Phoebe's Blog

Great Givers

2011-05-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

Great givers hold nothing back,
They go the extra mile -
Cheerfully.
Their motives are pure,
Their commitment is sure.

Sacrifice is not a stranger,
Nor is it a burden;
They gladly spend and are spent.
They've seen the end of the matter
And count that joy
Worth every investment.

The reward they seek
is an eternal
"Well Done!"

Great Givers:
JESUS
Stephen
Paul
Mary
(with her alabaster box)
Jonathan

Wonder of Wonders!

2011-04-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Wonder of wonders, Amazing grace,

That JESUS in love would die in my place;

Marvelous mystery that ALL my past history -

Should become HIS story! To GOD be all Glory!

[See Ephesians 2:4-7.]

by mjk ~ April 11, 2011

Japan's Distress...

2011-03-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

"Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:22)

The 9.0 earthquake centered off the coast of Northern Japan, the resulting tsunami, the aftershocks, and the crisis at the nuclear facility in Fukushima Dai-ichi continue to focus the world's attention on the sufferings of the Japanese nation and people. New cities and towns are etched on our minds; Sendai, Misawa, Miyako, Kamaishi, Otsuchi, Minami Samriku, and Ofunato; these are just a few of the places where the Japanese people have shown the world how to face disaster with dignity and noble-hearted courage.

We have seen them react to each new situation bravely, with heroism. We have watched them help each other and lift one another's burdens. We've seen them que up in an orderly manner to receive whatever rations (gas, food, medical supplies,) are available. Their children have borne up in the face of geiger counter checks, strange faces, dire circumstances, and having to be rescued from the ruins. One photo showed a small child with his family, huddled on salvaged, makeshift benches outside what was once their home, cooking on a grill and exposed to the elements. Another saw a little girl, perhaps two years old, being carried by rescue workers. Her family was nowhere to be seen. Yet another photo showed three teenagers rescuing a grandmother "piggy-back." Then, there are the 50 or so men who have laid their lives on the line to try to bring the nuclear situation under control. I find myself saluting the precious Japanese people and praying God's mercy and grace will be granted to them in a measure far exceeding that of their distress.

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2)

This Wonderful Salvation!

2011-03-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Scripture Text: Acts 2:1-4, 37-39; 4:12; Romans 6:1-6

REPENTANCE, in OT typeology, equates with the Brazen Altar... (Jesus' Death/Calvary).

BAPTISM follows suit, equating with the Brazen Laver... (Jesus' Burial). [Note that in Judaism, the Mikveh involves total immersion of the physical (outer)... body.]

HOLY SPIRIT INFILLING, follows the high priest past the Vail, into the Holy of Holies, and the Ark of the Covenant... (Jesus' Resurrection, which changed everything. His Body, now a glorified body, had all power. Where He had been with men [physically], He would now be IN men (a spiritual rebirth)! Through the Holy Ghost outpoured, true resurrection was now possible. Old things passed away - Behold! All things become new!

During the times of Aaronic, high priestly ministry, the people waited outside the tabernacle/temple for the high priest to finish his ministrations and return to the people - his return was evidence their obedient sacrifice (atonement) had been accepted.

As he emerged, the people, (who, while they were waiting, had prostrated themselves before the Lord,) and the high priest began to worship and celebrate. (See II Chron. 7:1-2.)

The Shekinah power that fell that day, (in II Chronicles 7,) meant (was evidence) that God had placed HIS seal of approval on the completed construction of the physical temple - a building made with hands.

Compare this celebration in II Chronicles 7:1-2 with what happened in Acts 2:1-4, and catch a glimpse of why God chose tongues (Isaiah 28:11) as evidence signifying HIS acceptance of obedient faith (John 7:38). Our outward obedience (Us in HIM) (See John 14:15-18, 21.) receives HIS seal of approval/acceptance (HIM IN us). (See John 14:20, 26; 15:4-5.)

GOD’s goal, from the outset, has been to build HIS home in the HEART of men and women (the spiritual/inner man). (See Ezekiel 11:19; 18:31; also Numbers 11:24-29.) This “temple” is not a physical building made by human hands. HE has always desired to build HIS Throne in the heart of man (John 4:23-24). It is this “temple” that receives the confirmation (evidence) HE promised! (See Acts 10:1-6, 44-48; 19:1-6.)

How to Handle People Problems

2010-10-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

[A Devotion based on Romans 12]

"She gets on my last nerve!"

Nancy stormed into my cubicle, red-faced and breathing heavy. She was at the end of her tether with another co-worker, (Heather,) who had the nasty habit of blaming others for her errors. In addition to the blame game, Heather was adept at making everyone else look bad so she could look good at their expense. Over time, Heather had made an unenviable name for herself among her peers and it looked like she was getting away with it, because supervision seemed oblivious. Nancy, however, was her particular target. Heather took every opportunity to cast doubt and suspicion on Nancy and her efforts. Nancy was having trouble dealing with the flack.

Though retired for some time now, I reflected back on this situation while studying Romans 12 recently. Here are five ways Paul recommended handling "people problems."

Verse 12 - Be patient. This is not easy, but Jesus said, "In your patience possess ye your souls." (Luke 21:19) Through patience, we outwait the problem. Time is a great rectifier. You can rest assured the truth will out because God keeps good records. Things left in His hands have a way of working out for your good - He sees to that.
Verse 14 - Bless persecutors. Jesus devoted three of the beatitude verses to those who are persecuted. (See Matthew 5:10-12.) Some of the key words are, "for righteousness sake" and "falsely." He also said, "Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward." Wow! That's contrary to the world's advice, which focuses on getting even. Paul said, "Bless... and curse not." Don't waste your time or your focus. Trust in and rest on the promise, "If God be for us, who can be against us?"
Verse 16 - Be humble. Don't be conceited. Don't consider yourself higher than others and be kind to those who are in low positions. Strive for balance in your relationships.
Verse 19 - Don't take revenge. Don't "recompense evil for evil." (See verse 17.) Leave room for God's wrath. Remember God said, "Vengeance is Mine: I will repay." Besides, what if you're holding a grudge but they have repented and God has forgiven them?
Verse 21 - Defeat evil with good. Overcomers will feed their enemy if he's hungry and give him a drink if he's thirsty - and in so doing, become a witness to him as well as against him. (See also I Peter 3:14-17.)

Now comes the rub! These five helps in solving people problems amount to a tall order. The flesh balks at turning the other cheek. Rejoicing over your enemy's come-uppance (when it comes) is a natural and very human reaction. At times, the only way we can muster up any patience is in the hopes that their come-uppance will make it all worthwhile.

So, how do we get our minds wrapped around God's idea of what should be done with people problems? The answer is found in Romans 12:1-2... A transformed mind - like the mind of Christ.

"I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

With regard to Nancy and Heather - there came a day when Heather got caught in her own manipulations. Nancy was vindicated and so were several others. The playing field was leveled and peace reigned in the office for a while. But, people being people, a new set of people problems surfaced. For you see, as long as the flesh is here to contend with, we'll all need to return and revisit Paul's Holy Ghost inspired wisdom on how to handle people problems!

A Father's Impact . . .

2010-07-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

At a coffee shop in Canada, I picked up a copy of the Toronto Star, which was there for customers to read while drinking their coffee. It was full of reports on the G-20 and G-8 conferences being held in Ontario. An article on an inside page caught my eye. The lead line spoke of "different dads" and "father issues."

It said most of the world leaders are themselves fathers and a couple of them have fathered twenty or more children! But coming from all walks of life, the fathers of all these leaders have affected (for good or for ill,) the lives of these who are now shaping our world.

While the Canadian Prime Minister was very close to his dad, others grew up without their father’s influence. For instance, Barack Obama, Sr. herded goats in Kenya during his youth. Though educated in Harvard as an economist, he returned to Kenya after his divorce from President Obama’s mother. His son saw him only one more time before he died in an auto accident in 1982. In his book, "Dreams From My Father," Mr. Obama speaks of how hard it was to grow up without his father; a man deemed highly intelligent yet profoundly flawed. He said, "My father was missing. Nothing my mother or grandparents told me could obviate than single, unassailable fact."

The first French President in modern times whose parents are living, Nicholas Sarkozy’s father, Pel, a Hungarian immigrant, (who says he loves women and high living,) came to France penniless. He started his own advertising agency, then left Nicholas’ mother. In succeeding years he’s had three more wives, more children and numerous affairs. From age 4, Nicholas never saw his father again until after he became President.

The father of South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma, was a policeman who died at the end of World War II, while Jacob was just a child. He soon had to go to work to help his mother and family eke out a living, which prevented him from receiving a formal education.

The fathers of today's world leaders have held many occupations; some were highly esteemed and some would be considered menial. One was a Lutheran pastor, another a bank employee. Others include a cattle ranch hand, a dairy farmer, a glass manufacturing plant executive, a stock broker, a professor, a bus driver, and an accountant.
[Source: "Who’s Their Daddy?" Pg. IN-3, Toronto Star; Sunday, June 20, 2010.]

So, although some had good relationships with their fathers, others came to the present through negatives and deficiency. Some consider they’ve achieved earthly recognition despite circumstances and backgrounds. Others see limitations, (thrust upon them by the lack of a father’s guidance and/or by the difficulties they endured,) affecting their ability to lead effectively. While overcoming obstacles is always a possibility, it is also a challenge. For many, it is the crayon that colors everything else in life.

Over the years, I’ve heard Bro. Grisham teach that the best example a father can set before his children is to love God, love his wife, and love his children. The fathers I’ve observed who have modeled this wise advice are without exception, honorable men worthy of godly emulation. Children raised in such a setting have advantages beyond monetary measure. The example godly fathers set provides insight and perspective capable of holding their children steady throughout life’s ebb and flow.

Moses commanded, "Teach your children diligently; when you sit at home, when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 6:7 niv) Fathers who failed in this task handed their children over to idolatry and sure and certain judgment. Subsequent generations did not even know God. As judgment fell, the prophet spoke of the proverb, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge." (Ezekiel 18:2) But this was not God’s plan. He wanted reconciliation and restoration. "Behold, I will sent you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." (Malachi 4:5-6)

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul balances the ledger, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4. See also Colossians 3:21.)

Fathers, you have an unction from the Holy One. Your children are your deposit into the future, your bid in making an impact on the world to come. The only contribution that will truly last is the one that affects and enhances eternity. Everything else is wood, hay and stubble.

~ mjkinnee
July 2010

Pastor/Shepherd

2010-06-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

Pastor or shepherd, they're one and the same,

They take care of "sheep" and call them by name.

They feed the flock, lead them where they should go;

They guard them from danger, what e'er be the foe.

They know where the water runs cool and deep;

Where the grass is green, and the clover is sweet.

They lead, they don't drive - sheep follow by choice;

They only will listen to their shepherd's voice.

A shepherd keeps watch through dark, stormy nights;

When an enemy attacks, he stands up and fights.

Sheep tend to wander, and wander they will;

But shepherds seek the lost, o'er valley and hill.

Shepherds give from a heart overflowing,

And sheep are content because they are knowing...

They're safe in the care of a shepherd who's faithful;

Comfort like this makes the sheep truly grateful!

~ Marjorie Kinnee
June 20, 2010

Protecting the Harvest

2010-05-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

An uneasy restlessness grips me.
Finding no simple solution, I begin to probe deeper,
Touching tender places, bruised and sore,
Seeking the core, the roots.
On my knees, I crouch low.
The hot sun scorches my back,
And I sweat in the heat.
It's hard work;
Work that I'd rather leave for a more convenient season,
When the sun's rays weren't so hot,
And the ground was softened by rain.
But the angle of the sun tells me
That I haven't much time.
So I poke and sift, pinching off insects,
And driving away the pesky birds and bunnies
That would harm my harvest.
My heart is cheered when I pause -
And realize that the Lord of the Harvest
Is also working close by.

~ MJKinnee

Spring Gardening

2010-05-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

It's spring in Michigan! Our normal windy March and rainy April didn't happen this year. But May is making up for the lack. Now and then, interspersed between the windy/rainy days, the sun peaks out and warms the ground, coaxing buds to blossom and lilacs to bloom. With clingy fingers, reluctant winter gives way to the inevitable. Those who've hunkered down indoors throughout Michigan's snowy beauty begin to venture forth, take leisurely walks, and enjoy the breath of spring. Seems everyone likes a Michigan spring.

The only complaints I've heard this year have to do with the rain delaying the planting of gardens and sprucing up the landscape. A number of friends plan to break ground for a garden; flowers, fruit trees, strawberries, tomatoes, onions, herbs, melons, and vegetables they've never tried to grow before. Some are opting for container gardens while others are devoting more space than ever before. All this waits on the promise of sunshine and frost-free days.

One friend has even braved the rain to get a head start on what can only be described as the most ambitious garden I've ever seen in a suburban lot. But then her garden is always something to see and to enjoy, for she is a master gardener. Her diligence is already evident. It's obvious when you drive up to her door, she's got everything under control - fruit, vegetables, shrubs, ground cover, wildflowers - you name it, it seems eager to thrive under her tutelage. Somehow, when visiting my friend on a summer evening, I can sense the presence of God in a special way in her garden.

Another friend is into flowers. Spring flowers come and go in waves; first the crocus and snowflowers, then daffodils, with tulips close behind. Pansies skirt their stems. She's planted impatiens among the pansies, knowing the pansies will be overtaken. A sacrifice, yes, but she's very fond of imaptiens. Iris flank to the right and left of all this color and they'll bloom all summer. Her house stands out in the neighborhood - evidence of her forethought and planning - and of the Creator of all things bright and beautiful.

Got to thinking about all this. Gardening is not easy. Muscles ache, knees and hands get dirty, shoveling and raking are back-breaking tasks. Pulling weeds is unpleasant but essential and fertilizing is a smelly job. Yet the satifaction I see on my friends' faces when they sit out in their garden, or cook up some tasty dish from their own fresh produce, lets me know they find the results well worth all the effort. I believe God smiles on gardeners and their endeavors to work with His creative genius.

One of my mom's friends, Anna, was also a master gardener. She lived on a little over an acre of ground and had a sizeable garden. As summer progressed, mom frequently brought home baskets of produce grown by Anna. Mom marvelled at her success and asked her how it was that she rarely saw weeds among the plants. Anna confided early each spring, before planting, she went out and sifted through the ground filtering out the weed seeds. As a result, her garden was a showplace with an abundance of good things to share with others. Anna's kindness and generosity came out of a willing heart and a love for God.

I've also posted a poem in conjunction with this little piece - hope it's a blessing to you!

[Note: See the next post above.]

~ mjkinnee

Mother's Day Blessings

2010-05-07T12:18:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-07T12:15:00.001-07:00

Signature Scent...

2010-03-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

God has a signature scent, one that's associated with His very essence. If you spend time in His presence, you know that His love poured out on your soul heightens and affects every one of your senses. Even as a child in an Apostolic church, I remember times when worship rising from the people of God mingled with a blue-ish haze that filled the sanctuary. It was visible, tangible, audible and breathable; satisfying even the taste buds. During these times it was easy to see why the Psalmist said, "O taste and see that the Lord is good!"

In the instructions God gave for the building of the Tabernacle and the gathering of all the things that were to be used in its service, we learn the composition of the fragrance that was to be particularly His. (See Exodus 30.) Associated with burnt offerings and as a holy, anointing oil, these were special recipes - guarded and handed down from generation to generation of priests, only the sons of Aaron could prepare them. They were not to be replicated or used for any other purpose that to be a sweet fragrance to God.

Later, in the Psalms, He let us know our praise and worship is also a sweet savor. God treasures and stores these times of communion. As they fill our hearts, they rise up into His nostrils and prompt Him to pour out many rich treasures and blessings from His vast storehouse. He places great value on obedience, which to Him is more important than even a costly sacrifice. Thus, obedience becomes a vital ingredient in the aroma of wholehearted worship.

This pleasing aroma flows both ways. His presence fills the hungry heart with good things. And His heart is thrilled and leans close to enjoy the lifting of holy hands and hearts heavenward. Praise, worship, sacrifice, and willing offerings are key ingredients of the aroma that pleases the heart of God. Best activated by a close relationship with Him, the word, communion, is an accurate description of what happens when God and man are in sweet fellowship. Before he was saved, the Gentile centurion, Cornelius' steady offerings had piled up into the heavens as a memorial to a man who was seeking after God. Evidently, God couldn't resist Cornelius' hunger. Drawn like a magnet to steel, He dispatched an angel, dealt strongly with the man of God, and opened a new dispensation - all to meet Cornelius' need.

This begs three questions... 1.) What kind of fragrance pleases God? And, 2.) How is it released?

The thing that triggers the release of this fragrance into the presence of God (and others) is brokenness.

When the circumstances of his life broke Joseph again and again, the result was not bitterness, but the realization that God was in the breaking and used it in the blessing that followed.
When the woman broke her alabaster box of fragrance over the feet of Jesus, the aroma filled the room, speaking not only of His suffering, but of her adoration and thankful heart.
When Jesus broke and blessed the little - five loaves and two fish - He gave it to His disciples, who distributed it (in a pattern of what would follow,) and the hunger of many was satisfied.
And when the sinless body of Jesus was broken and freely offered, it resulted in the salvation of the world!
Your brokenness allows the perfume of God's presence to fill your world and become a precious ointment that testifies... "O taste and see that the Lord is good... He satisfies the hungry heart... He makes broken things every whit whole..." and releases an irresistably sweet aroma.

The aroma of fresh-baked bread or a hot apple pie triggers mouth-watering images of good things nearby. No wonder God uses this analogy to illustrate both the hunger our heart and His ability to satisfy all who hunger and thirst after His righteousness. His promise is, "they shall be filled!" The question has never been can He? or even will He? The only remaining question has to do with me and you...

3.) What kind of odor does my life present to God - and to others?

Am I like the children of Israel in the wilderness who frustrated Him with their complaints and murmurings?
Am I like King David who knew how - and gladly worshiped God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength?
Have I gone after other gods and other loves, replacing the devotion I owe him for all His kindness, mercy and benefits with a not so secret wandering eye?
Am I like Josiah, who saw his failures in the Word and turned himself and everyone around him back to God?
Do my lips say one thing - and my heart, mind, and actions say something else entirely?
Or am I like Daniel and his three young friends who purposed in their heart that no matter what, everything they did was going to be God's way and for His glory?

I too have a signature scent. The odor I present to God and to those around me is based on the choices I make. It's a unique recipe I put together every day I live. If I choose to please myself; my flesh, its desires and agenda, if I seek after the things of this world and its system - my recipe becomes a stench in His nostrils and to those around me.

But if I choose to please Him and to set my heart and mind on heavenly things; it brings glory to God and makes my world more aware of Him and His goodness. I become a living testimony, and a catalyst of His redemptive plan.

Either way, this "signature scent" reminds Him of what He did at Calvary! (See II Corinthians 2:15.) Disobedience crucifies Him afresh, makes His sacrifice of no effect. But if my choices are born of a willing, obedient heart - the result is:

an odor that is pleasing to Him,
the joy of His salvation,
His smile of approval, and,
an irresistable force that moves the most obstinate of obstacles!

There is coming a day and a place when and where the fragrance of His joy and ours will combine into a holy, sweet incense, a perfume that will permeate heaven's atmosphere with a communion more perfect and complete than mortal senses can even imagine. We in Him and Him in us! Praise perfected! (No wonder worship is the most heavenly of occupations.) That day will be glorious indeed. But until then - every day - we're putting together our signature scent; the fragrance by which we'll be known throughout eternity!

Note: This thought was inspired by a recent Our Daily Bread devotion.

Just Thinking About Ice

2010-02-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

It's winter in Michigan. The snow is falling, temperatures are well below freezing and there's an ice dam forming on the eaves of my roof. If it stays cold the ice dam will grow. When the sun comes out, it's insidious icy fingers will wedge their way under the shingles and as it re-freezes it will wreak havoc on what's underneath. The thing is - ice is so neat when you're skating on it or watching it form patterns on your windows, but it's tricky if you're walking on it or trying to drive over it. I've watched folks slip and fall - they were briefly in the most ludicrous positions before landing. Some got up, looked around to see who was watching, dusted themselves off and continued on their way. Others couldn't get up without help; I know...

One February, I was visiting with my brother and sister-in-law. An ice storm outside had turned their sidewalk into a sheet of wet glass. Taking a deep breath, I braced myself by holding on to the porch pillar and stepped down. How futile! In a flash, I hit the porch, Bang! - and continued sliding... Thump! Off the porch and onto the slippery, wet and oh so cold cement. I couldn't get up. Icy rain soaked my hatless head, coat and clothes. My brother tried to help but couldn't haul on me and keep his footing too. Then my quick-thinking sister-in-law turned, ran into the house and brought out a beautiful Turkish rug, tossing it onto the icy cement. By standing on it, my brother was able to help me to my feet and I gingerly made my way home. Within a couple of days, black and blue was the color of an unbelieveable portion of my back and I was stiff for days!

Now in the summer, ice is a welcome addition to water, tea or lemonade. You want it in the cooler when you're on a picnic. You'll freeze your fruit drink to help keep the food in your lunch box cold - and a bucket full of ice graces most every party.

Got to thinking on these things... Ice is the common denominator, yes, yet how welcome it is depends on what's going on around the ice. Inside a heated house, with a good book, a cup of hot chocolate and a glowing fireplace; the ice outside is pretty to look at but not much of a threat. However, when folks are outside, they hurry. The wind chill, temperature and what's happening with the weather (ice storm, freezing rain, sleet, or snow,) focuses their attention on getting indoors. Here's the remarkable part - the same ice that terrifies us in the winter is a welcome addition to summer fun. Speaks volumes about environment and attitude doesn't it?

Job said, "...as the stream of brook they pass away; which are blackish by reason of the ice, wherein the snow is hid. What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish." (Job 6:15-17) "Out of whose womb came the ice? And the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? The waters are hid as a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen." (Job 38:29-30)

The psalmist said, "He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He casteth forth His ice like morsels: who can stand before His cold? He sendeth out His Word, and melteth them: He causeth His wind to blow, the waters flow." (Psalm 147:16-18)

Ice may be an adversary or a friend - it depends on where you are and what you're doing when you encounter it.

Searching the Scriptures...

2010-02-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

Found this poem, enjoyed its meaning and want to pass it on...

Cling to the Bible, this jewel and treasure
brings life eternal and shows fallen man;

Surely its value no mortal can measure;

Seek for its blessing, O soul, while you can.

(Author unknown)

What's Ahead?

2010-01-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

2010 - Here we come! No going back; no redoing any part of 2009. It's history, back there, the book is closed. Its joys, its pain, its heartaches, its victories, its defeats and failures - they're all tucked inside of the volume labeled 2009. There is only one way to deal with what's back there. "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) Get it under the blood!

If you've failed - repent. If you've been hurt - forgive. If you've won a great victory - celebrate - but keep pressing on. Consign all the messes and mix-ups to "back there." Not only is 2010 a new year, it's a gift of unused minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months. What's more, it's a golden opportunity to start fresh and get it right this time.

In each new year we find a reminder of the precious promise... "Come now, let us reason together saith the Lord, Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be a white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18) One of the most precious gifts God gives to men is a new heart to replace the old stony one, a transformed mind, a new creation, "a new man walking in my shoes." This is the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's Salvation's hope!

What's ahead? I don't know. I cannot tell anyone what 2010 will bring.

We see uncertainty all around us. Turmoil and questions abound. Humanity's best minds offer flawed and incomplete quick-fixes. Sin and sinful men run rampant. Insane busy-ness crowds our lives with competing demands, vying voices, persuading spirits and a constant push for more... but this one thing is sure. The Word of God contains promises that have the power to hold us in this chaotic world and these tumultuous days.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." (Isaiah 26:3)

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

"And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:20)

"Lord, keep my soul from day to day,

Under the blood, under the blood;

Keep doubt and fear and sin away,

Under the precious blood.

I'm under the blood, the precious blood,

Under the cleansing, healing flood;

Keep me Savior from day to day,

Under the precious blood!"

The Joy of Christmas is Jesus!

2009-12-15T16:51:00.000-08:00

(An Inspirational DaySpring Movie)

I thought this would be a blessing to you at this season.

Click on the link below to view . . .

Inspirational DaySpring Movies

Check This Out!

2009-09-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

I am posting a link to "We Declare" - a website I recently reviewed and agree with wholeheartedly. (Please see the right sidebar under the category, "Links I enjoy..." for a direct connection to the "We Declare" website.)

I believe it will be a blessing and strength to your faith . . .

~ mjk

Come!

2009-09-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

Come - bring all your doubt and fear,

Come - He's calling you to hear,

Come - leave all your wasted years;

Come to Jesus - Come!

Come - says the Spirit,

Come - says the Bride,

Come - if you're thirsty -

You won't be denied;

Come - come today,

Come - don't delay,

Come to Jesus - Come!

Come - Repent your sin and shame,

Come - Be Baptized in Jesus' Name,

Come - Be filled with Holy Ghost flame;

Come to Jesus - Come!

Come - Salvation's full and free,

Come - to life abundantly,

Come - to glorious liberty;

Come to Jesus - Come!

Come - to joy and righteousness,

Come - to peace and holiness,

Come - to life forever blessed,

Come to Jesus - Come!

by mjkinnee
Sept. 6, 2009

Love, Trust, Know...

2009-07-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

It was just a brief encounter in a local store. One of the clerks there is a child of God who attends a nearby Apostolic Church. As we talked, she mentioned the illness of a mutual friend and then spoke of a recent tongues and interpretation this friend had given... “My people love Me, but they do not trust Me because they do not ‘know’ Me.” Though I did not hear them when they were originally spoken, these words have not left my mind since I heard them.

I wonder, how often is the Lord frustrated by our unwillingness to trust Him? To ‘know’ Him? He counseled us to “learn” of Him, for He is meek and lowly in heart. He promised we would find rest for our souls – yet our human nature is unwilling to invest the time and effort necessary to achieve this kind of knowing. So we struggle on in our dilemmas, living way beneath the power available to us. The Apostle Paul longed to ‘know’ Him in the power of His resurrection and in the fellowship of His suffering. Ah! Our human nature likes the resurrection power part, but we cringe from the death and suffering that precedes that resurrection.

That brings us to the other two words; love and trust. It is a given that in order to trust someone you have to know them. But romance novels are built on the premise of infatuation and instant attraction. Evidently, you can love without trust, but such love is shallow and can’t endure the pressure and heat of time. Anything you can “fall” in love with easily can just as easily be swept away by a new infatuation. Shallow love is easily replaced. But love born of knowledge has a strong foundation and becomes the birthplace of trust.

A child’s trust is built on experience. All they know is that their mother and/or father have been the central point of their existence and so they tend to trust even in the most scary times. We’ve heard the story of the child who jumped into his father's arms from the window of a burning building. A teenager or an adult might have questioned the father’s strength and ability to catch him, but the little child has not learned to doubt, so “what if?” never crosses his mind. He leaps – fully trusting his father to catch him. All he knows is what he’s learned from and about his father and mother. His trust is based on that knowledge. It’s a heavy parental responsibility but one that has made weak men strong.

Is it any wonder why Jesus said, “except ye become as a little child, you cannot enter into the Kingdom of heaven”? The trust a child displays is born of his love and his knowledge. You may say, “Some parents are not trustworthy!” and this may be true of earthly, sinful parents – but if you know God, you know it is not true of your Heavenly Father. “His strength is made perfect in [our] weakness.”

Even when His answer is “No” – He has promised never to leave or forsake you. He goes with you and gets under the yoke with you even in the most difficult of times; when you’ve failed, when you’re sinking, when your body is wracked with pain, when your heart is broken, when your mind skitters about in panic, when the enemy comes in like a flood, when you’re perplexed and don’t know what to do, when you’re between a rock and a hard place. Whatever the circumstance, if you know Him and His Word, your love can anchor itself in that knowledge, and, like that little child, take a leap of faith into His waiting arms.

“Perfect love casteth out fear.” The more experiences you’ve had, the more times you’ve depended on His Word and His promise, the more you have seen His hand at work in your life and in the life of others, the more you know of His Word and His Character; the better you are able to trust Him and obey without fear. Obedience is the measuring stick of trust. Abraham trusted God’s promise and bound Isaac to the altar. Noah trusted God’s Word and built an ark to the saving of his house. Mary trusted God and yielded her body and her reputation to bring the Lamb of God into the world.

Lord, haste the day when Your people love You and trust You because they know You!

Marjorie Kinnee
July, 2009

I Am Determined...

2009-06-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

Webster says determine is "to fix conclusively or authoritatively; having reached a decision, firmly resolved; settling and ending controversy; a firm or fixed intent to achieve a desired end." Another source says it’s "resolute, staunch, decided, settled, resolved," and synonyms are; "inflexible, unfaltering, unwavering."

In the Bible, when the word, determined is used, the thing is set. When God determines a thing, it will be accomplished. Every Bible prophecy confirms this truth.

Because God gave man a free will, when man determines to do an evil thing, he will do it, unless God intervenes. For instance, Saul was determined to kill David, but the God-inspired intervention of Jonathan spared David’s life. In so doing, Jonathan became an example of self-sacrifice and true friendship.

Immediately after Amnon’s assault on his sister, (Tamar,) Absalom determined to kill him and waited years for the chance to carry out his plan. For Amnon there was no intervention – the law of sowing and reaping was in full force.

It is also possible and praiseworthy to be determined to do good.

Solomon determined to build a house for the Lord. (II Chronicles 2:1)
Jesus was determined to go to Calvary. (Luke 9:51; 22:22)
The church in Antioch determined to send relief to Judea. (Acts 11:29)
The Apostle Paul was "determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:2)

This kind of determination caused Jonathan to recognize the anointing on David’s life and to deal with his own will and desires by blessing and helping David. This kind of determination helped Jesus ("the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame…") complete the course set before Him.

In the flesh, determination is dangerous. It can separate friends. Barnabas’ determination to take John Mark caused a long-term rift between himself and Paul. Unbridled determination easily crosses the line into self-will. Cain insisted his sacrifice was sufficient. His way led to stubbornness, rebellion, murder, insolence and banishment.

The Jews’ determination to see Jesus crucified was stronger than Pilate’s determination to let Him go. Their determination amounted to rebellion against God. Pilate’s determination was merely political. He knew their accusations were spawned from envy; yet, under their pressure and despite urgent warnings, Pilate traipsed out onto thin ice… It was only a matter of time before he caved in and was drying himself off, crying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just man."

By dropping an "e" and adding a "t", another word is formed... and determine becomes detriment, which is damage, harm or loss, or, something that causes damage, harm or loss. Without determination, one cannot achieve their goal. Thus, a lack of determination is a detriment and leads to defeat and failure.

When it comes to spiritual things, strong determination can make one bold and hold him steady. It can also thrust detrimental things out of the way. Daniel and the three Hebrew children purposed in their hearts (determined) not to defile themselves by eating the king’s food. Because of their determination, they proposed a ten-day trial. At the end of the ten days, when they were in better shape than those who were eating from the king’s table, all opposition evaporated.

We need the kind of determination that makes us stand fast, holding to the profession of our faith. It’s time to re-evaluate and re-commit ourselves. It is high time to say with Jonathan, Daniel, the three Hebrew children, the Apostle Paul, and the songwriter, "I am determined, I’ve made up my mind – I’ll serve the Lord!"

Audacious Hope

2009-06-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

The week of January 20, 2009 - what an amazing week it was! Observing the inaugural events, one couldn’t help but note the overwhelming numbers and the cross-section of cultures, races and creeds that crowded into our nation’s capital. One photo showed a woman gazing adoringly toward the podium, hands clasped as though in earnest prayer. Many a face was streaked with tears as old and young alike stood in awe. The sheer power of a unified mass of people was evident and electric as throngs around the world pinned their hopes on a promise of change. In interviews, one man said it was “more like a coronation than an inauguration.” A woman described the festivities as “Mardi Gras, without the nudity.” Over and over, there were comments on the patience of the crowds with the cold, the long lines and the waiting. Goodwill hung in the air like an aura, infecting even the dour. The New York Times featured stories like; “Obama Takes Oath and Nation in Crisis Embraces the Moment” and, “A Portrait of Change: In First Family, a Nation’s Many Faces.”

Lean and earnest, clad in the traditional presidential black cashmere overcoat, a man of eloquence delivered a carefully crafted inaugural address that acknowledged the challenges and the need to face the future with a shared sense of responsibility. Everywhere you looked, the crowds seemed ready to buy into his hopefulness and promise of change to come.

Mankind longs to be the master of his own destiny, so he seeks for strong leadership that promises to move in the direction of his own leanings. Add to that the realization of long sought victory and the fulfillment of hopes long denied, and a potion more powerful than the most potent drug results. For hope is an emotional thing, enduring in the face of formidable odds.

Paul said, “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?” (Romans 8:24) The wise man said, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12) Realized hope is a generating force – with the power to foster both great good and unimaginable evil.

But we are living in a day when the hopes of a vast cross-section of diverse opinions and ideologies have married the good and valid with the evil and unthinkable, making its weakness visible. (See Daniel 2:41-43.) As iron and clay cannot be mixed or mingled, so two cannot “walk together, except they be agreed.” (Amos 3:3) The problem is one side has to give in to the other. Elementary science says when you mix cold and hot water; cold water does not become warmer, hot water cools down. (Note God’s opinion of lukewarmness – Revelation 3:15-16.) Because such combinations make a weak foundation, King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is alive in today’s headlines.

“…Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…” (Romans 3:4) and, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34) The world is tottering because it’s founded on flawed hope, which cannot succeed. Man’s broad way panders to the unthinkable for political advantage.

God’s way is straight and narrow. The solid foundation, built on the Rock declares, “The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:24-26)

The old hymn declares, “On Christ, the solid Rock I stand – all other ground is sinking sand.” The hope of the believer is founded on His Word and His promise. God’s Word cannot fail. It is the nail fastened in a sure place! This hope is the anchor for the soul of man. It’s sure and steadfast. It’s a good hope... a blessed hope... a lively hope... a glorious hope... an audacious hope... a hope that maketh not ashamed. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” (I John 3:3) Blessed is every man, woman, boy and girl who puts all their hope in the Lord!

~ mjkinnee

Special Friends...

2009-05-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

Added a new feature for my special friends. It will enable you to follow new posts and updates to Phoebe's Sister. Just go to the right hand sidebar and click on the heading, Special Friends to sign up.

The Prodigal's Mother

2009-05-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

Of the prodigal’s tale, we all are aware,
Stubborn, he wanted to manage his share;
So he took it and headed off into the sun,
Determined to have his share of fun.

We hear how he partied away all he had,
Rumors were flowing and all were bad;
The father kept watch as the months wore on,
Only love could rescue his wayward son.

We hear of his downfall, the ruins of sin,
We hear of the pigpen he found himself in;
We hear of the change that began in his heart,
How he thought of home and the servant’s part.

We hear of his journey and father’s delight
We hear sounds of joy as they ring in the night;
Brother’s envy and spite make our spirits groan,
But through it all – we’re glad he’s home.

But what of his mother? We never do hear,
Yet surely her presence was always near;
Her baby was lost – her precious son,
She must have wept and prayed, undone.

In dark, night hours, while others slept,
A tear-stained vigil his mother kept;
She groaned and travailed more deep than at birth,
For the wayward one’s soul had yet greater worth.

She waited and hoped in the promise of God,
Reminding, abiding, her faith walked dry-shod;
Through oceans of tears, through doubts and fear,
Come what may - though it took many a year.

And then, when the promise finally did arrive,
Imagine the sparkle of joy in her eye;
Hustling, bustling in a glorious dither,
The servants all rushing hither and thither.

Mama, in high gear, was doing her best,
Preparing a fabulous celebration fest;
All her boy’s favorite cookies and cake,
Were piled high and waiting for more to bake.

But right in the midst of the joyful preparation,
Mama steals off for a quiet conversation –
With the One who had shared her burden and grief,
“He’s home now, Lord, Oh, what blessed relief!”

By Marjorie Kinnee

Note: I took the liberty of adding a possibility to this age-old story in honor of Mothers Day and in tribute to mothers of wayward children. They carry a special burden, full of sorrow, travail and pleading intercession. But they partner with the One whose heart is touched and is able to work, even in the darkest of situations. What He's done for others - He'll do for you! "Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all we can ask or think...", be all the glory and honor and power and dominion. In Jesus' Name!

Sometimes...

2009-04-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life is hectic,

Sometimes slow and sweet,

Sometimes joy surprises us -

Hidden 'round our feet.

But this we know assuredly,

In Jesus all is well;

He measures every day with love,

Secure in Him we dwell.

mjk - 4/20/09

God's in Control

2009-03-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

God's in control - sure as sunrise this morning,
His mercies were fresh and new;
My heart hopes in Him - my Spirit is renewed,
His Word and promises are true.

Dark clouds may rise - trouble's winds may blow,
But my soul finds rest and sings;
For I'm safe in His Arms - I fear no alarm,
While I'm sheltering under His wings.

By mjk - 3/29/09

Because of Love!

2009-03-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

The Great I AM – the all-seeing, all-knowing, all-sufficient, all-encompassing, all-wise, all-powerful, all-majestic, all-perfection, all-holy One dwelt in a realm our human minds cannot grasp. Isaiah glimpsed it – the Throne room with angels, 24/7/365-1/4, crying, “Holy, holy, holy…the earth is full of His glory!” – the train that fills…, the incense, the fragrance, the worship, the purity, the aura, the perfection, the altar, and the coals from off the altar… (Isaiah 6) Heaven’s splendor is beyond human imagination. Yet all that God is – He laid aside and took on Himself human flesh – because of love!

The angels were created to worship and they pleased Him. But He longed for full fellowship with someone who would choose Him above all other attractions. So, He created a perfect environment and placed a perfect candidate in it – one with whom He could freely fellowship – because of love!

How He enjoyed that fellowship, those walks and talks in the cool of the day. His heart knew great joy in those days. Yet, all-knowing, all-seeing, He watched as Eve listened to the serpent and Adam joined her. He watched as they believed the lie and tore fig leaves away from their life source, making a futile covering of dead things. The rupture of the fellowship He had with Adam was more painful to Him than it was to Adam. Something had to be done to restore that fellowship and there was only one solution. (It had been planned before time.) His love constrained Him.

Webster says constrained is to compel by physical, moral, or circumstantial force; oblige.] He instituted blood covering for sin. Mankind continued wayward. Noah found grace. Abraham chose to follow freely. That choice caused God to covenant with him and his children. But weakness was deeply imbedded. God’s chosen people, Israel, also fell. Idolatry, pride and fullness of bread pulled them away from their Life Source. In their folly, they made coverings of dead things. (Isaiah 28:20; 30:1) They too, believed the lie that mankind could somehow engineer his own salvation by human means.

Sad to say, even with all these examples of what not to do, we are no different. We still listen to the lie, thinking that by our goodness or by some chance of Divine oversight or neglect, we can cruise into a relationship based on our priorities and agendas. It never ceases to amaze me how persistent He is. “For God so loved…” His love constrains Him.

Knowing full well the price reconciliation would exact, Holy God, who was all-powerful, placed Himself “in the hands of sinful men” (Luke 24:7) and because of that love, He allowed them to do with Him as they would. Beaten, mocked, spat on, tortured, crucified and buried – man did his worst. What those Roman soldiers did that day was an open acting out of what mankind has been doing all along. “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Hebrews lets us know where His priorities were. “For the joy that was set before Him – He endured the cross, despising the shame!” (Hebrews 12:2-3) Note that the joy to come was first and foremost in His mind. All the rest was something to be endured, to be considered as nothing by comparison.

Man’s mess required God’s best. His love, His desire for Heart to heart fellowship – not just here and now, but for all eternity – constrained Him to bridge the awful gulf. (Colossians 1:21-22) There was no way for us to reach to Him but He willingly bankrupted heaven to make a way out of no way… All because of love!

“Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan,
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man,
Oh, the awful gulf that God did span –
At Calvary!”

Will He Find Faith?

2009-02-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

“Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)

Most of my adult life, I relegated this Scripture to the Rapture of the church. Considering it to be a revealing glimpse of the pathos and yearning in the heart of Jesus for a group of people who would believe and have faith in Him during this last and evil generation, I pledged in prayer that He would find faith on this earth, and by that I meant in me. But I’ve seen this verse in a new light; one that expands my horizons and brings fresh excitement and enthusiasm for His wonderful plan.

When Jesus came the first time, robbing Himself in flesh and exchanging His heavenly throne for an animal’s feeding trough – He found faith. There was Mary, who stepped out onto her faith, saying, “Be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38) There was Elizabeth, who, pregnant herself, bore witness that Mary was “the mother of my Lord.” (Luke 1:43) There was Joseph, who listened to the word of the Lord and obeyed His commands to the letter. There were wise men from the east, who came seeking the newborn King. There were shepherds who believed the message of the angels and came to find the young child. There was Simeon, who believed the word of the Lord which said he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ and who had the faith to recognize Him in the temple. And there was Anna who was abiding in the temple and came to give glory and praise to God. Ah yes, when He came the first time – He found faith.

Furthermore, I have seen the church in action – I have watched the gospel message heal the broken-hearted and give sight to the blind, physically and spiritually. I have gazed in wonder at the Holy Ghost filling a life with joy, peace and His abiding presence. Every time I see or hear of a soul being baptized in His precious Name for the remission of their sins, I recognize that the seeds of faith are still alive and doing their holy work in the hearts of men all around the world. Ah yes, when He comes for His church – there will be faith on the earth.

But what about when He comes into your daily routine? What about when He passes by your pew as His Spirit moves in the sanctuary? Does He find a faith-filled response? What about when the Spirit is moving and a soul near you is reaching out to Jesus – do you allow them to struggle on alone, or are you sensitive enough to pray for and with them right then? What about when the hungry soul at school or on the job asks you a question about the Kingdom or about your faith, does He find a faith-filled response? Does your life focus all attention toward Jesus? Does your testimony ring true? Jesus cares about little children, the lost, the grieving, widows and orphans, the destitute, the lonely. Is your compassion like His compassion? Are your hands an extension of His hands?

I submit to you that He doesn’t only come on special occasions, like Christmas or the Rapture. He comes every day, in multiple ways – and He is always seeking a faith-filled response!

Abraham was called the father of the faithful because he stepped out of his routine and into the realm of promise. Mary’s faith was demonstrated by her submission to the Word. Simeon’s faith was revealed by his watchfulness. In each case, He came… Oh, may we hear His heart’s cry! When He comes to your earth [situation] will He find faith?

By Marjorie Kinnee

Things That Last

2009-02-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

What would you give for something that lasts
A hundred years or more?
Does it measure in multiplied dollars and cents?
Or in bank accounts by the score?

What would you give for the trust of a child?
Can you buy it with trinkets rare?
How do you restore it once it is gone?
Can you carry it here and there?

What of the love of your husband, your friend?
As he goes through his day, when it’s through?
Is your home a haven of comfort and peace?
Can his heart safely trust in you?

What of the trust of the wife of your life?
Can she sail with a calm, serene mind?
Are you courageous and bold? or blustery and cold?
Do your children lag far behind?

And what of the souls you pass every day?
Their lives are so barren and bleak:
Lost, without God, they long for the Light
You enjoy every day of the week.

Moment by moment, day by day,
Life’s sand slips through the glass;
Weeks turn to months and months into years,
We learn that life comes – to pass.

Think of the things that you can pass on,
When your life here on earth is complete;
Their worth is counted – soul by soul,
And laid at the Master’s feet.

What will you invest in what you’ve been given?
That’s the reason behind this small rhyme;
Is it gaudy and cheap? Or crafted to keep?
Will your workmanship pass the test of time?

By Marjorie Kinnee

Christmas - 2008

2008-12-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

The recipe for the year just spent,
Was bound together with kindly consent.
Holding measures of joy, and a measure of fear,
Spiced with laughter and a measure of tears.

There were pieces of chocolate – dark and bitter,
Mixed in with moments of sugary glitter.
Blended together, the bitter and sweet,
Make memory’s contribution complete.

Momentous moments in seconds of time,
Shared smiles and tears on an upward climb;
Each man’s outcome so clearly his own,
Yet each man’s progress is commonly known.

The future is out there
Its course has been staked.
But to us at this point,
It’s a cake not yet baked.

For the ingredient list of a human life,
Goes on and on through sorrow and strife;
Years of loss and years of gain,
Follow years of joy and years of pain.

We sum each year by a critical moment,
It’s crystallized, characterized, set up to foment;
"1998! – how well I remember,
That’s when my grandson was born in November!"

We toss in ingredients with scarcely a thought,
An unkind word, an opinion unsought;
And thus we assemble our life’s recipe,
Rarely taking account what the outcome will be.

Too soon, we give up and flee the fight,
When victory’s crown is almost in sight.
Too easy, we’re swayed by popular opinion,
And find ourselves caught in the enemy’s dominion.

But just ahead the oven’s fire
Will test the ingredients we acquire.
The proof’s in the final product, you see,
What we put in will last for eternity.

Christmas – 2008
Marjorie J. Kinnee

Cubism... in a Round World

2008-11-07T15:59:00.000-08:00

God has always made a practice of calling people out of the present world and its system and showing them a new and better way – one that leads to everlasting life. But His order and purpose runs counter to human wisdom. His perspective is the whole. He knows the end from the beginning. He works, shapes, molds and creates. He doesn’t fit into human molds. His Kingdom is not of this world. His promises include a future where He will be King of kings and Lord of lords. He has prepared a place – a city foursquare, where there is no night, no sun, no sickness, death, sorrow or pain, no sin, and where the riches of this earth are mere paving stones and building blocks.

This world is in a constant struggle to conform, to press, to force, to extrude your soul into their ideals, through their molds, and into their image. Their image is round, easily diffused. It morphs readily into ever lower forms, its tendency is to seek its lowest level. Blur any thought of breaking out of the mold. Hold the soul hostage to addictions, chains of habit, guilt, shame, traditions of men, and popular opinion. When all else fails, promote procrastination, second guessing and wavering. These are as effective as any physical lock in keeping one running in circles. Just as the physical world is round, so the flesh’s one thought is to conform to its dusty origins... circular, round and round, ever spiraling downward.

On the other hand – that which is born of the Spirit is transformed – into the image of His dear Son. It becomes a new creature. Old things pass away. Behold! All things become new! Now comes a clean slate, a new and lively hope, a new man, a new life, a new future. Called out of darkness, into marvelous light, free from the chains of sin, empowered to live a life of victory and to overcome this present world and all its shimmering illusions. This new man begins to realize he no longer fits into his old life. What you’ve found is worth way more than mere coin of the realm which is round like the world from which it comes. Life takes on new, heavenly shape; prune, purge, crucify – as the old gives way to a new dimension. What He is cutting away would interfere with your fit in the place He has prepared. Everything is different there – different weather, different economy, different shape, different dynamic – nothing of the old rules, the old mindset, the old life carries forward into that City built foursquare.

What’s more, your old life is also aware of the change. Old friends exert pressure. "You’ve changed!" they complain, "You’ve become so square, I don’t know you any more. Come on, loosen up a little!" What you need to know is that it’s a test. They want to know if you’re for real. God wants to help you firm up your confidence and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’ve traded temporary, ephemeral, shadowy things for a substantial foundation and a sure footing – shifting sand for the Rock of Ages – hope in this life only for an everlasting, eternal, lively hope; one that anchors you to that Rock, which is Christ Jesus. He has called you out of a world headed for destruction and given you a new home, a new life, new goals, new purpose, a new way of thinking and living. He’s preparing you for the place He’s already prepared for you! His promise is that He will be with you always and assured you that He has already overcome the world. He also gives you the strength you’ll need so you can overcome it too. Nothing has been left to chance. You can make it... you have His Word on it!

Catch a glimpse of the promise on the horizon. The transformation is taking place even now. You are growing into the image of His resurrection. Just as earthly bonds could not hold Him, so bars of bone will not be able to hold your soul. Very soon now, the trump of God will sound and "the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord!" (I Thessalonians 4:16-17) "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!" (I John 3:2)

"And the City [our destination] lieth foursquare..."
(See Revelation 21:10-22:5.)

Incendiary Remarks

2008-09-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

Washington Post Political Cartoon

September 9, 2008

Incendiary remarks stir up strife and focus negative attention on people of faith and obedience.

See link:

http://wpcomics.washingtonpost.com/client/wpc/po/2008/09/09/

This cartoon is highly offensive to Pentecostals everywhere. It brought quick letters of protest to the Post and has garnered a generally negative response by people of faith everywhere. I've heard that a number of letters have been directed to the editor. But in checking the Washington Post website this morning, I found these letters of protest had not been posted. Instead, only e-mailed comments supporting Mr. Oliphant were on display. But as I thought on all these things, the following Scriptures came to mind...

"But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used." (Hebrews 10:32-33)
"Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be [treated] as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth but for the truth." (II Corinthians 13:7-8)
"Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets." (Luke 6:22-23)
"So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompence tribulation to them which trouble you." (II Thessalonians 1:4-6)
"For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lust, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: who shall give account to Him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead." (I Peter 4:3-5)
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit and glory of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified." (I Peter 4:12-14)
"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good..." (Genesis 50:20)
"In every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18)
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)

I am not a fatalist, nor am I passive. But we need to exercise caution, to take heed that our response to persecution of any sort is measured and seasoned with the very Spirit of the One they mock and deride. We dare not retaliate in kind or bring railing accusation. This would put us squarely in the place where angels fear to tread.

We proclaim that our trust is in the Lord Jesus. We declare He is God all by Himself. Building on these two premises - my conclusion is... He is well able to defend Himself.

In this cartoon, Mr. Oliphant has not lampooned an individual, (as he may think,) he has mocked the Spirit of God. In matters public and private, wherever and whenever great wrong has been done, God has declared, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay."

I submit to you today, that even though Mr. Oliphant's cartoon is egregious and offensive, and even though it focuses negative attention upon Pentecostals as whole, it just may be that what Mr. Oliphant intended as mockery and ridicule will turn again and bring great good! Whatever the outcome, God is well able to take care of mockers and we can trust Him to protect His church and prosper the truth.

Therefore, if men are going to call us into question as was done in the book of Acts, let us respond with an Acts-inspired holy boldness!

"And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy Word, By stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the Name of Thy Holy Child Jesus."' (Acts 4:29-30)
"But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets." (Acts 24:14)

We are the people of the Name. We claim to be thoroughly Apostolic in belief, practice and teaching. That means we take our cues from the patterns set forth in the book of Acts...

We pray for holy boldness; we rejoice when counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name's sake; we fight not against flesh and blood but against rulers and principalities, against spiritual wickedness in high places; the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to the pulling down of strongholds; our minds and our thoughts have been renewed and transformed by the very power Mr. Oliphant mocks; we are clothed in the whole armor of God.

Our method of counterattack is not one of railing accusation, it is the Lord who raises the standard against the onslaught. When His Name, His glory, His Spirit comes into the fray - He will defend and make it abundantly clear not only Who He is, but also the difficulty inherent in "kicking against the pricks."

I feel more than a little sorry for this man - he must not know Jesus. If he did he would not treat the Holy Spirit of God with such disdain, nor would he presume to put words in the mouth of the Almighty. As it is, if he does not seek and find a place of repentance, it might be wise not to be anywhere in the vicinity of Mr. Oliphant.

Then again, who knows? At the moment it is almost the unthinkable considering his track record, but Mr. Pat Oliphant just might be about to have a Damascus Road experience. It wouldn't be the first time an enemy of Christ was transformed into a bold defender of the Truth. Just think, even now the Lord may be preparing some presently unknown Ananias to show him what he ought to do...

Is anything too hard for God?

A Prayer For the Man of God

2008-08-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

Oh Lord, I am a sheep of Thy fold,
Safely placed in a shepherd's care;
A man of God watches for my soul,
Driving vultures, fighting lion and bear.

Grant him wisdom and strength to lead the flock.
May his heart beat in tune with Yours,
As he prays and preaches, guides and teaches,
Doing endless ministerial chores.

May his enemies be scattered.
Reward unseen faithfulness and gallantry.
As he watches - watch over him.
Guard his family and his ministry.

For we, who are sheep, are unaware,
Of all that our shepherd goes through,
In keeping, and guarding, and feeding the flock,
Until all come home safely to You.

As he gives - Dear Lord, fill his measure again,
Grant him patience and mercy and grace,
Keep Your hand on this man who carries out Your plan,
May his heart sense the smile on Your face.

~ MJKinnee

Selling Your Inheritance

2008-07-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Last week, I learned that the estate of my girlhood Sunday School teacher was being sold. Through the years she had also became my friend and a mentor who always had time to discuss the things of God. So, hoping to find a memento or keepsake, I made my way to her home. The family was nowhere around. An estate sale firm was managing everything, cars filled the driveway and street.

Everywhere, people were searching through the house and garage; opening drawers, rooting through cupboards, cabinets and bookshelves, and climbing to the topmost closet shelves. If they were children, you’d have said they were snooping. One lady carted off a box of vintage patterns. (I later learned she’d sell them on the internet.) A man had a big box of electrical wiring items, still in the packages. Another woman snapped up an exercise machine. Someone else wanted her garbage cans. Everyone was finding bargains!

With a set of four new handkerchiefs, several greeting cards, (my friend’s tastes were similar to mine,) a piece of cookware to match and complete my set, a flour sifter, an original copy of "The Phenomenon of Pentecost" by Frank Ewart; I headed back through the living room with my "finds" to check out.

No, wait! There on a shelf was a pile of music I’d missed… and a complete set of choir books from the church I grew up in! I could not believe the family had bypassed this trove! Not only did it have sentimental value, but I’ve often heard how difficult it is to find a complete set of the songs our choir sang. This collection spanned twenty five years at least – from the late thirties until the early sixties. No one was paying any attention, but my heart was full. I approached the checkout lady wondering what she would charge. When the price was set at 50 cents a piece, I paid them and hurried my stuff to the car before they could change their minds...

Then sat there a while with thoughts springing up, like Jack’s beanstalk seeds... All the things my friend deemed important, the accumulations of a lifetime, yet she no longer needed them. First, they’d been sorted through by family, then pawed through by strangers in a three-day estate sale. What would happen to the residue, I do not know, but it spoke volumes about what we think is important versus what really matters.

As I leafed through the three books of choir songs, childhood memories rolled as if on a screen; the power of God filling the sanctuary with a visible, blue-ish, smoke-like haze, faithful saints (long gone to their reward,) with hands raised and glory shining from their faces, Bro. Drummond’s broken leg healed right before my eyes, Spirit saturated services making the rafters ring with worship and praise, Bro. N.J. Bibbs (from Indiana) preaching, "Where Will Eternity Find You?" the night I was baptized, the sight of hundreds of white hankies waving in the air as we sang, "In the New Jeruaslem," Sis. Helen Anderson singing, "You Must Be Born Again!", and Bro. Andy Campbell singing the lead-in song for the Sunday afternoon radio broadcast, "Pentecostal Fire is Falling!" with the announcer’s voice over, "Christ Tabernacle Church in beautiful Royal Oak, Michigan is on the air!" Vignettes of a godly heritage and its eternal significance brought tears of thanksgiving and worship.

Then came a question: Is this Truth up for sale in your estimation? What price do you place on the treasure of a clean conscience and sins covered under the Blood of Jesus? Do you appreciate the sacrifices that gave you this golden opportunity? If you do not, someone else will perceive their worth and cart them away. Their gain – your loss... but what a loss! In the company of Esau, Demas, and the foolish virgins, there will be an eternity to remember and regret.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus spoke of "treasure hidden in a field" and "a pearl of great price." A good look at Jesus makes the things of earth lose their luster. To one who perceives His value, no price is too costly, no sacrifice too dear. Ask Abraham, ask Moses, ask Paul, ask the unnamed saints of whom it was said, the "world was not worthy." (Hebrews 11:32-40) The value you place on eternal things determines the value you'll place on anything else.

Shared Sorrow...

2008-07-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

A "Hmm..." moment regarding recent disasters around the globe.

China doesn’t want workers, just money and machinery. Politicians assure everyone that they are doing everything they can; complete with photo-ops, hugs and televised speeches, but the magnitude of the earthquake and the sheer quantities of victims stagger the mind and belie the words. Exhausted relief workers sit by the sides of roads trying to catch their breath before heading on into more carnage. People, too afraid to sleep in buildings, choose to sleep on the ground out in the open as the earth continues to rumble beneath their feet. The media is filled with images of parents weeping over their dead children. For many, it’s their only child, (due to governmental birth control regulations). Mothers Day just past, the photos are a striking reminder that life is fragile and tragedy can transform a normal day into continual temblors of grief. Face after face, each one different, yet each one sharing a common denominator, sorrow. So many faces, so much distress, it numbs the mind... and the numbers keep climbing.

The rulers of Myanmar (Burma) claim they don’t need help. Ask the Burmese people whether they need help as thousands swell the cyclone’s toll. Yet with frustrated hand-wringing and "for shaming," the world sits on the sidelines, plane and boatloads of help at the ready, waiting for permission to enter, while millions huddle in misery out in the open or in temporary shelters, enduring heat and the stench of dead bodies all across the landscape. Disease opens her mouth to swallow the residue. Under pouring rain and sodden skies, with the threat of a second cyclone looming, they sit exposed and defenseless, an unwilling sacrifice to implacable gods. Their leaders spirit away the trickle of relief they allow into the country, while doling out rotten rice to a fraction of those who so desperately need nourishing food. Words from long ago echo across time, "Is it nothing to you, all ye who pass by?"

Throughout, there have been reports of bravery, courage and selflessness. It is right and proper that such be recognized, but when and wherever these stories are told, you can be sure there is an even greater number of unsung heroes. And in their lives and actions the world sees the truth of the words, "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend."

Thus it is that in the midst of horrendous suffering and chaos, the gold in the human spirit gleams brightest. Spurred on by inner strength beyond their own, they plunge forward into the unknown intent on saving, helping, rescuing, doing what they can to bring hope and light into troublesome times and events. It was this spirit that sent the NY firemen into the World Trade Towers. It was this spirit that sent one lone man in his own boat into the flood waters of Katrina's aftermath to rescue hundreds who were stranded on rooftops and upper floors. It was this spirit that urged the good Samaritan to forget about his own safety and minister to the needs of the wounded man laying by the side of the road. We are not given his name, just his nationality. But he not only ministered on the spot, he also put himself out to take the wounded man to further help and provided for the man’s continued care when duty called him on. That Samaritan’s actions became an illustrated sermon in answer to the question, "Who is my neighbor?"

"Love your neighbor as yourself" – strong words, convicting words, words to remember, but not only in times of tragedy. The hardest part of loving your neighbor as yourself is constancy – becoming the illustrated sermon throughout your life. One thing is sure. Those who make a practice of caring and sharing in the lives of others and who consider others’ needs ahead of their own are legitimate heroes in anyone’s book. When it comes to character – the man or woman, boy or girl who fleshes out this commandment day in and day out far surpasses the shallow, self-centered attention grabbers of this world. And in the end, when we all give an account, this kind of gold, where’re it may be found, can stand the closest of inspections.

2008-06-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord!

Amen!

Hallelujah!

All Power, Glory and Majesty belong to You, O God!
You alone are worthy – Your grace is shed abroad;
You’re good, O Lord, and great – and greatly to be praised.
While gazing on Your mighty works so wondrous, I’m amazed!

I watch the eagle soar, hear the wind and the sparrow sing,
I hold the hand of a tiny child; breathe in the air of spring.
I watch in awe as a sinner, bound, repents and is baptized,
In Jesus’ Name, he finds new life as Your Spirit moves inside.

He speaks and acts and thinks in ways he never thought before,
He walks and talks – a whole new life – with pleasures evermore.
But best of all this change is not to here and now confined,
Oh No! this joy’s eternal – Your Life and his – entwined!

While gazing on Your mighty works so wondrous, I'm amazed!
You're good, O Lord, and great - and greatly to be praised.
You alone are worthy - Your grace is shed abroad:
All Power, Glory and Majesty belong to You, O God!

Hallelujah!

Amen!

Praise the Lord!

~ by mjkinnee

Note:

Composed this today in response to a devotional exhortation,

entitled, "Praise the Lord!", written yesterday, June 18, 2008,

by Rev. Rufus Parker, UPCI Missionary to Okinawa.

2008-05-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

The Blessings of the Lord!

"The blessings of the Lord

Are new every day;

He addeth no sorrow,

Only takes it a-way!"

I'm in Jacksonville, Florida over the Memorial Day holiday...

Visiting with my grandchildren is always a joy. Right now, there are two little girls hiding under blankets as I type. They're playing turtle. One tells me turtles have hard shells and the other says that the shell is like a house they carry around. They peak out from under their blankets and say "Hello!" every so often and crawl down the hall and back discussing turtledom in the most fanciful of ways. Their sweet little voices fade as they head into their room to play awhile.

When they weary of that, the blankets become royal robes and the princesses settle in for tea. Lillie and Skittles (the cats) get drawn into the play - but they do not linger long. It seems cats don't want to play royalty (maybe to a cat's mind, they're already royal enough).

One is away at school, the rest are on the road coming from Virginia and will be here later today; and in the midst of the preparations, I'm taking time to reflect on the blessings of grandchildren who love Jesus, who quote and sing Bible verses, and who make my heart sing with thanksgiving at the goodness and mercy of the Lord.

"The mercies of the Lord

are new every day;

He addeth no sorrow,

Only takes it a-way!"

2008-04-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

According to the Pattern

By faith, Noah, being warned of God,

saved his family;

He moved with fear, prepared the ark,

"For see that you build it," saith He...

"according to the pattern."

The priests of old served before the Lord,

as shadows of the heavenly;

Their tabernacle plan was ordained of God,

"For see that you make it," saith He...

"according to the pattern."

And when the Day of Pentecost was fully come,

A Holy Wind blew mightily;

As Peter preached the Word, anointed by God,

"See that you preach it," saith He...

"according to the pattern."

From age to age, through ebb and flow,

From sea to shining sea;

When e'er a heart opens to make Him a home,

"O see that you make it," saith He...

"according to the pattern!"

~ mjkinnee ~

2008-04-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

A Prayer for My Family . . .
(And Your Family Too!)

Dear Jesus,

Please help, strengthen and protect our little ones!
We live in an evil, wicked and perverse generation
Which desires to ensnare men, women, boys and girls.
No one is exempt.
This world works hand in hand with the enemy of our souls
To try to thwart Your plan and purpose for our lives.

Help us to to know the truth of the verse...
"Greater is He that is in me,
Than he that is in the world."
Help us to seek after You
With all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Fill us with Your power from on high.

Thank You for Your Holy Spirit,
Which gives us the power to live a victorious life
In this present world.

Guide our footsteps, make us to walk in Your ways.
Keep our minds and hearts pure and vigilant.
Help us to study and know and love Your Word,
To believe and live by its precious promises.
Help us to teach it faithfully to our little ones;
To take delight in it and it's teachings,
And to hide it in each and every heart,
That we might not sin against Thee.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

2008-04-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

Where is Your Faith?
[Inspired by a message by Sis. Connie Shepherd of Doniphan, Missouri.]

You’re in a violent storm. The shoreline is obliterated by the wind-driven deluge. Towering waves swamp your little boat and threaten your life. All your previous experience is no match for this foe, Herculean strength can’t bail fast enough. Fear rises in your throat like bile.

Look again! Do you see it? There’s a light in the distance. You rub your eyes and wonder, “Am I seeing things?” But no! It is there – and it’s coming closer. Your boat heaves and lurches but your eyes are riveted on that approaching light. You nudge the one next to you when you realize it’s not something – it’s someone! Then you recognize Jesus! He’s walking on the waves toward you!

His voice comes clear above the roar of the storm, “Fear not!”

“Oh Lord, is it really You?” your voice quivers.

And His reply is reassuring, “It is I.”

“If it’s really You, bid me come to You.” The words tumble out without forethought. Your mind can’t believe what you’ve just said.

Jesus speaks only one word – “Come!”

As if in a dream, you step out of the tossing boat and onto the surface of the stormy sea. One foot, then the other… step, step, step. “Wow!” you think, “Look what I’m doing!” You glance around, “Is this real?” You see the waves, the wind-driven rain, the depth of the darkness, the peril you’re in. All of a sudden, you think again, “Look what I’m doing!” and, “This is impossible!” In that moment your body begins to sink. Panic stricken, you cry out, “Lord, save me!”

Just that quick, He reaches out and takes you by the hand. You and He continue toward the still tossing boat. “Oh Peter,” He sighs, “where is your faith?”

As you both step into the boat, the howling wind abruptly ceases and the clouds dissipate. The moon shines a silvery path; stars are mirrored on the face of the now calm water. Lights twinkle on the shoreline and peace reigns.

You turn and bow low in awed worship, “Truly, You are the Son of God!”

Fast forward… Today’s headlines tout doom, gloom and despair. Mega-global financial problems feed a seething pot of political unrest and perplexity. Rampaging weather, raging seas, earthquake, fire and flood bring upheaval, death and destruction. New disconcerting stories surface every day. Homes are at risk, financial hopes evaporate, unseen forces threaten your health. Children face unbelievable pressures now and a bleak tomorrow. You feel overwhelmed and helpless in the face of it all.

But an important lesson is crystallized in the words, “Where is your faith?” If it is in your own strength or in the things of this world, it’s misplaced – for all these are destined to perish, either with the using or in the storms that assail.

Two kinds of faith co-exist – negative and positive. Both are powerful, both speak to outlooks and outcomes.

Hitler’s negative faith-filled utterances deceived many and brought unspeakable horror, World War and devastation.

David’s positive faith-filled words defeated Goliath and exalted God in the face of fear and unbelief. And the faith-filled words of the three Hebrew children honored God’s commands above those of an angry earthly king. As a result, God honored their faith.

Young David's victory put the entire Philistine army to flight. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walked out of the fiery furnace unharmed, without even the smell of smoke. Each was a living testimony to the kind of faith God blesses.

Life brings many kinds of storms. Some are Goliaths, others are angry kings and/or fiery furnaces. The question is, where is your faith? At what are you looking? The words you speak into your situation are powerful. If you take your eyes off Jesus and place them anywhere else, negative faith will drown you.

But when your faith and your words focus on God’s Word and His promise, victory is assured. Whether the storm ceases or not, over HIM the storm and the waves have no power. With HIM you will walk on the stormy waves in perfect peace!

2008-03-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

For Adam & Eve & Their Posterity...
(A Limerick by mjk)

"Ignorance is bliss" is what they say,
And when there's no knowledge, it's true;
But the instant you learn,
You have to discern,
Right or wrong's now the choice for you.

2008-03-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

You Must Be Born Again!

In John, chapter 3, Nicodemus, the Jewish ruler, came to Jesus by night to ask some questions. Jesus went right to the heart of the matter, saying, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

Nicodemus was confused, thinking, “It’s impossible to re-enter my mother's womb and be born again!” But Jesus was not talking about a natural birth. He said it again. “Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, you must be born again.” (John 3:5-7)

The deepest, most profound truths are contained in the Bible. Often, they are tucked away in simpler messages, but every word is carefully chosen. When God is speaking, we need to understand exactly what He is saying. The Word of God (the Bible) is eternal and that means forever. (Psalm 118:89) We cannot afford to make a mistake. For a mistake in understanding and in obeying the Word of God is a mistake for eternity.

Jesus used the simple, easy to understand illustration of the birth of a baby to explain the importance of truly being born again. At the birth of a baby, the water in which he has been immersed for nine months gives way for him to enter into the world. However, it is not a “live birth” until that first breath of life enters his lungs. We hear him cry out as he draws that first breath and rejoice. Here’s the underlying truth. Nicodemus needed to know (and so do we,) that just as both water and spirit must be present in natural birth, so both water, (baptism in Jesus' Name by immersion,) and the Spirit (receiving the Holy Ghost - evidenced by speaking in other tongues - crying out) must be present in the New Birth experience. (See Acts 2:38; 8:15-17; 10:44-48; 19:1-7.)

The Apostle Paul explained the New Birth experience as being identified with what Christ accomplished at Calvary. (See Romans 6:1-5.) He described salvation’s three key components; the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

First, Jesus died. He who had no sin, took your sins, my sins, the sins of all mankind upon Himself. This was not an easy thing. It involved intense sorrow and suffering. And He did it all “while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8) “He endured the cross, despising the shame - for the joy that was set before Him.” (Hebrews 12:2) He suffered willingly, knowing that by doing so He was making a way for us to live with Him throughout eternity. He loved us that much! In repentance, we forsake (“die to”) sin; we “nail” our sins to His cross. This is not something we do lightly. It is important that we understand how much He loved us when He gave Himself for us. True godly sorrow for our sins works godly repentance.

Second, Jesus was buried. Sorrowful, grieving disciples took His body down from the cross and laid it in a borrowed tomb. All the sins He bore while hanging on that tree, were buried with Him and for three days and nights His body lay in that tomb. In baptism in Jesus' Name, we are buried with Him. Our old sinful nature is covered with His blood and our sins are remitted. The price is paid, sin's penalty is dealt with and we come up out of the water as a new creature in Christ Jesus - clean and ready to be transformed into His image. But it doesn’t stop there. Remember, the New Birth is both water and Spirit...

Third, like as Christ was raised up from the dead, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Resurrection power is at work in us as the Holy Spirit fills us from the inside. It wells up like rivers of living water (John 7:38-39) and flows out of our innermost being. Like newborn babies, we too cry out, speaking in the language of our heavenly home (Galatians 4:6). And like in the natural birth process, the Bible tells us all heaven joins with us in celebrating and rejoicing (Luke 15:7).

The prophet Joel spoke, saying, “In the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh... and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy... and it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:16-21) It’s important to be sure about your salvation. In order to enter into the Kingdom of God and be part of the New Testament church...

You must be born again!

2008-01-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

Protecting the Harvest

An uneasy restlessness grips me

Finding no simple solutions, I begin to probe deeper,

Touching tender places, bruised and sore,

Seeking the core, the roots.

On my knees, I crouch low,

The hot sun scorches my back,

And I sweat in the heat.

It's hard work;

Work I'd rather leave for a more convenient season,

When the sun's rays weren't so hot,

And the soil was softened by rain.

But the angle of the sun tells me

I haven't much time.

So I poke and sift, pinching off insects;

Driving away the pesky birds and bunnies

That would harm my harvest.

My heart is cheered when I pause...

And realize that The Lord of the Harvest

Is working close by.

~ By Marjorie Kinnee

2008-01-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

Commitment

I've counted the cost.
It's worth it all.
The price I'm going to pay.
I've made up my mind,
To reach my goal,
And to hear my Master say;
"Well done! My good and faithful child,
Your race is finally run.
Come! Enter in! My joy is yours,
And it's only just begun!"

And when I look back,
At commitments I've made,
In the light of eternity's shore;
There'll be no regrets - just a gladsome heart,
And the wish I'd committed more...

And the wish I'd committed more.

- MJKinnee

2007-12-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

With an Eye on Jerusalem...

As many of you know, I've spent a number of years studying and observing what's happening among the Jews. Each Sunday and Wednesday as I travel to and from church, I pass a conservative Jewish synagogue and a Torah Studies facility located right across the street. I'm intrigued by those making their way on foot to and from various meetings. Fathers and sons, old men and young, young preteen girls, and mothers and fathers with baby strollers; they converge from all directions.

Some walk alone, seemingly deep in thought, others are deep in conversation with hands gesturing. None of them seem to notice that I'm noticing. By and large, the men are dressed in black suits, the women and girls are dressed modestly, many carry books and/or tablets. I've indulged in a lot of wondering as I've watched over time. The synagogue is not huge, but a steady stream of men and women, boys and girls make their way there each week. The Torah Studies building is a converted house, but the parking lot is full of cars as Jewish men actively pursue their studies.

I own a fair-sized number of Judaica-related books and have read the writings of many of their orthodox and conservative rabbis. In addition, I keep an eye on an internet site which relates to this portion of Judaism. I read articles and study material as I come across them, particularly as I find some link to Scriptural teaching. Here's the picture I see coming together...

2007 marks 40 years since the Jews took possession of Jerusalem in 1967's 6-day war. This "posession" of Jerusalem initiated a notable surge in interest in the Torah and the God of their fathers and in what He has to say about all these things.
A general move among the Jews to return to their roots emerged. Study centers like the one I've described have sprung up in many metropolitan areas. With a sense of urgency, Jewish men in particular, who have in the past been at best, secular, and at worst, outright non-believers, are coming together and studying the Torah. Often, when I travel back home after church on Wednesdays, there are still cars in the parking lot as Jewish men from my area dig into these things.
I'm seeing a greater awareness of spiritual matters. Previously agnostic or athieistic Jews are coming to a sense of God's presence in the world in general and in their lives in particular. Even observant Jews are deepening their commitments and seeking to understand in a greater way.
Many Jews are more willing to openly discuss these matters among themselves and with others. This leads to teaching opportunities; rabbi to congregation, father to son, mother to daughter, and one on one.
Not only are they discussing them in conversation - but there is a corresponding rise in written material as former doubters express wonder at how God is making Himself known, "though He be not far from every one of us."
As the Jews investigate their heritage and wrestle with the thorny issues surrounding the nation of Israel, the city of Jerusalem, the Temple, and so forth - they become intrigued by a sense of what they feel God is doing in their midst. With that intrigue comes a hunger to know more. Even secular Jews consider this rising tide of spirituality a force to be reckoned with and tread lightly where their road and this tide converge.
Archeological digs and excavations under the Wailing Wall and it's environs breathe a sense of excitement and anticipation as they discover new routes leading them ever closer to the truth we all know awaits when their "blindness in part" is lifted.

For some, that "blindness in part" has already lifted and they have embraced a life of fulfillment like none they ever before imagined. For many others the journey is just beginning. In all these things we see that we are living in wondrous' times. That God is at work is evident, that His plan and purpose, which was foreordained before the world began, is on time and on target.

2008 is fast upon us and with it more and greater evidence of the kindness and forebearance of the Lord - Who "is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance!"

Sources: www.aish.com This website is full of information. Investigate and enjoy. Links to specific articles are listed below. Note - Be sure to follow the complete tunnel tour for a wonderful surprise as you come to the exit!
http://www.aish.com/seminars/tunneltours/
http://www.aish.com/spirituality/prayer/A_Relationship_with_God.asp
http://www.aish.com/spirituality/growth/The_Good_Bed.asp

2007-12-04T05:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas ~ 2007

Something about Thanksgiving Day
Starts the holiday season in a proper way,
Caring and sharing time with a friend;
As family and loved ones gather again.

Our hearts reminisce, we sigh and we smile,
Then wander down memory lane for a while.
We’re setting the tone and picking up the pace,
We’re dreaming of joy shining from each face.

Yet the plans we make soon take over our life,
We frown when they turn into trouble and strife.
Our intentions are good, we start off fine;
How quickly we find we’re off track down the line,

And consumed with our lists, the tinsel and glitter,
Our distracted hearts grow weary and bitter.
But the season was born, not to celebrate self,
Or withdraw from the world and sit on a shelf.

It was born in a heart that was so full of love,
It thought nothing of bankrupting heaven above,
Of reaching and giving the best of the best;
It gave without measure, it did not grow stressed.

When rejected, mistreated and scornfully used,
This love looked beyond and was never confused.
For love like this is the noblest kind;
Bringing healing for heart, soul, body and mind.

It’s the example and pattern – the way we should be,
The model that everyone wishes to see.
It’s love that is selfless, honest and true,
It’s love that spares nothing, makes everything new.

This love’s not the kind that makes hearts pitter-pat,
Oh no! This love’s much deeper than that.
It reaches down to the lowest hell,
It draws and it woos, it continues to swell…

Changing, transforming, creating anew,
Bringing beauty out of a life that’s askew.
Keeping no record of wrongs that were done,
Rejoicing in all of the good that’s begun.

It plans no ill, no evil, no sorrow.
It concerns itself with a better tomorrow.
Such love’s worth the cost, it’s far beyond price.
To gain it, sell all – don’t even think twice.

This year is waning, the days fly so fast –
Too soon it will be a part of the past.
And what have we done with the time we were given?
Have we lightened a load? or just eked out a livin’?

Can a friend or a child look at you and say…?
“Thank you so much, you made my day!”
Can a stranger walk tall, feel thankful and proud,
As your kindness stands out from the madding crowd?

Little deeds done in the course of each day,
Become rays of light when clouds are gray.
They’re like flowers that bloom in the light of the sun,
Spreading joy and cheer to everyone;

Or pebbles that lie at the bottom of a brook,
Calling out to the traveler, “Come, take a look!”
Like the smiling face of a trusting child;
It beckons and blesses, it’s tender and mild.

It’s the sum, the total when the day is through –
That says, “what kind of man or woman are you?”
A giver? A taker? A person who cares?
Do you think of the load someone else has to bear?

Can neighbors look at you, see a kindly mien?
Do you face life’s struggles with a peace serene?
For the heart at peace with God and man –
Is a heart that every gulf can span

“Peace on earth – good will to men”
Iis not just a mantra or a wistful yen
It’s a plan and a purpose – all encompassing, good,
One that needs to be fully understood.

It begins with a heart that’s full of Thanksgiving;
That seeks for a higher standard of living.
It’s fulfilled when we join with the heavenly choir
In making God’s will our heart’s chief desire.

- MJKinnee

2007-11-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Back in my grade school music class, I remember singing songs from the early days of this country. We rarely hear them nowadays. In fact, I'd venture to say many have never heard them. But I think they're worth remembering and have much to say to this generation. Perhaps you'd like to add them to your holiday reflections...

We Gather Together

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known;

The wicked oppressing - now cease from distressing,

His Name be ever praised - He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,

Ordaining maintaining His Kingdom divine;

So from the beginning the fight we were winning;

Thou, Lord, wast at our side, All glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, our Leader triumphant,

And pray that Thou still our Defender wilt be;

Let Thy congregation escape tribulation,

Thy Name be ever praised, O Lord, make us free!

Come Ye Thankful People Come

Come ye thankful people come, raise the song of harvest home.

All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin;

God our Maker doth provide, for our wants to be supplied,

Come ye thankful people come, raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God's own field, fruit as praise to God we yield,

Wheat and tares together sown, are to joy or sorrow grown;

First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear,

Lord of Harvest, grant that we, wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take the harvest home,

From the field shall in that day, all offenses purge away;

Giving angels charge at last, in the fire the tares to cast,

But the fruitful ears to store - in the garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home,

Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin;

There, forever purified, in Thy presence to abide,

Come, with all Thine angels, come, raise the glorious harvest home!

As I ponder on these words, I realize again that life does not consist in the abundance of the "things" we possess. All these perish with the using. We brought nothing with us and can take nothing with us when we leave. Often, the things we express our thanks for on Thanksgiving Day are the tangible things that soon lose their charm. No wonder Jim Elliott said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Jesus said the real treasure is hidden - in earth and in earthen vessels. He wasn't talking about squirreling jewels away in dirt and pottery. The kind of earth He had in mind is man, who was made from the dust of the earth. Jesus' treasure is not stashed in a bank vault or flaunted as a prized possession. It can't be bought or sold on the stock exchange. No, the treasure Jesus recommends is laid up where moth and rust cannot corrupt and where thieves cannot break through and steal. It's the priceless knowledge that your name has been written in the Lamb's Book of Life. It's in knowing that He is able to keep what you have committed unto Him until the day of His appearing.

Set your affections on the only worthwhile treasure - a heart full of peace and joy - one that's prepared to seek and see God. That's a cause for true Thanksgiving!

2007-09-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Clothesline . . .

There was something to be said about the clothesline of yesteryear. It was an incentive to making sure one had bleached and cleaned wash loads as well as possible – because your laundry was on display and you were too! It whipped in the wind like flags in a stiff breeze. Sheets and large items were hung on the outside lines, the inner lines were reserved for personal items. Your neighbors and even passers-by could and would form a positive or negative opinion based on the things you hung out and the way you hung them on the line.

The internet provides a place for aired laundry of a different sort... it has become a modern day Mars Hill or Speakers Corner. As it was back then, so it is today. Many don’t care what they hang out for all to see. That's why you see and hear so much of the snivel and the whine and the bitter vetch aired there.

Many seek a voice and the internet provides a platform without parameters or governance – anything goes. Each man does what’s right in his own eyes. It’s a whole new world out there. Caution and discretion can be flung to the four winds. What once was only done in secret is now hung out like so much dirty laundry for public display. Vicious arguments, language that reveals a mindset steeped in the gutter, photos and video clips displaying a penchant for notoriety in milder forms, and real and implied depravity at worst, fictitious "biographical" material, and a willingness to hold any and everything sacred up for ridicule – this kind of laundry is readily available on the internet – MySpace, FaceBook, and YouTube are just some of the purveyors.

From the outset, it seemed wise to stay away from chat rooms and such. The amount of time they consume was unconscionable. Subsequent revelations have made them seem even less appealing and often downright sinister. They sing a siren's song... "Come – your notions are as good as anyone else’s – spread them abroad – I'll make it easy for you to see and be seen, hear and be heard. Tell your story like you'd like it to be. Don't fret about negative opinions and old-fogey logic. What do they know? Besides, what harm can it do? It’s your life!"

Funny that we, (the human race,) never seem to learn from the past. (Those who do are blessed indeed.) The traps are the same old tricks. But dressed in modern clothes, they intrigue us all over again with heady suggestive thoughts. Like our forebears, we succumb and make the same mistakes all over again, thus proving generation after generation, millennia after millennia, that the Word of God is right and true and applicable to all generations.

One of the good things about hanging out your laundry is the sun. Something about the sun and the wind work together in synergy. Soap, bleach, scrubbing and lots of water both for washing and rinsing do their part. But the sun and the wind together not only dry the laundry but they also purify and refresh the fabric. What’s more, the smell of line dried, sun-bleached clean linen is unforgettable!

Is the internet all bad? Of course not. There are many good uses for technology of all sorts. But to maintain a savor of the grace that brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light, one must embrace the need for His Light to permeate everything, action and deed. We are washed, we are cleansed and we are on display for all to see – trophies of His grace. His desire is for us to share the good news of His goodness and mercy wherever we go. He said we’re salt and light. As such we cannot be hid. But we do not draw men to ourselves, we point them to the One who can save them just as He saved us. With that mindset, the internet is just one more place that needs to be filled with the knowledge of the Lord!

2007-09-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

Whose Children...?

"…For he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light." (John 12:35-36) "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:7)

Characteristics of the children of darkness . . .
* They have worldly wisdom [knowledge of evil]. (Luke 16:8)
* The children of the flesh are not the children of God (Romans 9:8)
* Their conversation is in the lusts of their flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and are by nature the children of wrath. (Ephesians 2:3)
* They are deceived by vain words and the works of the flesh. Because of these things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:5-6)
* The children of the devil are manifest – whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither is he that loveth not his brother. (I John 3:10)

Characteristics of the children of light . . .
* They are joyful in their King. (Psalm 149:2)
* They love their enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again. (Luke 6:35)
* They are the children of God, being children of the resurrection. (Luke 20:36)
* They shall be gathered together in one. (John 11:52)
* They walk in the Light and believe in the Light. (John 12:35-36)
* The Spirit itself bears witness with their spirit that they are the children of God. (Romans 8:16)
* They are heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17)
* They which are of faith are the children of Abraham. (Galatians 3:7)
* They are the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)
* They are the children of promise. (Galatians 4:28)
* They are light in the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8)
* They are children of the light, and children of the day… putting on the breastplate of faith, and love; and for an helmet the hope of salvation. (I Thessalonians 5:5,8)
* The children of God are manifest – they love God and love their brother. (I John 3:10)
* They keep His commandments and they overcome the world. (I John 5:2-4)

In the 8th chapter of John, Jesus reasoned with the Jews, who claimed to be the children of Abraham. Jesus went straight to the heart of the matter, saying those who sin are slaves to sin and that slaves have no permanent place in the family. The mere fact of descending from Abraham did not mean they had inherited Abraham’s faith. For if the God of Abraham was truly their Father, they would have recognized Jesus who came from God. As it was, in denying and refusing Jesus, they were lying to themselves and plotting to murder the Just and Holy One. They were revealing and following the lead of their real father – the devil. Instead of repenting when the True Light exposed the darkness in their hearts, they were furious and took up stones, determined to obliterate that Light.

Whose child are you? Whose child do you want to be? Why stumble around in the darkness with an alienated mind, putting your trust in lies and in the deceiver? Follow on to know the Lord. Look into the Light of His Word. Allow it to lead you into Life everlasting. The Spirit and the Bride say come, and whosoever will, let him come and become a child of the Light – today!

2007-08-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

Whose Nature . . . ?

Have you noticed that crisis brings out the best or the worst in folks? It all hinges on their response. We count those who respond well as heroes and emulate their good example. We write songs and poems about them and recount their stories to our children.

But what do you do when there’s a crisis? Are you like an ostrich, burying its head in the sand and exposing the bulk of its body to dangers it refuses to face? Are you like a bull or a she bear, bellowing and pawing the ground and charging perceived threats without caution or regard for consequences? Are you like a skunk, spraying out an obnoxious cloud whenever it feels threatened? Are you like a wounded dog, snarling and snapping at those who would try to help? Are you like a snake in the grass, a hidden menace to unsuspecting souls who cross your path? Or like a hungry tiger, prowling about in the shadows seeking the oblivious, the unaware, the straggler? Are you like a hyena or a vulture, hanging about on the outer fringes, rejoicing in defeat and drooling over the left-overs?

An animal-like response has no place in a Christ-like mindset. Yet all too often crisis reveals our flesh at its worst. Out of the depths come blood-thirstiness, rashness, inflamed emotions and inflammatory words, vengeful thoughts and actions, envy, and the harboring of hard feelings. These are a breeding ground for the slaughter of the innocent.

When crisis hits, do you hide in the hopes of avoiding unpleasantness? Do you flare up in retaliation? Do you rejoice in the downfall of others? Do you spray out clouds of defensiveness? Do you bide your time, waiting for a chance to get even?

James said, "My brethren, these things ought not so to be." The Christ response is diametrically opposed to any "normal" human/flesh response. Forgive, turn the other cheek, go the second mile, allow yourself to be wronged, answer not again, don’t revile, don’t seek your own, speak the truth in love, bless, encourage, entreat elders, don’t be an accuser, control your tongue, be loyal, be faithful and steadfast, support the work of God.

To be Kingdom minded is death to being self-minded. "My rights" take a back seat to what will benefit the family of God. When offenses come, (and Jesus said they will,) they must be released into the hands of the Judge of all the earth. We have the promise that He will do right.

Life’s daily little decisions serve as practice for the big ones. It’s like they lay the ground work, because the patterns we set when making little decisions spring unbidden to the fore in crisis. In our humanity, we tend to follow precedents already in place. That’s why Daniel’s pre-set "purpose of heart" made such a difference between him and the other Jewish captives. It reveals the chasm between what’s self-serving and what’s Christ honoring.

Know also that our choices rarely affect only us. They also affect those who cannot choose for themselves, those on the peripheral and those who are still outside the walls. Daniel had three young friends who were encouraged in their choices by his purpose of heart. He was also a witness to those on the periphery and those who were unsaved.

Crisis comes to all. David’s responses (to Goliath, to Saul and to Absalom,) were exemplary. Daniel’s was heroic. Jesus was perfect. When crisis brings "crunch time," the power of life and death is present. It’s in your hands. You choose. The question is – whose nature rules?

2007-06-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

I'm Glad You're My Dad!

My Dad passed away in December, 1990. Though it's a long time ago now, Father's Day never comes but what I think about the things that made him so special.

He served in World War II as a medic in Guam, Okinawa and Hawaii and came home in 1945. After a time driving a bus for the city of Detroit, he took advantage of a chance at a career as a salesman and never looked back.
In retrospect, it's apparent that "not looking back" became part of his personna. Though his childhood was full of obstacles and difficulties, he never spent time mourning over the negatives or the if-onlies and what-ifs. He just went on to something better.
Over a span of thirty-six years, he sold many different things; Vlasic, Heinz, Walker Automotive, Eutectic Welding andVestal Chemicals. Though he traveled during the week, he would plan his schedule so he'd be home every weekend.
Daddy was a "cock-eyed optomist." His perennial outlook was "things are going to get better." He'd grin a big, goofy grin, lean close to mom and say, "Stick by me and you'll wear pearls." Another of his famous one-liners always ended with "...when my ship comes in."
He loved nonsense poems and songs; The Owl and the Pussycat, The Jabberwok, Under the Sweet Magnolia Tree, 'Twas Midnight on the Ocean, Rise Up My Dearest Dear, Clancy Lowered the Boom, It's Nice to Get Up in the Morning, and A - I'm Adorable are a few of the poems and tunes we heard frequently. If he ever did get sad (or mad) about something, you could usually cheer him up by requesting one of his favorite poems or songs. What's more, he had an incredible capacity to memorize any new ones he heard. So his repertoire was constantly growing. In 1966, after a major heart attack and shortly after being removed from a respirator, he treated my niece and myself to a recitation of "Under the Sweet Magnolia Tree." The sight was something I'll never forget. There he was - laying there with monitors beeping and tubes exiting everywhere. But he put his fingertips together and with his eyes closed began at the beginning, grinning all the while. It made both of us giggle and that made him feel better too.
He was faithful and loyal. He came to God when he was sixteen years old and led his mother to the Lord soon after. That was in 1936 in the old Royal Oak church pastored by Bro. C. C. Kirby. He loved this truth and gladly followed the Lord and his pastor's teaching. Down through all the years of my memory, I never had a question as to what my parents thought about this truth. It was forever settled for both of them. That made for tremendous stablility for me and for my brothers and sister.
Daddy was an anchor point. There was no question as to where my dad would be. On church nights, prayer meetings, revivals, special services, saints meetings, work days and nights... you name it, he was there - we all were! We arrived early and stayed until the altar services were closed. It was in a Sunday evening service, in the midst of the years of faithfulness that I was baptized in Jesus' Name. Seven months later, after another Sunday evening service, I received the Holy Ghost. I can truly say, faithfulness pays dividends.
From the day of his conversion until the day of his death, he was a member of only two churches - Bro. Kirby's in Royal Oak, and after his death, daddy resettled his family with the Reeds in Troy, Michigan.
When age and illness slowed his body down, he still loved to be of service. He would arrive at least a half-hour early so he could bring the water pitcher to the platform for the pastor. It was a small thing, but he saw to it that the thermal pitcher was cleaned and filled with fresh cold water for every service. He would make his way to the platform about fifteen minutes before service started with a tray holding the pitcher, a clean glass and a clean cloth towel to cover them.
Not long before he became ill, he told me his life's ambition and prayer was to live so he could leave this world a better place than it was when he came. When I look back, I have no doubt that he was blessed by the Lord who heard his desire and granted his petition.

I'm glad I was born to John Raymond and Marjorie Edith Broyles. I'm also glad and thankful for the firm foundation they gave me. I will be eternally grateful for this precious truth and the way they lived and modeled it before me. This Father's Day I wanted to honor my dad. (I wrote an earlier piece about my mom and a picture taken in about 1948 is on the sidebar at the right.) He was a unique individual. He could be stern and formiddable if crossed, but he loved his children and desired God's best for us all. When we did right it made him so proud.

A week before he died, while visiting in North Carolina, daddy gave his final testimony. We did not know it was his last at the time but we all noted how he was full of thanksgiving for what the Lord had done in his family and faith in the Lord who was going to complete the work. That was yet another Sunday evening in a long line of faithfulness. That night, daddy got to hear his son preach. Though John had been preaching for some time, this was the first time daddy ever heard him. It was such a thrill to see daddy's joy. Before another Sunday came, my dad had been called home to glory.

And now years have come and gone. Three more grandchildren (with one one the way,) and fourteen great-grandchildren (with one on the way,) have been born since daddy's death. He would have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them and would have regaled them with renditions of his favorite silly songs and poems. They'd have loved it (and him) and he'd have basked in the knowing that they enjoyed his humor. But more importantly I believe, he would have wanted to be sure that they too were rooted and grounded in this glorious truth. Daddy lived his faith. He died in faith. And we who remain have a heritage and a legacy of faithfulness that needs to be passed on to our children and their children too.

2007-06-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on Aging...

A curious thing... Perhaps you've already noticed it. Part of the aging process is wear and tear, accompanied by weariness and teariness. (Could there be a connection?) We mourn over the loss of youthful strength and energy. We ache and creak in the strangest places. Memories of long ago events come back in great detail. We not only remember our own feelings, but age and experience (hopefully,) have taught us to better understand what must have been the feelings of others. Our days and nights are spent with a new companion; his name? (Arthur Itis). Gray hair grows whiter and wrinkles appear. They make me wonder, where did the years go? Should my oldest child live her "allotted" years, (70 per the Bible,) she reached the half-way point (35) this year. My younger daughter is but one year behind. Wow! My oldest grandson will be twelve this summer!

Ah! and that brings me to one of the greatest blessings of growing older - grandparenting. Another generation... a bid into the future... a chance to pour a little something (perhaps hope and the strong belief in what can be,) into fresh minds and hearts. A chance to watch your children teach their children, realizing that much of what they're doing was learned at your knee. Sometimes that realization is rueful, sometimes it's overwhelming, and sometimes it humbles you to know how grateful you need to be to those who taught you. One thing is certain - it's a long line; it did not begin with me and it will not end with me.

The waning years have a purpose. I've had enough experience to know they too will fly by. This makes them all the more precious. While I'm here and while I have the strength, I have a charge to keep. It is to encourage those who are raising the next generation and bless their little ones with the chance to grow and develop their faith. It must be grounded in the Word of God. That's what kept our grandparents and our parents too. It's what gave us a plumbline by which to measure all our life experiences. It's able to keep our children on course, and it is the one sure thing we can give our grandchildren. It will carry them through all that the future holds and will still be true and sure when the time comes for them to teach their children and grandchildren - long after we're gone.

So as age does it's thing, as the hair grays and thins, as the bones creak and the strength grows weaker - it's a comfort to know that my faith rests on and in the One who is eternal. He changes not. His Word is sure and His promises are faithful.

Many years ago, at a time when life was fraught with distress and upheval, two significant things happened... First, He gave me warning of the impending changes in a series of three dreams. I told them to my mother over the phone. She perceived their meaning and import and helped me understand them. They prepared me and helped me know He was there, ever present. During this time He also brought a promise from His Word to my attention. "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children." (Isaiah 54:13) I held onto that promise in all that followed. (I still cling to it.)

The second was born out of the first. The knowledge of His abiding presence and the way He had led me thus far brought a profound peace when the storm struck. It hurled itself into our lives with all its fury. Our days were filled with chaos. Through it all, prayer came easy, but it was not the frantic praying of a terrified soul. His presence was palpable. It was both comforting and upbuilding. Strength that was not my own was lent to me. Even strangers remarked on the peace surrounding me.

Right in the middle of that storm-tossed time, my next door neighbor came over, actually knocked on my door, to ask if I could help her find the peace she saw in me. Her heart was hungry and she gladly came to know the Lord, her husband and children soon followed.

Life has taught me that you cannot lose when your trust is in Jesus. He is abundantly able; to deliver, to save, to heal, to restore, to keep, and to give perfect peace in every situation. He is also able to complete all that He has begun in you - to the day of His appearing.

Maranatha!

2007-05-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

From One Mom to Another...
(A Tribute to Mothers)

We measure our rewards in snuggles and hugs and gladsome moments. But mothering is not only here and now. Today's joys (and sorrows) are the chrysalis of what is yet to be...

Happy Mother's Day!

P.S. Your labor of love is not in vain in the Lord.

2007-04-10T05:45:00.002-07:00

Contributors

Have you ever noticed that nothing is done
by itself or all alone?
The teacher imparts from the depths of the heart
the knowledge of meter and tone;
The musician works long hours and hard
on the notes of another man's song,
The songwriter also has learned at the knee,
it's a line unbroken and long;
And parents who prompt, urging "Practice!" (with love,)
add their part to the swelling refrain...
While the Master Musician gives freely to each -
time, tune, talent and brain!

By Marjorie J. Kinnee

2007-02-23T15:13:00.000-08:00

My Trust in God

My trust in God does not depend on who will trust with me;
My trust in God will not be fixed by polls or parity.
I do not need the bolsters of supporting evidence;
Tides of popular opinion will not lure me toward the fence.

A strongly worded motto cannot be my creed;
My trust in God is founded on the Rock that meets my need.
My heart is fixed, my mind is stayed, I’ve vowed, O Lord, to You;
That You’ll find faith within this earth, whene’er You come to view.

My trust is placed in You alone, Your Word, my guide, my friend;
My heart, my all, belongs to You through eternity, without end.

My trust in God is based upon words more sure than mine;
For I have learned that I’m a branch, but Jesus is the Vine!
While I remain attached to Him and yielded to His will;
He prunes and dresses, nurturing in me – fruit that’s pleasing still.

And so I’m trusting You, O Lord, and know You’re in control;
What others say, be it yea or nay, You’re the Captain of my soul.

© mjk - 1/31/03

About "My Trust in God " . . .

Inspiration comes in odd ways at times... A friend sent me a forward about "In God We Trust" being taken off the wall of a post office in Texas for being a religious statement. The forward was espousing writing out "In God We Trust" on the back of all of our correspondance. That set me to thinking. Sometimes we think our voice carries more weight if it is supported by a majority - or at least a very vocal minority. It is the assumption that many voices carry more weight than one. Biblically speaking, I think a holy contradiction arises...

While yes, there is a Scripture that says, "in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14) and there are times when venturing outside of collective wisdom and experience is utter folly. But there is also the oft repeated lesson that one individual, who stands up for right makes a difference in the eternal outcome, both for themselves and for others who are watching and perhaps inspired (or provoked,) to do likewise. Consider the Bible stories of Deborah, Esther, David and Goliath, Daniel and the Three Hebrew Children, Gideon, Abraham, and Moses. Many Scriptures exhort us to "be not conformed," to remember that "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world," and we're taught we should not allow the things others say to dissuade or persuade us to leave our calling...

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24)

My conclusion is: I must stand and be counted for myself... not just to be a part of a crowd or to prove that I am somehow validated because I am siding with the majority, but because me and Jesus (when I am standing on His Word and His authority,) are a majority - no matter what the crowd says - or doesn't say.

And therein was my inspiration for the poem...

2007-02-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

About the "Egyptian" Poem . . .

Though written a number of years ago, I've received a number of requests for a reprint of this poem because it speaks to the heart of the parents of children who've gone astray. The heartbreak is no easier whether the child is a teenager or a grown adult. There is little anyone can do or say that will affect a headstrong will. Unless you've had a wayward child, you cannot understand the depths of that pain. Some, ignorantly or intentionally, make comments that wound and inflict more pain into an already raw situation.

It's important to know the only "Perfect Parent" [God Himself] has had to deal with wayward children. Adam and Eve were the first prodigals and their experience did not prevent them from having a prodigal of their own [Cain]. Since then, every parent of wayward children deals with mistakes and mountains of "if only's" and regrets. These add to their burden.

One thing is certain - when the will of another is involved - there are no guarantees. The enemy means to destroy the wayward one before he or she can get back home. There may be other contributing factors, (people, habits, and/or things,) whose influence is stronger than yours. The battle is fierce and exhausting. You're also racing the clock, which adds urgency to your concern. All your hope and trust is bound up in the promises of God.

The best thing anyone can do for the parents of prodigals is to pray and encourage them to trust in the promises of God. When the only news was negative, the prodigal's father did not abandon hope. And when the prodigal came to himself and returned home, his father saw him a long way off and ran to meet him with open arms. (Luke 15:11-32) Herein lies two great truths - 1.) every prodigal needs to know there still is a "home" to return to, and 2.) every parent needs to know their hope is tied to holding fast until...

"...In due season you shall reap, if you faint not." (Galatians 6:9)

"With God, nothing is impossible!" (Luke 1:37)

"Now unto Him, who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." (Ephesians 3:20)

2007-02-19T15:36:00.000-08:00

You’re Not An Egyptian

My child, you’re not an Egyptian,
You were raised as a child of the Light.
Though you run far and wide,
You can't escape, cannot hide;
You will never be out of God's sight.

My child, you’re not an Egyptian,
And your heart of hearts knows this right well.
You can bury yourself,
Put your heart on a shelf;
But the knowledge continues to swell.

My child, you’re not an Egyptian;
Sin's stains look ill on your face.
Its' chains drag you down,
Soil your white wedding gown,
And frustrate the Dove of God's Grace.

My child, you’re not an Egyptian!
Too much time's been invested in you,
By those who have cared,
And have willingly shared;
Teaching you to be loyal and true.

My child, you’re not an Egyptian,
You're bewitched by Egypt's facade.
So the war rages on,
`Twixt God and Dagon;
But my trust's in the promise of God!

© MJKinnee
June 1993

2007-02-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

Peace-work

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?" (James 4:1, NIV) What is it you want? Are the desires of your heart in accordance with His desires for you? If you get what you want, who stands to profit? Are you seeking things of your own? These are important questions in the present distress and they need to be addressed if we are to avert disaster. Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

If we would expend the same energy we spend in angst and concerns about our "rights" on seeking the things Jesus identified as the "first" things, we have His assurance that we would find a bumper crop of righteousness. Remember that He also said we would be known as His disciples by the love we show one to another and that we are to abide in Him so we can bear much fruit. James said, "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18) Quoting Jesus again, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 4:9)

As I pondered on these things, an awareness of the sacredness of the Body of Christ grew, bringing a strong caution to mind. Not discerning the Lord's Body is a recipe for disaster, both personal and corporate. Those who fight and bite and devour are not serving the Lord Christ. But peace and righteousness are so intertwined as to work in concert in ushering in the Kingdom of Heaven wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, "...be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless." (II Peter 3:14)

Making peace can be hard work, but the rewards are eternal! "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of rightousness quietness and assurance for ever." (Isaiah 32:17)

"Blessed are the peacemakers!"

2007-01-27T09:22:00.000-08:00

The Kindness of God

When I consider the kindness of God toward us, my heart is overwhelmed with thanksgiving. The knowledge that He granted repentance to me is precious indeed. His kindness, goodness and faithfulness are so intertwined with His mercy as to be one in One. While we were unlovable, He loved us. When we didn't even love ourselves, He had compassion on us. He saw us in our sins and set about to make a way to redeem us from our own folly. What love! The wonderful old song says...

"Oh, the love that drew salvation's plan,

Oh, the grace that brought it down to man,

Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span - At Calvary!

Mercy there was great and grace was free,

Pardon there was multiplied to me,

There my burdened soul found liberty - At Calvary!"

From the outset, He created a beautiful universe - sun, moon, planets, stars, galaxies - all are evidence of His creative genius. The earth on which we roam is filled with wonders. Lush greens, beautiful blues, flowers of every hue, shape, size and scent, a wide variety of animal life, each with it's own contribution to the whole - and all this wonder and beauty was bestowed upon the object of His affection - man.

He gives men abundant blessings; family, friends and the joy and hope found in the laughter of children. Summer and winter and seed time and harvest; the seasons merge and with them tender, green shoots become fields of golden grain. Then comes the harvest when work is fast and furious and the rejoicing when the harvest is in the barn and there is rest for everyone and everything.

All nature reminds us of His love. Each season reinforces our understanding of His kindness toward us. He planned it that way... gentle nudges from eternity, beckoning, wooing, entreating.

The Bible says He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." (Romans 1:20, NIV)
"...Thus saith the Lord, Turn ye even to Me with all your heart, with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your heart, and not your garments. Turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness..." (Joel 2:12-13)
"With everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." (Isaiah 54:8)
"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:19-20)
"...The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." (Romans 2:4)

2007-01-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

A New Year...

A New Year has begun and with it, new and updated hopes and plans, and the desire to improve, upgrade, and just do better. What makes that sentence anything other than the sentiments of millions, yea, billions of people around the world is what one does with it...

When I was a child, they used to sing a chorus that went like this...
"Nothing between my soul and my Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor,
Keep the way clear, let nothing between."

The desire to serve God with a clean heart and clean hands needs to be honed and cultivated. When our hearts and hands are clean and free from wrath and doubting, (I Timothy 2:8) we can approach God with confidence, (I John 2:28; 3:21) with a mind that is at peace, knowing that He hears our prayer and will attend to our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. (I John 3:22) Here are seven "F's" that will free you and bring you victory in the New Year...

1.) Faith - confidence, belief, trust. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not [yet] seen." (Hebrews 11:1) Something there is about the ability to believe, about placing your confidence in someone or something, in trusting without reservation. Faith's power lies in the One in whom it's placed and its degree of commitment. Yes, there is an element of risk - big risk. Yes, quantum leaps into the unknown are involved. Yes, there is always the chance of loss, particularly where humans are involved. But the glorious exception is found in placing all your confidence in the One who created you, who sustains you, and who has made perfect provision for all your needs - past, present and future. Victorious faith rests in Him. His Word, and His faithfulness! "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (I John 5:4)

2.) Favor - friendly or kind regard, approval. "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52) While we have no business currying favor, there are a number of godly principles and attitudes that bring the peace of a good conscience within and the respect of others without. No amount of money can buy this kind of favor, for it is first attained through right relationship with God. Once that is established - "When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)

3.) Fear - respectful dread, awe, reverence. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments..." (Psalm 111:10) "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10) It is a healthy thing to have the proper respect for the One in whose hand your very life rests. There is a kind of fear that is debilitating and demoralizing - that kind of fear is not of God - it makes grown men weak as kittens and demolishes the best of intentions. Jesus said, "...fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both body and soul in hell." (Matthew 10:28)

4.) Follow - to come or to go after. "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord." (Hosea 6:3) If the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, then it stands to reason that following on to know the Lord can not be anything but beneficial. Jesus called His disciples saying, "Follow Me" and spoke of the taking up of a cross in order to do so. Following requires a sacrifice - a sacrifice of self and selfishness. The Apostle told us to "...follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (II Timothy 2:22) and, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God." (Hebrews 12: 14)

5.) Fruit - enjoyment, means of enjoyment. "I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without Me ye can do nothing... Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples. ...I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit shall remain..." (John 15:5,8,16) "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23) "The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth." (Ephesians 5:9) "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18) (In a fruitful field, righteousness remains and produces great dividends - see Isaiah 32:16-17.)

6.) Forgiving - to give up resentment against or the desire to punish; stop being angry with, pardon. "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32) "Forbearing [to keep oneself in check; control oneself under provocation,] one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." (Colossians 3:13) "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." (Matthew 6:14) Forgiveness is love's illustrated sermon. It is how all men will know whether you are truly His disciple - "...Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

7,) Finally - coming at the end; last; concluding. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8) After you've contemplated and pondered over this entire list, you won't have much time left to dwell on anything negative. "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:2) Our focus must be upward - on His Kingdom, His will, and His priorities. "Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:2)

These seven "F's" will help ensure a year full of growth in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord.

2006-05-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

I Remember Mama . . .

I am not able to come to this time of year without thinking of my mother. Transplanted by marriage to my father (on January 15, 1944) from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to the North Detroit suburbs, mama was the quintessential Christian lady. She loved Bible truth and lived it all her days. Mama always knew what was the right thing. Her advice was wise and seasoned with experiences that had taught her how to be steady and dependable.

Canadian prairie winters, with frigid cold, biting wind and all the bundling up necessary in temperatures way below zero could not have been easy. But mama's memories of her childhood were full of her older brother and sisters. Grandpa was an engineer on the Canadian National Railroad (in the days of steam engines,) and was away from home often as he took trains full of people and freight from one side of the country to the other. Mama's stories included their Chinese neighbor, Mrs. Kwong, who had many children, the boys at school who teased her and her girlhood chums. As a result of the lack of iodine in her diet, mama developed a goiter which required surgery. In those days, the anesthesia was ether. The surgery attendant only pulled the surgical cap over her skull, leaving most of mama's beautiful, long hair exposed. The ether turned the exposed hair white and brittle, so it had to be cut. Whenever she told the story, mama mourned over the loss but she would rejoice when she got to the part where it all grew back thicker and longer than before.

It was about this same time that she first met Charles C. Kirby, his wife, Nola, and their daughters, Autumn and Vaviel. They were accompanied by his brother and wife, (U. L. and Floy Kirby) whom mama called, "Uncle Dutch and Aunt Floy." In later years, Bro. Kirby would say that the entire Canadian sojourn was an attempt to run from the call of God. Autumn's death was the catalyst that sent both Kirby brothers back to the States. Bro. & Sis. Kirby and Vaviel settled in the Royal Oak area. Their son, "Chassie," was born soon afterwards. Uncle Dutch and Aunt Floy settled in Paragould, Arkansas. (Mama corresponded with Aunt Floy, until Floy's death in the 70's.) In 1942, Bro. Kirby invited mama to come and visit in Royal Oak. While she was there, he sent Sis. Kirby and mama to visit Uncle Dutch and Aunt Floy in Paragould - and wrote my dad, who was serving in the army air corps in Malden, Missouri, suggesting that he make his way to Arkansas to meet the young lady who was traveling with Sis. Kirby. The rest, as they say, is history. Mama and daddy corresponded for a time - became engaged - and were married on January 15, 1944. Mama went with him to Missouri for a time. But once daddy received his overseas assignment, she returned to Royal Oak, while he served in Hawaii, Guam and Okinawa until 1945, when he was honorably discharged at the end of World War II.

But I've gotten ahead of myself - let's go back to Saskatoon . . .

One summer, while still in her early teens, mama got permission (from her pastor and the local school board,) to hold "protracted meetings" out in a country schoolhouse. When the summer was over, a number of candidates were ready for baptism.

During her high school years, mama played the piano for extended revival meetings for the home church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – school during the day, revival at night, altar work until there were no more seekers, home to bed and back to school the next morning – this went on for several weeks. Mama rejoiced in how the Lord blessed and anointed souls, the ministry, the services, her playing and her school work; in fact, He blessed everything throughout the revival - she lacked nothing, not even sleep, because even her rest was refreshing!

In her early twenties, mama served as a lady evangelist in Ontario. During World War II, many of the Canadian pastors were drafted into military service. This left their wives to care for the churches. Rev. Frank Small of Winnipeg, Manitoba saw a need and issued “Christian Worker’s Licenses” to a number of young women who traveled throughout Canada, preaching the gospel, holding children’s revivals and generally making themselves useful wherever and whenever they could. Mama was one of these young ladies. She was sent to Eastern Ontario. Her stories and adventures were thrilling – peppered with names from Canadian Pentecostal history; Frank Small, R. E. S. Toms, Ernie Baxter, Howard Goss, Andrew and Jonathan Urshan, Charles C. and U. L. Kirby, Stan Bean, Leonard Parent, Bro. Pair, Bro. Rabie and Bro. Rudd. (I do not know the first names of these last three men, though they were influential in mama's ministry.) In the mid-50's, Bro. Rudd came to Michigan for a conference. Mama and daddy invited he and his family into our home. She much enjoyed their visit and catching up on old acquaintances.

One of the pictures in mama’s photo album shows a baptismal service during that time. Surrounded by young people, she’s sitting on some rocks at the site of a broken dam. There are a number of pictures of other evangelists and Canadian Pentecostals of yesteryear. Newspaper clippings with her picture announcing evangelistic meetings are included and she mentioned other cities and towns like Cobaconk, Brockville, Kingston, Peterborough and Belleville. There was even an invitation to conduct services at an Indian reservation. Her face joyful in the remembering, she told us about attending camp meetings at Outlet Camp in Lansdowne. (In 1956 or 57, during a family vacation, she took us to see the Outlet Camp Ground – it was beautiful!)

After marrying daddy, she became a mama in the best sense of the word. She taught us to love the house of God and to make it our chief joy. She loved the ministry of the Word and kept notes and tapes of messages she heard by her own pastor and others. Even in her declining years, mama’s devotions included reading through the Bible at least once each year. The margins of her Bibles are always peppered with remarks and notes and references to additional Scriptures she studied relative to the one at hand. We often found her sitting in her favorite chair with her glasses perched on her nose – reading, studying and taking notes.

Once when my girls came into the house, she looked up and sighed, “Oh! Am I glad to see you! Come help me find my glasses! I can’t find them anywhere!”

The girls started giggling. Between chortles, they wheezed out, “Up there, Grandma!”

“Where?” She was sure they were not taking her request seriously. “Stop playing around!" she scolded, "I need them – there’s something I want to check out.”

Their laughter grew. Between gasps, with tears coming, they pointed to the top of her head. “Right there, Grandma.”

Mama reached up, and there, perched atop her head, were her reading glasses. She’d shoved them up there at some point and forgotten where they were. A red face and a sheepish grin soon merged into giggles and when I came in from the car, the three of them were in gales and had to explain it to me so I could join in.

In this, the week of Mother's Day, 2006, I remember Mama . . . with love.

2006-04-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

Your Best Earthly Friend ...

We all think of our friends when we want to celebrate a victory or a narrow escape and anyone who saves your life must surely be a friend. A friend is there when everyone else is against you. You can tell your secrets and innermost thoughts to a trusted friend and they can be counted on to give you wise counsel and keep private matters private. What about someone who keeps a cool head in times of struggle and helps you deal with your difficulties in a wise way? Would you count them as a friend? Are they your friend if they tell you the truth and then help you find a way to correct your errors and mistakes? The Bible says, “a friend loveth at all times ;" (Proverbs 17:17) and that’s a tall order because between you and me, I, for one, am not always lovable.

Of course, the Lord Jesus Christ is the best Friend we could ever have. But what if there were someone with skin on, someone who fills all the points listed in the first paragraph – what if all these good things were rolled up into one person! Think about it! Wouldn’t you think that would be one very special human friend? Would you like me to introduce you to such a person? I can! It’s the man who watches out for your soul, the one who teaches the truth, not out of his own ideas or theories, but straight out of the Word of God – your pastor!

The Apostle Paul says, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.” (I Timothy 5:17)

Pastors come in all shapes, sizes, skin colors and ages. Some are gifted preachers, some are inclined to teach, some sing and play an instrument, some can’t carry a tune in a bucket, some are the quiet, observant type, some are the life of the party, some wield the sword of the Spirit with great skill and precision, some are blunt and quick, some are like fierce warriors, some are like a kindly grandpa, some are young and learning as they go, some are great administrators, some are wise delegaters. But the common denominator is their care for the flock of God as a whole – and for the individual souls in their charge. Preaching the Word without deviation and without fear or favor is the balance in which all ministry must be weighed.

The Book of Acts depicts pastors who were led by the Spirit. They taught the Word, lived the Word, held fast to the Word, counselled from the Word and studied the Word. Everything they did in word and deed, was done in the Name of Jesus. (Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17) Apostolic pastors were required to be faithful. They were to give themselves to prayer and fasting and the study and ministry of the Word. (Acts 6:4; II Timothy 2:15)

Moreover, who can count the worth of the prayers of the man of God? To know that he is bearing your need before the Lord in prayer is valuable indeed. The Apostle James tells us, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)

In speaking of their rabbis, the Jews emphasize the importance of having objective counsel. This is a sound concept. For when we are caught up in the moment and cannot see clearly because we're emotionally involved with our own will and desires, objective counsel from one who is able to see the picture from an eternal perspective is priceless. Heeding that counsel is wisdom.

There is coming a day when we will all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account for all we’ve done. No other earthly friend can stand with us on that day – not wife or husband, not child or parent, not mentor or teacher – only this God-given "friend" who had the responsibility of teaching us the truth and watching for our souls in life. We are told that he will give an account and that we should pray that he “may do it with joy and not with grief.” (See Hebrews 13:16-17.)

Learn to value your pastor as God’s gift, “I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15) Your pastor’s friendship is strong and true, one that will stand with you through this life and beyond – when all other human friendships cannot. “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” (Hebrews 13:7)

2006-04-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

Blogging... A Beginning

This blog's intent is to be an encouragement and strength to those whose desires are inclined toward good. It is being launched into the vast unknown - casting your "bread on the waters" so to speak. The wise man, Solomon, spoke these words thousands of years ago, yet they are still worthy of study today.

The entire passage is interesting... "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight: for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth; and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there shall it be. He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child; even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)

So much of life is fraught with unknowns. We do not understand how life begins, no matter how much we learn about the mechanics of it. Physicians, pharmacists and researchers often say, "we don't know how this medicine works or what long term effects it will have." All they know is that it seems to bring about a desired result, i.e. the relief of symptoms, or suppressing some response. But because mankind wants relief, they forge on; tests, trials, experiments and research - ever learning, striving, struggling.

If you were to fret over how you will be received or what the reactions will be - you might never start. The timid soul rarely ventures forth into risky waters, Some would say that is wisdom. Others accept the challenge and boldly head off into the unknown. If you've done your homework, you know that the world is not flat and you won't fall off the edge. The important thing is having a sure foundation from which to proceed and then proceed - cautiously, not in haste or in gullibility. Keep checking, maintain course, correct what has to be corrected so you can stay on course.

Contrary to popular opinion, there are absolutes. Here's one... You will reap what you sow. The law of sowing and reaping has never been rescinded. What you plant is what will grow. Planting onions will bear onions, not pole beans. And if you want a good harvest, you must sow abundantly. Note that when one plants a kernal of corn in the ground, he does not receive one kernal at harvest time - Oh no! That kernal springs forth into a stalk of corn on which two or three ears of corn will emerge. Each ear can contain as much as a thousand kernals. Simple math says your return may be 3,000 kernals from the one kernal you planted!

This added law of reaping more than you sow has great bearing on life. When you sow evil things, when you sow things which are self-centered and self-gratifying, what you will reap is far greater than the original planting. Hosea said, "For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind..." (Hosea 8:7) A disobedient child may live long enough to see even more disobedience in his own children.

You can no more avoid the absolutes than you can stop the sun from rising in the morning. God's Word is the absolute absolute. We will all be judged by it. Its teachings and tenets are measuring tools and we either measure up or we fall short. God's Word is clear on the consequences of falling short. Obedience and faithfulness are key factors in measuring up. Sowing seeds of obedience and faithfulness ensures an eternal harvest beyond your fondest dreams.

Some argue, contradict and deny but they cannot escape the inevitable. They may wax vigorous in their learned discourses, but in the end, their arguments won't matter. Their logic is as a soap bubble in the hands of a toddler.

So, with this first blog comes the first casting out of "bread." May it find good soil in which to grow.