Craftsmanship

I’ve always wanted to make quilts for our children, but after attempting to do so learned; I’m not a quilter.

However, I’ve been very blessed to watch our oldest daughter learn the craft from a professional.

Recently, I had the extreme pleasure of watching them together.

Although both were very busy, they shared  their enthusiasm over a blue ribbon.

Both of them put so much work into our daughter’s quilt.

(She pieced it, the professional quilted it, then Sis did the binding.)

It’s truly a beautiful testimony to their efforts.

Each quilt, in the show, bears a few words as to the story of the piece, and my heart was blessed to read the lines our daughter chose.

She made sure to include the lovely lady who has taught her so much.

To see the gift of a useful and beautiful craft passed on to our daughter causes me to rejoice.

For this is a gift from God.

‭James 1:17 KJV‬
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

In the Old Testament, God gives detailed instructions to Moses on every part of the tabernacle.

God not only gave instruction on what was to be made, He gave wisdom to the heart of those who would do the work.

‭Exodus 31:1-6 KJV‬
[1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [2] See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: [3] and I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, [4] to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, [5] and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. [6] And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;

The Israelites had been slaves for several hundred years,so it’s difficult to imagine that many of them had the education in these areas of craftsmanship.

But God is not hindered by one’s education, and He names two men who had been given the Spirit of God and wisdom for all the tasks at hand.

Matthew Henry had an interesting point as to Bezaleel.

“Bezaleel was to be the architect, or master workman, v. 2. He was of the tribe of Judah, a tribe that God delighted to honour; the grandson of Hur, probably that Hur who had helped to hold up Moses’s hands (ch. 17), and was at this time in commission with Aaron for the government of the people in the absence of Moses (ch. 24:14); out of that family which was of note in Israel was the workman chosen, and it added no little honour to the family that a branch of it was employed, though but as a mechanic, or handicraft tradesman, for the service of the tabernacle.” Matthew Henry

The idea that this man’s grandfather could have been the same one who stood holding up the arm of Moses during the battle brings new meaning.

Hur was used by God to support Moses, who in turn, was supporting, through prayer, the nation as the Israelites, lead by Joshua, fought against their enemies.

How fitting that his grandson should be used to help build the tabernacle where the entire nation would worship.

God supplied all that was needed in both settings and He’s still working in the lives of people through others, today.

He is still putting His wisdom in the hearts of people to grant them incredible abilities for the blessing of many.

God is the Master Craftsman, it is His creativity which mankind has been gifted with.

Psalm 115:15 KJV — Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word! Thank You for Your good gifts and the multitude of people You bless through those gifts. Lord, what great wonders of creativity are around us daily, all gifts from You, whether we recognize it or not. Lord, thank You for Your creativity and the creation which testifies of You every day. Lord, thank You for people who are gifted in special crafts. Thank You for those who teach others and pass the craft on to the future generations. Lord, thank You for those who bless others without looking forward reward or payment, but are generous because they have been blessed by Your generosity. Lord Jesus, please continue to help each of those who bear Your name to see the opportunities You give and to serve those around them. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Unexpected affection

This is our son and his Nana.

I didn’t take a picture.

For a split second I just stood there.

My son-in-law had just spoken, “Say ‘Goodbye’ to Grammy! She has to go home and feed the lambs.”

Then, he laughed and if you don’t know my son-in-law, Sis’s hubby, you can’t understand the uniqueness of his laugh.

It’s very special and I’m blessed with hearing it regularly from him.

It caused me to turn around, for I’d just handed out baby grandson back to our daughter.

Our other grandson was the reason for the laugh and his response to his father’s instruction melted me completely.

Which was the reason for the pause.

He was putting all his effort into puckering his lips for a “big goodbye kiss” on the cheek.

He’s only three, and words just describe the adorable face of his puckering as he did.

But it was the unexpected affection, which prompted this, which his behavior.

Of course I went right over and got my kiss-on-the-cheek which he bestowed, most enthusiastically, and then looked at his parents with an expression filled with joy.

Oh precious child!

If I could love with that same exuberance my Lord and all who are around me!

Of course, I kissed him on his cheek and squeezed him a good deal.

Next, it was Faye’s turn to be hugged and kissed, but she wasn’t excited about either.

She said, “Grammy, I want you to come inside and eat soup.”

Which was her way of telling me that she wasn’t ready for me to leave yet, we should eat dinner together.

After explaining that I had eaten and the lambs in the tote were very hungry she acquiesced and told me “Good bye”.

They all returned to the house and I drove away, warmed and blessed by the love of my family.

Immediately, my heart overflowed with songs of praise and thanksgiving.

God knows so much more than I do.

His understanding far superior to even the most knowledgeable, intelligent human.

Yet, it is His love lavished upon me that brings me to tears.

For the love i daily enjoy from family and friends is from God.

The love I would be lost without is freely given.

That same love is what inspired me to love, for it’s amazing.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall have eternal life.” John 3:16

Nothing compares to the love of God.

I’m so grateful for His salvation and the innumerable blessings I am bathed in daily because of that.

1 John 4:19 NKJV — We love Him because He first loved us.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word! For it is through the Bible we come to know You and are shown ourselves as well. Lord Jesus, thank You so much for my husband, our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren. Thank You for our extended family, for the family we enjoy through the body of Christ. Thank You for neighbors and even strangers, for there is such beautiful opportunity in each day just to pray for those around me. Lord, thank You for the huge blessing of our grandson yesterday. I pray I can learn from him and love like that. Thank You for Your sacrifice! I cannot imagine my life without You and Your redemption. Blessed be Your name in all the Earth! Amen.

Chicken tractor

I began moving chickens into the tractors to elevate problems.

Some of the hens were being pecked to the point of baldness and I was losing eggs to at least one egg-eater.

After nearly a year things have settled down and we have plans for at least two more tractors.

They house chickens year around and we’d like more hens.

There are still a few drawbacks, one being the song birds.

Despite the low profile of the tractors our ground isn’t level and at times song birds get underneath the side to eat the chicken food and can’t get back out.

This occurred today with the tractor pictured.

Only one hen lives in this tractor currently as her friend is on detention in another tractor for egg eating.

I could tell the hen was upset when I went out to check the water, but I didn’t see why right away.

There was a song bird trapped in the tractor and the hen didn’t like it at all.

I tried a couple things to encourage the bird out, at the same time keeping the hen in.

(We stopped free ranging after having a hawk kill and eat one hen and the neighbors lost two.)

Nothing worked.

I think the hen was as frustrated as I, because she finally retired into the nesting box and I was able to propped the door open.

I walked around the tractor to the side where the little song bird lay with it’s beak open panting, the wire mesh between it’s top beak and bottom beak.

It was a pitiful sight.

Too exhausted to even try to fly out, it lay panting, looking up at me in sheer terror.

Thankfully, the hen remained in the box while it recovered and finally flew out.

I closed the door and told the hen she could come down.

Which she did after peeking out to be sure the song bird was gone.

It wasn’t until many hours later I realized I’d made a mistake.

In my effort to get the hen to the nesting box I’d evidently not latched the door to that part as I should have, because it stood open and the hen was having a dust bath in my flower bed.

I tried tempting her to return, first with popcorn and then with freeze dried worms.

Nope.

She was free and going to remain so.

I decided ignoring her might grant her the time to go back in and eat all the treats I’d left her, so I went to clean the chicken coop.

Not wanting to go too far Incase the hawk turned up.

(It wasn’t that long ago when we saw it perched on a garden post staring at the chickens in a different tractor.)

Her buddy is in a tractor nearby where I put the wheel barrow to clean.

She must have decided to visit her because when I came around with the shovel to open the coop, she flew up from beside the tractor her friend is in and took off leaving not a little noise behind her.

I shook my head.

If the song bird hadn’t gone where he shouldn’t have been, the hen wouldn’t have gotten let out of where she needs to be.

But I can’t explain to the hen what incredible danger she is in every minute she’s outside the chicken tractor.

She thinks she’s free and going to enjoy herself.

Isn’t this all familiar?

Don’t people do the same things?

God gives us His Word, instruction for how to live, warnings of danger, and food for our souls, yet people want to be free, to live as they choose, not realizing that this freedom is actually slavery, pain, and eventually death.

It’s a common failing in mankind, but praise God, no one needs to be a slave to sin and their own flesh.

‭1 John 1:5-10 KJV‬
[5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. [6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: [7] but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. [8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Jesus Christ has provided all required for eternal life.

All anyone need do is accept His gift of salvation.

Once saved from sin and death, our flesh may still war against the Spirit, but there’s no longer the blind foolish arrogance which snubs the nose at God’s direction, for those who have accepted His sacrifice understand how precious a gift salvation truly is.

It is far too valuable to allow one’s flesh to rule one’s thoughts and actions, rather the costly price of Jesus’ blood brings one into that desire which leads them into both joy and gratitude not only for the gift, but also for His Word which guides, protects, instructs, and draws one ever closer to their blessed Redeemer.

I’m so thankful for the understanding God has blessed me with and grateful for His precious Word.

Living within God’s instructions is blessing and joy and peace.

Which our hen discovered as well when the Sun began to go down.

With the darkness deepening she realized the security of her tractor was where she wanted to reside after all.

Psalm 91:1 KJV — He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for Your blessing and protection through Your Word. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank You for all You have done and are doing. Thank You for helping me understand Your Word and the blessings of walking in Your ways. Lord, I know I have stumbled, I have been shortsighted, I have misunderstood, but I thank You and praise You for Your faithfulness and patience. Please continue to teach me from Your Word. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

What did He sing?

‭Matthew 26:26-30 KJV‬
[26] And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. [27] And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; [28] for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. [29] But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. [30] And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

As a Gentile, there’s things about the Passover which escape my notice.

Until Sunday School this weekend, I had not asked, “What hymn did Jesus sing.”

Our Sunday School class which meets an hour before service has been going through the Gospel of Matthew and someone asked that question.

The Jewish tradition is the singing of the Hallel, which is the Psalms 113-118 during Passover.

The meal ends with 115-118.

Thus, Pastor turned to read Psalm 118.

He read and all listened.

‭Psalm 118:27-29 KJV‬
[27] God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. [28] Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt thee. [29] O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Pastor Eric looked up from his Bible and surveyed the room.

“Can you imagine it? Jesus the sacrifice, sang ‘Bind the sacrifice with cords, even until the horns of the altar,’ as He was going to be sacrificed upon the cross.”

Nothing.

No sound, no comment, the room was silent as each heart pondered the momentous idea of Jesus singing these words on His way to the Cross.

The truth of what Christ endured for the redemption of those who would believe on Him is awesome.

To know that He chose to walk that path with rejoicing is incredible.

Hebrews 12:2 KJV — Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus Christ sang before He went to the Garden of Gethsemane, before He was betrayed by a kiss, before He was falsely accused, before He was condemned for being Himself, before He was brutally beaten, before He suffered torture…

He sang.

‭Psalm 118:28-29 KJV‬
[28] Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt thee. [29] O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Because of God’s mercy, Jesus died for sinners, and because of His goodness, He rose again.

“Because there was no sin in Him (Jesus) death had no hold.” Pastor Eric

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word! Thank You for showing me something I’ve never really understood and definitely didn’t appreciate. Lord, thank You for showing us how awesome You are. You not only paid the price for sin, but You inspired the Psalms and knew these would be the words You would sing before Your sacrifice. No matter how often those words were sung before nor after that moment, they could never be as meaningful as when You sang them that night. Lord Jesus, thank You for the details. Thank You for caring so much. May Your name be glorified daily! Amen.

Who’s righteous before God?

‭Romans 2:1-11 NIV‬
[1] You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. [2] Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. [3] So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? [4] Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? [5] But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. [6] God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” [7] To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. [8] But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. [9] There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; [10] but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. [11] For God does not show favoritism.

How easy it is for one group of people to set themselves above another.

It has been occurring throughout history and is still prevalent today.

These words were specifically for those who thought they were right with God due to their lineage and their religion.

‭Romans 3:20 NIV‬
[20] Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

It’s apparent that none are right with God.

There is only one way to be right with God.

‭Romans 3:22-26 NIV‬
[22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. [25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— [26] he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Therefore, let no one place themselves as better or more valuable than another.

Rather, let us humble our hearts before Jesus Christ and be thankful for His righteousness which He freely gives.

“and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for showing us through the scriptures that none has ever achieved their own salvation, for it is through Your sacrifice alone. Lord, please continue to help each of us who are called by Your name to humble ourselves before You and remain humble before one another, not exalting others or oneself above any. Lord, please keep us aware of the tendency to wander into these errors which pollute relationships and twist the truth. Lord, You died for all and we must not forget that. Lord, please help us to walk with integrity valuing others without wavering in truth nor being blind to sin. For true love paid the price to do away with sin, not to allow it. Lord, thank You for paying such a high price to save me. May my life reflect Your glorious name, Jesus. Amen.

Blinded by greed

Can you see it?

It’s the horse panel we use for a gate and we’ve had it since we hung the first gate and realized the ground slopes badly.

The gap underneath the gate was much too large, so we swapped out the gate for the panel, due to it’s flexibility, it could be hung much lower.

All of our livestock have been kept inside the fence, because of this panel, but today it was invisible.

Besides being in good pasture all day long, our ram is fed grain twice a day.

He also gets a small amount of alfalfa after his grain in the evening.

But it’s never enough, he’s always in a huge hurry to get to the field in the morning and to the barn in the evening.

This morning he was especially anxious about getting there faster, but I was moving my normal speed, not feeling up to hurrying.

Because he out weighs me by at least a hundred pounds, I am very careful not to let him get pushy or try to force me to do something I don’t want to do.

This morning he was trying to drag me and so I spoke to him and lifted his head so he couldn’t see well.

Normally, this gets him to slow down and quit being so pushy.

Today, he started swinging his head around, trying to get it out of my hand.

It’s a short distance to the field so we were nearly at the panel when I decided to stop and try to calm him.

I spoke to him, still gently but firmly, holding his head up higher.

I’m not sure how it happened, but he suddenly got his head out of my hand and lunged forward.

I was still holding his collar when he blindly jumped, full force, into the panel with me.

Before I could get my feet back under me, his front feet went through the panel and he went down hard, nose first.

I fell too.

We both got up and I helped him get free of the panel and into the field.

The craziest part of it all, was the panel was open, if he’d not been fighting me we would have walked into the field no problem.

As I closed and secured the panel I told him I wasn’t impressed.

Still having other chores to complete, I didn’t reflect on the incident at the time.

(Besides thanking the Lord neither of us were hurt.)

It came back to mind when I was feeding 47 and 49 their nine o’clock bottles.

Both lambs stand at the gate while I open it and lately 49 has been dashing past me the moment it’s open and running all around the barn in a panic while I call him and feed 47.

It seems only fair that 47 should get to eat as soon as possible since he’s not running by me but instead running to me.

And there’s the lesson.

The animals have needs and those needs are regularly filled.

But blind greed has a way of causing not only a hindrance to those needs being filled, it’s caused unnecessary frustration.

Which I’m thankful for.

It is in these unnecessary frustrations that I see myself clearer.

The animals are animals and will never be self disciplined or self controlled, because their understanding is limited, they were not designed to be rational.

But God has granted mankind with not only rational thought, but discernment and self control.

Yet, greed causes blindness in humans as much as in animals.

For greed has another name: covetousness.

Exodus 20:17 KJV — Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

Romans 13:9 KJV — For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

‭James 4:1-3 KJV‬
[1] From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? [2] Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. [3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

How much sorrow, disappointment, and frustration have I caused my Lord Jesus, because I was blindly following greed instead of seeking my Shepherd?

Frankly, I’m glad I don’t have an answer to this question, but I’m thankful for the warning and the reminder to be on guard against covetousness.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for these lessons. Thank You for showing me the truth in my dealings with the sheep. Thank You for Your continued patience and mercy with me. Thank You for teaching me daily. Lord, please keep covetousness far from me. Let me be quick to discern when I’m lacking gratitude, for desire is held in check through contentment and a thankful heart. Lord, I praise You for giving me so much. My needs have always been supplied by You and I know You always will. Let my life be in line with Your Word:

1 Timothy 6:8 KJV — And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Philippians 4:11 KJV — Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Thank You, Lord! Only through Your salvation can one find all they need, for whether hungry or full, there is assurance in Your salvation. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

A bird’s nest

It’s the small tokens of love, added to the large ones, which speaks loudly.

The moments when someone went out of their way to bless, when they could have easily passed on by.

My husband did one of those this weekend.

We have a large lawn around the house.

From the beginning of our married-life-in-a-home-of-our-own he’s said, “I just like grass, nothing in the way, just grass.”

It took time for me to understand what he meant.

(I know it was clearly stated, but my love of flowers, trees, and ornamental bushes couldn’t grasp it.)

He really enjoys being able to just mow the lawn and have a neat and tidy yard without a lot of fuss.

However, he’s also learned that I’m not like that, at all.

I enjoy the work of gardening and the flowers, fruits, and veggies which come from it.

So, he’s given over parts of his lawn to a veggie garden, orchard, berry garden, flower beds, and recently to a play structure for the grandbabies.

As he was moving the play structure to mow, he found a bird’s nest built on the ground.

Thankfully, nothing was in it.

It couldn’t remain where it was, both the nest and future young would be in danger from the dog or the grandkids or the mower.

I happen to love old bird’s nest and have a small collection.

Although my husband was not a third of the way completed with his mowing and the rain clouds were threatening, he stopped what he was doing to gently carry it inside to give to me.

I was so surprised and responded, “Oh! It’s lovely! I have a collection of bird’s nest too.”

He smiled, “I know. Where do you want it?”

Immediately, I made a place for the nest.

I thanked my husband, kissed him, and he returned to his mowing.

His small gesture of love warms my heart.

Not because he doesn’t do huge things that say, “I love you” but because he does both.

And I know where love like his originates.

My husband loves me through the little things as well as the monumental, because Jesus loves that way.

1 John 4:19-21KJV — We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

Mark 12:29-31KJV — And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

John 13:34-35 KJV — A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

I pray that I can love as I am loved.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for helping me understand what true love is and where to find it: in You! Lord, please bless my husband for how much he loves me and others. Please help me to love as You do. Lord, help my husband and I to continue to love one another as You love us. Help our marriage to be inspiring to those around us. Lord, thank You for the bird’s nest. I know You are watching over them. In Your Word You said not one falls that You don’t know about. Thank You for being God Almighty, who sees all and knows all. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Bottle lambs

It’s extremely difficult to get a picture of these guys since they think they’re going to be fed every time they see me.

But I wanted to share a picture of them.

When I picked them up yesterday, I noticed the tag in the ear of one and it says 47.

I smiled and knew not only would he be called 47 from now on, but that the other lamb would be 49.

When Jase asked me what I was going to name them I said, “He’s 47 and he’s 49,” pointing out each in turn.

Jase let out a chuckle and replied, “Good one, Mom!”

Handsome turned with a puzzled expression.

Jase saw his expression and quoted, “‘Mine’s 49 and he’s 47.'”

My husband’s expression deepened, so Jase continued to quote.

“‘Those are numbers.'”

Frowning now instead of puzzled, my husband shook his head.

“‘You’re right!'” Jase quoted, but my husband cut him off.

“What does that mean. Of course those are numbers?!”

I laughed, “Honey, he’s quoting from Return to New Haven, you know the Little Crew’s 3rd movie.”

He smirked and shook his head again.

Not only does our family enjoy quoting from movies and trying to guess which movie it came from, Jase and I have some special movies that we watch together.

All three of the Little Crew movies are on that special list.

Thus, Jase and I understood immediately why I kept the tag number and will use it as his name and named the other lamb accordingly.

Every time I deal with these lambs, the background to their names will be there.

I wonder what God thinks of when my name is spoken.

I pray it is a testimony to His redemption.

He has brought me through so much, worked throughout my life to sanctify me by cleansing me from wrong perspectives, poor behaviors, and sinful pursuits.

Just like these lambs, I still have a lot of growing to do, but I’m so blessed to belong to the Good Shepherd!

Hebrews 10:10 KJV — By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

2 Timothy 2:21 KJV — If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for what You have done in my life. Thank You for what You are doing in my life daily. Lord, thank You for these lambs, please help me to be a good Shepherdess and tend to them well. Lord, I want to be a good steward of all You place in my care. Lord, please help me to grow in You continually, that my name might bring You glory. Lord, I want You to be blessed when speaking my name. Lord, I want to be a good servant and faithful follower. I cannot do it on my own, I need You in every part of my life. Please lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake and remind me not to fear, no matter how death might shadow over me, for I know You are with me. Thank You! I praise Your holy name, Jesus. Yours is the greatest, sweetest name that was ever spoken. I love You. Amen.

‭Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV‬
[9] Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, [11] and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Double-minded

‭James 1:5-8 KJV‬
[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. [6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. [7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. [8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

This double minded is far more serious than first appearances.

It means doubting, wavering, uncertain; being divided between two opposite ways of thinking and believing.

It’s a heart that is divided, a mind that has no solid conviction.

2 Kings 17:33 KJV — They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.

It’s as futile as it is frustrating.

Matthew 6:24 KJV — No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

With this knowledge in hand, how does one deal with the doubt?

‭Genesis 3:1-5 KJV‬
[1] Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? [2] And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: [3] but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. [4] And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: [5] for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

It is a common affliction, but through the Word truth brings assurance.

‭Luke 4:3-4 KJV‬
[3] And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. [4] And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

The enemy has no new tricks, because of Jesus Christ, His sacrifice and resurrection, doubt can be crushed.

And the knowledge of truth brings quiet assurance, which is found in the scriptures.

Let those who fear the Lord draw security from knowing the Word and discernment from the Holy Spirit that the double mindedness of doubt might be extinguished.

Luke 4:8 NKJV — And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”

Let us not be doubtful or double minded, but instead build our faith upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for Your help in the everyday things, especially when it comes to dealing with the pit falls of sin. Lord, thank You for the warning against doubt and the guidance on how to battle it. Lord Jesus, You are my strength and my song. May my life bring You glory. Amen.

Peace, the work of Righteousness

Isaiah 32:17 KJV — And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

In this world of envies, bitterness, wrath, senseless brutality, wars, prejudice, and all manner of evil, just the idea of peace is sweet.

As elusive as peace is on earth, it is possible for God.

Because peace is a work of righteousness and God is righteous.

And through the work of Jesus the Christ, we too can be made righteous.

Romans 3:22 KJV — Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Through faith in the Lord Jesus we are made righteous, for He paid the debt, cleared the offense, and reconciled through His sacrifice.

Romans 5:10 NKJV — For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

This salvation brings all those who trust in Him peace with God through Christ’s righteousness.

2 Cor. 5:21 KJV — For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

‭Romans 5:1-2 NKJV‬
[1] Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

No one can earn their own righteousness nor fabricate true peace, it can only be attained through Jesus.

Philippians 3:9 KJV — And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

True peace is through righteousness, the work of God and the blessing for all those who put their trust in His Son.

Psalm 89:16 KJV — In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for all You have done through Your sacrifice. Lord Jesus, thank You for your righteousness and peace. Thank You that I have assurance and quietness through Your promises. Lord Jesus, thank You for how You have blessed me. May Your name be glorified and Your truth be spread throughout the face of the Earth. Amen.