my Father's hands

I looked down at my hands this morning and realized how much they look like my dad's and my mom's hands. They passed so many traits on to me. In turn, my husband and I have passed our traits on to our children.  The other day, a gentleman commented how much our daughter favored me.  He said God works it so children will carry on the good things.  He mentioned how his seven sisters each remind him of his mother. It was a sweet conversation.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 1:27 KJV

God made us in His image. We are to be a reflection of Him. We carry the traits of our heavenly Father. We have many traits as human beings that reflect our Creator. We have a driven desire for relationship with Him. A desire for love and an inner understanding of morality that can only come from God. We as humans, in general, follow a set of rules and laws for what us good and bad. We seek love, we seek good,  we seek to fulfill our needs for relationship with others and God.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV

Spiritually, we are also a reflection of God. We are changed into His likeness through salvation.  We are to be His body,  His hands , feet, and voice to those around us.  When they see us, they should see Him.

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1 Corinthians 12:27 KJV

We, as His children,  are a reflection of our Father. We carry His traits. We remind others of Him.

My dad used to tell us kids, "You're an Ellis and I expect you to act like it " How much more so does our heavenly Father expect us to behave as His child? He wants our lives to show the world who He is in a true reflection of love, mercy,  righteousness , and goodness. He is a good, good Father. That is what He wants us to show the world. May we reflect the traits of our heavenly Father in a manner that is worthy of who He is in us.

trust the plan

It is truly amazing how God provides just what we need when we need it. His plan is evident in every circumstance when we just listen and attend to His voice.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord : and he delighteth in his way.
Psalms 37:23 KJV

As I studied the Christmas story in Luke chapter 1 and 2 this past month,  I was truly inspired and awed by the plan that God had laid out for Jesus to be born. His plan was laid out by the prophets, Isaiah, Amos and others. The scriptures of the Old Testament foretold the birth of Jesus hundreds of years before he came. God spent hundreds of years preparing for the birth of Jesus. He prepared the lineage for his family. He prepared Elizabeth and Zechariah for the birth of John so he could prepare the way. He prepared Mary and Joseph to parent and raise Jesus. He even prepared the desires of Ceasar to require taxation that sent Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. He prepared Simeon and Anna in the temple to greet the young couple when they brought the sacrifice to dedicate Jesus as the firstborn. They prophesied and ministered to the young Babe and His parents. God prepared them.

In much the same way,  God prepared for us as well. He has known all along that we would be here.  He prepared for us. Jeremiah 1:5 says He knew us before we were even formed in our mother's womb. He planned and prepared for us. It is no accident that we are here. You are not an accident. When we seek Him and walk in His plan, we can fulfill the purpose He has for us.  He will not leave us.  We may not understand everything,  but we can trust that His plan for us is perfect.

As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.
Ecclesiastes 11:5 NKJV

Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth,  Zachariah, Some in and Anna may nor have understood everything they were asked to do. They may have some of the story,  but as human beings, they did not have all the knowledge of God. They had to trust; trust that God was leading them in His plan.

This week, I have really needed to trust that God has a plan.  It is so hard to watch your sweet child endure pain and go through a surgery. I may not understand why he must go through all this. But in the midst of it all, God has revealed bits of His plan.  We have prayed with a young lady and shared my son's story. When we call out in prayer, God answers. This morning, I was preparing to head back up to the hospital and I was reminded that our steps are ordered by the Lord. I heard Him remind me that He prepared each day for us. A little later, ad my daughter and I stepped on the elevator, a gentleman spoke words of encouragement and life into our souls. He reminded me that I am here for the purpose of raising my children and passing on what I know  and what I to them. In that brief conversation,  God spoke to reinforce that He is preparing for us daily. He ordered our steps today. He provided needed encouragement. Throughout the day, contacts and reminders were heaped upon us of God's careful planning and timing. When we take the time to be prayerful and attentive to God, we can find ourselves emersed in His live and goodness in every moment, every circumstance.  We are not promised tomorrow or perfect, easy life. We are promised His love,  His faithfulness,  and God's ever prepared plan for us to follow. He asks of us to trust. His hand us on our lives and is easily seen when we simply allow Him to lead.

Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.
Psalms 139:10 NKJV

No matter how tempting it is to become confused, frustrated or doubtful, we only need to trust that God's purpose is still evident for us.

For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.
Psalms 31:3 NKJV

We will find hope, comfort, peace, and joy in the knowledge of God and His plan. He has already prepared for us. Take His hand and hold on.

busy days

It is sometimes overwhelming to think about all the things we are trying to accomplish. I know I have a running list, a calendar on the fridge, a calendar on my phone, one in my purse and one on my desk at work. There is also a work calendar at my place of employment with school wide events, a church calendar, my kids’ school calendars and after school activities. The list goes on and on. We have chores that need to be done, people to care for and all the activities that fill our days. We have so much going on at times, that we become overwhelmed, exhausted and maybe even resentful of these many things. I may feel like I have left more to do at the end of the day than I actually accomplished. I don’t think I am the only one. I am sure we all have those moments. I realize that we can fill our calendars to overflowing so much so that the important things of life get overlooked. I heard someone today talking about scheduling ‘quality time’ with a loved one. Quality time. Isn’t all time, quality? God made time and therefore, anything he made is quality. How we spend our time may not be of quality. I am thinking that all we do should be for the glory of God.  I Corinthians 10:31 says:

Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.

That means whatever we are doing should be done all for His glory. I am not always grateful for those chores and activities that feel like they are wasting my time. But, I should be grateful and glorifying God for that house that needs a repair or that floor that needs sweeping. I should be thanking God for those that made that mess in the first place. While cleaning up a mess may not seem like it glorifies God, our attitude doing it should be most important. We should be glorifying God in the middle of all things. Our lives, our heart and our mouths should be pouring forth praise to the Creator who made all things and has blessed us with these things. The custodian at my school reminds me of this often. I may walk through the cafeteria after the breakfast time and I will hear her singing praises and magnifying God as she sweeps and mops that floor as she does every day. She is always ready to praise.

If those things we are busying ourselves with are taking away time from the most important, then maybe we need to re-evaluate our priorities. Maybe we have to put aside and de-clutter our busy-ness. Have we put so much busy activity into our calendars that we neglect the important things of God? Have we neglected our time with Him, with the body of Christ, with precious loved ones?  God did create time and He knows the limits of time. We all know this too well. Time with God is the most precious. It is time that should be marked off first and foremost. Time to spend in His presence, time to pray and read His word. That should be most valued as the time best spent. Time with the body of Christ, in fellowship and corporate worship, learning of Him should also be of high priority. There are not many things that should interfere with time with God’s body. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are part of that body and need to value our time with one another. “Forsake not the assembling of ourselves together.”

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

We need one another for strength, and fellowship. This is how we support one another, check on one another and join together in the intimate worship of our Savior. Fellowship with the body should be a high priority.

Time with family should also be high on the list. Family, unfortunately, sometimes falls to the bottom of our list. Marriages and relationships greatly suffer from neglect. God ordained the family as a reflection of His love for us and it needs to be given the utmost respect and priority as this truly does glorify God. Family units are meant to reflect the love of God. When we are not invested in our marriages, children, and family, we are failing to reflect the love God has for us. This is a true failure on the part of Christians. We need to place a higher value on family relationships. It isn’t about what we give or buy. It is about the care and love invested into one another.

All we do, rather great or small, is meant to be done for the glory of God. What activities are you doing? Do any not glorify God?  Does your attitude while doing those little things reflect the love you have for God and the wonderful blessings He has bestowed upon you? I know I have to remember, even in the small things that may seem menial or just time consuming, we are still a reflection of the love of God. As I tie a shoe, again; sweep up that mess one more time; or just listen to a friend, all those little things add up to faithfulness in glorifying God when done from a heart that loves and wants to reflect God.  We can remember that even though it may just seem like another delay or another thing to do, our heart will reflect what is in it. God knows our hearts and He knows that we are doing many of these things because we love those around us, we are trying to make things better for them, teach them, love them, and sometimes, just get through the next hurdle. God knows it all. He loves us and He cares for us too.

Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

God will give us the strength when we are weak or give us a chance to rest. We need to call on Him, spend time with Him and always keep our time with Him as most precious. May we all take a moment to reflect on the goodness of God and the many blessings that may fill our days because we are so blessed to partake in each activity of our day. Each moment we are alive is a gift from God. 

Mary and Elizabeth

When Mary heard from the angel that Elizabeth was also with child, she quickly left to go to see Elizabeth. Elizabeth lived quite a distance, maybe 100 miles away from Mary. But Mary made the 10 day journey on foot to see her cousin. Why would she do all that?  I imagine, having just heard this life-changing news, from an angel, that she would be bearing a Son, the Messiah, on top of the social impact this pregnancy would have, gave her little choice, but to seek out Elizabeth. It is not recorded that Mary told anyone about the angelic visitor. She quickly ran to Elizabeth. The angel gave her big news for herself and also shared Elizabeth’s news of her pregnancy. When the Mary entered the house, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.

^{Luke 1:35-41}

³⁵ And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

³⁶ And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

³⁷ For with God nothing shall be impossible.

³⁸ And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

³⁹ And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

⁴⁰ And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

⁴¹ And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

^{When the Mary entered the house, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. Elizabeth spoke great blessing upon Mary and Mary in return spoke blessings. These two women came together to share their experiences with one another. One the elder and one the younger were able to support one another, care for one another and provide a spiritual partner that the other needed. Mary needed Elizabeth’s wisdom in what she was facing. She needed strength to go home and face the reality of being pregnant. She needed to tell Joseph and her family. She wanted them to believe her. Elizabeth may have needed Mary’s help as she was older and now found herself to be pregnant for the first time. She may have needed Mary’s support with household duties or with getting things ready for a small baby when there had been hope dashed. She may have needed a listening ear. God placed these two women together to serve and support one another.}

^{This teaches us a lesson, as women, we are to care for one another, support one another and lift up one another.}

^{Titus 2:1-8}

2 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

² That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

³ The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

⁴ That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

⁵ To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

⁶ Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

⁷ In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

⁸ Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

^{We are directed to be teachers of those who are younger than we are: to be examples to them.  Just as Paul exhorted Timothy to be an example of the believers (1 Timothy 4:12), we are to be an example to others. We are to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and we are to pray for one another. (James 5:16).  As part of the body of Christ, we are to care for one another, be kind to one another and love one another. If we cannot help one another, we are not obeying God’s commands. We are to spend time as a support for each other in times of trouble and in times of good. We are to be there for one another and lift other’s up. That is what God expects. He took the time to record this precious time between Mary and Elizabeth as an example of what it means to look to our elders for wisdom and to provide a support for one another. Even in the midst of declaring the birth of Jesus, he made sure these two women connected to help each other through a huge ordeal in their lives. God cares about our individual needs as much as he cares about His whole body. He is a good Father that looks after us. He uses us to be those loving arms and those who can speak wisdom into one another. He is eager to use us today. Can we be used as the hands and feet of God? Can we be used as the encourager and the lifter up of someone else?  Let’s be aware that God uses us to provide for the needs of others and others can provide for us as well. Let’s all do what God has called us to do, and that is to love one another as Christ loves the church.} 

standing on the Rock

Foundations are very important to a dwelling or building. Without a firm, solid foundation, the building will not stand long.   In Matthew chapter 7, verses 24 - 27, Jesus spoke a parable about the type of foundations we build upon. A foolish man built on sand and a wise man built on the rock.  Jesus said a wise man who hears his sayings is like a wise man who builds his house on the rock. Our foundation is Jesus.

For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you  are  God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 3:9‭-‬11 NKJV

We can stand on Christ the solid Rock. His foundation is sure and steady.  When we face trials, and storms that intend to knock us down or destroy the work God has begun in us, our foundation holds us firm and sure.

having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,
Ephesians 2:20 NKJV

We can trust in our foundation and keep our feet planted in Christ. His promises are true and He will provide, protect, and guide us through all of life's ups and downs.  We can look to Jesus because He will not allow us to be moved as long as we are standing on His foundation- His Word.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord , Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Psalms 121:1‭-‬3 NKJV

He will never leave us nor forsake us. His Word is truth and sure.  We can trust His Word.  So when life seems to shake your very being to the core, stand on the Solid Rock, Christ Jesus. He will keep your footing sure and hold you through all of life's storms.

There is an old song called I'm Standing on the Solid Rock. It words speak of standing on Jesus our Rock, our Foundation.  I am so glad I know Jesus,  the Solid Rock.  I do not need fear or worry when I have Him. We can keep standing and trusting His Word. Do not give up or give in. We have Jesus.

Through my disappointments
Strife and discontentment
I cast my every care upon the Lord
No matter what obsession
Pain or deep depression
I'm standing on the solid rock

I'm standing on the solid rock of ages 
Safe from all the storm that rages 
Rich but not from Satan's wages 
I'm standing on the solid rock

deception disguised

I saw a large white, deadly serpent slowly moving around the door, across the top of the door and moving on around the room. I, who usually respond with great fear to snakes, actually found myself admiring the beautiful color of this lithe creature. Yet, I realized that it was extremely deadly and I needed to be very concerned.

When I fully woke, I asked God, "What does this even mean?" This disturbed me and I prayed for understanding.

This snake represented deception that Satan uses to find a way into  our lives. He is determined  to destroy us.  He is our enemy. He does not want us to believe in God, trust God, nor worship God. He wants to make us miserable, and alienate us from God.

Jesus warned us.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 NKJV

While he may use quick events and destruction, he is sly and stealthy. He uses tools and strategies that we may not recognize at the time. That is how he works.
Deception is a tool the enemy of our soul uses to draw use away from God. It is not an instantaneous outcome, but a slow process that occurs over time. Then one day, you have come to a place that God is no longer first nor important to you at all. Satan has accomplished the goal of destroying your soul.

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,  and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
II Timothy 3:13‭-‬15 NKJV

Paul said: Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
I Corinthians 15:33‭-‬34 NKJV

Deception comes in many forms. It usually comes as something small. We may at first tolerate it or even dismiss it. But, what we allow into our presence, into our homes and in our lives, will become your thoughts, your actions and your desire. You will slowly allow God to to take a back seat and other things will take precedence. We must be aware and cautious that we do not allow any thing to become more important than God. We can easily be deceived by the beauty, the fun, the excitement , or pleasure that may be presented. For a little while, it may be harmless, but once it gets too close, it is too late, it will have you in within grasp and be able to bite you, destroy you,  wrap around you. You are overtaken and under its control. That is deception.
Be wary, saints of God. Do not be deceived by the slow, sly deception of the enemy of your soul.

ripple effect

Have you ever thrown a rock into a still pond? When that rock hits the water, it creates a circle of ripples that progress across the water.  I think a lot of our actions and words can also create ripples. Our very lives create an effect that can progress across the lives of others.

Following a funeral recently, I was thinking about how I became who I am.  It wasn't just me, isolated and alone who made me who I am. Many others made decisions that affect my life. I go back to my great grandfather. He made a decision to know Jesus, to preach the gospel and raise his family in the Word. His son, my grandfather, laid his sin down on an altar, and began living his life for God. He preached the gospel and did his best to teach his family the same. My dad, then made that choice as well to live for God, preach the gospel and teach his children the same. Here I am, also living for God and trying to be an example to my children and teach of what God has for their lives. While none were perfect, their influence created a ripple that makes me who I am.

My mom made a decision as well, as a teenager, her parents went to church and loved God, but my mom made a decision to allow God to direct her in her life. God brought my parents together. I can say I have been witness to the hand of God as I grew up. God provided in many ways, when my dad was laid off, when we had little, we had hope. I have seen my parents pray, and God answer. To this day, I know God is still answering prayers my parents have prayed.

Being raised in church, I also got to see many others who lived a life for God that spoke volumes about who God is.  One such lady, was Edith Mayes. I will always remember the miracles she would tell about, her daily talk and walk with God and her example. When you asked her how she was her reply was always, "I am blessed!" Even when things appeared bad, she was blessed.

Another great example to me is Rev. John Hattabaugh. He lived many years as a missionary in Argentina, raised his family there and started many churches. He faced many trials and even death for preaching there.  But Argentina went from very little people who knew God to now hundreds of thousands who  serve God because one man and his family served faithfully. His stories amaze me. He still works for the Kingdom to this day. He is a man of God Still reaching for souls.

My husband and I would not be who we are without the influence of many others.  His pastor's wife, Sis. Betty Dillehay, knew we belonged together. She made sure he was at a youth camp where I was. That is where we became inseparable.  There are many people who have spoken into our lives and encouraged us along the way. Pastor Holiman is one of those people. He may not ever realize how much influence he has had on my husband. He has been a mentor and a friend.  I cannot list all the people who have created a ripple that has progressed into my life.  From before I was born to today, my current Pastors and church family, work family and friends, each play a role in my life. Each are important and teach me mamy things.

We do not realize  how we affect the lives of others.
Paul told Timothy to be an example.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12 KJV

And James spoke of the prophets.
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
James 5:10 KJV

We can look around and see how we are affected by others and how we affect the lives of others. We need to see that we create a ripple that will progress into our children's lives and into the lives of those around us. I want to be a positive influence and a life that demonstrates the love of God.
I want my children to be able to say that their mom and dad created a ripple that brought them hope and faith in Jesus.
I pray that my life is a ripple to others influencing them to have faith and hope in God. By the grace of God,  may I live a life that demonstrates how much He loves us.