WHY?

I am often asked the “WHY” question:
“Why does someone who said they loved the LORD turn their back on Him and walk away from everything?”
“Why does ___________ not love me anymore? Am I not lovable?”
“Why doesn’t God take hold of my spouse, my children, and shake them up?”
“Why is there so much distress in my life?”
“Why can’t I seem to get it together and move on?”
“Why am I failing as a parent? as a spouse? as a friend? as a child?”
“Why does my partner yell and throw things?”
Why are we so financially strapped?”
“Why did God allow this to happen to me?”

The only answer I can give is that we live in a fallen world – one filled with sin... that we have been given a free will to make choices; we have made many “Wrong Choices”...

Reminds me of this verse in James:
Remember, too, that knowing what is right to do and then not doing it is sin.

James 4:17
It is all about choices – not feelings!
Our choices are never the fault of someone else! We have to take responsibility for the consequences of our own choices. And even though we may be living with the consequences of someone else’s choices we are not responsible for those choices!

Please hear that again!
You are not responsible for the choices someone else has made – even though you may have to live with the consequences of that choice!

Rather than ask ourselves and others the “Why” question, we would be better off saying:
“OK Lord. Here is where I find myself. What do You want me to do now? What are you trying to teach me in this?”

Change the WHY to a WHAT...

James 1:5
If you want to now what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you,
for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it.

I know how easy it is to get caught up in the why questions... but they don’t take us anywhere...
if anything – they lead us straight into a “pity-party” mode which Satan just loves.

Earlier in chapter 1 of James- verses 2-4 he says this:
Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations?
Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom,
then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.

Oh! How I desire to be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete!
Don’t you?

Dear friends,
If you tend to ask “WHY”, I pray you will begin to change that today! Change that to seeking God’s will – asking Him WHAT – Many Scriptures tell us that He imparts wisdom to those who seek it! Become a “Wisdom-Seeker”!

Blessings on you today as you seek HIM in your life!
Ruthie

And The Rooster Crowed

On one fine morning just recently I went outside to fill up the bird feeder...
We have some laying hens down back with one rooster in the pen with them!
On this particular morning he was crowing very heartily!
Now, you may think this silly, but one of the things I love about a farm is hearing a rooster crow!
When I heard him crowing that day my mind immediately went to Peter and the words of Jesus to him:
Luke 22:34 –
But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Between now and tomorrow morning when the rooster crows, you will deny me three times, declaring that you don’t even know me.”

Just prior to that Jesus had said to Peter:
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat, but I have pleaded in prayer for you that your faith should not completely fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up the faith of your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32

Peter responded to this with a comment that that would never happen! Then the Lord told him of his denial....

Shortly after this Jesus went to the Mount of Olives – accompanied by his disciples... telling them to pray that they would not be overcome by temptation. Jesus prayed and after a period of time went to the disciples only to find them asleep.

Think about this:
· Peter was full of pride when he boasted that he would never deny his Lord.
· He didn’t listen to the warnings of Jesus – he fell asleep instead of spending time on the Mount in prayer

Are we like him?
Oh my!
I sure have had times like this!
Pride begins to creep in, Satan finds a crack to get in through, and I end up “falling”...
just like Peter.

Please read the remainder of Luke 22.
In verses 57, 58, 60 Peter denied Jesus 3 times!
And the rooster crowed!

Verse 61 states:
At that very moment Jesus turned and looked at Peter.
Then Peter remembered what he had said – “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny me three times.”

V. 62 –
And Peter walked out of the courtyard, crying bitterly.

My heart is saddened; my eyes fill with tears; as I think of how he must have felt!
So prideful one moment – so defeated the next!
Knowing that Jesus words were truth ; Knowing that he had fallen; That he had failed.

Can you imagine having Jesus turn and look at you at a time such as this?
I KNOW His look wasn’t one of “See. I told you so.”
It was probably one of “Oh Peter, my Brother. I love you so.”

Have you ever cried bitterly when you have failed your Lord?
I have!
I sure can relate to Peter...
There have been times when I’ve not taken a God-given opportunity to share my faith;
when I’ve said words that should not have been spoken or thought thoughts that should not be thought!

Peter’s fall did not last long... As soon as he recalled Jesus’ words he cried bitterly... a sign of a remorseful heart; of a broken heart.

I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit’s prompting in my life – making me immediately aware of times when I’ve failed.

Dear friends,
I pray for you today –
for God’s presence to fill you, your home, workplace...
wherever you might be.
May His Words fill your mind –
May His Joy be in your heart –
May His Peace be in your soul!

Blessings,

Ruthie

The Blood Of Christ

We sing songs about the blood of Christ being shed for us, to cleanse us from our sin.
When we take communion, the wine – grape juice – symbolizes His blood, shed for us.

WE KNOW that LIFE is in the Blood...
The blood circulating in our bodies right now is taking oxygen to our body cells, and returning carbon dioxide to the air; This blood is also carrying nutrients to our cells and carrying waste products away from those cells so we will stay healthy. Components in our blood help us to fight infections, & indicate when everything is as it should be... (or not).
We also know that the heart is the organ thru which the blood flows and by which it is pumped to all our body cells. And - we know that this heart is formed and pumping before a mother even knows she is pregnant!
How awesome is that?

For many years of my nursing career I taught components of Anatomy and Physiology –
I loved to teach about the heart and the blood – particularly that of the fetus and embryo (prenatal).
You know – our bodies are amazing creations! We truly are “fearfully and wonderfully made”
(Psalm 139:14)

Think about this!
Christ’s blood is even more powerful than that that is rushing thru our bodies at this moment.
His blood carries all we need for ETERNAL LIFE!
Hallelujah!

When one is ill and requires a blood transfusion – that transfusion may restore them to EARTHLY health.
Think about what Christ’s blood has done for you! Think of the transformation His blood has made in your life! Thank Him today for the redemptive power of His blood -
shed on the Cross – for you! Thru this act you have received grace, mercy, forgiveness, love –
and an eternal home!
Praise God!

I pray these words will resonate with you today and will inspire you to share what Christ has done for you – to share the story of the Cross – to share His love!

Blessings on you today, precious ones!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Our Reedemer

To redeem something means to buy it back; to win it back; to make amends for some fault; to obtain the release of by paying a ransom; to set free or save!

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45

Jesus gave himself for a ransom – as redemption – when He went to the cross to die for me – for you – for the sins of the world.
He came to deliver us from the bondage to sin... from the hold the devil might have upon us!
His Blood on the Cross paid the Price!

Maybe the story of the cross and Christ’s death is an all too familiar story to you.
Maybe it’s a story you’re not very familiar with.
Know this –
Through His death, Jesus obtained freedom for us! He defeated Satan and secured for us an eternal future with our Heavenly Father.
HALLELUJAH!

He came to reverse the curse of sin – and separation from God – death – He came to set us free!
I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.
I will see him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!
Job 19:25-27

As a former slave to sin – I am so thankful for this freedom that Christ has given me!
I am grateful for the future that I have in Him!
I KNOW that my Redeemer lives!
Praise His Holy Name!

I read this the other day in a book – (This is a direct quote – page 347)
‘Praying the Names of Jesus’
Ann Spangler

...we who were formerly enslaved by sin, in bondage to Satan, may well echo the sentiments of a woman named Mary Reynolds, who was born into slavery in Louisiana. Toward the end of her life, when she was over a hundred years old, still poor but now free, Mary told an interviewer: “I members bout the days of slavery and I don’t lieve they ever gwine have slaves no more on this earth. I think Gawd done took that burden offen his black chillum and I’m aimin’ to praise him for it to his face in the days of Glory what ain’t so far off.”

Have you been a slave to sin who has been freed?
Praise God!
Let’s give Him Praise and Thanks for His redemptive power upon our lives!
Thank Him for taking your burdens upon Himself!
For setting us Free!

And Know – that you too, along with Mary, will praise Him someday –
Face to Face – In Glory!
What a Day That Will Be!

That excites me! I pray it does you too!

Blessings on you today as you spend time with, and reflect on,
Your REDEEMER!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

MOTIVATION

“People say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”
Zig Ziglar

I lift up my eyes to the hills-
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
Maker of heaven and earth
Psalm 121:1-2

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13

What does it mean to be motivated?
It means to be prompted towards action – To have an inner urge –

Where does motivation come from?
Writers tell us that it comes from outside – external motivation; or from inside – internal motivation.

Examples of External:
· Doctor tells you to change your diet as you have high cholesterol...
· Parent says you can’t have the car for a month unless you bring your marks up to .....
· You get a ticket for not having your seat belt on...
I’m sure you can think of others...

Will these work?
Maybe! Maybe not!
Depends on whether you see the need to act or not!
· If you want to be healthier then you will change your diet.
· If you want the car bad enough you’ll study harder, bring those marks up.
· If you don’t want another ticket you’ll learn to put on your seatbelt even though you may not agree with the law.

Basically Internal motivation is making a decision to do something and then following thru with it
· Sticking to a new eating plan b/c you know that’s best for your health
· Studying harder b/c you want the satisfaction of knowing you did your best
· Deciding to follow the laws of the land ... re. speeding,
seat belts, cell usage etc.

I heard some wise words the other day from our Pastor – He stated that “If you wait to be motivated to do something, you may never do it.” A light bulb went off in my head !

WAIT??

For motivation??
Doesn’t it either come or not come?
Am I waiting?
Oh Yah!
The thing that I’m waiting to be motivated about is “walking” - I used to walk almost everyday...
Now – well...
I’m still waiting for the motivation to come back!
HA! :)

Pastor also stated, “The idea of motivation is a trap – just do it.” Another light bulb!

Yes! A trap from the sly, evil one – who likes to keep us in bondage to our old ways, our old thinking – and doesn’t want to see us moving forward. As long as I wait to be motivated to walk – I’m not walking!!!! Which is something I need to start doing! Either on my treadmill or outside!
So the NIKE slogan is correct – “JUST DO IT”
Even when I don’t “FEEL” like doing it, I need to do it!

What are you waiting to be motivated to do?
· An exercise plan
· A better eating plan
· Working on your marriage
· Forgiving someone
· Volunteering
· ______________ (you fill in the blank)

Don’t wait any longer! Just do it!
And KNOW that God will give you the strength to do the right thing... He is our motivation – our motivator... Let HIM work in you today!

I pray these words will bless you today!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Memories!

When you read this word what do you think of?
· Childhood?
· A few weeks ago?
· The last time you saw someone special?
· A harsh comment someone made to you?
· A good laugh with a friend?
· How God helped you through a difficult time?
· Seeing a beautiful sunset and knowing that God was blessing you with it?

Oh – I could go on and on! As I’m sure you could!

Memories are a part of life! We all have them!
Some we wish we didn’t have as they were hurtful and take us back to a difficult time, maybe.
Others are wonderful and remind us of great times with loved ones; or beautiful places we have visited; or ..........

My mind is just swimming now with all sorts of “memories”-
· The birth of my daughter...and saying, “I have my Angela Rae”!
· My mother in hospital – very ill – and knowing that I had to stay with her rather than go back to work – so glad I did because she died before I would have gotten back to her.
· The night hubby asked me to marry him and the beautiful flowers he presented me with ... which had a gorgeous diamond ring hidden in them!
· The birth of our granddaughter – seeing her for the first time – so tiny – 6 weeks early – lying in an incubator – not being able to hold her!
· Falling and breaking my leg – I’ll never forget the sound of the break happening!
· So many memories where I could tell you of the hand of God in my life!

It is our memories that give our lives a richness that wouldn’t be there otherwise – whether they be happy memories or sorrowful ones.
Hopefully these “memories” have been places where we have grown, learned vital lessons, made important decisions.

I hope you will think back today and recall specific evidence of God’s activity in your life! Recall what you have learned from theses times!
If you are having difficulty with this task, ask the Holy Spirit to assist you!
He will show you the things that you’ve been taught by Jesus; make you aware of God’s presence and activity in your life.
When we do this exercise – remember God’s hand in our life – we are better able to believe Him for the present and the future.

God is faithful and compassionate!
He is present with you; He demonstrates His power in your life; Remember what He has done!

Psalm 77:11-12
I will remember the works of the Lord;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
I will also mediate on all Your work
And talk of Your deeds.

The Psalmist who wrote these words was choosing to turn his focus from his pain
and to place it on His Lord!
I pray you will do likewise today!

May HIS peace and Joy fill your hearts as you remember...
Ruthie

Joy And Peace

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

He is the God of HOPE!
He fills us by the Power of the Holy Spirit with joy and peace!
I pray you will know that today!

My hubby struggles with this farm... He works so hard and some months he despairs,
wondering if he will sell as much of his product as he needs to in order to meet his monthly requirements.
We “HOPE” – we “TRUST” – And God provides!
I am blown away by the daily and monthly provision He gives to us! Knowing that gives me joy and peace!

Trust in HIM!
He will fill you with JOY and PEACE as you do so!

Blessings to you this beautiful day!
Ruthie