MARTY THE BEAGLE TALKS TO GOD

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

I ate too much, talked non-stop, had so much fun, and didn't get nearly enough sleep!

But hey, isn't that what the holidays are for?!

Unfortunately, I am also a bit brain-dead...

So I'm re-posting something written a few years ago.  I think it's timely, as it talks about being thankful.  

Grateful.

Appreciative for the things we have, and for who we are.

It's a letter to God from my grandbeagle, Marty.

Who is one of the most appreciative creatures I know...



Dear Mr. God,

This is me, Marty the Beagle.

I just have something to say to You…OK?

I think You are a pretty cool guy! 

I know that You made me, and You take care of me. 

Thanks for that.

But I have a few questions.

How come people go around not wagging their tails? 

I mean, I'm happy every day.  It doesn't matter to me if it's raining or if it's sunny.  I just like being alive.  I've got water and food and toys and people to love me.

And I've got You.

So, I'm good.  What else do I need?

But people – it's like they don't even know You're up there.

They walk around with their faces all scrunched up with worried looks. 

They like this green stuff, they call it money, really a lot.  I don't get it.  It just looks like green paper to me (if I had the chance, I'd eat it just like I do the newspaper!) 

Why do they care about it so much?

They're always rushing around in these machines with tires on them.  Don't they know that you can see so much more with your nose to the ground? Sometimes I hear one of them say, "Take time to stop and smell the roses."  I do that every day (along with all the other things I smell – I am a hound, after all!) 

Why are they always in such a hurry?

Then they wear all these fancy things called "clothes."  I know that their *people rules* include putting this stuff on.  But I think they've forgotten their fur.  You know, the particular colors that make them who they are.  I've got three colors on me.  Brown, black, and white.  I think I look pretty awesome, because that's how You made me.

Why don't they appreciate how You made them?


Just one more thing…cause I know You're busy.

I like my life.

I like it because You gave it to me, and You're with me every day.

I appreciate a bowl of water, a good feast of kibble, a lengthy nap, a cuddle with my people, a soft blanket, toys to chew on (it's so much fun trying to get that squeaker thing out), and a couple of long walks a day.

Why aren't people thankful?


I think they think too much…about stuff that doesn't really matter.

I think they feel too much…about stuff that doesn't really matter.

Sometimes I don't think they know You…and You're all that really matters.


I don't think they wag their tails enough.


I'll go for now.  I'm thirsty, and I see a fly I'm going to try to catch.

Thanks for listening…I just had something to say to You.


Your friend,

Marty the Beagle


P.S.  Did I tell You that I think You are a pretty cool guy?!

All creatures
great and small,
The Lord God
made them all.

You care for people
and animals alike,
O LORD.
(Psalm 36:6)

"…God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him..." (Genesis 1:27, ESV)

"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?  Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor." 
(Psalm 8:3-5, ESV)

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it." (Psalm 139:13-14, NLT)

"For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)

"For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, AMP)

"…beauty is something internal that can't be destroyed.  Beauty expresses itself in a gentle and quiet attitude which God considers precious." 
(1 Peter 3:4, GOD'S WORD)

"For the LORD your God...will take delight in you with gladness...He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV)

Are you wagging your tail?!



Linked with:

PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, UNITE LINKUP, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED HOME, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE LINKUP, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAYS, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, TGI SATURDAYS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, LIVING PROVERBS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING

Black Friday.

Shopping.

I know that a lot of people just love venturing out on the day after Thanksgiving to trek through countless stores, scoping out the bargains, and buying bags and bags of *stuff.*

In fact, in 2014, $50.9 billion was spent during the 4-day Black Friday weekend – (yes folks, that's billion with a "B").  And, did you know, that figure is actually down 11% from the previous year?!

And have you noticed, the shopping extravaganza is starting earlier and earlier?

Now you can even go out on Thanksgiving Day!

Can you imagine that conversation around the pumpkin pie?? 

"Hey everyone, it's been a lot of fun.  Don't mean to eat and run, but I've got places to go and twenties to spend…"

I don't know about you, but even if I considered going out shopping on Black Friday, I'm not sure I'd be physically capable of it.

I usually wake up in a tryptophan-induced fog of turkey stupor.

And somehow I don't think pajamas and slippers are acceptable shopping attire.  (Though, if you're brave enough to go out in the middle of the night, they should be…)

Besides, leftovers, football, and naps all conspire to plant me firmly on the couch the entire next day.  (Wanna know my secret leftover vice?  Bowls of cold stuffing!)


So, though I probably won't be joining the Black Friday shopping mob, I am curious about how it all came about.

This is from Wikipedia:

"The day's name originated in Philadelphia, where it originally was used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that would occur on the day after Thanksgiving.  Use of the term started before 1961 and began to see broader use outside Philadelphia around 1975.  Later an alternative explanation was made: that retailers traditionally operated at a financial loss ("in the red") from January through November, and "Black Friday" indicates the point at which retailers begin to turn a profit, or are "in the black.")

Fascinating, huh?!


So, to all you intrepid adventurers out there, you brave souls who dare to courageously joust for parking spaces, who fearlessly fight the crunch of crowds, and thrive on hustle and bustle…

I say, "Huzzah!"

I wish you good shopping, good bargains, and good luck.

But, whether you sit home stuffing your face (like me), or spend your day stuffing your car with packages, might I encourage all of us to remember something?

Long, long ago, there was another Black Friday.

And on that day the Greatest Transaction of all took place.

A momentous deal – in which one Life was traded for our sins.

The Gift is there for the taking, already paid for, bought and purchased, free.

All we need to do is accept the gift, and take it home.


Yes, fellowship, family, food, and fun are highlights of this special holiday.

And yes, if you enjoy shopping, this is a great time for that, too.

But, better than anything, is The Gift.

The Greatest Bargain of all!


The first Thanksgiving Day was all about our Almighty God, the Creator of everything, and the Giver of good blessings.

The focus of thanksgiving was correctly aimed at the One who is responsible for everything we have – including our very lives.

The correct view of things is that this is a day to give thanks to God.

God to whom we owe our hearts.  God who gave His Son as a sacrifice for us.  God who loves us beyond measure.  God who gives us abundance in this life, and a hope for life everlasting!

The Giver.

The Gift.

The *deal of a lifetime* – a forever gift of grace – purchased with blood and freely given.

All wrapped up in Love.



HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Again,
the kingdom of heaven
is like a merchant
in search of fine pearls.
And upon
finding
a single pearl
of great value,
he went and sold
all that he had
and bought it.

Salvation is priceless.

***(This next part is optional – just for fun!!)***

Here's some added trivia in case you need something to read while digesting the 10 pounds of food you just "stuffed" into your belly!  (Or if you want to impress all those relatives with your scintillating knowledge of random and inconsequential facts.  I've added a little commentary here and there to keep you awake):


1.  Though many competing claims exist, the most familiar story of the first Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth Colony, in present-day Massachusetts, in 1621.  (The Pilgrims wore their best black and white.  The Indians wore…well, next to nothing).

2.  The Wampanoag Indians were the people who taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land.  The Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford, had organized the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621.  He invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians to the feast.  (Perhaps he really took to heart the words of Jesus – "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:39, ESV)

3.  The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days.  (Which is the average amount of time most people sleep after the Thanksgiving feast…)

4.  Lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, squashes, beans, chestnuts, hickory nuts, onions, leeks, dried fruits, maple syrup and honey, radishes, cabbage, carrots, eggs, and goat cheese are thought to have made up the first Thanksgiving feast.  (Actually, that sounds pretty good!  Guess I better start putting out my lobster traps…)

5.  The pilgrims didn't use forks; they ate with spoons, knives, and their fingers.  (In my family, this tradition often continues…)

6.  Congress finally made Thanksgiving Day an official national holiday by passing a law on December 26, 1941, ensuring that all Americans would celebrate a unified Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November every year.  (Was that the last time we were unified on anything in this country??)

7.  Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States.  (A bald turkey just isn't quite as majestic to me as a bald eagle… just sayin')

8.  The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds. (Which feels like the amount I ate...let's not talk about the scale...)

9.  The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog.  (Good grief.  Can you even imagine?!  Great Dane?  Nothing compared to a Great Turkey…)

10.  A 15 pound turkey usually has about 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark meat.  (Personally, I'm a dark meat fan – how about you?)

11.  The five most popular ways to serve leftover turkey is as a sandwich, in stew, chili or soup, casseroles and as a burger.  (I prefer not to serve any "leftover turkey" at my house.  I usually just tell them to leave – "Uncle Joe, you turkey, you need to GO HOME NOW!")

12.  Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef.  (Didn't know that one…)

13.  In the US, about 280 million turkeys are sold for the Thanksgiving celebrations.  (Why do I always feel so sorry for the turkeys?  Poor things. Delicious – but still...)

14.  Each year, the average American eats somewhere between 16-18 pounds of turkey.  (Do any of you eat turkey on other occasions?  Or do you inhale that 16-18 pounds in one sitting??)

15.  Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in the United States. (Doesn't surprise me – I've always thought my state was full of the most "turkeys" in the nation…)

16.  Although Thanksgiving is widely considered an American holiday, it is also celebrated on the second Monday in October in Canada.  (Hmmm…didn't know that one.  Guess Canada has a lot to be thankful for, too!)

17.  Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States, where it is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season.  (And, incidentally, the beginning of the traditional nervous breakdown season, outrageous debt season, and road rage mania season that sweeps this country. *This isn't true – I made it up…*)

18.  The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimated that 46.6 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2014.  (Maybe this has something to do with the beginning of the aforementioned road rage phenomenon…)

19.  Cranberry production in the U.S. is expected to reach 8.72 million barrels in 2014.  Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington are the top cranberry growing states.  (Gotta love cranberries – they're tart and tangy – just like me...)

20.  Illinois, California, Pennsylvania and New York are the major pumpkin growing states.  Total U.S. production was 1.3 billion pounds in 2014 – 17% above 2013.  Illinois remains the leading producer of pumpkins, with a majority processed into pie filling and other uses.  (Ever heard of the GNP? You thought it meant Gross National Product.  Nope.  Gourd National Product…)

21.  U.S. sweet potato production reached a record high 29 million hundredweight (cwt) in 2014.  Since 1971, North Carolina has been the top sweet potato producer in the United States, producing 53 percent of all sweet potatoes grown in the country last year.  Other leading sweet potato producers included California and Mississippi.  The top producing states together generated over 2.4 billion pounds of these tasty tubers.  (I say po-tay-to.  Do you say po-tah-to??  And is anyone old enough to remember the song that started that pronunciation battle?  Oh, let's call the whole thing off.
The song, "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" was written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film "Shall We Dance" and was performed by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as part of a celebrated dance duet on roller skates...)

22.  According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 2,020 pounds and measured just over 12 feet long.  It was baked on October 8, 2005 by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in Ohio, and included 900 pounds of pumpkin, 62 gallons of evaporated milk, 155 dozen eggs, 300 pounds of sugar, 3.5 pounds of salt, 7 pounds of cinnamon, 2 pounds of pumpkin spice and 250 pounds of crust.  (I don't care how big that thing was – I'm just not a fan of pumpkin pie.  I think it's the texture or something.  And don't even get me started on mincemeat pie.  No, I'll take apple pie or some kind of berry pie instead, any day – in fact, why don't you slice me up a piece right now...)

23.  So, why are you sleepy after a big turkey dinner?  It's a combination of the type of food (carbs, fats, L-tryptophan), amount of food, and celebratory atmosphere.  (Zzzzzzzz…)



Some verses to help you sing praises to our Almighty God, our Gracious Savior, and our Comforting Holy Spirit:


"Yours, O Lord,
is the greatness, the power,
the glory, the victory,
and the majesty.
Everything in the heavens
and on earth is Yours,
O Lord,
and this is Your kingdom.
We adore You
as the One who is over all things.
Wealth and honor come from You alone,
for You rule over everything.
Power and might are in Your hand,
and at Your discretion
people are made great and given strength.
O our God,
we thank You
and praise Your glorious name!"
(1 Chronicles 29:11-13, NLT)


"You have turned my mourning into dancing for me;
You have put off my sackcloth
and girded me with gladness,
To the end that my tongue
and my heart
and everything glorious within me
may sing praise to You
and not be silent.
O Lord my God,
I will give thanks to You forever."
(Psalm 30:11-12, AMP)


"He who offers
a sacrifice of thanksgiving
honors Me;
And to him who orders his way aright
I shall show the salvation of God."
(Psalm 50:23, NASB)


"It is good to praise the Lord
and make music to your name,
O Most High,
to proclaim Your love in the morning
and Your faithfulness at night...
For You make me glad by your deeds, O Lord;
I sing for joy at the works of Your hands.
How great are Your works, O Lord,
how profound Your thoughts!"
(Psalm 92:1-5, NIV)


"O come, let us sing unto the LORD:
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving,
and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
For the LORD is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the deep places of the earth:
the strength of the hills is his also.
The sea is his, and he made it:
and his hands formed the dry land.
O come, let us worship and bow down:
let us kneel before the LORD our maker."
(Psalm 95:1-6, KJV)


"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord,
all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness:
come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord
He is God:
it is He that hath made us,
and not we ourselves;
we are His people,
and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise:
be thankful unto Him,
and bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting;
and His truth endureth to all generations."
(Psalm 100, KJV)


"Because of the Lord's great love
we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
I say to myself,
'The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for Him.'
The Lord is good
to those whose hope is in Him,
to the one who seeks Him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord."
(Lamentations 3:22-26, NIV)


"Each one of you is part of the body of Christ,
and you were chosen to live together in peace.
So let the peace that comes from Christ
control your thoughts.
And be grateful.
Let the message about Christ
completely fill your lives,
while you use all your wisdom
to teach and instruct each other.
With thankful hearts,
sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
Whatever you say or do
should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus,
as you give thanks to God the Father
because of Him."
(Colossians 3:15-17, CEV)


"Give thanks no matter what happens.
God wants you to thank Him
because you believe in Christ Jesus."
(1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)


"Everything God created is good,
and to be received with thanks.
Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out.
God's Word and our prayers
make every item in creation holy."
(1 Timothy 4:4-5, MSG)



So, what are you doing to celebrate Thanksgiving, and where will you be when you sit down to dinner?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, EVERYDAY JESUS, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, GIVE ME GRACE




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

I AM SO TROUBLED

I just am.

It's been a tough week.

Do you have weeks like that?

Where *stuff* just bubbles up and you cannot find rest for your body or your mind or your soul?

It's been that kind of week for me.

The details are not necessary, for trouble brews for all of us, rearing its ugly head in a myriad of disguises.

Sometimes it sneaks up on us, and sometimes it jumps out of nowhere.

But, in all cases, it arrives and plants itself right in the middle of our lives.

I frankly wasn't sure what to write about this week, because I've been so distracted with the things that have happened.  And frankly, I'm still not quite sure where God is going to lead this post.

But here's where I'm beginning – with two verses that admonish us to NOT be troubled.


JOHN 14:27, ESV:

"Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."


So, the first thing I notice is that Jesus tells us two separate things – don't be troubled, NEITHER be afraid.

Is there a difference?

Here's the dictionary definition of both:

troubled – to disturb the mental calm and contentment of; worry; distress; agitate.

afraid – a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being fearful; concern or anxiety; anticipation of the possibility that something unpleasant will occur; fear of punishment.


So, as I'm thinking about this, I see two things.  

Circumstances cause me to be afraid.  And this fear seems to be rooted in anticipation of a negative, or dangerous, or painful future outcome.

And second, this fear causes great agitation, as I worry and fret and find myself churning in a troubled state of anxiety.


Now, the next thing I notice is that Jesus tells us to "let not your hearts…"

To me that implies that I am part of this process.  

I cannot be passive when I am troubled or afraid.  I cannot sit back and play the victim.  

Yes, trouble will come.

But I must not ALLOW my heart to be overtaken or overcome by it.

But honestly, when I'm beset by troubling circumstances, and when I am afraid of future outcomes, it's pretty hard to *snap out of it.*

Here's the secret though – the first part of that verse:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you."


You see, the secret to overcoming trouble and fear is the peace that Jesus bought for us, and gave to us as His gift.

The world offers peace through financial security, or faultless health, or personal power.  It takes into consideration the things of this world and this lifetime.

This sort of peace is fragile at best.

But Jesus' gift of peace speaks to the ultimate peace He bought by His sacrificial death on the cross, reconciling us forever with God.

This peace is eternal, unchanging, immutable.

Therefore, we "let not our hearts" be troubled or afraid because ultimately, the things of this world have been overcome.  

Eternal peace with God triumphs over temporary anxieties or troubling situations.

Perspective, my friends.


ISAIAH 41:10, ESV:

"…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God…"


OK, so here the word *dismayed* is used.  I wonder, is that different from being troubled?

Here's the dictionary definition:

dismay – sudden or complete loss of courage; utter disheartenment; sudden disillusionment; agitation of mind; perturbation; alarm.


I think I get that.

You know, it's that moment when adrenaline suddenly rushes through our bloodstream, when our knees feel weak, when we get a little lightheaded, when we feel like turning and running away.  

Here's a word picture that helps me understand –

I used to go bodysurfing.  

I think it's like a rite of passage if you live by the ocean.  My dad taught me the fineries of proper technique.

I was pretty good at it. 

But every now and then, the ocean asserted its power over me.

*Dismayed* is like that sudden and unexpected wave that comes out of nowhere and wipes you out.  

*Troubled* is the ensuing tossing-and-turning agitation as you tumble around in the surf.  

Maybe there's a cycle here – circumstances lead to sudden dismay, which leads to ongoing troubled emotions and thoughts, which leads to fear of the future.


OK, I think I've got a handle on what the words mean – back to the verse.

As I ponder further, I ask myself, "Is it meant to be a comfort or a command?"

Is God saying that I don't need to be afraid or dismayed, or is He telling me DO NOT be afraid or dismayed?

I'm thinking it's both!

OK, I'm saying to myself.  But I'm also muttering under my breath, "Easier said than done."

"I heard that."

Uh oh, that's right – God hears everything.

"Read the rest of what I said.  WHY have I said these things to you?"


As I read more closely, I see that God tells us five very important, very crucial things – five reasons that we do not need, must not be, troubled or dismayed or afraid – five incredible promises:


1. "I am with you."

There are multiple times in the Old Testament when God tells His people, or a certain person, to be strong and courageous, to not be afraid or discouraged.

And the reason He offers is that He will never leave nor forsake those He calls His own.

I was talking about this with "The Hub" recently, and he asked me this:

"Aren't *leave* and *forsake* the same thing?"

I paused.

"I don't think so," I replied.  "But let me ponder on that."

Finally, I came up with this example to illustrate what I think is the difference:

Once a month, I leave home to go *off the mountain* to help with my mom and visit with my family.

In that sense, I *leave* my husband.  My physical presence is removed, albeit with the sure promise that I will return.  (Leave implies out of sight, not in physical contact)

Now, if I was to *forsake* my husband, I would leave and never return.  I would turn my back on my wedding vows, and forsake my marriage. (Forsake implies abandon, desert, strand, renege on a promise, nullify a covenant agreement)

In this sense, we are promised that God will NEVER leave us – remove His physical presence from us – NOR forsake us – abandon or desert us, renege on His promises, nullify His everlasting covenant.

This is tremendous Truth!!


2.  "I am your God."

Do you catch the personalization of this statement?!

God is not just asserting the fact that He is God.

He is stating the wonder-full assurance that He is OUR God.

Personal, intimate, close, individual.

He is the Almighty, yes indeed.

But He is also the Almighty God of MY life.

He is the God of individual relationships – the eternal Friend that we long for.


3.  "I will strengthen you."

God recognizes that we can't combat trouble alone.  We just aren't strong enough in our own power.  And, if you think about it, He didn't leave us to fight alone.

Part of the *peace* that Jesus left with us is the Holy Spirit.  

The Comforter.

And, in our feeble weaknesses, His strength is made perfect.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
(2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)


From Matthew Henry's Commentary: "When we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace."

Yup.


4.  "I will help you."

What joy there is in THAT statement!

I will help you, because I HEAR YOUR CRIES!

I will help you, because I CAN!

I will help you, because I WANT TO!

I will help you, because it is MY WILL to work all things together for good!

Notice He doesn't say – I might help you, I'll think about helping you, I'll consider helping you, perhaps I will, perhaps I won't – and He doesn't say, "Oh I'm sorry, were you talking?" – nope!

He says…

I. WILL. HELP. YOU.

Yes, in His perfect timing, and in His perfect way – but always, always faithful to respond.

From Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible: "…the Lord always hears and answers his people sooner or later, in one form or another, though not always in the way and manner they desire; but yet in such a way as is most for his glory and their good…"

Oh yes, indeed.


5.  "I will uphold you."

Literally – I will hold you up.

The definition of uphold: to give support to; to support against an opponent; to keep elevated; to lift up – sustain, maintain, defend, endorse, advocate, encourage, nourish.

Remember the story about Moses in Exodus 17:

"So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed…[But] Moses' hands were heavy.  Then…Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other.  Thus his hands were steady until the sun set."


In the same way – only better (!), because He never grows tired or weary – God holds us up.

Those everlasting arms, and that strong hand of righteousness, undergird our feeble frames – so that we will neither stumble nor fall, so that we will not be shaken, so that our feet will not be moved, so that we will stand firm.

"…in a way of special grace, to guard and protect his people, support and supply them, comfort and strengthen their hearts; wherefore they need not fear any of their enemies, nor whatsoever they may be called to suffer for his name's sake, even though they pass through fire and water, and the valley of the shadow of death…" (Gill's)


Have you stuck with me so far, friends?!

As I told you at the beginning, I wasn't quite sure where God was going to lead this post.

But now I can see His hand in it, for He led me to His Word.

And truly, is there any better place to go in times of trouble?

Certainly not!

For it is there that I once again encounter the Prince of Peace, the Author of My Salvation, the Everlasting Father, and the Almighty God of Heaven's Armies.

The One who is with me.

The One who is my God.

The One who strengthens me.

The One who will help me.

The One who upholds me.


And so, I am just going to end with my personalization of one of my favorite verses:

"In this world, I will have many trials and sorrows.  I will have many difficulties and tribulations.  I will be afflicted with trouble.  But I will take heart!  I will be of good cheer, and I will be courageous.  For Jesus, my Savior, has overcome the world!"


Therefore, I will live my life, I will face each moment, with Him.

Neither troubled nor dismayed nor afraid.

Standing…in victory…as a conqueror.

Oh, what a tangled
web we weave,
When we let the weeds
of trouble invade...
But let not our hearts
be deceived,
There is One who has come
to our eternal aid.

So lean on His peace
and be not dismayed,
For all shall be well,
forevermore...
The victory's been won,
the price has been paid,
And our home is awaiting
on Heaven's shore.

(Sharon Kirby, 11/15/15)

"The peace Christ gives is true, solid, and substantial; the peace the world, the men, and things of it give, is a false one; and whilst they cry, 'peace, peace, sudden destruction is at hand': the peace of the world is at best but an external one, but the peace Christ is the giver of, is internal; the peace the world affords is a very transient, unstable, and short lived one, but the peace of Christ is lasting and durable; the peace of the world will not support under the troubles of it, but the peace which Christ gives, cheerfully carries his people through all the difficulties and exercises of this life…" 
(Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible)

"So the peace Christ leaves is power to hold the wildest fear in pause, to still a clamor or hush a cry – it is the coming of mercy to a sense of sin, of life to the fear of death…'Not as the world giveth, give I to you, both as to manner and matter and power.  The matter, substance, and value of the prosperity and peace I give stretches out into eternity; and I give it, I do not merely talk of it or wish it.'" (Matthew Henry's Commentary) 

"…the most striking and unique note of the true faith is that…sorrow is blended with an inward rapture which transforms it into peace…" (Pulpit Commentary)




"I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper;
the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The LORD will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore."

(Psalm 121, ESV)


"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling…The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46:1-3, 11, ESV)

"Many are saying of me, 'God will not deliver him.'  But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  I call out to the LORD, and he answers me…I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.  I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side." (Psalm 3:1-6, NIV)

"The LORD will save him in the day of trouble." (Psalm 41:1, AMP)

"Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the LORD." (Psalm 23:6, AMP)




Are you in the midst of trouble?  Are you dismayed or afraid?




Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, EVERY DAY JESUS, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE LINKUP, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS, TGI SATURDAYS, STILL SATURDAY, SUNDAY STILLNESS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

THIS ISN'T NECESSARY

Tinkering.

Sometimes I think that's all I try to do with my life…

Fix things.

And sometimes I think that this is all that happens when I tinker…

Nothing.

The definition of the word "tinker" is this: to busy oneself with a thing without useful results.

(The origin of the word comes from "tinker" = "a mender of kettles, pots, pans, etc."  The word originated in the mid-13th century as a surname.  Some connect the word with the sound made by light hammering on metal.  The verb meaning,"to keep busy in a useless way," is first found in the 1650's.) 


It seems to me that there's just something about human nature that is driven to tinker.  

It's like we feel a compulsion to contribute our *two cents* to conversations and to *offer advice* (meddle??) in relationships.  To *tweak* (manipulate??) situations.  Not to mention how much time we spend changing our wardrobes, changing our looks, changing our homes, changing our diets, changing our exercise routine…

Seems like we're always seeking to alter and modify – to revise, rework, and remodel.

Why do we do this?

I think it's because we're endlessly trying to make life feel right, and comfortable, and easy.

But, by its very definition, tinkering is futile and pointless work.

For, more often than not, our efforts are fruitless, accomplishing nothing of any significance or lasting impact.

And when I think about fruitless labor, I always think about Sarah Winchester.


Years ago, my sons and I took a most interesting tour at a place called The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California.

Here's the backstory:

The house was built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of William Winchester, of the family that manufactured the Winchester repeating rifle.  Life was good for a while, but then disaster struck.  In 1866, her infant daughter, Annie, died, followed 15 years later by the death of her husband.  Mrs. Winchester fell into a deep depression from which she never fully recovered.  Legend has it that she ultimately sought help from a spiritualist.

According to some sources, the spiritualist explained that she was being haunted by the spirits of people killed by Winchester rifles.  Supposedly the spirits caused the tragic deaths of her daughter and husband, and she could be their next victim.

Mrs. Winchester was told to move west, and in an effort to appease the spirits, she was exhorted to build a grand house for them.  As long as construction on the house never ceased, Mrs. Winchester’s life would not be in danger, and perhaps she would even ensure herself eternal life.

Over the next 38 years, 24 hours a day, construction never stopped.   At the time of her death in 1922, the unfinished farmhouse she bought in 1884 had spread over six acres.  The sprawling mansion contained 160 rooms, 2,000 doors, 10,000 windows, 47 stairways, 47 fireplaces, 17 chimneys, 13 bathrooms, 6 kitchens, two basements – with many false doors, confusing passageways, up-and-down staircases, secret rooms, peepholes, and dead-ends.

After all that, Sarah Winchester still died.

The house is fascinating, the story is heartbreaking.


Fruitless labor.

Yes, I've been known to "work" at that, too.

And sometimes, my tinkering just makes things worse.

Ever done that?

Tried to make things better, and everything just blows up in your face?

Now hear me on this, I am not talking about the real work of reconciliation or forgiveness.

This is necessary work, and God commands us to do it.

But, He does not ask us to do HIS work.

That's what I'm talking about – inserting ourselves into situations where God is in control.  (Which, truth be told, is EVERY situation!)

And sometimes, when God is at work, He asks us to wait.

This is when I'm most tempted to insert my proverbial nose into the process.

When things are not proceeding according to my plans and my timetable.  

When life feels wrong and uncomfortable and difficult.

When I think that God could use a little help.

HA!


My grandmother once told me a story about planting some seeds.  

And when they didn't sprout in a *timely fashion*, she dug one up.  Seeing that the seed had changed, she replanted it.  Well, I bet you can guess what happened.

That is the only seed that didn't grow.

Good lesson, huh?!


So what does God want to say to me, to us, about all of this?

These words:

"This isn't necessary."

Our pastor tells the story of a man burdened under a load of heavy sticks. Hunched over, he slowly trudges his way down the road toward home.  Then a truck comes by, with a very friendly driver, and offers him a ride.

He accepts.

But, once in the bed of the truck, the man declines to sit, and continues to be bent over by the weight of his heavy burden, which he refuses to lay down.

Don't we all do this sometimes?

Having accepted the Lord as our Savior, we then revert to behavior that impedes Him from saving us.

We tinker and toil, endlessly trying to *fix* things.

Without useful results, and sometimes making things worse in the process.

And if we're not actively tinkering, we're most likely worrying in fretful fits of futile figuring, trying to work things out.


God speaks…

Gently, insistently, and occasionally a bit forcefully – (I sometimes don't listen well, do you?!)…

"This isn't necessary."

We are not meant to carry life.

We are meant to carry our cares to The Life.

When I looked up the definition of "tinker," it included this sentence in the definition – "Stop tinkering with that clock and take it to the repair shop."

It occurs to me that I should be taking everything to The Watchmaker.

The only One who knows how to repair broken relationships, to mend broken hearts, to restore broken spirits, to fix a broken world.


Might I just paraphrase one of my favorite verses in the Bible?

One that I believe, but have so much trouble following?

"Do not be anxious or worried about anything, and stop trying to fix things. Instead, in everything – and I mean everything! – every circumstance, every situation, every relationship, every financial matter, every illness or health challenge, every decision – by praise and appeal and thanksgiving (don't forget to be thankful!) – continue to make your specific requests known to God.  And then, lay down those burdens, get out of the way, and LET HIM WORK!" (paraphrase of Philippians 4:6)


I don't know about you, but I'm sitting down and unloading those heavy sticks!

I'm tired of carrying burdens that aren't meant to be carried alone.

I'm tired of worrying about situations and circumstances that are firmly in God's control.

I'm tired of shouldering responsibility in a futile effort to fix everything and make everything *work*.

I'm tired of tinkering.

And I'm sure God is tired of my interference!!


May God complete His work – in me, in my life, and in the lives of the ones I love.

May my fruitless labor be transformed into the fruit of the Spirit.


And may I learn to trust Him ever more…

Laying down my tools
and ceasing
from my labors,
I place everything
into the capable hands
of
The Carpenter,
who bids me to come
and rest. 

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'" 
(Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)

"God has told his people, 'Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here.  This is a place of quiet rest.'" (Isaiah 28:12, NLT)

"'For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.'" (Jeremiah 31:25, ESV)

"He gives strength to the weary, and to him who has no might He increases power.  Even youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, but those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired." (Isaiah 40:29-31, AMP)

"For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel has said this, 'In returning [to Me] and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and confident trust is your strength.'" (Isaiah 30:15, AMP)

"'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'" (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

"The Sovereign LORD has given me his words of wisdom…Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will." (Isaiah 50:4, NLT)

"A man's mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them." (Proverbs 16:9, AMP)

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act." 
(Psalm 37:5, ESV)

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:3, NIV)

"Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth…" (Proverbs 3:5-6, AMP)

"…[Cast] all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]." (1 Peter 5:7, AMP)

"Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail)." 
(Psalm 55:22, AMP)

"O my people, trust in him at all times.  Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge." (Psalm 62:8, NLT)

"To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.  O my God, in You I trust, do not let me be ashamed; do not let my enemies exult over me…Make me know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.  Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day." 
(Psalm 25:1-2, 4-5, NASB)

"...your eyes will [constantly] see your Teacher.  Your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or to the left." (Isaiah 30:20-21, AMP)

"Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me…" (Psalms 27:11, ESV)

Are you a tinkering fool?!

Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, UNITE LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE LINKUP,THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY,TGI SATURDAYS, STILL SATURDAY, SUNDAY STILLNESS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"