All -- Now!

The morning news sizzled the airways punctuating our minds with information from interesting to disastrous. Capturing my interest was a commercial that flashed in the middle. Some store was having a sale, (imagine that?!) and in the background music played with the words, “I want it all . . . I want it now.”

As I turned to the Word for my morning devotions, that thought was still playing in the back of my mind. Silently my heart cried out to God, turning the philosophy of those words in a different direction. “I do want it all, Lord, all YOU have for me. . .”

He took me to Luke 4 and began penetrating my heart with Truth. Jesus, being tempted of the Devil, was confronted with this same temptation being used today! First, the enemy plays on his immediate physical need. “You want something to satisfy your hunger.” What’s the philosophy behind it? ALL --- NOW! Comfort, satisfaction, temporal filling – immediately!

Jesus responds with an eternal perspective. “Man does not live on bread alone” (John 4:4 NIV.) The Message paraphrases His words like this, “It take more than bread to really live.”

Ousted! Overridden! Still persisting, the enemy tries another path – same philosophy! Immediate, fleshy, earthly power. He shows Jesus in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. “. . . Worship me, and it will all be yours” (John 4:5 NIV). ALL – NOW!)

Jesus takes out the temporal pressure by sticking with the eternal Word, “It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only!”

Silenced. Superseded. Pressing on, the devil resorts to the same philosophy, slightly re-arranged. At the highest point of religions recognition – the Temple of Jerusalem he tempts him with, “prove it – NOW.” “IF you are the Son of God . . . throw yourself down from here. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” “All – NOW!”

Jesus takes out the temporal temptation with the eternal TRUTH! “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Hushed! Overcome! The enemy leaves Him alone . . . only until he can find another way to slip in.

Isn’t it amazing! All these hundreds of years and the enemy of our souls still uses the same tactics!? The “All-NOW” philosophy of our world today still gets us into trouble if we let it. But, when we turn it from temporal to eternal it can be the biggest blessing of our lives!

GOD – I WANT ALL OF YOU – and TODAY, I WILL LOVE YOU MORE, OBEY IMMEDIATELY, AND TRUST YOU IN EVERYTHING. ALL – NOW!

By Janene Dubbeld

For Gods Glory

Take it with You

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5

Following Through

   Isn't it amazing how God works in our lives? When I posted the blog named, "Doing Unto Others," I had several responses. One of you mentioned you liked it that I used the word, "actively." This got me thinking.

   One day last week we were working hard at cleaning out a room in our basement. As it neared lunchtime, I decided to take the two children home with me and head to a local restaurant. They have the most delicious nachos and cheese -- and offer it in sort of "family style" at an affordable price!

   Arriving at the restaurant I knew we were in for a wait! My schedule pressed upon my brain -- but since hunger pressed upon my stomach -- and children's hunger pressed upon my heart -- we went in anyway.

   This "doing unto others" blog was still fresh in my mind. I kept thinking, "actively" . . .

   There was one waitress on duty that I could see --maybe one more on the other side. She was working like crazy to help everyone. Soon after we sat down, she let us know there was one other table in front of us -- then, she would take our order.

   We were hungry! We were thirsty! We waited, and waited, and waited! FINALLY she came over. She was so apologetic, and I honestly felt sorry for her. She took our drink order -- and our food order. After the drinks came, we WATIED and WATITED for our food. When it came out she again was soooo apologetic. We did everything we could to reassure her it was ok.

   At one point I said, "We know you are doing your best." She responded with, "Thanks for noticing that!"

   Soon the meal came to an end, and she brought the check. As we were leaving she was frantically moving to another table, but over her shoulder she threw out the desperate words -- "Just please pray for me!"

   It halted me in my tracks for a moment. None of us had said anything about church, or Jesus, but she saw Him in our kindness and response -- ACTIVELY! It convicted me again . . . "Do unto others . . ."

O, Jesus! Help me actively LIVE the WORD today!!!! (And although I didn't know her name, Father does, and I know HE heard my prayer . . .)

By Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

(Galatians 5:22 NKJV)

Doing Unto Others

Our oldest son is much like his father in many ways! In fact, not long ago “grandma” was visiting us. Either the way he was standing, or the expression on his face – something caused her to say, “You looked more like your Dad right then than ever.”

She should know! She raised his dad!

But one thing he always liked to do that dad didn’t was practical jokes! Don’t get me wrong, my husband loves to laugh – his middle name MEANS laughter – he just doesn’t like practical jokes. He doesn’t do them to others, and he doesn’t want them done to him.

When Vincent was small, he loved practical jokes. (He still does!) One evening at the supper table, he decided to pull one. Unbeknown to any of us, he carefully unscrewed the salt shaker lid. We were happily eating and sharing together. No one used the salt for awhile, and he forgot all about the “joke.”

He forgot – until HE decided to use the salt! There he was, looking chagrined with a pile of salt and the lid in his food. He really did get a “taste” of his own medicine!

The simple law of “sowing” and “reaping” tends to carry with it some compound consequences. So carefully Jesus spelled it out for us, “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.” These words are known to bring peace from little to big, weak to strong, and in every kind of situation. They are easily said – harder to consistently carry out!

It is the action that comes from these simple words which causes the result of Christians being the “salt of the earth.” Those who give it the right kind of flavor. Not piled in the plate with briny, overbearing declarations of faith – or void of freshness with only stories of the past – but active, up to date relationship with Christ-- complete with caring acts of kindness, edifying words, and a willing “I’m sorry” when necessary.

Let’s flavor the earth – by living Him!

Precious Spirit of God, please enable us to live out your will and Word!

In Jesus name, Amen

By Janene Dubbeld

For Gods Glory

Take it with You

“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12 NKJV)

Can I Help?

They came home from school in the normal rush — book bags swinging and arms full with “extras” from the day. The homey, yellow and blue kitchen was already smelling of the evening meal and that added to the happiness that the school day was over!

The work schedule of one of our children called for an early supper time. Finishing the last preparations, I heard a little voice say, “Mom, can I help?”

Wow! I was so pleased that he would offer! “Sure,” I said, my mind racing around the things left to do to engage something a six year old could accomplish himself. “You can put the forks around the table,” I commented happily,” right on those napkins is where they go.”

He squinted up his nose and gave me a grin. Then he said, “ I was thinking I could help cut the watermelon.”

I smiled. He wanted to use a large butcher knife and head into a job way to big for a six year old! He saw that melon sitting on the counter. It looked so inviting — and he was NOT a baby anymore. (He had already told me!) He was big and strong! He didn’t want to put forks around! He wanted to cut the watermelon!

With a little convincing, he put the forks around — the spoons too—and he learned to do it neatly. He accomplished the task I needed and was a big help — even if he didn’t cut the watermelon!

A sobering thought hit me — right there in the kitchen. Isn’t that what we do as Christians sometimes? We love the Lord and we are enthused to win the world for Him! After all, we desire to carry out His commission! We head off for the task — the way we think we should — we all want to cut the watermelon!

Then, in His gentle, leading way He asks us — “would you mind putting the forks around?” Its so tempting to look around and say, “but they’re cutting the watermelon!”

The thing is, we each have a job to do. Not all of us can be “watermelon cutters!” Each of us have a purpose within His plan! Sometimes it takes a new surrender to what HE desires! The glorious fulfillment of servant filled living is realized when we simply do what He asks us to do — follow HIS commands. Its in the daily living — the daily “signing up for service” — the daily surrender.

His all seeing eye sees everything — His all containing wisdom knows best. It’s up to us to trust and follow — it’s up to Him to do the rest! He’s really good at running His world — and He knows just how we can help!

By Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“There are different kinds of gifs, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of workings, but the same God works all of them in all men.”

I Corinthians 12:1-3 NIV

Nothing Between

Most of the long day was finally passed. The sun had passed its “mid-point” and we were on our way home. My husband and I sat at a red light waiting for it to change. As we waited, both of our eyes were drawn to a small house by the side of the road.

We weren’t drawn by its shutters, its porch, or its brick. It was the huge, gorgeous rose bush that caught our attention. Its incredibly large coral blooms covered the bush and spilled over onto the side of the porch.

“I can smell them from here,” my husband teased. “Maybe we could,” I said, rolling down the window of the vehicle. We both breathed in deeply, hoping to get a whiff of their fragrance. We frowned – then tried again.

“Too many things in between,” I said, as a car passed between us and the flowers. “We’re just a little too far away.”

The light changed, but not before a whisper resounded in my spirit. “Too many things between . . . just a little too far away. . .”

My sweet Jesus – He is the Rose of Sharon – the life giving fragrance to us as we breathe deeply of Him. Nothing between us is my life-time goal. Keeping an intimate, open relationship with my Savior and Lover of my soul. I want to stay close enough to Him until His fragrance fills me, permeating my life so others are drawn to Him to!

There’s a song I learned in my days of youth – and still love:

“Nothing between my soul and the Savior

So that His blessed face may be seen.

Nothing preventing the least of His favor

Keep the way clear – let nothing between!”

                                                                                                              Charles A. Tindley

By Janene Dubbeld

For Gods Glory

Take it With You

"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth all by their names." Pslam 147:3,4

The Place at the Table

There is just something special about the dinner table. (Or supper table, whichever you prefer to call it!) Although I didn’t realize it, I learned its importance as a child. I ate my lima beans – at the dinner table. I could share whatever I wanted – at the dinner table. We laughed and talked – at the dinner table. Strength was gained – at the dinner table.

As the seasons of our life have changed – so has the dinner table. Even in the chaotic world of children’s activities, ministry “musts,” and teenage work schedules we strive to gather around the “dinner table” as much as possible! Sometimes we eat early – so whoever is going out the door can eat with us. Sometimes we eat later – until everyone can get home . . . but we work for it. It’s important!

It is a bit different than mine as a child – as I was the only child there! Now there are many . . . talking over each other – at times we have even created a “floor” (which is usually a folded up napkin) and whoever has the “floor” gets time to speak! (It works . . . for awhile!)

One evening recently we were getting ready for dinner when my daughter asked, “Is grandma coming?”

“I’m not sure,” I responded, “Just go ahead and set her a place at the table.”

In that instant, it came to me. That’s how it is with God! He has a very large table, full of the finest, richest foods – which are all “good for you!” It’s set – and there is a place for each of us – he wants us to come – will we?

He has designed it by grace, and ladened it with love, mercy, forgiveness, joy, peace . . . and he keeps on filling it with the foods we need, we just have to “take time to eat.” Find strength – at His table!

There’s always room.

Take it With You

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Revelation 3:20

A Day With Dad

   One of our children was struggling. Changing schools had been difficult -- and anyway, he would rather be playing ball -- or drums. His dad and I sat down one day and talked things over. While we firmly believe in Biblical discipline, we felt this situation needed a different kind of motivation. So, we talked with our son.

What is the one thing he would really like to do at the end of the year if he finished well?

   Quick as a blink of your eye he answered. He didn't want a new toy, or some kind of physical object. He wasn't looking for a monetary reward, or certain kind of candy . . . he simply wanted a day ALL BY HIMSELF with Dad!

   We were living in Florida at the time and had been blessed with a pass to Sea World. All year there was a goal. A goal held right in the front of my son's mind. Do your very best this school year -- and receive a day with Dad -- all my yourself. No sharing him with siblings or mom or work . . . just fun with Dad.

   "Do your best" were the instructions. We didn't decide for him what his best would produce. If it wasn't straight A's, but he was still doing his best, that was ok. We were looking to help him discover the responsibility of giving his best at all times -- even when it wasn't his "favorite" thing to do!

   The year came to a close. To be honest, I don't remember what his grades were, but I do remember the impact his "day with Dad" had on him. Why? To this day they still talk about it! "Remember when we rode the Kracken fifteen times before noon . . ." (Or how ever many. I would have been sick as a dog!)

   The desire of my son to be with his dad parallels a cry of my own heart. Intimate time with my Heavenly Father. Times when He hears my heart and understands. Times when He actually listens -- as no other would or could. Sometimes, I just need a day with Father!

   When "doing our best" results in a grade less than an "A" he sees beyond our inability right to the heart of the matter. Lovingly he cares for His own -- however they need it. He doesn't give up nearly as quickly as a human mind. Carried on His love, His ultimate wisdom teaches and leads us. Not crushing, not overbearing, not accusatory -- but gentle -- as a shepherd!

   We can rest -- in Him! 

Take it withYou

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6