Upward Look

"Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD..."  Ps. 25:15A

It's summer!  Let's linger over our cup of coffee today.  What fun!

  A small boy nervously stands at the edge of a pool and peers into the water --- then he looks back to his mother for her reassuring smile.  She smiles at him.  The confidence swells within his heart as he bends his knees and catapults into the water.  Coming up with sheer delight, he quickly finds his mother, who winks at her little hero and claps proudly.

  Oh, just as the child looks for courage, confidence, hope, and approval, so we as children must look to our Heavenly Father.  Ps. 25:15A says, "Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD."  We must fix our eyes on God as we trust in Him.  As our eyes are fixed, our hearts become confident and our expectations and hope become firmly planted in God.  Then, when circumstances or trials come, our eyes automatically look to Him, who has proved Himself faithful.  Our eyes look to the God of the universe!  I love that!

  Fixing our eyes on Jesus is something we must work on daily because it is imperative to our lives as Christians.  Do you realize how much our eyes take in around us?  Our eyes reveal so much to our heart --- so if we maintain our eyes on the Lord, we grow in a deeper relationship with Him, resulting in such sweet fellowship.  Through this gaze, we can experience the confident look of trust, the tender look of love, and the amazing look of wonder.

  In the last several years, I have found seven specific way I can "look" to the Lord.  I look to Him as my Presider, Protector,  Provider, Pastor, Priest, Prophet, and Portion.  Oh, He is all these to you, too!  Maintain your eyes toward the Lord, thank Him for being all that you need, and you will experience such a comfort unlike anything else.

  He loves you so much and is so proud of you!

Morning Smile

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork."  Ps. 19:1

  Let's sit outside for our coffee cup visit today.

  It is early dawn and, each day, there they sit.  Nine are facing east, one facing west.  Watching and waiting.  Here it comes!  Get ready!  Their heads are tilted back, their chests are barreled out, and their feathers are fluffed, as the glory and the warmth of the sun appears above the treetops.  Oh, my, do they shake and shiver.  After a few minutes of enjoying the spectacular showing, they fly off---promising to meet again at dawn the next day.

  I've seen this gathering of birds at the same intersection many mornings.  In fact, I look for them.  Kinda goofy, but I have this GA (Ginny Assumption) about them.  I think they're watching for the sun - patiently waiting for it to appear up over the nearby rooftops.  

  Now if they really are watching for the sun, just imagine for a moment, what a wonderful way to begin the day!  Ps. 19:4,5 says "...the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, (rejoices) like a strong man running a race."

  Oh, that we might anticipate the morning this way.  I love the idea "of a bridegroom coming out of his chamber."  We have all been there...a wedding where the bridegroom's face is so full of joy that those watching find it contagious.

  I must confess that I often look forward to the evening when the day is done and I can just sit at home and rest.  Now, though, I am asking the Lord to encourage me to welcome the morning with greater anticipation.  Not that I am going to rise every morning and watch the sun come up.  I'm not.  But, I do desire to begin every single morning rejoicing in the Lord and being grateful for all that He will do for me in the coming day.

  How do you anticipate the morning?  A little dread ... a long list of to do's?  Or, do you face the world with a spirit of joy, with the realization of the Lord's company and his goodness?

  Let's let our voices of praise be heard with the singing of the birds as we welcome the morning.  What glorious things He has in store for us each day.

  Who knows, next time you are out one early morning, you might just see your own row of birds ... patiently waiting for the sun to make its glorious appearance so that they can give honor and praise to their creator.

Blessings of the Lord

"The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."  Proverbs 10:22

You are such a blessing to me!  I love our coffee time together.

  It all started with the orange tree.  I saw it several weeks ago while driving to work.  Oranges, oranges, and more oranges, the tree was laden with them.  It was in the middle of December and I was amazed.  I did not realize I lived in a climate or season that would grow oranges in the winter.  I found myself looking for the orange tree every day.

  Oh, how I wanted to try one of the oranges to see if it was sweet or just an average orange.

  I would think, okay, park at the end of the street, walk along the road easement, and pick up one of the oranges.  Option #2, I would count which house it was on the street, go up to the door, and ask if I could have one of their oranges.  Option #3, just forget about tasting, just enjoy seeing the oranges.  Crazy, I know, but that is just how my mind works sometime.  You are getting to know the real me.

  Then one day while driving by the orange tree, the Lord sweetly spoke a spiritual truth to me.  Why don't you let the orange tree--with all its wonderful oranges-represent MY blessings and promises to you.  I have so many for you, yet day after day you look, they fall to the ground because you do not take them or gather them for yourself to give to others.  My promises and blessings are yours for the asking, believing, and receiving.

  Oh, that is so true.  I confess I don't claim His promises as I should and I let blessing after blessing fall to the ground without acknowledging and thanking Him for them.  What a sweet way the Father reminds His children.

  My encouragement to you and reminder to myself is to be keenly aware of all the blessings of the Lord.  Take minute and remember some from just this past week.

  His promises are our because of our relationship with Jesus Christ.  He wants us to stand upon His promises by faith knowing He will never recall His promises, "God is not man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent.  Hath he said, and shall he not do it?  Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"  Numbers 23:19

  Now when I pass the orange tree, to enjoy it would take action on my part...take action on God's promises and blessings.  Who knows, I may just stop and get an orange soon.  

Getting out of the Pit

"He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings."  Ps. 40:2

  

  I know you are  busy, but let's plug in the coffee.  I won't stay too long ... promise.

  One of my all-time favorite movies is The Princess Bride.  In one part of the movie, Wesley---Princess Buttercup's one-true love-finds himself thrown into the "pit of despair."  He is tortured and beaten in the pit and his spirit is all but broken.  At one point, it looks as if Wesley will be stuck in the pit of despair for the rest of his life.  But, at the last moment, Wesley finally finds a way of escape and is eventually rewarded with his beautiful bride!

  A couple of months ago, I too, found that I had fallen into a pit of despair and rejection.  For the first time in my life, a fellow co-worker didn't like me.  And she wasn't shy about showing it!  I let her rejection fester in my life until I found myself falling further and further into the pit.

  I don't know about you, but "pits" don't conjure up pretty visuals for me.  I see depression, selfishness, jealousy, and discontent, just to name a few.  And one of the worst things about "being in the pit" is that we often find ourselves lingering there for long periods of time.  Pits, unfortunately, can become like quick sand---as they pull us further and further under, all the while suffocation us emotionally.

  But praise God, for He is our way of escape!  As the Psalm says, He can bring u sout of a horrible pit.  It's up to us to respond to his leading.

  I often refer to this time in my life---when I need to respond to God---as "the classroom."  I am the pupil and He is the teacher... and, sometimes, I don't always respond to God's lessons the way I should!  So, like any great teacher, He has to repeat the same lesson again and again until I finally understand what He's trying to teach me.  It's at those times I have to remember 1st Thessalonians 5:18:  "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."  So, even if you're heart isn't rejoicing, just remember to be obedient in giving thanks.  The heart's rejoicing will come later.

  Once my heart is back in line with God, I have to focus on my thoughts.  One of the biggest struggles I face when I find myself falling into a pit is that I tend to allow my thoughts to run out of control.  I can play out entire "what if" scenarios in my mind in under five seconds.  To help curb that process, I recall Phil. 4:8, which states "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  This verse helps get my thoughts back in line and my perspective back on God.  Finally, I begin to pray for the situation---both for my attitude and my response.  God is so loving in showing me that it's been His chisel the whole time, chipping away at my life to fashion me more like His Son and bring me out of the pit.  Oh, how I welcome that!

  We all have times where we find ourselves in a pit, but thank the LORD He does not leave us there!  He sets "our feet upon a rock."  That rock is Jesus.  As Deut. 32:4 says, "He is the Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are justice and right is He."

  And fortunately, like Wesley, we have a prize waiting for us on the other side of the pit---a renewed, reinvigorated relationship with the Lord.  God brought me out of my pit---my relationship with my co-worker has drastically improved, thanks to a lot of prayer and the help of some insight from the Lord---and I know that He wants to deliver you out of yours as well.

  Oh, we have a mighty God and He loves you with an everlasting love!  Let Him love on you today.

  Can't wait for our next time together.  Thank you for letting me come to visit.  

His Comforts

"In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul."  Ps. 94:19

  Today as we visit, sit in your most comfortable spot and use your favorite mug or cup.  It's our coffee time.

  I want you to think of one or two examples that you consider being "comfort things".  By "comfort things" I mean those things you cling to when you are pressed, stressed, lonely, or just out-of-sorts.  We all have those "comfort" props; that fleeting fix that helps us forget the moment.  The favorite food, the robe, a hobby, spending money, or even a luxurious "Calgon take-me-away" bubble bath.  

  My favorite comforts are twofold:  a mid-afternoon nap and my favorite fast food meal.  I can think back to the many times I have moved my daughters, only to find myself missing them the moment I pull away ... Whataburger, here I come--the #8 on my mind!  It was a fleeting fix that would satisfy me for the moment, getting my mind temporarily off of the pain I was feeling.

  Ps. 94:19 refers to the "multitude of thoughts within me."  Those thoughts can result in feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and even fearful.  When our thoughts overwhelm us, it is at that time we can find true rest and comfort in the words "thy comforts delight my soul."   The comforts of God can become the sanctuary for our minds and hearts; it is His divine comforts that give delight and satisfaction.  His comforts are a continual satisfaction to us and not a mere fleeting fix.

  Let's take a moment and acknowledge some of God's comforts that delight and satisfy our heart and mind  I'll give you a few of mine---His unfailing love, the forgiveness of sin, eternal life, His faithfulness, mercy, kindness and the fact that He delights in us and sings over us.  You know I could go on and on and you could too.  Take a second and name your comforts of God and find your self being comforted and delighted by the Father.  What sweet peace and rest we find in Him.

  It's okay to enjoy your "comfort" thing, but I would challenge you to go one step further.  Allow God and His Word to bring genuine comfort to your heart.  It truly is the only thing that will bring lasting satisfaction.

  I will still at times order my #8, which is the two chicken strips, fries, Texas toast with gravy, and a Dr. Pepper, but more that that...I will name back to God all the ways He delights and comforts my heart through His Word.  His promises are guaranteed to satisfy.  I look forward to our next time together!     

The Kiss

"...But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."  Luke 15:20

  

    I smell the coffee...you must have know I was coming.  How fun!

  I recently gave my granddaughter a book entitled Won't You Be My Kiss-a-roo?  Throughout this wonderful book, various animals are portrayed in a mother-child relationship giving each other special kisses.  Oh, there is the morning kiss, the goodnight kiss, and the healing kiss of a hurt, the surprise kiss, even the sticky kiss of a butter/honey sandwich.  I love reading the book to Hannah and giving her the kisses as we read each page.  We have a sweet time together.

  There is another story of a kiss I find most precious.  It is one of my favorites and is found in Luke 15:11-24 where Jesus is telling a parable of the prodigal son.  I know you are familiar with it.  Would you let me tell my version of the story?

  The young man has had a glimpse of the world and begins to imagine all that he could do if he was just able to leave home and seek all that he believes to be good and satisfying.  Day in and day out he dreams of leaving his father - and the daily grind of farming and ranching - and venturing off to the far country.  Finally, one day, he gains the courage to ask his father for his inheritance early and his father begrudgingly grants his son's request.  The son heads out the next day for the far country to seek the pleasures he has dreamed about for so long.

  Well, you all know what happens.  The son spends all his money in "riotous living", loses the "friends" he had acquired, and finds himself feeding pigs.  Not only does he feed the pigs; he eats the dinner served the pigs!  What a change from the lifestyle he knew at his father's house.

  After some time the son realizes that even the servants at his father's house have a place to sleep and food to eat.  Why, surely he could also be a servant at his father's house.  So, he decides to travel home.  As he begins the journey, the realization of all his wrongdoings begins to sink in - how he must have grieved his father, how much pain he has caused to his family.  He knows he must ask for his father's forgiveness.    Meanwhile, day after day, the father sits on the front porch in his rocker, watching for any sign of his son.  He finds himself looking hard and long down the dusty road, yearning to catch a glimpse of the son he lost so long ago.  Then, one day ... could it be?  Could this man be my son returning home?  As his heart begins to race in his chest, the father jumps off the porch, runs down the long dusty road, his eyes transfixed on one sight -- his long lost son.  Before the son can even open his mouth to confess all that he has done wrong and ask for forgiveness, his father has embraced him and given him a kiss -- a kiss of forgiveness and restoration, a kiss of love, a kiss of welcoming home.  I love that!  What a glorious picture of our Heavenly Father!

  Oh, the kisses our Father gives to each one of us.  The kiss of His love through Jesus.  An early morning kiss of a most beautiful sunrise.  The sweet kiss of family.  The kiss that heals a hurting heart.  The kiss of encouragement.  Try not to overlook the many kisses we receive from our loving Father.  Notice them.  Cherish them.  You will find them in the reading of the Word, in creation, in your prayer time or with a loved one or friend.

  He is longing to give you His kiss today.  Receive it and thank Him for it.  A sweet kiss you will not forget.  Oh, the love the Father has for you!  We have a most wonderful Heavenly Father  I love sharing my thoughts and spending time with you.

  Always keep some coffee on the shelf.  I'll be back soon for another short visit.  

Sweet Fragrance

"God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade.  Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ.  Everywhere we go, people breathe in exquisite fragrance.  Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God..." 2 Cor. 2:14&15 (The MSG.)

  

You are so special in God's  eyes... it's a  "china cup" coffee time today!

  Red bike story #2.

  When I ride, I often find myself on one particular trail that winds through a wooded area.  I love this area.  The trees and vines intertwine to form a green canopy overhead and the walls ... they're made of the sweetest scented honeysuckle you've ever smelled.  Upon entering, I slow down, look about, and take deep breaths of the fragrance of the blossoms.  As I leave and ride out to the open, the fragrance lingers with me as a reminder of that special place.

  So it is with our lives.  As a believer, God's Word tells us that our lives produce an exquisite fragrance so that wherever we go, it causes others to know of our love for the Lord.  The fragrance of Jesus should make your life different than that of the worlds.

  I heard of a wonderful custom the women of Sudan perform before their wedding day.  It speaks of fragrance.

  The custom begins with a pit being dug; inside the pit is placed charcoal and sandalwood incense.  A mat is positioned by the pit, and for forty days before the wedding ceremony, the bride-to-be sits on the mat each day and covers herself with a blanket, allowing the smoke and fragrance to penetrate her entire body.

  Anyone who would meet this woman in the marketplace would know where she had been and what special event was upcoming in her life.  Why?  Because she had immersed herself in that distinctive fragrance.

  Oh, that we might so immerse ourselves in the presence of the Lord that when we meet and talk with people in the marketplace, we can't help but give off the aroma of Jesus Christ.

  What a wonderful truth ... our lives are a sweet-smelling savor to God!  

  Love the time you spend with the Lord.  Allow His Word to penetrate every part of your being and know that you are an exquisite fragrance for Him.

  I told you it was a "china cup" day!  Thank you for letting me spend some time with you. 

You Are the Apple of His Eye

"Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear him, upon those who hope in his mercy."  Ps. 33:18

 

 Got your cup of coffee ready?  Let's visit a minute.  I just love our time together!

  Since moving to Katy, I have become the proud owner of a red bicycle and, boy, do I love it!  It has given me the opportunity to ride the bike trails in my neighborhood, check out the area, look at different landscaping, homes, and even get some good exercise.  All this riding also allows me to have time with the Lord whether it's talking, praying, or simply listening.

  The nature trails that I ride wind in and out of the woods, allowing me to scan the area for different animals and foliage.  I've seen three turtles sunbathing on a partially submerged log; a white crane soaking his feet in the water, eyeballing me as I get closer and closer just so he can fly off.  There's even a sign posted near the bayou that says "watch out for alligators," but I haven't spotted one yet. 

  While riding the other day, I saw a woodpecker on the side of the tree, busy doing his thing.  I slowed my bike down and approached him---I thought very quietly---only to have him quickly fly away.  I followed him as he flew high into the sky, while continuing to ride my bike across a bridge.  Realizing I needed to check where my front wheel was so I didn't have a wreck, I lost sight of the woodpecker.  Quickly looking back, I saw the bird in my vision and watched him continue to soar.

  Suddenly, a thought came to my mind:  sometimes we can get so caught up in what is happening in our lives and on our surroundings that we simply lose sight of the Lord.  Thankfully, the glorious truth is, He does not lose sight of us!  His eye is ever upon us!  Ps. 33:18 says, "Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear him, upon those who hope in his mercy."

  Ps. 32:8 says, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye."

  Those two verses are an encouragement to us to realize and know God always has His eye on us.  No matter what, His eye never leaves us.

  Ps. 32:8 is one of my favorite verses.  It has been such an encouragement to me so many times.  There are three verbs to notice:  instruct, teach and guide.

  As we fear God and hope in His mercy, He will perform those three verbs in Ps. 32:8.

  God is involved in our lives and wants us to have a willingness to allow Him to instruct, teach and guide us.  Oh, for the personal instruction from your Heavenly Father, that He may teach and guide you.

  Thank the Father for His eye of infinite tenderness and compassion upon you.  He loves you so much!  Keep your eye upon Him!

  Keep me on your calendar for us to have coffee and visit again soon.