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I saw a model this morning while shopping in Walmart.  Her picture is not going to be on the front page of the world’s fashion magazines.  But she’s one of the top models in my book!

Walking down the store’s main aisle, my husband David and I spotted this model ahead, she stood out above the rest.  All we could see was her back but being dressed modestly stood out in itself. She had long grey hair, caught up in a pretty barrette, flowing down her back.  David wondered aloud if we knew her.  Just then she turned her cart into an aisle to our left and now I could see her profile.  I recognized her and called out her name.  As she turned, she greeted us with kind words, clear eyes and a lovely smile.  And though the traces of time had gently etched her face she still had a natural beauty of her own. 

But natural beauty isn’t why I admire her and write about her today.  My admiration comes from observing an inward beauty that started with following Jesus Christ and has never faded but, in fact, has become even more beautiful through the years.

Sure, life has brought her many ups and downs with twists and turns along the way, as life does. But it encourages me to see her steadily going onward, no matter what happens or who leaves the path to follow another ‘new and improved’ way. The passing of time has proved that this model has her mind made up to stay with the tried and true word of God and its principles.  She is continuing to follow the same path that women of God have walked before her in times past…bearing the fruit of the spirit, ie., love, joy, peace, patience…etc., what naturally comes of righteousness or right living, as the Bible teaches.

I will do well to follow her example in the way I walk, talk, dress and act rather than the latest models in the media, any day! I need to be compassionate towards them and pray for them but by no means should I hold them up as ones to imitate in dress, speech or actions. 

I want to say a public thank you to all the women -from young to old- who as the model I spoke of in this article, have not caved to the pressure of the times.  They don’t buy in to the painted up, marked on, pierced, stripped of decent clothing, etc., and the ‘do this to be accepted by the crowd’ look.  My mother taught me it was attractive to have a clean, natural look.  And she told me it was wise to look for clothes with classic lines that wouldn’t go out of style.  Godliness modeled in speech, action and dress is both wise and classic…it is very attractive, and always in style.

To my precious sisters in Christ Jesus: Don’t give up true beauty for the glittery, cheap imitation of beauty the world pushes.  You are the real models…the models who this world, and our little girls, desperately need! 

 Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

Many times I wake up hearing a song in my head and heart. Usually the song is worship unto the Lord.  This morning there was not only one chorus going over in my mind, but two. I felt a strong, persistent nudging in my spirit to share their simple but powerful message with you.

‘Are you ready, are you ready, are you ready for the Judgement Day…?’

And…

“Softly and Tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me. 
Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling, calling oh sinner come home.
Come home, come home, ye who are weary come home.”

(Anyone remember those old, precious hymns?)

The message from the Lord is simple but clear.  Jesus is coming soon…and He is gently calling His people to lay aside the sin, busyness and clamor of this world by tuning into Him.  
This we do by:
-talking to our Creator and Heavenly Father, in Jesus name
-singing and making melody in our hearts unto the Lord
-meditating on His goodness
-reading the scriptures
-listening to what He is speaking to our hearts through His Word 

Pure and simple…this is prayer. 

God’s spirit does not compete with the world, it overpowers it.  His gentle whisper, persistant and powerful, can be heard loud and clear above the noise of this world to those who will stop long enough to listen. 

The great news is, He doesn’t give up easy and His love is ever strong.  Those that desire Him need not worry but continue to keep on keeping on, and if you fall-get up.  God is much greater than your weaknesses; He will see you through the end.  

Jesus is coming very soon…let’s live close to Him and proclaim it to the world!  We need to be ready and waiting and unbelievers need a chance to hear…now! 

May God help us all to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord and with love, boldly speaking the truth of God’s word, to a lost world.  Look up!  Our redemption is very near!

“Come Home, Come Home, Ye who are weary come Home…Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling…”

Why is it that we feel we must be a perfect specimen of humanity before we can be used by the Lord for His glory?  I am speaking to myself now.  Do you ever find yourself thinking, “How can I be of much use to the Master?”  For whatever reason, I think we all are beset with this kind of thinking.  I think the enemy of our soul, Satan, makes sure condemning seeds of this sort are planted in the soil of our hearts daily. 

My precious mother has been in a skilled care center for almost five years. She cannot respond verbally anymore nor can she move, except for twitching her feet or moving her eyebrows up a little. The little beginning of a smile and light in her eyes show up from time to time but briefly, oh, so briefly and rarely nowadays.  I know that somewhere, maybe deep in her psyche, she knows we are with her and she knows her God has not forsaken her.

How, you may wonder, does this tie into being used of God?  I thought Mom’s time of being useful for God’s purposes were over.  She could no longer sing in the choir, faithfully clean the church restrooms, bake for church fundraisers or take dinners to those in need.  There could be no more driving elderly ladies and take them to church, nor teach Sunday School.  No more having new converts over to teach them Bible Studies or  feed them lunch and have a friendly chat.  No small groups meeting in her home.  Her home’s been sold. All the things she did joyfully for her Master she can no longer do.  As far as material goods, she owns nothing more than the few clothes she needs and a few meager necessities.  It seemed as though her ministering days were over.

Then I began to notice some special things happening.  I was learning to have more patience and overcame  fears of “what if?”  Also her adult grandchildren and the little great-grandchildren learned a lot about true love.  The kind of love that gives even when the receiver can no longer give anything tangable in return.  Mom is still teaching us how to love, not the way she would have chosen to do it, but never the less, she is teaching us.

The peace and love shining through Mom’s countenance has also affected those caring for her at the nursing home. I could fill pages containing the glowing comments made to me about Mom.  How can this be, in her situation?  It can only be God’s peace and joy that continue to emanate from her that blesses those caring for her. 

So many others are drawn to Mom’s sweet spirit.  I walked in her room February 14 to find a pretty balloon with a Valentine note from the family of her roommate.  It said, “To a lovely lady with a beautiful smile.” Mom’s smiles may be rare but evidently she was able to share one with this family. 

Last week as I thumbed through Mom’s Bible looking for just the right passage to read to her, I came across a handwritten note on three small pieces of paper.  It was dated 4-8-09 and was signed by a woman in the church who visits Mom periodically. 

She wrote, “Dear Sis. Clark,  You are sleeping soundly this afternoon & unaware of my presence. You have no noticeable pain.  I don’t know what you dream about or what your thoughts are when awake.  My own mind runs to and fro day and night.  So many things to do and plan for.  $ to budget, sales goals for the job, Mica’s infected toe, Easter is Sun., my cousin is about to die from liver damage w/out the hand of God, one of my aunts is grieving over the loss of my uncle, Bro. Steve had a stroke, I focus on too many unimportant things…the list goes on…much to consider & pray about & decide upon…then I come into your room and it’s always the same… life stops… and my mind stops… for a few brief moments nothing else matters but being with you.  I thank you for every moment we have spent together… even if you are sleeping.  I thank you for every moment that the world has hushed, by being in your presence.  May your dreams be sweet and your thoughts be beautiful!!!  God in His majesty is most glorious!  I love you so much, Tam”

Through Mom’s life I’ve learned that God can use us to touch lives no matter what our circumstance.    If we give God our little ‘loaves and fishes’ He can still bless and use it to feed the multitude!

Psalm 32:8-10  NKJV

 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
         I will guide you with My eye.

 Do not be like the horse or like the mule,
         Which have no understanding,
         Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle,
         Else they will not come near you.

         Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;
         But he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him.

These scriptures speak of two ways we can choose to be led by God. The first is by bit and bridle like an unruly horse, and the other is simply by his eye.

 Being guided by God’s eye didn’t mean much to me until I had an experience with my Filipina helper, Delia. (Having lived in the Philippines and traveled in different countries doing missions work, I have learned much about other cultures and people groups.)  Delia lived with us for a few of years.  During that time we developed more than just an employer/employee relationship, we became friends.  Learning from each other, I taught her to cook food American style; she taught me to get along well in her culture. 

One day my husband and I served in our home a large group of North American young people. My eyes scanned the crowd of guests when I spotted Delia holding a tray of glasses filled with refreshing tropical juice, ready to serve.  She spoke no words but her eyes had been fixed intently on me, she was waiting for my instructions.  All I had to do was give her the signal and she would begin serving. She was waiting for my eyes to guide her. There was no need for me to shout above the din of the crowd.  We knew each other.  All I had to do was look at those needing drinks and she followed my lead.

Being led by the eye…simple and effective.

The leading by bit and bridle, on the other hand, is not a pleasant experience.  For horses it is expected, it’s how they respond best. However God made us different from a horse and He is not pleased to lead us that way. If it’s the only way we will listen then He loves us enough to put the pressure on. 

1. So basically it’s my choice and yours.  What will it be today?  Will we choose to take the time to meditate on God’s word and talk with Him, looking to Him to instruct us?  Will we lay down our own plans and let God direct our day, guiding us with His eye? 

I know what I plan to do…

 Unto You I lift up my eyes,
         O You who dwell in the heavens.
 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
         As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
         So our eyes look to the LORD our God,
         Until He has mercy on us.  Psalm 123:1-2 NKJV

 Ephesians 5:31-32 (NLT)  As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”  This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

Our relationship in marriage is a type of Christ and the Church.  We show Christ’s love for His Bride (us) by the way we treat each other.

Treating one another this way does not come naturally.  It won’t come accidentally, we have to do it on purpose!  It will take prayer…asking God to help us know how to put it into practice. 

I don’t hear people being referred to as “Gentlemen” and “Ladies” as I did years ago.  It sounds old fashioned…I haven’t used those terms lately either; maybe I will start, I like the way they sound.

Hmmm…gentleman…gentle, that describes how my God is with me. That also describes how my husband treats me.   He makes me feel like a lady, someone treasured.  It makes me want to honor and respect him.

This did not come naturally for either of us.  This gentleness, tenderness and respect, were things that were developed in our relationship.  We had to learn how to put them into practice.  We still make mistakes and hurt one another, from time to time.  But this happens less and less as the years pass and the character of Christ is formed in us more and more. 

We have also learned to ask forgiveness from the Lord and each other when our actions do not honor Christ in our marriage.  Saying I’m sorry and meaning it, can be a tough lesson to learn.  However letting the same hurt go on for days, and even years is much more painful and can eventually become fatal to a marriage. 

Treating each other with love and respect at home first and also in public settings is the aim.  It starts with loving thoughts.  There it is again, that same biblical concept, what starts in the mind and heart will manifest itself in our speech and actions. 

Guys, it is possible to be strong yet gentle and loving to your wife.  Girls, it is possible to give honor and respect to your husband.  Remember, when you are doing this to each other, you are doing it unto the Lord.  You are painting a picture to the world of the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Things to think about:  How do you treat your spouse when you are with other people relaxing, playing games, etc.  How do you treat each other in the home? 

Here are a few simple things you can start putting into practice at home as well as in public:

1. When you think loving thoughts about your spouse, don’t just think them, speak them.  

2.Reach out with loving touches such as a kiss on the cheek or an admiring look and smile from the wife or a gentle squeeze around the waist or protective arm on her shoulder, from the husband. 

These things are simple but a great start to a loving relationship. Don’t always wait for loving feelings, do the actions and the loving feelings will eventually follow.

You can be the first one to change for the good.  Ask God to help you and He will.  Don’t be discouraged and quit when things don’t seem to go right.  Just keep on doing the right thing.  It always pays off in the end!

Remember, you are not treating each other this way only for the sake of your spouse, for others, or for the sake of your children.  You are doing it because you love and honor your God.  Earthly and eternal benefits will follow!  

Many people say they love God, but God has requirements. So how do we love God?  With our passion and our obedience.

 ”Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” Mark 12 :29-30 NLT

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” John 14:21 NLT

“…But put on the Lord Jesus Christ…”  Rom 13:14  (NLT)

The sea of life is filled with storms of every kind. I need a life-preserver. Everyone needs a life-preserver. 

In the natural there are different types of life-preservers.  Narrowing it down to two types, the first is a flat ring that a person can grab and hold.  It is for emergencies only.  The other kind is a suit that covers the body. This frees one to enjoy the journey. 

Emotionally and spiritually we all need to put on Christ as our Life-Preserver.  One sure recipe for failure is getting into the habit of using other people as a life-preserver in place of God. 

Take, for instance, looking for a spouse. When that dream is our main focus, it becomes a matter of life and death to us…our life preserver. In this mindset we reach out, grab hold and hang on for dear life when someone comes along that attracts us.  This eventually strangles the relationship. Only God can handle that kind of intensity. Only God is to be worshipped.

To be joyfully single requires a focus on relationship with Christ.  What is your purpose in life?  Seek after God and his ways first, then volunteer in an area you feel passionate toward, learn to give Bible studies by going along with one who is gifted in that area, or save up to go on a missions trip. The opportunities in God’s purpose for singles are unlimited! 

These steps may sound simple, but our emotions are our struggle. To really change from the inside out we need God’s help. 

No need to beg, God is waiting for your decision to follow Him no matter what, spouse or no spouse, then He can work in you, giving you life more abundantly. In other words, when you give up being frustrated or angry at God for your singleness or other situation in life, then He can begin to accomplish His purpose in you. John 10:10 “…My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

By the way, if a spouse is in His plans for your future, don’t worry about your geography. No matter where you live…big city or rural town…belong to a large church or small, it only takes one…God will bring that person in your life at the right time. But your mind must be made up to make Him your only Life-Preserver, and you will be tested on this.  Oh, and don’t be alarmed by silence.  Remember, the teacher is always silent when giving a test.  Take time to know Him then you will be able to trust His love in the silence during times of testing.

Positioning another person as our life-preserver will make us feel deperate, whether we are single or married.  That feeling of desparation will cause us to feel panicky, hurting someone as we try to grab hold of them, seemingly our ’last chance’ to keep from drowning.  On the other hand, making God’s purpose your main focus sets you free, free to enjoy their company. If in the end they go on their way, you still have them as a friend.  Or if you marry, you have a life long partner, but that person still is not your life-preserver. That relationship only belongs to the One who created us.

For all of us putting on Christ is not using God as one would a flotation ring…only in emergencies…reaching out to other things and people as they float by in this life.  Choosing this lifestyle, we neither enjoy our relationship (or rather lack of it) with God which affects every other relationship.  But when we choose to put on Christ, we enjoy His presence. We begin to radiate an attractive confidence that comes only from daily relationship with the One who made us.  We are complete in Him. (Col 2:10)

I learned early that I needed a life-preserver. My mother, living in a storm tossed marriage, learned how to put on Christ and shared that knowledge with me.  She shared it when I took it willingly and applied it when I didn’t! She never wavered in her trust in God to preserve us.

Jesus is the only Life-Preserver that is trustworthy.  There are many counterfeits but He is the only one that can take us safely through death and judgment, the last and final storm we all must face.

The terror is gone because we know we are safe in Jesus.

Isaiah 7:9 (NLT 1996)
“…You do not believe me? If you want me to protect you, learn to believe what I say.”

Isaiah 8:11-14a  (NLT 1996)
The Lord has said to me in the strongest terms: “Do not think like everyone else does. Do not be afraid that some plan conceived behind closed doors will be the end of you. Do not fear anything except the Lord Almighty.  He alone is the Holy One.  If you fear him, you need fear nothing else. He will keep you safe.”

In service, one recent Sunday night (9-21-08) two messages came forth from the Lord. They both had to do with faith.  This was the essence of the messagaes: Believe me..believe in Me…I will lead you along the path…you must trust me… 

As God’s children we sometimes have a problem with faith.  The Bible tells us that the spirit of God within us is greater than Satan that is in the world.  But our five senses continually pick up satanic messages telling us otherwise. When you stop and think about it, the strength of God’s Word against Satan’s lies is amazing!  In the face of all we are bombarded with, just one time of really connecting with God, changes our wavering faith into strong, great faith and we are able to continue to stand by God’s living power within us! 

To help us, the scriptures above let us know that we can “learn” to believe.  We know the verse “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” Rom 8:17. Taking the measure of faith we already have, we hear God’s Word and our faith is strengthened.  But in the same chapter it says God’s people heard but didn’t welcome what they heard.  And the last verse of Rom Ch. 8 states: “All day long I opened my arms to them, but they were disobedient and rebellious.”

So when we hear/read the Word of God, we need to have our hearts prepared.  We can pray and ask God to help us receive, understand and obey His word.  It is amazing and faith strengthening to personally receive something from the word of God as while reading the Bible, then hear the same thing preached from the pulpit.  It confirms what God has been speaking to us is the same message He is speaking to the whole church. Exciting things happen when we take time to go toward God.

In our own power we cannot do and be all that God requires of us.  But by daily “going to God” in a hundred little ways He will teach and train us. His Spirit, the Word and the way He responds to our believing prayers  “opens our understanding” and strengthens us to do His will.

We can ’learn’ to trust Him…no matter what circumstances come our way and He will direct our paths!

I read an article on the Internet written by Suzi Toadvine. It was a good thought and I wanted to share it with you.  The “Flair” quote is one I will keep in my mind’s file to pull out and use when I am tempted to complain.  I hope you also will take the article to heart. It will better your life and the lives of those around you!

Read, enjoy and prayfully meditate on how God would have you apply this to your life.

…..Facebook offers an application called Flair which consists of buttons, much like what you would receive at a political rally, and the buttons have various comments on them, mostly humorous.  I saw a piece of flair that really grabbed my attention, and I thought about it for quite a while.  Now mind you, I rarely give Flair a second thought, but this one stuck in my mind for several days; and I pray that it stays there as a reminder of whom I want to be.  It simply states, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”  

           So many people are complaining these days….mostly about things that none of us have any control over . . . the price of gas, the stock market’s ups and downs, the political scene, taxes, their jobs. You name it.  While there are many things that most of us have little to no control over, there are a few things that we do have control over.  I am a loan officer for a bank, and I overheard some co-workers complaining the other day about the effect that the economy has had on our job situations.  Several were just unhappy in general.  The first thing that came to my mind was the little flair, and I thought, “how can I complain unless I have done absolutely everything in my power to make things better?”  Of course, I have no control on the economy or housing market; however, the thing I do have control over is myself and the way that I deal with the situation.  Am I looking for ways to achieve the change I want to see, or am I just going to continue to complain about it? Others complain about relationships and again, it is important to ask ourselves if we have done everything to help improve or work toward what we would like it to be.  Am I being the change I want to see?  Are you being the change you want to see?