For God's Glory

When God Comes Back

2012-01-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hurriedly I scurried around the house. Focused on the many things that were waiting on me I was getting ready quickly when a little voice broke into my consciousness. “Mom, what’s it gonna be like when God comes back?”

“When God comes back?” I echoed. “You mean when Jesus comes again?”

“Yeah,” he responded.

“Oh,” I said excitedly, “the trumpet is going to sound, and . . .”

“What about the big book?” He interrupted me. “The big book?” I asked, as I continued in my rush . . . “Oh, you mean the Book of Life.”

“Well,” I started . . .

“Where is it?” He continued.

“It’s in Heaven,” I began my explanation. “Your name has to be written in the Book of Life for you to go to . . .”

“Mom,” he said in an exasperated tone, “I’m trying to tell you something here.”

That stopped me in my tracks.

“You know that flower I said I made?” I had to think a moment . . . then, I remembered. He had gotten some clay like sticks for Christmas and had brought me the prettiest flower.

“Yes,” I answered.

“I really didn’t make that, Elena did.”

I went over and sat on the bed. His little heart was convicted! He had told a lie! And while it wasn’t earth shattering to anyone else, He knew He couldn’t get into Heaven with black in his heart. This had to be dealt with – it mattered big time in the building of his character as well as his eternal life! Thanking the Holy Spirit for his tender heart I left what I was doing and went over to where he was.

I sat on the bed and we talked about it. I explained that I loved him because he was my son, not for what he could do. We talked about the “Book of Life” and how the Bible tells us a choice to lie doesn’t make Heaven our home – but Hell instead!

He prayed and asked Jesus to forgive him, and asked those involved for forgiveness, too. Peace pervaded His heart as he knew his name was in the book of life.

My rush to begin the day was interrupted – but somehow, I felt the most important thing of my whole day had just happened . . .

“Mom, what’s it gonna be like when God comes back . . .”

Jesus, keep me ready!

Take it with You

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:7 &8

Other scriptures: Revelation 21:22-27

I Thessalonians: 4:16-18

Living Matters

2012-01-13T10:34:00.001-08:00

Did you know that Shimea had sixteen sons and six daughters, and they kept good family records? Did you know that Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah the son of Amaziah . . . . as well as others in this family were leaders and they prospered and increased in numbers until they had to go looking for pasture . . . and they found it – “lush pasture, lots of elbow room, peaceful and quiet?” (I Chronicles 4)

Did you know that God helped the families of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh when they fought against the Hagrites, Jeture, Naphish, and Nodab? Did you know that He helped them because they cried out to him during the battle – he answered their prayers because they trusted in Him? (I Chronicles 5)

Did you know that David put people in charge to lead music in the house of the Lord after the ark came to rest there? (I Chronicles 6) Did you know that Zelophedhad had only daughters, and that Asher’s sons were all responsible, brave in battle, and excellent in character? (I Chronicles 7)

By now you may be wondering – why does this matter? When I started reading I Chronicles I sort of thought the same thing. What in the world could I get out of this book of the Bible? Then, the Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart. ALL of these people have a place in carrying out HIS will for the world!

Not just Adam, Abraham, Ruth, and Esther. Not only David, and Solomon, and Elijah, and Jonah . . . but the less familiar names as well. The fact is LIVING MATTERS! Life is a gift from God and what we do with the gift He has given us is important.

His redemptive plan for the entire world is in motion – and all of us have a place within HIS plan. We are part of something so much bigger than the here and now. Everything matters.

Do you think the sons and daughters of Shimea had any idea that it would be recorded in God’s Word that they kept good family records – or that Asher’s sons knew we would be reading in 2012 that they were responsible, brave in battle, and excellent in character?

Nope. They just lived, every day, and their living is recorded.

Today – live it to the fullest! Be EVERYTHING God wants you to be! Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing – give it your BEST! Living matters – now, and eternally!

Take it with You

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Recognition

2012-01-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

It was a routine, travel-time, “pit stop.” The gas station was busy with people fueling up their vehicles, grabbing a drink or a snack, all the normal things people scurry around doing. It wasn’t an exceptionally clean place, it was crowded and overstocked and carried the smell of stale cigarette smoke.

As I stood in line, a little child ran toward me – holding out her arms. She wanted me to pick her up and hold her! I looked around for who was with her – and a young couple wasn’t far behind. They seemed fine with it, so I readily answered the request of her little arms and picked her up.

For some reason, she felt secure in my arms. She didn’t want me to put her down. I gave her back to her mom for a while – then she wanted me to hold her again. When my husband came around, she was drawn to him, too.

It was time to go, but she wanted to go with our family! Even as she was in her own car, she kept looking at us and waving. We didn’t know her circumstance, but we prayed for that child. Perhaps it was the light of God’s love that really drew her to us. His Holy Spirit living and reigning within – that is our constant prayer! That He be seen in the middle of ordinary – and that our lives be used of Him to show forth Jesus – and bring Him glory.

The Scriptures bring us many inspiring accounts, but is anyone more intriguing that Joseph? His faithful life in the middle of sibling jealousy and hatred, slavery, temptation, false accusation, and imprisonment is certainly a testimony worth studying!

Recently, my husband and I had been encouraged by a message on the radio where Joseph was the central figure. A couple of days later we were listening to scripture when Genesis 41:38 jumped out at me! “So Pharaoh asked them, ‘Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?”

A pagan king recognized the difference in Joseph – the Spirit of God within him! He had just come from PRISON – things definitely had not made sense for most of Joseph’s life! Yet, when the King was in need, Joseph possessed the One with his answer.

The God Joseph trusted through all the hardships – the Spirit of God that kept him was with him now. The fullness of time had come. As God helped Joseph reveal dreams – God also gave him favor and it minutes he was taken from prison to the second highest in the land!

O, God – live in me so strongly that those I am around see YOU!

Holy Spirit – rule and reign in me today

Let all who pass by me see You I pray

Saturate my life with light and love of You

Let me be forever, fully, Yours.

Take It With You

“So Pharaoh asked them, ‘Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” Genesis 41:38

Remembering to Forget

2011-12-28T12:46:00.000-08:00

Unwanted invaders! They tripped the switch of blissful slumber and flashed the before dawn lights of “could have been’s,” and “would have done’s,” soon followed by the colorful “if only’s” and “should I have’s!”

What brought this onslaught? I wasn’t quite sure, but I ran for help – to the only One who could help! I’m not sure if I even audibly whispered His name – all I know is He was there! Instantly He brought His Word – “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are before. . .

Immediately I felt a touch – a Presence from a Hand unseen but, oh, so real. Out the door with the unwanted invaders! The light of truth permeated the atmosphere of my mind, my soul, my spirit . . .

This time of year lends itself to reflecting. Reflecting on the past – but no matter what the past year has brought, today is not forever. Where it has brought joy – rejoice! Where it has brought sorrow – weep. Where it has brought failure – seek restoration, and forgiveness. Whatever it has brought you – bring it to HIM!

Then, remember to forget – and seek HIM for the future! Today is not forever – and you are never alone.

“Leave the broken, irreversible past in God’s hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.” Oswald Chambers

Take it with You

“. . . this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b-14

The Greatest Gift Exchange

2011-12-14T05:02:00.000-08:00

The rush is on! It seems like everyone is scurrying about, trying to find that perfect gift for that perfect someone. Gift exchanges abound! At work, at church, between families . . .

Houses shine out colorful lights, the air is filled with sounds of music and the smell of fresh baked cookies, . . mmmm . . . It’s a celebration!

What are we celebrating? We are celebrating the most perfect gift! He wasn’t wrapped with a ribbon and bow, or stuffed into a stocking a long time ago. His gift tag didn’t read one name. He was God’s gift of love to each of us -- a gift to the whole world.

He left what He had always known – the splendor of Heaven and came to the lowliness of earth. He wasn’t even born in a house – and certainly not a hospital! He didn’t have the comforts of a crib, and Mary wasn’t worried about having the nursery in matching colors. Chosen by God, she gave birth to the very reason we celebrate this season in a place where animals stayed. His very first bed was a manger. Yet, He is still the greatest gift of all – JESUS!

Exchanging gifts is a wonderful part of Christmas, and, it’s really the birthday of Jesus we are celebrating – so, what are we giving Him? There’s really only one thing He wants. He wants us to participate in the greatest gift exchange ever. And guess what? WE get the BEST gift!

He takes our sadness – and brings us joy. He forgives our sins – bringing us salvation and eternal life! He takes our emptiness – and fills it with HIMSELF!

I'll Give Him The Very Best I Have

All of the presents, under the tree— What can I give back, to God’s gift for me?

I have no wonderful items to show--Then, suddenly whispered inside me I know.

I’ll give Him the very best I have -- I’ll bring Him all that I am.

And that gift will last for eternity -- When I give Him all of me.

Jesus, I love You, this Christmas it’s true -- The very best present is God’s gift of You.

I want to bring You something so grand -- You whisper inside me

Give what you can.

I’ll give Him the very best I have --I’ll bring Him all that I am.

And that gift will last for eternity -- When I give Him all of me.

Janene Dubbeld/FGG

In the middle of this celebration, let’s take some time to reflect, and remember the real reason for the lights, the music, the gift exchanges . . . If you’ve never received the greatest gift of all now is the time.

“Dear Jesus, Thank you for being the greatest gift of all for me. I want to accept you as my personal Lord and Savior. Please forgive my sins and make me new in You. I bring You all that I am, and give you all of me. I love you, Jesus.

In Jesus name, Amen

Take it with You

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

God Moments in the Baking

2011-12-09T06:25:00.000-08:00

The supplies were bought, quickie lunch in the crockpot, Christmas music playing, recipes out, mixer on the counter – time to bake! Mom mentally organized the day. Mix the sugar cookies first – they have to chill . . .

Soon she was joined by a ten year old, very energetic helper. She mentally “re-organized” for a few moments so he could make some “microwave fudge.” By now she was joined by another seven year old energetic helper! Time for another recipe . . .

The day progressed and soon it was time to roll out the dough and cut out the fun Christmas shapes. As we worked together, my seven year old began asking questions. He wanted to know things. Things like – “before God was a baby were there people?”

In an instant, baking turned into a “God moment.” With flour everywhere and our hands rolling out cookie dough the beautiful sharing of the Incarnation began.

God didn’t ever begin – He always existed. He took on the FORM of a baby – became a human being so He could experience life like us, and He could save us from our sins. Because He came to earth, lived, died and rose again, we can have eternal life.

We talked only a few moments – He seemed to understand. Didn’t seem to stumble over Truth, but with the faith of a child – believed.

The cookies soon lost their interest, and they were out to play football or head for the woods. Mom had lots more to do, but she was thankful for the moment – the God moment in the baking!

Merry Christmas!

Take it with You

“And she will bring forth a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

Genuine Kindness

2011-12-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

It was the blur of the holiday season . . . one of those days between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the busy day was closing out with a family game of Monopoly. One member of the family was hitting all the right properties, making money, and “going for the gold!” Two of the other players were doing fine also – but, mom? Well, Mom hit all the wrong spaces, ended up going to jail, and once she was out things didn’t turn for the better!

Soon, all her properties were mortgaged, and she landed on someone else’s property with a hotel. It was doing her in. She counted her money and tried to make it work, but it just wasn’t working. Just as she “threw in the towel” a little voice sounded from around the corner, “Wait!”

The youngest player of the game handed her a folded up piece of notebook paper. Unfolding the paper she found three one hundred dollar monopoly bills, and a note that read, “From a nice friend.”

It was so unexpected and kind it actually brought tears to her eyes! In the middle of “growing up” and working on winning a game, there was a genuine kindness that still spilled over from his heart.

“A little child shall lead them!” While this season brings its wonder and beauty, it sometimes brings a rush and flurry that aids in forgetting the simple things. A smile at the checkout, a listening ear to the waitress, a donation at the door, a bed time story for the children, a hug for our spouse . . . genuine kindness.

So, my prayer is . . . “God, please engrave this reminder on my heart and mind for the days to follow. May genuine kindness be a representation of You to those I encounter!”

Take it with You

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

The Privilege of Proclaiming

2011-11-28T16:18:00.000-08:00

Imagine a day with no mail service — “snail mail” or otherwise! No computers or cell phones — not even any old fashioned phones which boasted “party lines” for whomever wished to listen in.

When we allow our minds to travel back through time to these circumstances, and then remember how easy it is to communicate today, literally around the world, it makes one “mentally dizzy!” Instead of sending a “courier” or a “messenger” from town to town with a written message, or verbal announcement, we have MANY forms literally at our fingertips!

One thing that hasn’t changed any through the progression of time is the importance of communication. Into the basic needs of human beings is born the ongoing need to let others know what is important to them.

God Himself — in Whose image we are created — carry’s as One of His Majestic names, The Word! In the greatest effort of all times to communicate His love, God Himself became flesh — in the form of His Son! “The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us . . .” (John 1:14)

There’s a line in a Christmas song that has been playing around our house — “Mary was the first one to, carry the Gospel . . .” Isn’t that a unique thought? The very first! Chosen and privileged she carried God’s message to a waiting world. She carried the Message of God’s love which had been foretold for centuries, and would be proclaimed for centuries to come.

And, now — now is the time for us to join — to accept the privilege of proclaiming the glorious Message of the Gospel He sent for us. There is no more worthy communication than this. There is no other One to go to for everlasting Hope. For salvation! For peace! For Truth! God is love — and love has come! Hallelujah!

This beautiful Christmas season is a reminder — a reminder of the wondrous communication God sent to earth. A Babe in a manger, a light for our darkness, a joy in our sorrow, a peace in our turmoil, a healing for our hurts, a love above, beneath, around, and over all!

To us, a Savior is born! He is come to save the world from their sins! Receive Him and take up the Message to share with others in this sin torn world. He is come — for all.

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/ For God’s Glory

Take it with You

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

The Greatest Reason to be Thankful

2011-11-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

“So what are you thankful for?” The question is on our minds, and asked from our lips this week probably more than any other week of the year! We have so much to be thankful for our list can get quite long. Food, clothes, a place to sleep, family, friends, health . . . Just the basic things we have — and often take for granted give us reason to possess a grateful heart.

Blessings abundant! We have been given much. But, what if we lost one or more of these things? What if we lost them all? What then? Would we still have reason to be thankful?

The Psalmist says, “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1 NKJV). Mr. Job, of Bible times had several really bad days! He lost his wealth, his children, his home, his health, his friends were anything but helpful, and his wife lost hope and told him to “curse God and die”(Job 2:9 NKJV).

Yet, Mr. Job held on to the fact that though circumstances change, God does not. He gave us powerful words that showed his absolute faith when he said, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD”(Job 1:21b NJJV). He rested on the fact, “I KNOW my Redeemer lives!” (Job 19:25 NKJV)

Guess what? OUR REDEEMER LIVES! That is the GREATEST thing we have to be thankful for! While we are thankful for our homes — let’s remember, Jesus left His and came to earth for us. He gave up His very life on the Cross, so that you and I could have eternal life. He brings us forgiveness from sin, freedom from guilt, erases our past, and lives within us. He has given us the unfathomable gift of His unfailing, unconditional, everlasting love.

If you’ve never had a chance to meet Him — He’s waiting for you. He desires this to be your best thanksgiving ever — with Him in your heart and life. Open your heart and ask!

Dear Jesus,

I am so thankful you came and gave your life for me. I repent of all my sins, and ask You to wash me clean. Please forgive me, and come into my heart and life. Thank you, Lord!

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Jesus — our greatest reason to be thankful!

Janene A. Dubbeld/ For God’s Glory

Take it with You

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities. Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalm 103:1-5

NKJV

Jesus -- Our Older Brother

2011-11-15T06:58:00.000-08:00

Growing up as an only child afforded me some wonderful privileges – and also some wants and wishes unfulfilled. One of those wishes was siblings. How I wanted a brother or sister with whom I could share things!

Two of my closest friends had younger brothers. Of course they didn’t exactly see it as a privilege, then! Whenever I went over to their houses the little brothers were forever “pestering,” my friends were forever trying to get them to leave us alone, and I was forever explaining how they were so “blessed,” and needed to be “thankful” for their brothers! Needless to say, that “explanation” wasn’t exactly “appreciated!”

Time hasn’t played waiting games for any of us, and motherhood has blessed me with five children. Getting in the van the other day, one of my older boys asked his younger brother to “please shut the door.” My youngest son’s developing muscles weren’t quite strong enough to accomplish the task, so my older son offered his help. With a reach and a push the door was easily closed – and I was reminded of the blessing of having a brother! (In this case -- an OLDER brother!)

This simple incident set my mind to thinking of the most awesome ways Jesus Himself fulfills this role for each individual. We needed to get to the Father – to be reconciled with His Holiness – to be enabled to receive His forgiveness and love. We didn’t have the strength to get there on our own. We couldn’t make ourselves holy enough – we couldn’t do enough good deeds to atone for our sin.

With a mighty love He descended from Heaven – our perfect, elder brother. Unrivaled in His role – unashamed to make us “HIS!” With the sacrifice of His own life He made the way for us to be reconciled to our Heavenly Father.

Sometimes in our daily living we have situations we simply are not strong enough to handle. We don't have the answers on our own. All of our "striving" seems to leave us weary -- with "the door not shut!" The calling of His name -- Jesus -- provides us with an older brother who has what we need to overcome. In EVERY situation we can find Him to be what we need.

Once again I am so thankful for Jesus!

Take it with You

“God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. For he said to God, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” Hebrews 2:10-11 (NLT)

Colors of Fall

2011-11-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

Living just a few minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway affords a person with some fun family picnics, quiet get-aways, and some marvelous scenery!

The colorful hues of fall caught my attention as I made a familiar drive toward home. Such exquisite color! Somehow my thoughts turned toward Heaven and I began wondering if we would enjoy “fall colors” there . . .

That brought my mind twisting around – much like the roads I was traveling – back to the Garden of Eden. Crazy as it seems the word, “fall” had me wondering about the first “fall” when Eve and Adam disobeyed God, and took of the fruit He told them not to eat.

It was then a thought I had never encountered before crossed my mind. In the season of fall, we are presented often with the very colors of redemption! The yellow and gold hues remind us of Heavenly streets! The deep purples brought to memory the Kingship of Jesus, while the reds showed their vibrant color, reminding me of the blood that Jesus shed for the forgiveness of my sins.

Right in the middle of “FALL” He shows us REDEMPTION – if we will take the time to look, to “see with Spirit-eyes what others miss!” (Upon this Rock/Gloria Gaither)

He knew our humanity. He knew our choice would demand something we simply could not pay. Every where we look He reminds us of His love, and that HE has paid our debt. All we have to do is accept His free gift of salvation!

If you don’t know Him as a personal Savior and Lord, won’t you ask Him into your heart and life today? Just ask Him!

“Dear Jesus. The beauty of Your Creation reminds me of what an awesome God You are. Please forgive my sins, and make my heart ready for Heaven. I want to live for You. I love You, Lord, Jesus! In Jesus name, Amen.”

Take it with You

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

A Pair of Shoes

2011-10-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

How many do you have? Shoes, I mean. Living in a country which has known the blessing of God most of us have more than one pair. We have our “running shoes,” “dress shoes,” “work shoes,” (or boots) — and then there’s that “favorite pair” that may be as “old as the hills” but are simply too comfortable to throw away! Shoes.

In Romans 10:15, the Bible gives us an example of those with “beautiful feet.” “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things.” It is true — a simple pair of shoes can be used to bring glad tidings.

When our church mission team journeyed to Guatemala, they took all of the suitcases allowed for their flight. They filled them — not all with personal belongings, but with things needed for the people of Guatemala. One of their greatest needs is shoes. Paula remembers the line that stretched long, and then even longer than she could have imagined with people longing to get their feet in a pair of shoes—USED shoes at that. Some had no shoes. Others had shoes boasting no ends — but feet pushing through where the toes should have been. Other feet had been pushed into shoes too small for so long that they were covered with blisters and sores. Some didn’t get a pair . . . There weren’t enough . . .shoes.

Recently, a friend of mine who relayed this incident. A young man we will call Mike* lived his life with a giving heart not generously found in the ways of those his age. As a teenager, he loved life, did well in school, and played his personal best at the sport of soccer. After high school graduation in 2007 he joined the Marines, and, literally gave his all for our country.

As his friends mourned their loss, one shared a story — a story very few knew — another story of what can be done with just a pair of shoes. One day Mike came to his mother with a need. His soccer shoes were wearing out — he was certainly needing some new ones. So, Mom went and bought for him the shoes he needed.

Soon after filling this need, Mom was picking Mike up from practice when she happened to glance at his feet. “Why are you wearing your old soccer shoes?” she asked. “Why aren’t you wearing your new ones?” Mike’s response showed the bigness of his heart. You see, there was another boy on the team who’s shoes were worn out too — Mike thought his friend needed shoes worse, so, he gave his friend his own brand new shoes.

Mike had no idea his deed that day would be part of the story characterizing the legacy of who he was. After all, it was “just a pair of shoes.”

It’s in the simple things we share Him — carrying His peace and glad tidings wherever we go . . . And who knows, someday, here or in Heaven we may here a story of what He did — through our “pair of shoes!”

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

*Names used for this story only

Take it with You

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things.”

Romans 10:15

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.”

Psalm 36:23

“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

I John 2:6

Confidence

2011-10-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Confidence. Some people have an “over abundance” while others are plagued with striving to attain more! We’ve all seen the “confident” sports team who just KNOWS they are going to win the game. They’re picked, chosen, favored to win. Perhaps the team they are up against doesn’t stand a chance. Then, swooping down from somewhere comes the smashing of their “over confident” smiles. They leave the field defeated — and shaking their heads at the turn of events.

Over SELF confidence is what got them in trouble! They were “big enough” in their own eyes to do the job — which confidently got them into trouble!

The best kind of confidence we can have isn’t confidence in ourselves, but confidence in Another. Another with a hand large enough to scoop out valleys and create the mountains. Feet large enough to use the earth around us as a “footstool.” Wisdom deep enough to be found at the end of every honest soul’s search and be found as Truth. Breath powerful enough to bring immortality to mortal human beings. Love wide enough to stretch its arms out on an undeserving Cross so we wouldn’t have to.

“Blessed is the man who trusteth in Jehovah, and whose confidence Jehovah is: for he shall be like a tree . . . Which stretcheth forth its roots by the water source, so that it shall not fear when heat cometh, but its leaf shall be verdant; which is not uneasy in the year of drought.”(Spurrell.)

When I read this quote in an old, old devotional book of mine, those words seemed to parachute off the page and land in my heart. “Whose confidence Jehovah IS!” He’s not only the One we place our confidence IN — HE IS OUR CONFIDENCE!

We can march forward boldly to face a faith-filled future — for HE is our confidence! We place no confidence in the flesh, or any other source. We trust in the name of the Lord our God!

Faith-filled confidence — for He is worthy.

“O, Lord — remind us that You are our confidence. In the heat of the day, when fear zooms in — tempting to override faith — help us retain our faithful confidence — Jehovah Himself! We are yours!”

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Take it with You

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.“ Psalm 1 (NIV)

Livin' and Lovin'

2011-10-13T05:31:00.000-07:00

Married. That was something I always aspired to be! Just as a young girl, mom gave me an old, white, lace tablecloth which served as my first “wedding gown.” One of those old, white, head scarves was my veil . . . And the hallway was the aisle! I couldn’t wait until my special day . . . And I wasn’t even thirteen yet!

It wasn’t too many years before God answered my dream. At age nineteen I found myself “floating on air” while “walking in white” down a REAL aisle, in a REAL wedding gown, to a REAL groom, and into REAL married life.

Life hasn’t been a “bed of roses” — although I have received some. Time for each other seems in constant demand — although we work at taking “dates” — even with five children! We don't always sing in unison — but allow our differences make for beautiful harmony.

Giving our marriage to God each day is the place we strive to start. It’s through the thick and thin of life the marriage becomes stronger. Loving when love isn’t easy. Holding on to Jesus and each other when you feel like letting go — allowing your grip to be sustained by Another.

God set up this beautiful thing called “marriage.” A vow, a commitment that had original intent of life-time love. One man, one woman, loving for one life-time.

M -motivation to continually become more like Christ

A—always consider your spouses needs first

R— ringing the wedding bells for a life time

R—resting your marriage in God every day

I—I love you — say it often

E—Encourage your spouse in their gifts

D—Dream together

If you are married, why don’t you take your spouses hand sometime this week and pray this prayer together:

“Dear Jesus,

We love you, and we love each other. We give our marriage to You. Would you please be the Lord of our lives, and the Lord of our marriage. Help us to love You with all that we are, and love each other as we should. Please place a protective hedge around our marriage, and our family. Make us a couple, and a family that brings You glory! We love you, Lord.

In Jesus’ name, Amen”

Take it with You

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”

Genesis 2:24

“And now abides faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.”

I Corinthians 13:13

Called To Follow

2011-09-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

The modern conveniences of American culture have replaced the team of horses, or oxen, and the plow with tractors and other machinery. However, there are a few farmers who still use them — especially in the areas of strong Amish influence — and, third world countries often don’t have any other way to plow.

When we lived in Florida, our yard consisted of sand burs and fire ants — so, a few years ago, after our move to Virginia, I was aching to get my “toes in the dirt” and have a garden. My wonderful neighbors heard the news, and so, Mr. C. decided to help me out. The first site we chose didn’t turn out so well, so we decided to move on up to “higher ground.” We didn’t need a “plow” since it was only a small piece of land — so he brought out his rote tiller. There was one slight problem . . . It was rocky soil. After popping off a very valuable screw of his machinery, and working diligently to overcome, we were quite thankful when one of my other neighbors saw our plight, and kindly came with a tractor. Steadily he plowed the earth — while we picked rocks. . . Believe it or not, we were able to make the soil ready for planting, and ended up with a nice garden.

It wasn’t so much the means of getting the soil ready for planting that Jesus was getting at in our Scripture today. (Luke 9:57-62 NIV) He was using the commonplace things of life, the things those around Him were familiar with, to illustrate, and get across eternal messages.

The motive of the heart was Jesus’ concern. That’s where the truth of who we are really lives. Self proclaimed willingness to follow was one thing. Self abandoned following was another.

Steady following in hard times as well as good times. Steady following when others misunderstand our complete devotion and solid commitment to His call. Following fervently when earthly loves can’t comprehend the earnestness of obedience to Him alone. Following when all seems lost because we trust the One who called — to be faithful to complete His call in us. Steady, faithful, fervent, following.

This is the following our Christ demands. There simply is no other way to follow — for no other way would work. It is the wholehearted, passionate pursuit of loving Him and embracing His will.

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

“Not what I wish to be,

Nor where I wish to go,

For who am I, that I should choose my way?

The Lord shall choose for me

Tis better far I know

So let Him bid me go — or stay.”

—-C. Austin Miles/Mrs. R.R. Forman

Take it with You

“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 NIV

“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me.’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” Matthew 9:9 NIV

“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” NIV

Matthew 9:37-38

Broken To Beautiful

2011-09-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

A story is told of a young boy who came upon a cocoon. In his little mind, all he could think of was the living thing inside of this ought to be free! He wasn’t old enough to understand the cocoon was a needed season. He ran to the house where he found a sharp object with which he could puncture the cocoon. Quickly he ran back to the cocoon and with his object cut it open. However, instead of seeing the living thing become free, he cried as it was no longer able to live.

The process of the cocoon was necessary — although it was dark, cramped, and seemingly restrictive to the worm as it held it within it’s walls. All though this time, it was developing. Change was taking place. Transformation could only be completed as it endured the cocoon. If left there to finish the process, it could have emerged a beautiful butterfly.

Broken things rarely demand positive responses. Think about it for a moment. You’re sitting in a restaurant when you hear a clatter of dishes from the back. What is your automatic response? “Uh, oh. Not good . . .” You drop a glass on the kitchen floor . . . You reach for the broom, and the trash can.

Some people view broken lives with the same basic response. If you can “hold it all together” things are good. What about the times life sends those unwanted, unasked for circumstances that break you. Break your heart, break your will, break your desire to win . . . What then? Off to the trash heap with other broken lives?

That isn’t the view of our Savior! Hallelujah! He knows about brokenness. He has picked up many broken pieces. He is no respecter of persons. He wants to pick up yours too.

Only He knows how to take the brokenness of your life — the dark, damp process of the cocoon where you are and begin a transformation. A change only learned in the dark place. A developing process from brokenness that will bring you to a place you could have never found without His grace. Only He is able — and even more amazing — He wants to. It’s His specialty.

He bore the brokenness, the pain, the sin — just for you. Whether you are needing forgiveness, or needing His love to enable you to forgive — He is there for you. Perhaps you know Him as Savior, but life has brought circumstances beyond your control and you are broken inside.

Allow His healing to begin — way down deep. Hand it all over to Him — He’ll receive your burden, your brokenness, your open, gaping wound — He’s the Healer.

Trust Him when you cannot see the reason behind it all. It’s more than clichés or a figure of speech. He can turn brokenness into something beautiful. It's His way . . .

“A message from the high and towering God, who lives in eternity, whose name is Holy: I live in the high and holy places, but also with the low-spirit, the spirit-crushed, and what I do is put new spirit in them, get them up on their feet again.” Isaiah 57:15 (The Message)

Father Power

2011-09-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

Many things in life are simply underestimated! Joy brought into our minds by a simple ray of sunshine through a window shade. Ripples of a brook waiting for feet to find the calming coolness of its waters. Shade from the sprawling tree spilling its shadows as a refuge from the midday heat. Sometimes untouched — often underestimated.

Father power is one of those amazing touchable untouchables that falls into this category! Dad, YOU are important! What you say by your presence is vital. What you say if you choose absence is absolutely deafening.

There is something very conscious involved in this subconscious phenomenon of “father power.” What “dad” breathes into his child through words! Words are something else we of the human race tend to grossly underestimate. We often fling them into the air at will — expecting the receiver to “deal with it.”

So . . . What did your dad say to you? “Good job,” or “Go for it.” Did he say, “I believe in you,” or “Here, let me help you with that.”

Perhaps you weren’t blessed to have a father who spoke positively into your life — and that, no doubt, had a less than positive effect on your life.

No matter what wounds or blessings came from the words of YOUR earthly father, you, as a dad have a chance to turn things around for your own children. As a dad, “father power” is yours — whether you want it or not.

Through prayer, hard work, proper discipline, laughter, playing, and yes, even tears, you are a key part in the masterpiece God is designing in each of your children. Through God, YOU have what it takes — “Father Power!”

“Dad, how do I hit the ball?”

He took the bat and showed him how

Patiently, deliberately — the child his focus in the now

And then he whispered in his ear

“Just do your best that’s all it takes,”

The swing — to dream — the crack of ball—

Or wind just whistling in his face?

“Dad, how do I handle this?”

A phone call with a broken sob

He knelt beside a well worn chair —

It filled the air with silent prayer—

And Father power prevailed once more.

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory

“. . . You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.” Isaiah 63:16b

“Hear my prayer, O LORD, And give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, A sojourner, as all my fathers were.”

Psalm 39:12

“Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding;”

Proverbs 4:1

A Nation Who Honors

2011-09-05T05:25:00.000-07:00

My mother relayed to me the story of my Uncle who went off to war a young, blonde-haired, man. Overnight his hair was no longer blonde, but white.

She told me of another Uncle who served. The secret codes he had to know were to be memorized immediately. No paper or pen, no lap top available, he had to remember the information correctly and instantly — lives depended on it.

We remember, we honor those who serve, and who have served our nation to make and keep our country free — and rightly so! All the freedom we enjoy came with a price — and they paid it for us.

Yet, in our remembering, and in our honoring, we must not slip into a state of lethargy, forgetting the very One who gave us freedom in the first place. Who created the longing of the human heart to follow freedom? Who gave us a free will to choose for ourselves the path our lives would follow?

God Himself. It is in His image we were created equal. Not one above the other — none better than the rest — equal. Given the privilege to choose relationship with our Creator.

Founded upon these principles, our forefathers sought to give to their posterity guidelines which would keep us from having to experience what they themselves had faced. They paid a price to come to America — searching for a place to worship freely, to follow passionately a path of honor to the God of Heaven, and with His help build a new land. It wasn’t without sacrifice. It wasn’t without price. It was for a purpose — FREEDOM.

Arching over all of us there is a greater freedom. A freedom twice given — at the price of life. The Garden of Eden certainly knew freedom. Freedom and provision in the glorious moments of peace. Yet, in a moment of bad choice it was lost. Lost by a choice to sin against the God who gave us freedom. We had discovered something God never wished us to know. Spiritual death. Bondage of sin. Loss of freedom.

Gracious His mercy to give us a second chance. What love! Unconditionally He loved us, carrying out His plan from the foundation of the world. It wasn’t without sacrifice. It wasn’t without price. It was for a purpose — a purpose to bring us spiritual life and restore our freedom — freedom from sin, freedom of spirit, freedom of soul. It came with bloodshed on a rugged cross — and lives within a Risen Lord and Christ.

Many in our nation are intoxicated with success — forgetting with its effect to honor and love Freedom’s Author. Turn back! Accept Him as Lord and Savior, honor Him with righteous living. It isn’t without sacrifice. It isn’t without price. It is for a purpose! Living in and passing on — FREEDOM!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

For God's Glory

Take it with You

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34 (NKJV)

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NKJV)

“If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

II Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

Goodies

2011-09-03T08:29:00.001-07:00

The billowy mist of morning whispered its call outside my dining room window. Why I was up so early on a Saturday with everyone else still asleep I wasn’t sure. However, the moments of quiet were so peaceful it was certainly worthwhile.

As quietly as possible I washed up the few dishes – and remembered, there wasn’t enough cereal for breakfast. The thought of home-made biscuits and gravy wafted through my brain – not choosing to stay!

My daughter needed some “girl time.” By now my husband was working steadily at his desk. So, receiving a favorable response from him, I quietly awakened her, and we slipped off to breakfast, and on to the store to purchase cereal and milk.

When we arrived back home my husband greeted me with a smile. “You bringing the goodies?” he asked. “Oh,” I said, “just cereal and milk.” His response set me thinking. “That’s goodies!” He said.

Goodies? Common cereal and milk? I pondered the idea as I “piddled” around the kitchen. Goodies. Off-brand cereal and milk. Some people would wrinkle up their nose, but my crew was awakening, and they were thinking the same thing as their Dad. Hmmmmm . . . goodies! How did I know? Well, by how quickly it was disappearing – right into their bellies!

As God’s children, He has prepared for us generous helpings of “goodies!” Sometimes they are milk. Sometimes they are meat. If we aren’t careful we can overlook the specialness of their character – the quality of their application.

The treasure of His Word, the importance of Truth from His Messengers, the promptings of His gentle, Holy Spirit as He guides our lives. Seems almost trite to call them “goodies” the level goes so much deeper – and yet, sometimes we tend to forget these are our soul food.

Pick up the Word today and delve in – to soul-sustaining, spirit reviving, attitude changing, right kind of goodies!

Take it with You

The entrance of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your commandments.” Psalm 119: 130-131

Extraordinary Message

2011-08-30T04:35:00.000-07:00

The News channel loudly proclaims the latest. The newspapers put stories into print they consider “newsworthy.” Informative, inspiring, calling for action, declaring an opinion – media has a role in each of our lives.

Unwittingly, we take what we hear and often pass it on! We share it with a co-worker, e-mail it to a friend, talk it over with a neighbor, and it travels.

Simply stating the obvious, many have declared we are living in the “information age.” It’s at our fingertips, before our eyes – everywhere!

Yet, we as followers of Christ have even more of a responsibility! We possess the greatest message – the extraordinary message. The message that brings hope to despair, light to darkness, love to hate.

No race, color, or individual is beyond the glorious power of the salvation message. No follower of Christ is beyond the glorious privilege and responsibility to share His Message!

As our children grow, we often have given them another privilege. But, oh the times we have reminded – with that privilege comes responsibility. A good example is when they are just about ready to be able to drive. They can hardly wait! They are telling us – and anyone who will listen – how soon this privilege is coming. Yet, those of us who already drive realize that with a set of wheels comes much more than privilege. So, we patiently teach and train – and in the joy of receiving their privilege, they also learn and take on responsibility.

We who have been given the Gospel of Christ know the joy and privilege of relationship with Him! There simply isn’t anything else that satisfies the inner longing of the soul. And . . . with our privilege, comes responsibility. To love God, to love others, to SHARE the EXTRAORDINARY message of our Christ, and His saving power.

“O, Jesus – may we go forward today – empowered by Your Holy Spirit – sharing the great news of You in our words and actions! In Jesus name, Amen”

By Janene Dubbeld

For Gods Glory

Take it with You

“It’s news I’m proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with the Jews and then right on to everyone else!” Romans 1:16 The Message

How Much We Miss

2011-08-26T05:46:00.000-07:00

“Let’s go for it,” mom enthusiastically encouraged. “It” was a small hike just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The day was so beautiful, and our family had just finished a picnic lunched, followed by the boys and Dad playing some football.

All agreed – some half heartedly, one pretty much out of coercion, but at least three of us were excited to take this journey. “It’s only 1.5 miles,” mom continued. However, we weren’t very far into the “short journey” when Dad began to explain. It was at least 1.5 miles to the farm we were going to tour, and at least 1.5 back.

Still, it was very enjoyable, and everyone was having a great time. Some nearly ran it! They hurried ahead – although we didn’t need to hurry. They conquered quickly – but oh, the things they missed.

They rushed by the brook – some of us stopped to hear it sing. They missed the snake sun bathing itself on a rock. (I didn’t really enjoy that scene too much!) They forgot to view the lush green ferns, the velvet moss upon the rock . . . and missed the beautiful doe, so delicate in her design as she looked at us, and patiently allowed us some time in her world.

Sometimes we carry this hurried concept into our walk with Christ. We quickly pray and read, and hurry off to nowhere. Oh, we took a moment – that’s better than none. We know He’s with us as we go – but to take time to really see and hear what He has to say – when we rush by, oh, how much we miss!

Just like those in my family who “rushed on ahead.” They enjoyed – but didn’t really “take in to its fullest” the grandeur all around. So, we’ll go again – sometime, Lord willing – and time will teach as life goes on the preciousness of taking time to see.

And, Lord – please, teach me. . .

By Janene Dubbeld

For Gods Glory

Take it with You

Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20

Comfy

2011-08-24T06:21:00.000-07:00

Our family had a blessing! We were staying in a beautiful cabin in the Smokies that smelled of pine and cedar. When we arrived, “mom” immediately started in on supper — as everyone was already hungry. The picnic table soon served as our gathering place as we enjoyed each others company.

Then, the two youngest members noticed her. A bird, sitting on her nest, in the rafters of her porch. I squinted my eyes and tried to see . . . But I couldn’t make out the details like they could. They could even see the babies.

Soon everyone was finished and on to other events of the evening . . . Everyone except mom and her youngest son. He was looking up at the nest.

“There’s babies,” he was telling me. Then he spread out his arm to show me how the mother was covering her little ones. “She’s doing that so they’ll be all comfy.” My heart smiled at his declaration. Makin ‘em comfy!

It is only the Presence of God that can make us “comfy” even when life turns the nest upside down. “Nest shaking” is all a part of His plan.

It keeps the path to the secret place well worn — and our security remaining where it needs to be — IN HIM!

The comfort of the “nest” is wonderful, but the lessons learned when the nest is “toppled over” have a value beyond the present, and we find a sweeter rest, more blessed peace — near to the heart of God.

He never leaves us — even through seasons of change. His Holy Spirit is our truest comfort and guide — His love is our largest resting place —and, His Presence the light of EVERY day!

Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

“Hiding in Thee, Hiding in Thee,

Thou blest Rock of Ages,

I’m hiding in Thee.”

Cushing/Sankey

“O, God. Give me a steady heart to trust your plan, even when it “shakes up the nest.” Use each circumstance of life to draw me closer to You. Teach me of Your way. Show to me Your power. Live in me and through me always. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Take it with You

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God: How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay him? But from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”

Romans 11:33-36 NIV

Life-Time Investments

2011-08-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

Life seems to hold within it’s powerful grasp three kinds of people when it comes to monetary investments. Those who have invested in the “right things” and done well. Those who have invested in the “wrong things” and done poorly. And . . . Those who don’t have a clue what an investment even is . . . And couldn’t do a thing about it if they did know!

When people begin talking about “stock portfolio’s” and “IRA’s” many of us have to resort to the “I don’t knows!”

However, investing is a word that carries with it a whole lot of weight. It’s more than gold coins, or stock, or silver. Investment has to do with putting something in — and expecting something in return.

Long term investments take time to produce their expected end. They take the discipline of saying “yes” to certain things, and “no” to others. It is the future goal of what is coming that makes the discipline and sacrifice of today worth the doing.

As families, we are involved everyday in long-term investments. Commitments that can’t be finished in an hour, a week, or a day, yet, they are given moment by moment. These investments in relationships last longer than a life-time, they reach into eternity.

Into our children . . . We invest! When they are small, and within the influence of home we invest heavily! Christian or non Christian any good parent invests time, energy, money, food, clothing. . . And when those actions are coupled with love they feel us telling them . . . “You are worth it! You are valuable. You are loved!”

We invest in their minds by the words we speak. “I love you . . .” what awesome words to begin and close the day with. When we’ve “messed up” they know it. Simply saying, “I’m sorry . . .” those beautiful words spoken with honest sincerity cause your value to go up in their eyes!

The Christian home finds parents early on instilling within their children this hope . . . “God has an awesome purpose for you in His plan . . .” Nothing could be more true, and even though they may not admit it, it lodges deeply inside the heart of the teen whose world is making them feel topsy turvy and everything seems all mixed up.

Probably one of the greatest investments is sharing the Word of God together. Into their hearts we are laying a foundation that will last long after they are gone from our homes — and after we have left this world for the next. A tool to find the answers — a road map for the journey of life.

When we take the time to LISTEN to what THEY have to say and bring their concerns to the Heavenly Father WITH THEM, we invest the ABSOLUTE that God cares, He loves us, and He is the most important One always.

And, when the day comes they are “out on their own” our investment doesn’t end, just takes more “stock” in prayer . . . In our God hearing, and reaching across the miles to answer. Invest heavily in these family relationships. It’s a wise investment, with eternal return!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children”

Psalm 103:17

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Seeing Him

2011-08-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

The morning sunlight beckoned me to come outside and begin my day! A walk! That was exactly what I needed to do. Quietly I donned more suitable attire and headed out the door.

Mmmmm . . . a quiet walk, a time to talk with my Lord, already it was promising to be a day of blessing. Creation grabbed my attention at every turn. No ear phones today, just the beautiful songs of the birds. Everything seemed to be pointing my mind to the Creator and His glories.

As I turned to make another round my conversation with the Lord went something like this, “O, Lord, let me see You on this part of my walk.”

Moments later I saw her. My heart dropped a moment. I was on a quiet walk – a conversation with God walk – a peaceful moment before my busy day.

She smiled at me, I smiled back. That did it! The conversation began. Amazingly, in the secret place of my soul God spoke to me. “You wanted to see me on this part of your walk.”

It was then I realized what He was showing me. A friend wanted to be with me – I saw Him in her longing for relationship. She smiled – I saw Him in her smile! We shared together – just as He wanted to share with me. Through the crown jewel of His creation, once again, He showed me Himself!

Refreshed, I could now begin my day.

By Janene Dubbeld

For Gods Glory

Take it with You

“My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15: 12-14

Divin' In

2011-08-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

Summer time seems to often bring about some kind of water related enjoyment. As the temperatures rise, many of us are looking for a place to “dive in!” The children run through sprinklers, or squirt each other with water guns — if they can’t find a pool to head off to.

Mine will take a two mile hike behind our house — just to get to the creek! The lakes are full of people with boats — sometimes to fish — sometimes to race — sometimes to ski — and sometimes to dive off from and take a swim.

When my two older sons were young, we were visiting with some friends. They were blessed with a pool in their back yard, and offered to allow our family some time to have fun together. So, off went Dad and his two little boys . . . Mom was content to “watch and wait!” Into the toddler “floaty thing” went our youngest — and just as quick it flipped him over and was holding him under the water. Before Dad could get him rescued, our oldest son, who was still quite young himself saw his brother in trouble and dove right in the water to help him. However, since he was only learning to swim, this only compounded the problem. Now instead of one boy in trouble there were two! Using all the skill he possessed, God mercifully allowed my husband to rescue both boys.

We too have a “Rescuer” — a Savior who comes to our help. It’s like we are swimming in contaminated water — drowning in the awfulness of our sin. Jesus hears our pitiful cry for help — sees the desperateness of our situation and knows, HE IS the remedy! Lifting us up He rescues us — giving us the water of Himself — the water of life.

Now, we can “dive in” without getting hurt! “Dive in” to the fathomless ocean of His love. His water is pure — without contamination or chemicals. “Dive in” to the miraculous richness of His grace. It’s been provided for us! Swim around in the beautiful waters of His healing for our “woundedness.” Dive in! Get in way over your head — these are “waters you won’t drown in!”

Our Lord wants to take us deeper than we’ve ever gone before. Teach us new discoveries in Him . . . Show us more of His miracles . . . Strengthen our faith. When the “faith waters” are over our heads, we learn to trust Him more — and we know again the beautiful joy of resting in Him.

This summer — dive in to more than the nearest lake, river, or pool — dive into God’s Word — dive into Christ. What kind of new places will He take us — before the seasons change again? Take the challenge! Dive in!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

Take it with You

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Colossians 3:1-2

Open Ears

2011-07-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

It was time to go! Go . . . again! Over the highways we went to yet another family camp. This one happened to be just a few miles from the place I spent nine of my “growing up” years. One afternoon we journeyed to town to look around. We drove by the place where we stopped to pick up my friend for school. We went up into the driveway of the house where I used to live. And . . . my mind took its journey too . . . back over the years to when I was a little girl . . .

My dad had been president of a small Bible college. Since our home was across a field, I would sometimes have to walk the distance across the yard, down past the apple tree, and through a very “scary” path with weeds on each side, past some neighbors houses and on up to the road that the college was on. It was quite a distance — for a little girl — and the path between the weeds was what I disliked the most.

After all, who knew what was living in those weeds — just ready to come out and get me? Snakes were the one things I feared most — at least until one fateful day. A friend was waiting for me over at the school — we were going to have such fun playing together. Dad was mowing the lawn, and mother was busy in the house . . . so, I was supposed to make my “trek” over to the college and we would walk back together.

Now just after the path through the weeds was a house. A ranch sort of home, and whoever was living there had two of the biggest Doberman pincher dogs ever known to man. (At least in my opinion!) They were big . . . and they were mean. . . and not usually out. But this day was different. As I entered the path of the “scary weeds” charging up the path from the other direction came a very UNFRIENDLY Doberman. I turned and ran . . . screaming at the top of my lungs! I must have screamed pretty loud — because here came Dad! He had heard me above the tractor/lawn mower and immediately came to help his daughter.

That did it! Mom had to drive me over to meet my friend. Nothing would lead me back over that particular path that particular day!

We have a Heavenly Father whose ears are OPEN to hear our cry! When we need forgiveness — He listens earnestly and will come the moment we open our mouth! He is waiting. If we are in trying circumstances — He hears our cry. He knows where we are. Whatever our need — His Father heart delights to hear us, and He is ready to provide what we need.

He knows what is best. He may not always give it just when or how WE think it needs to be done, but His loving heart will answer — in the way HE sees we need when we call on Him. He is a loving Father. One with the best interest of His children at heart. His ears are ALWAYS open!

Take it with You

“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For, ‘He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

I Peter 3:8-12

Can I Help?

2011-07-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

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

Heart and Soul

2011-07-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

Heart and soul. How can I bring to You --

My Greatest Love -- The all of me?

Heart and soul. Long to lose the self of me

And simply let You be.

The ALL—

Of life, of life, of laughter

Of pain, and sorrowed morning’s after.

Heart and soul. Laid open – bare

Like charred earth from a forest fire.

Heart and soul. In feeble, whimpering attempts

I lay my head upon Your chest –

The ALL.

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory

One Way Home

2011-07-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

Travelling from south Georgia to Tennessee, my husband and I were in need of a post office. He had his phone GPS set for our directions – and it was talking to him – telling him when to turn, what highway to take, so he asked me to find a post office on my phone navigation.

In the mean time we stopped at a gas station, and we also asked them if they knew where the closest post office was. Their responses were amazing. The one girl told us it was beside CVS – which helped us immensely since we had no clue where CVS was. Another gentleman tried desperately to help us. He knew where HE would go – three lights down and one street over – over the railroad tracks – or something like that.

Bravely we headed in that general direction. Marks GPS was still talking to him, and I was trying to tell him what my navigation was quietly telling me from my phone. We thought we were doing pretty well, until we realized he was listening to the directions to keep him on the highway to Tennessee – and THINKING he was going to the post office – while I was mixing my directions with what I had heard from the gas station.

OFF went HIS phone – as to stop confusing us! We followed the directions from my phone – which was now set correctly and FINALLY found the post office!

When we stopped laughing – a simple truth hit home. There is one “navigation system “to follow – if we desire to enjoy eternal life. It’s the Word of God! Any other voice pointing to any other “way” will only serve to get us off track and confused.

As followers of Christ we also need to be ready to give “right directions” to those who need them! Hiding His Word in our hearts – and heading back to its pages when in question. There’s only one way home, and His Word gives us clear direction. Take some time to revel in it – TODAY!

Take it with You

“Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?”

I Corinthians 14:7&8

‘”Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Fingerprints

2011-07-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Smudged again! My glasses can’t ever seem to stay clean! How DO they get so dirty? I mean, it isn’t like I’m putting my fingers all over my glasses every other second! At least I don’t THINK I am. However, there is some reason they are getting smudged!

Sliding glass doors – aren’t they wonderful? The view is so clear --- when they are clean! Usually they have to be cleaned often because someone left their fingerprints – not purposefully – just in passing . . .

Everyday we leave our fingerprints – most of the time we don’t even think about it! (Unless we have to clean them off!) In a much deeper sense of thinking, every day we leave fingerprints of the soul. Jesus tells us in Luke 6:43-45:“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, not does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good: and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

All of us touch someone – with our words, our actions, our reactions, our responses. We give, we take, and we live. By our every day living we leave behind the fingerprints of our soul. Many times they are unseen – but they are indelible – often creating an aura of legacy reaching beyond the span called a lifetime.

Recently my desire is strongly that the fingerprints I leave always have the Cross at the center. “Not I, but Christ!”

“O God, purify my soul so that the fingerprints I leave behind are not my own, but bear the markings of Christ. Gladly I exchange the shadows of the shallow to dive into You and allow You to make me into the person YOU desire me to become. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Take it with You

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

A Mission To Win

2011-07-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

Recently my husband and I visited a sports store. We wandered around looking at anything that might pique our interest, and I must admit, because sports isn’t at the “top” of my “most interested” list, I grew a little weary. I found myself looking for a bench to sit down. Resting on shelving — even covering a few yawns.

As we were leaving the store, I saw a sign. It read something like this: “I never take the court without my mission.” THAT caught my eye! Yep, this person was a champion — and while many of the values, and lifestyle would definitely clash vehemently with mine, I could identify with the champion heart throb. This person saw the victory before it came. The mission was clear. Win.

Obviously a champion doesn’t become one overnight. Anything worth winning has to be worked for. Priorities take on a different light. Discipline, practice, effort become best friends of the winner.

Go for it. Fall down. Get up. Learn. Go for it. Fall down. Get up. Learn. Go for it. Fall down. Get up. WIN!!!!!

In the learning process things get left behind. Things with lesser value that hinder the progress. Things that prove stumbling blocks and cause us to fall down. Clearer and clearer becomes our mission as we realize the things that hinder and leave them far, far behind.

As a child, ice skating was a definite part of winter for me. In an effort to help me get started. my parents bought me “double runner” skates. However, their good intentions soon found me frustrated. We were skating on an outdoor pond. The snow packed into those things tight as could be, making it impossible to move. So, I had to leave those skates long behind, go for it on the single runner figure skates at hand. You guessed it. A few “bumps and bruises” with lots of “get up and go for it” I was soon rewarded with lots of time enjoying fun on the ice.

It’s time to grow! A brand new year in our sights is more than turning over a “new leaf.” Time to embrace it with a mission! A mission to leave behind ANYTHING that would hinder us from surrendering ALL to Jesus. A mission to “press on toward the goal,” as the Apostle Paul put it. A mission to mature in Christ and become useful in His Kingdom — following closely the very tone in His voice. A mission to share Jesus with others.

When do we win? Ah! THAT is the question with a very good answer. We WIN when we hear Him say, “Well done.” Each victory here causes us to live in His smile, and get a little closer to the day when the champions reach home. When we hear that voice we will know — We have WON!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/ For God’s Glory

Take it with You

“But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to wind the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13b-14

Called To Follow

2011-07-07T06:23:00.000-07:00

It wasn’t so much the means of getting the soil ready for planting that Jesus was getting at in our Scripture today. He was using the commonplace things of life, the things those around Him were familiar with, to illustrate, and get across eternal messages.

The motive of the heart was Jesus’ concern. That’s where the truth of who we are really lives. Self proclaimed willingness to follow was one thing. Self abandoned following was another.

Steady following in hard times as well as good times. Steady following when others misunderstand our complete devotion and solid commitment to His call. Following fervently when earthly loves can’t comprehend the earnestness of obedience to Him alone. Following when all seems lost because we trust the One who called — to be faithful to complete His call in us. Steady, faithful, fervent, following.

This is the following our Christ demands. There simply is no other way to follow — for no other way would work. It is the wholehearted, passionate pursuit of Him and His will. This and only this will make us “fit for service in the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew 9:62 NIV)

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

“Not what I wish to be,

Nor where I wish to go,

For who am I, that I should choose my way?

The Lord shall choose for me

Tis better far I know

So let Him bid me go — or stay.”

—-Selected

Take it with You

“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Matthew 9:37-38

Fried Green Tomatoes

2011-06-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

“Guess what I had for supper?” My friend asked me in a text. “Fried green tomatoes . . . Aren’t you jealous?” I looked at my phone in amazement. Fried green tomatoes? Nope. I wasn’t jealous a bit. I had absolutely no appetite for fried greet tomatoes. Now, my husband . . . That was a different story! He DID have an appetite for them . . . So I texted my friend back, letting her know that she could have all the green tomatoes she wanted, and it wouldn’t matter to me . . . It was my husband’s mouth that would water! :)

If she would have said she was having corn on the cob and watermelon . . . Oooooo . . . My mouth WOULD water! The different foods of summer . . . the fresh fruits and veggies . . . How we enjoy them!

What is it that keeps us physically going out to the garden to pick fresh veggies, or picking certain things when we grocery shop — or in some cases, pulling through the drive-thru yet, again? We know it as our appetite . . . For what are we hungry?

Jesus talks to us about our spiritual appetite in Matthew 5:6. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,” He tells us, “for they shall be filled.” An appetite for things that are righteous will grant us His blessing — and He will fill us — with Himself. He is our righteousness!

One sure way we can tell if our physical bodies lack health is if they lack appetite. It’s the same way with our soul. A hunger after God and His word. A thirst — or a longing for His Spirit and His Presence daily in our lives. These things tells us our souls are healthy and on track. When we feel ourselves gravitating toward other things to try and “take the edge” off our spiritual hunger —instead of His Word — or we seek to quench our thirst with something or someone else — allowing Him to slip out of first place in our lives, we soon find ourselves dissatisfied.

An appetite for God is cultivated by being with Him. Spending time in His Word and communing with Him creates in us a love for Him that produces an appetite to keep coming back for more! Fall in love with Jesus — all over again! Keep the first love STRONG!

Just as we enjoy the fresh foods of summer, we can feast on fresh, new discoveries in our relationships with Christ. Let’s ask Him to help us keep our appetites healthy — for righteousness!

By Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You,

O God.” Psalm 42:1 (NKJV)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6 (NKJV)

Kick Off Those Shoes

2011-06-22T03:53:00.000-07:00

Even as my ears heard the news and my mind began to reconcile the reality, my heart continued to bulk at acceptance. A college friend of mine was gone. Not “gone” as in taking a vacation — but gone as in a transfer of worlds.

She had been such a jovial person. Cheery, fun-loving, easily excited. When she loved something — her eyes lit up, and her whole face glowed. “Her grave is right up there on the hill,” her mother told me.

We were ministering in a family camp at the time, and had the afternoons free. So, one afternoon, we took a drive up the hill, past the other graves decorated so nicely, to one that overlooked the valley below. I stood and looked down on the tombstone. Around it were beautiful pink flowers, and on it were delicately engraved flowers and birds. It was the birth date the caught and kept my attention. April, 1968 — she was born two months before me. It was a sobering thought.

It lingered with me through the week . . . And beyond . . .

During that same week, my youngest son voiced a question that had nothing to do with the above circumstance, yet they somehow go together . . .

Being in the fourth week of family camp — and having been home only one night during those four weeks he was beginning to get a little “road weary.” Needless to say, even though we were enjoying the privilege to minister, we were all feeling a little that way! As we finished yet another mile in our van he longingly asked, “Mommy, when are we going to go home?”

Home. In an earthly, temporal sense there’s no place like it. No matter how grand the travels taken, or how enjoyable — there’s still nothing like home. You can kick off your shoes and relax. . . Until you have to put them on again . . .

Home. In the eternal, heavenly sense — THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE IT! No more pain, struggle, sorrow, temptation — simply peace in the Presence of God! Not a temporary resting place — an eternal place of rest! We won’t have to “hurry” — for time will be no more. We can “kick off our shoes” so to speak — and never have to put them on again!

Thousands of songs have been written in our feeble human attempt to express what is coming. Books continue being penned with great expectation. Sermons revealing the truth of our future ring in our ears and cause hope to rise in our hearts. Yet, one day our inadequate endeavors will be swallowed up in the glorious realization of the Truth — we will be home!

We smile through our tears as our hands stretch forward — reaching — reaching toward those who have gone on before. Not for one moment would we bring them back — it only deepens our longing — and our determination to meet them one day. And . . . Just imagine for a moment the welcoming of the One we live for, love, and serve. His Presence! Now, that’s home!

Take it with You

“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

II Peter 3:13

Father Power

2011-06-19T03:38:00.000-07:00

So . . . What did your dad say to you? “Good job,” or “Go for it.” Did he say, “I believe in you,” or “Here, let me help you with that.”

Perhaps you weren’t blessed to have a father who spoke positively into your life — and that, no doubt, had a less than positive effect on your life.

“Dad, how do I hit the ball?”

He took the bat and showed him how

Patiently, deliberately — the child his focus in the now

And then he whispered in his ear

“Just do your best that’s all it takes,”

The swing — to dream — the crack of ball—

Or wind just whistling in his face?

“Dad, how do I handle this?”

A phone call with a broken sob

He knelt beside a well worn chair —

It filled the air with silent prayer—

And Father power prevailed once more.

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory

Take it with You

“Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding;”

Proverbs 4:1

Change Your Style, Not Your Soul

2011-06-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

The merchandise of the lovely bookstore called out to me. Titles of books begged my brain to devour them – if only my pocketbook would allow me to purchase! Standing to one side my eyes actually fell on one of the free stands boasting its stuff with this advertisement, “Change your style, not your sole.”

Magnetic strips for flip flops – different designs and colors – it piqued my interest. Why, you could change shoes just with a change of stripe! Again my eyes went to the top. The words penetrated my brain with a different message this time. “Change your style, not your soul!”

Our world is inundated with change. It’s the “progression” of the human race! Some of it is progression – while at times it seems to resemble regression . . .

But the soul . . . the soul of the creation still finds its home in its Creator! We are HIS workmanship – created by HIM! Styles come and styles go. We no longer drive the Model “T”! But our Creator? He remains the same!

Age to age HE stands. Timeless, steadfast, truth in love!

By Janene Dubbeld

For Gods Glory

Take it with You

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV)

All -- Now!

2011-06-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-06T05:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-05-26T05:31:00.000-07:00

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?”

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

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!”

By Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

I Corinthians 12:1-3 NIV

Nothing Between

2011-05-20T05:19:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-17T04:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-10T05:28:00.000-07:00

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

Remembering Mom

2011-05-06T06:06:00.000-07:00

My mother was a very joyful person. She never drank coffee, sometimes drank tea, and every now and then she would choose some kind of soft drink. However, I remember the many times I would hear her remark, “I just need a big glass of water.” She declared that absolutely nothing could quench her thirst like pure, sparkling, tasty water. As a child, I was forever wishing she would “give in” more often to my longings for a “soda,” but as the years have passed, I find myself reaching much more frequently for a glass or bottle of water. It quenches thirst.

Mother also taught me very early in life Who was her “water for life.” She taught me by example. Many times I would burst through the closed door with some exciting news to find her kneeling at her chair in prayer. She passed on to me the eternal truth that it was Jesus Who would quench the thirst on the inside.

Life doesn’t play any waiting games. It travels steadily, carrying us along in its swift moving current. I’m no longer the “little girl” bursting through my mother’s closed door. Now, I’m a mother myself. Situations come, circumstances change, and day by day I find the deepest part of me cannot be satisfied with temporal, earthly things we touch and feel in the “now.” Family and friends are God given gifts whom I deeply love and appreciate – but even the closest of them cannot meet all the needs and demands of my hearts. That’s why God is “Emmanuel!” He IS GOD WITH US!!!

In Zechariah 10:1, we are told to “Ask the Lord . . .” We aren’t told to “ask our family,” “ask our neighbor,” “ask our friend,” -- we are to, “ASK THE LORD!” Yes, there are times when those around us help to bear our burdens with an encouraging word or act, perhaps they “talk to the Father for us,” but in reality, our deepest “soul felt” needs find that the Lord is the only lasting Source. No other person or thing in the entire universe can fill the inner need within, or fully supply our needs without. Forgetting that truth will cause us to draw water from well’s that simply aren’t deep enough. When we draw from shallow, empty well’s, our water comes up muddy. It certainly isn’t water worth drinking – and it won’t even begin to quench our thirst – or meet our deepest need.

Our only answer is to simply stop, and draw from Him – the deepest well, with the purest water! The bubbling Spring that washes away impurities! Not a mirage in the desert, but a living oasis! Jesus Christ!

Now it’s my turn to carry on the legacy. When my children burst in the door with some exciting happening, I want them to find me where I found my mom – seeking the Source. When life brings those longings I cannot quench, needs too big for me to provide, and problems I simply cannot “fix,” I want to point them to the Source of pure, satisfying, water for life.

Written by: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

“Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime, it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone.” Zechariah 10:1

Marital Bliss

2011-05-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

“For better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward . . .” on a wonderful day, in a wonderful way, the vows were taken. Take a moment and remember . . . was it a church wedding – or maybe you were married in mama’s front room – maybe you had an outdoor wedding – or . . . shhhh . . . maybe you even eloped! However it happened – you were soooooo in love! You just knew you had the love that would last a lifetime.

Do you remember the communication you had before that wonderful day? So full of expectation, the exciting hopes of life together, the dreaming, the plans, the “I love you’s.”

Why is it that communication seems to be one of the biggest challenges we as couples face after, “the big day?” Funny isn’t it? Those of us who experience even the best of marriages have to constantly strive to make sure we communicate, we understand, and love is more than a “fuzzy, wuzzy” feeling – but a commitment that causes our love to mature along the way.

When we mention communication, I can’t help but think of something that happened to Mark and I a few years ago. (Yes, I communicated with him that I would like to share this story . . . and guess what? He was fine with it!)

We were (and still are) a happily married couple – with several children. It was a rather unusual, relaxing afternoon, and he was enjoying his “TV time.” Sometime during the day, I was ready for him to “come out of that box and communicate!” So, being the wonderful husband he is, he flipped off the TV (FINALLY ) and headed with me to the porch, where we could sit and talk. No sooner had we gotten settled when the boys were after him to “come and play basket ball.” He gave the most awesome response I could imagine at the time . . . “No, I’m spending time with Mommy.”

We were really getting somewhere! I was talking away about anything and everything I had on my mind – and he seemed to be listening attentively. Sometime in the course of these events, our boys decided to play football instead of basketball and moved their game to the yard RIGHT IN FRONT of the porch. They wanted him to come and be “all time QB” or something like that. He stayed put – after all he was spending time with mom. Things progressed quite normally . . . then . . . oh, then came the fateful play! I wasn’t paying a lick of attention to the football game, after all, I was communicating! Mark was LOOKING straight at ME, but his mind was in the game. Still looking at me, all of the sudden he says loudly, “DID YOU CATCH IT?” GRRR! Marital bliss? Actually, it was so funny I couldn’t possibly stay upset. Together we dissolved into laughter.

Communication isn’t easy because life throws us so many distractions. Between “challenges” and “opportunities” we can end up taking for granted the very one we need to love and care for the most. Sometimes we are “workin’ so hard” to make a “living” we forget to “slow down” and take time to “make a life.”

Why don’t we find a quiet moment today – or a few of them – look into each other’s eyes, and listen with our hearts. We might be surprised at the joy we “catch!”

Take it With You

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Matthew19:4

In the Path of the Wind

2011-04-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

There it went! Headed across the parking lot – caught by the wind – the piece of something I didn’t WANT to blow away! There I went! Right after it . . . trying my best to catch it – looking much like a lunatic – but the sane part of me knowing – I HAD TO CATCH THAT IMPORTANT SOMETHING! Ever been there?

The fact of the matter is, wind affects everyone and everything it touches. Even just a little bit of wind makes a tree limb “jiggle.” When a big wind comes through . . . watch out, a whole lot of things will be blowing over, and blowing away!

The Bible has many references to the wind – the most powerful being when it is used to describe the coming of the Holy Spirit in the upper room. In Acts chapter 2, we see the disciples positioning themselves for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as Jesus had told them to do. They were doing what Jesus had told them to do before He left to ascend back into Heaven. They were obeying. They were in the upper room. They were sitting. They were waiting. They were in unity. They were together . . . By faith they were expecting the fulfillment of His Promise, and IT WAS TIME! Suddenly, the Holy Spirit came in His Power, in His fullness, as a mighty rushing wind.

When He showed up – He affected everyone! Think about what happened. They began looking like “lunatics,” too! People actually mocked them – accusing them of being drunk – even though it was way too early in the day for drunkenness. People who were from other countries, just “visiting” Jerusalem for one reason or another, were hearing the gospel in their own language. Peter, who had denied Christ three times was, boldly declaring Christ, preaching to those who had crucified Him. Repentance was everywhere; – “about three thousand” – came to Christ and were baptized. Possessions lost their hold on believers – they shared gladly with one another. They fellowshipped with one another. Their hearts were happy and glad – and together they PRAISED GOD! What was going on? The wind of the Holy Spirit was blowing and affecting everything He touched.

How much our innermost souls long after Him will determine just how fervently we pursue “getting in the path of the WIND.” This path requires obedience — obedience to His call for complete surrender. When HE comes, the “sane” part of our spiritual life knows — we cannot exist without staying in “the path of THE WIND!”

Once He breathes on us, breathes within us, breathes through us, we gladly “chase after” Him, pursuing His heart, allowing Him to continually “blow away” whatever would displease Him. Allowing him to tumble anything that even begins to hint of self. Allowing Him to “breathe into” our lives the imperative Christ-likeness He so desires for us to have.

Take it with You

“He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.” Psalm 147:18

By Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory

What's Fair About a Cross?

2011-04-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

A beautiful pink sunrise graced the horizon. The beauty of the morning eloquently expressed the magnificence of just being alive! This time I was up before the alarm began to beep. All too soon – not one – but several “beepings” began to sound around the house. Yes, it was time for everyone to move!

Ironing some clothes, the sounds associated with “morning news” seeped into my brain. A governor was speaking – and actually sounding quite positive! Then, it broke into advertisements. It was another one of those “if you ever took this certain medicine and anything mildly associated with these major results happened YOU could be ENTITLED to a settlement . . .”

“That is exactly what is wrong with this country,” I said to my husband as I finished ironing and headed for the stairs. He was agreeing with me. Everyone thinks they are entitled to this or entitled to that. Everyone is consistently concerned with FAIR! What’s “in it for me” . . . that’s “NOT FAIR!”

In that moment, the beauty of the morning was in great danger of being jeopardized with the consistent talk of “me-ism!” Then, it dawned on me. What was fair about the Cross?

Here was the Author of Justice itself hanging between two thieves! Here was the One with all Power, choosing to remain there – all for love! All for a love freely given to a sinful race – given with no guarantee of return – just given.

Fair? No! Oh, what mercy! What grace! What love!

Forget the “me-ism” and live for Christ! His love compels me to love Him more, and more, and more!

Life isn’t “fair.” Never has been, never will be. But what a joy to take part in the sufferings of our Lord. It wasn’t fair for Him either!

And . . . another morning is coming!!!! The Powerful Resurrection of our Lord took away all the pain of the night and burst into our world with ecstatic, eternal, LIFE! TODAY IS NOT FOREVER!!!

Living the Christ life here calls us to consistently keep our eyes on the skies! It won’t be long until eternal justice WILL be served! Forever, and ever, and ever we will live in perfect peace with our Lord.

Do we deserve it? No! CHRIST made it possible by “unfairly” taking our sins on Himself and going to the Cross. Walk the road with Him and know His accepted provision gives us the beautiful hope of another morning!

Take it with You

"For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

A Parent for the Parents

2011-04-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

Parenting seems to be one of the most wonderfully exhausting things in the universe! You wouldn’t trade anything for the wonderful blessings of your children – yet, there are times the ever existent needs, triumphs, hurts, learning processes, mood swings . . . leave a parent wondering wonderfully (or not so wonderfully) where the strength is going to come from for the next set of “whatever’s!”

Exhaustion usually doesn’t help the wondering process – it usually turns it into a WANDERING process instead – until we find ourselves right back at the place where peace always comes from, God and His Word.

The settling Truth brings an assurance that springs and flows from One Who is never exhausted, doesn’t run out of answers, and possesses a love that permeates everything He touches. He is our Heavenly Father, and in His eyes I’m not the parent – I’m His child! He understands the human side of me – remembers than I’m dust – and loves me still.

He is FOR me – not against me. When no one else knows the burden – He does, and even more than knowing the burden, He knows me too – better than I know myself! What comfort to rest in His arms.

His incredible power to intervene in circumstances, to change people, to guide and direct doesn’t fade with time – He is ALL powerful and He is there – whether anyone else is or not! We can trust Him with all the blessings and challenges of parenting – with all the ups and downs of life – He is FOR US!

Take it with You

“Then God’s bright glory will shine and everyone will see it. Yes, just as

God has said.” Isaiah 40:5 The Message

"Too Busy" to Eat

2011-04-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

Aren’t family picnics the best? It was the day before one of our children’s birthdays. One thing he wanted for his birthday was to go to the park not far from our house. Since the weather forecast on his actual “day” called for thunderstorms, we took advantage of the gorgeous evening before!

Packing up fried chicken and fruit – along with iced tea, cookies, and whatever else we thought we needed we headed off to the park. It was so relaxing and such fun – just to be together. Soon everyone knew the food was ready – “come and get it!” Someone asked God to bless it, and we “dug in.”

All except for one that it. My youngest son was just “too busy” to come and eat! After all, he was learning to skateboard, and he had to play on the playground, and then there was football with Dad, ball toss with his brother, Frisbee with mom, and baseball with his brothers . . . what could be more important than that? Certainly not food!

All too soon, the sun dipped behind the mountains, and the evening had to come to a close. We loaded everything back into the van and headed home. We had gone very far at all until a little voice piped up and said, “I’m hungry!” All of those fun, and legitimate things he found so important at the time hadn’t done one thing to fill his need of food! Sure, they had kept him from thinking about it for awhile, but at the end of the day they couldn’t substitute or satisfy his hunger.

Makes me stop and think of soul hunger. The inner need, the emptiness within a person can only be filled through an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the Bread of Life, the Water we thirst for! When we fill ourselves on “play things” this world has to offer, or get too busy – even with legitimate things to stop and feed on Him and His Word and the end of the day we find ourselves looking around saying, “I’m hungry!”

See, He is what makes us complete! Nothing else can substitute or suffice. The joy of knowing Him takes time, but its time spent that holds eternal value. It doesn’t get any better than that! Today – let’s take time to be Holy – and time to eat healthy – in the Presence, of the essence, of the Bread of Life!

Take it With You

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 635)

Stink Bugs and Sin

2011-04-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

WHERE DO THEY COME FROM? I absolutely despise them! I am sure in some form of time surely they had some value to their life in creation – but now? YUCK! They sneak in – where from? Who knows!!!! The only thing I know is . . . spraying, smashing, catching CONTINUES!!!!!! The horrible stink bug has invaded yet again!

For those of you who don’t live in “stink bug territory” be thankful! Be VERY thankful! I’m not sure there are any doors or windows that can keep them out – and YES, they DO actually stink!

Even in all the frustration of the moment a thought comes to me. These crazy things remind me of sin! Stinking, sneaky, smelly sin. The enemy of our souls waits with an unbelievable patience. How can he most hurt the Kingdom of God? How can he trip up those loving and serving God?

He looks for a weak spot, throws temptations into our pathways, then laughs with glee at the pain and damage sin causes.

STOP! Take a moment to spend some time with Jesus. He can be the strength in any weak spot we need. He can fortify the windows and doors of our mind, our spirit, our soul and keep out the horrible results of wrong choices.

Choose to prevent the worst by loving HIM the most! He is able to keep us from falling and to present us before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy! (Jude 24)

We don’t have to give in – He will enable us to stand!

Take it With You

“. . . stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time.” (James 5”8b The Message)

Don't Wrestle, Just Rest

2011-04-04T05:16:00.000-07:00

The stop sign at the end of the road demanded I pay attention. Looking to my right, I saw another car waiting to pull out of a gas station a few feet away. Why wasn’t he pulling out? There didn’t appear to be any vehicles coming – at least not that I could see.

Well, he wasn’t – so I did. No sooner did I turn on to Route 24 then a set of headlights showed up – very close to my tail lights! Where did that vehicle come from? Then, I realized. THAT was why the car at the gas station didn’t venture out! The driver could see over a hill that I couldn’t visualize from my location. He saw the other car coming when I couldn’t.

Thankfully there was no collision! Yet, from this incident, God spoke to my heart! He sees where we cannot see. He goes before us, and His Holy Spirit longs to live within us – giving us the guidance we need to live within His will!

His eye is all seeing – His wisdom is all knowing – His love all prevailing!

Listening closely to His voice will spare us many a “collision” on the road of life. So ably He puts an arm around our shoulder, warning us with a gentle whisper, warming our spirits with the breath of His . . .

Sometimes we wonder just why He isn’t moving at a quicker pace or the reason He answered a prayer differently than we thought He would. We are tempted to struggle instead of surrender – to wrestle instead of rest – but the truth remains – He knows best AND loves us most!

To those of us who love Him deeply, our goal is to bring Him glory. Sometimes the process seems agonizing, but the prize will be well worth it.

Let’s trust Him anew today – place our hand in His and look to His face. He sees all.

Take it with You

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” Romans 11:33

Wonders

2011-03-31T03:13:00.000-07:00

Wonders far beyond the human senses,

Known before the worlds were flung in space.

Known before there was something called distance,

Before a hand could reach to touch a face.

Wonders of a Godhead -- amazing!

Three in One -- a Perfect unity --

Wonders than have been from everlasting,

And remain for all eternity.

Wonders with a God Who planned this life span,

Soverign Lord, reigning from His thonre,

Calling -- where He waits for us to answer,

For tho' unseen, He need not be unknown.

For God's Glory

By Janene Dubbeld

"I'll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity. God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough." Psalm 145:2 (The Message)

What God Can Use

2011-03-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

“Jesus loves me when I’m good, when I do the things I should,

Jesus loves me when I’m bad, tho’ it makes Him very sad.”

He sang it with a thoughtful countenance – and sang it again, and again, and again – ever since learning that verse in pre-school it had been a favorite verse of “Jesus Loves Me” to him.

He carried on with the chorus; “Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.”

Our church was going on a forty day fast together, and the children were also getting involved. This same child who loved this verse of song was small, but I still wanted him to be involved. So, I asked him what he wanted to fast from. “I want to fast from a million forty trillion dollars . . .”

I laughed. “You can’t fast from something you don’t have!”

Clearly he needed some guidance on what “fasting and prayer” was really all about. Then, it hit me. As adults it’s much easier to promise something we don’t have!

“God, if you’ll just give me that new job, I’ll give half of my income to you,” and He asks – “what about just ten percent of what you already have?”

“God, if you let me have a new place I promise I’ll invite people over for a Bible Study,” and He just desires that you share your faith now – wherever He opens the door!

“God, give me a church of three hundred and I will go and pastor,” and God asks, “will you go and begin being faithful anywhere I call?”

God doesn’t ask us to do more than He will enable us for, but He does want us to OBEY Him fully in whatever He asks us to do, and walk by faith. He really DOES love us – and He has a path for us to follow that brings great joy – even when endurance must take us through hard times.

Give Him all that you are, all that you have, all that you desire to be – that’s all He desires – that’s what He can use!

Take it with You

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”

Psalm 143:8

Still in Control

2011-03-18T08:48:00.001-07:00

It was nearing the time for the birth of our second son. The day I went into labor, my husband drove me to the hospital. He wasn’t convinced this was the “real thing.” But thought it might be “false labor.”

I was pretty sure it was the “real thing!” However, when we arrived at the hospital the nurses stuck me in a room and weren’t real attentive – or concerned. They did what they had to, then, retired to the nurses station to look at magazines.

At one point, I noticed the baby’s heartbeat dropping very low. I sent my husband out to get them, and his question caused them to look up from their magazine long enough to realize there was a problem! They were in there in a hurry, doing what they “had to” -- then, they were gone again.

By early dawn I was exhausted, and not sure of what was really happening. Then, here came my doctor. She whizzed in the door, assessed the situation almost in a single glance, and announced, “I’m in charge here, now.”

That was all it took! She took complete charge of EVERYTHING – and the nurses got busy! Not too long after, we had our second baby boy, healthy, and ready to take on the world.

Did you know God is still in charge? He is! He WILL return and put a STOP to the sin and sorrow that plagues our world. He will stop the heartaches and dry the tears. He WILL bring an end to hypocrisy – and KEEP those who really belong to Him!

That eastern sky WILL split – and He WILL return! Lift up your heads! Your eternal redemption is coming soon!

Take it with You

“But you can be sure that I, God, the Master, have my eye on the Kinbgdom of Sin. I’m going to wipe it off the face of the earth. Still, I won’t totally destroy the family of Jacob. God’s Decree. I’m still given the orders around here . . .” Amos 9:8-9a

A Promise of Spring

2011-03-15T03:53:00.000-07:00

All of the sudden, in the garden, there are these glowing spots of yellow! There they are -- spreading a splash of color over the still mostly brown earth. “Spring is coming,” they seem to say, as they nod their cheery heads at those who choose to take a moment and enjoy their beauty.

They have been in the earth all winter, getting ready. Ready to herald the announcement as one of the first flowers of spring -- announcing the seasons are once again changing . . . and warmer days are coming! With stem straight and green – and blossoms translucent in their color, they offer to us yet another message of hope, of promise.

In the dark, damp earth of winter they have waited. But not forever!!

When it was time, they came bursting forth with a silent vigor. Boldly they declare again the intricate design of their Creator!

Nature teaches us from its seasons – and its lessons echo into our lives. Lessons like -- winter doesn’t last forever. And . . . even its darkness prepares those willing to wait for a spring time sent from God’s own hand! Each season has a purpose – each purpose has a home – within the plan of our Creator.

When we’re His we can rest assured there is no season He won’t help us walk through. Boldly follow – unafraid – He knows the seasons and their changes, and He remains, changeless!

Take it with You

“. . . Don’t be afraid, don’t waver. March out boldly tomorrow – God is with you.” II Chronicles 20:17b

Beautifully Faithful

2011-03-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

With an unblemished record, our Heavenly Father exemplifies a faithfulness which never changes – and remains forever. It’s the hope for our generation – as it has been the hope of those before us. The rock we place our faith on when faithlessness abounds around us. Our God has never failed –and He never will.

Amazingly – we sometimes forget that WE are HIS children – and it brings Him great joy when His character is reflected in us! Our world seems to take a look at commitment, and quickly characterize it as a “thing from the past.”

Faithfulness seems to be high on the list as long as things are going well. Bring the “hard times,” times -- when things are less than comfortable, and a different direction seems to beckon the soul.

In the pages of God’s Word there is a most encouraging life story of faithfulness. Faithfulness that went both ways! God was true to Himself – as He always is. He gave the dreams, was with him in rejection, stood by him in temptation, and remained with him in his darkest hours.

Yet Joseph was still hated by his brothers, thrown into a cistern, sold into slavery, lied about, and spent a considerable amount of time in prison! In all of this, Joseph was true to the God he served! He didn’t allow “feeling” to falsely influence the “fact” of His God. He didn’t equate the hardships of the “here and now” as a dictating question to the eternal faithfulness of the One he loved.

His faith remained – true and steadfast – and his life of commitment held – proving the One He loved most could keep Him when things were the worst.

Then, the day came. It was God’s time. Time to bring to the world the revelation He had shown to Joseph. With a stroke of genius as only GOD can do, He used a dream to a King, reminded a head cupbearer of a forgotten promise, and brought to light a prisoner – His faithful servant, Joseph.

It was time for complete and immediate restoration – and faithful Joseph was ready. The time of promise revealed had begun!

Faithfulness is always beautiful – both ways!

By Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You:

“Joseph was thirty years old when he went to work for Pharaoh the King of Egypt. As soon as Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence, he began his work in Egypt.” Genesis 41:46

2011-03-01T19:25:00.000-08:00

Isn’t it funny all of the crazy things we do when the “love bug” strikes us? Sometimes it’s even before the “love bug!” It might just be the “like bug!” We find ourselves wearing a certain color — because they like it. Buying a certain fragrance — looking for just the right card. . . All to communicate a “hidden” message that we hope won’t remain hidden forever.

Maybe you’ve heard the story about the young man at college with a stuttering problem. As I recall, he really liked a young lady on the campus whose name was Mary. Finally he got up enough nerve to ask her out for a date. The conversation went something like this, “Mmmaaarrryy, wwiiilll yyyoouuu gggooo ouououttt wwiiith mmmmeee?” To which she kindly but firmly declined.

However, this young man really did like Mary. So, he decided to do a little bit of work on it. He went back to his room, and for several weeks he practiced asking this question until he could voice it without stuttering. Once again he approached Mary. (I have to wonder — did she dread him coming?) This time, he said something like this, “Mary, will you go out with me?” She was astonished! “Did you practice that just for me?” She asked. His answer? “Yyyyeeeesssss!” As the story was told to me, she did go out with him, and ended up marrying him.

When my parents were attending college, Dad began to see things he really liked in my mom. As they were getting to know one another, talking to each other was very important. In fact, it was so important that one night after work he decided to talk to her through her dorm window. (Remember — cell phones and computers were non existent so texting or e-mail were out of the question.) As they were conversing out the window, Mom heard a horrifying sound — the clickety clack of the shoes belonging to the dean of women coming down the hall. She quickly closed the window — and dad, with no delay, jumped in his car and put it in reverse — in his haste not seeing the tree right behind him! Oh yes, building relationships will always cost you something! But . . . It was worth it. Dad married Mom and they shared a wonderful marriage — and were best friends for over fifty-two years.

Loving God most, and placing Him first is the very best way to begin the “relationship” search. When our relationships are built on Him and His Word, we find the only sure path to adventure into new, uncharted territory. Finding a companion for is a life altering decision. Following His guidelines and listening to His voice is the way to find the one He has for you.

God’s principle of love is always give not take. Giving and receiving are the way His circle works — not “take what you can get and run.” Give Him your life, your all, and let Him do the choosing. He knows best!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Deuteronomy 6:5

Real Loving

2011-02-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

So, the wedding is over, and so is the honeymoon. Why does it sometimes seem a whole lot easier to do the things your “special someone” loves BEFORE you tie the knot? What about after?

The commitment of love takes all of us down different paths, but most of us travel through frenzied, hurried up, out the door, “I love you’s,” head past the feel good “once in a while” date nights, and land in a pasture that points to the real art of loving. Oh yes, pastures boast many different things! They can boast the most fragrant of flowers, enchanted gates to other pastures and secret hide outs, perhaps even a small stream . . . And sometimes . . .?!? Angry bulls, electric fences, and “cow piles,” just to name a few!

The real art of loving begins when it’s no longer the consistent, “what about me” but the marriage translation is caught, and the question becomes, “what about _____________.” (Fill in the blank with your spouses name!) It’s amazing to discover a wonderful secret. When we focus on what our spouse is needing, and what we can do for them — many times we find our own needs are met. (Or we forget what we so desperately thought we needed!) Even communicating to one another becomes much easier when are focused on how to make this relationship best for one another.

There is a lot of emphasis placed on how important communication between one another is in a marriage relationship. While that is a definite need, what we say to others ABOUT our marriage relationship and our spouse is also important! Ephesians 4:29 tells us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Who better to build up than those who we love most on this earth. They see us at our best and worst. We see them at their best and worst. So, why not speak about the best? The simple golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you,” perhaps is best applied within the family circle.

Take it with You

Building up with words is important! Words form sentence structure — and then write a family chapter in the story of our lives. How will ours read? 4:20

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians

There IS a Savior!

2011-02-16T04:22:00.000-08:00

What do you need to hear today? Is your spirit broken and you need healing? Perhaps you’re rejoicing and simply need to share your joy! Maybe you’re guilty and need forgiveness. Do burdens and cares of this life overwhelm you? Are you sitting at a crossroads wondering which way to go? Is there emotional pain in your life which threatens to overwhelm you. . . all I can say is, there is a Savior.

God’s Word let’s us in on a marvelous secret when it says simply, “Christ is all and in all.” He truly is the Answer . . . even when our world seems void of answers. He is the Healer, the Giver of Joy, the Forgiver of our sins, the Bearer of our Burdens. His ways are above our ways, and amazingly, He knows us better than we know ourselves. When our pathways of purpose seem plagued with uncertainty, our distinct desires to serve Him alone, facing distraction . . . there is a Savior.

His arms are waiting . . . I wonder if they ever ache, just knowing if we would let Him hold us, He could provide whatever it is we need. His love for us is truly a gift beyond description.

A few years ago, I faced a new day in my walk with God. I was beginning to see Him as He truly is, my loving, Heavenly Father. Oh, I grew up singing, “Jesus loves me, this I know . . . “ but somehow it had only penetrated so deep. I was often concerned that I wasn’t doing enough for Him to really love me. So gently He began to show me that His love for me wasn’t based on how I performed, but in the strong essence of His very being. “God is love.” His very character is love.

Everywhere I looked, I began to see this phrase, “unfailing love.” I would open my Bible to read . . . not looking up a particular passage, and there it would jump out at me. At the most unexpected times . . . and in unexpected places, that phrase began to pop up. Once, as I sat down to watch a family movie – there in a certain place were those words, “unfailing love!” My own eyes began to be opened to the Truth. An inexpressible warmth began creeping up through my heart and onto my face. He loved me! Unlovable me. He truly loved me! That amazing fact is revolutionary. From the inside out it changes me . . . realizing He is love, and He loves me.

His unfailing love is there when circumstances cause of pathway of life to travel some “rough and rocky” roads. When faithfulness seems unseen to the human eye, we can trust and know the unfailing, faithful love of God remains. Our God has no beginning . . . our God has no end . . . and neither does His love. In His love we are secure.

So, today, know . . . there is a Savior. For whatever need – trust Him. He left all of His wealth, came to lowly earth, experienced life as a human. Then, for the sake of the love of us, He hung on a Cross and died. Rising again, he gave us the hope of eternal life in Him. You know what . . . we can trust a love like that . . . we can trust a God like that. Oh, yes, there IS a Savior.

Take it with You

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together

with all the saints, to grasp how wide and high and long and deep is the love of Christ, and to

know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure

of all the fullnes of God."

Ephesians 3:18-19 (NIV)

Radiate

2011-02-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

Everything was frost covered – and everyone was COLD! Our morning started early, and after dropping the children off to ride to school with grandma, I pulled back into our driveway. Something caught my eye on the roof of our house.

This time it wasn’t a toy or some other object that had “mysteriously” found its way to the roof. It wasn’t a ball caught in the guttering, or a Frisbee waiting to be retrieved. It was just a clear spot. The only clear spot on the frost covered roof.

It caught my attention because everything else WAS frost covered! How was this “one spot” clear? I looked a moment longer – “the spot” was getting larger each moment.

Turning my head, and looking up, the reason was quite evident. Sunshine was beginning to radiate through the trees – and that must have been “the spot” where its beams were hitting the strongest. Under its warmth the cold of the frost was melting away -- and it wasn’t just staying in that one spot, but was continuing from there to the whole roof!

Radiate. That’s what our Christian life is supposed to do! Into our hearts He beams Himself. Taking time to sit still and intake the warmth of HIS Presence is the key. He shines into our lives, melting away the coldness, the harshness of the world around us. Then, He begins. Through us He radiates Himself, not only to us, but now, THROUGH US to the cold world around us.

“Dear Heavenly Son . . . help us to wait while You melt our hearts with

Your love . . . then, radiate through us to a cold, dark world – so in need

of Your warmth!!!”

In Jesus’ name,Amen

Take it With You

“The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3 NLT)

By: Janene A. Dubbled/FGG

Unfailing Love

2011-02-08T04:31:00.000-08:00

Mom was tired. Actually, Mom was exhausted . . . and of all things, after her busy day, she had to make a stop at the grocery store. As she made her way to her home, her children excitedly greeted her. One child immediately informed her that another of her children had “redecorated” the living room wall paper . . . which had just been put up! “Stressed Mama” began her tears and tirade of how could a child do such a thing as write on the wall, especially the new wallpaper . . . until she got to the living room. There, in bright red marker was a big heart with the childish print, “I love you.” The tears kept flowing, but the reason was different. Guess what, she didn’t change the wallpaper.

Deep within the heart of every human being there is a longing. There is a need. A need for love. Many of us search for this ultimate, filling, love in all the wrong places. We think we will find it in friends, and they disappoint us. If we search for it in pleasure and time filling experiences, we return empty. Perhaps we are sure that the ultimate will be found in a marital relationship -- and while the God given blessing of marriage is wonderful, no human being can provide the answer to our ultimate need or longing for love. However, none of these earthly loves can be enhanced to their fullest without our receiving the ULTIMATE Love. The DEEPEST Love. The FILLING Love. The LOVE OF GOD.

Ephesians 3:17-19 says: “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (NIV)

How WIDE and LONG and HIGH and DEEP is the love of Christ! His love is UNFAILING! The Psalmist prays in Psalm 119:76, “May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.

The KJV translation for “according to your promise” says “according to your word.” Remember God’s Word is eternal, unchanging. Isaiah 40 verse 8 tells us “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” (NKJV) When God gives us His Word, its stands forever. And He has given us His Word that we have his “unfailing love!”

I looked up the word, “fail” in an old dictionary I had at the house. This is what I found: “fail” to be wanting or lacking; to come short; to decline; to decay; to perish; to die; to miss; to be baffled or frustrated; to become bankrupt or insolvent.

And in the verb form: To be wanting to; to be insufficient; to disappoint

It goes on, but that was enough to make me rejoice! God’s love is UNFAILING! That means it ISN’T wanting or lacking; it never comes short; it cannot decline, decay or perish, it will not die, miss, or become baffled or frustrated. It will not be bankrupt or insolvent; will ALWAYS be SUFFICIENT, and will not DISAPPOINT us! Thank God for His UNFAILING LOVE!

No wonder David calls out from the darkness of his trial in Psalm 143:8, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.”

And it can be OURS! HE can be ours! He loves us! He Is Love!

By: Janene Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” Psalm 33:5(NIV)

The Greatest of These is Love

2011-02-04T05:59:00.000-08:00

“Remember, you’re supposed to love each other!” My voice says again. “The Bible says love is the most important thing . . .” Anyone else been guilty of quoting these words to a van full of children, as you roll 65 miles per hour down the intestate? I mean, I grew up an only child. There wasn’t anyone else to blame – if it was done, I did it. There wasn’t any one to “fervently disagree” with – no one to have a “creative discussion” with -- I certainly wasn’t going to talk back to my parents! So, here I am, the mother of five – never having grown up with a sibling.

Now, before you draw the “all too familiar” conclusion that I was a “spoiled brat” let me tell you a story. Believe me, people rarely give any “only child” the “benefit of the doubt.” As soon as they find out you’re an “only child” they give you that knowing look and you know the words that are coming next. Once, my parents introduced to a preacher they knew but I had never met. I’ll never forget what he said. When he found out I was the proverbial “only child,” he said, “Well, that makes you special, doesn’t it.” I’m not sure what my face registered, but it was quite a shock to hear those words!

I am sure I had more “things” than children who share with lots of siblings, but I never did get everything I wanted. I begged for a horse for years upon end . . . to no avail! Certain dresses I was so excited about – if they “cost too much” forget it! And, to beat it all, I was expected to be THANKFUL for the SMALLEST gift. It could have been a “toothpick” from “Golden Corral” but I BETTER say thank you and truly appreciate the act of thoughtfulness - - from my heart. (Thank God my parents DIDN'T give me everything I wanted!)

At any rate . . . back to the fact. Because I never HAD a brother or sister, sibling rivalry never even entered my head as a “situation.” Why does it matter what seat you sit in? You’re in the van aren’t you? It wasn’t a real issue (at least most of the time) how long I was in the shower. But seven people needing the shower can certainly make that an issue! LOL! It seems that all of us encounter ways to “learn about loving,” and it can definitely start in our families. It’s comforting to know we’re not the only family on the journey. Walking across the parking lot to a store, I saw a young family in a mini van just outside. As the side door was closing, I heard the man in the driver’s seat, who I presumed was “dad” saying, “All right, everybody in the back just calm down!” I had to smile. Life is pretty much “normal” for all of us.

However, loving is a very important part of life. Scripture commands us to, “love God with all our heart, soul, mind, body, strength” . . . and “to love our neighbor as ourselves.” (Matt. 22:37, 39) Relationships with others are the most important thing in the world outside of your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Amazingly, this love begins at with our families. Parents, grandparents, guardians, our responsibility is a big one. Our love for God and our love for each other are foundational blocks in our homes. Time growing in these areas is always well spent. We often take the time to just simply read I Corinthians 13 together. Why? Because there is SO MUCH room for ALL OF US to grow in that chapter!

This month is often known as the “love month.” I have a challenge for you. Gather your family together, and read I Corinthians 13 as a family. If you’re children are old enough, perhaps discuss ways you can be a more “loving” family. If your children are gone, or too young, discuss it with your spouse – or simply read it for yourself, and ask God how He can help you be better at loving. Let’s start February off with an awesome goal – loving God more – and each other better! See you” in I Corinthians 13!

By: Janene Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

I Corinthians 13:13

A God Who Keeps

2011-02-01T03:46:00.000-08:00

He wasn’t very tall in stature, never possessed a great amount of fame -- but his strong faith in Who God is impacted lives all across the nation – and around the world. I remember the first time I had the privilege of meeting him. He had come to our home to stay, and was preaching a revival for the students at a Bible College where my Dad was President. I bounded in the door from piano lessons – and there he was. He was unbelievably kind to a little girl – and, that in itself was the first beam of influence into my heart.

He preached powerfully that week – even though physically his body had weakened to the point where he sometimes had to sit on a stool rather than stand behind the pulpit. I can remember Him expounding on the Awesomeness of our God – telling us extreme statistics concerning the marvels of space – and weaving in the marvels of our God!

Then came the night when he shared a truth from the book of Jude. The Holy Spirit took that word and breathed on it – He breathed it right into my spirit and it has never left me. “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (Jude 24,25 KJV.)

Straight into my spirit pierced the word. His Holy Sprit was able to KEEP me from falling! He had saved me already, I knew that for sure, but now His Word proclaimed let me know there was victorious living for those who loved Him – even in a wicked world.

How I grasped that truth as a child had to be the Holy Spirit working in me – and I am so thankful He did! My prayer is today that you to can grasp this wonderful truth. God has a keeping grace that enables us to live above willful, outbroken sin. His grace redeems and restores – it’s true – AND His grace has the power to KEEP us set apart in Him, for His use.

He can keep us, by His Spirit, full and running over of His love and grace – today! Rely on Him – trust Him – HE is a God who KEEPS!

Take it with You

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Jude 24,25 NIV).

Our God is Great

2011-01-28T04:19:00.000-08:00

Did you sing it as a child?

“Our God is so great, so strong and so mighty there’s nothing my God cannot do. My God is so great so strong and so mighty there’s nothing my God cannot do. The mountains are His, the rivers are His, the stars are His handiwork too. My God is so great so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do . . . FOR YOU!’

Or maybe your roots go even a little farther back to,

“He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, the wealth in every mine. He owns the rivers and the rocks and rills, the sun and stars that shine. Wonderful riches more than tongue can tell. He is my Father so their mine as well. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, I know that He will care for me.”

John W. Peterson

There is truly none like our God. None can compare! His greatness goes back far beyond what we know as history. “. . . Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth . . .” (v. v.21&22) His greatness is historical.

His might is also universal. “Lift you eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing” (v. 26) There is no place where our God is not. His greatness is universal.

Marvelous phenomenon . . . His might, His greatness, His strength, His power are not diminishing as the years go by. “. . . The LORD is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary. . .” His greatness is eternal!

We can draw from Him when we are weary, trust Him for more strength when ours has failed. “. . . But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (v. 31)

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee,

How Great Thou art!

How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee,

How great thou art!

Stuart K. Hine

Our humble praise we bring, Almighty King! We wait on You alone — we hope in You! Our love — our lives are Yours!

Take it with You

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his

understanding no one can fathom.” Isaiah 40:28

He Knows

2011-01-26T06:21:00.000-08:00

While the tempest howls with fury--

There is One who stands by me.

He is not surprised or worried--

He has calmed a many sea.

When it threatens to rush over--

When my heart is broken, torn.

I must trust Him--Knowing He

can see the pathway through the storm.

So, if He calms the tempest-

Or He guides me safely through.

I must leave it with the Master--

For He knows just what to do!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory

Take it with You
"But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserveme for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!" II Timothy 4:17-18

Taking Possession

2011-01-21T05:27:00.000-08:00

Remember the excitement of receiving the keys to your new place to live? Perhaps it was a different apartment . . . Or maybe it was your first home to “own.” You were excited and could hardly wait to “take possession” and make it identifiably yours.

You weren’t looking to move in your neighbor’s furniture, or set up their array of family pictures. You weren’t planning to store their tools in your garage, or take along their unique fishing rod. You endeavored to make your place of living “homey” for you and your family by “taking up possession” and moving right on in.

In our individual, personal, intimate relationships with our God, He has land that He wants us to possess! If we are blessed with a Christian heritage, he doesn’t want us to endeavor to make it to Heaven on Grandma’s religion, or try and “sneak in the pearly gates” on Mama’s prayers. (By the way, that won’t work anyway!) Perhaps none of our family before us has made the choice to follow Jesus — He wants us to know we are still candidates to follow Him earnestly and completely. He has much more of Himself He desires to give us, much more of Himself that He wants us to possess.

However possessing isn’t always an easy “walk in the park.” it involves commitment, dedication, seeking Him, walking in obedience . . . Faith in action!

Joshua was a decisive leader who did just what it took to possess what God had for Him — He put his faith into action. When Ephraim and Manasseh came requesting more territory because their numbers were so great, they were given the hill country . . . But they had to clear it first! Cut down the trees . . . And all the hard work along with it to possess their land. He encourages them in the face of their enemies that they are strong, and can do what is necessary to possess what they need so desperately.

The only thing that is absolutely necessary for us to possess is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a relationship that can grow richer and fuller with each passing day. Once we begin pursuing Him with a passion, what we really think we “need” becomes swallowed up into the reality of who He really is. He really is all we need! Let’s pursue Him, let’s possess Him, let’s take the spiritual ground He has for us . . . Whatever the cost, today!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

"You are numerous and very

powerful. You will have not only one

allotment but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and it’s farthest hills will be yours; though the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”

Joshua 17:17B-18

“How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord the God of your fathers, has given you?" Joshua 18:3

Off the Crutches

2011-01-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful wedding rehearsal. The bride and groom had the happy glow of being in love – but even more beautiful was their obvious love and commitment to the Heavenly Father.

The rehearsal dinner found us enjoying great food, and Christian company. As we sat around the table, soon our conversation turned to the love of all of our lives – Jesus! Reflection was a part of the evening – reflecting on the miracles around us, as well as the miracle of His guidance in our own lives.

We were rejoicing in the realization of how God guides each of us so perfectly – when we listen to Him. How he begins to remove things in our lives we lean on – “crutches” if you will – as we grow in Him – and into His likeness.

In a flash, the Holy Spirit brought across my consciousness – God is the Healer! He doesn’t want us to live crippled in our spirits – He wants to make us whole. He wants to walk beside us – not as a crutch, but as a Savior, as a Friend. He wants to empower us to live complete lives in Him – that’s why He so patiently removes our “crutches.”

Sometimes the “removing” process can be quite painful. Sometimes we don’t view it as necessary – or may even be wondering what this circumstance is all about! Sometimes we aren’t even aware we are using certain things as a crutch – or that they are taking a place within us that Jesus desires! But, the Master planner sees all. His loving heart longs to reveal Himself to us as ALL WE NEED! Why? Because HE IS!

And . . . when we need to lean, HE is the One we need to lean on! He can hold us, help us, listen to us, AND make us whole. No “crutch” in our lives can do what HE can!

Take it with You

“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17

Out with the Trash!

2011-01-10T07:33:00.000-08:00

   Saturday morning was here again! "Why do we always clean on Saturday?" asked one of my smaller children. We gave the explanations of why our family "does what it does." We want the house to look nice for Sunday . . . we want to be ready for another week . . . (I left off the, "and we don't live like pigs around here!:)
   This particular Saturday was different. My husband and I were going to help out a friend, so, we discussed who should do what, and left a detailed list before leaving for part of the day. When we returned, the house looked great. Everyone seemed calm, and on task.
   As the day progressed, it soon became evident that one job had gotten "missed" in the agenda of things. Fixing supper found me with a dilemma. There simply was no more room in the trash can, and beside the trash can were bags that had been gathered from other areas in the house.
   I didn't even have to "check the list." I knew who hadn't finished their jobs! It simply had to be taken care of in order for life to continue in an "even flow." The responsible person had to step up and be responsible!
   This scenario kept replaying in my mind. I thought of the "planning session" my husband and I had at the beginning of the new year. Planning to "declutter," to reorganize, to get on "out with the trash." Through these simple things, my mind was drawn to the Word of God.
   The Apostle Paul clearly speaks to us of our spiritual responsibilities in Ephesians chapter 6: 25-32. There is some "trash" we need to PUT out and KEEP out of our lives! Put away lying -- and sinful anger -- not allowing the sun to go down on your wrath. KEEP OUT the devil -- don't give him ANY place. Put away stealing -- work hard instead, so giving to the needy can be a part of your lives. Watch what you say!!! NO corrupt word -- only words that build up and bring grace.
   He sums it up in the last two verses of the chapter: "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."
   Out with the trash! No room in the life of we as believers for this kind of trash! We have to put it out and keep it out!
   And, in it's place we can have the sweet, gentle Holy Spirit to cleanse us and fill us up with Him

Unstoppable, Unshakeable, Immovable Faith

2011-01-06T05:55:00.000-08:00

Fear of the unknown is something very real. Once you let it in, it seems to take over! Your "inner eyes" are constantly darting around, keeping an eye out for the next blow. Sometimes it is so heavy in your chest you find it hard to breathe. What if? Somehow imagining the worst possible follows those words when fear holds us captive.

There are instances when the fear is brought on by our own human minds which are overactively haunting us with the endless possibilites of things that "could" happen. Being human, we are often subjected to the negativity our culture around us imbibes. How could we possibly believe for something good? Pumped into our brains on a regular basis is the relaying of disconcerted events.

Fear can also be brought on as an oppression to the soul to stop our faith walk. God asks us to do something and before we know it, we are hit with all the "impossibilities" to complete the task. Our inadequcy, lack of resources, overwhelming sense of "too much to do," concern over what other people will think . . . they all have a root. It's name is fear.

Tragic circumstances can also be a cause of continued fear. When something has happened to us that has rocked us to the core, there is a natural process to work through the shock, the emotions of the event, the fear of something else happening.

Grounded or ungrounded, fear makes us a prisoner. It locks us into a bondage undesired by our Heavenly Father for His children. His Son, Jesus, came to set us free! (John 8:36)

The fact of the matter is, once we have accepted Him as Savior, and are walking in His light, His promises are for us. They are truth. His Word has held Christians through the worst of circumstances, and the best of circumstances. The assurance found within these precious promises holds us through the unsteady waters -- giving us the assurance that the Anchor of our soul will never leave us nor forsake us.

With the foundation of our faith resting in the Rock solid fact that God is, and God is LOVE, we can allow Him to fill us with the perfect love that casts out fear. (I John 4:18)

He calms our fears. He holds us close. He challenges us to follow His lead -- where only He knows the way, and only He can provide. With our eyes fixed on His face, the Light drives away the shadows.

"Oh, God. I turn my face to Yours -- and while my human eyes cannot see -- Your very Presence fills my being and I know that You are with me. Willingly I follow -- and while I do not know the future, I rest -- knowing as I walk close to You, You will faithfully lead me -- HOME! Cast out any fear with Your perfect love. Grant me a growing faith, I pray, In Jesus' name, Amen.'

Take it with You

"Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

(Matthew 10:31 NKJV)

Beginning Again

2010-12-28T07:57:00.000-08:00

The shopping is over, the cookies have all been given away -- with traditional recipes tucked away for next year. The presents have been given and the children enjoying a few days off before the school resumes . . .

The new year awaits us! A dawning of the unknown, yet irresistable future. How we meet this coming year is often time tainted with how the last one has gone. Some of us hope to "turn over a new leaf." Others of us face the year wading though some kind of grief or loss. Some of us face it with rejoicing and expectancy. While others may be tempted to dread its coming.

No matter what, there are a few non variables with which we can face this coming year. Life. If you are reading this -- you have life left in your body. Hope. Yes, if you have life, there IS always hope. God. For God IS!

His coming in human form gives us the marvelous way to eternal life. We don't have to face this new year alone. We can trust in, and rely on His present, and eternal existence. His Presence doesn't falter -- even when we cannot feel. His Power doesn't diminish -- even when our strength is gone. His love remains unfailing -- way past our human comprehension.

He knows our fears, our thoughts, our regrets, our longings, our desires, our dreams -- and He isn't in a panic, nor is He nonchalont about this whole "world thing." He is God. His thoughts are above ours -- His ways above ours -- His All seeing eye viewing way more than we can even imagine -- and HE is WITH US!!!!

Lean on Him, rest in Him, surrender to Him -- and know no matter what comes or goes, God is.

Take it with You

"God's in charge -- always. ZionsGod is God for good! Hallelujah!" Psalm 146:10 The Message

Rejoice!

2010-12-21T03:37:00.000-08:00

He is come! Light to our darkness, joy in our sorrow.

Rejoice!

He is come! Peace in our turmoil, hope for tomorrow.

Rejoice!

He is come! Life everlasting, salvation for all.

Rejoice!

LOVE is come!

His name is JESUS!

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

All My Gold

2010-12-17T04:44:00.000-08:00

All of six years old, my youngest son came to me one day showing me his treasures. One of his prize possessions was a “golden” horse candlestick. (I remembered having two of them at one time, but years and moving had managed to “relocate” the other one!) He also had some crystal jewels—I think perhaps from a wedding — as well as a “golden” birthday piece of memorabilia from his past birthday celebration at a well-known children’s pizza establishment. (Take a guess!) While their actual, earthly value would have been extremely low, they meant a lot to him. These were his collections — valuables of his own.

Not long after he had spoken with me about his “treasures” I heard his sister in his room one day. “Why do you have this in here?” she was asking. She couldn’t figure out why he had a golden horse candlestick in his room. “It’s ok,” I told her. “Those are his treasures.”

It was nearing Christmas. We had put up the tree, decorated the mantle, and, on a special little table all it’s own, we had placed the nativity set. It had colored lights and pine needles around it — and our youngest son was especially intrigued. He had moved the wise men closer in — actually right in front of the manger — but, I didn’t bother to fix his rearranging. It didn’t hurt anything — and that was the way he saw them placed, so . . .

One morning, the snow came down heavily, causing “no school.” Everyone was home, most busy with whatever they could find to do. Britton came out of his room and headed for the nativity. In his little hands he held all his treasure — the candlestick, the memorabilia, the crystals . . . But it was what he said that grabbed the hearts of those of us who heard him. Laying it down on the little table he said, “I want to give ALL my gold to Jesus.”

He laid it all down on — right by the wise men — and ran off to play.

All his gold — given to Jesus. All his treasure — laid right on the table. Later, I looked closer. Two of his “jewels” were right on baby Jesus! I had to smile — he certainly wanted to make sure Jesus had them.

While the gold wasn’t “real” and the crystals weren’t “genuine” to my son they were the very best treasure he had. In the whole scheme of things the heart is what matters. All we have, all we are given freely and willingly to Jesus — that is the gift He desires. And . . . Shouldn’t we think about what He wants? After all, it is His birthday!

Take it with You

“After they had heard the king they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”

Matthew 2:9-11

Jubilant Joy

2010-12-13T06:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas had come to Indiana. My parents and I were Christmas shopping and into the seemingly “everlasting search” to find a parking place. This, as you know has its own set of challenges – especially during the holiday season! I was quite a bit younger than I am now, yet even so, there is a scene stamped vividly in my memory. We were slowly driving down a row, when all of the sudden, a car whipped around and sailed into a parking place. The next thing we knew, someone else had jumped out of their car, and was really “giving it to them” verbally. The funny thing was, there was another parking place open – not too far away – but any joy this person may have had was long gone and anger was blinding them to opportunities right in front of them! As I recall, the open parking place was even closer to the store!

It seems like the busier we get, the more crammed our schedules become, the more gifts we feel we have to “buy” – the further we seem to stray from the “jubilant joy” Christmas still contains. “The Spirit of Christmas” brings jubilant joy! Announcing His birth – the angel certainly couldn’t whisper. “The angel reassured them, “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Luke 2:10&11 (NLT) And although the “telling” began with one angel – it couldn’t stay that way for long! Luke 2:13 tells us, “Suddenly the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.” (NLT)

The “jubilant joy” couldn’t be contained! The shepherds went of RUNNING to find out for themselves that what the angels were saying was true. They found the source of the “jubilant joy” Himself, Jesus, humbly wrapped in white strips of cloth, lying in a manger full of hay – just as the angel had said.

What happened then? Guess what – they didn’t leave there quietly living out the fact they had seen the Messiah! They couldn’t keep it to themselves! They had to share it! “Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished . . .” Luke 2:17&18 (NLT)

I well remember when our fourth child was born. It had been a difficult waiting period – as he was “overdue.” By the time he made his appearance, all of the family was very happy, but none can compare with the priceless look on the face of our daughter. She had just turned six, and thankfully, someone snapped a picture of her when she saw her baby brother for the first time. Her mouth flew wide open, and her eyes were “big as saucers.” This was no baby doll; this was a real, live baby that had somehow shown up to be part of their family! Her expression is one of amazement, and joy.

When Jesus was born, wherever that news was taken, believed, and met with acceptance – there was joy. Jubilant joy! When He was eight days old he was taken to the Temple to be dedicated to the Lord. Simeon was led by the Spirit that day to be there. When Simeon took Jesus in his arms he praised God first. Then he blessed Joseph and Mary and said to Mary, “This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing, but he will be the greatest joy to many others.” Luke 2:34 (NLT)

At this Christmas time – let’s RECEIVE Jesus. We can let Him know our hearts are open to Him and He can make His home in us. He is welcome – we want Him to be our Jubilant Joy – our Savior – the Lord of our lives.

By Janene Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“The angel reassured them, “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!” Luke 2:10 (NLT)

Time For a Drive

2010-12-10T06:35:00.000-08:00

We drove through the darkness, eyes peering out, looking for something strangely familiar, yet, always and a bit different from yard to yard. Our ooo’s and ah’s echoed, leaving breath marks on the windows. . . Christmas lights.

I suppose some would say we are wasting gasoline – but how can making a good memory be wasteful? Besides, the peace and beauty served its purpose well. It relaxed our minds and brought back into perspective some of the peace of Christmas.

Shining out through the blackness of the night were the Christmas lights. Some shone pure white – reminding us of the purity of the Christ-child who came into this world to remove the curse of sin. The multi-colored reminded us of the hope instilled deep within the “Who” of baby Jesus. The lights themselves sharing warmth which called for a cup of hot chocolate, and smiles shared.

The Light of the World – that’s Who He is. He illuminates our pathway when we let Him. Lives in our lives when invited. Desires to give to us the warmth associated with His Light, the purity He represents, the Love He is.

So, take a few moments. Grab the hand of your wife or husband with one hand, and keys to your vehicle with another. Pile in the kids – or “take a date.” Drive through the neighborhoods and look – look at the gorgeous Christmas lights and be reminded – He is the Light of the world – and He wants to be Lord of yours.

Light of the world – how could it be

The Light of the world – came to be Lord of me.

The darkness I knew – the blackness of sin

Forgiven, forever – when His Light came in.

To know Him and know how He came to this earth

Left Heaven and came – by a virgin – His birth

I’ll open my eyes to the Light that He is

And let Him be Lord of all that I am.

Light of the world – I ask You to be

Light to my darkness – and Lord of me!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory

Take it With You

"The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkeness couldn't put it out." John 1:5 The Message

Christmas -- a Spirit of Giving

2010-12-06T05:29:00.000-08:00

Remember when you were just a little thing – it seemed like the spirit of Christmas was receiving didn’t it? Perhaps it was a shiny red bike, or a certain kind of doll. Or, maybe it was simply to have the good fortune to retain a stocking void of coal! At any rate, there is usually at least one thing a child wants for Christmas. Oh, sure, we strive to teach them that it truly is “More blessed to give than to receive,” but it usually takes a few more years of maturing before the reality of that verse really sinks in.

It’s true though, just the same. The Spirit of Christmas is giving! We hurry and scurry to buy things to GIVE. We bake and re-make to have something to GIVE. We hide things and grin – hoping they won’t discover what’s hiding under the quilt – it was too awkward to wrap . . . and we who are doing the “hurrying” and “baking,” the “hiding” and “grinning” are ever so anxious to see them receive it – or watch them open it . . . why? Because we’ve found out the secret – the secret the Father started on that first Christmas so long ago – it really is more blessed to give than to receive.

Sometimes our “giving” requires something on our part. Perhaps we take on a part time job for the holiday season. Maybe it is the gift of time – time spent at a craft table – time spent in the kitchen – or for some (bless their hearts) time spent at a sewing machine. Whatever it requires – it always seems worth it doesn’t it, when we are able to reach our goal, and give away what we worked so hard for.

A few years ago, I was trying to make ends meet at Christmas time when I heard a phrase that stuck with me. Someone said, “The best gift you can give away is a part of yourself.” So, I started thinking about that idea, and since I love to write, I started in writing poems for different friends. Guess what? They loved it! It took a lot of “brain power” and “heart felt love” and that meant something more than what my limited resources could have possibly provided.

To stop a moment and ponder what it really cost the Father for Him to give His gift makes me literally shake my head in wonder. He truly was giving the gift of Himself when He sent Jesus, to earth. He didn’t even send him to a palace where things were lovely – and there was always enough of everything. He didn’t even make sure the nursery had a plush new crib waiting his arrival. When Jesus came – God sent him humbly so we would never question – He came as the Savior for all.

Christmas is a season for giving. In all my years of gift giving, I’ve never had someone push my gift away and say, “I don’t want a gift from you.” (Maybe some of you have experienced the pain of such rejection.) The Love of God the Father has known the pain of that rejection – knows it still – every day. Whenever someone refuses to allow Jesus to be Savior and Lord – they are rejecting the gift of the Father. The gift of His love. The gift of His sacrifice. The gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. He truly is the greatest gift of all. Receive Him freely today!

By: Janene Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

The Spirit of Christmas -- "Peace"

2010-11-30T12:01:00.000-08:00

“The spirit of the season.” “Catch the holiday spirit.” “It’s the spirit of Christmas.” Anyone besides me caught words such as these coming across the airwaves, seen them in a holiday special, or perhaps read in some form of print? After hearing these words recently, in one way or another, a question began to form in my mind. What IS the real spirit of Christmas? I knew what I thought it was, but I began a little “research” with those around me. “What is the spirit of Christmas?” I asked my family. “It’s love,” said one. “It’s joy” said another. “It’s giving . . . it’s kindness . . .” each thought only a moment, then the definition that placed itself within their mind frame, spilled over from their lips. They were all right . . . in a way. . . and yet, deeper thought brought me to the realization that Christmas isn’t really as much of a “what” as it is a “Who.”

Within the word itself, we find just Who brings the true meaning of Christmas to our world. Christ. Jesus Christ Himself – came – wrapped in swaddling clothes, being laid in a manger. It is within Him that we find our source of joy, love, peace, giving . . . He is the Spirit of Christmas – for He is the very reason we celebrate!

Perhaps you’ve heard the story of the little boy who was to take part in a program at his church. He was supposed to say the lines, “It is I, be not afraid.” Well, on the night of the performance, he saw all those people and promptly adjusted his lines to fit his circumstance. He blurted out, “It’s me, and I’m scared to death!” Christ came to bring to us the very opposite of fear. The Spirit of Christmas is . . . Peace.

Let’s take a look at just this one for this week. Our Savior came and one of His incredible names is found in our verse from Isaiah 9:6, “The Prince of Peace.” Peace . . . when a world is at war? Peace . . . when economic time are questionable? Peace . . . when day to day activities threaten to overwhelm our tired brains? Yes, peace.

When we lived closer to our families, I remember how we would get up early on Christmas Day, in order to have Christmas with both of our parents, and his grandparents. During the drive to our different places of celebration, things would always seem so peaceful! No one was hurrying from one store to another . . . the traffic was minimal at most . . . beautiful Christmas music was playing on the stereo . . . it was just peaceful. Sometimes there was snow . . . sometimes it was just plain cold . . . sometimes the day was fairly pretty . . . but no matter what, the Christmas Day spirit of peace prevailed.

However, lasting Peace can only be found where we find the true Spirit of Christmas – in Christ alone. His Word lets us in on the secret our world is waiting for. Not only is Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace, Ephesians 2:14 tells us, “For He Himself is our peace who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” Not for a certain race or tribe. Not exclusive in His plan. Not building up walls. Not requiring more than we can give. Jesus is our Peace! How He desires that we take full knowledge of this fact.

The Spirit of Christmas is peace – and when we have Christ, we can have Peace for a life-time! This year, as our voices sing out the carol, “Peace on the earth goodwill to men . . .” may we whisper to our Savior, “Jesus I want You to live out through me the true Spirit of Christmas – I accept You as my Prince of Peace.”

By: Janene Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Greatest Reason to be Thankful

2010-11-23T05:04:00.000-08:00

Blessings abundant! We have been given much. But, what if we lost one or more of these things? What if we lost them all? What then? Would we still have reason to be thankful?

If you’ve never had a chance to meet Him — He’s waiting for you. He desires this to be your best thanksgiving ever — with Him in your heart and life. Open your heart and ask!

Dear Jesus,

I am so thankful you came and gave your life for me. I repent of all my sins, and ask You to wash me clean. Please forgive me, and come into my heart and life. Thank you, Lord!

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Jesus — our greatest reason to be thankful!

Janene A. Dubbeld/ For God’s Glory

Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV

Ask, Believe, Trust

2010-11-17T06:09:00.000-08:00

What are you most in need of? Wait! In NEED of. Perhaps an immediate need comes to mind. Perhaps a want we think is a need! What do we really NEED?

Needs send us on long mental searches where we roll around every possible way to get it met, or send us on worry binges which cause us to eat, or starve ourselves, doubt, or deny-- when all the time there is a Savior who has promised to meet our needs.

Sometimes what we think we need is only the "outside" of the true need -- which lay a little deeper -- further below the surface -- beyond the mask. Sometimes what we think we need turns out to be a want, or wish, or desire. Sometimes what we think we need isn't what we need at all, and our wise Heavenly Father refrains from giving it, seeing down the road where we cannot see.

That's where the steps come in. First step -- ASK. Ask with an open heart, and open mind, an open spirit that desires our will to be one with the Father's. Come through the blood of Christ and ask boldly. Ask with the desire that His Kingdom come to earth -- again, that His will be done. Ask for your need to be met.

Second step -- BELIEVE. Believe that He is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him. Believe in Who He is, and stand firm on that truth. Believe in His ability to meet your need wherever, whenever, however.

Thirds step -- TRUST. Trust His sovereignty. Trust His Word. Trust His love. Placing your complete trust in Him is doing more that agreeing to a "fair weather" friendship. It’s trusting in the One Who never changes -- trusting Him enough in good and bad to allow His Word to be more than a book but a cornerstone on which our life is fixed. A finality of faith that remains no matter what, knowing, He DOES work all things together for good, for those who love Him.

Take the steps for your need. He is faithful -- forever. Ask, believe, and trust.

Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

"And my God will meet all you needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

We've Been "Tagged"

2010-11-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

Success. There isn't any one of us who doesn't desire to acheive it -- in one form or the other. It seems success has been tagged with a word resembling someone tagging you in a photo on Facebook. The tag is "busy."

While it is true that successful people are certainly not known for idleness -- and the Bible in no way shape or form promotes idleness -- the Christians work is meant to be God led, not performance driven.

It sometimes takes a "painful process" for us to learn what is really important. Life has a way of bringing us those processes, and our willinginess to learn from them will determine what kind of success we become.

All of us will become a success at something. We will succeed at fulfilling the purpose God has for us to fulfill -- or we will succeed at falling prey to the pressures of self, others, or sin.

Success is so much more than what our societies tend to make it. Success doesn't equal money. Success cannot be equated with fame. Success can't be found in satisfying self. Success by pleasing others is at best "short-lived." Satisfying success is only discovered, and obtained by loving God, our Father, and doing His will.

We know it is His will that, "all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9) We know it is His will that we be, "filled with His Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18) We know it is His will to give us, "hope and a future."(Jer. 29:11) We know it is His will that we love Him with obedience. (John 14:15)

We need to slow down from the "human rat race" long enough to get alone in His Presence and worship and love Him. Then He can reveal to us through His Word what our personal purpose is in helping Him fulfill His plan -- the Gospel to all.

Success doesn't equal "busyness." Only God knows what "success" is for us -- and we can only find worth and value in Him. Success IS loving God ultimately and passionately, and doing HIS WILL!

Leave behind the empty trademarks of religious show. Leave behind the false gods of worldliness. Leave behind the shallow forms of success they offer and follow closely the One who knows.

Take it With You

"I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”

Psalm 40:8

I Am HUNGRY!

2010-11-08T07:05:00.000-08:00

With four boys, one girl, a husband, and me -- those words seem to show up quite consistently around our household! Sometimes they are said in a calm matter of fact tone. Other times they are spoken with great emphasis! However they are spoken, they are always followed up with some kind of response – and usually action.

A few years ago, we were privileged to be a part of mission work. Living by faith is how the Christian is always supposed to live – and believe me, we were. One afternoon I went to the store, knowing I only had so much money. I wasn’t able to get all the groceries our family needed. I drove home, and on my way in, checked the mail. There, in our mailbox, was a check from someone who had never done anything for us financially before, and never has since. God had answered prayer! We wouldn’t go hungry.

Another time I can remember looking at my husband in the morning and asking, “What are we going to do?” His calm answer has carried me through many mornings since. He said, “We are just going to trust for daily bread.”

You know what? He was right. We did trust. And . . . we are still alive and serving our faithful God.

Have you ever gone a day or two without food? How about a week? Nothing to eat – maybe even nothing to drink . . . the body will survive for awhile, but not for long.

Just as physical “daily bread” is necessary for sustenance of the body, so spiritual “daily bread” is necessary for sustenance of the soul. We need “soul food.” The Living Water Jesus spoke of being – the Bread of Life that sustains us.

One meal a week with our local body of believers is mighty good – but it doesn’t carry with it everything we need for the week. We need the daily bread.

When we take the time to seek Him – He will be found. When we ask Him to reveal Himself through His Word – He will! Every day He feeds those who hunger and thirst after Him.

I am hungry! Hungry for more of Him! Hungry for more of His Word! Hungry for more of His will! Hungry for HIM!

“Father . . . please give us today our daily bread!”

Are you hungry, too?

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

“But he said to them, I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” John 4:32

Up and At 'Em

2010-11-04T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hmmm. Have you ever had one of those mornings? Physically you don't feel well, no sunshine shares its cheery rays to help you put your feet on the floor, and life in general would seem to be better shared with a soft pillow?

David has some wonderful words for those days -- sounds to me like this man knows what he's talking about. In Psalm 34 he says, ". . . let all who are discouraged take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD's greatness; let us exalt his name together."

Our lasting encouragement doesn't find itself in our surroundings, doesn't take its cue from a certain kind of weather, and isn't bound by the circumstances of today. Our lasting encouragement roots inself firmly in our EVERLASTING GOD!

He IS . . . FOREVER! His Word IS . . . FOREVR! He watches over those who trust Him, reverence Him, love Him, serve Him. We are not alone -- He is with us.

Discouraged? Take Heart! Think about His love for you, His graciousness, His goodness. Speak out how wonderful and marvelous He is. He isn't shaken on His throne by what has happened today -- He is on the throne -- and He cares for us!

Take it With You

"The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help."

The Beautiful Gate

2010-11-02T05:36:00.000-07:00

Living in Virginia is a continual, lovely feast to the eyes. Even a normal drive to school affords us the visual gift of trees and mountains with the splendor of rolling hills . . . never mind the curves and bends of the roads, it is a truly gorgeous piece of God's creation!

If you take a drive off the beaten path, you often see the unique stone fences which bring to remembrance another era, remaining in their own kind of semi-stately beauty. You would be hard pressed to "climb over" some of these for sure! Not for their height necessarily, but for the jagged edge of the stones on the top. Finding the "gate" to allow entrance would certainly seem a better choice.

In John chapter 10, Jesus clearly lays out for us the way "in" to eternal life. He mentions those who try and find another way -- perhaps vaulting over the fence row, or digging a hole and crawling under -- and He warns that these are not true sheep, but our thieves and robbers.

The day in which we live boasts as many "religions" as there have ever been . . . and it seems to keep growing. The true path to eternal life has one way in and that is through Jesus Christ. HE is the "gate" and He is the Good Shepherd. Those who are true sheep will know His voice.

In this day of clamoring voices, and subtle lies, let's keep our ears tuned to hear the voice of our true Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Taking time to commune with Him is the way we follow closely. Add nothing to His Word, take nothing away -- it will stand forever!

The seemingly "beautiful gates" of other religions do not lead to eternal life. Jesus is still the ONLY way. We haven't "progressed" beyond Him, or become so smart we don't need Him. There is no path around Him, and avoidance certainly isn't the answer to the peace we seek. We cannot truly live without Him. He IS the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE!

And . . . why would we want to choose another way? Why try to "sneak in" another gate? He IS everything that is good, beautiful, right, lovely . . . why trade Him for the cheap, unsatisfying journey of another path? All that we need -- He is!

Emrace Him today -- and find -- ETERNAL LIFE!

Take it with You

"Therefore Jesus said again, I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture." (John 10:7-9 NIV)

Lifetime Love

2010-10-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

It was back in the day of simpler times. Yes, she was young — very young in fact. He was a little older — not THAT much — but enough that they married and started married life — together.

Blessed with twelve children the road of their lives had it’s twists and turns, but whatever came, they met it — together.

Dating their grandson, he and I took a trip. Up to the state of Michigan to meet Grandma and Grandpa. By this time, Grandpa had undergone surgery for cancer in his throat, and talked through a little machine. But they had weathered this storm — together. Learning to understand him was difficult for me. But Grandma could. The smile’s they shared back and forth — and easy going chuckles were some of the very first evidences I saw of a deep and lasting love.

Grandma had a specialty from her many hours in the kitchen — home-made bread. Grandpa AND the family benefited from this wonderful dough mixed with love. We enjoyed it — together.

They read the Bible every day — taking turns reading — together. They loved to play Scrabble — together. In the “early retirement” years they took many “breakfast dates” right to the “Golden Arches” — together.

The years went by, and every time we visited them they showed their deep commitment for one another — and for the Lord. They changed, they got older, but the glimmer in their eyes for one another never faded. They were always — together.

Grandma loved any kind of flower, but Grandpa had a favorite — he especially liked yellow roses. They had some in their nicely kept yard, at the house beside the railroad tracks. He enjoyed them immensely as they sat on the porch — simply being together — watching the trains go by.

Then, the “golden years” began to fade and nursing home days came calling. Now they were both in the same nursing home — same room — together. Grandma became bedridden, but Grandpa’s love for her was deep. He would get out of his bed and sit in his wheelchair all day, beside her bed and hold her hand — they were together.

Grandma secretly called in one of her daughters. She had a request. Not for herself, but for the man she so dearly loved. She wanted her daughter to go to their yard and cut some of his yellow roses and bring them to him.

Her “love of a lifetime” was still her lifetime love . . .

Her selfless act of love from the bed of a nursing home inspires my heart today. They both new the secret of a love that lasts. True love is commitment . . . Pass it on!

Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13

A Grateful Heart

2010-10-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Rrrring! The body jerks, and a benumbed hand reaches across to silence the incessant noise. The ring of the alarm awakens us to another day of looking at watches, clocks, planners, calendars, cell phones, computers — all to keep us doing the thing we are supposed to be doing at the “time” we are to be doing it!

God even has appointed times for things both in history and days yet to come. There was an appointed time for Christ to come to earth. A time appointed for Him to die on the Cross and rise again. An appointed time for the Holy Spirit to descend. And, there is a time, which only the Father knows, when Christ will come again!

In our personal lives, God has “appointed times” for things. Letting His Spirit direct our lives is our surety — even while we wait on Him to move. The assurance that his ways are “higher than our ways” keeps us trusting the love of His heart even in trying days of testing. We know pure gold is His goal — so pure gold is what we desire to be.

The law of the harvest has it’s own “appointed times.” After the hard work of planting, the discipline of watering and fertilizing, then comes the joyful celebration time of harvesting! What joy there is in reaping a harvest — and when the harvest is eternal souls, what lasting joy!

There is one thing that is always in order. It doesn’t have to “wait” for an “appointed time.” Giving thanks. A thankful heart is a healthy heart to possess. It’s gratefulness overflows in all kinds of situations. Even in times of grief — times of hurting — times when clouds hide the gorgeous ray of the sun — somehow the grateful heart finds its way back to being thankful for something. It may have to look outside of a current situation to locate it, but somehow it finds a way to praise. It is purposed to be thankful.

Look around you for the people of a grateful heart. Find it in the willing smile, the oblivious whistle, the subconscious humming under their breath as they work — these are the people of a grateful heart.

Here am I — I’m joining the ranks

The ranks of the army that’s giving thanks—

Thanks for the blessings — the ray’s of sun,

Thanks for the good things God has done.

Here am I — I’m joining the ranks

The ranks of the army that’s learning thanks—

Through shadows and sometimes skies of gray,

Learning to find a way to praise.

Here am I — I’m learning to see

His way is always best for me—

Of this joy filled group I will be a part,

Those who have chosen a grateful heart.

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

“. . . Giving thanks always for all things to the God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. . .” Ephesians 5:20

Coming Home

2010-10-19T04:55:00.000-07:00

She was gone! We called and called her name. We looked everywhere we could possibly think of. As a last resort, my parents and I loaded into our blue Buick and headed up and down the Ohio roads . . . Looking where we thought she may have gone. Stopping the car along the way, calling her name . . . “Shabu, Shabu . . .”

Why would she trade the wonderful comfort of her luxurious, hand-made, heated dog house to head down some unknown trail? This beautiful Collie/German Shepherd mix was fairly new to us . . . But we loved her already, and now, now she was gone.

Our “driving search” took us past a small ravine where a farmer had some pigs. One of my parents wondered aloud if she could be down there among them, but we soon returned home from our pursuit — dejected, empty handed and uncertain what to do next! She was definitely not responding to our urgent calls.

Life had to continue, and we went about our normal duties with a heavy heart. How long it took, the years have erased, but the event I remember quite well! Here came Shabu — returning from her excusion “away from home.” We were thrilled! Then, our sense of smell overtook our sight! Whew! Along with Her beautiful collie markings being caked with mud, she reeked with the obvious company she had been keeping! Creatures other than her own kind — most likely the PIGS!

It didn’t surpress our joy at all! We were amazingly overjoyed that she had come home. We let her know it too, and then got right to work! Washing and scrubbing away the remains of her infamous adventure. Taking her back into our loving family. Giving her food, water, and yes, her luxurious dog house!

Just a simple, earthy story, yet how much more the elation, the joy, when we apply it to people! Wandering the path of self will, leads to unexpected trails with undesirable endings! When a son or a daughter “heads for home” — this causes the family of God — and even angels to rejoice! Father longs for the day, the Holy Spirit pulls on heart strings and Jesus waits — ready to wash the repentant heart clean from the stench and blackness of sin.

Tired of the aftertaste of sin? Come home! He calls us to “taste and see that the Lord is good!”

Weary of the journey of the “self-made” life? Come home! His arms are open as He says, “Come, you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Weary of wandering? Come home! His love is waiting at the end of the road!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

Luke 15:20

To Look Like Him

2010-10-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

The likeness of You, Lord, in me

Is my desire – Lord, let it be!

O, let me know Your love in place --

Tho’ mud be plastered in my face.

Peel back the calloused layers of hurt --

Let me not stoop to pick up dirt.

The likeness of You, Lord, in me

Is my desire – Lord, let it be!

Let humbleness of soul remain --

No arrogance or foolish pride --

Let me not take that empty ride --

But in me, Lord -- please Lord, abide.

The likeness of You, Lord, in me

My greatest longing, Lord, You see.

Tho’ others do not understand --

You know the Truth – there’s nothing left.

You are the freedom in my breath --

Surrender -- brings life after death.

The death of self to embrace Christ

O, Jesus, is that sacrifice?

To lose myself – and gain You Lord

The gain is so much, so much MORE!

I would not trade an empty life

For one that’s filled with sacrifice.

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

The Right Kind of Hint

2010-10-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

Fresh baking cookies seem to bring quite an effect on a household of five children. “Come to the kitchen,” they seem to beckon. “See if there be any batter left in the bowl,” it repeats in their brainwaves. “Cookie dough, cookie dough, cookie dough is calling!”

May as well plan on giving them a spoonful – much more peaceful that way it seems . . .

The aroma draws them!

Have you ever been around someone with a “winning personality?” Maybe it’s a smile of warmth or a “radiant face” that makes you hungry for whatever or Whomever they possess. Whatever the reason, you know you are drawn to that person. A dear friend of mine who has a wealth of wisdom – and the right kind of “winning personality” was once accused of being a “people magnet!” What draws them to her? She truly loves God, and truly loves people. She is genuinely concerned about them, and what is happening in their lives.

Our subconscious minds are powerful things. We are drawn to those we desire to be like – affected by who we hang around with, or what we allow into our minds, our hearts, and our lives.

King David reminds us that we also have the capability of being drawn into things that are not good – solicited in a moment when our guard is down to participate in something that is far from what God has in mind for us. In Psalm 141:3-4 he says, “Post a guard at my mouth, God, set a watch at the door of my lips. Don’t let me so much as dream of evil or thoughtlessly fall into bad company.”

See, there are “winning personalities” that are capable of drawing us into the wrong kinds of things. Perhaps they say they love God, but they constantly dabble around the edge – just to see how much they can get away with. They are “sort of” committed, but ask, “Really, can’t Christ just be a part of my life?”

There are also “winning personalities” who are not following God and His plan. They are enjoying a sinful lifestyle – “for a season” and their false sense of happiness causes people to stick around. Many times it becomes a web that draws someone closer and closer and then the enemy has engaged them into activities that certainly shouldn’t be allowed in a Christ-filled person’s lifestyle.

“Don’t let me so much as dream of evil or thoughtlessly fall into bad company . . .” (Psalm 141:4 The Message) What we dream about, think on, and who we associate with has a powerful impact on our lives.

The fact of the matter is that we are responsible to guard our heart. As long as we desire God first and foremost, He is able and willing to keep us from falling. Of course He is willing to pick up any truly repentant heart that has fallen and redeem them to Himself – but we can be KEPT by Him as well! (Jude 24)

We must learn to recognize the very hint of evil – and denounce it immediately. Our hearts are steadfast – we have given our WHOLE selves to God. We don’t want Him to be a “part” of our lives; we want Him to be very life! Until EVERYTHING revolves around HIM! Our will becomes one with His. We delight in Him so much – we see Him giving us the desires of our hearts.

We must learn to recognize the very hint – the first sweet smelling aroma when His Holy Spirit is bidding us come and meet in a quiet place. The hint of His voice speaking to our hearts. The hint of a new depth of love He wants to take us to.

“Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness – faith, love, peace – joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God.” (II Timothy 2:22)

O God, help me be aware of the right kind of hints – and run accordingly! Away from evil – and toward righteousness – every time! In Jesus’ name, Amen

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take It With You

“Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness – faith, love, peace – joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God.” (II Timothy 2:22)

A Pair of Shoes

2010-10-07T05:51:00.000-07:00

Mike* was a young man who lived with an actively, giving heart -- not generously found in the ways of the young. As a teenager, he loved life, did well in school, and pursued his sport-- which was soccer. After graduation in 2007, Mike joined the Marines, and it was here that he literally gave his all for our country.

As his friends gathered and mourned their loss, one shared a story — a story very few knew — a story about pair of shoes. Mike lived to the fullest. He did things "with all his might." When he played soccer, he played hard. He gave it his best.

One day his mom became aware of a personal need. His soccer shoes were worn out — he was needing some new ones. Being a good mom, she went to the store and bought him a new pair.

Not after this incident, she was picking him up from practice when she happened to notice the shoes he was wearing. “Why are you wearing your old soccer shoes?” she asked. “Why aren’t you wearing your new ones?” Mike’s response showed the bigness of his heart. To his mother’s surprise, Mike had given his shoes away!

You see, there was another boy on the team who’s shoes were worn out too — so, Mike saw the need and filled it — by giving this boy his brand new shoes.

He and mom never spread the story around, but in his death, others told his life story. This, and other things he did echoed in the hearts and lives of those he associated with. It was they way he lived that followed after.

Mike had no idea his deed that day would be part of the story characterizing the legacy of who he was. It was “just a pair of shoes.”

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25:40

*real name withheld

Heart Cry

2010-10-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

If easy means shallow -- I don't want it.

If smooth means passive -- don't lead me there.

Just promise when the waves would swallow up my very soul

Your Presence would make the wounded whole.

If I can only see your face by trusting --

Help my human spirit trust Divine

If fear can only turn to faith by facing

Things too hard for me -- Lord, make them mine.

If there's a place within me with a shadow of a doubt

Erase it, Lord. Please fill me with Yourself.

Lord, change me -- make me steady -- make my eyes of faith to see

Beyond this earthly vapor -- to eternity.

Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

God Is

2010-10-04T04:46:00.000-07:00

God is . . .our refuge and strength. Psalm 46:1

God is . . . our rewarder when we seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

God is . . . Our Father who loves us. (Matthew 6:9)

God is . . . Our Creator. (Genesis 1:26)

God is . . . Our peace. (Ephesians 2:14)

God is . . . Our Rock. (II Samuel 22:32)

God is . . . Always with us. (Hebrews 13:5)

God is . . . Our light and salvation. (Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 12:2)

God is . . . Our King. (Psalm 47:7)

God is . . . Our provider. (Philippians 4:19)

God is . . . Our comfort. (II Corinthians 1:13)

God is . . . On our side. (Psalm 116:6; Psalm 124:1; Rom. 8:31)

God is . . . Love. (I John 4:8)

So when the load seems heavy, the road seems long, the night seems dark, the victory long in coming, just take a little time to pause and remember who our GOD IS!

Hold your head up and listen — listen for the sound of hope He brings, grasp His provision of grace, accept His provision of love and peace. He is our God! And He will be our God — even to the end.

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

What Mom Didn't Know

2010-10-01T04:21:00.000-07:00

May I give a large round of applause to any mom who home schools her children?! For two years of my older sons education, I attempted to home school them. We had many interesting experiences, to be sure, but one I’m quite sure has probably been unmatched.

At this particular time, we were living in Florida in a double wide trailer with a nice sized wooden porch on the front. Floridians – whether true or transplant – will know what I mean when I say we deal with “creatures” down there that are either non-existent or not as prevalent in the northern parts of our great country.

Such as coral snakes, armadillos’, palmetto bugs. . . the list goes on. However, being a “transplant” I certainly hadn’t memorized the list of “endangered species.”

Therefore, one day my boys came bringing me a large tortoise. My home school antenna popped right out of my head. Why, this would be a great activity! We could look it up on the internet and write a paper on it. So, I got a box and the boys put the tortoise in it.

Some of our neighboring missionary friends came up and had a look – one of their boys even mentioned tortoise soup – a delicacy I think his family enjoyed in Africa.

Life got so busy the next few days, I felt sorry for the tortoise, so, before we even had a chance to do any research, the boys let it go.

The next morning there was a knock at the door. Opening it, I was most surprised! There stood a man in uniform – looked like a police to me. “Have you all been catching gophers?” he asked me.

“Oh, no,” I replied, my Midwestern upbringing instantly thinking of a tiny, furry, animal headed into a hole in the ground. “We haven’t caught any gophers. We did catch a turtle. You can see the box right over there. My kids were going to do home-school research on him . . . but, we felt sorry for him and let him go.”

Well, in the next few minutes I received quite an education! We had caught a “gopher tortoise.” They were an “endangered species” and we could have gotten in really big trouble! Furthermore, our neighbors had heard the comment about “tortoise soup” and thought for sure we were going to kill it!

Once he realized my innocence – or utter stupidity -- the man was very nice. I imagine he and his buddy had a good laugh when they got back to the car – and I was very thankful for his kindness and mercy! Believe me, we never caught another one!

Sometimes in our Christian walk we are tempted to be hurt by something someone says or does. “Makin’ mountains out of mole hills” seems to be some folk’s specialty! Could we learn to extend grace – show mercy – give the love of Christ. It is possible they do not even realize what they have done. (I certainly didn’t know we had captured a member of the endangered species!) And, even if they do, the God of all sees and knows all.

He desires grace in our speech, mercy in our actions, love in our lives.

Even when we knowingly turned our back on God, He KNEW it – yet, he loved us anyway! Let’s walk in His footsteps of love today.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8

Heavy Guard Detail

2010-09-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

As a young child, my family and I did a lot of traveling. One of our funniest remembrances is going to visit a particular fort. While my mind doesn’t remember all the details, I DO remember my Dad rolling down his window and asking a gentleman where the fort was. The man kept saying, “You’re in the fort.” Apparently Dad wasn’t convinced because he kept re-asking the question, “Where’s the fort?” The man kept on saying “you’re in the fort.” By the time he convinced Dad, Mom and everyone else in the vehicle was rolling with laughter.

We thought the valuables in their fort would certainly be guarded with more care. They certainly didn’t have a very heavy “guard detail.” We were inside the fort and didn’t even realize it. It has been such an easy entrance the guard had to work at convincing my dad we were really there.

The more we grow in our Christian walk, the more we realize that the most valuable things in life are not temporal. It is so easy to get swept up in the mere existence of living and forget the absolute necessity of guarding our soul.

Picking up my Bible recently, I found myself in Proverbs 4. Verse 23 jumped out at me, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Guard our heart . . . so how do we do that?

Well, guards are usually set at doors of places for two reasons. Watch who comes in, and watch who goes out. That’s the way it is with our hearts. The avenues to get to our hearts are our minds, our ears, our eyes . . . so, we guard the avenues. We fill our minds with God’s Word, praise music, good thinking patterns. What are we doing? We are setting up a guard!

We choose to rejoice, choose NOT to worry or be anxious – but take “EVERYTHING by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving” – presenting our requests to God. What happens then? We have a guard! “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

We ask the Lord of our lives to help us with “guarding.” In Psalm 141, David shows us how. He says, “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies.” (Psalm 141:3-4)

We certainly need to set up a better “guard detail” than they had at that fort! We don’t want any “sneak ins.” The living of our lives springs from our hearts. What is valued to us will be spoken out by our living, and in the living of our children and grandchildren.

Anything questionable – even hinting of sin – keep it out! Anything negative – hinting of tearing down another or negatively affecting – get it cleansed! Anything full of His Word, His love, His Power, embrace it mightily and let Him pour Himself back out through you.

Today – let’s guard our hearts!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Asking God

2010-09-21T04:19:00.000-07:00

She was a very busy lady! Mother of three children, a minister’s wife, loving the Lord with all of her heart, and wanting make each second count for the Lord. She raced around, working very hard, doing it all for Jesus . . . And completely wearing herself out. Ever so gently the Lord began to speak to her heart, making her aware of a need she didn’t know she had.

“Did you ask me if this idea was OF me?” She was a creative person, and had a desire to use every talent she possessed for the Lord, however her “busyness” in His service was becoming a habit. Sometimes she began before she “inquired” if this was something HE really wanted her to do! His words “stopped her in her tracks.” If it wasn’t OF Him . . . How could it really be FOR Him? It was a lesson much needed and well learned. She couldn’t just race through life “doing everything” for God, until she took the time to sit at His feet and ask Him, “what would YOU have me do?”

The men of Israel in Joshua 9 were the leaders of the day. They were wonderful men of God. They had been used of the Lord and seen His miraculous intervention on behalf of His people again and again. Crossing the Jordan . . . Watching the walls of Jericho fall flat . . . They had done the “hard thing” and “routed out” the sin in the camp when Achan disobeyed the Lord.

Then the people of Gibeon showed up among them. These people had heard of the acts of the Living God, and they were afraid. They knew they couldn’t win over the Israelites in battle. Neither did they like the idea of defeat. So, they thought, schemed, and devised a plan of deceit. They made bread — and waited until it was moldy. They disguised themselves to look like they were from far away — when they were from close by.

The Israelite leaders did a lot of things right. They listened to their story. They checked all of their provisions. But the one thing that was most important — this time they overlooked. They did not ask the Lord what they should do. This resulted in a decision that wasn’t God given that cost them an unwanted price to pay.

We serve a God who is willing to help us. His ways are so much higher than ours! Our view is limited — His eyes see all. He knows the schemes of the enemy — and He is well able to protect us. We just have to take the time to ask Him on every decision — no matter how “big” or “small.” His wisdom is the Light we need today!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory

Take it with You

“The men of Israel sampled the provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.” Joshua 9:14

Wings

2010-09-10T05:39:00.000-07:00

What does your mind go to when someone says, “wings?” The results are amazing! Some people think — Barbeque. Some think HOT BARBEQUE!

Other thought processes trace to organizations who have “wings” in their name. Still others think of eagles, or birds known for the broad span, beautiful feathers, or protective covering of their wings.

Imagery is a very useful tool in writing or speaking. Using something we can each relate to in illustrating a point is very helpful in not only getting the point across, but helping others to retain it’s valuable information.

In Bible days, birds were much more prevalent than Barbeque or “winged” organizations . . . And so the imagery of wings found in scripture usually brought to mind what they had seen in the nature around them. Wings held a connotation of protection. The word “wings” brought the image of a mother hen protecting her chicks from a storm. Or that of an eagle—mounting high above the earth around him — off into the blue sky above.

The Presence of God was often likened to “wings,” and the beautiful imagery still holds much encouragement for us today.

In Psalm 61:4 we read, “I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of your wings. The ultimate trust of our life has found a resting place. Sheltered safely under the Almighty wings of God.

Psalm 17:8 brings this request to the Lord, “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings . . .” A hiding place when circumstances threaten to be “too much.” A place to hide — to be comforted and loved.

Boaz saw in Ruth that simple trust when he said, “The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” (Ruth 2:12)

Not only do we find wings to be our refuge and our shelter, but in Isaiah 40:31, we find an imagery of rising above. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, they shall walk, and not faint.” (Is. 40:31)

“Mounting up” higher than the things of earth requires a waiting on God. As we “rest” in the shelter of His wings, waiting on Him for direction, guidance, clarity to the path, His strength becomes ours and we find ourselves mounting — up, up, and away from the cares and the burdens and pressures, into the mighty Presence of an Almighty God. And He . . . HE makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 36:7)

Right Place at the Right Time

2010-09-07T06:23:00.000-07:00

My oldest son was intently telling us about a friend of his who received a brand new, free car. It was rewarded to him by the college where he went to school for an accomplishment that didn’t seem to be all that “hard” really. It seemed like he was just “at the right place at the right time.”

Our family was headed out to sing for Jesus. We made preparations the evening before, loaded all seven of us into the van, and left in plenty of time. We were enjoying the beautiful day as we rode along, already singing together, anticipating what God was going to do . . . when Dad says, “Have you seen 43 yet?’ Upon closer investigation it was apparent; we were NOT “at the right place at the right time!” We had made a right instead of a left, and had quite a bit of back tracking to do. Around the twists and curves of the Blue Ridge Parkway we went . . . and, thankfully, we still made it to our destination in plenty of time.

The “right place at the right time.” What do those words mean for those of us who are disciples of Christ? When you take away all the froth and frill, the bottom line is our “right place” is keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. He has been given to us by the Father as a Guide, a Comforter, a Friend. It’s like all of time is a great big panoramic picture. God is the Master artist, taking His brush and the beauty of surrendered lives to continue His mural.

We have the awesome privilege to help Him complete this purpose. He has given us the gifts and abilities that, when surrendered back to Him, will help Him paint His world.

He is only hindered by unwillingness, or disobedience on our part. He will still fulfill His plan, but we hinder Him when we back away from what He has called us to do – or when we put our own plans and wishes above His.

When we know what He has called us to, doing it will put us “in the right place at the right time.” Moses was called to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. At first he saw all of his own inadequacies and failures, not sure that God had chosen the right man. God is God. He knew Moses inside and out. He knew his human frailty. As one writer put it, “How much eloquence would He (God) have needed to furnish him for his mission? The answer is, without God no amount of human eloquence would have availed; but with God the merest stammerer would have proved an efficient minister.”

We must not shrink back from where He is leading, or rush on ahead in eagerness of a fleshly spirit, but stay steady, keeping step with Him and fulfilling His will and purpose in our lives daily.

Let Him paint His mural through you! It’s an awesome life to live! Walking in His Spirit keeps us in “the right place, at the right time!”

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” (Galatians 5:16)