Little Lessons from my Loving Lord

Will You Be An Overnight Sensation?

2009-03-24T09:50:00.001-06:00

Recently we were discussing a band that was considered an overnight sensation. During our chat we became aware of a song they had on the billboard charts some TEN years before they became an 'overnight' success.

I commented that many overnight success stories are years and years in the making.

Through the years, I've heard many stories of lives that were changed overnight when a lost soul comes to know our Loving Lord. People who were skid-row drunks that put the bottle away for good 'overnight' when Christ made a entrance into their hearts. Abusers who repented on the spot and went on to lead productive Christian lives.

Many times our Loving Lord has worked through other people for years and years to lead to that one moment of 'overnight victory in Jesus'!

I wonder how many of us are holding onto unnecessary things in our lives thinking, "maybe one day, I'll let go of this and let God have the victory in this area of my life." I wonder what stops us from giving it up today and becoming an 'overnight success' story for our Loving Lord.

Little Lesson Life Expression

What are you holding on to and refusing to let go of today? What can you hand over to our Loving Lord right now that will not only improve your relationship with Him but with the other important people in your life? What is keeping you from becoming an 'overnight success' right this very day?

2 Chronicles 6:36-39 (The Message)
When they sin against you—and they certainly will; there's no one without sin!—and in anger you turn them over to the enemy and they are taken captive to the enemy's land, whether far or near, but repent in the country of their captivity and pray with changed hearts in their exile, "We've sinned; we've done wrong; we've been most wicked," and turn back to you heart and soul in the land of the enemy who conquered them, and pray to you toward their homeland, the land you gave their ancestors, toward the city you chose, and this Temple I have built to the honor of your Name,
Listen from your home in heaven
to their prayers desperate and devout;
Do what is best for them.
Forgive your people who have sinned against you.

Have You Recieved Your Free Gift?

2009-03-23T05:25:00.004-06:00

While we were at the Weekend to Remember event, they told the story of a couple who thought that they were on an "all expenses paid" trip, so they really lived it up. They ate the finest things on the menu. They took advantage of every amenity at the resort.

The truth was that their daughter, who knew they needed to be there and knew that they would say they didn't have the money to go, had put up her credit card to pay for it all.

There are many in this world who would never 'pay' for some things but would gobble up ever thing in sight if they thought it was free.

I see this in us when we go on a cruise. Since almost everything is included in one price, we eat to our heart's content. We enjoy food choices that we would never pay for at an equally fine restaurant on land. We encourage everyone we know to go on cruises for the value and enjoyment.

The reality is: in most cases in this life, anything that you get for 'free', someone somewhere pays for it.

There is one thing that is free to you that I wonder if you are taking full advantage of....

Our Loving Lord paid for it. Paid with His life. He paid the price so you could have a free gift that can change your life from the inside out. He has left all of His riches to you.

Little Lesson Life Expression
Are you enjoying the all-expense-paid salvation that our Loving Lord has provided for you? Are you sharing His goodness with those around you so that they too can enjoy the value of this gift. Will you challenge yourself today to get the most out of the free gift that has been offered to you?

Romans 6:23 (New International Version) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 2:8 (New International Version) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

A Very Little Lesson With A Big Impact

2009-03-13T06:36:00.003-06:00

My current PC wallpaper at work has the verse Psalm 37:4 written out on it.

So I said, "Lord, I really desire..."

He said, "Hold on. Are you sure you are delighting yourself in Me? In Me? Are you? Really?!?!?"

Little Lesson Life Expression
Who or what are you delighting in today? Are you delighting in the Lord? In His promises? Does your focus need to shift today towards Him?

Psalm 37:4 (New International Version)
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:3-4 (The Message)
Get insurance with God and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last. Keep company with God, get in on the best.

What Song Are You Chosing?

2009-03-10T19:38:00.003-06:00

Tonight after cooking supper and washing the pots and pans, I surfed around on Facebook and passively watched American Idol.

On AI the contestants all had to sing Michael Jackson songs. I've never been much of an MJ fan. I did like the song Ben. (Does anyone remember that one?)

So I was not surprised to hear the judges say over and over, "That was just not a good song choice for you." How can the contestants pick 'good' songs from a less than great repertoire? (Don't throw things at me...I know many people do like MJ...He's just not in my favorites.)

Living in the world we often try to pick our life song from the list the world has to offer instead of the list the Word has to offer.

Little Lesson Life Expression
Where are you finding your inspiration? Are you looking others that appear to be great or are you looking to the One that knows you better than you know yourself? What song are you singing? Are you singing what the world is playing or are you singing the special song that our Loving Lord has written just for your life?

Psalm 146:1-2 (The Message)
Hallelujah! O my soul, praise God! All my life long I'll praise God, singing songs to my God as long as I live.

Proverbs 15:15 (The Message)
A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.

Where's The Worth?

2009-02-17T06:05:00.003-06:00

(Dear hubby asked me if I really had the dream I mentioned yesterday. In case you too were wondering, yes. My reply to him was actually "Yes. You know I don't make up anything in the Little Lessons." To me, what makes Little Lessons special is what the tag line states: "Looking for the heavenly meaning in the every day events of life.")

Last Friday, the president of the company I work for made a statement that got me thinking. I later told dear hubby that I would be writing a Little Lesson about what he said.

Then we left for Family Life's Weekend to Remember and I did not get a chance to write it. On Sunday night, a popular television show stole my line. Dear hubby hollered from the other room "Hey, there's your line." Yeah.

Still I think this is pretty cool...so you get it anyway :-)

The president was speaking on the state of the economy and how it was impacting our company as well as each of our own 401K's. He reminded us that for most of us our retirement funds are "worth less" today than they were a year ago.

I heard him say that our savings were "worthless" but quickly realized what he actually said.

The popular television show was discussing the value of one particular pizza parlor. The husband/owner said that if certain changes were not made it would be "worthless" and the wife said "No. It will be worth less but not worthless."

On Friday, when I first started heard the words, I could not get over how powerful the thought was.

In our lives, we make investments. We invest in our families. We invest in our friends. We (hopefully) invest time in our church. We invest in our heavenly future...in the Kingdom of our Loving Lord.

But what happens when we "oops"? What happens when we make a mistake, do something bad, hurt our reputation? Our tendency may be to consider ourselves "worthless" for the Lord. We think one bad action depletes our entire investment and makes us worthless for Him and for those around us.

But are we?

We may, for a time, be "worth less" but that's what repentance and forgiveness are all about. With Christ in our lives, we are never worthless. Please hear that again. You have worth! No matter what you've done, what you've been through, where you are in life...You have worth!!!

Little Lesson Life Expression
What does your current spiritual investment portfolio look like? Are you struggling to find any value in it? Are you feeling worthless in your witness? Will you accept today that you are not worthless? Accept that you have worth and take just one small step today to share with someone how our Loving Lord is helping you reinvest in His kingdom?

2 Timothy 1:13-14 (The Message)

So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us.
James 5:19-20 (The Message)

My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.

Are You A Banana Or A Muffin?

2009-02-16T06:41:00.002-06:00

I had a dream last night. In the dream, a Bible Study leader was telling each of us to come up and get a banana and a muffin. Each of us went and picked up one of each. Then...

Then...

Then I woke up! Arrrgghhhh!!! What was the lesson??? Why did I wake up before I heard the lesson. I stayed in bed and thought about it. What can I learn from a banana and a muffin? To do so, I had to think about what I know about a banana and a muffin.

A banana is a single unit that comes from a bunch. It has a hard protective exterior. The interior starts out quite firm and turns to mush if it gets too ripe. If it is opened at just the right time, it will still be firm and can be cut into slices for use in cereal or as a mid-afternoon snack. As it ripens, it becomes perfect for baked recipes. It you wait too long to eat the banana, your only choice will be to throw it away.

A muffin is made from a variety of individual ingredients. Some are individual ingredients like an egg. Some are liquid ingredients like oil or milk. Some are dry ingredients like flour, salt, sugar or spices. In most cases, you would not eat the individual ingredients. A muffin's ingredients must be carefully measured and mixed together. You also would not eat the mix. A muffin must be cooked, go through the fire, in order to be enjoyed.

A banana, in the view of this writer, is one who refuses to let their hard protective exterior be peeled away. One who pull apart from the bunch they are created with but refuses to be part of something bigger. They never let those around them taste of the goodness of who they are deep within. They have so much to offer but they just stand apart and keep all their gifts to themselves.

A muffin, on the other hand, has allowed our Loving Lord to take the best and worse of who they are, the sweet and bitter of their lives, and blend it in with others in their local church body in order to produce a sweet tasting combination that is nourishment to others who come seeking Him. To be part of a muffin, we must let down our tough exterior and allow our Loving Lord to blend us in according to His will and purpose for our life.

Little Lesson Life Expression
How would you describe yourself today? Are you a banana, standing off to the side, keeping all your gifts to yourself? Or are you a muffin, fully involved in what He'd have you do? Or... Are you an ingredient that's ready but not yet committed? Are you peeled back, sliced and mushed, but not yet in the bowl being mixed and prepared for the oven? Will you ask our Loving Lord to put you in a local church mix so that your flavor can add flavor to those who need your gifts?

Philippians 3:15-16 (The Message)

So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.

What Volume Are You Set On?

2009-02-09T20:43:00.004-06:00

Grab your cell-phone.

Go ahead. I'll wait.

Got it? Good.

If your phone is like mine, there's a button on the side that lets you change the volume. Leaving out the vibrate options, mine goes in this order: Loud, Soft, Silent. Is yours similar?

Since my phone has to be on Silent or Vibrate when I'm at work, every morning I go through this list from Loud to Soft/Vibrate and then in the afternoon as I head home, I go again through the list and change it back to Loud.

As I walk in the building each weekday morning, I see the list go ... Loud ...Soft ... Silent... and I'm reminded of what happens to many of us as believers. Can you see it?

Our Loving Lord comes into our lives and we are e-x-c-i-t-e-d! We are LOUD! We want to shout from the mountain tops! We want the whole world to come and experience what we have.

Then... Then we return to the 'real world' and we are reminded about what is politically correct to say in our neighborhoods and our workplaces. We realize that we may be a bit too loud. We may been seen as obnoxious when all we are really trying to do is spread the good news of our Loving Lord. So what happens then? We tone it down a bit. Limit our audience. We put our spiritual volume on Soft. We don't want to offend anyone now, do we? We listen to the world and keep quiet. And then almost naturally, we get so quiet. We are no longer even sharing hope. We've gone silent. Silent on sharing salvation. Silent on matters of life. Silent on all Biblical issues.

Little Lesson Life Expression
Where is volume right now as you read this? Is it on Loud? If so, what will you do today to maintain your strength and ensure your volume is not reduced? If it's on soft, do you know why? Has someone turned down your volume and quenched the Spirit in your life? If so, will you call out to our Loving Lord and ask Him to renew the strength of your witness today? Have you gone Silent? Is your witness non-existent? If so, will you ask our Loving Lord to help you share His light and hope with someone you meet today? Let's all turn up the volume today!

Luke 9:26 (Contemporary English Version)

If you are ashamed of Me and My message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when He comes in His glory and in the glory of His Father and the Holy Angels.

I Hear You...I Do Know You Are There...Thank You!

2009-02-09T19:55:00.004-06:00

Well, my, my, my .....

You all are indeed out there in readershipland. :-)

I've heard encouraging words from many of you today. Some of you were caught by surprise at my tongue-in-check summary of how few of you there are. In case you missed it, in my previous post, I was looking for you to provide the lesson. I asked the readers to read the snippet about the road less traveled, the road with no Starbucks, and share with us all the lesson our Loving Lord showed to you....only a handful responded.

No worries...I'm not going away...I'm still writing...because I know, and as many of you also reminded me, this is often as much a reminder for me of how to live as it is a ministry to each of you who stop by occasionally and to those that subscribe.

Since I know you are there, will you do me a favor or two? One is: If you see a different lesson in a Little Lesson, go to the website and post a comment on that entry telling us what God is showing you so that others can benefit from it. The other favor is: Will you share Little Lessons with those that are important to you? I know many of you forward me all the cute, funny, or inspiring emails that you receive from friends. Will you share these Little Lessons as well? Thanks!

Thank you also for your ongoing prayer support...Our Loving Lord knows I need you lifting me up in that way!!!! :-) :-) :-)

Be sure to be here tomorrow...with cell phone in hand...for a lesson that has been a long time in coming...........

What Is The Road Less Traveled?

2009-02-09T06:34:00.004-06:00

In the last 10 days I have found out that Little Lessons has just a hand-full of readers...Rick, Rose, Connie, and Anonymous, all who responded on the website and Laura who emailed me directly. Although I really thought Little Lessons had more readers, I will still follow my Loving Lord's direction and write these lessons as I see them happen around me.

So what did the road less traveled with no Starbucks mean to me? One thing I see is this: Along the road of life we encounter the "everyone is doing it" philosophy. We are tempted by peer pressure. However, I think we are expected to be different. To take the straighter, more narrow road. The road with less options for variation. To be sanctified which means to be set apart. We don't need the things of this world. We can enjoy things like relationships but we have to look in the Word to see how to relate. We can enjoy having financial blessings but we need to follow Biblical principles in how we use that money.

Little Lesson Life Expression
What road will you take today? Will you choose to blend in with the world and go with the crowd or will you choose to take a different road using the Bible as your road map and our Loving Lord as your guide? Will you be set apart from this world and thereby spread His light for other to see the way to Him?

Exodus 34:8-9 (The Message)

At once, Moses fell to the ground and worshiped, saying, "Please, O Master, if you see anything good in me, please Master, travel with us, hard-headed as these people are. Forgive our iniquity and sin. Own us, possess us.

What Do You Think?

2009-01-30T07:12:00.001-06:00

I've always know it.

You know it too. You know that I prefer primary side roads over the freeways where I live. But know I know it's really true.

I take the road less traveled. How do I know?

I do not drive by even one Starbucks on my way to work using my preferred route.

Oh, yeah, I see a Little Lesson in that. But today I want to find out if you do.

If you are reading this on Facebook or through subscribed mail, please go to stowebear.blogspot.com. Once you get here, click on "Comment" at the bottom of this post. Then tell us what Little Lesson life application you see in the above.

I'll be back in a few days to share my thoughts...after I've had a chance to be inspired by yours.

Looking forward to seeing you here soon...............

Are The Changes In Your Life Hot?

2009-01-26T06:37:00.002-06:00

"You look great. What did you do different?" my friend asked as we walked out of the Sunday morning service.
"Everything!" I replied, smiling.

"You look HOT!"...in Bible study...another friend...as an afterthought she said "Is it okay for two middle-aged married women to say that to each other" and we both laughed.

'Everything' was different. New glasses, new hair color with highlights, wearing makeup which I rarely do and, most of all, I felt good about what had changed.

Our Loving Lord wants us to look "HOT" spiritually as well. How do we do that? We let Him change us from the inside out. We let Him change our attitudes. We follow His Word. Especially the 'one another' commands: Love one another, be kind to one another, serve one another, comfort one another, encourage one another, pray for one another.

So many of us spend many hours and way too many dollars trying to look good to the world. I wonder what our world would be like if we spent those hours and dollars on not only trying to look spiritually good to the world but also being spiritually good in the world.

Little Lesson Life Expression
What changes will you make today to be spiritually hot? Will you spend more time serving those in need? Will you let our Loving Lord change your negative attitude into a positive one? How will you change today to be hot for Him?

Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

What Change Will You Believe In?

2009-01-20T06:05:00.001-06:00

Today in the United States of America, we have the privilege of doing something few, if any, other countries get to do. We get to swear into office the next leader of our country. A leader that was elected by the people of this great country. Every four years we have this privilege. Inauguration Day falls on January 20th every four years. [January 20th is also my nephew's birthday so every four years the nation celebrates with him :-) Happy Birthday "Jr."]

So today as the festivities start in Washington DC, many people are looking forward to a man fulfilling a campaign promise. A promise that was made by both of the major parties candidates. A promise for change. "Change you can believe in" was our new president's campaign theme.

With all due respect to our new leader, the change that I can believe in is much more personal and much bigger than he is. The change that I can, and do, believe in comes from history. It comes from a day over 2000 years ago when our Loving Lord died on a cross to help me (and you) change from our sinful nature to His nature. The change I believe in is possible because He rose from the grave and went to prepare a place for me.

Because of the change that our Loving Lord provides, I can face the challenges created yesterday, the new challenges of today, and the ones that will come in the future.

Little Lesson Life Expression
Regardless of your political leaning, where are you choosing to place you belief today? Are you going to give glory to another human being and trust him for change? Or are you going to lift your eyes to the Maker of the Universe, to the Savior of the World, to our Loving Lord and say "Jesus, YOU are the change I believe in"?

Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

How Do You View A Presidency?

2009-01-19T06:25:00.002-06:00

Today we bid farewell to our current President and prepare to inaugurate our next one tomorrow.

From the comments I have read on Facebook and other places on the Internet, I know some people are thinking "This can not happen fast enough."

Whether you loved him as President or hated him as President, the fact remains that he was our President for 8 years. Whether or not you are excited about our next President doesn't change the fact that we will have a new President tomorrow.

So how do we face today and how do we prepare for tomorrow?

Perhaps by remembering who really has been in control and who will be in control tomorrow...our Loving Lord. We can't change the past and only He knows the future.

Little Lesson Life Expression
As one presidency ends, will you commit to walk away from negative gossip about what should have been or could have been? As another presidency begins, will you commit to pray daily for this new leader to have wisdom to lead us according to our Loving Lord's plans for our lives?

Exodus 22:28 (Amplified Bible)
You shall not revile God [the judges as His agents] or esteem lightly or curse a ruler of your people.

Proverbs 16:1 (The Message)
Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.

Who Helps You Navigate?

2009-01-18T14:13:00.004-06:00

Tuesday was my first day to report for possible Jury Duty.

In downtown.

I don't drive our freeways and I don't drive downtown.

So of course I took the train, the TRE (Trinity Railway Express), and then caught a bus to get me nearer to the Tarrant County Justice Center.

Although I had my directions in hand, not wanting to get lost along the way, I asked a lot of questions. I asked questions to be sure I was on the right train. When I got off the train, I inquired about the right bus to get me near my destination. On the bus, I asked to be notified when to get off for Jury Duty. At the bus stop, the driver told me this was my stop and gave me directions to get the the Justice Center.

I started walking, following what I understood to be his directions. When I did not go to the left at one intersection, a woman who had been on the bus, a woman who knew downtown, a woman who knew where I need to go, spoke up and said, "You're going to the Justice Center, right? You need to cross this way with me."

She was right.

I followed her and my destination was straight ahead of me.

As we travel through our daily lives, we check our road map and follow the directions. In other words, we read our Bibles and look for our Loving Lord's guidance as we make decisions. Sometimes we might get confused, disoriented, lost. That's when our Loving Lord places His people along our path. Someone to share an encouraging word. Someone to stop us from going astray. Someone to coach us on toward success. These people are not 'accidents'. We need them and we need to use discernment as we listen to their coaching. Not everyone that tries to give us advice will be on our side. Some will try to derail us. The enemy sends his 'counsel' as well. That's why we need to start with studying the guidebook that our Loving Lord has given us...so we can recognize wise counsel versus the enemy's counsel.

Little Lesson Life Expression

What directions are you listening to today? Are you relying solely on yourself? If so, will you look around you today and see who our Loving Lord has place along your path to provide insight for your journey? Will you rely on His Word to keep you from falling prey to unwise counsel?

Proverbs (The Message)

11:14 Without good direction, people lose their way;
the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.
13:10 Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord,
but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel.
19:20 Take good counsel and accept correction—
that's the way to live wisely and well.

Do You Have A Capital I In The Middle?

2009-01-15T06:47:00.003-06:00

While Pastor Gregg was preaching Sunday, as usual I was taking notes.

My penmanship is not that great. Be glad you are reading this on-line and not in a handwritten journal. You might not be able to read my writing.

As he was making that point on slave to sin versus slave to righteousness, when I wrote the word 'sin', even I couldn't read it. So I rewrote the letter "i" in the middle of the word. I rewrote it as a capital I. So my paper read "Slave to sIn".

Do you see it? I've probably known it in the past but I've never actually seen it. At least not that clearly.

... Right in the middle of sin ... is a big capital ... I.

When everything in my life centers around me, I'm more likely to fall into the enemy's trap. I'm more likely to sin...to be a slave to sin.

Little Lesson Life Expression
Is your focus on you making your life focus on sin? Will you change your focus today? Will you focus on our Loving Lord and let Him 'deliver you from evil'?

Galatians 5:16-17 (New Living Translation)
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

What Are You Slave To Today?

2009-01-12T06:21:00.003-06:00

Pastor Gregg is preaching a sermon series on "New Year, New You". This past Sunday, one of his points was that we are either slave to sin or slave to righteousness.

As is often the case, my mind wandered down it's own path as he made this point.

Before you read on, please understand that I know that I'm not perfect and I have made mistakes and sometimes I have flat out sinned.

With that said ... I came to know my Loving Lord at a very young age. I have parents that raised me in His ways and expected that I would 'be good'. I attended a great but very strict Christian school for 3 years starting just a few years after I accepted Christ. My best friend in elementary school, Amy, was a 'very good' Christian girl. In high school, I made another friend, Rene', that was also a 'very good' Christian girl. Amy and Rene' were role models for me although they did not know it at the time. Each of these influences challenged me to to always be a slave to 'right'-ness. A slave to doing what is right and not veering off the straight and narrow. I have not been particularly 'righteous' ... just one to always try to do the 'right' thing. Many are the times that I had opportunities to do 'fun' things that were contrary to the Word of God. Being a 'slave' to right, it was an easy choice to say no. Yet remember...I have not always done the right thing. I encourage those on my staff at my day job to spend their energy on doing the the right things rather than spending that energy trying not to get caught doing something they should not do.

According to their actions, it seems that some others that are close to me, choose or have chosen to be instead a slave to sin. The choose selfish desires over right living. They let their desires keep them in sin instead of choosing right actions that could set them free from the slavery of sin.

Little Lesson Life Expression
What are you slave to today? Are you a slave to sin? Selfish desires? Bad habits? Or are you a slave to 'right'eousness? Are you choosing to let our Loving Lord's commands keep you free from acting on those temptations? Are you choosing this day to be a 'slave' to Christ and live for Him? If you are currently a slave to sin, will you let this day be the day you receive your freedom from that slavery and voluntarily submit to being a slave to His righteousness?

Romans 6:15-23 (Contemporary English Version)

15What does all this mean? Does it mean we are free to sin, because we are ruled by God's wonderful kindness and not by the Law? Certainly not! 16Don't you know that you are slaves of anyone you obey? You can be slaves of sin and die, or you can be obedient slaves of God and be acceptable to him. 17You used to be slaves of sin. But I thank God that with all your heart you obeyed the teaching you received from me. 18Now you are set free from sin and are slaves who please God.

19I am using these everyday examples, because in some ways you are still weak. You used to let the different parts of your body be slaves of your evil thoughts. But now you must make every part of your body serve God, so that you will belong completely to him.

20When you were slaves of sin, you didn't have to please God. 21But what good did you receive from the things you did? All you have to show for them is your shame, and they lead to death. 22Now you have been set free from sin, and you are God's slaves. This will make you holy and will lead you to eternal life. 23Sin pays off with death. But God's gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Are You Getting Your Treats?

2009-01-08T06:43:00.002-06:00

Every morning, Tigger and Tiger get cat treats. The later I sleep, the more anxious they get about their treats. They desire them as early in the day as they can get them. If I first sit at the computer, like I did this morning, they sit near by and....they really do this...Tiger particularly...they scowl at me. It's like they are saying "Stop what you are doing! Don't you know how important our treats are?"

We, too, have treats waiting on us each morning. Our Loving Lord desires us to come to Him first thing each morning and get the treats He has waiting for us in His Word. Oh, for each of us to be as anxious to get into His Word as Tigger and Tiger are to get their morning treats!

Little Lesson Life Expression
Did you have your treats from the Bible this morning? If not, what did you place a higher priority on? Will you re-evaluate that priority tomorrow morning?

Genesis 19:27 (New International Version)
Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD.

Mark 1:35 (New International Version)
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Lamentations 3:22 (The Message)
God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left.

Are You Afraid Of Movement?

2009-01-05T05:45:00.005-06:00

Tiger, my boy cat, loves to come in the bathroom with me. He loves to move around through my ankles showing affection and wanting attention. I pet him and sometimes pick him up and we cuddle and have "purr-time". When "purr-time" is over, I put him down and he rubs up against my ankles again. As soon as I make the slightest movement that indicates I'm about done, he runs away. As long as I'm sitting still, he stays as close as he can. However, if he thinks I'm about to move, he leaves.

I wonder if this is how we are with our Loving Lord. As long as we can come to Him on our terms, we "cuddle" Him and stay close. We stay in our comfort zone. But what happens when we see Him start to move? Do we get anxious about what our role might be in His movement and run away? Or do we stay close and see what He might be getting ready to do? Do we get excited that we might be part of His plans?

Little Lesson Life Expression
As you draw close to our Loving Lord today, will you ask Him to reveal to you what His plans are for your life? Will you look to see when He is moving in situations around you and join in? Or will you run away afraid of what He might be doing that may cost you your time or your money? Are you willing to miss out on potential blessing because of your fear? Will you release that fear to Him today?

1 Corinthians 12:6 (Contemporary English Version)
and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.

Will You Read And Follow The Directions?

2009-01-04T07:52:00.003-06:00

Tired of cold cereal and breakfast bars ... and needing to reduce the sugar in my diet ... I decided to have oatmeal for breakfast. Instant oatmeal. Brand new box. I got out the bowl and read the directions on the box. And reread the directions. Then I opened the box ... and ... I ... read the directions on the individual packet. The directions gave me some choices like use either milk or water and that if I wanted thicker oatmeal I could use less liquid.

That's when I realized it.

The directions did not change. They were the same each time I read them on the outside of the box and they were the same inside and outside the box. I had some choice in how to apply the directions but the directions themselves did not change.

Our Loving Lord has provided us with directions for life. You can find them in the Bible. And whether you read your Bible at home or at church, the directions never change. Just like with my oatmeal, you have some choices of how to live out the directions. You can't change the directions but you can choose how you apply them. When you "make a joyful noise" for our Loving Lord you can choose to sing hymns or you can choose to sing scripture songs. When you "go ye therefore and teach all nations", you can do that face-to-face by going as a missionary or you can be a pen-pal with someone and share Christ through pen and paper or email.

Little Lesson Life Expression
What directions are you following today? Are you using your Bible as the direction book for your life? How are you applying those directions in your daily life? Will you make a decision today to make the best possible choices so that the way you live will show our Loving Lord to those around you?

Proverbs 11:14 (The Message)
Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances

Can You Add Something Noticeable?

2008-10-19T16:53:00.002-05:00

I must be really plain. Plain to the point of unnoticeable.

I have a limited wardrobe and wear basically the same things over and over.

Recently, I've made a few simple changes and the responses have been surprising.

For example, I have one outfit that looks very nice on me (or so I think). I've worn this outfit to both church and work. A few weeks ago, I wore the outfit to church with one small change. I added a necklace. Nothing more. Just a simple necklace. I received so many compliments on 'how nice' I looked that day. I repeated the same outfit with the same necklace at work a few days later. Same response. "You look so nice today."

Of course I resisted the urge to say "Oh as opposed to all the other days????" :-)

Another example of a small change with great impact involves my hair. If you know me at all, you know I rarely have a 'good hair day'. It's fine, thin, straight, non-existing (read balding in spots) hair. So one day, I simply pushed part of it behind each ear and left a tad bit hanging in front my ears. That's all. That's the simple change I made. But, oh my, the compliments I got. "You cut your hair! It looks great!"...."What did you do to your hair? I love it?" ..."Your hair looks good today. What did you do differently?"...Rare compliments for someone with my mane.

It took so little to have people take a second look and ask me questions about the changes they saw or thought they saw.

Little Lesson Life Expression
Isn't this a great opportunity that we have with our testimony as well? What small changes can you make in how you share Christ with others that will draw them to His message? What sincere thing can you do to attract them to what you have? What about in your church? What simple way can you serve the community around you so that they will want to take a closer look?

Proverbs 25:11 (The Message)
The right word at the right time
is like a custom-made piece of jewelry

Are You Still Green?

2008-10-15T20:11:00.003-05:00

The tree is beautiful. Fall is in full force here in Wisconsin. I've traveled here for business this week. Driving from the airport to the office, I traveled through the university campus and the beauty of the fall colors almost made me want to return to college.

Arriving at the office, I noticed the tree. The reds so rich. The oranges so bright.

But it was odd at the same time. It seemed the top half of the tree was red and orange while the bottom half appeared to still be solid green.

Why would only half a tree change?

I walked over to the tree and took a closer look. Sparsely among the dark green leaves, I spotted several yellow leaves...the more I looked, the more I saw. So the bottom half of the tree was indeed changing!

From a distance, I didn't see the yellow leaves. The brilliant red and orange ones out shined the yellow ones.

So many thoughts flooded my mind about the possibilities of Little Lessons from this tree. But I settled on this....

When the world looks at believers, what do they see? Do they see the changes that have happened in a believer's life? Or does their life look unchanged until you get up close and personal?

When the world looks at the church, does it look divided? Does it look like we just have some loud, outgoing, excited participants and the rest of the attenders are basically no different than the world is?

To me, we all go through changes when we accept our Loving Lord into our heart. Some are subtle changes that you can't see unless you look deep inside, like a 'good' person who gives up their selfish wants and let's Christ control their finances. They are the the yellow leaves you only see when you walk up to the tree. Others are radical changes, like the individual who is being held captive by the consequence of addictive behaviors who, upon accepting Christ, lets go of the addiction and lets Christ take control. Their change is the bright red and orange that you can see from a distance.

It's all the leaves being the color they are assigned that make the tree a sight to see.

Little Lesson Life Expression
Have your leaves started changing colors? Or are you the unchanged green leaves? Will you let the changes start in your life today? If you have not yet accepted our Loving Lord as Saviour, will you make that change today? If you have accepted Him but are not actively living the plan He has for your life, will you invite Him to bring more colors of change into your life today?

Matthew 3:8 (Amplified Bible) Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart]

Can I Be Gay With You?

2008-10-12T08:03:00.002-05:00

What were your thoughts when you read the title of today's Little Lesson? What did those six little words bring your mind to? (Note to parents: Today's Little Lesson may be rated PG instead of G.)

It's not what you think. I didn't say what you thought you read.

If fact, I simply want my word back.

In high school, I had a friend named Holly Gay. I loved her name. It always made me happy. See I knew her before the meaning of word in our society changed.

In elementary school, I had learned the meaning of the word gay. It was something bright, pleasant, that promoted a feeling of cheer. At the time, all children were meant to be gay. Holly was a delight to be around...always pleasant.

Then a few short years later, another group of people claimed that word for themselves. Suddenly, instead of gay meaning simply happy and cheerful, it meant you lived an 'alternative lifestyle'. Suddenly straight people no longer wanted to be described a gay...even though the former meaning of the word had held true for centuries.

Fast forward to my adult son's generation. They stole the word again. Now the word means "rubbish”. Or at least that's what the BBC Board of Governors has said. They have stated that in 'modern playground-speak' the word should not be offensive to 'gays'.

Oh but the media in America disagrees! This week I saw an public service announcement that encourages our young people not to use the phrase "that's so gay" to describe things that are stupid or rubbish. Why? It's not nice. It might hurt the feelings of those who call themselves 'gay'. So I have a question....did the homosexual community count my feelings when they took the happy meaning of gay away from me?

Side note: This Little Lesson is about the meaning of the word not about the lifestyle issues.

I looked it up. I am apparently a Sunday's child. Do you know about Sunday's children?
"But the child born on the Sabbath Day,
Is fair and wise and good and gay."

So I repeat...Can I be gay with you?

Little Lesson Life Expression
Our Loving Lord says what He means and means what He says. Will you do the same? Will you say what you really mean this week? Will you mean what you say? Will you choose your words for effectiveness and then stand by them never changing?

Matthew 5:33-37 (The Message) "And don't say anything you don't mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, 'I'll pray for you,' and never doing it, or saying, 'God be with you,' and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.

What Can You Remember?

2008-10-09T19:15:00.002-05:00

It was to be a zoo. Or perhaps a jungle. Monkeys, flamingos, lions, and, of course, tigers. I was to be a tiger. So chosen in tribute to my own two cats Tigger and Tiger. And perhaps in honor of my high school mascot from all those years ago.

It was actually crazy hat day at work. All of us leaders were wearing animal hats and either animal print shirts or camouflage. I had looked the previous weekend for a shirt to buy but didn't find anything that I liked. The night before crazy hat day I had planned to go to Wally-world and see if they had something camouflage in the sporting goods but....I never left the house that night.

So then it was zoo day, ah uh, crazy hat day and I had one question...what to wear with my tiger hat? Perhaps a solid brown shirt. I opened my closet to look. Suddenly I saw it and remembered. I saw my tiger-like print shirt that I have had for too many years to even try to remember.

Our Loving Lord does that for us. He provides the answers we need right when we need them. We make our plans. We think we will figure things out for ourselves. But when we come to the end of our selfish thoughts, He is faithful to be there reminding us of what we may already know.

Little Lesson Life Expression
What will you do when you have a need? Will you rely on your own thoughts and ways? Or will you rely on our Loving Lord to provide your need in His time?

John 14:26 (Amplified Bible) But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.

How Does Your Light Shine?

2008-10-06T17:39:00.002-05:00

Someone 'got it'. They really got it. When I started writing Little Lessons from my Loving Lord, I prayed that people would get it. That people would start to see the little lessons that are revealed to them as they go about living their lives...and that they would start sharing their own insights with others.

Yesterday, I received an email from dear hubby's dad...who is a faithful reader. My pa-in-law shared his own little lesson. Now I'm about to share it with you...basically in his own words, slightly modified...

"Every Sunday at church, being the back seat Baptist we are, we always sit it the same seat. Well, it's not because it's 'our seat', it's just there and I take the offering each Sunday and that's where they always put the collection plate.

That's not it either ... I like to sit on the back row.

Anyway, the area we sit in has been somewhat dark...that was until they just completed some remodeling by installing a new wall behind us. As I said, it was always a little dark. There has always been light, however it's been out. Well, now they have fixed it and it shines right down on me.

Now I can't go to sleep when the preacher delivers his sermon!!!! 'cause now he can surely see me and could think I am not listening !!! LOL!!! Just a joke unless you ask my wife how many times she punches me in my ribs during the sermon.

Then it got me to thinking...God's light is on us every day of our life here on earth and it's up to us how His light shining on us is reflected to others around us every day. I recall the song we sang in Sunday school:

'This little light of mine, I am gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I am gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel - NO! I'm gonna let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel - NO! I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."

Little Lesson Life Expression

Are you reminded that everyday we reflect the Light to others around us as a witness? What does the light reveal about who you are as a person and how what others might see in you? How is your lite shinning today ? Will you shine bright everyday for Him?"

(Thank you Dad H.!!!)

Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message) "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to
open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Getting The Unexpected

2008-10-04T21:34:00.003-05:00

I went to Kohl's today. Don't you just love shopping at Kohl's?

I was a bit confused though. I had not been to this store in about two months. They had moved things around. Petites now occupy the space where my size used to be. I wondered around until I found clothes in my size. None of the garments on the rack shouted, "Buy me! Take me home with you! Come on, at least try me on!!!" So I headed back to the front door empty handed.

But something happened as I was leaving. I opened the door to leave and noticed a mom coming in pushing her baby in a stroller. I remember those days. One hand on the stroller and one on the door...how awkward it is to try to maneuver both with just two hands. So I did the only reasonable thing...I held the door open for her. She smiled weakly and said "Thanks." Then I saw another woman, this one did not have a child or any 'extra' baggage'. I held the door open for her anyway. She looked me in the eyes and her frown turned upside down and she expressed a surprised "Thank you." I smiled too. Smiled deep down inside as well.

As I walked to my car, I realized I 'got' something today. Something that didn't cost me a dime. I got the chance to add a small ray of Son-shine unexpectedly into someones life. AND...and I got a nice warm fuzzy feeling inside of me. Why? Because I got to practice what we teach children all the time but rarely think about as adults. I got to practice Ephesians 4:32a.

Little Lesson Life Expression
Will you take time today to be kind to someone you meet? If not, why not? If so, will you share with us the results?

Ephesians 4:32a (Amplified Bible)
And become useful and helpful and kind to one another,

Little Lessons from my Loving Lord

Will You Be An Overnight Sensation?

Have You Recieved Your Free Gift?

Romans 6:23 (New International Version) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Very Little Lesson With A Big Impact

What Song Are You Chosing?

Psalm 146:1-2 (The Message)
Hallelujah! O my soul, praise God! All my life long I'll praise God, singing songs to my God as long as I live.

Proverbs 15:15 (The Message)
A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.

Where's The Worth?

2 Timothy 1:13-14 (The Message)

James 5:19-20 (The Message)

Are You A Banana Or A Muffin?

Philippians 3:15-16 (The Message)

What Volume Are You Set On?

Luke 9:26 (Contemporary English Version)

I Hear You...I Do Know You Are There...Thank You!

What Is The Road Less Traveled?

Exodus 34:8-9 (The Message)

What Do You Think?

Are The Changes In Your Life Hot?

Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)

What Change Will You Believe In?

Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)

How Do You View A Presidency?

Who Helps You Navigate?

Proverbs (The Message)

Do You Have A Capital I In The Middle?

Galatians 5:16-17 (New Living Translation)

What Are You Slave To Today?

Are You Getting Your Treats?

Are You Afraid Of Movement?

1 Corinthians 12:6 (Contemporary English Version)
and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.

Will You Read And Follow The Directions?

Can You Add Something Noticeable?

Are You Still Green?

Can I Be Gay With You?

What Can You Remember?

How Does Your Light Shine?

Getting The Unexpected

Little Lessons from my Loving Lord

Will You Be An Overnight Sensation?

Have You Recieved Your Free Gift?

Romans 6:23 (New International Version) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Very Little Lesson With A Big Impact

What Song Are You Chosing?

Psalm 146:1-2 (The Message)Hallelujah! O my soul, praise God! All my life long I'll praise God, singing songs to my God as long as I live.

Proverbs 15:15 (The Message)A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.

Where's The Worth?

2 Timothy 1:13-14 (The Message)

James 5:19-20 (The Message)

Are You A Banana Or A Muffin?

Philippians 3:15-16 (The Message)

What Volume Are You Set On?

Luke 9:26 (Contemporary English Version)

I Hear You...I Do Know You Are There...Thank You!

What Is The Road Less Traveled?

Exodus 34:8-9 (The Message)

What Do You Think?

Are The Changes In Your Life Hot?

Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)

What Change Will You Believe In?

Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)

How Do You View A Presidency?

Who Helps You Navigate?

Proverbs (The Message)

Do You Have A Capital I In The Middle?

Galatians 5:16-17 (New Living Translation)

What Are You Slave To Today?

Are You Getting Your Treats?

Are You Afraid Of Movement?

1 Corinthians 12:6 (Contemporary English Version)and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.

Will You Read And Follow The Directions?

Can You Add Something Noticeable?

Are You Still Green?

Can I Be Gay With You?

What Can You Remember?

How Does Your Light Shine?

Getting The Unexpected

Psalm 146:1-2 (The Message)
Hallelujah! O my soul, praise God! All my life long I'll praise God, singing songs to my God as long as I live.

Proverbs 15:15 (The Message)
A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.

1 Corinthians 12:6 (Contemporary English Version)
and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.