Jump Start

I don’t know if you are anything like me, but the day after Thanksgiving officially begins the Christmas Season and seems to set me free to focus all my thoughts, hopes and dreams on the JOYS and PROMISES that this unique and special time of year avails!  I can’t help but to go back and read of all the events leading up to and including the story and miraculous events that happened before, at and after that first Christmas that took place in a country far away, some 2000 plus years past.  I also love to go back and remember the exciting memories of my childhood Christmas time adventures with my family and the fun-filled extended family gatherings that at times, felt bigger than life itself.

But as an adult and especially with the passing of my girlfriend and then wife of a combined 48 years, I find myself reliving many of the special Christmas’ we shared and especially the two firsts, as a four-month-old dating couple and then as husband and wife in our tiny little apartment.

Looking back now, I find it funny that our first Christmas in the early stages of dating, and even though we already seemed to be inseparable, was NOT celebrated together with either of our families.  We giddily exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve afternoon in my parent’s living room while my mom and dad were in the kitchen on the other side of the wall, preparing foods for the family gathering later that night.  I laugh about it now, because a scant five months later, we were both a regular part of each other’s family gatherings and a somewhat permanent fixture at each other’s home afterschool and on weekends. 

In my family, Piper went from being seen as my friend, to toasting a drink (punch in her glass) with my family’s favorite Uncle Frank (wine in his) at a dinner celebration in honor of our high school graduation!

We had caused a tiny bit of friction within some of the ranks of Piper’s family, five years later at our first Christmas together as husband and wife, when we had announced that we wanted to start a new tradition and celebrate Christmas morning alone at our own home.  It turned out to be one of the best decisions we made in those early years, as witnessed by all the precious and one-of-a-kind memories we created for our children over the ensuing years.

And even though we were in our early twenties, Piper and I felt like little kids at our first Christmas alone.  She gave me the red 12 string copy of a Gibson Hummingbird guitar that I had drooled over one day while we were out together, picking up some piano music for her and guitar picks for me, at Canevari’s House of Music in the Montgomery Village shopping area of our town.  I gave her a fancy sewing machine that I had proudly researched and purchased (with my 10% employee discount of course) at the downtown Sears store where I worked at the time.

With all the gifts we gave each other over the years, I can honestly say that those two presents were (and still are) the longest lasting and most used gifts that we ever gave to each other.  I cannot even chance to guess how many hours I’ve spent playing that guitar at home, at church, on retreats and at public events over the years.  It has seen countless sets of new strings, had a pickup installed, had to be repaired when part of the back separated, got nicked (the only one on it!) when Piper and I ran the children’s ministry at a church family camp some 45 years ago, and even though I have added and subtracted other guitars to my small repertoire over the years, it is still the sweetest sounding and most favorite of all!

And what can I say about Piper’s sewing machine?  Our oldest daughter and I were reminiscing on Thanksgiving afternoon and she specifically mentioned her fond memories of her and her siblings standing around the kitchen table while their mom sewed and fitted dresses, shirts and costumes for the many church, ballet or school events that they were all heavily involved in as they grew up.  She also sewed dresses for herself and a few western shirts for me!  I still find myself smiling with tears in my eyes when I look at that old portable green machine as it now rests on a shelf in the walk-in closet in my master bedroom.

I also smile and hold back tears of JOY every year when I revisit the original Christmas Story as recorded in the Biblical books of Matthew and Luke.  But what literally JUMP STARTS me into the season and brings a jolt of life into my faith, is when I read of the angel of the Lord’s first words to the young virgin Mary, when he tells her of the miraculous events that will be unveiled and then answers her reply of bewilderment saying in NO uncertain terms:

“For no word from God shall be void of power.” (Luke 1:37 – ASV) 

The Amplified Version does a great job of clarifying and furthering our understanding of this specific statement that I believe the Lord employed, in order to set the stage and the precedent for the Good News of Jesus Christ coming into the world.

“For with God nothing is ever impossible and NO word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfilment.” (AMP)

Think about the reality and power of that statement… Is that what you believe… REALLY BELIEVE… concerning the working of the Word of God in YOUR life?  To me, it is a foundational part of my Christian faith that our heavenly Father wanted to make clearly known and exercised in our lives, from the birthing stages of the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ coming as our personal Savior and Lord.  It is also spoken of in prophecies throughout the Old Testament and confirmed by Jesus Himself in the New Testament.*

Jesus also declared that the miraculous possibilities of God, as written within the promises of His Word, become active in our lives through the regular participation of our own faith!**  And then He helped us along, through the ministry of the Apostle Paul, by teaching us in Romans 10:17 that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (KJV)

Wow!  That’s It!  That’s exactly what gives my system the electrical type of jolt that I need and desire to re-ignite my fire for the Good News of Jesus Christ and the burning desire to not only see the miraculous active in my own life… but continue to share that Good News with others!

How About You?

If you haven’t before… I would challenge you to begin to look at THIS Christmas season in light of the Angel of the Lord’s introductory words concerning the coming of the Savior of the World.  I betcha… that it will CHANGE and greatly EXCITE your family’s Holiday celebrations and JUMP START your New Year with a new-found excitement that you’ve never experienced before!

Then come the first few weeks of January 2023… write me a note and tell me all about your experience!

 

*See: Luke_18:27; Gen_18:14; Num_11:23; Job_13:2; Jer_32:17, Jer_32:27; Zec_8:6; Matt_19:26; Mark_10:27; Php_3:21

** For examples see: Matthew 9:29, Luke 8:48, Luke 8:50

Thankfulness

As Fiver and I were taking our morning walk a few hours ago, I couldn’t help but contemplate my life and be THANKFUL for the way it turned out.  As we proceeded along our regular path, I was taken in by the presentation of the weather as we felt the wind blowing all around us, the mostly leafless trees swaying in cadence to the gusts, and the partially cloudy skies that seem to hold the promise of a storm later tonight and tomorrow.  The entire layout of the physical attributes of the day seemed to purposely draw me back to memories of my childhood during the fall and the warm, exciting and heartfelt memories of the holiday season.

I am THANKFUL for my upbringing in the midst of a large gregarious and outgoing extended Italian family.  Holidays meant many family gatherings with grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins… complete with lots of laughter and fun… and tables filled with huge platers of lovingly made rich Italian cuisine.

I am THANKFUL for the sweet, freckle-faced, petite, encouraging bundle of joy that I met during my high school years, with whom we set the course of our lives together for the next 48 years!  I am THANKFUL for the precious, wonder-filled and productive life we had while raising four children, ministering in various churches and living a life of faith where we had the pleasure of experiencing new adventures, visiting new places, casting forth vision and fulfilling dreams. 

And even though it ended prematurely with her sickness and passing… I can’t honestly think of much that I would have changed!  And even during the last eight years of her life when I took care of her 24/7… I am THANKFUL and honored that I had the opportunity to do what I had always enjoyed most during our time together, and that was to be with her, take care of her and dedicate every ounce of my energy, love and joy to her until the day she left us in September of 2018.

I think that I could sum-up my THANKFULNESS by repeating the words of the Psalmist in Psalms 7:17 when he wrote,

“I will give all my thanks to you, Lord, for you make everything right in the end. I will sing my highest praise to the God of the Highest Place!”  (God’s Word ©)

Through the years the Lord brought us and our family up to many of His High Places.  As I have pointed out before, we were in many ways, very different than the rest of our extended families.  We tended to see and live life through a different filter, per say, than they did and although not always in total agreement with some of the directions we took, they many times followed us to the destinations we sought to discover and to grow through.

I am THANKFUL that the Lord usually led us along the paths less taken by most people.  Piper and I always had a “Pioneering Spirit” about us and liked to explore new things and places.  I am THANKFUL that we came to the decision in the early years of our marriage to be active participants in the game of life as well… and more importantly… in our Christian faith.  We didn’t want to just read about the promises, miracles and adventures of faith written about in pages of our Bibles… we wanted to live it and see them actively occurring in our daily lives.  I am THANKFUL that we choose to take God at His Word and follow in child-like faith in agreement with the writer of the book of Hebrews, as he gave us the definition of the God-kind of faith saying,

“NOW FAITH is the assurance of the things we are (actively) EXPECTING and convinces us of the existence of things (that we are standing in faith and believing for) that are not yet seen.”  (Hebrews 11:1 - KJV/God’s Word ©/personalized)

I admit that the last four years since Piper’s homegoing has been a struggle, but I am THANKFUL with the knowledge that the Lord is not yet done with me and the work that He has for me to accomplish on this earth.  The calling into the ministry that the Lord spoke to my heart while laying on a bunk in an old and drafty cabin in the snowy mountains near Lake Tahoe, CA in the mid-1970’s still burns with a passion in me today.

I can honestly say that every major decision that Piper and I made in life from that night on, was led by that clear call on my (our) life… and it is still calling to me today.  I do find that it is easy for me to feel lost without the presence of the one who spent the majority of my life at my side as I seek to know His direction… but I am also confident and THANKFUL in His leadings and plans for me.  That fire on the inside of me is still telling me that we’re not done yet… and as Piper and I always did before… I plan to stay in prayer and preparation for His perfect timing and plan and when the time is right, I will know it and follow Him!

What are the highlights in your life that you are THANKFUL for?  I would encourage each of you to spend some time in contemplation over your areas of THANKFULNESS, to jot them down and then share them with family and friends during this celebration of Thanksgiving!

Have a wonderful day tomorrow no matter how or with whom that you celebrate.  Stay in an attitude of THANKFULNESS and allow the GOODNESS of God to flow in you, for you and through you onto others… and enjoy a juicy turkey thigh for me!

More Than Enough!

I had an interesting experience the other day when Fiver and I were out and about on our morning walk along the city golf course next to our neighborhood.  It was quiet and cold with a noticeable absence of golfers on the green.  When we were about half way back to the house, I suddenly sensed some movement behind us and turned unexpectantly to see that a rather tall, white Huskie had seemingly come out of nowhere and was standing right behind us!  Then when I looked past him, I observed another, slightly smaller, tri-color huskie standing about ten feet behind the white one.

As I quickly assessed the situation, I thought about the can of Postal worker approved pepper spray that I always carry with me on our walks for situations like this, but I felt a particular calm that was supported by Fiver’s peaceful demeanor.  So, I tightened up my grip on Fiver’s leash and softly talked to the two dogs (like they were gonna have a conversation with me… right!)

Both of the good looking and well-cared for dogs, who obviously had gotten out of their yard, looked to be pretty young and even though the white one was taller than Fiver, I think Fiver had a few pounds on him.  The tri-color kept his distance from us but the white one kept dancing around Fiver and finally came up nose to nose with him.  But by that time, I think Fiver had had enough of the song and dance, sniffed the other dog, growled softly and then took a (non-contact) nip at him.  I am not sure if Fiver was just protecting me or trying to show some dominance, but either way, it worked as both of the Husky’s turned and high-tailed it off into the distance and out of sight!

They turned and ran away about as quickly and silently as they had come up on us!  I think that even Fiver was surprised with their quick departure.  So, as we turned and continued back home, I began to pray, thanking the Lord that everything worked out okay and at the same time… kinda shook my head and wondered “What was that all about?”

Awhile later, after we returned home and I sat down at the table to eat my breakfast, I suddenly heard that all familiar small-still-voice on the inside of me* saying, “You know Jim, you pray for angelic protection over you and the dog every time you go for a walk** and that is exactly what you experienced this morning… you got EXACTLY what you ask for every single day!  Well, that comment made me feel more than just a little silly, but yet it humbled me at the same time.

The next morning, as I sat down to study my Bible, I felt led to turn to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 where the Apostle Paul is talking about the constant barrage of verbal and physical persecutions that seemed to follow him everywhere he went.  He explained to his audience that he prayed (some versions say that he “begged”) to the Lord three times to take away the problem and the Lord answered him saying that,

“’My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.’ (and Paul went on to teach saying) So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.”   (TPT)

I got the feeling as I read these verses that the Lord was telling Paul to EXPECT, LOOK FOR and then FOCUS ON the wonder-working, circumstances-changing, power of His GRACE, whenever he (Paul) felt like he was less than equipped with his own means and resources for any situation that he faced in his daily life.

In contrast to when I was actively caring for Piper 24/7 during the last eight years of her physical presence on this earth, I can’t honestly say that I was EXPECTING, LOOKING FOR or FOCUSING ON the power of God’s GRACE when I turned and found myself staring down the eyes of those two loose dogs the other morning.  But I would say that when I think back, the sense of His GRACE was definitely guiding the event as there was no fear and except for Fiver’s warning growl, no agitation either!

On the other hand, once we received the first official diagnosis from Piper’s original brain scans (three different kinds), we immediately knew that we had to put her health into the hands of the Lord as there was NO medical cure for the disease.  From that point on, we most definitely EXPECTED, LOOKED FOR and FOCUSED on His GRACE for every phase of her declining health, as well as for all our physical needs (ie; income, housing, medicines, insurance premiums, etc)

We learned that what you EXPECT, LOOK FOR and FOCUS ON is EXACTLY what you’ll SEE and EXPERIENCE in the situations of your life!  We also quickly realized that the enemy of our faith will use whatever and whoever he can to try and get you to break your FOCUS off from God and the truth of His Word.  And when that occurs, it becomes very easy to let go of your faith and zero-in on all the problems that are happing because of the physical situation you find yourself in.  Once you begin to FOCUS in on the problem… you will lose sight of and connection to God’s answers!

And that my friend… is NOT the place that you would ever want to find yourself in!  We discovered that we had absolutely nothing in our own strength and abilities, nor in the strength and abilities of medical science, from which to gain a place of strength in Piper’s time of need.  God’s GRACE had to be “more than enough for us…” and it was!

How about you?  Where do you find your source of strength and your supply of “more than enough?”  Whether I am out walking the dog or facing the most difficult event in my entire life… God’s GRACE has been and will continue to be “more than enough for me!”

Can you say Amen to that in your life as well?

Have a great weekend!  We went from an overcast sky with snow flurries and the high temperature of the day barely making 30 degrees yesterday, to sunny skies with a projected high of 46+ today!  You’d think it was like the beginning of summer!  What a different the sun (and the absence of strong winds from the north) can make.  I pray that your weekend is as enjoyable as the beginning of summer is to most of us!  And while you’re out there enjoying the day… keep EXPECTING God’s BEST in and though your life!

 

*See: 1 Kings 19:12

**See: Hebrews 1:13-14

Uh Oh!

I had to laugh and utter “Uh Oh!” as Fiver and I walked past his young Golden Retriever friend’s house, whose chain-linked fenced backyard faces our neighborhood’s open space walkway and the city golf course beyond.  It would seem that Wallace, the one-year-old pup, took a liking to the cushions of the nice outdoor furniture set on their covered patio.  My reaction was in response to the white cloth stuffing that was strewn all over the yard… and the sheepish way the dog was hiding behind a chair!

Another reason I laughed was from the memories of our last dog before Fiver, who also began to chew things around the house about the time she had turned one year old.  We returned home from a church activity one night to discover a rather large hole chewed into the padded arm of our couch… and another time to a huge rip in the old full-length curtains in the living room!  The good news is that our dog quickly grew out of that stage, and except for liking to run out the front door… was a really good dog and followed Piper all over the house!  I’m also sure that Wallce will outgrow his puppy behaviors as well.

But, the incident with Wallace… that was repeated for a few days following, until the young owners finally figured it out and removed the rest of the furniture cushions off the remainder of the seats… reminded me of how every dog, pretty much like most of us humans, see, experience and learn things in life in varied ways. 

Fiver for instance, has never been a chewer.  From the day we got him from an Aussie rescue center in North Carolina, he has never chewed anything inside nor outside of our home, but only the two Nyla bones I got him when he first came to live with us.  And except for a couple of barfing sessions, he has never soiled the hardwood floor or carpets… neither has he shown any interest in getting into the garbage bag under the kitchen sink… like his predecessor did with a passion… until I installed child-proof cabinet locks!

I was studying a very familiar scripture this week, one that I would consider to be an old and intimate friend of mine, in Philippians 4:13.  The translation in Piper’s 1974 “The Way - Living Bible Illustrated”, which was designed specifically for the younger set in the 1970’s, especially caught my attention as it reads,

“For I can do everything God asks me to do, with (or through) the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power (and also implies, ‘along with the means and ability’) to accomplish it.”

I especially like this paraphrased translation because of the way it states that “I can do everything” and then adds the silent thought “that God asks me to do.”  Most people I know, do not tend to do something without a rhyme or reason behind their actions… and when it comes to standing in faith for a promise in God’s Word, most Christians will admit that they felt some kind of leading, sense or spiritual encouragement to take a leap in faith. 

In reference to our scripture, in some way, shape or form, most Christians will admit that they felt God asking or telling them to go for it as a means of meeting their own needs and/or desires, or as an assignment that He wants them to perform for Him!

This process… and in fact, in most scenarios… does not happen in the same manner for everyone.  God knows each of us better than anyone else!  He knows how to get and keep our attention, He knows and understands our background, the way we think and in fact… He knows exactly what makes each of us tick!  So, the way in which He approaches and talks to me was totally different than the way He spoke to Piper… even though we were very close and, in many ways, thought and acted as one.*

Now there are a few keys to activating this verse.  The Apostle Paul was talking from personal experience when he wrote this portion of Scripture and encouraged us to take it and put it to work in our own lives.  You see, once God asks us to do something for Him, or encourages us to believe His word for something in our lives, we must humble ourselves and come back before Him to ask Him for His help in fulfilling the need. 

Then it gets a little more complicated, for we must let or allow Him help us… in His way, and in His perfect timing… and we do so by standing in faith, without wavering and take whatever steps and/or actions that He directs us to take... no matter if it makes sense to you and me (or anyone for that matter) or not.

When King Saul disobeyed the directions of the Lord and thought that he could please the Lord by offering choice sacrifices, the Prophet Samuel told him that,

“Behold! Obeying is better than sacrifice; to give attention is better than the fat of rams.” (I Samuel 15:22 – LITV)

I know for myself, that there have been times in my faith walk, when nothing seemed to be happening… so, I tried to ‘help’ God out with what I thought was a better idea… and well… all that did was mess things up!  We might not always know the long-range reach of God’s plans or directions, but believe me… He knows best because He sees way beyond what our natural eyes and understanding can! 

I’ve been told a time or two in my various stands of faith, that I was naïve, making a big mistake and even one time… that I was ‘stupid!’.  The Hebrew phrase “to obey” means “to hear intelligently, to recognize, discern, envision or understand” the written Word of God and the leadings that He is giving us.  Therefore, in God’s eyes, our obedience to Him and His Word is actually the intelligent thing to do, in contrast to what the natural situation and people only looking at what they see, seem to be telling us.

And I’ll take God’s intelligence anytime over the so-called intellectualism of man… wouldn’t you?

So, what are you going to do the next time you sense the Lord asking you to DO or BELIEVE for something in your life?  Hummm…  I think it best to say “Ah Ha!” And OBEY… rather than try it on my own, make a mess and then be forced to say, “Uh Oh!”

Have a great rest of your weekend wherever you may live.  We have a good chance of snow forecasted for Monday here in Oklahoma… Whoopie!  But whatever the weather, I plan to keep on EXPECTING God’s BEST in my life… and you should too!

 

*See, Genesis 2:24-25

I Can Do It!

Have you ever looked back after completing a long and arduous task and thought, “How did I ever do that?”  I have over the years!  But I have also come to realize that both Piper and I held special abilities, giftings and talents to write, organize and run big productions!  Be it a dinner for teachers in high school, a youth singing and comedy presentation, children’s plays and musical productions, original Vacation Bible Schools, church or family camping adventures, church dinners or even extended family dinners during the holidays, we loved to do them and relished the unique challenges of each and every event.

Then, when Piper got sick and needed an advocate for all her needs, it was almost like God had used all those other events as practice for the most important event in my life!  By the time we got back home to Sana Rosa in 2009, we had established a plan and were proceeding with each step as we believed that the Lord was leading us.

Psalm 37:24 tells us that,

“The steps of the God-pursuing ones follow firmly in the footsteps of the Lord, and God delights in every step they take to follow him.” (TPT) 

We quickly discovered that it was very important for us to follow in God’ footsteps rather than in the offbeat suggestions of man.  A life-long favorite scripture of mine in Philippians 4:13 continues to encourage me today as I have made it to be a personal confession of mine declaring that,

“I can do everything God asks me to do, with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power (along with the means and abilities needed.)”                       (The Living Bible)

Looking back as Piper’s medical condition began to be made known and grow worse from 2007 through 2018, as well as with every other big project that the Lord set before us previous to those years, I can clearly see the same pattern of God’s guiding hand in every step of the process.  To say that there were new things to learn, figure out and perform along the way in each and every one of those activities, would be putting it mildly!  But God was ever faithful in giving me the tools, information and assistance whenever the need arose.

In Ephesians 1:7-8 the Apostle Paul tells us that the superabundance of God’s GRACE releases in us “all forms of wisdom and practical understanding.” (TPT)  The word “WISDOM” in the original Greek refers to a “knowledge of very diverse matters – both human and divine that is acquired by acuteness and experience and is summed up in maxims and proverbs (ie; in God’s Word).”*

So, “HEAR YE! HEAR YE!” the Bible makes a pretty clear announcement that if God leads us into an activity, event, job or special set of circumstances that we have not experienced before… or may not have the right college degrees on our resumes…

“We can do EVERYTHING that God asks us to do, with the strength and power and the means and abilities needed to succeed!” (TPT – personalized)

And as Piper said many times when faced with a new opportunity like homeschooling (when everyone on both sides of the family around us said that she was crazy)… “God said it and that’s all that matters… and therefore it’s good enough for me!” And then she went out and did it along with a bunch of research, a strong homeschooling support group, a ton of self-sacrifice and personal effort and a set-in-cement attitude that continuously said “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” (KJV)

I am still amazed when I see God putting things together for me when I endeavor to take on new responsibilities in response to His requests and leadings!  And at times like these, I can’t help myself in telling others, as Psalm 89:1 declares, stating that,

“Young and old alike will hear about your faithful, steadfast love, Oh Lord —never failing!”  (TPT)

So next time the Lord taps you on the shoulder and presents you with a new and never-been-done-before opportunity… JUST SAY “YES Lord!”, put your trust into Him and the truth of His Word and then stay open to and watch His ways unfold before you!

I hope that you went and/or are planning on going out today in order to exercise your right to VOTE… and along the way… have a great week and keep EXPECTING God’s BEST in your life!

 

*Thayer’s

Safe Places

I was quickly scrolling through my Facebook feed at breakfast this morning and came upon a group post where members were leaving comments about the little neighborhood market that was right near the apartments where Piper and I first lived as newlyweds from 1975-1978.  We didn’t do our major grocery shopping there as they were a little on the pricey side, but still became regular guests using the friendly store as our “Go-To” place for snacks, incidentals and their copier located way back in a corner of the store… right under the large convex security mirror attached to the ceiling.

I’m not totally sure what it is… but from our home in California, to Oklahoma and then in North Carolina, Piper and I have always made friends with the employees of the stores that we frequented over the years.  And that little grocery named Lad’s, was no exception!  I can remember many times while standing alone at the copier, away from all the other customers when I would hear mine or Piper’s name come over the PA system as one of the cashiers would jokingly say something about us supposedly sneaking around in the back of the store!

I’ve told about the time that Piper and I literally ran down the street from our apartment one Saturday afternoon to grab a few snacks before an unexpected Roy Rogers movie came on TV.  We sort of blew into the store laughing pretty hard, went right to the snack’s aisle, grabbed a few items, practically tossed some cash to the cashier and ran back home within a matter of minutes.  I’m still not sure of who was laughing harder when we left… Piper and I or the two cashiers at the front counters!

I guess you could say that Lad’s was a “Safe-Place” for us.  When writing to his Christian readers, Paul told us in Colossians 2:13 that,

“You were once dead because of your failures and your uncircumcised corrupt nature. But God made you alive with Christ when He forgave all our failures.” (God’s Word ©) 

Wow!  Think about those two sentences for a moment.  What an earthshaking, life-changing statement that is, when we fully comprehend what was said.  As Christians, you and I have been forgiven… by God… of ALL our Failures!  Isn’t that FANTASTIC news?  But you know what I have discovered over the years… There are always going to be people that come into our lives that may not believe that fact to be true… either in their own lives… and worse yet… in yours!

But I have also come to realize, that their mistaken narratives do not have to move me or hold any place of precedence in my life… or in yours for that matter.  When discussing the wonderful attributes of God’s love in the 13^th chapter of I Corinthians, Paul let it be known, in no uncertain terms, that God’s,

“Love is a SAFE PLACE of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes (or sees) failure as defeat, for it never gives up.” (I Corinthains 13:7 - TPT) 

So just as Piper and I could (and did) walk into Lad’s market after an especially difficult day at our perspective jobs, feeling a little beat up or on the other hand… literally run into the store laughing and joking… we always knew that the good folks in that store would except us for who we were and always help to bring us peace, a smile or a simple encouraging word… and visa-versa from us to them!

The Psalmist draws a vivid picture of this type of experience when he wrote that,

“God alone is my SAFE PLACE; his wrap-around presence always protects me. For he is my champion defender; there’s no risk of failure with God. So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me?” (Psalm 62:2 – TPT) 

There were a few times when I was taking care of Piper over the last eight years of her earthly existence, when I tangibly felt the wrap-around presence of the Lord about me.  When I sat huddled up on the floor, feeling like I was at the end of my rope and needing Him the most… He never let me down, He never gave up on me!  His love became a tangible touch and PLACE of SAFETY for me.  In the late of night, in that dark hallway, I repeatedly found my SAFE-PLACE of shelter.

I tell you that it was an incredible experience... but so real!  Almost un-describable, but yet so clear.  In those days back then, when people would rehearse what they considered to be my failures in life repeatedly before my kids, the SAFE-PLACE of His love and the truth of HIS total forgiveness of any past failures always over-rode any false narrative… because the truth of His Word and the power of His love will always prevail in my life… as well as in YOURS… EVERYTIME!

Think about it!  I might suggest that you take some time and meditate on the above verses so that the truth of His love will become the SAFE-PLACE in your life.  Have a terrific weekend, and as you do, keep EXPECTING God’s best in everything you do… and maybe catch a Roy Roger’s movie or two!