FORGIVEN, ONCE AND FOR ALL!

  We often tend to give into the devil’s claim that we should wallow in our guilt.  How could God forgive a wretch like me?  I’ve not shown Him the honor He deserves – my life is full of imperfections – even though I want to change, I keep making the same mistakes.

We all fall victim to these misconceptions.  We beat ourselves up with guilt and falling short of God’s expectations.  Many often give up in despair, believing there is no hope of heaven for them, but the book of Hebrews clearly states that Christ did it all for us.  He paid the price with His own blood.  He died once for all.

Still we are deceived into believing that we need to do something to work our way to heaven.  In doing so, we’re really doing a disservice to the work that has already been completed.  This is just how Satan wants us to think.

The perfect sacrifice has been made by the High Priest.  It was the only way whereby our salvation could be won.  Believe it!  It’s true.  Our sins have been forgiven and now we wait for His return – when He will come in all His glory to take us to our heavenly home.  Now is our waiting time – our time of grace – to share that wonderful news with a sin sick world.

Rejoice in this wonderful free gift from God.  Guilt no longer can hold us.  We are free at last!

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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

  
Most men can father a child, but it takes a certain kind of man to be a dad. Our Heavenly Father gives us the perfect example. He is called Father for a reason. In His infinite love He created a lovely place for us to live – providing for every physical, emotional and spiritual need. All He asked was that we be obedient to Him and trust in His direction for our lives, and yet He gave us a free will to choose. Even in our disobedience, He laid down His life as the perfect sacrifice for His kids.

Dads still provide for the physical and emotional needs of their children, but have often let that spiritual side of things slide. We’ve been directed to train our children in the way they should go – God’s way – but it doesn’t seem as important now.

A truly loving dad will always give his kids the one thing needful to support them in decision making, counseling, relationships, patience, provision. The best gift a father can give to his children comes with no strings – no attachments – no cost. It is a solid foundation that leads your precious offspring to the paradise God originally intended for all of us.  It lies in His Holy Word, the Bible.  Through this message from the Father of the world, we have the gift of life everlasting.
A father’s love can be richly blessed when the Heavenly Father lives in his heart and leads him in his parenting.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! 

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HEAL OUR LAND!

 

 Dear, Lord, it seems that each day brings another story of man’s inhumanity towards others.  Have we become so calloused and numb to the fact that there is a simple solution to this problem?  I know that evil exists and that the devil is running rampant, but I also know that you have already defeated him and if we place our trust in you, we have your promise to heal our land.

Remind us, oh, Lord, that you have our future in your hands.  Our country was founded by men who trusted in you.  I pray that we see a great revival of that same spirit through the power of your Holy Spirit.

Engage us as citizens of this great country, to return to our roots, to trust in you once more and turn from the evil that has infected our land.  Only you can bring us that everlasting peace.

I pray that emotion doesn’t get in the way of common sense, that people learn to help their fellow man once more and that we learn to solve problems without violence.  I trust in your undeserved love in Jesus’ name.

AMEN!

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BRING ON THE KIDS

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The Gospel message is so beautiful in its simplicity.  Our human minds want it to be more.  We want to be able to wrap our intelligence around it and figure it out, but God is so awesome, He’s already done that for us.

Jesus was tired from a long day of preaching.  His disciples held back the crowds so their brother could catch His breath, but that didn’t stop the kids.  They were just as eager as their adult counterparts to see this man who did miracles and spoke amazing stories.  They wanted to be involved.  Jesus chastised His followers for turning them away by saying, “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of God.”

In that statement, God is telling us that He’s available for everyone all the time.  We don’t need to be Bible scholars or have brilliant minds.  We don’t need to figure it out, all we need to do is believe – to have faith in Him.  Our relationship with God should be like that of little children.  They were eager to hear, enthusiastic in their approach and fearless in their desire to be part of hearing the Savior’s words.

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon or a nuclear physicist.  All it requires of us is the simplicity of faith – believing in something we can’t see, but being confident of its existence.  God doesn’t look at our wisdom or our good works and say – “OK, you’re in!”  He tells us to have the faith of a little child and we will surely inherit His kingdom.

It’s so easy – so uncomplicated – so perfect!  Yes, Jesus loves me!!

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HE LOVES ME!

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Remember when you were young, pulling the petals off a daisy to determine if someone loved you?  There was always a 50-50 chance that the special someone you wanted to love you did.  The odds weren’t that great, were they?

When we look at our relationship with God, there’s no doubt as to how He feels about us.  He loves us – even though we are unlovable.  He loves us, with all our baggage and ugliness.  When others would betray us – when we are the lowest point in our lives – when we feel the pangs of guilt and shame, He looks beyond our sinful nature and loves us still.

It’s one of the greatest mysteries of all times, but still one of the most beautiful.  From man’s first fall into sin, we were all condemned to an eternity in hell.  Disobedience to the One true God was unforgiveable.  No sacrifice was pure enough.  No amount of good works was sufficient.  The only way to receive forgiveness was for God to do it for us.

That’s why He came to this world in human flesh – like us in every way, except that He was sinless – the unblemished lamb of God.   He took our sin, placed it on His own back, carried it to the cross and died there to redeem us.   He then was resurrected to show us that if we believe in Him, we too will rise from death.

This is the greatest love anyone can have for another – to lay down His life.  God loved us so much that He stretched His arms out to die for all and still held them tightly as His prized possession.

His love is like no other.  It’s perfect in every way.  He loves us!!

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WHEN I GROW WEARY

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There are days when I wonder if I have enough energy to make it through another hour – when my body cries out for relief – when the work continues long after the body has been spent.  Every muscle and ligament is stretched to the limit.  I just plain wear out.  We all experience weariness.  Even the very young will run and play with great energy and all at once collapse and fall asleep.

When we’re tired, the best place to turn for relief is to God, the creator of all things.  He made the earth and all that was in it in only six days, but He rested on the seventh.  We can find rest in Him.  He has promised to lift us up and renew our strength.  Our life can find new vigor in His words to us through the prophet Isaiah.  When our hope lies in Him, we will soar like the eagles, even on our most difficult days.

Thank you, Lord, for always giving me more than I need.  Your promises are never empty.  You provide for my physical well- being as well as my spiritual strength.  I praise your holy intervention in my life.  Amen.

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REJOICE IN YOUR GIFTS

I wrote this last June after the completion of my children’s performance.  It still fits as we close another show tonight.

Every time my little group of young, aspiring actors complete a show, it makes my heart swell with pride. Not only because of their hard work and accomplishment, but the fact that they have discovered something within themselves that they didn’t know existed.
God has blessed each of us with certain gifts – some may have the ability to be encouragers, while others possess a good work ethic. Some have the talent to be great writers, musicians, artists. There are those who reach the top rung of the ladder of success when it comes to knowledge.
All of us are capable of greatness in our lives if we look at our abilities as opportunities to express the handiwork of our Creator. The talents bestowed on us are meant to be shared. To keep them to ourselves is in fact being selfish.
Be generous with your talents. Spread them around. You will reap benefits beyond your imagination, but remember to give the glory to the one who gave them to you!

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NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN

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Solomon spent a lifetime chasing the wind.  In all his years of wealth, fulfillment and pleasure, he continued to struggle with the meaning of life.  I do too.  I often wonder why we go through difficulties.  Why do we have to get sick?  Why do we suffer financial problems?  Why must we watch loved ones endure pain and death?  Why aren’t there enough jobs to go around?  Why is there so much corruption in our nation’s leaders?

It seems funny that Solomon would have to worry about anything.  He had it all.  He had servants to attend to his every need.  He had more money and status than anyone alive at his time.  He could party until the cows came home?  His harem was full and so were his coffers.

No matter what we accomplish on this side of heaven, it won’t mean a thing when we face our Lord and Judge on that final day.  The same One who will judge us, has already paid the price.   All that is required of us is to repent of our sins and follow Him.  Still, even the super heroes of the Bible had doubts, fears, questions and a lack of faith.

It seems too easy to most folks.  It’s natural for us to want to be involved in our salvation, but this is one area we have no control over.  God is so much in love with us that He was willing to demonstrate it by placing Himself on a cross.   He suffered death, but His power resurrected Him, just as He will do for us when we die.

A new life awaits us when we let go of things under the sun and focus on the true Son!

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THE WEEKEND – AT LAST

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Well, you’ve made it through another week.  You may not have accomplished everything on your plate, but you came through reasonably unscathed.  Now it’s time for some rest and relaxation, but before that take a moment to thank God for your ability to get out of bed this morning.  Thank Him for breathing the breath of life into your nostrils for another day.  Thank Him for the sunshine that seeps through your window.  Thank Him for this day of rest and replenishment.  Thank Him for your provision. Thank Him for your health, strength and mind.  In other words – give thanks!

We have so much to be thankful for, even beyond our own physical needs.  We have been blessed with a direct line of communication with the Creator of the universe.  The One who crafted us before we were born is available to us 24/7.  Can you even imagine how cool that is – to be in unencumbered relationship with God?  No baggage, no requirements – except that we repent and believe that He has done the work we are unable to.  Wow! I’d say that’s  reason enough to be thankful.

Have a great Saturday!

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IT’S FRIDAY!

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Well the work week is over – that is unless, you work on weekends, are a parent, a caretaker or any other job that means you work all the time.  We look forward to the weekends, because we can catch up on things that didn’t get done during the week.  How did that to-do list work out for you – the one you wrote on Monday?  I don’t even bother to write them anymore.  Every day of life is filled with things that don’t fit on that list.  If we had to write down every interruption, we’d throw it away in frustration.

Some things are never going to get done and that’s OK, as long as the necessary things do.  I’m not talking about the mounds of laundry, the weeds in the garden, the dishes in the sink or the dust mounting up on the furniture.  The important stuff includes spending time with God in prayer or in just meditating over His Word – sharing the love He’s shown you with someone else – being kind to others – not giving up – finding good in every situation – trusting in God’s unfailing attention to every detail of your life, down to the second.

With Him at the helm – every day can be a new beginning.  There will always be tomorrow.

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WEDNESDAY – NEW DAY

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Dr. Seuss was a word master.  Within his fun little verses he held great wisdom.   We all have a choice which direction we choose for our lives.  Choice is not just a term used for selfish reasons, it can be life changing.  Take Wednesdays for example.  You can look at this day two ways – as being that much closer to the weekend or as having completed two days of something good.

Yesterday I enjoyed weeding one small section of my hillside garden.  My old body isn’t as agile as it used to be and traversing the terraced terrain was intimidating at times.  By the end of the day, my bones ached and my lungs were full of dirt, but I had a sense of accomplishment.  No one was standing over me as a task master forcing me to do it.  I was doing it because it was a perfect day – I get great personal satisfaction pulling out the deep roots of those nasty weeds – I also enjoy the time I have to reflect on things.

Today I woke up with sore muscles, but with a better attitude.  We can choose which direction life takes us.  God has blessed us with amazing brains and bodies.  We can really often do more than we think we physically can.  Other days our bodies loudly say “no” and we choose not to.

When it comes to our salvation we also have a choice.  We can choose to accept that God doesn’t think twice about saving us – or we can continue to live under the guilt of sin and believe there is no hope for us.  Whether it’s the beginning of the week, the middle or the end, we can count on God to walk with us every day.  It’s a great choice.

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HOW DID MONDAY WORK OUT FOR YOU?

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Yesterday I talked about Mondays being a chance to start fresh.  Actually it’s good to set goals, plan ahead, look forward, but most importantly look up.  If we try to accomplish even the simplest of tasks alone, we’re setting ourselves up for failure.  God wants us to rely on Him in every situation.

No matter how many lists we write – plans we make – goals we set – things are so much easier when we aren’t alone in doing them.  I may have great intentions on Monday, but life doesn’t always cooperate.  Things get in the way of the doing – an unexpected phone call, a forgotten meeting, a set of keys locked in the car, a road block or detour that takes you in a different direction.  We can’t completely regiment our lives with a preconceived schedule.

We shouldn’t beat ourselves up if we don’t get those things done, but put them back on the list for another day.  We shouldn’t feel defeated, but trust that God’s plan is so much better.  Any delay can be construed as an opportunity in His eyes.  An interruption might lead us to helping others.  Maybe God wants to use us in a different way than we intended  at that moment.

Our walk with Jesus is like a work in progress.  We don’t magically wake up Christian.  It takes commitment, dedication, sacrifice, work and a whole lot more.  Once we learn to let go of our own desires and interests and turn everything over to the One who made us, the burdens of life become more bearable.  They aren’t going to go away, but we’ll be able to endure them. Even when we fail, He’ll be right there to lift us up again.

So trust in Him.  He will lead you to your final destination.

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MYSTERY

Many stories and books have been written with mystery being the genre.  Most of the time the mystery is solved by the last page or, if you’re very clever, before the story ends.

God’s book, the Bible, includes some mysteries as well.  There is the mystery of the conception of Jesus – women conceiving and baring children beyond menopause -a man being swallowed up up a whale and living to tell about it – a natural disaster that consumed all but eight of the earth’s human beings – and on and on.

One such unexplainable mystery is the trinity of God.  How can there be three distinct Gods and yet only one God?  How can the Father and Son be the same entity?  Isn’t it a lie for God to command us to love only one God and still He is three separate entities?  All of these are pressing questions that weigh on those who think they are dealing with someone who is on the same plane as them.

God is far superior to us.  He’s the One who created us, so His intellect is far beyond our understanding.  The minute we try to figure Him out, we are trying to set ourselves above Him.

What we can do is accept the trinity as His amazing truth through faith – which is really the source of our relationship with Him anyway.  The evidence of His trinity is hidden within the pages of His Word and will be revealed to us fully when we meet Him face to face.  For now, just believe Him when He tells you something is true.  You can trust Him.  He is the Holy Three in One!

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MY SHEPHERD JESUS

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Slowly crossing the sands of time –  into a pasture green sublime.

I’ll rest my feet and wet my lips, with waters clear and cold that grips.

Through danger I will walk with Him.  He guards me from each foolish sin.

He takes my hand and leads me now to comfort me and show me how

to live my life and live it right and when I stray He sets me right.

When my own final hour comes near, I’ll face my death with no more fear.

I’ll trust in His unfailing love – which He bestows from up above.

With Him in paradise I’ll live.  He promised me He did forgive

each one of my transgressions.

Kathy Boecher©

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PUT A PILLOW ON YOUR FRIDGE DAY?

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It’s “Funny Friday” again and this day of celebration is a new one for me.  Starting somewhere in Europe and migrating to the U.S. in the 1930s or so, this ridiculous observance is supposed to bring good luck to your house.  I’ve often placed pictures on my fridge along with lots of magnets containing contact info I may need.  I usually place things that don’t fit in the cupboard or pantry on top of the fridge, but never a pillow.  Do you suppose that’s why I haven’t had an abundance of good luck lately?

Isn’t it funny how these crazy days surface?  You can find a strange holiday for every day of the year.

I don’t put much stock in this one.  I prefer to place my pillow under my head when I sleep.  Can you imagine the looks you’d get if you had one on your fridge.  First of all, would anyone notice?  I think I would, but the youngsters – maybe not so much.  Their goal with the fridge has to do more with what’s inside it than on top of it.  The cat might find it a cozy place to sleep.

It certainly would be a conversation starter.  I can hear it now.  “We used to put a pillow on our fridge too, until we discovered that the warmth from it caused the ice cream to melt.” or “I’ll bet that’s a convenient place for someone to sleep when you have too many house guests and not enough beds.”

Who would think to make it a good luck charm?  Must have been a leprechaun or a witch, or a pillow salesman.   I never put much stock in four leaf clovers, horseshoes, rabbits’ feet or other superstitions.  I still avoid walking under a ladder however.  You never know when something might fall on you.

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HELL EXISTS

  

Depths of anguish – eternal fire parching swollen, thirsty lips – never ending pain, not experienced in life – inescapable hopelessness – constant falling deeper and deeper – no finish, no escape, no peace from suffering emotionally, physically, spiritually – a nagging ripping at your spirit, your joy, your flesh.

Some say we’re already experiencing hell right here on earth. I believe hell is a real place and the pain we go through in this life is nothing in comparison. Some claim that this life is as good as it gets and when we die that’s the end of it. They say, get all the pleasure while we’re living, because it doesn’t get any better than this. The thought of spending eternity in a smelly pit, swarming with all kinds of blood sucking creatures leaves a lot to be desired, but we have a choice.
When we trust in God’s truth, the words He speaks to us personally in the Bible, we know that He always provides a way out for us. Whether we struggle with one sin or another, experience financial difficulty, exist in constant pain, anxiety, fear or hopelessness, He’s always there to pick up the pieces.  He promises an eternal peace when we choose to believe that He has rescued us from hell through His own precious blood.  To most that sounds too easy.  We feel we need to control our destiny.  God makes it clear what lies ahead for those who follow Him and those who don’t.
So what would you choose? Sounds like a no-brainer to me.

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OXYMORON- PEACE IN TURMOIL

  
Can we  find solace or peace in the midst of adversity?  Is there calm when a powerful gale stirs the depths of the sea?  What is the point of lives full of turmoil? What can we learn – how long must we endure – when will the testing end?  Will we ever be ready to face God and find the ultimate peace?

The Bible is full of examples of many who struggled with these difficult questions.  David was face to face with a giant – one far superior in the art of war.  His palms must have been sweating bullets when he pulled that slingshot.  Even with his strong faith in God, he gathered three stones when God only required one.  (actually He didn’t need any!)
Samson, blinded at his lowest point, was able to call on the Lord for just one final burst of strength necessary to defeat the Philistines.  He could then die with the knowledge that he was entering everlasting peace.

Job was so low in his struggle – having lost all his children, property, dignity and health, but even as he scraped the sores on his wretched body, he was able to boldly declare that he knew his Redeemer was alive and that he would see Him face to face.

Each day we face problems. They can overwhelm us.  We can be consumed by them.  We may lose hope.  It’s in those very tough moments that we can depend on God to deliver us and bring us peace.  God may not seem to exist in our trials, but He’s right beside us and within us, giving us courage, strength and abilities we never knew we had.  

We may not have to slay giants or part a sea or save a remnant of believers from destruction, but God has an amazing life planned for each one of us – a life of peace through His precious Son, Jesus – even during the most difficult times.

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SANCTUARY

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Where do you go to escape the noisiness of life, the frustrations, the fears and worries?  When I was a kid, I always retreated to my closet.  It was a dark, quiet place where no one could hear my words of anger or frustration. My little sister shared the room with me and would show up sooner or later, so my secret hide-away was no longer mine.

Some find refuge in the forest or the mountains.  Escaping to God’s beautiful creation is not only refreshing, but seems to bring you closer to Him.  The air is fresher, the view more spectacular, the sounds of the city evaporate and all you hear are the chirping of birds or an occasional animal sharing your space.

Others thrive on active places where they can blend into a crowd and melt into the noise.  They actually feel more comfortable when they’re surrounded by people.

Some escape into their work, especially if it’s something they have a passion for – like the arts, teaching, professional sports, building a profession.  Some fall into the traps Satan lays for them.  We could find a house of God – a space where we can speak to God on a personal basis – pouring out our problems, our goals, our concerns.  We could seek a place in nature.  We could hide in a closet.

The truth is we have a sanctuary where ever we go.  God has placed Himself within us so we can carry Him into any situation.  Because of His bountiful love, we have a new relationship with Him.  Of course we should hold Him in the highest reverence, but now the curtain that once divided us  has been torn and we have free access – when ever we need it.

GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH – A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE!

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WORDS OF WISDOM FROM GRANDMA TO GRANDSON

i posted this on May 21, 2014 as my grandson graduated from high school.  He has now completed his first year of college and is living in a different state.  I thought re-posting it today would honor the new challenges he faces,in his life.

You think that it’s all over. You’ve only just begun.

Your accomplishments prove your value. Your faith has kept you strong.

You’ve pondered o’er the last few years, where life will take you next.

Your dreams will follow a different path now – there are mountains left to climb.

The challenges you face from this day forth will build another you.

You will still be the little child I held – the boy that I watched grow.

The times we’ve shared together have been a treasure to me.

Though time and experience will help you reach your goals,

The only one important thing for you to know is that you always will be child of God.

Your past and present days, along with those to come,

will be In His strong, protective hands until your dying day.

Trust in Him. Depend on His wisdom. Ask for His guidance and protection. Have faith!

The successes you achieve in life are nothing compared to work He has begun in you.

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PUT THE BEST CONSTRUCTION ON IT 

  
How can there be opportunity in tragedy?  How do you make something good out of an excruciatingly painful situation?  How do you find a silver lining when your life is filled with nothing but stormy skies?  

It’s not easy finding opportunities, but it can be done if you’re equipped with the right stuff.  God gives us so many examples in His Word of how ordinary folks like us overcame difficult situations and by His grace created a new path for their lives.  

Each day our lives are filled with tough decisions, difficult situations and tons of interruptions.  How do we get a handle on it?  We can start by thinking outside of ourselves.  

If you get upset with the way others drive try to imagine what’s going on in their heads.  If you lose patience waiting in line, try to imagine the problems those ahead of you are facing.  The guy who cut you off, might be on the way to the hospital to be with his dying parent.  The first person in line may need help in having something explained.  

Maybe we need to think more outside our own bubble.  Our world is changing.  We no longer rely on each other for help.  We have become caccooned in our own little worlds and rarely have interaction face to face.  It’s time to start caring for each other again, rather than thinking the worst.  

God has an app for that.  In the Ten Commandments we learn how to relate to God and those in our lives. Jesus added this one – love your neighbor as yourself.

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