looking for the tux

If you have a story to tell that could help us all grow in our faith, please send it my way and it will be considered to be featured.

Here is another guest entry. (Look back at this entry from the same guest – https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/06/14/diamonds-are-a-girls-best-friend/)

“So my husband was going to be in a dunk tank for a fund raiser event for work company picnic.

He was trying to think of something fun to wear. Son suggested a onesie and I suggested floaties and googles with a snorkel set. We left some things out for him to choose from including an American flag speedo which we knew he would never choose but thought it was a funny option. In the end, he choose shorts and a tee shirt.

But then, I get a message: “Find my tux!”

How outlandish!

How fun!

And to us, how out of character!

I was fighting a head cold and looked in the closet thinking I found the tux but it was an old suit. Now I had the task of opening his freshly delivered shipment from the move as somewhere in those 13 boxes was the tux. I was not feeling up to opening them all.

So, I quickly surveyed the room and decided it must be in one of 4 longer flatter boxes. I dismissed one right away because of the extra labeling and that gave me a 33.3% chance of picking the right one.

I wanted to be ‘one and done’ so I prayed in my head: “Lord, show me which one to open.” And bingo box labeled clothes #3 was it.

I got scissors and carefully cut through the packing tape and there it was all bagged up ready for me to take to the event without much trouble or fuss to find it.

Do you believe God is in the even small minute details such as helping me find the old tuxedo? I do. Perhaps you have heard this before – there is no such thing as coincident but rather God incidents.

And I didn’t even notice the number before opening or it would have been my choice as seeing the number three reminds me of God’s presence in the trinity!

So look for God Stops* – those moments you can stop and see God is there directing and answering even the smallest and what might seem insignificant prayers. Our God is a God who desires to be in every detail of our lives. So thank Him for His presence that you detect in big or small ways.

And after all that, someone else wore a tux in the dunk tank so hubby did not and went back to his plain shirts and tee shirt. But I think God just wanted to remind me He can even find a needle in a haystack or in this case a tux in the midst of an overwhelming amount of boxes.”

Always give God the praise and look for Him in the details of your life. Then, go tell others about it.”

be.the.church

“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid….The Lord is with me; He is my helper.”

Excerpts from Psalms 118.6+7

*God Stop was used in Beth Moore studies – give credit where credit is due – thank you, Beth

goose hiss

Have you ever heard a goose hiss? To be perfectly honest, I didn’t even know that was a thing until I happened upon some geese on the path I was walking.

If you don’t want to watch the whole clip, fast forward to the 45 second mark.

A protective father lording over his mate and young. What a reminder of God’s plan for humanity.

He desires to protect; we just have to let Him.

“Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” Matthew 23.37

By the way, did you know geese mate for life and work together to protect their young as seen in the above video. Another reminder of God’s plan for humanity.

I wonder is that where we got the term wild goose chase (a foolish and hopeless pursuit of something unattainable)?

Makes sense as I could not have caught that goose if I tried and that dad was not going to let us near his mate or young for sure.

My takeaway today is not to be hissing when I should be blessing. So often we get ourselves in a tizzy and react inappropriately without love or consideration. When we do, we can’t…

be.the.church

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” Philippians 2.3

When we apply the above verse, no ands, ifs, or buts about it; others then will truly see us…

be.the.church

in the stillness of the forest there is rest

Is your mind cluttered?

Do you feel you can’t focus as too many thoughts race through your brain?

Take a quiet walk in the forest. Revel in the stillness. Take in the beauty and fresh air. I promise it will help calm the mind and soothe the soul.

I do believe in the stillness of the forest there is rest.

Or find some other natural habitat to soak in God’s presence through the quiet of His created. Perhaps a beach or a meadow will provide the same solstice I found while I walked around a local reservoir.

Ask God to show you the stillness and find rest for your soul.

“Be still and know I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46.10 NIV

“As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God.” Psalms 42:1 HCSB

“God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, You find me quiet pools to drink from. True to Your Word, You let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.” Psalm 23:1-3 MSG

When you find rest, your soul will be restored and you can…

be.the.church

that much better.

miles may separate but…

Prayer unites!

Have family or friends far away? No matter, as miles may separate but…

Prayer unites!

Know someone in need but can’t visit? No matter, as miles may separate but…

Prayer unites!

Don’t know what to do when someone is sick and laid up? No matter, as miles may separate but…

Prayer unites!

I think you get the picture now.

No distance can separate us from those we are praying for.

Prayer is the answer to so many problems.

Presently, there are over 10,000 miles between me and my loved ones. Yet, every phone call or text brings us closer, and every prayer makes those miles dissipate.

Peace

Revealed

As (we)

Yield

When we pray, peace abounds.

When we pray, love prevails.

When we pray, healing begins.

So, when you don’t know what to do or say: just pray!

I have often taken another’s hands and prayed right then and there when they have said: pray for me.

Instead of asking: Can I pray for you now?, just do it.

Less resistance, less awkwardness, and more boldness for our Lord. Take up the challenge and when opportunity arises to pray don’t ask, just do!

He is the one that can truly heal and bring peace. Go to Him and help others see your trust in Him. It will make a difference as that is how we can sincerely…

be.the.church

when we pray!

Remember…

Don’t short change yourself by not praying.

Remember, miles may separate but…

Prayer unites!

Look back at this post to learn more about putting God in every day: https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/06/22/a-summer-without-of-floaties/

airplane mode

We need airplane mode – we need to put the electronics aside and disconnect.

Airplane mode can help with this and not just when on an airplane!

Here’s a little motto: When needing to rest – airplane mode is best!

And here’s a tip (no charge): When low on battery, your device will charge faster in airplane mode.

And a good habit to follow: When teaching or using phone for music – airplane mode keeps you from being interrupted (do not disturb can work too but airplane mode guarantees no interruptions.)

The Lord set us an example in Genesis 2 of why we need to disconnect and rest as He rested too.

6 of the 7 days we can work and play and run ourselves ragged, but schedule in that rest time. Take time to be still. And if God set the day apart as Holy from the others, shouldn’t we set it apart too?

“Be holy as I am holy,” He said. So in order to be holy I say: we need to rest.

So, today praise God for airplane mode. Let’s go get some shut eye or have some be still time.

Lord, thank You for Your example of resting and reminder of how we need to rest. Help me find a time to be still and recognize my need for You as I am in awe and have such gratitude for Your love and care. You are so wise in knowing what we need. Help us to heed to Your ways which includes honoring the Sabbath as a day of rest. Amen!

When we do, others will see us…

be.the.church

real Christians love their neighbours

So often in today’s society, neighbours, even living right next door or in the same complex, don’t know each other. I find that sad and perplexing. We were made for community and yet we don’t find it in the community that is closest to us. It is our duty and obligation to get to know those who are in close proximity in our lives whether that is at home, work, or establishments we frequent often as restaurants, stores, barber shoppes, etc. It is then that we can begin to build a relationship of trust. Once this takes place, when trials come in others’ lives, we can be there for them.

In meantime, you can help bring groceries in for someone elderly or who has a broken limb or better yet, go get the shopping done for them.

How about giving new parents the night off for a date while you care for their little ones?

Visit those recovering from surgery or who no longer can go out.

On warm days when others are outside, don’t just wave or walk by; stop and say hi! That might just be the start of something special.

Know your neighbours well enough to know their dislikes and likes and act on what you know.

What other ideas do you have ?

The bottom line is this: real Christians love their neighbours. We can’t love if we don’t know them intimately. I challenge you to make more of an effort to do so. Get creative and invite them for dinner or start your own NBC.

(See this blog post to know what that means: https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/06/12/nbc/ )

And here is some characteristics of a good neighbour straight from God’s instruction book to us. We should apply them daily:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2.3

“…be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble” Mark 12.31b

“encourage one another and build each other up” I Thessalonians 5.11

“carry each other’s burdens” Galatians 6.2

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers…” Hebrews 13.1

And the key is this:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5.14

Yes, real Christians love their neighbours. When we do, others will see us…

be.the.church

For more tips on being a good neighbour, check out these previous posts:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/09/am-i-my-neighbours-keeper/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/10/am-i-my-neighbours-keeper-day-2/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/11/how-to-be-a-good-neighbour/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/12/a-good-neighbour-ministers/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/13/who-is-my-neighbour/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/14/be-a-samaritan/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/15/lend-a-helping-hand/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/16/hi-neighbour/

don’t blame others

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7.3-5

“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” Romans 2.1

Take responsibility for what you do and don’t blame others.

When we do, we belittle, we discredit, tear down, and cause pain to others.

Don’t be a victim; live and love victoriously.

“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20.4

Instead of blaming, give God the battle. Then, leave it in His capable hands to deal with it as He sees fit and in His perfect timing.

And remember: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” Proverbs 21.2

No excuse, no blaming – just know the battle belongs to the Lord.

When you do, you will…

be.the.church

bulletproof

It was a fad for a minute and maybe it still is: bulletproof coffee.

I am not a big coffee drinker but my mother-in-law is and she makes this coffee. I, in turn, made it for a small group gathering. We used a small whipping frother to mix it well together.

Here’s the recipe:

2 tablespoons of Kerry Gold unsalted butter then add organic coconut oil.

Her advice is to work up to 2 tablespoons of the oil but if you use too much to begin with you might be running to the bathroom.

So suggestion, for the oil, start with 1 teaspoon per cup and work your way up.

As your stomach works up to this potent concoction, how about do some ‘bulletproofing’ in your heart. Then, whatever darts or ‘bullets’ the enemy throws against you; will not prosper! Amen?

Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the full armour of God. Have you done that today?

“…be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.” Ephesians‬ ‭6:10-17‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

God’s love made a way and casts out all fear. No matter what the world may say or put you through, know you are ‘bulletproof‘ in Jesus name!

Yes, we are ‘bulletproof‘ in Jesus name. That is the promise we have when Jesus is in our hearts.

Now go…

be.the.church

evil abounds when good people do nothing

We were on our way home from a long, good day at our semi-annual gathering with small group families from our church at a state park when we saw people pouring out of a house yelling and carrying on. A woman and a man were entangled and looked liked they got each other in headlocks before falling to the ground. Then the woman was trying to protect herself as the drunking guy began beating her. We backed the car up and I asked if they would like us to call 911 which the sister said yes and we did.

Police came and handcuffed the guy, put him in the cruiser, and then they began getting statements.

The woman had been saying earlier how she was glad he would go back to jail but now her story changed. She was saying we didn’t see anything as she was hitting herself and he didn’t punch her. Crazy what ‘love’ does and makes one say.

Several other neighbors were outside. One had been walking his dog and witnessed the whole thing as well and wished he had his phone to video. I thought why didn’t I think of that! Another neighbor who also goes to our church came out and we all said how God’s timing is perfect for us to all be there at that exact moment or things could have ended much worse.

Sure they could come find us, sure they are mad we called, but all I know is when we pulled up; they all separated into two groups – the guys off by the fence and the ladies near the house but, more important the violence stopped!

Be willing to stand in the gap and stand up for righteousness.

The sad thing is situations like this if not taken care of can continue and end in something way worse.

So I say: See something; say something.

We are our brothers’ keeper* and we should help those in need. Yes, it can be a threat to your own safety but I shutter to think what could have been if we didn’t stop at that exact moment.

I am grateful we were there and could call the police.

I am grateful the police could come.

I am grateful God allowed us to help this family achieve some peace at least for tonight.

Please join with me in praying the violence stops in this home and in any other where silence is kept to keep anyone from knowing. Evil does abound when good people do nothing. Make sure you do something. That is how to protect others and…

be.the.church

“…if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil.” James‬ ‭4:16-17‬ ‭MSG‬‬

“An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.” Proverbs 29.22

“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” Matthew 24.12

“The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more”. Romans 5.20

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” 2 Corinthians 5.10

We will all sit before the judgement thrown of God one day. Make sure you are blameless and one way is by not turning a blind eye to the evil that abounds.

*Look back on this previous post to learn more about why we are to be our brothers’ keeper: https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/09/am-i-my-neighbours-keeper/

“they” is you and me*

Years ago, a church friend sent this to me. Not sure who the author is/was, but thought it too good not to share. Enjoy!

“God is just. It’s His character, who He is, and it’s something He wants us to pursue.

Justice seeks to make wrong things right.

It is us working throughout our lives to fix injustices in the world around us.

Every time we see something that’s wrong, our first response should be to pray about it.

Our second response should be to ask ourselves, “What can I do about it?”

However, it doesn’t even occur to most of us. It’s like we look at things and think that it’s someone else’s problem, and we wish “they” would fix it! We wish “they” would do this and that.

Have you ever stopped to ask, “Who is they?”

I think “they” is us, you and me!

You may not be able to fix everything, but you can do something.

Don’t look at injustice and do nothing. You must do something because God did not create you for inactivity and passivity.

He created you for enthusiasm, zeal and passion.

He put gifts in you to be used for His glory and to help other people.

Live a life of justice today.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, don’t allow me to sit around wishing “they” would do something about the injustice in the world when I can do something.

Fill me with boldness, and show me how to right the wrongs in the world around me.”

Help me have a love for people. Remind me the “they” is you and me!

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You.” Psalm 89:14 NIV

Fill me, Lord, with your righteousness and justice. Help me be faithful in loving Your people.

That is how I can more fully…

be.the.church

*Again, no idea who the author was. I assume it was read as a devotion and copied and pasted to me. I did try to find out who the originator was but to no avail. No disrespect meant by not giving credit where credit is do. I say well done author and glad we could pass it on so; prayerfully others will become more of the “they.”