Count Your Blessings!

Until seeing the recent movie, “Warhorse”, I had not given any thought to the role horses played in war.  Psalms 33:13-17(NLT) says, “The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.  From his throne he observes all who live on the earth.  He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.  The best equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.  Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—for all its strength, it cannot save you.”  And, following in verses 20-22, “We depend on the Lord alone to save us.  Only he can help us, protecting us like a shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in his holy name.  Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.”  

It is interesting to see how God makes us aware of His presence and our hope that is in Him alone.  I continue to be amazed at the way God has inspired me through the short life of my twelve year old great-nephew, Kory.  A few weeks before his death, Kory and his mom were having their evening prayer together.  She was unable to control her tears and Kory asked, “Mom, why are your crying?”  She answered, “Kory, I am so sad that we cannot make you well.”  Kory then said to her, “Mom, please don’t cry, God is doing this for my benefit.” These words, “God is doing this for my benefit”, remind me that everything God does in our lives is for our benefit.

 I love the story Luke tells of Jesus when he was twelve being found in the Temple discussing deep questions with the religious leaders.  For three days his parents had been looking for him.  “Son, his mother said to him.  “Why have you done this to us?  Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”  Jesus reply was, “You should have known that I would be in my Father’s house.”  They didn’t understand what he meant but returned home and Mary “stored all these things in her heart”.  (Luke 2:46-51)  Perhaps she recalled the day they had taken their baby to the temple to present him to the Lord as the law required.  Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Lord, now I can die in peace!  As you promised me, I have seen the Savior you have given to all people.  He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”  Luke 2:28-32

You will recognize this familiar song written by Johnson Oatman, Jr.
“When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?  Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?  Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, and you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold, think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold; count your many blessings, money cannot buy, your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small, do not be discouraged, God is over all; count your many blessings, angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journeys end.”   

“Heavenly Father, I continue to be in awe of Your love, grace and mercy shown through the gift of Your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  Thank you for reminding me through the faith of a child that you are in control and that all You have done is for my benefit.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

Jan Alderfer, Stephenville, TX

Humility Paves the Way

The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom,

And before honor comes humility.  - Proverbs 15:33

I never thought of myself as a man of pride.  Sure, I usually thought I was right and found myself to be a good strategist in most things.  I knew I had a gift for reading people (most of the time) and I was typically confident I could read a situation and create a plan to work in or through almost any situation.  Not only did I know these things, people often confirmed them only strengthening my belief in myself.

Seldom did I feel the need to call on God to open my eyes and mind to what he would want me to see and know.  Afterall, he gave me this ability so why did I need to check things out with him first?  I was confident he wanted me to make these decisions and leave the big things up to him.  Then I came to see all things big things in God’s eyes.  I came to see that he cared for every created being and while he gave me some gifts, I learned I could use those gifts so much better when calling upon the Lord to give me understanding and insight.  

It wasn’t until a counseling session during the darkest days of my life (to this point) that I realized I battled pride.  I had taken the gifts God had given me and set about using them as I saw fit, making the decisions I thought was best and resting in the belief that I had created and crafted good ideas and solutions for people.  

Looking back, many of those decisions are still good decisions and I was using the gifts given from God but what could have happened if I would have stepped back for a moment and listened for instructions he may give me.  A little time wouldn’t have created a worse decision but taking a moment and calling on the "All-Knowing One" might have given me the ability to suggest even better solutions.  

Humility comes before honor.  I’ve been humbled.  I’ve had my legs cut out from under me and felt the foundation crumble beneath me and in the humbling, I have seen how I have learned to rely on God so much more.  In doing so, I believe I am learning to give better advice and make better decisions because I call on God so much more to give me understanding and wisdom.  I no longer want the honor but have found it in bigger measure, not externally, but internally as I feel a greater connection with God.  As I give him the glory, I feel more fulfilled because I know the LORD is using me for his purposes and that is all the honor I want or could ever need.  

I’m thankful for being humbled because it has lead to a new understanding of honor, one that is sweeter and more uplifting than anything I’ve known before.

Grace and peace to you.

Jeff Jones

Decatur, Texas

Calming the Storm

The Sea of Galilee Boat is an ancient fishing boat,  an archaeological find that was discovered at the edge of the Sea of Galilee in 1986, after a dry season when the lake was very low.  It had been buried in the mud along the shore south of Capernaum for around 2000 years! After a lengthy excavation and a 7 year chemical preservation process it was transferred, and is now exhibited in a special museum in Kibbutz Ginosar, or Gennesaret. The boat has been dated to between 40 BC and 50 AD.  The remains of the boat are 27 feet long and 7.5 feet wide, with a preserved height of 4.3 feet. It is constructed primarily of cedar planks, but is also made up of 10 different wood types, indicating it may have undergone repeated repairs. The boat was rowable, with 4 staggered rowers, and also had a mast allowing the fishermen to sail it.

I love knowing this; I can “see” Peter, Andrew, James, and John on boats like this one when Jesus called to them from the shore to come follow Him.  And I love being able to picture a similar boat when I re-read the story told by Matthew of being in a boat crossing the sea of Galilee with other disciples and Jesus one evening when a great storm arose.

Here’s how the apostle Matthew remembers it in Matthew, Chapter 8:
This particular day had already included quite a bit of activity he wasn’t used to seeing. Earlier in the chapter he tells us of a leper whose skin is eaten up with sores. The man shows amazing faith by saying to Jesus, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus just reached out his hand and said “I am willing. Be clean,” and immediately the leper  was cured.  

Then Matthew tells about a Centurion (a Roman military officer in charge of 100 soldiers) who has a servant near death at home, “paralyzed and in terrible suffering.”  The Roman soldier believes so strongly in Jesus’ power that he says “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” So Jesus said, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” And it was!

The next thing Matthew witnesses is the miraculous healing of his friend, Peter’s, wife’s mother. When they got to Peter’s house that day, his mother-in-law was in bed with a fever. Jesus touched her hand and the fever immediately left her. She got up and began to wait on Him.  Then others were brought to Him; he drove out evil spirits with a word and healed ALL the sick! 

Next Matthew tells us that people were still crowding around Jesus, until He got into a boat to cross to the other side of the lake (Sea of Galilee.)  The disciples followed him onto the boat. As they crossed the lake, without warning, a furious storm came up, with the high waves crashing over the sides of the boat and filling it with water. Now Matthew himself wasn’t a fisherman by trade; he may not have ever been in such a situation before, but at least 4 of the others present were experienced in navigating these waters, which have always been subject to sudden squalls. However, there was nothing they could do. The storm was too great. And so was their fear. Matthew remembers the terror of those moments. But Jesus was asleep. They were afraid for their lives, so they woke him saying, “Lord, save us! We are going to drown!”  Jesus replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and the storm immediately quit raging. Matthew and the others were amazed, wondering what kind of man this was, that even the winds and the waves obeyed him. 

Really??  Why would they wonder? These men have spent the day, and many days previous, watching Jesus heal lepers with rotting, missing fingers and feet. They had watched as he healed friends and strangers with a touch or a word.  They had heard him commend some of these people for their great faith.  Didn’t Matthew and the others on the boat have faith?  Sure they did, but I think I know how they felt.  In the middle of that life-threatening storm, and in their extreme fear they probably couldn’t recall any of the miracles they had seen that day. How often do we feel that way? That Jesus is asleep in the midst of our storm? Does he even know we are in a terrible storm? 

I can imagine Jesus waking up, slowly like you do when you’re sound asleep, and saying with a sigh and a shake of his head, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”  But as I studied this story this time, and as I tried to put myself in Matthew’s place on that boat, I noticed that the scripture doesn’t say Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith. He rebuked the winds and the waves, bringing an immediate calm to the frightening situation.  The storms in my life come in all sizes and intensities.  Sometimes they are expected; sometimes they seem to come out of nowhere.  But I know this: When I feel like my life is capsized, turned upside down, and I’m drowning, Jesus is with me in the storm. He answers my cries for help. 

Jesus, sometimes I get so scared when the storms of life rock my boat. Thank you that you are in the boat with me, and that you answer my cries for help. Forgive me for sometimes thinking I have to get myself out of the storm; for calling on you only after I have worn myself out with worry and fear. Thank you for your love and comfort and intercession. Amen 

Lynn Ann Hughes

Stephenville, Texas 

Power in the Blood

The bloodstream is a flowing river to all the human body cells for nourishment and removal of residues.  The life of every living creature is in the blood.  When we are born the first thing the hospital does it take our blood to identify our type and check our well-being.  Through our blood we are related to our ancestors and receive certain traits.  A blood test must be taken to  receive a marriage license.  Blood represents a sign of fertility in women or it can be a sign or sickness.  The absence of blood can result in death.  Blood can save lives through transfusions.  Blood residue can help forensic investigators link suspects to crime scenes.  Blood can be taken to identify people.  In the Old Testament it was used to atone for sins.

The sole function of blood in the human body is to keep it healthy and alive, just as the blood of Jesus Christ brings life to all.  For the life of the flesh is in the blood; It is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. (Lev. 17:11)  Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Heb. 9:22) In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:14) And the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin (I John 1: 7)

Another function of blood in the human body is to cleanse our systems just as the blood of Christ cleanses our spirits and souls.  The Holy Spirit points out sin to us allowing us to repent and confess our sin so that we can be cleansed of it.  Jesus offered up His blood so that you and I could become clean, holy vessels.  The blood of Jesus spilled on the earth for our salvation. (I John 5: 7,8) Just as life leaves when the blood flows out of our natural body, so are those who do not know the Lord Jesus.  They are dead and have no life in them.  (John 6: 53-59)

Under the old testament the shedding of animal blood was required to atone for their sins.  Today, Jesus’ death and shed blood paid the price for sin once and for all. (Heb. 10:6-9)

Blood gives health and strength should the human body become sick.  The blood alters to adjust and begin  healing.  The blood cells act as defenders and travel to the infection to attack the invaders.  The blood of Jesus does the same for the body of Christ.  When Satan invades our lives, the Holy Spirit stands ready to come to our aid.  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11)

The Israelites were saved from the Angel of Death by putting blood around their door posts.  God was with them and their households were protected. (Exo. 12:23) Rahab is another example of the Lord saving an entire family.  By faith, Rahab put out a scarlet cord which symbolized the blood of Christ. (Josh 2:18)  Blood feeds nutrients to all parts of the human body.  Likewise, God feeds us through the blood of Jesus Christ who is the Word. (John 1:14) For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood. (I John 5: 7,8)

Our faith in what the blood of Jesus does for us will bring us the victory.  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Rom 8:11)

“Dying to Self”
When you are purposely set aside, rejected, forgotten and hurt with the insult of oversight – but your spirit sings because you are being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, that is “Dying to Self.” When your advice is disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and all manner of evil is spoken against you, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all with patient, loving silence, that is “dying to self.” When you do not allow any disorder, irregularity, or arrogance to come against your peace, when you are face to face with filth, waste, stupidity or spiritual pride, and endure it as Jesus endured it, that is “dying to self.” When you are content with the location you live, the climate, the society, the solitude of the “backside of the desert,” and are willing to have your plans changed or interrupted by the will of God at any moment, that is “dying to self.”  When you never care to have others know of your good works, and never refer to yourself in conversation, or even care to have anyone commend you, when you truly love to be unknown, that is “dying to self.”  When you see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in the Spirit, and feel no envy, nor  question God as to why your own needs are not being met, that is “dying to self.”  When you can receive correction and reproof, finding no rebellion or resentment rising in your heart, that is “dying to self.”

Father God, we know that our sinful nature is not conquered in a day and that we shall continue to sin.  We are grateful that one who is in Christ has the blessing of being forgiven every day and is continually cleansed in the blood of Jesus by your  grace,  Father, which provided the only sacrifice that could take away our sins. Thank you for this precious privilege of being in Christ who gives us access to to the Holy of Holies through His blood which redeems us from sin and fear of death.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. (Rom 3:23-25)

Carla Henson

Tuscola, Texas

Interceding for Me

The Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?  It is God who justifies.  Who is he that condemns?  Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  - Romans 8:26-27, 33-35

My first significant job after college led me to a South Texas town as a complete stranger.  My only contact came from a call to the office of one of the local churches of Christ.  “Mark” met me at the church building as I arrived in town.  He fed me lunch, showed me a desirable apartment complex and co-signed on my new electric utility account.  He introduced me to several people my age.  In just a few days I was settled, with new friends and a church home.  Left on my own, these blessings and unexpected experiences could have taken weeks or months to occur, if they would have happened at all.  Mark chose to get involved, since we had a common bond in Jesus Christ.  Mark was interceding for me.

God’s Holy Spirit and His son, Christ Jesus, are both interceding for me.  God knows my weaknesses and provided this intervention to reconcile our relationship.  Amazingly, I receive the benefit of numerous spiritual blessings because I am God’s child.  The Spirit intercedes to the Father with a perfectly worded prayer.  God wants to know the priorities of my heart and the Spirit translates on my behalf in accordance with God’s will.  Christ Jesus intercedes with protection and assurance.  Satan’s attacks are futile since God is for me.  Jesus represents me before the Father and defends my merciful justification.  Praise God the Spirit and Jesus are interceding for me.

Dear Father, I thank you for the gift of your Son as the atoning sacrifice for my sins.  I thank you for the gift of your Spirit, guaranteeing what is to come.  I appreciate that your Spirit and your Son intercede for me, overcoming my weaknesses, bringing me near to you and helping me wait patiently for hope fulfilled.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Carl Smith
Stephenville, TX

Think About It

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8, 9).

Bad news is good news for some folks.  They have a sick fascination with anticipating what awful thing is going to happen next.  They’re captivated by it.  Consequently they worry too much, drink too much, sleep too little, and suffer stress-related illnesses of all kinds.

There’s more than enough good news to report, but there’s not a market for it.  If there were, major newspapers, radio stations and TV broadcasters would be outdoing each other’s positive voice and wholesome influence.  Instead, through the magic of modern technology we can experience vicariously every earthly horror and egregious behavior, and the more graphic the better.  No wonder we’re filled with angst!

I’m so thankful the Holy Spirit, through Paul, told us how to live at peace in a world of hostility. He said to think about certain things.  Meditate on them.  Seriously consider whatever is:.

·          True - unconcealed truth, true to fact, conforms to what is true and accurate about God and how God wants us to live;

·          Honorable - gravity and dignity; what inspires reverence and awe; a seriousness of purpose and encourages self-respect.

·          Just - righteous; right conduct.

·          Pure - undefiled, not contaminated, holy.

·          Lovely - pleasing, agreeable, in the direction of brotherly love.

·          Commendable - admirable; of good reputation.

These things are excellent and praiseworthy.  We are to stay focused on them so we can live accordingly.  Father God, the noise of the world targets our vulnerabilities and devours us without mercy if we let it.  Thank you for being our God.  Only in your presence can we find a place to live peacefully all the days of our dangerous life.  Through your son, Christ, who made it possible, we pray and say amen.  

Sandra Milholland

Abilene, Texas

What's Inside?

I want to be healthy and think I look good so I exercise, eat things I don’t like, avoid food I love, take my daily fish oil, floss, use hair conditioner, do push-ups, and put on sun screen.   Despite my best efforts my skin is getting a speckled, stretched rubber band look, my muscles are going the wrong direction, my hair is gray, and instead of six pack abs mine look more like a six pack of Pillsbury biscuits.   As time passes however, I find I am less concerned for my “outside” looks and much more concerned with my “inside”.   Is your spirit and soul looking and longing for something?   Psalm 23 was written by King David in the context of his intimate and abiding relationship with the Father.  It is sharing the incredible wonder of our Father’s care for us and the transformation of our “inside” in this relationship.  Listen to a man known for his closeness to God’s heart, paraphrased slightly. 

I lack nothing when God is given complete control and oversight of my life.  He provides for me such that I do not wonder or worry for my day to day needs.   His provision is so complete that I am at peace with who I am.  Not only does He provide for me but He watches and guides me on my journey sending me along ways that are best for me all the while showing His power and splendor in my life.   He is with me and fights for me against Satan himself and I can rest assured that He is there.  No matter what Satan may hurl at me is no match for my Lord’s strength and guaranteed victory through Christ.  Understanding and experiencing this peace and protection gives me great comfort even in the middle of the worst storm.   And best of all and most difficult to believe, as I abide in this relationship with my Father He comes to me. He provides a spiritual feast where the Lord Himself through His Holy Spirit is feeding me daily with delicacies of wisdom and peace hard to imagine.  Not just once but my entire life He pursues me with goodness, mercy, and love in wave after wave.   How incredible that our Father would do that when I should be on my face before Him begging for mercy and forgiveness.  The Maker of Heaven and Earth is serving me!  I can’t fathom it.  Yet it is true and with this realization everything changes.  I never want to leave His presence.   He is real.  God is with me.  God is for me.  I am not alone. 

Can you trust enough to accept something so amazing and incredible?  It is a transforming discovery and passage of our faith that this is real.  This is not theory, make believe, too good to be true, or “I hope it’s true” living.   Whether you are at the peak of joy and happiness or in the depths of suffering grasping this secret moves you to a new dimension of life and relationship with God.  It is the abundant life.  I lack nothing and I fear nothing when I dwell with Him.  My heart, the most vulnerable, protected, guarded part of my being trusts in the only true God and He will not disappoint or fail me.  I depend on You Lord completely, without reservation or doubt.  As long as I am with You I do not care where I go. 

The greatest challenge for you and me is our complete acceptance of the reality of God and His salvation of us.  It is there offered fully and freely.  We must believe it and accept it to receive the reward, but this kind of belief is so hard for us.  Jesus knew the great battle waged for our hearts and said “the gate is small and the road is narrow that leads to true life. Only a few people find that road.”(Matthew 7)   He also said “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me. Those who win the victory will sit with me on my throne in the same way that I won the victory and sat down with my Father on his throne.” (Revelation 3).  

Open the door and take the narrow, unmarked path to a life you cannot fathom.   

Psalm 23(NIV) A psalm of David.

 ¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
 ² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
 ³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.

 ⁵ You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
   forever.

Amen

Scotty Elston
Shallowater, Texas