Yesterday God put this verse in my devotion! He knows me too well. I have often said "I can't pursue my doctorate-I'm too old or I can't write a book, I'm too old!" The truth is..... Under God's power, there's NOTHING I can't do!
Sarah had a child at 90- need I say more? The verse goes something like this:
"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation your mighty acts to all who are to come."
If I was going to preach it would sound like this:
I believe the word "even" is there for a reason. You see, society has shown its disdain for the elderly. They are often criticized as being old and senile. But my God....Despite the fact that I am old, EVEN if I am old and gray.......it says "do not forsake me" but the word that makes the difference here is
Until! Do not forsake me God until I declare your power to the next generation!
Week after week I watch my father put on his best suits and go before a congregation to speak of a loving God. Through the years dad has gone completely gray. Even if he is old and gray, he continues to speak of God's love. I had a grandmother that passed that on to him and he passed it on to me, and I am passing it along too.
So my greatest desire is to continue to speak until God takes me home. Even if I am old and gray, I will speak until I have declared God's power to the next generation. I will not let a number define who I am and I will continue to declare His power-even when I am old!
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me my God till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. Psalm 71:18
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Friday, August 7, 2015
Don't Miss It
This morning I woke up early with my husband. When the alarm went off, as he thought I was sleeping, I heard him whisper to himself "I don't want to go to work." True to his word, he ran slow. He sets his alarm for five and takes 30 minutes to wake up. Who does that? If I set my alarm for five, I'm out of bed when it goes off!
So he lingered and lingered until I was fully awake. We talked and I made coffee while he remained in bed. We talked about the republican candidate debate as he missed the last 30 minutes of it and then I reminded him that if he was late, he wouldn't have time to do his devotion. He normally does his devotion just before he leaves for work.
I am normally asleep and he goes downstairs to read his bible in the breakfast room. This morning I wanted him to do his devotion because I had an ulterior motive. I didn't want him to miss it. God has been so good to speak to us through our *devotions. However, yesterday I bought him a card. Something I don't always do simply because of our fast paced life. I placed the card in his bible. I knew that when he opened his bible to read it, he would see the card.
I was a little excited to have him see the card because Tuesday he bought me two dozen roses and it made me feel special. I wanted him to feel special too, but how would that happen if he didn't look in his bible?
Ever wonder that God thinks that too? He wants us to feel special and He wants us to feel loved but how can we feel special and feel His love is we don't look into his word? My husband is still getting ready. I have a surprise card for him and God has a message for him this morning....I hope he doesn't miss it.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul, the statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.....By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalms 19:7-9, 11
*A few years ago, my husband and I went to doing our devotions from the same book. We normally use Our Daily Bread. We do our devotion at different times but have found that this works for us as husband and wife because it keeps us accountable. One doesn't want to ask the other about how God spoke to them through devotion and have to respond "I didn't do it." Whatever works for you just "don't miss it!"
So he lingered and lingered until I was fully awake. We talked and I made coffee while he remained in bed. We talked about the republican candidate debate as he missed the last 30 minutes of it and then I reminded him that if he was late, he wouldn't have time to do his devotion. He normally does his devotion just before he leaves for work.
I am normally asleep and he goes downstairs to read his bible in the breakfast room. This morning I wanted him to do his devotion because I had an ulterior motive. I didn't want him to miss it. God has been so good to speak to us through our *devotions. However, yesterday I bought him a card. Something I don't always do simply because of our fast paced life. I placed the card in his bible. I knew that when he opened his bible to read it, he would see the card.
I was a little excited to have him see the card because Tuesday he bought me two dozen roses and it made me feel special. I wanted him to feel special too, but how would that happen if he didn't look in his bible?
Ever wonder that God thinks that too? He wants us to feel special and He wants us to feel loved but how can we feel special and feel His love is we don't look into his word? My husband is still getting ready. I have a surprise card for him and God has a message for him this morning....I hope he doesn't miss it.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul, the statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.....By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalms 19:7-9, 11
*A few years ago, my husband and I went to doing our devotions from the same book. We normally use Our Daily Bread. We do our devotion at different times but have found that this works for us as husband and wife because it keeps us accountable. One doesn't want to ask the other about how God spoke to them through devotion and have to respond "I didn't do it." Whatever works for you just "don't miss it!"
Friday, July 24, 2015
Keep Your Eyes on Me
Not gonna lie. I have experienced some spiritual warfare! The last thing you want to do when you are facing spiritual warfare is to lay down and die. While I have some AMAZING family members and an awesome, supportive husband, they can't fight my fight. I have to sharpen that sword of the spirit and prepare for battle. And as I'm sharpening and memorizing and reciting, the Lord reminds me that the battle is not mine-it's His!
Yesterday I went to have my eyes examined which consisted of several tests. The girl said "Keep your eyes on me and tell me when you first see this pen coming from the right." Of course my instinct was to turn to the right to make sure the pen was indeed coming. She reminded me to keep my eyes on her. When the pen didn't get to my peripheral vision quick enough, I had a tendency to turn.
That's just like us right? Okay maybe it's just like me. I tell God I'll wait and trust you but then when it doesn't happen quick enough I unconsciously "take my eyes off of him." I have to admit this time has been easier. I turn on my worship music and focus only on him. That is difficult to do since we don't like uncertainty.
God's word tells us Do not turn to the right or to the left. Keep your feet from evil [Proverbs4:27]. Do we seriously think our spiritual warfare is greater than God? Even Job who experienced some of the greatest challenges in life was able to say "I have stayed on God's path. I have followed his ways and not turned aside" [Job 23:11].
When I think of all the heroes that God brought through it erases my doubt. But they all kept their eyes on Him. So, if I want to walk through this warfare, I have to keep my eyes focused on him. God only asks for you to trust him. He says "Keep your eyes on ME."
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:2
When your battle is over, don't forget to give praise!
Yesterday I went to have my eyes examined which consisted of several tests. The girl said "Keep your eyes on me and tell me when you first see this pen coming from the right." Of course my instinct was to turn to the right to make sure the pen was indeed coming. She reminded me to keep my eyes on her. When the pen didn't get to my peripheral vision quick enough, I had a tendency to turn.
That's just like us right? Okay maybe it's just like me. I tell God I'll wait and trust you but then when it doesn't happen quick enough I unconsciously "take my eyes off of him." I have to admit this time has been easier. I turn on my worship music and focus only on him. That is difficult to do since we don't like uncertainty.
God's word tells us Do not turn to the right or to the left. Keep your feet from evil [Proverbs4:27]. Do we seriously think our spiritual warfare is greater than God? Even Job who experienced some of the greatest challenges in life was able to say "I have stayed on God's path. I have followed his ways and not turned aside" [Job 23:11].
When I think of all the heroes that God brought through it erases my doubt. But they all kept their eyes on Him. So, if I want to walk through this warfare, I have to keep my eyes focused on him. God only asks for you to trust him. He says "Keep your eyes on ME."
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:2
When your battle is over, don't forget to give praise!
Sunday, July 19, 2015
You Lost?
Last night after a particularly stressful day I finally slept. I dreamed that my youngest was son was a child and we were going on a church field trip. It was a very large group with children from all over our city.
We met at a mall and many people took advantage of a t-shirt shop located in the square. Moms waited patiently until the store opened. They were purchasing color coded t-shirts for their children with their names ironed on the back of the shirt.
In my dream, I joined the line of concerned mothers. I also awaited for the doors to open when I could join the frenzy looking for the t shirt color that identified his group. I had to find just the right blue and white t-shirt and have his name ironed on it.
When I finally paid for the shirt and gave it to my son he asked why he had to wear it. I explained that I didn't want him to get lost but if he did, at least someone would know what group he was in and his name.
When I woke up, I remembered my dream and imagined God knowing my name. He doesn't want me to be lost either. The good news is that he knows everybody's name. He knows that some of us will wander off in our own direction apart from Him. He knows that in wandering off, we may get lost.
I was concerned about my son getting lost in a church group but God oversees the entire world and He knows your name. You will never have to ask "Does God really know where I am?" There's never a question as to whether God will forgive you, or what your past sin is, or even what your burdens are.
God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for each of us that were sinners and without hope. He took on our sins so that we would live a full abundant life. Unfortunately, some choose to travel through life with no guide when we are lost. Jesus is the best guide.
So the only thing left to ask is "Are you lost?"
For the Son of Man has come to seek and save the lost. Luke 19:10
We met at a mall and many people took advantage of a t-shirt shop located in the square. Moms waited patiently until the store opened. They were purchasing color coded t-shirts for their children with their names ironed on the back of the shirt.
In my dream, I joined the line of concerned mothers. I also awaited for the doors to open when I could join the frenzy looking for the t shirt color that identified his group. I had to find just the right blue and white t-shirt and have his name ironed on it.
When I finally paid for the shirt and gave it to my son he asked why he had to wear it. I explained that I didn't want him to get lost but if he did, at least someone would know what group he was in and his name.
When I woke up, I remembered my dream and imagined God knowing my name. He doesn't want me to be lost either. The good news is that he knows everybody's name. He knows that some of us will wander off in our own direction apart from Him. He knows that in wandering off, we may get lost.
I was concerned about my son getting lost in a church group but God oversees the entire world and He knows your name. You will never have to ask "Does God really know where I am?" There's never a question as to whether God will forgive you, or what your past sin is, or even what your burdens are.
God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for each of us that were sinners and without hope. He took on our sins so that we would live a full abundant life. Unfortunately, some choose to travel through life with no guide when we are lost. Jesus is the best guide.
So the only thing left to ask is "Are you lost?"
For the Son of Man has come to seek and save the lost. Luke 19:10
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
If you start it....finish it.
I realize that it has been quite a while since I last posted however, I have taken on a new venture. I am currently enrolled in the Doctoral (EdD) program at Abilene Christian University and it can be overwhelming. I pray God allows me to complete this goal and honor Him through it.
Prior to class beginning, I went for a short run. I aimed for two miles since I am just beginning. I got to one mile and was winded, weak and ready to quit. In my mind, I could literally hear my dad saying "If you start it, finish it" something I have heard all my life. You can imagine the excuses but the voice that steered me was much louder than the excuses.
Sometimes we begin something and we choose not to finish it. Some chose to make the decision to accept Christ as their Savior and stop there. God's Word calls us to change our life, to follow Him, to represent Him. We make excuses and claim "it's too difficult" or too time consuming. God doesn't have huge expectations. He doesn't expect you to become a preacher or missionary. He just expects you to finish the race and finish it well.
When running I made every excuse I could think of until this thought came to mind, "What if Christ had quit?
He was born with a mission. God had a plan for Him and it began at birth. God was being prepared for thirty years until his ministry broke through in adulthood. The last few years of his ministry were full of accusation, criticism, finger pointing and questioning. Jesus continued his ministry. He ran the race knowing it was a race he had to finish....not for HIM but for us!
Did God have to tell Christ "If you start it, finish it?" I don't think so. Although Christ fell to His knees and asked for God's will, he was still willing to continue the race. He endured the threats, flogging, criticism and ridicule and he took it all for us.
So when you decide to follow Christ, run the race with assurance of what awaits you. Don't veer off to the left or to the right, don't become distracted, don't give up. If you start the race....finish it!
Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said "It is finished" and he bowed his head and gave up His Spirit. John 19:30
Prior to class beginning, I went for a short run. I aimed for two miles since I am just beginning. I got to one mile and was winded, weak and ready to quit. In my mind, I could literally hear my dad saying "If you start it, finish it" something I have heard all my life. You can imagine the excuses but the voice that steered me was much louder than the excuses.
Sometimes we begin something and we choose not to finish it. Some chose to make the decision to accept Christ as their Savior and stop there. God's Word calls us to change our life, to follow Him, to represent Him. We make excuses and claim "it's too difficult" or too time consuming. God doesn't have huge expectations. He doesn't expect you to become a preacher or missionary. He just expects you to finish the race and finish it well.
When running I made every excuse I could think of until this thought came to mind, "What if Christ had quit?
He was born with a mission. God had a plan for Him and it began at birth. God was being prepared for thirty years until his ministry broke through in adulthood. The last few years of his ministry were full of accusation, criticism, finger pointing and questioning. Jesus continued his ministry. He ran the race knowing it was a race he had to finish....not for HIM but for us!
Did God have to tell Christ "If you start it, finish it?" I don't think so. Although Christ fell to His knees and asked for God's will, he was still willing to continue the race. He endured the threats, flogging, criticism and ridicule and he took it all for us.
So when you decide to follow Christ, run the race with assurance of what awaits you. Don't veer off to the left or to the right, don't become distracted, don't give up. If you start the race....finish it!
Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said "It is finished" and he bowed his head and gave up His Spirit. John 19:30
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Forget it!
Tuesday I went to my local Christian bookstore to purchase an accompaniment CD. I discovered that the one I wanted could be "burned" right there at the store. I looked and looked and I sampled many songs until I found the right one.
I approached an employee who stated that she could have it done in ten minutes. I told her that was fine I would just walk around and look through the store. I wandered and looked at several bible studies, I flipped through the latest novels, I searched for a book for my father and I spent about twenty five minutes just looking.
I approached the counter and I asked the girl if my CD was ready. She looked at me with that stunned "deer in the headlights" look and yelled out "I'm so sorry!" She said that she had gotten busy with other customers and had completely forgotten the CD. Having waited for almost thirty minutes now, I asked if I could just get a refund. She returned my money and repeated "I'm sorry" at least five more times. I assured her it was okay. The incident in my mind was forgotten and chalked up to a mistake.
I am not one to simply "forget." My disappointment is often written all over my face but this time it wasn't. I really just walked away with no CD and no anger.
Yesterday I decided to try again. I went back into the store and selected two CDs and both of them needed to be transferred on to CD form. She took one look and said "Oh I'm so sorry about yesterday-it won't happen again" and proceeded to continue to apologize.
I truly had forgotten the situation yesterday and I just wanted my CD's. I went back to the books and reviewed all the same books I had looked the day before. After fifteen minutes I returned to the counter and both CD's were ready. The girl said "I'm so sorry about yesterday."
It made me think of a statement I made years ago. "God is forgiving.... but man so unforgiving!"
I told her the day before, "Forget it." It has passed, it was a mistake and I've forgotten it. For some reason, we can not let go. God forgives all our sins, He does not qualify sins, we do! He is ready and able to forgive us when we ask.
That is where we need to keep our focus. Why keep bringing our faults back up by reminding us of or mistakes? In this case, I didn't need to remind her that she had messed up the day before she couldn't let it go!
Are you caught up in something you can't forget about? Perhaps some mistake made long ago? To you I say "Turn it over to God....then Forget it!"
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8-12
I approached an employee who stated that she could have it done in ten minutes. I told her that was fine I would just walk around and look through the store. I wandered and looked at several bible studies, I flipped through the latest novels, I searched for a book for my father and I spent about twenty five minutes just looking.
I approached the counter and I asked the girl if my CD was ready. She looked at me with that stunned "deer in the headlights" look and yelled out "I'm so sorry!" She said that she had gotten busy with other customers and had completely forgotten the CD. Having waited for almost thirty minutes now, I asked if I could just get a refund. She returned my money and repeated "I'm sorry" at least five more times. I assured her it was okay. The incident in my mind was forgotten and chalked up to a mistake.
I am not one to simply "forget." My disappointment is often written all over my face but this time it wasn't. I really just walked away with no CD and no anger.
Yesterday I decided to try again. I went back into the store and selected two CDs and both of them needed to be transferred on to CD form. She took one look and said "Oh I'm so sorry about yesterday-it won't happen again" and proceeded to continue to apologize.
I truly had forgotten the situation yesterday and I just wanted my CD's. I went back to the books and reviewed all the same books I had looked the day before. After fifteen minutes I returned to the counter and both CD's were ready. The girl said "I'm so sorry about yesterday."
It made me think of a statement I made years ago. "God is forgiving.... but man so unforgiving!"
I told her the day before, "Forget it." It has passed, it was a mistake and I've forgotten it. For some reason, we can not let go. God forgives all our sins, He does not qualify sins, we do! He is ready and able to forgive us when we ask.
That is where we need to keep our focus. Why keep bringing our faults back up by reminding us of or mistakes? In this case, I didn't need to remind her that she had messed up the day before she couldn't let it go!
Are you caught up in something you can't forget about? Perhaps some mistake made long ago? To you I say "Turn it over to God....then Forget it!"
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8-12
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
It is Well
As I sit here listening to Kristene DeMarco sing It is Well, I wonder how it is....
How is it that I can be at peace at the death of a much loved uncle. Yesterday I heard someone say that he left such a legacy. I wondered if they knew all of the story. I recall being about five years old going to visit him and hearing so many stories.
My mom is the youngest and now only has one surviving brother. She was very close to my uncle Gilbert much like I am close to my own brothers but for different reasons. My uncle and I had many conversations in his last few weeks. Most of them were of fishing-his earthly passion. Some were caution related. You see, even having served as a law enforcement officer for thirty years, he would still say things like "be careful and lock your doors!" "Don't leave your purse in plain sight or always be aware of your surroundings!"
Two things have resonated with me the last few days. The first is his awesome testimony. He was a man that loved hard. He loved my aunt with a passion that surpassed words. We didn't need words. His actions were all we needed. She was a woman of faith that lived out 1 Corinthians 7:12-15.
I believe it was her example of faithfulness and dedication to Christ that led him to Christ. A man that was a non- believer led the charge and spoke of the God that saved him. Words that might have never been spoken had she not remained faithful.
The second thing is my intense need to say I Love You. As I heard the news, I was in Miami and I longed to be with my family. I wondered if everyone that should have said "I Love you," got the chance to. Upon death, there won't be an opportunity to share those words.
Many are grieving, many are sad, many know the hope of eternal life but the pain still lingers. In my heart, I am forced to be strong for reasons known only to me but I find my peace and consolation in the arms of Christ.
Pray for our family as we return to God a husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. We pray for peace and despite the motions we must go through we will know.......It Is Well!
Whosoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24
Gilbert R. Guzman
1935-2015
How is it that I can be at peace at the death of a much loved uncle. Yesterday I heard someone say that he left such a legacy. I wondered if they knew all of the story. I recall being about five years old going to visit him and hearing so many stories.
My mom is the youngest and now only has one surviving brother. She was very close to my uncle Gilbert much like I am close to my own brothers but for different reasons. My uncle and I had many conversations in his last few weeks. Most of them were of fishing-his earthly passion. Some were caution related. You see, even having served as a law enforcement officer for thirty years, he would still say things like "be careful and lock your doors!" "Don't leave your purse in plain sight or always be aware of your surroundings!"
Two things have resonated with me the last few days. The first is his awesome testimony. He was a man that loved hard. He loved my aunt with a passion that surpassed words. We didn't need words. His actions were all we needed. She was a woman of faith that lived out 1 Corinthians 7:12-15.
I believe it was her example of faithfulness and dedication to Christ that led him to Christ. A man that was a non- believer led the charge and spoke of the God that saved him. Words that might have never been spoken had she not remained faithful.
The second thing is my intense need to say I Love You. As I heard the news, I was in Miami and I longed to be with my family. I wondered if everyone that should have said "I Love you," got the chance to. Upon death, there won't be an opportunity to share those words.
Many are grieving, many are sad, many know the hope of eternal life but the pain still lingers. In my heart, I am forced to be strong for reasons known only to me but I find my peace and consolation in the arms of Christ.
Pray for our family as we return to God a husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. We pray for peace and despite the motions we must go through we will know.......It Is Well!
Whosoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24
Gilbert R. Guzman
1935-2015
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