Pray? Me? Why?

Oh say, can you pray

by the dawn’s early light ?

Will you talk to the Lord above

as you remember His love ?

He listens to you

and knows what you do,

so own up to your struggles;

He can bring you through.

Pray for the others you know,

no doubt they need Him, so

be thankful for such joy

He brings man, woman, girl and boy.

So, join in with other 

believers who pray;

Celebrate the love of God, 

That’s so important today.

             + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

Analyze & Appreciate

This wooden chair I can see and feel,

I know this chair is something real,

But when it’s God I want to see

I cannot find where He can be.

My little brain and imperfect eyes

Only knows things of little size;

How can a great Creator be up There?

To find the truth I really care.

What is logical?  What is true?

Does this really concern me and you?

Look at the evidence, what did Chance bring?

One tiny blob evolved into everything?

Love Has LOTS of Definitions (Maybe You Can Add to My List?)

“Love” is a word I use in a variety of ways. 

1. I love my husband. 
2. I love the sunrise we saw yesterday.
3. I love blueberry muffins like Mama made.
4. I love when the traffic is reasonable and I get to work on time.
5. I love the puppy that dad named First Golden Lady of Rickhaven.
6. I love your idea for inviting that new neighbor to the picnic at Fain Park.
7. Of course, I love God, our Creator.  He deserves my admiration and dedication.

Now, I am supposed to “love my enemy” but . . . 

1. I do not admire his words of threat and hate.
2. I do not appreciate how he has treated other people.
3. I do not know what to say that will help him behave himself.
4. I do not know how to give him enough time to repent and change.
5. I do not trust him, so I am prepared to protect myself the best I can.
6. I do not think he is setting a worthy example to the younger generation.
7. Of course, I remember this: he is labeled for prayer.  I pray for his repentance

And, I am to “love my neighbor as myself” which no doubt means:

Can We Just "Get By"?

      Many people believe in hard work and good luck, but not in God’s wisdom and supernatural intervention.  Maybe you know someone like this?

     Many people don’t get serious about who God is; they generally ignore what He says. Their philosophy of life is “get by.”

     Jesus got to the crux of the matter when He told His disciples, “. . .You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37).

                        What does God really expect of me?

     Nothing less than complete obedience will do.  If we don’t obey His requirements for salvation we will be lost.  If we don’t obey His requirements for living we are wasting our life, and we are being a stumbling block to others who need to know Him as Lord.  Getting by is never good enough.

                                 What’s holding us back?

1. Tradition, culture
2. Apathy
3. Misunderstandings in the past
4. Beliefs that take the place of worshipping only the God of the Bible
5. Rebellion against God — what we think He caused to happen, what we don’t like about the Bible, what we don’t like about His plan of salvation and His way of life for us.
6. We think we’re doing OK and don’t want to appear to be fanatic.
7. Peer pressure from people around us
8. We may have convinced ourselves that we are Christians because we used to go to Sunday School when we were kids.
9. (Can you add to this list?) . . . 

     Does God allow people to make up their own rules? 

Tip-toe Back to Your Childhood Christmas

YES, another Christmas is on the way.  Decorations in the stores have been reminding us since October,  the calendar on the wall makes it plain.  

        You’ve been making lists:  buy this, do that, make some calls, write the Christmas letters.  It’s a little more pressure on an already-busy person like yourself.

        But, take a few moments just now, and tip-toe back to your childhood Christmas.  What do you recall of that Christmas as a little kid?  What was it like when you were in grade school and had that first party?  How did you celebrate in the following years?  Anything you would have changed?

Remembering Your Dad

       Don’t let the wrappings of the holiday delay your opening of the package.  There’s something inside that dad gave you.  
For however long you had your dad there were happenings, both small and huge, words said to you, conversations engaged with you, activities demonstrated, activities shared.      
      You heard others talk about him. 
And you asked questions.  From the sweetly innocent childish ones to the more probing questions as you were growing up. 
Today for a few minutes longer, remember your dad.
Photos will help you remember dad.  Used to be big albums stacked in the buffet shelves, then so much easier to view via cellphone and computer. Maybe now posted on social media for the whole world to see.  
What’s inside the holiday awaits your own caring and private view.
Maybe after today’s sports event, the parade downtown, the Father’s Day special at the diner, a stroll through the mall for holiday bargains . . . Well, maybe after the doings of the day you’ll claim some quiet time alone.
Remember your dad.  What he said to do, and how to do it.  Warnings that you heard and saw.  Maybe even examples of what not to do, or what not to say: cause and effect.  
There were times for you to give forgiveness and kindness.  Did he set the example?  
Just for a little longer now, remember your dad.   

1. Places you went with your dad.
2. Songs you heard him sing.
3. Old time sayings you heard him repeat.
4. His favorite things to eat.
5. His jokes.
6. His compliments to you.
7. His compliments to others.
8. The last time he hugged you.
9. The last words you remember saying to him.
10. The last time you went to church together.

      Now, give thanks to your Heavenly Father for His great love.  All of life gives us lessons to learn.  You do want to do your best with the life the LORD has given you.  Do you have a favorite Bible verse about love?
      Remember your dad;  remember your Heavenly Father.   

by Elaine Hardt ©2013

Ten Good Reasons NOT to Forgive Someone

      So, how is life treating you these days?  Everyone acts nice, talks nice?  When you’re on the verge of a misunderstanding the other person is kind and courteous?  Other people respect your opinions and overlook your few, insignificant flaws? 

 No?  There are a few thorns in your path of life?  You feel irritated, just thinking of it now? 

Take a look at one person who had ten good reasons NOT to forgive someone.   Try to put yourself into this person’s situation; imagine how he must have felt and how he must have reacted.