lord!  …and YEP!  I joined right in and began to quietly praise the Lord and before I knew it, the world stopped slowly spinning and we continued on, finished our walk and I had some breakfast!  (Next time… besides the praise, I’ll eat something before the walk as well!)

But my point… PRAISE WORKS!… Rejoice, be joyful and give thanks to the Lord!  In a very short word of encouragement, the Apostle Paul tells us in I Thessalonians 5:16 to “Always be joyful” (God’s Word ©)  The Message Bible says to “Be cheerful no matter what.”  Arthur S. Way’s translations of Paul’s letters states it as to “Be evermore glad hearted” while the Amplified Version elaborates a bit more explaining that we should “Be happy in our faith and rejoice and be glad-hearted continuously.”

Anyway you look at it, all these various translations tell us that this response in life is not just to be something we TRY to do on occasion, but instead, should be an attitude of our hearts, a part of our personal makeup or simply said, be an active part of our lifestyle!  That’s what it was to Piper and it is still pouring off her memory and splashing onto me today! (and through this post... on to you as well!)

What do you think?  Wouldn’t you like that to be said and/or known of you?  But like any thing else… it takes practice, practice and more practice… and an occasional reminder!  I mean look at me.  I literally lived with the Pied Piper and I still needed to be reminded of PRAISE, JOYFULNESS AND THANKSGIVING this morning!

I hope that you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving and are still enjoying the rest of the Thanksgiving Holiday!

 

Companions

Do you have a favorite companion?  Someone or something who’s company you enjoy and find that you are most compatible with?  I’ve had a few close companions over the years with the longest lasting one being that of JOY!  I was raised in a home with a very joyful Mom, and a more reserved Dad who told lots of corny jokes and would occasionally surprise us all with a touch of some “let-it-go” surprisingly funny actions…

Like the time we were staying at a motel in Southern California and laughing at some outlandish story my mom was telling us kids, when my Dad, dressed in his green and white striped pajamas, suddenly rolled off the bed and began to pose like a wild animal on his hands and knees!  I’m not sure what we enjoyed more… the humor of it or just THAT HE ACTUALLY DID IT! Then there was the time that my folks and another couple dressed up as the Beatles… complete with long hair wigs and wooden instruments, for a Knights of Columbus Halloween party at our Catholic Church!  Needless to say, they won first place and we got lots of pictures of the event!

So, with parents like that, I couldn’t help but turn out with an easy-going, joyful & humorous disposition!  When Piper and I started dating at the beginning of our Senior year in high school, it was literally a match made in heaven!  I already had an idea of what I was getting myself into with her as we had spent the previous year seated next each other and cracking each other up in our eleventh grade English class.  We had also spent many hours together on weekends and on lazy summer afternoons as part of a group of friends that hung out together and participated in countless softball and volleyball games, trips to the beach, excursions to the local hamburger joints… and lots of laughter!

We quickly became inseparable companions and grew together in our experience of and maturity in our Christian walk.  With similar fun-loving personalities, it was easily apparent that the profusion of JOY was to be a major part and process of our ministry style.  After our marriage, the JOY of the Lord just seemed to be a constant companion of ours wherever we went and in whatever we did.  Whether it was with youth classes, in Children’s Church or preaching to the adult congregation, we always tended to receive positive remarks concerning the way in which we incorporated lots of JOY and laughter into our lessons or sermons.

I still find myself breaking into laughter today, whenever I listen to some of the cassette recordings of the occasional sermons that Piper taught to the adults on Wednesday nights.  And I always had to stay on the alert that I didn’t go down too many rabbit trails when preaching to the youth or adults with my funny stories and anecdotes!  It helped for me to occasionally glance over Piper’s way to see if she was giving me the “look” or hand signal that I was going too far off subject!  We definitely made a good team!

I was led to look up another one of Piper’s favorite scriptures yesterday that’s found in I Peter 1:8 where the Apostle wrote, “and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.” (NASB)  From the way she underlined, circled and highlighted part and portions of this verse in her old NASB Bible, and made numerous personal notations in the margins, I can say without a doubt that she (like me) firmly believed that JOY was a lifestyle that clearly marked and defined the Christian believer… and separated him or her from everyone else.

Peter described JOY as something that was very much alive and thriving in the early church.  He said that our faith in the Lord was of such power that at times it would bubble up, in, over and through us to the point of being “inexpressible and full of glory!”  Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible says that this is “a very strong expression, so much so as you don’t have words that clearly express it because it is so filling and always new.”  John Gill in his Exposition of the Entire Bible written between 1746 – 1763, enumerated on those thoughts declaring, “This is a JOY which is better experienced (and demonstrated) than expressed!”

So, like many other basic Bible truths, this kind of JOY is an action… and without the actions of it in demonstration… its meaningless.  Just like the way James described how “faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26 KJV)

In all honesty, this kind and/or level of JOY was one of the key forces that helped Piper and I to make it through some of the roughest times physically, spiritually and emotionally over the last eight years of her earthly existence… and as far as I am concerned… in the midst of her most noticeable absence in my life today… it still holds a very important place marker in the immediate success of my days as I work to to process everything and continue on with what the Lord still has planned for me to accomplish.

And let me tell you… it ain’t always easy!  There are times where I feel like I need to physically make the effort to go to the front door and invite His JOY back into my house to be my constant companion again… whether I feel like it or not!  In the Jim and Piper household, depression never had a voice… and I’m NOT about to allow it to spew its ugly lies now!

The companionship of JOY is a choice and a lifestyle.  What choice are you making today… and what lifestyle are you choosing to live today?

 

 

Staying in Shape!

I’ve begun to notice a pattern everyday when Fiver and I go for our daily walks along the golf course next to our home.  In the mornings when we take our first jaunt of the day, the golfers are usually made up of older men who are up early and want to hit the course before everyone else does!  On weekends the men are many times accompanied by older women, whom I suspect of being their wives.  Most of these folks are very friendly and many times stop to comment on Fiver or like yesterday, over my San Francisco Giants hoodie that I tend to wear in the cool of the morning.  Since we walk every day, we have already made friends with some of the regulars!

In mid-afternoon, the course is dotted with golf carts driven my younger men.  When the weather is nice, we’ll also see young and middle age women in their short golf skirts walking the course with their golf bag push carriers in tow.  I have to admit that I often times let my mind wander and find myself thinking of how cute Piper would have looked in one of those golf outfits!  She always took good care of herself and would have enjoyed wearing one!

If I were a golfer, I think that I would rather walk the course than buzz around on the electric carts.  For me, part of the attraction of playing the game would be all the additional exercise one could get while walking along the finely manicured greens!

And speaking of exercise, in the last few years, with everything that I have been through, I have come to the personal conclusion that God must be in pretty good shape!  As I have studied my Bible and taken various courses of actions based on the truth of God’s Word, I’ve become aware of the ACTION STEPS or maybe you could say exercise that God expects of someone who pursues the Christian faith.  Christianity is most definitely NOT a sedentary religion!  I think that Piper was way before her time when she suggested that we call our new college-age group at the Baptist Church in 1971, “Faith ACTION!”

Take for example a study I started yesterday on Psalm 37:7 where the Psalmist declares, “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” (KJV)  When I think of “resting” and/or “waiting patiently,” I think of doing it while sitting on a comfortable chair, reclining under a big leafy tree, or as I lie on a nice soft bed, …wouldn't you?

Well according to the original Hebrew spoken in this verse, “rest” to God means to, “be astonished, to submit to another’s control” (Strong’s & Thayer’s) or as Finis Dake states, “to calmly resign and leave all things in the hands of God.”  But wait… Are we to accomplish this while we just sit around and do nothing?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!  Strong’s informs us that to “wait patiently” literally means “to twist or whirl in a circular or spiral manner,” or simply “to dance!”  And again, Finis Dake suggests that this ACTION is the specific way in which we “set ourselves to EXPECT God to answer.”  Likewise, Adam Clarke renders the “wait patiently” part of this verse as to “set thyself to EXPECT Him, and be determined to EXPECT or wait for Him.”

As I was studying these various commentaries this morning, I looked up the word “set” in the Oxford Online Dictionary and it defined its ACTION as “to put or bring into a specified state; to adjust.”  And my immediate thought after reading this was that when we step out in faith to “REST in the Lord and WAIT PATIENTLY for Him,” we, in actuality, are being told to actively “ADJUST” our attention away from dependence on our own resources, and onto a total dependence on HIS RESOURCES! Which I’ve learned over and over again, is the one thing that the enemy of our faith will fight us the most vehemently over! 

I saw it when a few well meaning folks did their best to try and persuade Piper and I to follow their advice rather than go with our faith, I saw it throughout the Presidential campaign when news reporters and political party leaders would constantly do their best to try and lead the people of our country as well as the President away from the truth, and over to their false narrative, and I see it today, as I work diligently to focus on what I believe that the Lord has specifically told me to do, while other sources tell me to do differently… because “this is what’s best for you!”

Well… through it all, I’m determined to stay in shape and get the EXERCISE that my Christian faith demands of me… and in doing so, agree with Joshua when he declared in front of the nation of Israel, “but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15 KJV)  And when necessary, I’ll do it by dancing before him while I wait patiently! 

HOW ABOUT YOU?

I pray that you get some exercise while you enjoy your weekend, and keep actively EXPECTING God’s best in your life!

 

 

Reckoning Prayer

I got a phone call early this morning from my good friend who has been in the hospital for quite a few weeks.  He called to report that he finally gets to go home!  So, when our conversation was completed, I slapped my hand on my knee while I turned to the dog on the floor behind me and loudly proclaimed with lots of emotion and a huge smile that “PRAISE THE LORD, GOD CONTINUES TO ANSWER PRAYER!”

My friend who is a few years older than me has had difficulties with his health for some time.  He lived kind of a rough life as a member of a motorcycle gang before getting saved in the 1980’s.  Piper and I met John in the late ‘80’s when he walked into our church wearing leather pants, a leather vest and a leather hat... with his Harley in the parking lot!  But even with his rough exterior and ways, Piper and I immediately took a liking to him and over the years have continued to be close friends.  We had the pleasure of taking the pictures at his wedding and even though we have not attended the same church for many years, have stayed in close contact, even with all the cross country moves we’ve made!

When Piper first got sick and couldn’t be left alone, John’s wife would come over on a regular basis while I ran errands, went shopping and took care of any business away from the home until we were able to get Piper’s first wheelchair.  John’s church also covered the cost of a homecare worker to stay with Piper while I went to a men’s Bible Study group with him on Wednesday nights.  So, with him in the hospital in California, I wanted to be available by phone for him, so that even though he couldn’t have physical visitors, he could still visit with me… from Oklahoma!  We’ve been talking on a daily basis, praying for his recovery and expecting a miraculous move of God on his behalf.

John is a member of multiple prayer groups and would often times call me in the past to tell me the good news of an answered financial prayer, of a friend who was healed and/or request my prayer assistance in the especially difficult cases.  Over the last few years, it has seemed that the Lord has opened different doors for me to pray for people.  When Piper was on hospice, I would many times find myself listening to the needs of the various nurses’ aides and praying for them when they would come over to care for Piper.  I always thought that it was kind of cool how the Lord would use Piper and I even when we were the one’s needing others help!

Over the last month or so I have had friends, former neighbors and relatives ask me to pray for various situations that were adversely affecting them or someone close to them.  And the Lord has quickened me to take the responsibility very seriously, so… I have been quick to pray and consistent with my follow-up!  Therefore, when John called with his good report this morning, I was more than a little elated!

My first thought after my exclamation of praise today, was a confirmation of a scripture truth found in James 5:16 where the leader of the church in Jerusalem proclaimed that, “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man (or woman) availeth much.” (KJV)  And my second thought was that Piper’s prayers were definitely effective and availed the power of God to enter into whomever or whatever she was praying for.  She wasn’t what I would think of as a prayer warrior who prayed for long periods of time, but when a need arose and she prayed… well, you knew that she meant business.  

She would pray a scripture that supported her case before the Lord and if necessary, storm the gates of hell with her anointed request… or maybe better said… her demand that the enemy of our faith release his hold on the situation so that God could come in and meet the need!  And let me tell you, through the years, I repeatedly saw situations change in our lives, people healed when everyone around her was in doubt and hearts changed in family members with whom the rest of the family had given up on!

Piper was always a confident woman with just about everything she did… and especially when it came to her personal view of HOW BIG GOD WAS!  The Passion Translation of James 5:16 states that “tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer!”  The Message Bible says that “The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.” 

I would whole heartedly admit that my personal passion for prayer and its reckoning power took on a whole new and greater meaning to me when I got that first negative report from Piper’s initial MRI in 2007.  My immediate prayer following that phone call projected me onto a higher and stronger level in my faith for the power of prayer than I had ever had before… and it has just continued to grow from there!  It is something that never grows old nor ceases to amaze me!  So, when John called with his good report this morning, I couldn’t help but rejoice like a little kid with him and then stand in praise, thanksgiving and AWE that GOD DID IT AGAIN! 

So… I guess my point with this discussion today would be to NEVER dismiss or downplay the ability and power of your heartfelt and passionate prayer to the Lord for whatever need you may have.  Prayer to Piper and I was never seen as a last resort… but as the very FIRST and most POWERFUL move that we could make no matter what the need may have been… In fact, we discovered as will you too, that the more impossible the need… the more ALL your dependence HAS to be on the Lord!

Maybe I’m a little strange… But prayer opportunities excite me… and answered prayers REALLY excite me!   HOW ABOUT YOU?

A Fresh Wind!

As I look back on my past and then turn and look the other way toward my future, I see a reoccurring theme and/or truth that has repeatedly shown itself in my life… all along the way!  The Pastor seemed to put it all in perspective yesterday as she stated: “OBEDIENCE is the blueprint for the foundation of every dream that was ever fulfilled!”

One of my favorite topics that is worth reviewing once again, is how Piper and I had decided early on in our marriage, that we did not want to just be spectators of the Christian walk and watch others play the game… we wanted to not only be on the team… but be part of the first string that actively participated in every play!

With that decision made, we quickly came to learn that OBEDIENCE to our OBEDIENCE to the call and leadings of God was the most important and key element to the continued maturing of our Christian walk.  In other words, once we obeyed a directive of God, we needed to stick with it throughout all the ups and downs in the natural realm that came along while following the command!  To stay in the Word, to stay stirred up, to stay in fellowship with like-minded Christians, to support each other and to keep checking in with the Boss!

But let’s pause for a moment here and let me explain, that while all of that may sound like a lot of extra work and pain and could possibly persuade other Christians to steer clear of attempting to go after the seemingly impossible in their lives… that Jesus said He can turn into possibilities (See, Matthew 19:26)… OBEDIENCE definitely does have its rewards.

In Psalm 51:11-12 the Psalmist cries out to God saying, “Do not force me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and provide me with a spirit of willing obedience.” (God’s Word ©)  When I first read this verse this morning, it immediately dawned on me that there is a sense or maybe better said, a PLACE of JOY in our OBEDIENCE to God!  And I easily recalled how Piper and I always felt a stabilizing and calming JOY in the midst of the ups and especially the downs we went through while staying the course of OBEDIENCE to something that we knew that He had called us to do.

The more I think about it, I have to believe that this JOY has two important roles that it plays while we persevere and stay OBEDIENT to our OBEDIENCE to His leadings.  The first being in line with the Psalmist’s heart-felt request to the Lord in Psalm 51:11 when he asked God to not force him away from the awesome presence of the Lord or take His Holy Spirit from him.  You have to understand that this was before Jesus’ coming and making a way for the Holy Spirit to reside in us.  At that point in time the presence of the Holy Spirit only came upon the Prophet, Priest or King.

We though, don’t have to wait for His presence, because as a Born-Again Christian, we’ve got His presence all the time.  But… we can also experience times when His presence comes upon us as it did on many occasions in the book of Acts.  So, in the midst of staying true to our OBEDIENCE to the Lord, there are times where His JOY can help us to push past the down feelings and stir-up the power of God to the point when we experience a tangible anointing upon us.

I can vividly remember four such personal experiences.  The first occurred one night in my bedroom at my parent’s house shortly before Piper and I got married.  We had been to a church service that had really touched my heart and after I dropped Piper off at her house and climbed into bed… I didn’t want that feeling to leave.  So, I began to quietly praise the Lord (I didn’t want to arouse my very Catholic parents who might have not have understood what I was doing) and within a few moments, the presence of the Lord filled that room!  I can still feel His personal awesomeness as I laid there in amazement over that tangible anointing in the room and I prayed that it would never leave!

Another time was when Piper and I were at The Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay, California enjoying one of our two night mini-vacations.  On the second night we entered into prayer together over an upcoming VBS that we were putting on at our church.  His presence filled that room to the point where we both felt it and saw what seemed to be a blue haze that floated along the ceiling and dimmed the mood lighting that shined forth from the cam lights in the ceiling!

Then there was the time after preaching one Sunday morning in place of our vacationing Pastors, when I saw that same haze in the back of the auditorium and physically felt the power of God going through me and into the people that I was laying hands on for healing and other needs at the end of the service… which went on for an hour extra that day… simply because I didn’t know what to do except following the leading at the time!

Finally, was when I was alone in the house one day as Piper and the kids must have been on a school field-trip and I was feeling a little down.  So, I decided to stir things up a bit and put on one of my favorite worship CD’s, cranked up the volume and began to worship the Lord right there in the living room.  There was one song in particular that seemed to be bringing me closer and closer to the Lord and I must have recycled through that song at least ten times!  It was wonderful to be in His presence right there, in the middle of the day, in the middle of our living room!

The other role (amongst others I’m sure) that JOY plays, is in setting one free from the pressures that come against us to try and foil our OBEDIENCE to the Lord.  The King James Version translates Psalm 51:12 as “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”  While the Message Bible has the Psalmist asking of the Lord to, “…put a fresh wind in my sails!”  That tells me that our OBEDIENCE to God releases an uncanny freedom in us that seems to put a “fresh wind” in our steps along the way!

I can attest that every time that Piper and I stepped out in OBEDIENCE to Him, that we almost immediately felt what can be likened to a “fresh wind” come over us… and that “fresh wind” helped to carry us through some of our most difficult of experiences… even or especially when others around us were lost in and yielded to fear!

Therefore, it is with His promise of JOY, FREEDOM and a “FRESH WIND” that I encourage each of you to be OBEDIENT to His callings and leadings in this life.  It is not always the easiest road to follow, but it is definitely the most scenic and rewarding!

Have a good week and keep expecting God’s best in your life!

I'm NOT Crazy... am I?

Have you ever been told that you were crazy… and not as a comment of jest?  I have!  And just about everyone of those times was in reference to a stand of faith that Piper and I felt led to take throughout our 48 years together.  As I’ve written about in past blog posts, the worst of these comments came once we locked on to the course of action that we decided was best for Piper’s worsening condition and began to step out in faith, trusting that the hand of the Lord was guiding us along the way.

In the beginning I found that I had to constantly repeat myself and/or re-explain what we were doing and why.  After a few very frustrating years, I felt the Lord directing me to limit the amount of information that I shared with certain individuals… and in doing so, to keep the information as positive as possible.

I had one of those “A-Ha!” moments the other day when I was running a word search on my Bible study computer program and discovered that Paul knew exactly what I had been going through… having experienced the same thing!  I heard a Christian evangelist that I greatly respect say the other day, that the devil always uses the same tricks… but just changes the wrapping paper!

In Acts 26 we find the account of Paul making his defense before King Agrippa and Festus the Governor of Judea.  By the time we get to verse 24, Festus has had enough and “interrupted Paul’s defense, blurting out, ‘You’re out of your mind! All this great learning of yours is driving you crazy.’”  But Paul doesn’t take the bait from Festus, stays in control and gently “replied, “No, Your Excellency Festus, I am not crazy. I speak the words of truth and reason.” (The Passion Translation) 

I had to stop and wipe the spittle from off my computer screen after I read Paul’s comment because I laughed so hard that I sprayed the screen!  My emotions were so pronounced because I had found myself in that very same position over and over again!  But a couple of things caught my attention.

First was Paul’s calm demeanor in the midst of Festus’ anger and his reply (in my thinking) that “No, I’m not the one that’s crazy here, for I’m speaking the words of TRUTH and REASON!”  In Paul’s mind, his testimony of the miraculous events of Christ WAS the truth and made “perfect sense” as the Easy to Read version puts it.  Paul was at the place in his life where he fully believed that the Word of God was the only thing that really mattered… it was the only TRUTH in the midst of everything happening around him.  Piper and I had come to a similar place by the time we returned to California in order to face the battle that was ahead of us… and when people inferred that I was naïve, stupid or crazy… it ran off of us like water runs off the back of a duck!

The other point I noticed was that even though Paul totally disagreed with the Governor and I’m sure was somewhat bothered by the way Festus talked down to him, demeaned him and then on top of all that called him “crazy,” that he still honored the man and his position by respectfully calling him “Your Excellency Festus.”  I appreciated the way that Paul not only kept his cool in the midst of a heated situation, but also submitted to the line of authority in the room.

I am not sure that all my motives in keeping my feelings in check were always as noble as Paul’s!  To be honest… there were many times where I basically kept my mouth shut and a smile on my lips when certain comments were made, and then keeping lines of communication open when we moved out of state… simply due to my love and respect for Piper!  Paul was the one on trial in that courtroom that day… he was the prisoner with very little control of the situation… but yet, he was most definitely the leader in the room!

As I endeavor to follow what I believe to be the Lord’s direction for me… in this totally new day, in this totally new chapter in my life that is unfolding before me, in this totally new season of my life, I pray that I can walk in that same confidence that I did when Piper’s life was on the line.  I find that it was easier to walk the walk when it was for someone else… rather than for myself!  Do any of you feel that same way?

But I realize that as I continue to follow His directions, saturate myself in prayer, in the Word, in His grace, and in praise of Him… that His peace continues to lead me and I sense His confirmations that I’m doing the right things… even when I may not feel like it at certain times!  Sounds like a plan… RIGHT?

Hey… if it worked for Paul and worked for me… then I am certain that it will work for you as well!

Have a great weekend and keep expecting God’s best to unfold in your life today!

An Acceptable Level of Fear

Has your television viewing been bombarded with commercials for Medicare supplemental insurance plans?  With the open enrollment period ending next month, all the insurance companies want to get their two cents in!  I caught one of the commercials yesterday with the fast-talking announcer telling the viewer how confusing everything was with the many changes in Medicare next year, and how you needed to call their company for their knowledgeable explanation and “guarantee” of the best deal possible.

What I also noticed was that most insurance commercials seemed to underscore the FEAR that you are going to lose out on great deals, FEAR that you’ll get stuck with the wrong coverage and the FEAR that you are too stupid to understand and need someone smarter than you to take care of you! 

A couple of nights ago I was watching a TV show that I had recorded a week before the Presidential elections.  The channel was running many ads for the candidate that I did not vote for, and since I hadn’t listened to many of his ads, I decided to not fast forward through it and see what he was saying.  It became immediately apparent to me that everything the he stood for was based on a false narrative and this his proposed solutions were non-existent answers to non-existent problems.  From what I could see… his party’s entire platform was based on and fueled by the FEAR that their false narrative projected upon our country.

When I thought about it, I realized that most of the commercials that are seen on TV use some type of FEAR to sell their products.  The FEAR of not having something.  The FEAR of looking old.  The FEAR of not living the best and most exciting life possible or the FEAR of not being a member of the “in-crowd” because of what you drive, wear, drink or even how you might smell!

When I was watching the Medicare supplemental insurance commercial, I suddenly had a revelation moment when I stopped and had to ask myself if most people live with some confusion and FEAR in their lives.  Then I got kind of philosophical and wondered if most people actually think that it is just normal to live with an ACCEPTABLE LEVEL of FEAR in their lives… That this is just how life goes…

I can remember times when some people in the different churches we served in, asked if I could help them figured out different health, disability or senior benefits that they had applied for.  Most times they were confused and FEARFUL about making a mistake.  Looking back now, I wonder if that was simply a response that the world had been programming them for when the time arrived?

What also opened my eyes was the realization that I have been pretty naïve about it.  When I see commercials like the Medicare ones, I tend to laugh because they seem way over hyped to me!  I just don’t think like that.  Piper and I seemed to have learned early on in our Christian growth together, about the negative effects that FEAR can have on anyone’s life… and especially that of a Christian’s.

I like the Easy to Read Bible’s translation of 2 Timothy 1:7 where Paul wrote to the young Pastor Timothy declaring that “The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.”  The Passion Translation states, “For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.”   The characteristic of “self-control” is also translated in other versions as “discipline, sensibility, temperance” and “good judgement.”

The Baptist Theologian John Gill wrote in his mid-1700’s “Exposition of the Bible” concerning this verse, stating that FEAR is, “A pusillanimous, cowardly spirit, so as to be afraid of men or devils, of what they will say or do; and so as to be discouraged in, sink under, or be deterred from the work of the Lord, the preaching of the Gospel… such a spirit is not from God, and such a fear brings a snare.”

I am of the definite opinion that FEAR is one of, if not the greatest weapon that the enemy of our faith uses against us.  It produces doubt and unbelief.  It can cause good people to freeze up when quick decisions are needed and can make one susceptible to incorrect or false information… something we currently see all around our nation today.

When faced with a difficult, confusing or potentially FEARFUL situation, I like to immediately change the course of my thinking to line it up with the Word of God which tells me that “I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 God’s Word ©) That “greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world” (I John 4:4 KJV) and that I am “strong, vigorous, and very courageous and am not afraid, dismayed or discouraged, for (I know) that the Lord my God is with me wherever I go.” (Joshua 1:9 AMP)  And last but surely not least, “my God will supply all my need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (EMTV)

When push comes to shove… I could probably stand there all day, making truthful confessions of WHO the Word says that I am in the face of trouble or difficulty and of WHAT the Lord says is mine… contrary to what ANY FEARFUL situation is trying to throw my way!  How about you?

I firmly believe and history and experience (and not just mine… read Hebrews chapter eleven) will agree that this is EXACTLY the WAY that God WANTS us to respond when the deceitful enemy of our souls rises his ugly head and gets in our way!

Do you live with an ACCEPTABLE LEVEL of FEAR in your life?  God’s Word says that we don’t have to accept that lie!

Give Thanks... all the time?

The guys were out mowing the commons area next to our house along the golf course path that we walk every morning, so Fiver and I were forced to delay our morning jaunt by about an hour today.  The dog does not like loud sounds and tends to get spooked around the mowers which are zooming in and out all around the place!  But on the positive side, by the time we walked out the front door, the blue skies were beginning to show themselves through the cloud cover, and even though we were being buffeted by 14 mph winds that kept trying to blow my hat off, the walk turned out to be very pleasant indeed!

I have been training myself to enjoy all of the many facets of Oklahoma weather.  In fact, I find myself thanking the Lord in the midst of the various changes we have already experienced this fall.  A few weeks ago, it turned very cold with wind-chill factors into the low twenties.  We didn’t get any snow then, but most of Oklahoma to the north and southwest of us did. Lately its been in the mid to high sixties and very pleasant!

I had to laugh early this morning when a good friend called me from our hometown in California.  He’s been in the hospital and calls me soon after I arise everyday to report in on how he is doing… and like he did again today, to wish me a fantastic and gloriously blessed day.  He’s an early riser so I can’t complain that he calls me at 7:30 my time… when I remember that its 5:30 in the morning where he is!  The first thing he asked me today was how our weather was.  Then he went on to tell me that it was freezing where he was, explaining that with the wind-chill factor, the temperatures were in the low fifties! 

Ah… them Californians!  I remember complaining about the cold in our hometown when we lived there and then got the shock of my life when I found myself unloading a truck of trees in front of the garden department at the Home Depot out here at Christmas, when the high for the day barely made it to 12 degrees!

So yeah, I’m learning to be thankful for the winter winds that come down from Canada and seem to go right through any amount of clothing one might have on, or for the snow and worse yet, the occasional ice storm like Oklahoma City got a few weeks back.  The summers also get a little warm with the added effects of high humidity… but all that tends to make the fall and spring really sweet times to enjoy the great outdoors!  After all… I did choose to move here and what can I say, the people are friendly, the life style is a lot more relaxed than the west coast, the gas is cheap and the cost of living is much more reasonable than the coastal states on either end of our country!

So, I can’t complain!  The Word of God also tells us to not complain but instead encourages us saying, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)  We’re told to not only give thanks to God for the good things in life, but also in the midst of the more difficult times that occasionally come everybody’s way in their lives.  The first key word at the beginning of this scripture is “IN”... notice that it doesn't say “FOR”.  I checked through many of the fifty plus translations I have in my personal library, and I couldn’t find one that instructs us to thank God “FOR” whatever is happening to us.  As the Bible clearly shows, He is not the source of sickness, disease or any of the bad things in life...  The devil is (see John 10:10) 

The other key part at the end of this verse is the phrase “IN Christ Jesus.”  From the point of my training and experience, I believe that the Apostle Paul is teaching us the importance of taking our eyes off of what is physically going on… be it good or bad, and focusing our attention on God and the TRUTH of His Word.  This action is especially important when the situation is not a positive one.  In this circumstance, Paul is telling us to NOT focus on the PROBLEM that besets us, but on the ANSWER in the Word of God… or as the King James version puts it, “IN Christ Jesus.”

The Contemporary English Version clarifies it even more by stating: “Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. (or because of what Jesus has done for us in His death, burial, resurrection and assentation unto the right hand of God)  This is what God wants you to do.”  And I believe that He wants us to follow this prescribed course of action because it sets in play a number of ways in which God can perform His Word for us… remember that Jeremiah 1:12 informs us, “Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.” (KJV)

When we put our trust onto the Lord in the midst of the situations that arise in our lives, it activates our faith and faith is the door in which God can send His miraculous answers through to us.  Our faith in God assures us of the things that we begin to expect from Him (Hebrews 11:1).  In addition, “Faith worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6 KJV) and since “God is love” (I John 4:16 KJV), our faith frees up the hand God to personally do whatever He needs to do to help us! 

Ephesians 3:19 tells us of the intimacy in which Jesus loves us… and if you’re anything like me, then you want as much of that depth of love as you can receive!  At times I’ll think about how much my wife loved me when she walked at my side throughout the 48 years of our relationship and then realize that even though we had a deeply intimate relationship… that it really can’t compare with the intimacy in which the Lord knows and loves me… and you!

He’s the One that I want to put my trust in!  He’s the One in whom I want to thank for His solutions to my needs!

What do you think about that?  Kind of makes you want to shout doesn’t it?

Have a wonderful week… and keep on EXPECTING God’s best answers for you and your life.

Principals and Practices

While I was doing some research online yesterday afternoon, I came across an advertisement for a little old book that Piper and I had read in the early years of our relationship back in the seventies.  That tiny literary work of barely 100 pages captured our hearts and soon became one of the practicing foundations of our faith life.  The book entitled “Prison to Praise” by Merlin Carothers, was written in 1970, just about the time that Piper and I started dating.  Somewhere along the line it became a popular read in the Christian circles that we hung with and we went to the Christian bookstore downtown and excitedly purchased a copy for ourselves.

If I remember correctly, the book is written from the premise of 1Thessalonians 5:18 where the Apostle Paul wrote, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (KJV)  I do recall that the book stirred up a lot of conversations and maybe even a few arguments from those who agreed with the author’s point of view and from those who did not!  Piper and I were among those who did, even though we had a few reservations concerning the way the author understood certain scriptures.

I purchased another copy of the book yesterday and look forward to reading it again in order to refresh my memory of it. (I’m sure that I have the original copy of it snuggled in one of the bazillion boxes of “Piper’s Stuff” piled from floor to ceiling in my guest bedroom… but I’m not sure I can do that alone as of yet!  My girls have promised to help me with that duty!)  I’ve come a long way in my Christian growth, experience and training since I first read that book… so it will be interesting to see what, if any, difference that makes! 

What I do know is that I am still a firm believer in the power of praise and thanksgiving in the midst of any circumstance, because my trust continues to be entrenched in the truth of God and His living Word to help me through any and all situations, be they positive or negative!

I realized while praying in the shower this morning, that it is pretty evident that the Lord is working to reestablish in me, the pivotal principles and practices that were the building blocks of the foundation of Piper’s and my faith life.  It would seem to be important to have His firm foundation under me as I re-enter life.  I have a list of things that I have been praying over that I have felt are important base ingredients to my new life without Piper… as a single, 67-year-old widower (specific steps that I believe the Lord gave me to believe for).  I’ve always considered myself to be a patient man… but sometimes I get frustrated when it seems like the Lord is taking too long in helping me with my requests… I bet NO ONE else has ever felt that way before!

But then, I have quiet moments during the day when the Lord will show me a little something… a hint or maybe even a tease that proves that He is still diligently at work on my behalf.  At times like these, I am reminded of all examples of His working behind the scenes for me throughout my entire life… only to drop the answer in my lap when I least expect it!

So, getting back into “Praise the Lord” mode as my first response to just about everything in life, taking the time to watch, read and participate in many of the ministries that excited, challenged and built Piper’s and my faith over the years, following the ministry call on my life and seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (see Matthew 6:33) while trusting in the Lord with all my heart and not leaning on my own understanding of anything (See Proverbs 3:5)… all seem to be parts of the puzzle of me in this new day, in this new chapter within this new season of my life… in a new house, in a new city, in a new state!

Ah… piece of cake, right?  I heard a Christian leader that I highly respect, once say that if its not impossible… then God would never ask you to do it!  Well… I’m into the impossible with the One who makes the impossible possible… how about you?

I hope that you’re having a terrific weekend and keeping your focus and faith upon the Master puzzle maker who has His loving hand on you!

Celebrating An Event!

 I couldn’t help but to recall an old family tradition this morning that occurred whenever we had a gathering when I was a kid growing up at my parent’s home and then continued on when I became an adult.  You see, coming from a 100% Italian family meant that the extended family or guests coming over for dinner were not just going to enjoy a meal but be part of an event!  The planning, preparation, serving, eating and even the clean up afterwards was all a part of breaking bread together.

At my parent’s home, when you entered the front door, most of us would make an immediate left turn into the kitchen in order to feast our olfactory senses on the delicious fragrances, check out all the wonderful foods being prepared and smile at their large dining room table decked out in fine china, silverware and normally a centerpiece filled with a beautiful bouquet of their home grown flowers.

The memory that I recalled this morning as I sat in my desk chair with a freshly brewed cup of java, was what always occurred after my Mom shooed all the guests out of the kitchen and had them all comfortably seated in the living room.  The coffee table there would be lined with large serving platters arrayed with all kinds of mostly homemade hors d'oeuvres and a stack of small empty plates.  Once everyone was settled, my Dad would come in through the wide opening between the living room and kitchen with a container of mixed drinks (that he had mixed up previous to everyone’s arrival) for the adults and usually a bottle of Sprite soda for the kids and those who chose not to imbibe.

After making sure that everyone’s glass was filled, a sense of anticipation would fill the atmosphere.  Then my Dad would raise his glass and make a toast for the holiday or event being honored or to the guests with whom they were sharing a meal with that evening.  From that point on my Mom took over, by gregariously telling us to fill our plates with a selection from the goodies on the table and then proceed to get everyone feeling comfortable, laughing and enjoying themselves.

When I sat in my chair this morning, I leaned back looking over the myriad of pictures of Piper that I have arranged all over the wall in front of my desk and suddenly found myself lifting my insulated mug with a big smile and making a toast saying, “Here’s to you Piper... my beautiful, fun Piper!”  I sat there kind of frozen in that position with my right arm raised up, while I soaked in all the history that those pictures represented.  The memories on that wall range from her childhood, the teenage years before and after we met, our college days, wedding our family’s beginnings, ministry, homeschooling, vacations and just about everything else in the ensuing 43 years of our marriage.

I think that the two words of “Beautiful” and “Fun” perfectly sum up my feelings of Piper.  And like I said, I couldn’t help but break into a great big smile as I became enraptured by the wonderful memories that each and every picture stirred up in me.

When I finally broke free from that special moment, I found myself smiling again as I opened up my Bible and was quickly snapped back into my current reality when I began to read from Psalm 40:1 in The Passion Translation where the Psalmist begins by writing, “I waited and waited and waited some more, patiently, knowing God would come through for me…”  Have you ever felt like that?  Most of us could probably say that concerning the current debacle with the Presidential election vote counting!

But for me… well, that’s been my story for the last two years since Piper’s homegoing.  I wait patiently while the Word of God assures me that He is working behind the scene preparing many new and wonderful things for me and if I’ve learned anything throughout the years, it would be to not try to get ahead of His plan or to attempt to make it work on my own!  So, as I wait and wait and then wait some more, I find myself focusing my effort and faith on the last part of the next verse where the Psalmist goes on to happily report that, “(and) Now he’s lifted me up into a firm, secure place and steadied me while I walk along his ascending path.” 

But the true pièce de resistance is served in verses four and five when writer excitedly declares from personal experience of how, “Blessing after blessing comes to those who love and trust the Lord. They will not fall away, for they refuse to listen to the lies of the proud.  O Lord, our God, no one can compare with you. Such wonderful works and miracles are all found with you! And you think of us all the time with your countless expressions of love—far exceeding our expectations!” 

I mean… like all I can say is a resounding “WOW!”  How about you? 

So yeah… While you and I might find ourselves in the position of waiting and waiting and waiting some more… we can both look forward, with great anticipation, expectation and in strong, unmovable faith KNOWING that our God is a great big God (see: Isaiah 40:12) and is currently working behind the scene, preparing the next meal event of our lives that we will soon discover to be a delicious feast that far exceeds our expectations!

Hummmm… I don’t know about you… but my mouth is watering at the thought of that FEAST! (see: Psalm 23:5 and Psalm 91:15)  So, why don’t you join with me in raising a hand (or two) in praise of our God and for His faithfulness to us… His favorite kids!

PTL!

Through a set of seemingly unrelated experiences over the last few weeks, I've been drawn back to a very special scripture that both empowered and enlightened Piper and I through some ups and downs in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.  At the time we were a part of the leadership team of a small Foursquare church that was meeting at the local YMCA.  We were in the early stages of developing our Children’s ministry, leading the Praise and Worship and holding a youth Bible Study on Saturday mornings at a low rent housing development in western Santa Rosa.

Psalm 40:3 just seemed to capture the essence of Piper’s and my Christian walk and family life at that time.  The Psalmist wrote, “And He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and revere, and put their trust in the Lord.” (NASB)  We spent a lot of time singing our praises unto the Lord, writing children’s songs of praise and just simply doing much praising around the house, the church and most everywhere else we found ourselves! 

Whenever something unexpected occurred, you could just about bet that our first response was an automatic “Praise the Lord!”  I would say it unknowingly at work and get some of the weirdest looks from my co-workers, while Piper would do the same around her fellow homeschool teachers… many times with the same results as mine!

When I quit my secular job at Hewlett Packard in 1991, we started a business called… you guessed it… “The Praise Works!”  Within the format of that company we put on Christian Book Fairs at Christian schools as well as marketing our original songs, plays, bookmarks, a children’s devotional, scripture confession cards and I even wrote a children’s adventure novel.  And yes…  just about everything we wrote had a lot to do with the simple but powerful act of praising the Lord. 

We ended up putting “The Praise Works!” business on the back burner when I went back to work for Hewlett Packard in the mid-1990’s and with everything that happened since then… never got back to it!  But lately… well, I keep finding myself being drawn back to that particular verse of scripture.  I watched a powerful live teaching seminar by Dr. Jerry Savelle a couple of Friday’s ago where he used Psalm 40:1-4 as his topic scripture… and WOW!  Did it ever excite me!

It got me to thinking that even though we may have put “The Praise Works!” business plan away some twenty plus years ago… that we never quite put the lifestyle of praise on the back burner, but kept it somewhat alive and healthy in the midst of the roughest time in our lives.  At the very onslaught of Piper’s physical deterioration, when my head and heart were spinning as I tried to make some rhyme or reason about what was happening, I surprised myself one night at work when I accidently dropped a pallet of loosely packed slate flooring while unloading a Home Depot freight truck.

What popped out of my mouth that night not only surprised me… but scared me!  That shocking event got me to repent very quickly while I stood alone in the receiving department.  I realized immediately that I needed to get myself fully back to where the proper thoughts came to my thinking in the stressful times ahead and that the right and uplifting words of God’s truth, praise and honor unto the Lord were the first things I found coming out of my mouth!

As I listened to Dr. Savelle, I could see how the Lord used that eventful and sort-of-reality-TV night back in 2008 to make the necessary heart, head and determination adjustments in me.  I was reminded of how those automatic words of praise were… many times… the only thing that got me off the road to giving up and self-pity and back into the same lane as the road our stand of faith was on!

I like the way the modern Passion Translation declares Psalm 40:3, as it perfectly describes how I’ve learned to live my life in this new day, two years after Piper’s homegoing.  The Psalmist states “A new song for a new day rises up in me every time I think about how he breaks through for me! Ecstatic praise pours out of my mouth until everyone hears how God has set me free. Many will see his miracles; they’ll stand in awe of God and fall in love with him!” 

I find myself praising the Lord a lot more lately, while I ponder all that He did for Piper and I throughout the 48 years of our time together and then especially in the last two years without her.  Sure, it’s hard… definitely the hardest thing that I have ever had to deal with in my 67 years… but I can’t help but somehow KNOW that He still has a plan in motion for me and that His best is still yet to come!

Is that the way that you feel about your life today?  If not, then I would encourage you to pick up your Bible, turn to Psalm 40 and then repeatedly read and study verses 1-5… until you see that the Psalmist is talking all about you!  Once you see yourself in these verses you won’t be able to stop yourself from praising the Lord aloud throughout the day and realize the new song of expectancy that is building up in you!

Have a great new week!