"Loving Him Most"

“Hey . . . mom hasn’t had a morning hug yet . . .” I teasingly said to my two younger sons. That did it . . . the tackle was on! Then came the next game . . . “I love you more than ice cream . . . banana splits . . . the sun . . . the moon . . .”

One of them said, “I love you more than pickles . . .” then he laughed. “That isn’t very much,” he said, tickled at himself, “because I don’t like pickles.”

We “cackled” together at his comment . . . but it stayed with me through the day and caused a more sober thought process to pursue.

“I love you more than . . .” What about loving God? Do I ever do that to Him? It’s easy to love Him more than the things that don’t mean all that much to us . . . but what about those we hold closest . . . dearest . . . what about loving Him most?

It isn’t playing a game with Him – it’s living a life. A life of love – wholly committed – totally surrendered – and forever and always intent on loving Him MOST!

No matter the problem or care of the day

I know Who I love most!

No matter the hot breath of the enemy’s boast

I know Who I love most.

No matter the tempting, alluring he tries

No matter if sunshine or rain fills the skies --

I’ll shout it on earth – or in Heavenly host

My God is the One I love most!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory

Take it with You

“Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:23-24

Heart Whispers

In the early waking hours of the day I went to Him . . . a seeking heart to have Him cleanse and fill me all over again. He whispered to me the assurance of His workings. Let me know the depth of His concern – the fullness of His love.

He didn’t roar it through the thunder – or show me through His mighty wind – my powerful, loving, Heavenly Father sent His precious Holy Spirit – and whispered in into the very deepest part of me.

He brought me to His Word – He spoke it to me again! The living Word – it went straight to the inner most point of my need.

How could I ask for more? His assurance completed the inner longing – calmed the questions of my mind – stilled the anxiety of my heart. Not for the world would I trade the moments – those precious moments with Him.

My trustworthy God has met with me! I am humbled at the realization – and moved by the Awesome Presence of WHO HE IS!

It deepens my love and strengthens my faith. It binds me closer to Him with a love that knows no boundaries. It gives me wings like eagles to soar -- to rise above!

Oh, yes! He does still speak! He does still meet with His people! He shares in heart whispers . . .

Take it with You

The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

I Kings 19:11-12

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory

Light Carriers

Carriers of light — that’s what we are called to be into a darkened, sinful world. Recently, a friend of mine told me about a time when he was in the army. He was serving the Lord — although many around him were not. One day, a comrade stopped him and wanted to know what was different about him. As my friend tried to understand just what he meant the young man said, “When you walk, light moves with you.” True story! From OUR century!

In the extreme darkness of his world, the LIGHT shone through him even clearer than he knew. Christ was with him — even in the dark. He was truly living in the world while not being of it.

Matthew Henry says, “The God of Israel, the Savior, is sometimes a God that hides Himself, but never a God that absences Himself; sometimes in the dark, but never at a distance.”

This is the assurance that inspires us to continue to step boldly. As we continue to step out, He will continue to open the path before us. His light moves with as we walk — dispelling the darkness and giving us just enough rays to take the next step. Would we have it any different — when this is how He keeps us close?

I have read that there are earthly trails that hikers take which only disclose a few feet ahead of them at a time. As they continue, the pathway becomes clearer, but they have to keep walking for the opening to come.

Faith walking takes us through many phases of our spiritual journey, but even when we FEEL like we are in the dark, we have the ASSURANCE that He will not leave us, He will not forsake us — and He is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

Tho’ the darkness is around us — we carry the LIGHT within us! Tho’ the trials press us — threaten to overwhelm us — that is when we can run to the Rock that is higher! It is in our weakness He shows Himself strong.

Carry the Light! Press forward in victory. Boldly step forward as He leads the way. Others see what you cannot — when you walk . . . LIGHT moves with you!

The Light of the World moves with me

Tho’ sometimes I cannot see

The far flung reach of the pathway

Where He is taking me.

By faith I walk through the darkness

Knowing His Light from within

Will open the pathway as needed

I simply need keep step with Him!

Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places stranight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

Deja Vou

It was in another state, another church, a different year. We had been called to this specific body of believers to assist in music for a week. My husband was getting microphones tested, and helping our youngest son know just where he would stand when he and his brother sang. From my view at the piano, their profiles were in perfect alignment. My chin nearly hit the keyboard. They looked so much alike even I — wife to one and mother to the other — could hardly believe it! Literally it was like déjà vou!

It was yet another state, yet another church, and yes, a different year. He was running full speed across the campground facilities. I caught sight of him and had to laugh. Behind him trailed children older than he and he was out running them all! Reminded me of the stories I had heard of his dad when he was younger! Smallest of the “pack” but winning the race. Quickly crossing the ground they had so recently covered, I came around the corner to the crew of boys. “Hey, he’s fast!” They said to me. “Can he be our friend?” “Sure,” I replied, once again smiling at the reflection of father in son.

When Jesus came to earth He was so much more than a “reflection” of the Father. He was the manifestation of our Holy God, our Heavenly Father in human form. It wasn’t déjà vou, it was our Father in Heaven giving us Himself in human flesh. The Divine God-head coming to us in flesh and blood — just as we are. Human form. “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Him” (Col. 1:19).

It was difficult for the disciples to understand. They walked, talked, ate, lived with Jesus, Yet He came doing the Father’s work and will, giving us the Father’s love.

Christ is the only Way we can come to God and gain eternal life. As He lives in us and through us, He makes us more into the image of Himself. Not very long ago I heard someone say something like, “They became the hands of Christ to me.” Déjà vou! We are the earthen vessels to carry Christ to the world. His example becomes our pattern for living. We want His image to be engraved on us until our simple, clay, human vessels, make evident our Christ well and people are drawn to the love of the Father.

Britton isn’t Mark, yet his physical image is so much like him there are times looking at them makes us take a “double-take!” Oh, Jesus! Help us be so much like You until people “look again” to see what is causing this beautiful spirit in such an ugly world. Oh, Jesus! When they look at me, let them see YOU — the Love of our Heavenly Father!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

Take it With You

“. . . Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Don’t you

believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.” John 14:9b-10

68 Years Young

He stood behind the pulpit at our family camp where we were ministering. He had a twinkle in his eye, and a glory shine on his face that gave him away as being a Spiril filled vessel. He told us stories – somewhat like another so much greater than he used to do. He showed us pictures – pictures of a place in Kenya where he and his wife are working with a Nomadic, unreached people’s tribe – working to give them water – and to give them the Water of life! Oh, yes. He is 68 years young. His heart still beats with the passion of Christ as he lives out the Proverb – “He that winneth souls is wise.”

One evening, he had some young people hand out everyone in the old tabernacle a penny. Then, so enabled by the Holy Spirit he preached to us on,

“The Coins of Time.”

We all have them in our pocket – how will we spend them? He took us to the scriptures . . . showing us how King Saul spent his coins of time, and how Saul turned Apostle Paul spent his. It’s quite an eye opening contrast! Their last words showed us how it is best for us to spend our coins of time.

As he closed his message, Dr. Roy Lauter gave us a poem he had penned. With his permission, I want to share it with you.

Coins of Time

The pocket of life is filled but once

With the precious coins of time

Each person is free to spend them as they see fit

On the ridiculous or the sublime

The coins pass quickly through our hands

And no one has the power

To tell just when the last coin will be spent

At late or early hour.

“Now” is the only coin you hold for sure

Be careful where you lay it down

For tomorrow you may search the pocket

And no coin there will be found.

Oh, don’t be like King Saul and cry, “I’ve played a fool--

I should have counted the cost.

I may have gained the things of this world

But my eternal soul I’ve lost.”

You can choose to be like the Apostle Paul

When you lay your last coin down

You can finish your course, you can keep the faith

And you can receive a crown.

As you hold the coin of this moment

May I ask, “What is your plan?”

Oh, please step out right now – bring it here –

And place it in the Savior’s hand.

By: Dr. Roy Lauter

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory

Take it With You

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Living Choices

Joshua had led well, and lived well. Now he was getting ready for his final days and once again his strong leadership brought his people to a place of decision. Joshua had already decided who he was following. His faith had certainly never wavered — even in the face of differing opinions and opposition. Joshua knew Who he served — he knew Who he belonged to.

Lots of different circumstances had come his way. Lots of times when

others didn’t keep the faith he held so precious. Yet Joshua remained firm and steadfast. He was someone God could count on to lead His people.

Notice his leadership began somewhere vitally important. It began in his home with his family. “As for me, AND MY HOUSE, we will serve the Lord.” The Patriarch of this family claimed them for God with this statement — but not with this statement alone. He paved the way by his own life. His mind was made up, his will was set. He wasn’t turning to the right or to the left. He knew the One and Only God, the true God, and he and his family were following Him.

When Joshua began his journey, the end wasn’t in sight. He didn’t know he would be recorded as one of the two spies who believed. He didn’t realize the phrase he used to declare the position of he and his household would live on for thousands of years, be made into songs, plaques, placed on greeting cards, book marks . . . He had no idea. He was simply continuing to make the right decisions each and every day, and was not afraid to allow those decisions to be made public.

How could he have known the words God spoke to him on being courageous and not being afraid would span the centuries of time to encourage many other followers of His Jehovah—Jireh? The fact is He didn’t know these things. He was simply fulfilling the part of God’s eternal plan that was His to fulfill. Following, listening, talking, communing with His Father in Heaven . . . Acting on pure, sheer, unadulterated faith that His commands followed would produce His will fulfilled.

Earthly parents know one of their greatest joys when their children obey immediately and without question. Our Heavenly Father has a huge plan and eternal will. How we LONG to please Him — because we love Him so much! Nothing can please Him more than when we consistently make living choices to give our all completely, and follow Him fully — by faith — fulfilling HIS will!

Take It With You

“. . . Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

”. . . And the people said to Joshua, ‘We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.’”

Joshua24:24

Sorry! For His Brother

When summer time hits the Dubbeld household so do family camps! Notice it is plural – not singular! Together we meet lots of new friends, sing lots of songs, and hear lots of sermons – all of which are good things.

Recently, we were at our own “home-church” family camp. My younger boys were sitting with me in one of the services. One of them had done something to get himself in trouble, and he knew some form of correction was following that service! The “brother” figured out something was going on – and desperately wanted to know what. Fervently I whispered that it was none of his business.

He sat there a moment, just thinking about the situation. Then, he whispered back to be earnestly, “Mom, I’m sorry for _________,” and said his brother’s name.

In that moment, my heart melted. He didn’t want his brother to get in trouble, so his little sensitive heart was making the apology for him and trying to keep him free.

Instantly, I saw a picture of what Christ has done for me. I was in “big-time” trouble with God the Father. My sin had me headed for eternity without God. Jesus took the punishment I deserved! When he hung on that cross He was basically saying, “Father, I’m sorry for _______________.” Each of us can put OUR name in the blank! He brought us salvation as a free gift. All we have to do is confess that WE are the sinners, and ask Him to apply the blood to our heart. Then, we are FREE – free from sin and its bondage.

Hallelujah! What a Savior! “He took my sins and my sorrows – He made them His very own. He bore the burden to Calvary – and suffered and died alone. How MARVELOUS – how WONDERFUL! Is my Savior’s love for me.” Charles H. Gabriel

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory

Take it With You

“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

Box Full of Happiness

There it was, loudly sending it’s silent message as we traveled I-64. A “bigger than life” red box full of golden fries boasting it’s capability to give you a box FULL of happiness! Hmmm, hot, golden fries – with lots of salt. I had to smile at the billboard. Happiness? This could give you happiness? What about the extra pounds and high blood pressure later on?

What our world is searching for it consistently struggles to provide. What we THINK is our avenue to happiness is often dependent on our current surroundings — or what we have been taught brings joy our way.

Not long ago I was talking with a current missionary who had also grown up in a missionary family. She was mentioning the adjustments for them as children when they would come home from the mission field and go back into school here in America. She remembered an incident where she and another class mate were talking, and her friend wanted to know if she had seen a certain movie. At her response of “no” the girl was shocked. She responded with, “What? You haven’t even LIVED until you’ve seen . . . “ Haven’t even lived? My missionary friend remembered thinking something like this . . . “I’ve been half way around the world, seen all kinds of things you’ve never even thought of — but I haven’t lived until I’ve seen a certain movie?”

True happiness — or lasting joy simply can’t be found in a box of fries or certain movie. It radiates from our lives when we have found it’s center — it’s Source — Jesus Christ. Only He has the Power to fill us with Himself. When our lives center around Him, He is our Purpose for living, and He brings joy.

Does that mean nothing ever goes wrong in the live of a Christian? Hmmm . . . That is wishful thinking — not faith filled living. We still live in a fallen world — we’re not in Heaven yet. But we can have the God of Heaven living in our souls! He is where we find our joy in the midst of life’s pressures. He is with us — and has promised to be there always.

If you are burdened, He’s the burden bearer

If your hearts broken, the Healer can mend.

If you are seeking — He is the Answer.

He understands — You’ll never find a better friend!

Oh yes . . . His joy — that is where we find His strength!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“. . . Rejoice in the Lord!” (taken from Philippians 3:1)

Finding More Power

It used to make me wonder how people could be so thankful for their valleys. Pain never seemed a “pleasantry” to me. Given the chance I considered avoidance better than endurance! Then, one day it dawned on me – the mountain top is sweeter – after the climb.

What’s even more amazing is that even in the valley we are not alone! We could never know the sweet light of His Presence in the same way if we had never experienced the night of the trial. Never experience the healing grace the way we do if we never experienced the pain. Never know the result of “rejoicing always” if it never was a SACRIFICE of praise!

Life, on this big round globe called earth will forever bring the unexpected. God is bigger than life. He has Power for us that we would never know is available – if we didn’t need it.

When the road takes an unexpected turn – HE is there. He longs for us to turn TO Him in our time of need. He knows the path quite well. Remember – He walked the Via Dolorosa for us.

An acquaintance of mine recently lost her daughter in a tragic accident. One afternoon, she and her husband pulled into the school parking lot to get their son from day camp. As she got out of the car, I went over to speak with her. She never mentioned the accident, or her daughter, but talked of Heaven and the joys that wait for us there. We shared a few minutes about how we would love it when we got to our final home . . . then, at the end of the conversation she said, “We have this blessed hope!”

We do! It bursts through the blackness of our night, pushing back the despair and gloom and leaving us finding “more power than we ever dreamed” IN THIS LIFE. It carries us through the hard times with the realization that today is not forever! Our hope is in HIM – today . . . tomorrow . . . and always!

Take it with You

“Keep your roots deep in him and have your lives build on him.” Colossians 2:6