Planting of the Lord

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1:3

During my morning quiet time, the Lord directed my attention to some large pine trees outside. The entire landscape is changing with spring upon us. The grass lush green, the azalea's deep coral, the Japanese walnut full of purple flowers. All bringing forth new life as expected with spring.

Pine trees on the other hand are evergreens, so there really is no expectation with this particular tree. However, I gazed upward and noticed numerous new structural growths appearing. Silent internal growth was manifesting in the natural with tender shoots all facing heaven.

It occurred to me as Christians there is an expectation as well. We are to represent Christ, and live a life that brings honor to our King. We desire beautiful growth as seen in spring with new life. Yet, we are to be as the evergreens; steadfast, flourishing, showing abundant life. To experience structural Christian growth, takes time and costs much. It requires time in the presence of the King. Spending time in the Word of God, prayer and pressing in for more from the Lord. It is during our quiet time with the Father that our internal structure develops, matures and eventually sends forth new structural growth. Yes, as seasoned women of God we can still grow, we maintain the evergreen status and still send forth new shoots.

As a Christian of many years, I have longed for a sweet spirit. I know several mighty women of God, who have a sweet spirit in the Lord; it is evident the moment they speak. This spirit is heard in their voice, it's on their countenance and seen in the way they carry themselves. These women are anointed of God. It didn't just happen; rather it is a direct result of time spent with the Lord. The scripture tells us we shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, bringing forth fruit in our season. As evergreens do not wither, so are we to continually bring forth good fruit. The way to strengthen your walk and produce more fruit is to spend time with the King.

There is no substitute in Christian growth to spending time with the Lord. You gain more spiritual insight, clarity of scripture, and a deeper spiritual sensitivity if we drink from the "rivers of water" as the Psalmist states. Our rivers of water, the word of God, the Holy Spirit and access to the throne room through prayer.

I am continuing to press in for a sweet spirit. This would be structural change in my spirit. I'm certainly not where I want to be. However, I have seen changes in my attitude and my love for others, all natural manifestations of what's taking place internally.

Father, I thank you for changing my spirit to be more like you. I ask you to search my inner man and where flesh needs to be removed bring this to my mind. I long to be more like you, change me and sustain me as I wait on you.

Geri Hoggard

Remember How You Got There

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Psalms 77:11-12 (NIV)

Have you ever been riding in the car with a group of people and got to the destination having no idea how you got there. I seem to get too distracted by the conversation in the car to pay attention to which roads we took to get us there, usually only the driver knows how to get back home. Life can be very similar.

When driving, you have to be alert, paying attention, and watchful for danger. The Christian life is so similar; we need to be alert, and paying attention to those around us. If we are always focused on our own life, no one will ever feel the love of Christ from our lives. So many people in this world are hurting, and desperate for someone to just take notice of them.

You also have to keep watch for danger, keeping yourself and everyone in and out of the vehicle safe. 1Peter 5:8 says, Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV) In the Christian walk danger is in every turn, if we are not cautious we could be headed down a dangerous path.

We must also follow the road signs when driving, if we do not, we will either wreck or be lost. God is ready and willing to show us which direction is his will in our life. However we have to follow his signs, by reading the Bible and spending time alone with him. Pray for peace in your heart for right decisions and pray that the Spirit will let you know of any changes that need to be made in your life.

Remembering what God has done in the past is essential. We are human and we forget entirely to quickly. Take the Israelites for example, they cried out to God asking to set them free from captivity, and he did. They walked on the dry ground of the red sea with the walls of its water surrounding them. They ate the manna and quail from heaven. They followed God in a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night. Yet, as soon as Moses went up on the mountain with God, they got tired of waiting and constructed a golden calf to worship instead of the God whom they had experienced such rescue, provision, and guidance with.

Look back on your life and remember all that God has done in your life. Keep a journal or do something special to be used as a reminder of the great God we have. If we live each day with the perspective of remembering what God has done, we will not fail to shine and be a light to all the hurting in the world.

Thank you Father for all you have done in our lives. You never cease to amaze us! Help us to pay attention, stay alert, and remember where we have come from.

Sarah Hostetler

Forgiveness

And be kind to one another,tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Asking someone for forgiveness, when you know you are wrong, is a hard thing to do. We have all had times in our lives when we know, without a shadow of a doubt, we messed up and the only way to true restoration is to ask for forgiveness.

When we come to Christ with a child like, humble heart, asking Him to forgive us of our sins, Christ never turns His back, pouts, or gives us the silent treatment in return. He does not hold a grudge for what we did to Him on Calvary. He simply prayed for each of us “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” Matthew 23:34. He graciously forgives us and restores us with His loving tender mercy.

Today as you walk with Christ how will you respond to those who may need to be forgiven? Will you turn your back, give the silent treatment, or will you, like Christ, graciously be kind and tender-hearted toward those who have offended you?

On the flip side, you may be having one of those days where nothing is going right and you are constantly saying or doing the wrong thing. Forgiveness needs to come your way and you pray to the Father for those whom you have offended, to be gracious, kind and merciful toward you.

A kind, tender-hearted person that forgives as Christ forgave is a person that reflects Christ to others. Show off Christ today by reflecting His heart to others and forgive as He forgave.

Heavenly Father, I pray that my heart will be a reflection of you today. Help me to graciously forgive those who may offend me today and in return may those I offend graciously forgive me. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Marty Girardier

Walk Free

So shall I keep Your law continually, forever and ever, and I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts. Psalm 119:44-45

The rule had been the same for his sisters; no dating in high school. There were many conversations and attempted rule breaking debates. His parents remained firm. Now, at eighteen, a high school graduate and freshman on a college campus, the rule no longer applied. Freedom to date! After looking over the field of single young ladies, a special one had been chosen. Thanksgiving break meant separation after only three weeks of dating. The mother of this young man chuckled as she told the story of her conversation with this young son before he returned to college. He admitted, after detailing the wonderful points of dating, he now had more rules and responsibilities and much less freedom. There was a new sense of understanding the responsibilities in a dating relationship, and the purpose of the rule really did reflected the heart of his parents.

It is human nature to be caught up in the bondage of following the letters of the law. When there are boundaries, it is easy to respond to the limitations and complain about the opportunities that are withheld. Satan is ready to accuse and shower feelings of guilt and unworthiness. The truth of the Word of God becomes a book of rules and restrictions.

David experienced the joys of obedience to God and the consequences of sin in his life. Through these experiences, he came to understand the heart of God. The rules and commandments David was exposed to were not there to inhibit or restrain, they were there to protect and provide a path of freedom to be what God created him to be. In Psalm 119:30 David says I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgements I have laid before me. He understood there are less consequences and regrets in life when one purposely chooses the way of truth. In verse 35 he says he delights in walking in God's commandments.

The dating rule was designed to allow a period of maturity before the young son entered into dating relationships. The commandments and principles in the Bible teach us freedom from sin and the resulting oppressive guilt that surely follows. By living God's way - following His precepts, we gain strength to reject sin and freedom to fulfill God's plan for our lives. We can delight and walk in liberty, just as David did.

Lord, continue to work in our hearts. May we desire to be obedient and long to delight in your law. Thank you for your commandments and your love, and the freedom we have in You.

Janet Stutzman

God Winks

Praise the Lord! How wonderfully He showed his love for me... Psalms 31:21

Since it was getting close to Memorial Day I wanted to get the flowers planted at home, as well as at the cemetery. I knew I had bitten off more than I could chew, but I started out with enthusiasm. But my enthusiasm was in low gear by the time I had finished putting in the last of the flowers at the cemetery.

Hot and exhausted, I gathered up the sprinkling cans and started over to the water faucet. I was about half way there when I noticed a sign hanging on the handle. As I got closer I read, "Water available at the north end of the cemetery. Sorry for your inconvenience." I have no sense of direction, but it was clear; I wasn't at the "north end" of the cemetery.

With a super pail in one hand, and a sprinkling can in the other, I headed for my car. As I walked, I started to whine to the Lord about my situation. In jest I said, "Boy, it would sure be nice Lord, if someone would show up here with some water."

As I was about to put the pail and sprinkling can in the car, a van drove up. A man got out with two sprinkling cans and a big smile. He looked at me and said, "Here I am at your service!" I stood there speechless. Since I wasn't responding the man said cheerfully, "Well, where do you want me to put this water?" With tears in my eyes I choked out the words, "Up on my son Todd's grave would be wonderful. Thank you."

Today I was watching Joyce Meyer's "Enjoying Everyday Life" program. Joyce called these moments "Winks from God." I certainly felt that God had shown His love for me and had given me a wink and a smile that day.

Help us Father to recognize the "winks" you send our way each day. Amen