Saying Goodbye--For Now

I haven't posted in awhile, so I thought I'd let you know that

I did not fall off the planet. (In case you were wondering.)
Haven't gone to my heavenly home.
No--I've been, it seems, in the netherworld of INDECISION.

I see that, now. I also recognize that I need to say an official farewell, to you, my faithful friends and readers! It's time to switch out this blog for something that aligns more closely with my current pursuits.   

Here's the thing:
This blog has been with me for some time now. When I started, my idea was to share the devotionals I enjoy writing, as well as other inspirational posts to support and encourage believers and writers (among whom I have many friends).

As a published author of inspirational romance, I like to write. The blog was a forum. Simple, right?

Not so. I'm still a Christian and still a writer, but my blog focus began shifting from devotionals and Christian issues to other stuff. (Lots of writers post devotionals and some of them do it really, really well. How many of us need another source?)

Then, just to complicate matters further, my WRITING focus started to shift. Instead of crafting novels, which I enjoy doing, I started dreaming of a children's series. Not just any series, but one that would combine my love of children's stories with my passion for Paleo-style food. Voila! A new venture was born. A venture that doesn't exactly fit beneath the heading of "Woman of Faith."

Am I a woman of faith? Yes! At my deepest, darkest moments I may get angry with my Lord and shout all kinds of undeserved things in His direction, but I would find it impossible to ever lose my "faith"--that would be like trying to deny my husband exists. Ain't gonna happen. I've had too many encounters with Jesus to ever doubt Him. (That's another work in progress, by the way. For my family if no one else, an autobiography of my "God-encounters." God is awesome! I want my family, including my descendants, to know it.)

But being a woman of faith and maintaining a blog called "Woman of Faith" are two different things. One is inescapable--that is who I am, by God's grace. A woman redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. A sinner saved by grace, written in the Lamb's Book of Life, not due to any merit on my part. A human being given the greatest honor possible...to know the Lord!

The other gets tricky.
It takes time, planning, forethought, and all that stuff to maintain a good blog.
So, the INDECISION was whether to cut the cord on this baby and let it go.....or not.
My absence was a sort of default option, letting it go by sheer neglect while I focused on the kids, all five of whom are still at home, and that Paleo lifestyle I've adopted. (I told you about that, right? 
It takes time, planning, forethought and all that stuff to maintain a healthy family and kitchen. And I want to create a blog that is a reflection of where my time, planning and forethought are going.)

I also lost a much loved sister-in-law this September. The summer was tinted with grief, knowing she was failing, and it became a flood of sorrow for me. I mention it only because it contributed to my absence from blogging. But, in my grief, I did a lot of reflecting.   
   

And now, much as I've enjoyed this place, I'm saying goodbye...for the time being.

I've got one children's picture book in the works and a whole series after that, for tweens.
I've got novels to work on, too, and I'll check in now and then just to let you know how they're doing.
In the meantime, I sincerely pray that all of you wonderful friends and believers and writers will
continue to be beautiful women of faith, and keep that faith well,
stay in touch,
and leave a little room in your heart for me for when I manage to revive this blog.

Thank you for being with me. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a writer doesn't come with royalty checks. It's YOU--readers!

I'll send out a post when my new blog is up and running, along with an invite so you can come along
on the new journey of health and well-being, and kid lit. I believe with all my heart that if any people in the world should know how to live well, it is God's people. The Paleo lifestyle, despite its name (Paleo, short for Paleolithic) is in reality a call to return to food as God made it.


But more of that on the new blog...
Stay tuned for my invite!
Warmest Blessings,

Linore
PS: When I say to keep in touch, I mean it! Please feel free to contact me at Linore (at) LinoreBurkard (dot) com, or leave a comment here. I love to hear from you.

   

Our God Reigns!

By the time you see this post, the voting will probably be over. The new president will be elected. I wanted to share this guest post, however, for it reminds us of eternal truths that are relevant no matter how the election turn(ed) out and no matter who is in office.
Read and be blessed:

11/04/2012

God Reigns God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. Psalm 47:8   God reigns over the entire earth. He is not just the God of the east or the God of the west. He is the God of the north, south, east and west. The long arm of the Lord reigns over everyone. The sun never sets on the omnipresent shadow of our Savior Jesus. Indeed, He is the greatest in power, high and lofty in dominion, extremely eminent in wisdom and elevated in excellence of glory. Our God reigns, our God reigns. He reigns in war. He reigns in peace. He reigns in crisis. He reigns in calm. He reigns in economic catastrophe. He reigns in economic prosperity. Our God reigns. He reigns over evil. He reigns over good. He reigns over nations. He reigns over individuals. Our God reigns. Moreover, He reigns from His holy throne. His is not a throne soiled with corruption and self-serving scenarios. His throne is full of grace and truth. His throne is marked and defined by holiness. It is a throne that has never been stained with sin, corrupted by cover-up or defiled by injustice. God is seated on His holy throne. He never sits dismayed or in a dilemma. God does not wring His hands in worry. He sits in serenity, for He knows His own power and sees that His purposes will not miscarry. He sits on a throne from where He dispenses truth and wisdom. Therefore, approach His holy throne boldly but reverently. Furthermore, God reigns over the human heart. It is here that we can submit to or spurn the Almighty’s authority. We are wise to jettison the latter. It is in submission to our reigning King Jesus that we come to know His will for our lives. Obedience leads to opportunity. Because our God reigns, He can be trusted. His rules are for our good pleasure. Christ is not a cosmic killjoy. His rules are inviting when we are in right relationship with our reigning King. It is when we resist Him that we foolishly push back from His gracious guidelines. Therefore, love Him and you will love to follow His statutes. Indeed, our God reigns in love and holiness. It is easy to follow an unconditional lover. He reigns lovingly. Therefore, we have reason to celebrate Christ’s reign. His kingship brings praise to our lips. Our Lord reigns. Halleluiah! We have no real reason to worry or stress out because our God reigns. We can put the kibosh on our complaining and murmuring because our God reigns. We can rest in a peaceful sleep at night, not toss and turn in distrust, because our God reigns. We can let go of control and not be controlled because our God reigns. We can give Him our grief, sorrow, and sin because our God reigns.   Our God reigns for the purpose of His glory and His glory alone. It is all about Him and His eternal aspirations. Our God reigns for righteousness’ sake. Our God reigns for the sake of the gospel. Live like He reigns. Live free and by faith. Tell all whom you have earned the right to tell. Your God reigns. Validate your words with your life of faith and faithfulness. Your God reigns. He reigns now and for evermore. Amen and amen! Taken from Reading #34 in the 90-day devotional book, “Seeking God in the Psalms”…  http://bit.ly/InvUdR Post/Tweet this today: We can let go of control and not be controlled because our God reigns. #trust Download the free Wisdom Hunters app… http://bit.ly/OVrYb9

If you enjoyed this, consider subscribing to Wisdom Hunters, as I have. A friend recommended it to me, and it was a good move.
Blessings,

Linore

Devo Monday--Words Are Wonderful Things

I saw the following little poem in my email one day and saved it. I don't remember who sent it to me.  (Thank you, whoever you are!) I'm big on saving things; snippets of poems, quotations, web links, book titles, and so on. Now and then--miracles never cease--I even go back and look at what I've saved.

I'm glad I found this, again. 

It's a reminder we all tend to need from time to time, and written in sweet old-fashioned language. I found the full text of a book this poem appeared in, Morning Exercises For All the Year, (A Book for Teachers) from the Cornell University Archive Library on-line. It was sobering to see what was included in this book for public school teachers, which is so often absent, now: Morality! Biblical principles! Goodness and Righteousness! 

With election day looming before us, it reminds me how far our country has fallen. (Anyone else wish for the days when prayer was allowed in school? When teachers could openly share their Christian principles?)

Well--back to the poem I want to share:

Words Are Wonderful Things

Keep a watch on your words, my darling,  

For words are wonderful things;

They are sweet like the bee's fresh honey,
Like the bees they have terrible stings;

They can bless like the warm, glad sunshine,
And brighten a lonely life;

They can cut, in the strife of anger,
Like an open, two-edged knife.

Mrs. E. R. Miller

  Scripture reinforces the idea of the poem:

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

(Proverbs 12:18)

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

(Proverbs 10:19) 

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 4:9)

Did you find this little reminder useful? May we all keep our talk wholesome and helpful! 

Warmest Blessings,

Linore

PS: CONTEST STILL GOING ON for a prize of 5 Books! See the details here. Entering is EASY!

Time For A Good Book. Enter my contest and you could win five of them!

When Abortion Becomes Racism

We can't really have a fully beautiful life as long as there are other human beings without the opportunity to enjoy the same. No segment of humanity has been denied this opportunity--the very RIGHT to LIFE--more than the unborn.

The link attached to the title of this post is a powerful and important message from Pastor John Piper, one of the leading men behind the Sovereign Grace Ministries of Churches (one of which I attend here in Xenia, Ohio).

It's not a two-minute YouTube, but a full sermon. Be patient and let Mr. Piper build his message--it gets riveting. If you'd rather read than listen, here's a link to the full text.

Piper says, "I would like you to link abortion and race the same way you link lynching and race." I agree.

To whet your appetite, here's a short excerpt:

My aim is that just as once even though the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott case of 1857 held that Black slaves were property without rights as free persons, yet today we view that as unthinkable; so also even though the Supreme Court in the Roe v. Wade case of 1973 did not give the unborn the rights of free persons, nevertheless the day may come when that too is viewed as unthinkable. Racism might—and often did—result in the killing of innocent humans; in our history, it often did. But abortion always results in the killing of innocent humans. Between 1882 and 1968, 3,446 Black people were lynched in America. Today more Black babies are killed by white abortionists every three days than all who were lynched in those years (Life Education and Resource Network).
John Piper, from, When Abortion is Racism

Piper's message includes the truth of forgiveness for abortionists, those who have had abortions or forced them upon others. GOD is a forgiving God. But it doesn't make our responsibility to end the slaughter any less needful.

Sit back and listen to the sermon when you get a chance.
Rethink abortion in terms of racism.

Warmest Blessings,

Linore
website: www.LinoreBurkard.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LinoreRose
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AuthorNewsfromLinore/

Image from: http://www.liliesofhope.com/doodleacres/2008/11/04/if-they-could-have-walked-in-my-shoes/

Beautiful Life Wednesday: Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark

I received this bit of wisdom from a friend via email a long time ago. It was one of those viral messages that get passed around but I saved it because it was so concise and yet spot-on.

I'm posting it as I got it, and then beneath that, with a teensy bit of commentary.

Everything I Need to Know, I Learned From Noah's Ark

ONE: Don't miss the boat.

TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat.

THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something
really big.

FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

SIX: Build your future on high ground.

SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.

TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow
waiting.

Now here's the same again with just a dash of my opinionated comments. : )

ONE: Don't miss the boat. [Stay alert to what's happening in the world and around you. Opportunities don't come with neon lights.]

TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat. [No one has it easy in life. Don't judge yourself against other people--you don't know what they're going through or have survived to get where they are.]

THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. [Listen to wise voices who know more than you and act accordingly.]

FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. [You don't know how long you'll live but staying fit is a gift you can give your future self and loved ones.You can accomplish much more than you think, at virtually any age.]

FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
[That includes your own inner critic.]

SIX: Build your future on high ground.[Trust the tried-and-true, like biblical principles that have prospered civilizations wherever they take hold. Christian nations are never ruled by despots and tyrants--not even communists, for that matter.]

SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.[Marriage is a good thing. And "a three-fold cord is not easily broken."]

EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.[Do the groundwork before starting any venture; take time to arm yourself with the knowledge you need, and, even if you're a snail, you'll catch up and overtake the cheetahs with your capabilities and expertise.]

NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile. [Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy! A well-rested individual can work and think at peak performance; All work and no play makes Jack (or Jill) dull!

TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. [I'm in the process of writing a book set on Titanic, so this one really struck me. The Ark was built by amateurs, perhaps, but was directed by a PROFESSIONAL--God himself. Seek GOD daily.]

ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. [Amen.]

Remember, it really is a beautiful life. Just keep it in perspective (God's perspective, that is!)

If you were writing the above tips, is there another you'd include? What little bit of wisdom do you live by that's based on a biblical principle? Leave your comment. I'll send one commenter a free copy of one of my books!


Warmest Blessings,

Linore
website: http://www.LinoreBurkard.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LinoreRose
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AuthorNewsfromLinore/

What's Holding You Back?

The following post is by Jennifer Slattery, and a timely message since it's still so early in the new year. January is the no-brainer time to reflect, re-organize, re-prioritize, and pray for direction. Sometimes we have the sinking feeling that what we need is NEW direction, despite having committed ourselves hook, line and sinker to a certain path. Didn't God lead us down that path? Didn't he bless it--for a time? Jennifer shares her story of hanging on, when the Spirit is saying "let go."

It's hard to hear that. It's hard to let go of something we're invested in. It brings to mind one of my "life verses," which is:

"He that finds (or saves) his life shall lose it. He that loses his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 10:39

When we let go, "lose" our lives for Jesus, we actually find it. It's one of the great paradoxes of the Christian faith. Here's Jennifer's take on this principle:
What's Holding You Back?

Warmest Blessings,

Linore
Linore Rose Burkard.com
Heart-Warming Soul-Stirring Christian Romance
NEW Kindle Short--Romantic suspense--.99cents

My father passed away last week. Thankfully, I was able to be present with him, along with my four sisters and my mother. I'm even more thankful that I know where Dad is, that I knew, during his suffering, where he was headed, and that one day I will see him again. When that day comes, we will both be perfectly human (perfected humans) in perfect bodies, in a glorious heaven--a new earth (also perfect, as it was before the Fall).

Many people seem to think that humans become angels or live forever as disembodied spirits in a pie-in-the-sky heaven that is ethereal. I beg to differ. The Bible, (apart from saying that we shall "meet the Lord in the air,") does not teach these common fallacies. Instead, we shall inhabit a new earth! Not a fallen earth, like the one we live in now, but a new and glorious earth without tears, or sorrow, or pain.

I look forward to this, and while I'm still here, I want to help other people know about God's beautiful plans for eternity,so that I may see and enjoy them there, but even more so that THEY may enjoy God and His fabulous new earth, also.

For these reasons, when I read Kathi Macias's devotion this week it resounded in my spirit. I copy it below for your edification:

O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance (Psalm 16:5-6).



My mom passed away a couple of months ago, and I heard many glowing tributes to her at her memorial service. It seemed Mom touched many lives and left quite a legacy behind, though that legacy included nothing material because, when Mom died at 90, she no longer had anything material or monetary left to pass on to others. Her legacy was strictly that of fond memories, blessed relationships, and spiritual encouragement.

And that’s the point. As believers, we have the greatest heritage imaginable—God Himself! The psalmist says that the Lord is his inheritance, and He is ours as well. The psalmist also declares that his inheritance is a good one. Though some may inherit mansions or yachts or huge bank accounts when loved ones die, believers inherit the God of the Universe, the Savior of mankind, an unending life of joy and peace and light.

This is an inheritance that should not only cause us to rejoice but to do everything possible to impart that same inheritance to others. As Christians who desire to glorify God, this should be our main focus, our primary goal, each and every day, every moment that we walk this earth. We know the old saying that we can’t “take it [material things] with us” is true, but it is also true that the only treasures we can take with us to heaven and lay at the feet of Jesus are the lives we influence for God’s Kingdom.

The lines truly have fallen to us in pleasant places, dear fellow believers, for we have a good heritage—too good to keep to ourselves. Let’s resolve, while we still have breath within us, to pass it on to as many others as we can!



***My newest releases, Deliver Me From Evil and A Christmas Journey Home, are now available at most online venues and in bookstores across the country. You can find/order them, along with previously published books, on my website (www.kathimacias.com). You can also get a free download of the first two chapters of Deliver Me From Evil at www.newhopedigital.com.


***Kathi Macias, PO Box 772, Homeland, CA 92548

www.kathimacias.com

www.thetitus2women.com

Until next time,

Linore

RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: HEAVEN, by Randy Alcorn
and, HEAVEN IS FOR REAL, Todd Burpo

Hey, I'm a guest on Lynn Squire's blog today, sharing parts of my testimony I don't usually talk about! Click through if you're interested... Faith, Fiction, Fun and Fanciful: Interview with Linore Rose Burkard: "A fellow historical fiction writer, Linore Rose Burkard, joins us today. Linore, thank you for coming. Her featured book (The House in Gro..."

"The Armed Man Will Not Harm You"

Years ago I was told this true story, and it has never left my mind, though the names of the people involved have long been lost to me. I can't even remember who told it to me, but it was during a Bible Study somewhere.

There was a visiting evangelist at a church one Sunday who offered to pray for anyone who came up and knelt on the step that ran across the front of the podium area. The Pastor's daughter was one who went up for prayer. As the man made his way across the kneeling saints, praying for healing for one, for blessing on another, he was also "operating" in the gift of the Spirit, a thing which he had painstakingly explained to the congregation beforehand. His emphasis was on the gift of the Word of Knowledge, sometimes called the gift of prophecy.

When he reached the pastor's daughter, he prayed over her and then, very distinctly and clearly pronounced, with his hand upon her head, "The armed man will not harm you." He moved on, and when the girl got home she and her family discussed what the meaning of these cryptic words might be. What armed man? Why would she encounter such a person, and where?

The years went by and they remembered these words less and less, no longer discussing their possible meaning. If anything, they assumed the evangelist had made an error in her case.

A few more years went by, and the daughter took a job for a company where her responsibilities included taking the weekly receipts and depositing them in a nearby bank. She did this every Friday and had never encountered a problem. But one day, as soon as she pulled up in her car and had parked in the lot, there was suddenly a man at the door of her car. He had a gun and he was pointing it straight at her head. He demanded that she hand over that heavy, leather bag which held the company's money.

For a second, she wavered. Why not give it to him? Surely the money wasn't worth sacrificing her life for. But for some reason, and she wasn't sure herself what made her do it, she ignored him. She got out of her car, and he pressed the gun into her side, demanding she give him the money. But she felt strongly she did not need to. It was almost as though invisible hands were at her sides, moving her along, and she simply turned, behaving as though he wasn't even there, and started walking for the bank. Each step strengthened her conviction that she was doing the right thing, and she was hardly even frightened.

She didn't turn around but thought she may have heard him running away.

It was only later on when she and her family were discussing the matter, that someone remembered the evangelist's words: The armed man will not harm you.

Has God given you a few words that you know you must cling to, even though you aren't sure what they mean for you, at this point in your life? He told me about a year ago to "strengthen the things that remain." This made no particular sense to me, and I have puzzled over it many times.

Yesterday morning I was praying and it all fell into place. It made perfect sense. There are things I need to strengthen, and the Lord reminded me of this while I was praying about things I feel I have lost. Well, life does bring loss. Sometimes God restores things, replaces things, and sometimes He doesn't. I need to accept that some losses will never be replaced. Not in this life, anyway.

And yet, I can focus on things that remain, and even strengthen them. It takes work and study and effort to strengthen them, so I'm thankful He gave me this word. It will help me to follow through with it.

What word or phrase has He given you? At the right time, the meaning will become clear. Hold onto it and hope, for He is faithful.

Is God Sovereign Over Human Disability?

This is a reprint from http://www.desiringGod.org/blog/, which is the blog of John Piper. I've been struggling with this question a bit lately, and I appreciated this "commentary" of Knight's. Please note that I changed one little thing: He had written "Apert Syndrome," but since one of my children has Asperger's Syndrome, I inserted it instead.

Posted: 05 May 2010 11:30 PM PDT

(Author: John Knight)

Yes he is. He tells us so in Scripture:

Then the Lord said to (Moses), "Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?" (Exodus 4:11)

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him." (John 9:1-3)

To be clear, God's sovereignty doesn't mean he merely permits disability. These verses show us that he sovereignly intends it, both for his glory and for our good—"that the works of God might be displayed."

With that in mind, what do you think about this expansion of Psalm 139:13-16? I've added some additional descriptors in italics to bring out what we really mean if we believe that God is sovereign over disability:

For you formed my inward parts with Down syndrome;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb without eyes.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made with cognitive challenges.
Wonderful are your works in creating me without limbs;
my soul knows it very well though my ears will never hear a sound.
My frame was not hidden from you as you made me with Asperger's Syndrome,
when I was being made in secret with autism,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth without Hexosaminidase A.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance with spina bifida;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me with cerebral palsy,
when as yet there was none of them.

ARE YOU THIRSTY?

"Come all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!" Isaiah 55:1

I love this verse. God offers to meet our needs
fully and unconditionally if we only go to Him!
Notice he is aware of our thirst ("you who are thirsty")--and offers "waters."
The very thing we need. He not only has what we need precisely,but
he has an abundance of it! ("Waters, plural. There's plenty, he seems
to be saying.)

He is aware of our hunger, (come and eat) and
our poverty--our inability to meet our own needs effectively.
("you who have no money.")
Then, He tells us, we who have no money but are hungry,
to "come, buy and eat."

Why does he tell us to "buy" if we have no money?
There can be only one answer. Because what he offers
has already been paid for. It is free--to us. But there was a price,
and Jesus Christ paid it. He "paid our way" for the banquet
of God. We can feast on God as much as we like. We need
only come, with His "ticket" (our faith in Christ) and we get
entry to the feast.

Have you handed in your ticket today?
Or are you allowing your soul to hunger and thirst when the Lord
is eager and ready to fill your need?

"If a person is admitted into the vault of a bank, and told to help
himself, and comes out with one cent, whose fault is it that he is poor?"*

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Thank you for being the answer to our
needs--of any kind. Thank you for the living water you offer, the
solace when we are hurting, the healing in your wings. Thank you for
having and being all that we need now, or will ever need. Help us
today to trust you for all that is required from us. May we rest
in your comfort, and your riches of mercy and grace to help us in our
need. May we drink freely from your fount, and eat of your bread
simply because we CAN--through Christ--and you encourage us to. Amen.

WORSHIP: Worship the Lord for how He can answer your problems today,
and meet all your needs, whether you can see his answer and help right now, or not.
(Remember, them that honor him, He will honor!)

hugs,

Linore

Note: Today's image is from livwat.com (their logo)

A Phenomenal Statement

"Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him." Luke 15:1

If there was nothing else written about Jesus, this one verse alone would tell you something important. Thankfully, we do have a great deal else written so that we can put this into a better context, but this single verse is nevertheless phenomenal in what it tells us about Jesus.

1. Tax collectors and sinners--ie, the dregs of society at that time--were not afraid to come to Jesus.
2. They didn't feel condemned by him, as they would have by a Pharisee, for example.
3. They didn't feel so ashamed that they wanted to hide.
4. He caught their interest, and gave them hope. Why else would they go near an evidently religious person? Someone who would never be a compatriot in their deeds or lifestyle?

Contrast this to how these same people would behave around a Pharisee or Sadducee. These men were the "elite" of the Jewish faith. Their desire was to be seen and acknowledged as the holiest, the most reverent men of their time. They were the ultimate in respectability.

Sinners and tax collectors would most likely cower in their shadows, if not hide outright if they were seen approaching. Not that the Pharisee would bother to notice them, of course, because such people were not worth his trouble. If he did notice the sinner, he'd most likely bestow a sneering glare of disdain before turning away.

Jesus felt differently.
Somehow, he communicated this.
He appealed to them.
He loved them.

Do you know a "tax collector or sinner?" Are you showing love towards that person?
Maybe you ARE that person.
If so, come near to Jesus. He promises to never turn away anyone who seeks him. Anyone.
He does love you--just the way you are!

Does He expect you to change? Not without his help!

That's good news, people.

If you have a minute, scroll down and let the first song on my music list speak to your heart.
("How Deep the Father's Love.")
Warmest blessings,

Linore

WHAT DO YOU CRAVE FOR?
(NEW BOOK TO READ)

I just added this to my to-be-read list. [CRAVE: by Chris Tomlinson] I love reading about how other Christians experience God, as I compare/contrast their experience with my own. It's also encouraging and uplifting to see how the Lord works with other people in ways that can be at once both similar and unlike the ways He works with me. God is so cool in that He is knows us each so intimately that he tailors His dealings with us according to who we are, and our level of understanding. I just can't get enough of Him--which I guess amounts to a craving. What about you?
Do you have God in your life today? Got cravings?

Watch the trailer for the book (Click Here)

Today I hope to remind myself that when cravings for ANYTHING hit, the real need of my life is for more of God.
It's the real need of your life, too.
Have you reached that decision, yet? If not, consider getting this book. You have to start somewhere to explore the possibility that God is calling you, that He is real, and that He really speaks to His people. Not only is He 'out there,' but He wants to use each and every craving and need in your life to point you to Himself.
I pray you take the opportunity to read Crave for yourself, and let the Lord fill you up.

For more info on Crave you can also click on the book cover. For special music today, I couldn't figure out how to get songs by Chris Tomlin (the singer/musician who does such beautiful worship CDs) onto this blog, so here's a link to listen. Hear Chris Tomlin: Not the same guy as the author.

"Only One Thing is Needed"

I still haven't left the "Mary vs. Martha" musings, and I am going over the same chapter in a devotional I read (Disciplines for Life: Steps to Spiritual Strength, by C.J.Mahaney and John Loftness)-again and again. Why? Because I still haven't "got it." I mean, deep down in my soul--The truth, that sitting at the feet of my Saviour tops all of the Martha activities I fill my hours with.

Rest assured that neither I (nor Jesus) are undermining all of the necessary tasks we must do in life-tasks that take us from listening at His feet. But if we do manage to "get it"--the listening part, that is--then nothing can take us from Him, no matter how much activity and busy-ness we undertake. We may not always be able to sit still like Mary and drink in His truths and love, but if we do it enough, and learn to hear him well, when it is time to go forth and be about our business in life, we will go forth fortified and stronger.

Isn't this the same as having a daily quiet time, you may ask?
Well, yes, and no.

Even our quiet time can be done by rote, filled with our own thoughts, and we can miss hearing His voice. Oh, have I been there, done that.

Other times we are so convinced that what we are doing is part of our calling, that we barely wait to hear further instructions.

Mahaney quotes Charles Hummel, who points out that one way to discern between the tyranny of the urgent vs. "what is needful," is in fact by careful listening.

"He impresses on our minds the assignments he wants us to undertake. THE NEED ITSELF IS NOT THE CALL...The call must come from the God who knows our limitations."

"It is not God who loads us until we crack..."

Did you get that? The need itself is not the call! If you're like me, you often mistake the two.

More next time.....

image from theframeitshop.com/Nathan_greene

Guest Devotional from Nancy Leigh DeMoss
The ChoiceI'm still using guest devotionals, and most likely will be until my current book manuscript is finished. I hope they bless you in your daily walk with Christ.
Hugs,
Linore

The Choice

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: A woman came to me one time and said, “How do you forgive a whole church?” She told me the story of how a year earlier the church had thrown out her dad as the pastor. They had sinned against him greatly. A lot of broken relationships had come about as a result of this situation.

This woman’s pain was still deep and fresh, but she was called to forgive. And in her case, she had to choose to forgive.

That’s because forgiveness isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice. It’s an act of my will. And it’s possible—thanks to God’s help. According to Philippians 2, God’s grace within us gives us the desire and the power to do whatever He has called us to do. Is there some area of hurt in your life? Ask God to give you His supernatural desire and power, and then—choose to forgive.

With Seeking Him, I’m Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

When the Church Thrives

The current political climate,(it is nearly impossible to miss) is becoming
increasingly anti-Christian. It is a difficult time for this country,
and for people of faith. However, read the following words and take
heart:

"Christianity has always thrived under persecution. At such times she has
no lukewarm professors, no adherents concerning whom it is doubtful to what
party they belong. The Christian then is reminded at every turn that his
Master's kingdom is not of this world. When all on earth wear a black and
threatening aspect, he looks up to heaven for consolation; he learns practically
to consider himself as a pilgrim and stranger...[But] when Christianity is in a state
of external quiet and prosperity, the contrary of all this naturally takes
place. The soldiers of the church militant forget that they are in a state of
warfare. Their ardor slackens, their zeal languishes. Like a colony long
settled in a strange country, they are gradually assimilated in features
and demeanor and language to the native inhabitants till at length almost every
vestige of peculiarity dies away."
William Wilberforce

Persecution is what separates the chaff from the wheat here on earth.

Most people who speak to me of why they do not come to faith raise
the issue of all the bad things happening in the world; how can God be
good, they ask, and allow all these things?
They have forgotten that mankind is in a state of rebellion against their Creator.
Unfortunately, in times of prosperity, the Church forgets this, too!

Mankind ignores and disobeys God, and then wonders why all is not well.
Until we fully accept that we are at war--whether it is a time of persecution
or not--we will continue to be surprised by the effects of that war. The
"fall out" of the spiritual battle raging constantly is the price of sin. It is "death"
in the material world, manifested from death in the spiritual one, which in turn is
a result of rebellion.

If we must face persecution, let it strengthen our faith, hone our convictions,
and bring forth a church triumphant in the end.
And, let us say with the writer of Revelations, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"

quotation taken from 365 WWJD? by Nick Harrison

Devoted Music (To God)

I don't know about you, but it is rare that I can be satisfied listening to music with lyrics that aren't Christian in nature. I can enjoy a great song as much as anyone, and there's a really eclectic mix of musical styles that I like--from Handel to rock--but for day in, day out enjoyment, I almost always prefer a Christian artist. Why?

Because Christian music feeds the soul, not just the ears.

I recently picked up "The Ultimate Collection" by Rebecca St. James. There are quite a few here that were on her first 'best of,' but a few that are new to me. I love Rebecca's "sold out for God," lyrics, her passionate styling, , "pure" energy, and the fact that she lives what she preaches. She walks the talk.

If you're looking for some upbeat tunes to play while driving or cleaning the house, give Rebecca a try. Some of my personal favorites by her? "God," "Go and Sin No More," "Pray," "Song of Love," "Reborn," and "I Thank You."

I have a devotion for you today from that wonderful lady, Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Remember, I "borrow " devotions when I'm writing on deadline--not every day, but when I'm in a time crunch. Enjoy.

April 24, 2009

Keep the Commitment

“Please leave your question at the tone.” (beep)

“My quiet time seems like something to check off my to-do list every day. If I really loved God, wouldn’t I jump out of bed every morning and run to spend time with Him?”

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: Not necessarily. You don’t want to live by your emotions, but there is something to be said for maintaining any good habit—even if we’re not full of warm feelings.

A lot of times when we’re faithful to carry out a discipline, the desire follows. For instance, even if a woman doesn’t feel warm toward her husband, she can act in a loving way. And she’ll probably find that her feelings for him will grow.

The same is true in our relationship with God. As Charles Spurgeon said:

“We should pray when we are in a praying mood, for it would be sinful to neglect so fair an opportunity. We should pray when we are not in the proper mood, for it would be dangerous to remain in so unhealthy a condition.”

With Seeking Him, I'm Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

This transcript is taken from the nationally-syndicated
daily radio program Seeking Him with Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Adoration that Offends

(Author: Tyler Kenney)

There is no other name [than Jesus]
by which men can be saved.

These words from Acts 4:12 filled the screen in worship as we sang "There Is No Other Name." And it struck me again how incredibly exclusive they are.

I thought to myself, "Man, what a strong thing to say! In singing this, I'm immediately dismissing every other religion in the world. If they could hear me, no doubt I'd offend billions of people."

Paul commands the Corinthians,

Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:32-33)

So why would I sing something in worship to Christ that I know is causing others (who I want to be saved!) to be offended?

Here's why:

Offense is only one result of my singing, not the aim. I'm not singing in order to make other people upset. Nor am I trying to gloat over them or "seek my own advantage."

We sing "no other name" because it is the truth. And we sing it with joy because it glorifies our Savior. It is a beautiful expression of his worth and our love for him. And to refrain from singing it so as not to offend others would instead be an offense to him.

We show more love for others than we do for Christ if we don't say that his is the only name by which men can be saved. And that's wrong! Jesus is our first love.

We shouldn't stop singing humble, honest lyrics to our Savior that happen to offend others. But with our singing, we must also spread the good news that no one needs to remain offended. God is still gathering a choir of people reconciled to him from every tribe and tongue.

Note from Linore: Thanks to today's "Desiring God" (John Piper) blog post for this message. When I'm working on a current book, I can't always write my own messages each and every day. I'm thankful for all the gifted, intelligent people who post wonderful, faith-filled content!

"TESTING, TESTING"


"God is always testing us, and his testing does not come when we are
warned and ready. Anyone can pass a test then.
God's tests catch us unprepared, off guard. It is when we are confronted
with some simple situation no one will know about that the tests of life
really come. When you are relaxing at home and the phone rings and
suddenly you are confronted with a call for help, or a demand for a
response--and you had planned to relax and enjoy yourself all
afternoon--what happens then? That's the test."
Ray Stedman (from 365 WWJD?)

Instead of a phone call, I could just substitute the needs of my
children, which sometimes arise with sudden intensity. My youngest
is particularly prone to stampede into my study with a need, large
or small, and my lap must be instantly available. I could be in
the middle of finally writing the portion of my book that had been eluding
me--or answering an important email; No matter. My child wants
first place in my attention, and I have to confess that it is not always
easy to give.

I remind myself that her needing me is not something I HAVE to
put up with--it is a privilege! I am honored to be a mom. I am grateful
for my children. Each of the "interruptions" are really just reminders
of my true life. I am here first of all as a daughter of God, wife, and mother.

What area of your life do you sometimes perceive as "interruptions?"
It may be that your interruptions, like mine, are little tests to see whether your
heart is where it should be.

When I manage to turn from my pc and fully embrace my daughter, or whatever
child it is needing my attention, I am richer for it. They are richer for it.
This is what my life should, and must, consist of. Putting people first.
Except me.

Hugs,

Linore