May 15 2017
Leave a comment
Devos

The heart of a loving parent over a rebellious child

Rebellious youthAs a pastor I had the privilege of helping hurting parents – parents with wayward, rebellious children who had determined to go their own way, ignore their advice, and pursue sinful, destructive and pain producing activities. I heard them express their deep love, their anguished hearts, the pain of their rejected advice, and their demolished aspirations for their wayward children. If they would only listen! But they refused and the only effective resort was to put their child in the hands of God and pray!
I thought about that as I read Psalm 81 this morning and imagined how our Heavenly Father must feel at times about His wayward children! Here’s how the sons of Asaph expressed it in God-inspired words…
“I relieved your shoulder of the burden… In distress you called, and I delivered you; I answered you… Hear, O my people, while I admonish you! If you would but listen to me! But my people did not listen to my voice; they would not submit to me! So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. Oh, that my people would listen to me, that they would walk in my ways! I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes.” (From Psalm 81 ESV)
Oh, may I never respond to my Heavenly Father in that way! May I always be sensitive and responsive to the loving overtures of the Holy Spirit deep within my heart! And if you or I have rebelliously gone our own way, may we humble ourselves, acknowledge our error, and return to Father’s house (cp. Luke 15:11-24 the parable of the prodigal)… “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! … Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 139:23-24 and Psalm 19:14)
May 14 2017
Leave a comment
Devos

A Mother’s Day tribute to a wonderful mother-in-law… Linda Barnett

Linda Barnett 1A Mother’s Day tribute to a wonderful mother-in-law… Linda Barnett, now with the Lord

“In Joppa (Polson and other places) there was a disciple named Tabitha (Linda) who was always doing good and helping the poor. She became sick and died. When the disciples head that Peter was in Joppa they sent for him…When he arrived, the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.” Acts 9:36-39

Sharon had sent a Valentine’s card to Mom that she never got to read before she went to be with the Lord. In it was a verse that summarizes my thoughts today. It reads…
“Mothers do things…

Diligent in everything
• Her work – employment
• Her responsibilities and commitments to others
• The countless small daily tasks
• In getting the house ready for guests – serving a meal – cleaning up after a meal… You name it

Deferring to others
• Here is a lady that practiced Philippians 2:3-8
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
• She had a servant spirit – she just had to serve others – it was her orientation in life!
• Friendly argument with her room mate Lisa Pitts over who got the privilege of paying the 50 cents for the dump fee

Dignified in her demeanor
• In her appearance – her modesty
• In her suffering – never complaining!

Devoted
• To her family
• To her church
• To others – she was an incredibly others oriented person!
• To prayer – her daily prayer partners – My mom (her roomie) and Orvia Strom (my aunt). They spent their mornings praying for YOU!
• To the Lord Jesus Christ (from the day she made her commitment to Christ He was the center of her life.)

Mom Barnett today we honor you – we rise up and call you blessed…
Your life was like a candle – whose flame was the Spirit’s presence, whose fragrance was the Savior’s kindness, whose warmth was the Father’s love! Thank you for all the ways you reflected His heart into our lives!
“The path of the righteous is like the first light of dawn…shining ever brighter until the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18

May 12 2017
Leave a comment
Devos

Reflections on Our 50th Wedding Anniversary… On Life and Legacy

Your Life Your LegacyThis morning I was unpacking a box in our new home and came across a little pamphlet with a message delivered by Dr. George W. Wood, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God. In “Coffee with the Lord” I don’t often quote others… today is one of those rare times…

“When I was a boy and I was worried or upset about something, I would go to my mother. She would always pat me on the head and say, ‘Now, Georgie, it won’t matter 100 years from now!'”

She was right! One hundred years from now, it won’t matter whether you drive an expensive or cheap car, whether you live in a mansion or a rented room, or whether you buy your clothes from Nordstrom’s or Goodwill! It will not matter whether you pastored a large church or a small one; whether you preached to thousands or a handful; whether you had a public platform or ministered individually as a Chaplain or counselor. What WILL matter 100 years from now is the legacy of your life that you pass on to others!”

From “Your Life – Your Legacy” – Dr. George O. Wood

On this day when Sharon and I celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary let me just say… We want to leave a Godly legacy for our children, our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren… and the many others we’ve had the privilege of knowing, serving and loving over the years!

← Older posts
Newer posts →