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Posted on October 27, 2021 by beverlyeash

Today was another windy day at the beach. The sky was blue as far as you could see with an occasional puffy cloud. White sand stretched in all directions, packed as hard as concrete where it met the water. Waves of water swelled and rolled toward the beach, making it a perfect day for wind and body surfing.

It was also quite warm so the wind was a welcome addition to beach time. As I sat, I watched the waves. They began somewhere far beyond where I could see and undulated toward shore. About twenty feet out, the surface of the wave broke and rolled over itself before flattening out and sliding to the shore.

In order to cool off, I wandered into the water. The first bit was slow going as I struggled against the current and the waves breaking into white foam. Pushing past the point of breaking waves, I made an interesting discovery. I found I could relax into the water and allow the waves to gently undulate and carry me with them. Lifting my legs and floating, I found the rough water to be quite gentle and rather enjoyable.

There was just one tiny obstacle to this pleasurable experience in the deeper water. I had to push past the breaking waves where the water was quite shallow into deeper water where the waves gently lifted me up and just as gently set me down. In essence, I leaned into and trusted the water.

As I considered the ocean, I knew there were those who didn’t venture past the shallow water into the deep because of the waves coming into shore. It took effort to push past the white foaming water breaking in the shallows. Just when I thought I could move beyond them, another wave came in. It was easier to go back to shore than to push against the current and into the deeper water. But once I was past where the waves fell over themselves, the water carried me along the swell as if I was nestled in her arms.

Sometimes in my spiritual life, I don’t want to go deep. The way is hard, much effort is required to get there, obstacles overwhelm me. But when I push in and do the hard things, I find myself in the deep water of God where there is so much life.

Going deep with God requires three sacrifices. First, I must let go of my need for what is comfortable. As in the water, if I want to get to the place where the waves aren’t crashing against me, I have to be willing to get out of my comfort zone.

Secondly, I must push past the obstacles. It might be a sacrifice of time, resources, energy, money — whatever is keeping me out of the deep water. At the beach, it’s the distance and a few strong waves.

Finally, my trust has to be in the Spirit. If I want to experience the greatest joy, I have to let go and relax into something greater than myself. There is a great deal of joy in floating with the waves and trusting them.

5Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 7Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 3:5-7

Is the Lord inviting you into the deep water of His Spirit? What keeps you on the shore? Is it fear of the obstacles? Is it the what ifs? What if I don’t like it? What if it isn’t what I thought? What if…?

Here’s my invitation to take on the waves and get into the deep. It’s really quite rewarding!

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Posted on October 26, 2021 by beverlyeash

27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 

John 10:27

Max Lucado wrote a children’s book entitled “The Song of the King” that tells the story of a king looking for a prince to marry his daughter. Three candidates came forward willing to compete for the hand of the princess.

The king laid out the competition that would take the candidates through a difficult and dangerous forest. He allowed each of them to choose a traveling companion and then sent them on their way. Every morning and evening the king played his flute from the castle to guide the suitors through the forest.

Days passed and the people waited anxiously to see who would make it to the castle. Finally, a lone figure straggled out of the woods. He was taken into the castle, cleaned up and presented to the king.

When the prince was presented, the king asked who he had chosen for his traveling companion. The prince replied that he had chosen the king’s son – the only other person who knew the king’s song. He went on to explain that in the forest the Hope-nots were loud and imitated the song of the flute, confusing him. But he had the king’s son play the song on his flute and it helped guide him through the forest and to the castle.

21Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say,“This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.

Isaiah 30:21

So, I wonder who you have chosen for a traveling companion. Do you rely on your own strength and cunning to ward off the Hope-nots? Do you listen for the song of the king? Does His son accompany you?

If there are children in your life, check out Lucado’s book. Even if there aren’t children, you should check it out.

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Posted on October 25, 2021 by beverlyeash

11But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me: You will soon fall down in great torment.

Isaiah 50:11

18When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.

2 Corinthians 10:18

3As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. 4My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.

1 Corinthians 4:3-4

These are my thoughts for this Monday morning. It seems that history agrees with itself in so much as it doesn’t matter if I think I am right or on the right path. It is not my opinion that matters. The important question to ask is: what does God think? Am I listening and responding to what the Holy Spirit says to me? Am I in the habit of waiting on Him?

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Posted on October 22, 2021 by beverlyeash

10False weights and unequal measures—the Lord detests double standards of every kind.

Proverbs 20:10

Recently a friend shared her frustration at work. It seemed that policies were not applied fairly and she struggled to make sense of it.

A couple of days later, she purchased some specialty donuts she particularly liked. They were a bit of a splurge so, understandably, she felt protective of them. Not wanting to waste, she hesitated to share them with her children. She shared but she cut them small pieces off the donut and then proceeded to cut herself a larger piece.

She immediately felt the Holy Spirit speak to her heart. Wasn’t she doing exactly what she struggled with in her work environment? Wasn’t she applying separate standards for herself and her children?

Of course, the donuts were hers and she could do with thm as she pleased, but the Lord used this simple event to help her see her situation differently.

Are you tempted to exploit a situation to your advantage? Do you complain because something isn’t “fair” and then turn around and do the same?

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Posted on October 21, 2021 by beverlyeash

30I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. 31I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. 32Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: 33A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—34then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

Proverbs 24:30-34

I love this proverb because it is exactly the way I think. I see something in the natural realm and learn something in the spiritual. Some wonder why they have a difficult time, they look at others who prosper and wonder why they don’t have that kind of success. It’s not difficult.

If you want to do well in life, follow these simple steps. Be content to start at the bottom and work hard. “Faithfulness in everything” should be your mantra, even when no one is looking. If you look to cut corners and get by with as little as possible, promotion will be slow in coming.

Working hard, showing up early, willing to do the menial tasks — that is what will get a person noticed.

Complaining the job isn’t fair, showing up late, unwilling to do entry level work — that will also get a person noticed. It just won’t be with the same results.

Much of life is a choice. What do you choose?

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Posted on October 20, 2021 by beverlyeash

This week Dave and I are spending some quality time in Florida with our oldest daughter and her children. Dave works during the day while Emily and I hang with the girls. It’s been great!

Monday we decided to go to the beach late in the afternoon so Dave could go along. Arriving at the beach just a bit before sunset, we hunted for sharks teeth and played in the water before watching the sun slip behind the western horizon. It was a near perfect visit to the beach.

When we left it was getting dark and required the use of headlights. Since we borrowed a friends vehicle and we were unfamiliar with it, I expressed concern that the headlights were properly illuminating. (This would not be the first time I drove without my headlights on!) Dave checked and said he thought they were working.

We drove a bit further and questioned again if the headlights were working properly. I suggested he turn the lights up on the instrument panel inside the vehicle. He looked at me with the most perplexed expression and asked, “Why would I need to turn those lights up?”

As quick as that, I did a bit of personal check up. Was I not seeing something correctly? I simultaneously reached up and removed my glasses which I had forgotten were for the sun. I was wearing my prescription sunglasses! As soon as I removed them, everything changed. The headlights worked perfectly. The instrument panel shone brightly. Wow! What a difference removing my darkened glasses made in how I saw things.

12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV

12Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT

My sunglasses distorted the effect of the headlights and caused me to question if they were even illuminated. When I removed the barrier, I saw what was real.

I am reminded that perhaps I do not seeing everything clearly and something restricts my perceptions. Will that be removed in the present time? Or will I need to wait until eternity to see all things clearly?

Whether it is now or later, I am reminded to trust. Trust the one who can see all things clearly — both now and later!

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Posted on October 19, 2021 by beverlyeash

Growing up on a farm that produced almost all of what we ate, summertime chores were prolific. I helped plant seeds, pull weeds, pick produce and preserve fruits and vegetables from the garden and orchard. We milked the cows (not me, though), drank raw milk and used the cream to make butter and whipped cream. Mom tried once to make cheese but she wasn’t happy with the results. We bought that.

In addition to a large garden and a fruit orchard, the farm had animals. Cows, pigs and chickens all provided meat; the chickens provided eggs. In the fall, Dad and my brother hunted, so we had venison in the freezer. Salmon swam upstream in the river behind our house to spawn and snagging them was allowed which provided canned salmon for the winter months as well.

Chicken butchering was a full day process. I won’t go into all the details here, but it involved a block of wood and an ax. Mom or Dad always did that part of the job.

The ax, for the chicken, was an instrument of death. I am sure Dad talked to me about the dangers of the ax, citing its ability to harm another person. It was used carefully and never swung toward anyone. The purpose of an ax was to chop wood and, at times, butcher chickens.

I don’t know that I have ever equated my words with an ax. Sure, I can be grumpy and my words come out more sharply than I intend. But kill someone? Really? Let’s see what Proverbs has to say about it!

18Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

Proverbs 25:18

It seems plain to me. How often have I said something about someone that was not true or based on faulty information? Do I always stop to censor what I say?

It is a good reminder to pause before I speak. THINK is a great acrostic to keep in mind.

Sometimes, I just need to say NO! to the words that want to come out. How about you?

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Posted on October 18, 2021 by beverlyeash

I have, for almost my entire life, lived in a rural setting. For three years, we lived in town with neighbors less than a stone’s throw away. I didn’t mind it so much; the rest of my family didn’t enjoy it. I remember the first time a neighbor girl visited one of our daughters. After an hour or so, with no sign of leaving, I realized I didn’t know the rules for this way of living. Was I supposed to tell you it was time to go? Was her mom going to call? Would she just leave on her own?

Neighboring is the relationship a person has with the ones who live close on the same street or in the same development. Jesus said your neighbor is anyone who has a need, regardless of where she lives or who she is.

Proverbs has a lot to say about good neighboring. As I read them, I am amused, amazed and awed all at the same time. The principles written for us thousands of years ago still stand true today. This week I am going to share some of my favorites.

9When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret. 10Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation.

Proverbs 25:9-10

What do these two — arguing and betrayal — have in common? Why would a person betray a confidence when arguing with a neighbor?

I only have my own experience and human nature to lean upon, but I recall times when I disagreed with someone and remember the desire to one up the one with whom I am arguing. What better way to do that than share information she doesn’t have and I do. Or perhaps the secret supports my point of view. There are many reasons a person might divulge a secret in the midst of an argument.

In the heat of the moment, it’s so easy to forget what is truly important– your character. Gossiping ruins your character. Character is far more important than being right. Protect it with all your energy!

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Posted on October 15, 2021 by beverlyeash

15For I am waiting for you, O Lord. You must answer for me, O Lord my God. 16I prayed, “Don’t let my enemies gloat over me or rejoice at my downfall.”

Psalm 38:15-16

Once again, I find scripture speaks truth the best. Many times I have cried out to God to remember me, to save me, to answer my questions. I implored him to keep my enemies from triumphing over me.

1I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. 2He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. 3He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:1-3

My patience is rewarded, God rescues me and puts me in a quiet, peaceful place. Do you ever wonder why God does this for you and I? Is it for our comfort? Certainly, he loves us and wants his children to be at peace. But I think there is more than that.

He wants our testimony to point to him. He wants others to put their trust in him. When I experience God’s goodness, I ought to sing it in the streets! Tell others of his amazing deeds; let them see what he has done. Then they will put their trust in him!

Have an amazing weekend with a new song on your lips and a hymn of praise for his goodness!

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Posted on October 14, 2021 by beverlyeash

As I meditated on Psalm 38 yesterday, my mind kept turning to the woman in John 8. Jesus is teaching in the temple courts when suddenly the religious people push through the crowd with a woman in tow. “She was caught in the act of adultery,” they say. “What should we do with her? The law says she should be stoned.”

Jesus doesn’t respond as expected, but exposed the common denominator between the crowd and this woman — sin! All of them had sinned. Jesus allowed for anyone who was without sin to throw the first stone. The only sound that could be heard was the thud of the rocks as the people dropped them and walked away.

Then Jesus says the most amazing thing to her.

10Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11“No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

John 8:10-11

In our Through the Bible in a Year, we are reading Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica. Paul writes a beautiful encouragement to the church and it applies to us today.

9For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

Jesus’ interaction with the woman thrown at his feet in disdain is such a beautiful representation of this truth. He didn’t pour out anger on her as the religious people expected — he spoke words of life and salvation to her.

Why do we do less?

How can you encourage someone today with these words of hope:

Jesus came to save you, not to be angry with you!

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