Balance

 

                          Tristan on the Beam in perfect balance

I love this little, big man. He is demonstrating one of the most important principles in living. Life is about balance. One aspect of it, and there are many, is concentration and commitment. Let alone the joy of achievement. Way to go Tristan and will done. I love you and am proud of you. Grandpa

Proverbs 28:2 (NLT)

    "... But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability." (Balance)

As mentioned above, stability is one of the vital virtues that affect life, family or government. Another example is the balance between wisdom and knowledge that results in stability which brings peace and prosperity. Consider the balance of love and truth; work and rest; faith and action; trust and faithfulness. There are so many of these spoken of throughout the Bible. God gives us this stability or balance in the Gospel, the good news, of His love and sacrifice for us. How wonderful that in Christ and through our trust in Him we have an abundant life in the balance of God's purpose and plan for us.

The primary balance in life is our joy in God as our source of life and our gratitude to God for the goodness of life He so graciously gives us. That is the real balance of life, joy in God and gratitude to God.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Father, how grateful we are that in a world that is broken by sin, rebellion, disbelief and is totally unstable You, in grace, give us stability and balance. 

Thank You, in the name or Jesus, who is both the center and circumstance of our life, a perfect balance. Amen

A GOOD LAUGH

                                       

      "A time to laugh."  Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NLT) 

I love laughter. One of the joys of my life is to mess with people, kid them. joke with them and get then to laugh or at least smile. One of the things I do when on a doctor visit is to ask him when he enters the room "How can I help you today?  "How are you feeling?"  He usually laughs and I am sure wonders how he can help this ole man with one foot on a banana peel and the other on a grave. 

One of the many things I love about being in our family gatherings is that it is always party time. That is, a time to laugh and just enjoy each other. Laughter is a very delightful part of our sharing together. Laughter even to the point of tears. 

So, now I just want to share some verses on laughter and how important it is to our life, health and relationships with God and each other.

The healing of laughter. Stress may kill, but laughter will help heal you. It is personal, practical, physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and affects the whole person, body, soul and spirit. It is a key to good health and happy living. It is a laughing matter. No joke!

"A cheerful heart is good medicine..."  Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) 

Job 8:21 (NLT) 

21 He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

The sharing of laughter. Such fun to enjoy the life of others in which God is doing miracles things. 

Genesis 21:6-7 (NLT) 

6 And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. 7 Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!” 

Psalm 113:9 (NLT) 

9 He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. Praise the LORD! 

Luke 15:8-10 (NLT) 

8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? 

9 And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” 

The benefits of laughter.

Proverbs 15:13 (NLT) 

"A glad heart makes a happy face;" 

The contentment of laughter - The joy of simply being satisfied.

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 (ESV) 

24 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, 25 for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? 26 For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy...." 

Philippians 4:11 (ESV) 

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 

The restoration of laughter. Happy days are here again in renewed relationships.

Luke 15:8-10 (NLT) 

8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? 

9 And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” 

Luke 15:32 (NLT) 

32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’” 

Romans 12:15 (NLT) 

"Be happy with those who are happy....." 

The celebration of laughter. Enjoying God's gracious provision.

Psalm 126:2-3 (NLT) 

2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the LORD has done for them.” 3 Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy! 

The justice of laughter. The foolishness of sinful humanity in their attempt to defeat God is laughable. 

Psalm 2:1-4 (NLT) 

1 Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? 2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one. 3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.” 4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. 

Psalm 37:12-13 (NLT) 

12 The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. 13 But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming. 

Psalm 73:20 (NLT) 

20 When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

The hope of laughter. The best is yet to be based on God's promise.

Luke 6:21 (NLT) 

"....God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh." 

Jeremiah 33:11 (NLT) 

11 the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the LORD....."  

The confidence of laughter - Working faith of a capable wife.

Proverbs 31:10 (NLT) 

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. 

Proverbs 31:25 (NLT) 

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 

Proverbs 31:29-31 (NLT) 

29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. 

The eternal joy of laughter. Heaven is a happy place. Yes, filled with laughter and joy!!!

1 Peter 1:8 (NLT) 

8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 

Hebrews 12:22 (NLT) 

22 No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering.

These are just a few verses on laughter and joy in living in fellowship with the Lord and each other. 

Psalm 16:11 (NLT) 

11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

 

Isaiah 61:10 (NLT) 

10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. 

It is not "let the party begin."  It is "let the party continue," daily in our life and laughter with the Lord, and all who will join us.

Psalm 23:6 (NLT) 

6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live (and laugh) in the house of the LORD forever. 

Is This Heaven?

 

John 14:2-3 (NIV) 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV) 9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"-- 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. (Not only is ours the Kingdom future, but also the Kingdom now, for Jesus is our Savior and King who rules on the throne of our hearts.)  

Luke 6:20 (NIV) 20 Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God, (In our heart now and in our future,)  

Luke 17:21 (NIV) 21 ......' because the kingdom of God is within you."  (Now)

Matthew 6:33 (ESV) 33 ..... seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Now)

Matthew 6:9-10 (NIV) 9 "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, (Future) your will be done on earth (Now)  as it is in heaven. (Now)

Psalm 16:11 (NLT) 11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence (Now) and the pleasures of living with you forever. (Future)

"HEAVEN CAME DOWN"

Oh what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget.  After I'd wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met. Oh what a tender, compassionate friend, He met the need of my heart Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul When at the cross the Savior made me whole My sins were washed away My night was turned to day Heaven came down and glory filled my soul yeah.

Born of the Spirit with life from above into God's family divine. Justified fully through Calvary's love Oh what a standing is mine.  And the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came. Took of the offer of grace He did proffer He saved me Oh praise His dear Name.

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul. When at the cross the Savior made me whole. My sins were washed away My night was turned to day Heaven came down and glory filled my soul.  

Songwriters: Peterson John Willard. 

"Is This Heaven?  YES!!!  The joy of His presence within us now on earth and our ultimate and eternal joy with Him in heaven.

1 Peter 1:8 (NLT) "You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy." 

Amen, Amen and Amen!!!

THE KINDNESS OF GOD

 

Romans 2:4 (NLT) 

"Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you?  

Does this mean nothing to you?  

 Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" 

Nothing moves me more to humility, tears and gratitude than the Kindness of God. I know what I deserve, God's righteous judgement. The overwhelming reality of my unworthiness and yet the incredible worth of me to God can only be see and understood by the cross and Christ's suffering for my sin, which He did not deserve, but I do!

How well the Scriptures explain this: "God showed how much he loved us (me) by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we (I) might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we  (I) loved God, but that he loved us (me) and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our (mine) sins."   1 John 4:9-10 (NLT) 

Romans 5:8 (NLT)  "But God showed his great love for us (me) by sending Christ to die for us (me) while we (I was) were still sinners."

 

I cannot over emphasis how much this personal kindness of God means to me. Words simply fail. The following Scriptures will give insight and understanding into such glorious grace, magnificent mercy and loving kindness.

Titus 3:4-5 (NLT)  "4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit."

That is why the question is asked: 

"4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? 5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed." Romans 2:4-5 (NLT)  

 

The Apostle Peter reminds us of God's kindness: " The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) 

 

And John reminds us of the great reason for God's kindness. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16 (NLT)

  

The following song: "He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need" expresses the emotions of why I feel so deeply grateful for the wonderful Kindness of the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

"Amazing grace will always be my song of praise,

For it was grace that brought me Liberty,

I do not know just why He came to love me so,

He looked beyond my fault and saw my need,

I shall forever lift my eyes to Calvary,

To view the cross where Jesus died for me,

How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul,

He looked beyond fault and saw my need."

That you Father for your kindness revealed at the Cross of Christ and the gracious forgiveness of all my sin. And for the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence. In the gentle Name of Jesus my Savior and Lord. Amen.

 

"I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving." 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT) 

Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) 

25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. 

Heavenly Father, help me to ponder these passages of Scripture with a sincere and humble heart willing to share Your generosity with others.

King David an example -

1 Chronicles 29:5-9 (NLT) 

5 ...... Now then, who will follow my example and give offerings to the LORD today?” 6 Then the family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals and captains of the army, and the king’s administrative officers all gave willingly. 9 The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD, and King David was filled with joy. 

1 Chronicles 29:10-14 (NLT) 

10 Then David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly: “O LORD, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! 11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. 12 Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. 13 “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! 14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! 

1 Chronicles 29:16-17 (NLT) 

16 “O LORD our God, even this material we have gathered to build a Temple to honor your holy name comes from you! It all belongs to you! 17 I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously. 

O heavenly Father, you are the Source of my life, the Sovereign of my Soul and the Supply of all I need. Your Word reminds me: "19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NLT) 

Father, the Apostle Paul encourages me in giving: "7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 

12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!  2 Corinthians 9:7-15 (NLT) 

Father I pray, that you will help me to share in the joy, generosity, and grace of giving, for your honor and glory and to help others in their needs. In the name of Jesus our generous Lord and Savior. Amen.

 

Meditation on the Gift

2 Corinthians 9:15 (NLT) " Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! "

1 Corinthians 15:1-54(NIV)  "1 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, "

Acts 4:12 (NLT) "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved."

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." Romans 1:16 (NIV) 

Romans 6:23 (NLT) "23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. "

Psalm 116:12-14 (NLT) "12 What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the LORD’s name for saving me. 14 I will keep my promises to the LORD in the presence of all his people."

Father, in answer to the question above, I will lift up the cup of salvation for all to see wonders of your love for us. I will worship and praise Your Name with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength. And I will live out my promise of trust and obedience to you as a testimony to the gift of your infinite grace. Through the Name of our and Savior Jesus. Amen.

From the Hymn "Marvelous Grace."

"Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt, yonder on Calvary's Mount Cross out poured there were the blood of the Lamb was spilt. Grace, grace, God grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within, Grace. grace, God grace, grace that is greater than all our sin."

A TRIBUTE TO MY WIFE ON MOTHER'S DAY

 

A tribute to my wonderful wife and the amazing mother of our children.

"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown....."                      Proverbs 12:4 (NIV) 

The jewels in the Royal Crown are 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and four rubies. It is a treasure of greatest value. Wanda is a treasure of greatest value and jewels in the crown.

Diamond - 

Like a diamond glistening with colors from the light refracted, Wanda's personality is reflected through her life in her joy of living, industry in working, and diligence in managing her home. In her gifts of art, decoration, and music. In consistentantly cooking and baking. In exciting adventures when the chance comes, and travel. She thrives on helping people and be a caregiver to many young and old.. She focuses on what needs to be done and consciously does it. She is both strong and venerable in of life circumstances. She embraces the fullness of life in all of her activities. She greets family, friends, neighbor and stranger with a beautiful smile and a gracious greeting.

Sapphire shines exquisite light of excellence - Wanda is  committed to the absolute conviction of and commandment to truth. of the Bible. She is loyal to the commands of God in her obedience to His Word and will. and the woman, wife, and mother God created her to be. 

Emerald - Spiritual growth.  Wanda loves the Lord with of her heart and learns each day how to trust Him more. She is devoted to the Bible, she shares her faith in every opportunity: The mall, market, Gas Station, Restaurant, laundry room. Anywhere and everywhere, always ready to tell of her relationship with the Lord.

Pearl - The priority of her values. Marriage, Children, Friends, Church, Community. She will portraited in Proverbs 31:10-31 

 Proverbs 31:10-12 (NLT) 

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 

 Proverbs 31:27-31 (NLT) 

27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. 

28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 

29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. 

31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. 

Rubie- Service, suffering and sacrifice. Wanda in many ways ministries to others with her gifts and talents. She has experienced suffering as all people do and has learned through God's grace to give thanks in all things for what God is accomplishing through them for her. She knows the truth of Romans 8:28. There are times when sacrifice, putting others before yourself and their needs is necessary to ensure their benefit. This she does with humility and mercy.

Her influence and love is well attested to by the following statements:

She is loved and pleasing to God because she is " a woman who fears the LORD ..." . Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) 

She is loved and cherished by her husband because he trusts her completely.

She is loved and precious to her Children because of her sacrificial love and devotion to them.

She is loved and appreciated by her friends because of her loyal friendship and kindness for them.

Indeed, of Wanda it may be said : "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:29 (NIV)  

She is the crown for her husband, The Queen of her home, The pride of her children, The Lady of Nobility for her friends. She is the is the quindecinnial Woman. This is all from the grace of God and to the glory of God from whom all blessings flow. And this grace is wonderfully displayed in the life of Wanda. She is the Royal Crown of my life! How true the Word of God is: "The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD." Proverbs 18:22 (NLT)