How to Succeed with God

Author’s Note: In life I have learned many important lessons from family; although they are no longer living, their lessons remain important parts of my life. Today I especially remember lessons learned from my uncles. From Uncle Ken, I learned the value of writing letters and cards, and encouraging others. From Uncle Don, a life-long minister, I shared with him the desire to encourage others through devotional writing. He always encouraged me, and occasionally he sent me copies of some of his thoughts and messages. This week, I will draw heavily from one of the last messages Uncle Don sent me which he presented at the Advent Christian Village Church in Dowling Park, FL on an evening service dated October 9, 2022. I will break this lesson down into a five-day devotional for the week. Somehow, I do not think he would object and he would be pleased the message is still reaching people today so many years later. My prayer is that God would enable me to present the message clearly and accurately, and that it might benefit the reader. May our Heavenly Father receive glory and honor due to His Name.

Uncle Don opened this evening message with a quote from a church sign in Ladson, SC. The statement read, “If you can’t find God, you know who is lost.” Years ago, a similar sign appeared on a church out here in Clovis, NM, and I noted it in my journal. This statement read, “If you can’t find God, He isn’t the one who is lost.” And I suppose, there are many variations but the message is clear. God is not the one who wanders away or drifts; we are. God is not hard to find. He sent us word on how to find him at any time.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Finding God is easy. Now, living with him – that is another matter. Some folk have something of a “love/hate” relationship with God. They ‘love’ him when they need him, but ‘hate’ him when he demands control over their lives. Not many would admit to such a relationship; yet, how else can disobedience and rebellion be explained?

To “Succeed with God” as our devotional title suggests, requires that we do things God’s way. It is not a 50/50 relationship. He is sovereign. We are his subjects. He has chosen to make it a Father/child relationship. But he is the one with authority.

This week’s devotions will focus on words from King David, who, when he was quite old, gave us some excellent instructions for getting along well – How to Succeed – with God. He included some promises that God fulfills when we meet the conditions that accompany the promises. The apostle Paul said something about God’s promises that may not be as well known. Paul said, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV) (c.f., vv. 18-22)). This means the promises we will study this week from Psalm 37:1-11 (NIV) become good promises to us as we trust and serve Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

The basic premise of David’s instruction on “How to Succeed with God” is found in v. 4, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” In verses 1-11 David helps us with four aspects of living a life that succeeds with God; and these four aspects will be the topics of this week’s devotions: (Tues) How to Have a Good Life and Enjoy It; (Wed) How to Get Your Way with God; (Thurs) How to Make Your Life Glow; and (Fri) How to Deal with a Slow Pay Day.

Psalm 37:1-11 (NIV) Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; ²for  like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. ³Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. ⁴Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. ⁵Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: ⁶He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. ⁷Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. ⁸Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil. ⁹For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. ¹⁰A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. ¹¹But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.

Psalms 36 and 37, and others, speak strongly of the problems godly-minded believers have while living in a world dominated by evil-minded non-believers. The 37^th Psalm is intended to encourage God’s people, teaching them how to live with and for God, in the face of powerful wickedness in the world. David’s instructions have to do with one’s mindset, in keeping with the wisdom of: Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he...” Jesus knew we’d have to face this problem and he prayed for us: John 17:15-16 (NIV) “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. ¹⁶They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” Perhaps this lesson is even more appropriate and necessary for us to learn given the times in which we are living. This Psalm is for us!

 

Gracious Lord, the Almighty God;

Thank you for the lessons contained in Your Word. Thank you for servants like Uncle Don and so many others who dedicated their lives to preaching and teaching Your Truth. Open our minds and hearts to receive, and create in us a willing and obedient heart. Forgive us where we fail, and lead us in Your Will and Way.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

How to Succeed with God: A devotional study of Psalm 37:1-11, Rev. Donald E. Wrigley, Sunday evening message written and presented at  the Advent Christian Village Church, Dowling Park, FL, October 9, 2022.

The devotional How to Succeed with God appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Message of Hope

Time plays interesting games with my mind. Some conversations are forgotten almost immediately, while others seem as fresh as the moment spoken. Such is the case for a conversation I had with my uncle some 20+ years ago. I shared with him my desire to use my writing talents in a more purposeful way – a way that would honor my Heavenly Father. My uncle’s message stays with me today just as clearly as it was first given. He said people need to hear a message of hope. People need to know there is a God who is alive and personal; a God who knows their sorrows and despair and cares deeply for them. The following scripture selection seems to echo this message.

Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT)  The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.

Psalm 37:39 (NLT)  The LORD rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble.

On one end of the spectrum, I think about God, who is Creator of all things. Science has not yet discovered the true vastness of space, galaxies, and solar systems. Yet on the other end of the spectrum, God also created the microscopic and beyond. General scientific knowledge now can measure the smallest subatomic particles of atoms called quarks. From the unimaginably great to the infinitesimally small; our wonderful Heavenly Father created it all!

This is the God, our LORD, of whom the psalmist writes. When we grieve from the loss of loved ones; when our days linger with loneliness or despair; when current issues leave us overwhelmed and our path seems unsure; when we feel abandoned, unloved, or uncared for – there is hope! We serve a God who knows “every detail” of our lives. He cares deeply for his children. In times of trouble he stands ready to rescue, to pick us up when we fall, to comfort us when we despair.

Psalm 33:20-22 (NLT)  We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

And here is the most amazing thing: This same God, our wonderful Heavenly Father, is as close as our next whispered prayer. I am reminded of the hymn written by Charles O. Farnham (1880-1947) and found in Hymns of Heritage and Hope, ACGC, 2001.

#575, Thank God I Can Pray

When the world goes wrong, and my heart is sad, thank God I can go and pray; It relieves my fears, dries my falling tears, and gives strength for the rest of the day.

 When the task is hard, and my strength is small, thank God I can go and pray; How it cheers my heart, when He takes my part, and gives strength for the rest of the day.

 

When the flesh is weak, and the tempter strong, thank God I can go and pray; Then His Spirit true, always helps me thru, and gives strength for the rest of the day.

 

All along the way, with each fleeting day, thank God I can go and pray; Till the journey’s run and my work is done, He’ll give strength till the close of life’s day.

 

Thank God I can pray, tho’ dark be my way, to Him I can ever cry, He will not say me nay when I earnestly pray, but with help He is always nigh.

Precious Heavenly Father, you know our sorrows and our griefs. You know what causes our pain. Yet you stand ready to comfort us. Truly You are our message of Hope. We humbly thank you for your deep abiding love. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

 

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian – looking forward to the Blessed Hope of Christ’s return!

 

The devotional Message of Hope appeared first on Write From My Heart on June 22, 2018 at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  As the original author, I reserve the right to update, modify as needed, and repost.

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Floccinaucinihilipilification

What is the most difficult word in our English language? No, I don’t think it is the title of this blog entry – but I’ll explain that a little later. The most difficult word, in my humble opinion, is the word wait. This tiny four-letter word seems to be our most challenging nemesis from the earliest onset of childhood. As a baby you waited for feedings and diaper changes. As a child you waited for cookies to finish baking, parents to answer questions, school to start, school to end, and you waited until you were “old enough” to do whatever it was you thought so important at the time. Now that we are adults, we still wait. We wait in lines, wait for friends, and many of us find ourselves waiting in doctors’ offices.  Waiting is not always pleasant.

So what do you do when you are waiting? I suppose the answer to that question depends largely on the need, purpose, and duration of the waiting. Waiting briefly at a traffic light may not require any action. Waiting for an appointment might provide time for reflection, reading, working on crossword puzzles, or similar brief activities. You see, one form of waiting might be to remain inactive or in repose until the expected event happens. This is okay for short-term waiting.

However, waiting long-term is quite a bit different. Waiting for special days or special visits can be particularly difficult. Long-term waiting requires the kind of waiting for one to be available or in readiness; to look forward to an event with eager anticipation. Long-term waiting requires an individual to remain in an active state – in our day we might use the expression, “keep on keeping on.” Doing what? Ah, that brings us back to the title.

Floccinaucinihilipilification, n., the estimation of something as valueless

In Latin, the words [flocci + nauci + nihili + pili] all indicate something that is of little or no value; trifling. The suffix [-fication] refers to expressing the state or condition of something. In simple terms, we have this enormous word that literally means ‘nothing’. In terms of waiting, floccinaucinihilipilification is a big waste of time; doing absolutely nothing of lasting value.

I have an idea of what you might be thinking.  So how in the world can this, in any way, remotely apply to me? The answer might take a surprising twist for the Christian. Look at it this way: What is the next special event for the Christian that will require waiting, possibly even long-term waiting? Yes, the answer is the second advent of our Blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Psalm 27:14 (NIV)  Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Titus 2:13 (NIV)  …while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…

The truth is that none of us knows how much waiting this will require. We do know that the Bible tells us some folks will get tired of waiting and give up on waiting altogether.

2 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT)  Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”

So what do we do while we are waiting for Jesus Christ to come again? I would encourage you to fill your life with those things that have value and purpose. Even daily chores have value and purpose. Encouraging one another has value and purpose. Working has value and purpose. Some of my favorite passages with suggestions for what to do when waiting include:

Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)  But this one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind [don’t waste time on the past] and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 5:15-16, 19-20 (NIV)  Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 4:2 and 4:5 (NLT)  Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. (and) But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT)  Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.

2 Peter 3:14-15 (NLT)  And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.

Wow! That’s a lot to do, and if we truly believe that the return of Jesus Christ is imminent (i.e., likely to occur at any moment), then we have so little time left in which to work! Dear Readers, if we are to fill our ‘waiting time’ with activities of value and purpose, then we have no time to waste on floccinaucinihilipilification.

 

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian – looking forward to the Blessed Hope of Christ’s return!

 

The devotional Floccinaucinihilipilification appeared first on Write From My Heart on August 1, 2016, at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  As the original author, I reserve the right to update, modify as needed, and repost.

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Disembarking the Roller Coaster

Did you know there is a disease called MdDs? Its actual name is Mal de Debarquement syndrome, however it is often more commonly referred to as “disembarking syndrome” or “land sickness.” In my general research of the malady, I discovered this syndrome usually occurs after a cruise or air flight, and generally lasts one or two days. Some of the symptoms seem to be described as a type of rocking sensation or a sense of imbalance, although this is probably an oversimplification on my part. The point is – it is real, and I can only imagine how disorienting and frustrating such an affliction might be.

Many of my dear Christian friends (particularly those new to faith) seem to be on some sort of Spiritual roller coaster ride. One moment with their hands in the air shouting praises and hallelujahs; the next moment donning a dejected countenance and moaning about how Satan is persecuting them. [Note: See Entry #3: Go Play with Someone Else for more on this topic.] It makes me sad to see how their emotions fluctuate so severely and so rapidly. It’s somewhat exhausting to watch – and there is a solution!

Now to be clear, yes indeed, life is full of ups and downs. We all have good days and bad days. But for the Christian, there is a way to survive these experiences in peace. Jesus Christ, himself, provided both the example and solution. The story of Jesus calming the storm can be found in the gospels of Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, and Luke 8:22-25. Historically, the Sea of Galilee is well-known for its sudden storms and squalls caused by the rapid changes in temperature – this is due to the location, geography, and topography of the area. Such fierce winds and high waves must have terrified even the best sailors in the small wooden vessels of that time. Yet each passage of scripture noted above records Jesus as being asleep during the storm.

Jesus is asleep. Why? Was he indifferent to the plight of the disciples? Was he just so exhausted to the point of not caring? Or in modern days, would we ask: Was he being persecuted by the Satan? I would respectfully submit that none of these questions offer the correct solution.

I once heard my father-in-law teach a Bible study series in which he stated, “God is a God of cosmos, not chaos.” I have never forgotten that statement, and I find it to be true in this situation as well. The sudden squall on the Sea of Galilee was indeed causing chaos for the disciples. But Jesus slept peacefully, in my opinion, because Jesus is One with the God of cosmos (a complete, orderly, harmonious system). When he awoke, his command directed to the winds and sea to be calm was immediately obeyed. Jesus was most definitely and divinely in charge.

When chaos (a state of confusion or disorder) seems to dominate our lives, we have an inner peace provided through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He calms the storms within us. We are able to experience cosmos on the inside, even with chaos on the outside. YES, you are able to disembark life’s Spiritual and emotional roller coaster!

Now I feel compelled to add a word of caution. When you finally realize that you no longer need to be jerked and tossed up and down through life; when you finally realize that the Spiritual and emotional roller coaster of your life can stop if you want it to do so; you will then realize that you CAN disembark! Yes, you will still encounter good days and bad days; but your Spiritual and emotional life can remain steady and calm. Disregard all those who would tell you that unless you are being bounced up and down, you are not a threat to Satan, and therefore, not living a “Spirit-filled” life. This is a lie and it is not backed up by scripture; in fact, the example of Jesus proves the contrary to be true. When you finally disembark, you might symbolically have a brief case of Mal de Debarquement syndrome – an awkward sense of imbalance or rocking sensation – especially if all your other friends are still clinging tightly to their own roller coasters. You might think: Is it really this simple? Can I really have a calm inner peace during life’s storms? Yes, you can!

Philippians 4:7 (NIV)  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:9 (NIV)  And the God of peace will be with you.

Psalm 57:1-2 (NIV)  Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)   For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Life will still throw chaos in your direction. Just remember that you are free to disembark the Spiritual and emotional roller coaster. Simply turn to the God of Cosmos because he is waiting to give you peace, comfort, and strength – calm in the midst of life’s storms!

 

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian – looking forward to the Blessed Hope of Christ’s return!

 

The devotional Disembarking the Roller Coaster appeared first on Write From My Heart on June 8, 2017, at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  As the original author, I reserve the right to update, modify as needed, and repost.

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Go Play with Someone Else

For personal reasons just over 10 years ago, I decided to permanently close out my FaceBook account. However, before doing so, I remember posts of not one, but several, individuals whose posts seemed to be united in looking forward to the second coming of Christ.  What a glorious time that will be, indeed!  Many of these posts also carried a secondary theme – giving less credit to the adversary, aka satan, devil, whatever you want to call him.  To this I also give a resounding AMEN!

It is truly discouraging to listen to so many folks who unwittingly build up the adversary by crediting him with all their problems, faults, and illnesses.  I remember back – in many years past – while at some sort of gospel revival, that I actually recall the guest speaker suggesting unless Satan was persecuting you, then you were apparently no threat to him.  It is my belief that nothing could be further from the truth; allow me to explain…

When I read my Bible, I see that clearly that I am a sinner in need of forgiveness and salvation.

Romans 3:23 (NIV)  …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

What I have earned, and what I deserve, is death.

Romans 6:23 (NIV)  For the wages of sin is death…

I cannot work my way out of this one!  I simply can’t do it on my own, no matter how hard I might try.  Salvation must come from only ONE source…it is a FREE gift from God.

Ephesians 2:8, 9 (NIV)  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.

Romans 11:6 (NIV)  And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were [works], grace would no longer be grace. 

What is grace?  The best explanation I have ever heard, and one widely used today, is this: 

GRACE = God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

As I mentioned, this is widely used today, but I truly wish I knew an original source.

Many may disagree (that is your right to do so), but I personally firmly believe in the Deity of Christ, who was with God in the beginning, came to Earth in human form, was crucified, died, buried, but who was resurrected and now sits at the right hand of God our Heavenly Father.  It was God’s incredible plan to use his ONLY begotten Son as payment for the debt of our sins so that we might have eternal life.

John 1:1, 2 (NIV)  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.

John 1:14 (NIV)  The Word became flesh and lived for a while among us.

  Nothing less could make Jesus Christ be the perfect sacrifice that was required for our lives!

So how do we receive this gift?  Oh my how we tend to complicate the very simple truth! You only need to believe it is true and ask – that’s it!

John 3:16 (NIV)  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:8 (NIV)  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9, 10 (NIV)  If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NIV)  Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

This means EVERYONE! This means me! This means you!

Okay, so by now you are undoubtedly thinking that somehow, I forgot what today’s blog title was and what the focal point of this devotional was supposed to be. No, I’m actually right there! You see, Jesus Christ won the victory when He shed his precious blood on the cross to pay for my sins.  This was part of God’s incredible plan for ALL of us. But the point is that the “game” is over, the battle has ALREADY been won!  I don’t need to keep battling and struggling through life anymore.  I don’t have to be bullied any more by the adversary.  He has already lost, and I (through Christ) have already won.  It’s as simple as that.

Remember when you were little? There was always some kind of bully on the playground.  You would run home and tell your folks how he/she was mean to you and he/she didn’t play fairly.  Remember what your folks said?  I can almost guarantee they did NOT tell you to go engage in a deep theological discussion with the bully; and I’m willing to dare say they also did NOT let you blame the bully for your problems, nor did they sign you up for counseling classes.  I’m pretty sure they told you something to the effect of, “There are a lot of other kids on the playground. Why don’t you go find someone else to play with?” Sound familiar?

Here’s the bottom line:  I don’t have to PLAY with the adversary.  I can PLAY with others now. I am free from my sin through the blood that Christ shed on the cross. The bully has no power unless I give it to him.  He can’t bother me unless I let him.  My job is to:

James 4:7 (NIV)  Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist [e.g., have nothing to do with; don’t even acknowledge] the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

It’s just so incredibly simple – GO  PLAY  WITH  SOMEONE  ELSE!

 

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian – looking forward to the Blessed Hope of Christ’s return!

 

The devotional Go Play with Someone Else appeared first on Write From My Heart on June 24, 2015, at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  As the original author, I reserve the right to update, modify as needed, and repost.

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The 47th State

Although I was born in New England and raised in Florida, I currently reside in the vast state of New Mexico.  To those of you slightly geographically challenged, yes, New Mexico is part of the United States proper and received Statehood in 1912.  It is that big chunk of land that lies between Texas and Arizona on any modern USA map.  According to the 2016 World Population Review^[1], New Mexico is the 5^th largest state in area, yet the 6^th most sparsely populated territory – ranking  #37 in population at just 2,135,288.  That is undoubtedly more information than you need or desire, so let me get back on track.

As I said, I currently reside in New Mexico.  Recently, I was reading a book about New Mexico and noticed several contradictions!  Here is just one example:

(p. 21)  “Commercial agriculture was not practiced…families produced what they needed, with a small surplus to enable them to afford necessary purchases.”

(p. 185)  “…they built dairies to provide fresh milk for children, had wells dug…” (One might infer that dairies, especially commercial dairies, also tend to require large commercial crops of grain.)

So how can it be that New Mexico does NOT practice commercial agriculture…yet it DOES build commercial dairies/crops?  Can this book be trusted? Is it fraud?  Oops! Wait a minute, I forgot to mention that the book I was reading was an anthology – a collection of essays^[2] by thirteen different authors, spanning the sixty-five years from 1900-1965.  Furthermore, the essays range in style from narrative to documentary.  However, they are ALL focused on ONE central theme of the historical development of New Mexico.  The above quotes, although technically accurate in wording, are definitely only partial quotes^{[3 and 4]} and grossly taken out of context. The anthology is correct.

Those who would deny the validity of the Bible will often make similar mistakes.  They justify their position on the basis of the Bible apparently containing several contradictory statements. Yet they purposefully forget or refuse to acknowledge that the Bible is an anthology – a collection of works including poetry, law, narratives, documentaries, and apocalyptical writings – with  approximately 40 authors spanning a history of approximately 1,500 years.  Skeptics rarely acknowledge the background of the authors, their living conditions, or any other factors (e.g., geographic, economic, political, cultural) occurring during the time of each written work.  Yet the Bible, with its variety of works and diversity of authors, has ONE central theme – it is the inspired work of God, our Heavenly Father and Creator of all that exists.

Here is an ironic twist for skeptics to consider:  God, who inspired the authors of the Bible, warned in advance – yes, thousands of years in advance – that there would be skeptics. 

Two of the primary authors of New Testament writings, Paul and Peter, write clear warnings:

2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NLT^[5])  I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom:  Preach the word of God.  Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.  Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.  For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching.  They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.  They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 

2 Peter 3:3 (NLT)  Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 

The Bible makes something else perfectly clear as well.  Those who reject truth and chase after myths will not enter the Kingdom of God.

Revelation 21:27 (NIV)  Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. 

Dear Friends, you may choose to scoff at the validity of the Bible today; however, there is a day coming – and coming soon – that your scoffing will cease.  For at that time, you will know and acknowledge the truth:

~~~God is real. His Word is truth.~~~

Here is another truth.  The Bible offers hope.  Jesus, himself, states:

John 3:16 (NLT)  For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 

John 6:47 (NLT)  I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. 

~~~God is real.  God loves you!~~~

 

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian – looking forward to the Blessed Hope of Christ’s return!

 

[1] worldpopulationreview.com/states/new-mexico-population/

[2] DeMark, Judith B., ed. Essays in 20^th Century New Mexico History. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1994. Print.

[3] Jensen, Joan M. “Farm Families Organize Their Work, 1900-1940.” Essays in 20^th Century New Mexico History. Ed. Judith Boyce DeMark. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1994. 13-27. Print.

[4] Schackel, Sandra. “Healthcare Across Cultures: Public Health Nurses in Hispanic and Native American Communities.” Essays in 20^th Century New Mexico History. Ed. Judith           Boyce DeMark. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1994. 181-197. Print.

[5] Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Print.

The devotional The 47^th State appeared first on Write From My Heart on May 24, 2016, at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com   As the original author, I reserve the right to update, modify as needed, and repost.

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Your Wealth Is Mine

Primary Text for this past two weeks through today: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32

Today we come to Pharaoh’s final attempt at failed compromise. The locusts are gone, but now an overwhelming darkness has settled over the land – a darkness so dense it could be felt. We must remember; God is light, darkness is the withdrawal of light. This judgement of darkness spoke plainly that Egypt was now abandoned by God. Nothing remained but the soon coming tenth and final plague of death... the Egyptians had a darkness they could not light up; the followers of the LORD had a light which man could not extinguish.

Exodus 10:24 (NIV) Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, “Go, worship the LORD. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind.”

Pharaoh contended with all his cunning to keep Israel from becoming a separate and holy nation unto God. First he kept them within the land, then he permitted only a short distance—within eyesight so to speak, then he tried splitting the family, now his final failed compromise: leave your possessions with me. Ironically, or perhaps methodically, Satan uses the same tactics on us today.

Matthew 6:21 (NIV) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Satan can still win if he keeps our investments and priorities ‘in the land’. If our treasured possessions are of the world, and draw us into loyalty with the world; so too will our affections be centered on worldly things, drawing us further away from the Light of the World, Christ our Savior. The only true solution for the darkness of any and all sin is the Light of Christ.

John 1:4-5 (NIV) In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Ephesians 5:8 (NIV) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.

John 3:19 (NIV) This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

John 8:12 (NIV) When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Almighty and Gracious God,

The wealth of the world pulls us away from You and the Light of Christ your Son. Draw us back into your loving arms. Forgive our waywardness. Renew a right and committed spirit within us.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Your Wealth Is Mine appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Split the Family

Primary Text for the next two weeks: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32  Although this is approximately nine chapters, I encourage you to take time to read the entire passage, more than once if you are able.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” – Ronald Reagan

The fourth compromise [technically only the third] is the division of the family unit. It follows the plagues of the livestock, the boils, the hail, meanwhile the plague of locusts is in full effect.

Exodus 10:8-11 (NLT) So Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh. “All right,” he told them, “go and worship the LORD your God. But who exactly will be going with you?” Moses replied, “We will all go – young and old, our sons and daughters, and our flocks and herds. We must all join together in celebrating a festival to the LORD.” Pharaoh retorted, “The LORD will certainly need to be with you if I let you take your little ones! I can see through your evil plan. Never! Only the men may go and worship the LORD, since that is what you requested.” And Pharaoh threw them out of the palace.

The division of the family unit is perhaps the most cunning wile of Satan. Liberal philosophy today is focusing in on separating – in any and all ways possible – the parent from the children; even within the legal system. Why? For precisely the same reason that Pharaoh would let the adults go for as it is with “freedom” – “Chrisitanity” (i.e., worship of God) is always one generation away from extinction! Any day of the year, Satan would gladly trade an adult for a child! The world tells us “don’t insist that your children read the Bible, pray, or go to church”, “don’t stress them out”, “entertain them with Bible cartoons, Bible comics and movies”, or better yet, “let them decide when they want to go to church”... and Satan loves that approach!

I ask forgiveness as I alter the quote from Ronald Reagan:

“Christianity, faith in God, is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like to live in a Christian home where the Bible is read and taught, and the family unit prays together and attends church together.”

Almighty and Gracious God,

How far we have fallen! We have not served you with our whole heart. We have succumbed to the lukewarmness of the world; and worse, we have allowed the deterioration of the family unit according to the world’s standards. We are broken. Heal our hearts and strengthen our resolve to use whatever time allotted to us to build back the family units and the Christian home.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Split the Family appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Not Too Far

Primary Text for the next two weeks: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32

The counting of Pharaoh’s compromises is slightly askew because remember his ‘first’ compromise was really no compromise at all – I will not even consider it. His ‘second’ compromise then becomes only his first real compromise... be Hebrew, but stay in the land – be Christian, but stay in the world.

Now we come to the third, or oddly it is the second-half of the first real compromise. It follows during a continuation of the plague of flies. Remember also that God specifically desired a people who were holy and set apart from all other nations. Pharaoh contested the complete separation of the Hebrews to the bitter end.

Exodus 8:26-28 (NIV) But Moses said, “That [i.e., to stay in the land] would not be right. The sacrifices we offer the LORD our God would be detestable to the Egyptians. And if we offer sacrifices that are detestable in their eyes, will they not stone us? We must take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God, as he commands us.” Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to offer sacrifices to the LORD your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far.”

At first glance, for the Hebrews being allowed to finally go into the wilderness sounds like a fair compromise, but is it? No! It is attached to a very long chain... you must not go very far. And after all, a chain is a chain no matter how long it is!

How might this translate to modern-day temptations for Christians. Today’s world offers a chain of guilty feelings to Christians – you will be conspicuous if you overdo your religion. The message to Christians is to avoid dogmatic or extreme positions of faith – give a little, take a little. There is no need to let Christianity spoil your life! The false admonitions of the world ask, ‘How will you attract them if you don’t live like them?’ ‘Can’t we all just get along?’ ‘We don’t want to offend anyone.’ ‘Let’s not get too carried away; let’s not go too far.’

Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV) I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Almighty and Gracious God,

Forgive our lukewarmness. Forgive our desire to ‘blend in’ with the world, to not ‘go too far’. You have called us to be living examples of faithful witnesses for Christ. Strengthen our courage and boldness to speak the gospel message.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Not Too Far appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Stay in the Land

Primary Text for the next two weeks: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32

Before we begin with the next of Pharaoh’s compromises; it might be a good idea to review a brief synopsis of the ten plagues. The tenth plague stands alone; it is separated from all of the others because of its special relation to Israel and their redemption. But the other nine plagues seem to arrive in groups of three... each group of three begins with a warning prior to each of the first two plagues, then the third plague comes without warning. This is significant because it helps us remember that God will not always strive with man (c.f., Genesis 6:3), furthermore, warnings repeated but unheeded will be followed by sudden and terrible judgement.

Today we will explore Pharaoh’s second compromise; but since the first was no compromise, this will be Pharaoh’s first real measure of compromise. The warning of the staff which became a serpent had no effect on Pharaoh because it was replicated through the secret arts of his magicians; even though Aaron’s serpent/staff swallowed up the others. The first plague of water turning to blood happens, again the warning was unheeded. Then frogs covered the land, but once the frogs were gone, so was the concern. The plague of lice, or as recorded in some translations ‘gnats’, comes suddenly without warning. Pharaoh’s heart remains hard. So the first set of three plagues passes without compromise (c.f., Exodus 7:8 - 8:19).

The fourth plague (Exodus 8:20-25), the plague of flies demonstrates God making a distinction between the Egyptians and the Hebrews who were His people, and it comes with a strong warning.  It is not until the fourth plague (introducing the second set of three) occurs that Pharaoh issues his first real compromise:

Exodus 8:25 (NIV) Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God here in the land.”

Sounds okay, doesn’t it? But it is not okay! Earlier the king had set the tone when he told Moses and Aaron, “...why are you taking the people away from their labor? Get back to your work!” (v. 5:4) God’s command was given in no uncertain terms; there was to be a complete separation of His people unto Himself! If we could relate Pharaoh’s compromise in today’s terms for Christianity, perhaps it is that staying “in the land” is similar to “remaining in the world.” The world has no use for Christianity and time going to church is “wasted” time. Time away from the routines of work and play.

James 4:4 (NIV) You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

This verse is often misused and taken out of context. It is a warning that adapting to the world’s view – the world’s standards – cannot coincide with being a follower of God’s will and way. He desires a holy people; a people set apart from the world’s ways. Yet that is the temptation Christians face; we don’t want to stand out; we want to have, and to do, all the fun things the world offers. Sadly, there are numerous modern churches whose “worship services” become more of entertainment shows than honoring to God. That was Pharaoh’s compromise back then... okay, be a Hebrew, just stay in the land. And it is still Satan’s compromise to us today... okay, be a Christian, just stay in the world.

Almighty and Gracious God,

It is so easy to compromise with the world. This is not what you desire. You desire Christians to live a life that is holy, set apart, dedicated and focused on You. Forgive our failings. Strengthen our resolve to love you more, serve you more, honor you with our whole being.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Stay in the Land appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.