FREE by Maria Hartman

Picture this scenario. You have committed a terrible crime; many terrible crimes. None can be defended and all require a substantial punishment......years in jail that will ultimately lead to death. A miracle suddenly takes place. Due to no merit of your own, you have the chance to be released....... someone has come forward on your behalf. They have spoken to the Judge and it has all been arranged. You know you are not eligible for parole, your future is sealed. So why is the warden walking to your cell with a key? WHAT??? This cannot be possible.....how can it be? Has someone really come forward and taken YOUR punishment??

Do you want to leave, or do you want to stay?

You have literally just been set free! The penalty for what you've done has not been erased or forgotten, it has just been transferred to another. The warden comes forth to do what he has been given the authority to do; he takes the key, and begins opening doors that were guaranteed to remain shut . He then unlocks what has been wrapped around your hands and feet. The sound is deafening as the chains fall to the ground and the iron door swings open wide. The warden slowly walks away......amazed himself at the transaction that just took place. Nobody is around. Its just you; free to go........to walk away never to return. No more bars, no more chains. You have been released completely from the awful penalty of your sin.
Do you want to leave, or do you want to stay?
The choice is yours, whereas before, you had no choice.

Now, please carefully read the holy Word of God. Romans 6:1-7 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised form the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.

Here are some thoughts to ponder, along with the above scenario.

If I am buried with Christ, the flesh and the sin that dominates was buried. By the glory of the Father, I am made new and am alive only in Him. The 'old' me was crucified right with Him; I no longer have to be a SLAVE to sin. My new life is truly IN Him who is alive. And sin, despite its ongoing 'influence' is no longer my only choice.

You see, I have died and am free from sin's ruling power. The prison doors have been opened for me and nobody can close them again. But I must walk out and away.

Have you ever stepped back into your 'cell' even though you knew there was nothing worthwhile there? Jesus Christ has opened the prison doors WIDE for each believer, and has left them that way. They were opened for our freedom, but often the enemy seeks to take us back there, one little step at a time. It is a place I never want to be again; it is a place I no longer belong. My punishment was transferred to my sinless Savior.

But until we die, the battle will continue; daily. We need to be alert to our position; we must 'choose ye this day whom we will serve'. We need to recall the significance of what has taken place on our behalf. God, through Christ, has ENDED our bondage and slavery to sin. The new has replaced the old.

Friends, you and I MUST CHOOSE TO BE LED BY JESUS CHRIST EVERY MOMENT!! He has paid the price in full for all our sin, and we are FREE to go; to live new lives for the glory of God. v's 10-11 tell us that The death Christ died was to sin once for all; the life that He lives, He lives to God. LIKEWISE YOU ALSO. reckon yourself to be DEAD indeed to sin, but ALIVE to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. By the power of the Spirit I can tell this body, "No, I'm dead to 'that'! My chains are gone, and I've been set free by the blood of Jesus! "

For Today: If we truly 'get' this, its magnitude is enormous: In Christ you and I HAVE the power to REMAIN free. Speak out the words of Jesus Himself (John 8:32,36) And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Do you know the truth? Do you know you are free from the power and deception of sin? If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

Talk To Your Soul by Maria Hartman

Psalm 62:5 says this: My soul, wait silently thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

Just one verse from the Word of God. Maybe you've read it before, maybe I have. But I haven't remembered it.........could it be because I skimmed over it? Probably. But about 2 weeks ago, I broke that verse down on paper during my quiet time. Since then, God has brought that very verse to my mind many times. I'll share with you what God shared with me.

Many of us talk to ourselves at times, (it's ok we all do). Usually it is silly stuff like, "Oh great, here we go again", or "Come on" (I must confess: that is far too common for me when I am driving!) BUT, the inspired Word of God also has some 'talking to yourself' going on. (of course much more worthwhile than what mine usually is.)

MY SOUL WAIT SILENTLY......here we are instructed to remind ourselves of the importance of waiting.........silently. This is a choice we must make; it won't happen without us acting. I believe it also represents a deep trust in Him. Waiting is not a favorite activity of mine, but then silently is added to it! Oh boy! Waiting silently is self disciplined action; it is not taking matters into our own hands. Watch where this leads.
THOU ONLY.....our soul is spoken to again in the 'thou', but a focal point is given for us in the word 'only', that removes other options...why? because the very best is being offered:
UPON GOD : don't let your soul 'wait silently' upon anyone or anything else...
FOR MY EXPECTATION IS FROM HIM: there it is. HE is to be the expectation, the HOPE of our soul........

For Today: Have you ever hoped in someone else to change? Expected someone else to change? Even if it is for THEIR benefit and God's glory that we do this hoping, the OBJECT of our hope is truly the key here. It can't be in that person to do anything! It must be IN JESUS CHRIST and HIS POWER!!
Friends, here is just one verse, but it contains an incredible amount of instruction for us. I pray that as I daily strive and purpose in my mind to obey all 14 words of this verse, that you too will join me in doing the same. Others will fail you, over and over again. God never will because He can't. Trust Him completely with the needs in your life; He knows them, and He has the means by which to provide for each one.




And remember, you just may need to talk to yourself at times. Go ahead and remind your soul of some very important truth.

Obedience

By: Lauren Beckner

Galatians 2:18
"For if I build again the things which I destroyed,
I make myself a transgressor."

Being a parent is exhausting. I was just talking with a friend about that this afternoon. Sometimes I feel like raising a child is one step forward, three steps back. Or, as a sign in my aunt's kitchen says, "Raising children is like being pecked to death by a chicken." We love our children without condition, but sometimes they just make us tired!

This afternoon I was busy in the kitchen when I saw my 20-month-old headed for the dog food container. She clearly knows this is off limits. I cautioned her, "Savannah, no ma'am. That is for the dog, not you. Do NOT touch it." She stopped and weighed her options. Obedience lost out. She grabbed a handful of dog food and dumped it into the water bowl. Gross. I sighed and stopped what I was doing and went to correct her. I asked her to look at me, and she refused. She knew she was wrong. She got a spanking for choosing to blatantly disobey.

I went back to cooking and reflected on her behavior. I thought to myself… that was so bad… she knows better! We'd been over obedience several times and I know she grasps the concept, which she demonstrated by refusing to make eye contact after she had disobeyed. I was frustrated. And then my thoughts were directed inward.

How often do I model that behavior in my own life? I've grown up under Christian instruction. How often do I know the right thing to do… and rebel against it? Far too often, I'm ashamed to admit. I really have no excuse for it. Sometimes I wonder how God feels. Does He look at me and think, "Okay Lauren, I know you get it. Now align your life with what you know." But instead, I stomp my foot and try to go my own way. Its so juvenile…so ignorant…so senseless.

Obedience is a simple thing. All I have to do is know what I know, and act on it. Why do I make it so complicated?! It would be so much easier to just go back to the basics and know… then live… then share. So clear…so direct… no excuses.

We are commanded to obey when we love Christ.

Know. Live. Share.

Plead Less, Claim More

By: Katie Naff

When my husband and I were dating, we went through a book together entitled The Principles of Spiritual Growth. It's an older book, not very attractive- but filled with good truths. There was a section in there that revolutionized my thinking. I summarize it with this phrase, "Plead Less, Claim More." I often found myself begging God for things He has already spelled out for me in His word. "God, I'm scared!" "God, that person hurt me!"

This is not to say that I don't pour my heart out to God, but rather, instead of spending all my time concentrating on my feelings, I realized that God has already provided the answers to my problems. I just needed to get up and claim the promises found in His Word (which contains everything I need) and rest in Him.

Are you feeling scared? God is watching over you! Are you feeling alone? God is with you! Are you feeling inadequate? God will enable you for His purposes! Are you feeling hurt? Christ weeps with you! And the list goes on.

God has been re-iterating this concept to me this month, telling me to get up, let go of the life lived by untrustworthy emotions, and grasp tightly to the precious truths of the Word that are strong enough to carry me through any storm.

(P.S. I highly recommend the little book entitled God's Promises for Your Every Need. It is straight scripture, organized by topics such as "Fear," "Death," etc. It is nice to be able to find the promises you're looking for very quickly!)

My Old Truck : By Will Wall

Last Saturday morning I woke up a little earlier than normal for a Saturday. I fired up my old red 1986 Dodge pickup and I drove to our old house to get started on a few projects. After a few hours of working it was time for a trip to the hardware store. Grab the keys, lock up the house, start the truck...start the truck...stink I left the lights on. I was going no where quick. In just two short hours my old reliable truck had turned into a useless heap. I had some time to think while I sat there waiting for my wife to come and help me out of a pretty routine mess. When she arrived I was ready with what I thought was a grand revelation..."I am just like my truck.""What do you mean?" Mary asked.I said, "I am just like this old heap; old, beat up, and unreliable. As a matter of fact I usually stop working right in the middle of something important. Sometimes though if you give me a good jump start I usually get myself moving and finish right before it's too late."Mary laughed. She laughed in part because I continually joke about being old even though I'm not, and partly because there was truth to what I had said and like myself she was surprised that I was just putting these pieces together.The question that I am asking myself now, over a week later, "does God want me to live my life as if I'm a red 1986 Dodge pickup." I don't think so...I am called by God to love my wife just as Christ loves the church. I should be leading my family with love, vision. and the attitude of a servant. I should be striving every day to know more, live more and share more. The fact is none of these sound anything like an opportunity to be unreliable, but instead they seem like a responsibility to be quite the opposite. I have no business acting like my old pickup.I know God had transformed me into a new creation, the old has gone. I know that I don't need to be jump started, I've been given the full resources of God's Holy Spirit. I know I'll never be left stranded because Jesus has promised to leave me nor forsake me. I know that I am not an old beat up 1986 Dodge pickup but a brand new 2009 Ford F150. I know what God has done for me and in me...and so...

PROVE IT by Maria Hartman

In my recent study of Romans, I have learned incredible things about how our loving Father instructs His needy children. I finished Chapter 12 this morning but keep thinking about many of the verses. Today I'd like to share some of what the Holy Spirit has taught me regarding the first couple.

Romans 12:1 talks about how we must present to God, our body....in the form of a living sacrifice. This is something that will require much of me. My body is to be holy and acceptable to God; not acceptable to me, or to the world, but to God only. It goes on to say that this is my reasonable service. In light of God's provision for me, this is what is reasonable for me and you. V2 says: And do not be conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. I have a challenge for you. Don't skim over that verse because you have read it and heard it so many times.

We are receiving instructions from God. He is speaking to YOU about what He wants, and He is telling you HOW and what will happen. He is also giving us very descriptive words that require careful consideration.

When we are conformed to something, we become like it; it is a shared similarity. We conform to all sorts of things, but what pops right into my mind is how teenagers dress. They conform to the dressing styles of their peers.
The definition of 'transformed' is very different: it is to change the nature, function, or condition of. This word is a verb; it is action.......your NATURE, although not done away with fully, it is no longer a dominating factor for every choice (now we can choose Christ instead of sin!), your FUNCTION has been changed, (its no longer about wanting what I want, its about wanting more of HIM!) and so has your CONDITION (death and hell are no longer mine but I am made alive in Jesus now, and will live with Him for all eternity!)
Transformation does not happen overnight; it is a process just like that of a creeping caterpillar on its way to becoming a butterfly. But the process literally requires some work on our part. God begins it at the moment of salvation and enables it to happen by His Spirit, but look and see what YOU and I have to do next. We are told to renew our minds. Here is where I began to get a fresh revelation of God's Word. We renew our minds in and through the Word first; our output will never change unless the input is holy. We renew our minds in prayer, and we renew our minds as we sing praises to God, publicly or privately. We also renew our minds when we choose obedience over sin, and when we place another before ourselves in any situation. These are the characteristics of godliness which are all a part of the renewing process.

Now, get this: when I do that, and when you do that.......we may prove, to the watching world and even to ourselves, what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God!! Friends, God has told us how we can PROVE Him true and real and powerful to another person! It cannot be done any other way, but it can be done this way!!

For Today: After we have clearly made a decision for Christ, we are called to present our bodies a living sacrifice to Him, and we are called to renew our minds.
But notice, without renewing my mind, I won't be transformed. A caterpillar cannot fly, but instead crawls on the ground, and is bound to this earth in a body that is greatly limited, until the time of transformation. And then, it has a new nature, function, and condition! It is NOTHING like what it once was! And we too, unless we renew our minds by the washing of the Word, will not be transformed. We'll work without results and give up in utter frustration, only proving that we are inadequate in our own strength.

If you know Jesus Christ, you are new. If you know Him, you are a 'butterfly' who has been set free; no longer bound by crawling along the earth and looking down at the dirt, but flying high to wherever He leads. And with that, comes the great privilege and responsibility to renew your mind.............you are set free to 'fly' to a position and place where you can PROVE the perfect will of God...........that Jesus Christ is the only One with the power to change anyone, for life.

I'm sure the butterfly is exactly what a discouraged old caterpillar needs every time! What better proof is there than that?

Has your life proved to another something incredible and beautiful about God today?

Have to and Want to by Maria Hartman

I am Italian and I must confess, I love to eat. I do realize that being Italian is not the cause for my love of food, but it sure has contributed to it!! I remember saying to my mom once that I was sure she put pasta in the blender and mixed it in with my milk when I was a baby!

Over the years I have gained some weight and have just not been able to get it off. I haven't tried to gain the weight, but it has come nonetheless. And although I have tried to lose weight, I haven't. I've fluctuated within a few pounds of the same weight for at least 5 years now. My downfall occurs every evening after dinner as I snack too much or on things I shouldn't.

Just a few weeks ago, I went for over 41 hours without eating. Yes I am serious. I had a test done that required a liquid diet the entire day before. My procedure wasn't until 1:30 so by the time I got out of recovery and out of the hospital, it was after 3:00. ( Yes, I did learn that I can say NO to food, even in the evenings!)

I went through this test because I had to. Did I want to? No, I didn't. But there were reasons that this test was necessary and I understood the significance of the doctor's concerns, as well as the issues I had been dealing with for almost 2 months. So, I attached a want to, and was able to do what I'd normally say I couldn't do.

Now if a doctor I didn't know told me I could not eat for 41+ hours because of some isue which did not apply to me, I'd NEVER do it. I wouldn't even do it for half that amount of time!! What is the difference? Well, first of all, I didn't know the doctor, nor did I believe I had a need for the 'have to' given to me. Therefore, there would be absolutely no 'want to' on my part.

As God so often does, He taught me an important lesson through this trial. The same is true with my spiritual walk with Him. He knows me and my needs. He has told me specifically what it is that I need. I know Him, and that His reputation and authority surpasses that of any earthly man or woman. My need has been explained and there is a have to applied to the privilege of being His child. But I must also have the desire to follow the have to; the want to is what motivates me. This is the definition of obedience.

What DOES it take to obey God? Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And though shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

There it is. Can we obey out of wanting to alone? Can we obey out of having to alone? No. You and I will serve the Living God with a strong overlap of the two. I believe we must obey with a right heart because we love God. But it is vital that we understand who He is, and that we are the clay; He is the Potter. We are the child, He is the Father. We are the sheep, He is the Shepherd. We were helplessly lost in sin, He paid the ransom at the cost of His only Son.

I am His now, so I have to. He knows me, has saved me, and loves me with an indescribable love, so now, I want to.

For today: Although we may not understand all the 'whys' of His ways, we can know Him and trust His clear directions for what is non-negotiable and required (our 'have to').............But unless out of love and thanksgiving we attach a fervent 'want to' to what He calls us to, our obedience will falter and may become subject to change.

I thank God for the good report on my test, but most especially for His ability to teach me by His Spirit things that I'd never know otherwise.

I pray that you too will consider this for your own life. Do you understand that you have to do what God says, 100% His Way? Do you have a love and devotion for your Savior that gives you the want to? Lets encourage one another with these 2 simple words which give feet to our faith.

Yes, I know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28. Yes, that even includes not eating for almost 2 days!

In Holy Hands by Maria Hartman

It was almost 2 years ago now. My mom and dad were visiting from NY, and something took place that was not noteworthy at all. At the time that is. I was listening to a Kathy Troccoli CD, and one of my favorite songs began to play: 'My life is in Your hands'. I went to the radio and cranked it up. Grace came running into my arms, and we did what we often do. I held her close and we 'danced'. As we spun and swayed, I sang the words to her. My dad was in the kitchen, and after the song was over he looked at me and said, "Her life is really in your hands". I remember my response was one of gentle disagreement, that no, her life was in God's hands.

God brought this moment to my mind recently, and I've come to understand something a bit more clearly. I was not wrong in my belief that Grace's life is in the hands of Almighty God. Of that I am 100% certain. But in retrospect I realize that my dad's statement was not wrong either. To the degree that Kurt and I have been entrusted with our children, their lives are in our hands. We are accountable and responsible for all aspects of their upbringing, and although we're not sovereign over what will occur in their lives, our commitment to the Lord and to obeying what He has called us to do, will shape their lives.

Graces' life is in my hands today as I teach and instruct her of the things of God. Her life is in my hands as I make decisions which will affect where she goes, what she can look at, and what is acceptable or unacceptable for her. What kind of friend, neighbor, wife and mother she may be one day does depend on what my life is all about. She is young and impressionable; often I can forget that. She is watching closely and will model what she sees in me.

Being a stay at home mom is fantastic and I love it, but sometimes it is really hard. And sometimes I forget that I am actually in a position of great influence. I am a channel of who God is to this little girl; all day long, I am influencing a 'sponge' of sorts, either helping shepherd her to God or allowing the world to draw her away.

What is it that I want her to soak up more than anything?

I want her to know who God is and be drawn to Him because her mom, who she loves, loves Him so very much. I want her to see mercy and forgiveness and patience in a variety of situations in our family's life. I want her to see what Christ looks like in action, and not just be able to recall facts about Him based on what she has been taught at church. I want God to be honored in my life so that one day He may be honored in hers.

I have been given this incredible opportunity, therefore each day I must purpose in my heart that it will count for Him. I must be diligent to teach her what matters most. I am the teacher she will look to; He is the Teacher I will look to.

For today: Without a doubt, my daughter's life is ultimately in the hands of the One who created her and loves her with an everlasting love. But God placed her in our home and in our hands specifically for a reason. He wants her life to be impacted by my life; how careful I must be as I live before my little ones.

May we as mothers never underestimate the very high calling we have been given.

Today, and everyday, as we desire to impact this world for Jesus Christ, let us impact our children for Him most of all.

Psalm 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me; thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

The Way To Love by Maria Hartman

What is the hardest thing you are facing?
Is there someone in your life that is hard to love?
I don't mean some friend from the past that you have lost touch with, or a neighbor you just don't 'click' with. I am talking about the in your face person that is part of every day of your life.

Do you feel like it is literally impossible to love even though you know you need to?
Do you ever feel guilty for your lack of love because you understand WHY you should love?
Well then, we definitely have something in common.

Our Savior too had a very difficult person in His inner circle.

Judas, the traitor. Judas, one of the intimate 12. Judas, the one Jesus loved and accepted even though He knew he was never 'with Him'.

There is no temptation which we go through that Christ has not gone through as well. The enormous difference lies not in what we face, but how we face it. Of course, Jesus is the ultimate teacher, then and now. Here is what He is teaching me through His Word.

When I read Matthew 26, (The Last Supper) recently, I was given something much more than a story of long ago. I was given a glimpse of HOW to do what I am called to do.
Please grab your Bible and carefully read Matthew 26:17-30. Get ready for a present day lesson you can apply to your life.

The time was Passover and the betrayer was present; he sat among the rest of the disciples within the intimate gathering as if he belonged there. Despite this, Jesus was able to treat all these men the same, even during this most significant moment. Only Jesus knew just how meaningful this time truly was. He was on His way to the cross. He didn't tell Judas to get lost or take a hike, (as I surely would have done), but He did say v.24 "The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born." Jesus sent a clear message to Judas with these words, never minimizing his sin. Yet His responses were never based on anything other than love.

Jesus didn't let Judas change His focused mindset.
Nothing and no one should change my mindset either; otherwise I am controlled by circumstances and not by the Spirit.

Eleven Followers could not detect the counterfeit because the Master did not treat him any differently. Boy is that convicting.

Judas had to know that Jesus knew he was the betrayer. Maybe even more amazing than Judas being there was that Christ's love and mercy permitted him to be.

Judas left at some point to take care of business. This didn't alter Christs' plan or cause anxiety to Him in any way; He was completely able to separate Himself from what this man was about to do. Another lesson I need desperately.

Friends, there is no possible way you and I can unconditionally love those who hurt us, deceive us, and break our hearts, UNLESS we love like Christ. This passage has helped me to answer the questions in my own life, like: 'How do I not let so and so get to me?' 'How do I not let so and so ruin my focus, my day, my interactions with others?'

As I said before, the answer is not in what we face, but how we face it. Jesus Christ loved Judas not because he was worthy of His love, but because Love is who He is. I am not worthy of His love either, however I have it. How can I, a sinner, withhold my love from someone who needs to see a vivid picture of Jesus? My love cannot be withheld based on any opinion I have of anyone. As a follower of Christ, I am to be an imitator of Christ.

Haven't I denied Christ at times and in ways I regret, and yet He never tells me He doesn't want me anymore. In fact He tells me He will never leave me nor forsake me. His Word is independent of my actions, and my commitment to love needs to be independent of anyone else's actions as well.

For today: Friends there is SO much here. Christ lived out every single word He ever said. And not only has He has never asked us to do something that He did not beautifully model, He has never asked us to do what He has not already made provision for... through the POWER of HIS SPIRIT.

How could Jesus love Judas when he rejected everything that He was and all that He stood for?
He remained focused on His Father; His eyes were on Love. Therefore the actions of another could not dim His joy or alter His eternal purpose.
Sounds like exactly what I need to do.

Matthew 26:30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Little Ears, Big Mouth by Maria Hartman

My kids absolutely crack me up. Yesterday morning I asked my 11 yr old son Joey to do a morning devotion with his sister Grace, who is 5 yrs. old. Joey is the kind of kid who has such a sweet spirit; he loves to please and to serve and has a sensitivity to the things of God. Grace on the other hand is very different. She is my little love bug and can be so tenderhearted, but she is very melodramatic and oh so loud!

Although I usually do the morning devotions with both of them, Joey has stated on several occasions that he knows God wants him to be a pastor. So I figured this would be a good way for him to get an early start, even if it is for an audience of one. But despite the number, it's still a tough crowd. It is so rare that my daughter is ever quiet, yet I cling to the hope and remind myself that with God all things are possible.

This is what took place in our home just the other day. I was in the kitchen loading the dishwasher when I heard Joey ask her some questions about what he had shared. A minute later he comes out of the living room and says with a bit of exasperation, "Mom, she didn't pay any attention at all." Before I could respond to him, she declares, "I'm sorry Joey, it's just that I have little ears!"

I was doing my best to stifle a hearty laugh when Joey responded right back to her: "Well if you have little ears, how come you have such a big mouth?"

What can a mother say in response to that? Actually, I couldn't say a thing.

It was so funny, but it really made me think about how even in a small child, the sin nature is so quick to come up with excuses. Here she was with a 'valid' reason in her mind why she just couldn't listen............it was all because of her little ears!! How could she help it??

What she didn't realize was that her brother and I knew better. The size of her ears, (which are perfectly proportional to the rest of her), had nothing to do with her inability to pay attention. Her greatest obstacle was and is her flesh, desiring its own way and resisting obedience.

James 1:19 spells out what all of us need to be diligent to apply: Be quick to hear, slow to speak.... Oh isn't it so much easier to be quick to speak and slow to hear? That mouth of ours can go at such high rates of speed!! The problem with this is that while we are so busy talking, we are not hearing. Verse 22 of James states the following: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

God gave us a mouth for a reason: we are to spread His truth and His love with it. But unless we can keep it closed long enough to hear what is being said and allow it to sink in deep, we will never turn into a 'doer' of the word.

I thank God daily for my precious children; they keep me young (I think), keep me laughing, and keep me learning. I've been convicted that I too, do more talking than listening at times, especially with my children. I think many of us have that problem, and that we too have 'good reasons' why we must speak instead of listen (ours just may not be as comical).

God can do what right now seems 'impossible' in teaching Grace how to be quick to hear and slow to speak; that she, after hearing and meditating on the Word, might let it change her into becoming a doer of the Word. God can and does continually teach me as well; in this instance that I too must remain on guard against being quick to speak and slow to hear.

For today: We have a choice. We can either have small ears and a big mouth, or we can have big ears and a small mouth. The flesh will always choose the first. The second will only be the result of living and walking in the Spirit.

Which pair describes you?

Mark 4:24 Then He said to them: "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you: and to you who hear, more will be given."

PERSPECTIVE by Maria Hartman

The blind boy was unable to see the royal blue ocean. Instead, he heard the fierce roar of the waves as they crashed onto the shore. His family however, marveled at the mighty sight before them.

An elderly man sat alone on his porch early one morning, wondering why the song of the birds never reached his ears anymore. Sadly, he couldn’t remember the last time he heard that sweet melody.

A woman wept quietly in her hospital bed as she realized that the stroke that brought her to this place had robbed her of all feeling. Oh her heart still felt plenty, but her brain was no longer able to register something as foundational as a simple touch.

Perspective. We all have it, and yet due to different life experiences, none is exactly alike. The boy couldn’t see the sparkling ocean nor could he comprehend the vastness that was before his family’s eyes. Did the inability of his eyes to register the picture change the fact that there was an ocean? The elderly man could no longer hear the song the birds had sung to him since he was a child. Did that mean the birds had ceased their daily song? The woman’s brain no longer sent the correct signals to her skin, telling her that someone held her hand. Did that mean that the nurse standing by her bedside wasn’t there?

Just as the above examples point out the obvious, creation points to it as well. On a dark and rainy night, is the sun shining? YES! The sun never ceases to shine. We may not be able to see it or feel it, but nevertheless, it is shining with a radiance that has no equal. Oh if we could only see that the same things apply to the truth about God. When things are going wrong, God is still in full control. When we think we are so bad that forgiveness is impossible, we are choosing to believe a lie above infallible truth. And when we simply prefer to just remain ignorant about why we are here, the truth nevertheless is crystal clear to the one who is drawn to its Source.

By the tender mercy of God, our perspective can be altered by the Spirit, instead of dominated by our senses or reasoning. But we must purpose in our minds to place the Truth of the Word into our minds and hearts daily. Negating the lies of what we feel and what the world says, we can be led by the Spirit to be more than conquerors. Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control can be our driving force. He can, and we can through Him.

There is so much power and strength in Jesus Christ; so much potential for incredible change. Our weaknesses and stubbornness have never hindered His plans, nor will they ever. Sadly, it is His own who often hold onto hurts and bitterness and limit the power from flowing onto others. It is His own who must have the right view of who He is and of what is real, and be willing to live it outside the church. Among all the faulty perspectives we are surrounded by, the light of Jesus Christ should glow brighter and stronger than ever. But why doesn’t it?

Friends, no matter what has happened to us in the past, our perspective today can be and needs to be Christ like. Lets soak up His glory with our eyes and see people the way He sees them. Lets listen carefully to and for His voice and obey what He calls us to do immediately, with a heart that understands the enormous privilege bestowed upon us. Lets respond as never before to the Spirit who lives within, and reach past what is comfortable all the way to the one who needs Him so desperately. This is the Christian’s perspective; this is the believer’s high calling. See, hear, feel, and live what circumstances or experiences won’t be able to quench.

For Today: The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Will you get up tomorrow morning, go out wherever you normally go, and look into the eyes of one of the hopeless faces God sends to you? Will you tell them that this isn’t all there is? Will you share that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and that He is still seeking them? Will you allow your perspective to be so radically different from those around you, that all will be left wondering how you can live, think, and serve as you do? You never know, you may do more than just reach those who don’t know the Savior. You may bring back to the fold those who have wandered away for lack of vision of who Christ really is.

I want that so much. Do you?

The Traffic Cop by Maria Hartman

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

It has been said that the human mind thinks about 10,000 thoughts per day. Regardless of the actual number, the concept of how many thoughts flow in and through our minds should cause us to ponder what it is that we think most about. And, where do these thoughts take us.

Go with me to a scenario involving a traffic cop. He is the one who keeps traffic moving in an orderly fashion, or directs traffic an alternate way.

That is the problem with our minds. There are far too many detours off of the main road. The side streets call out to our flesh from every direction. The choices are virtually unlimited, and so easy to access.

The following could well be a typical trip for many of us if we listen to the Detour Traffic Cop. As he stands with a smile and a neatly put together uniform, he stops you on the road you're on and points you in another direction. You want to get where you need to go as quick as you can, so you turn down 'Defeat Drive'. Without paying attention to the signs themselves, you follow the next detour and make a right onto 'Things Should Be Different Road'. After driving a few miles on your way, you come to 'Nobody Cares Place', and are purposely directed down that road. Although something isn't quite right, you figure you'll reach the main road eventually, so you stay on this road until you come to a fork. Here, the two choices before you are 'Lust Lane' or 'Satisfaction St.' At this point, it doesn't matter which one you choose, you are so far from the main road you have lost your bearings.

Although this is just an analogy, it is a real issue each of us faces DAILY. Our minds MUST diligently guard against any and all side streets. God Himself may direct us in a different direction at different points in our lives, but we must pay attention to the SIGNS. God will never encourage us to deviate from the clearly defined WAY, from the TRUTH, or from the LIFE we follow.

Our loving God has given us our very own Straight and Narrow Traffic Cop. His name is the Holy Spirit. This Traffic Cop is completely unlike the other. His job is always to keep us focused ahead on the narrow path before us. He takes joy in knowing we are following Him, one step at a time, forward and onward. He tells us plainly that those side streets hold nothing for our good, but only for our harm. Of course He knows they exist and that we see them, but in love He quietly and gently calls us to stay near. When we grieve His heart and turn down one of these other roads, He in His mercy offers us an extension: 'Forgiveness Way' appears just near enough for us to accept.

For today: The mind is a highway of flowing thoughts; one directly impacting another. It is of the utmost importance that we keep our immediate thoughts pure, being diligent to avoid even a stroll down 'Bitter Lane'.
How? By pouring the Living Word into our minds, and yielding our flesh to the control of the Spirit.

I've allowed both Traffic Cops to impact my thoughts. One always points the way to what is easy and comfortable, but leads to a place I don't want to wind up. The other always calls me to deny what comes so natural to my flesh and to focus on the road before me; following closely, listening intently, and KNOWING that no thought is better than the one that reminds me that I am His.

Who is controlling the traffic in your mind?

Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

Praise Him! by Maria Hartman

Easter is here. The calendar tells us so, but more importantly His creation proclaims that new life is upon us. The grass is greener, the air is sweeter, and the flowers bloom before our eyes, declaring that what once appeared dead and useless is now gloriously alive! That was me too. He paid my debt and died my death, that I might live! And as creation points to Him, my new life can also point to Him as well.

What can I give Him for what He has done for me? What can I bring Him that would in some way tell Him how thankful I am for His indescribable gift? My praise. All my praise.

But how can we praise Him in a world with so much suffering? The answer is not a complex one. Our focus must be on Him and our eyes must remain at the cross, not just at Easter but every day of our lives. It is wonderful to see what He did for me, and there are more precious promises in His Word than my mind can wrap around. One of my favorites is found in Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Our difficulties or sufferings aren't being minimized; instead the rewards that accompany our faith are far more than the pain of what we experience in life. And yet despite all of what He promised me and you, and all of those reasons to praise Him, the very best reason to praise Him is this. He is to be praised for WHO HE IS. His character, His righteousness, His power, His sovereignty, His compassion, His onmipotence, His glory, His truth, His unfailing love, His tender mercies, etc. etc. etc. The list can go on and on. There is a line of a hymn that comes to mind now: 'To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.' There are not enough hours of the day to praise Him. Yes right now the very best reason is that He is Risen from the grave and has conquered sin and death FOREVER. But when Easter has passed, remember it is never over, nor are the reasons to praise Him.

Oh Dearest Father, Lover of our souls, how we praise You for the Gift of Your Son; Your precious Holy Son! You are our Hope in a world without hope; You are our joy though our days are filled with trials; You are the Voice of Truth in the midst of lies and compromise; and You are the One who has done the 'impossible' in paying for my sins. Father You are my reason for living, the Beauty I see when I look outside and when I look into Your Word. You are worthy. You are the gentle Lamb of God who never focused on Your own pain and suffering, but was unwilling to let go of the ones who brought You to it. I praise You that the cross and the nails and the soldiers and the workings of the evil one could not hold You in the grave. I praise You that You will forver be the Almighty Ruler, the King of Kings, and that one day, EVERY knee will bow, and EVERY tongue will confess that You are Lord. Oh that more knees and tongues will do that today, while Your grace is still available. You are RISEN, and we want all the world to know it, that they might too receive the Gift of Life.

May our hearts be completely devoted to Your praise; be honored Lord Jesus in our praise.

How Deep? by Maria Hartman

Although I never came right out and said it, there was a time when I thought I could get to heaven because I sincerely tried to do the right thing. Jesus came to earth to die for my sins and was willing to take people to heaven; so why not me? I really did try to do good and be kind most of the time, and I figured that was better than others were doing.

There was one enormous problem with my thinking however: It was human logic without a foundation. It was a lie.

Now that I have personally received the Truth that has set me free, I know I am not a good person at all; nothing 'good' dwells in me because of my sin. Yet I have more self worth today than I've ever had in all my life. Not because of anything I have done or because of anything those I love have said about me. But only because...... while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He knew no sin, but He literally became the sin that needed to be punished. Nobody can ever or will ever love me that much.

How can this be? Does it make 'sense'? When I was lost I thought I was good; now that I'm found, I know I am bad? Basically, that's it. But truth be known, deep down inside, no matter how many times people told me I was good, (and at times I believed I was), I knew in my heart that I WASN'T. I thought bad things, had wrong motives, and generally was focused on me. But I could never figure out what was missing in my life or why I felt the way I did. I therefore just pushed all of it away...to a place where I thought I'd never have to deal with it again. After all, nobody ever told me anything different.

Thankfully, God removed all of the confusion regarding what was required of me. And as I have grown as a true believer in Christ, God has graciously taught me incredible things from His Word and by His Spirit. I don't know how or why I could have thought that I had any power to do right on my own or to earn my way to God based on my actions. Even the Holy Spotless Lamb of God, Christ Himself could not live a life 'good enough' to provide the way to heaven for sinners. I do not want that to sound irreverent; He is always more than we could want for and is always good enough. What I'm trying to say is this: the Perfect Son of God could not have given me eternal life unless He shed His blood to wash me clean of my sin. If it took this drastic of an act from God Himself, and perfection alone wasn't adequate to bring me to the Father, how could I have ever thought I could be or do anything worthy to be considered His child?

Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.

It is the blood. It is the blood, where life originates that washed away my sin. Nothing but the blood of Jesus. His dying brought me life, not His living. His Spirit drew me to Himself and through it, I saw my great need, and the One who was waiting to meet that need. I had no power to rid myself of sin. That understanding let me to action; and that was the only part I played in my salvation; I came to Him just as I was and received. I had no ability to give Him anything; His design was just that I come. Carefully read the words to the following song. Pay close attention to the last line.

HOW DEEP THE FATHER'S LOVE FOR US

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, nor wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom


For Today: The sinless blood of Jesus was shed for me. In placing my faith in Him, I am covered in that blood; justified before God Himself through no righteousness of my own. All that is 'good' in me is Him. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Do you think you can enter His kingdom apart from His grace, or without complete and utter trust in His sacrifice for you? Please take the time to answer that honestly.

Ephesians 2:13 is the victory I live in. I can say with full assurance that I know Who made the way. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

You'll never get near if you remain far off trying it your own way.

One last thought to ponder: God has given women something amazing; the ability to give birth. We who are privileged to carry life do so because blood is shed through our bodies monthly. And when a life is about to enter the world, blood is shed yet again. We didn't do anything to bring this about, it was the Creator's design for life. Could it be that He wanted us to know, to experience, that even physical life cannot come without the shedding of blood?

Everlasting life is offered to you today......through the blood of Jesus. You and I had nothing to do with this, it was the Creator's design for spiritual life.

Come to the cross and be washed clean. Come to unfailing Love and experience how RED covers BLACK, and by the grace of God, makes WHITE.

REJOICE by Maria Hartman

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice! Philippians 4:4

WHAT should we do? Rejoice....
In WHO? The Lord....
WHEN should we do this? Always...

God knew we'd need so much help with this concept, so through the apostle Paul, God says, "AGAIN I say rejoice." We will never rejoice in our circumstances: job loss, cancer, a rebellious child, death of a loved one, broken relationships, corrupt leaders, etc. But we CAN always rejoice IN the Lord. No matter what comes, God remains the same. He is forever Faithful and True. And somehow if we make a conscious decision to rejoice in Him no matter what comes our way, He does something amazing. He enables us to find joy in those very circumstances that were at one time so hard to even tolerate. How? by following the WHO of the above verse!

With a heart and mind focused on Jesus we are brought to a place far above any circumstance.....transported to a view of Holiness and glory......to the cross. Putting the flesh to death and seeking His Life which gave me life, I become broken by what sin cost my Savior. At Calvary I can embrace love as I can nowhere else. I can fully and completely rejoice in Jesus Christ as I live and KNOW that whatever comes, no matter now 'bad' it may appear, God has already provided and continues to provide for all of my needs through the Son and by His Spirit.

For today: Rejoicing in our circumstances is impossible, and God never intended for us to do that. Rejoicing in the Lord is not only possible, but it is the only option when we really 'see' what His priceless sacrifice cost Him. And in 'seeing' through an earnest search and ferverent longing, the supernatural takes place. Suddenly I can rejoice despite injustice, and loss, and financial need. I can rejoice though my heart grows weary, loved ones live in darkness, and the future of the world as we know it is so uncertain. Why? One reason alone answers that question; because I can always rejoice IN Him. And nothing will ever take that away.
Psalm 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.

Not Just for the Birds by Maria Hartman

Spring is definitely here. There is a sense of hope and expectation as the flowers, in all their glory, bloom in vivid color. What was once dead and lifeless is now alive! What a magnificent correlation God has given us. There is no coincidence that spring and Easter happen at the same time of year. But what always gets to my heart is not so much the tiny flowers pushing up, searching for the sun, it isn't the green returning to the grass, or the mild temperatures. It is simply the birds.

God is evident everywhere; He fills our eyes, ears, mind, heart, and senses with His magnificent creation. The singing birds awaken me each morning, and although my body is weary, I too am invited to rise, lift my voice to the Maker, and join the beautiful chorus that they have begun. Through the smallest and seemingly insignificant of His creation I am gloriously reminded of the reason they sing. I'm reminded that nothing alters the purposes and plans of God. I am reminded that I too am called to rejoice so that others can hear. Not because I have all the answers, but because I have a Saviour who loves me completely.

So tomorrow morning as you hear the song begin outside your window, rise with the sun, in order to give glory to the Son. It's not just 'for the birds'. God is gently calling His most precious creation (YOU), to awaken. He goes so far as to send us our own personal wake up call to help get us started. Jesus longs for our fellowship and for us to know Him intimately. It is the longing of many of our hearts as well, so........tired or not, (of course you will be) ,get up before the hectic pace of the day begins. Someone is waiting for you.
Psalm 67:3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

Crushed For You by Maria Hartman

Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to crush Him. Read that again. Isaiah chapter 53 is about the One and only Messiah, the Son of God, who personally took all the punishment for our sins. It tells of how He was despised and rejected; a Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief, wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He was led as a lamb to the slaughter...(v. 7a).

All of this is just a glimpse into some of the horror that Jesus suffered for me and you. But what stopped me cold this morning was that it pleased God to crush His precious Son. Why wouldn't God then see fit to bring degrees of crushing to we who were born in sin, who need to die to our sinful ways? If it pleased the LORD to crush holiness and perfection on our behalf, can't we see that it would please Him to crush sin and worldliness in us for the sake of Him?
We don't like 'crushing' in our lives because it feels wrong. But our opinion of how the work of God feels is completely irrelevant. I wish I could always see it that way, but unfortunately I don't. I deserve the ultimate crushing, Jesus did not. He deserves glory and honor and worship. Not only did He go THROUGH all this, but it pleased His Father to do it. God was pleased by His Son's obedience, and by the purpose His sacrifice achieved. But as a parent, can you even for a second imagine being pleased that your son was suffering for a person who spit on him? Crushed for someone who mocked him or betrayed him? God was. What an impossible calling unless we are made new by the very One who was crushed to make us that way.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. A grueling and costly ransom. If Jesus' sinless life was deemed by God as fit for the ultimate sacrifice for sinners, how much MORE expendable are the lives of those who follow Him........how much MORE expendable is my life?

FOR TODAY: His sacrifice was for us; our sacrifice is for Him. He deserves our all no matter what the Father chooses for us.

The Guard by Maria Hartman

All of us have seen them. They are located at banks, prisons, museums, malls, and establishments where expensive things are kept. Guards also stand in front of courtrooms, and in front of doors to palaces. Their job is specific; they are to protect what is inside by not allowing what is on the outside to enter.

David speaks of a guard as well in Psalm 141:3, although there is a notable difference. Set a guard, O LORD, before my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. David is speaking to his God about something that I have spoken to my God about as well. Oh the mouth; that dreaded thing under the nose, right above the chin! The guard is a request for help, but THIS guard faces toward the mouth. The concern here is not what goes in from the outside, but what comes out from the inside. The first part of the next verse says, Do not incline my heart to any evil thing.......The heart is never hidden when the mouth opens. They are intricately tied together like a pulley system; what originates in the heart is pulled right up to the mouth and given a voice.

Recently, I have known the personal heartache and pain from words which were said with bitterness and malice. For the one who spoke them, there was no guard to keep the words inside, nor was there any desire for a guard to be present in the first place. It again reminds me that it is only when we truly want godliness and seek holiness that the Lord will empower us to resist what the flesh does best. Without a sincere and humble desire for the LORD'S intervention in this area, we have no ability to overcome our weakness. But when we ask for it, we get it. God's power is evidenced, when upon attack, that dangerous door remains closed, no matter the call to come out. It is also heard in the purity of our speech though we may be wounded to the core. God calls us to speak His forgiveness and His grace to ALL those who need it; if we cannot, then we must for His glory, keep the door shut.

Even David, a man after God's own heart, knew of this battle that all of us face. The tongue is impossible to tame on our own. But when the LORD is in control of our heart, our words will reflect His gentle nature, and maybe, just maybe, our 'guard' can step aside for a time so that our mouth can open with His eternal purpose.

FOR TODAY: Lets open wide the door of our mouth to speak truth, to encourage and uplift another, and to spread the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. Our mouths were not meant to be silent but to PRAISE Him. Psalm 146:2 While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. He is listening right now......In a dark and desperate world, sing with joy to the One who loves to hear the voices of His own.

The Airport by Maria Hartman

An airport is a place with a flurry of activity both day and night; planes and people coming and going from all over the world. Although it is simply considered a transportation center, it is often a place of great emotions.

I love to go to the airport when I am receiving a visit from those I love. An ordinary building becomes transformed into an exciting place, and I look forward to being there with great expectation. On the other hand when I have to part with and say goodbye to those I love, it becomes a totally different place. How can everything change so drastically at a place that stays the same? The explanation lies within us; it's we who change our outlook on the airport. The airport itself never changes.

Amazing as it is, sometimes we treat God just like we do the airport. When He gives to us in ways that are pleasing and we receive, we are thrilled and find it easy to give Him thanks. But what about when He takes away what He's given? Do we view Him as less than we did when He gave? Do we change our opinion of God because of our circumstances? God is good ALL the time and His goodness can never be based on what we perceive is good or bad. His goodness is solely based on who He is. God gives for His glory and our good, and God takes away for His glory and our good. We cannot begin to know the sovereign plans He has, but we can know and be assured of His faithful and unchanging character. God is the one and only constant in a constantly changing world. The longer I live, the more precious this truth becomes.

For Today: God is a Faithful Father; He is Tender Mercy; He is all Sufficient Grace; He is the Eternal Ruler and King. The list is truly endless and is so much greater than anything else in our lives. Although it isn't easy, we need to remember who He is when heartache and pain enter our lives. Circumstances or feelings won't ever change the God who cannot change. Who is He to you?
Psalm 113:2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.

The Light Wins by Maria Hartman

Darkness can be very scary, especially if we are in an unfamiliar place. Darkness prevents our eyes from seeing what is around us, and it greatly limits our function and productivity. But consider this: darkness is incapable of taking away the light. Our enemy is darkness but our God is Light.

Have you ever been driving at night when there is a bit of fog and light rain? I noticed recently how the headlights of my car just cut a path through, penetrating the darkness so that I could see. There was certainly more darkness than light, but the light dominated.

Often it seems like that is what is happening in our world; darkness is all around and it is prevailing. But as God has shown us in the physical world, he too has shown us in the spiritual realm. Light can always be seen in the darkness, even in the gloomiest of conditions. The same is true on an even grander scale with the Light of Christ. 1John 1:5 says, This is the message which we have heard form Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. His Light can and will be evident wherever there is darkness. Our cars have headlights, and we rely on them as the channel by which the light passes. We as believers in Him, ARE THE HEADLIGHTS, the channel He has chosen to bring the Living Light to those we encounter.

Ephesians 5:8 For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.

For today: A child of God needs to never fear the darkness because the darkness has been overcome by the eternal light of Jesus Christ. And His Light has been given to and left with those who have called upon Him for salvation. In John 8:12 Jesus says, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.
You and I have been given a very important job: go light your world!

You Are Loved by Maria Hartman

Psalm 139:17-18a How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand.

My mind just short circuits at the meaning of this passage, and it is not even speaking to humanity as a whole; it is directed to us as individuals! Picture if you would just one handful of sand. Now think about attempting to count the number of grains. There are probably hundreds of thousands of grains per handful. What if God took one cup of sand from every beach and said that all the grains represented one thought of His toward you. You may not believe even that, but wait; the verse says the number of God's thoughts toward us are more in number than the sand! He loves you so much that His thoughts toward you are endless. You are His beloved and there is never a time He is not thinking of you.

It is very ironic. We are really as insignificant as a grain of sand in the scheme of things, and in light of who God is. Yet He speaks to us through David to tell us we are worth everything to Him (notice the exclamation marks). As Christians we are always reminded of how Christ displayed His love for us by dying on the cross for our sins. But when I stopped and meditated on this part of the Psalm, I was truly overcome with such a deep sense of His all encompassing love every minute of every day. I know what it's like to think about those I love, but I've never considered that God would be thinking about me. This is a love totally undeserved and basically impossible to comprehend. He has bestowed it upon us nonetheless.

FOR TODAY: If you feel insignificant or unloved, don't. God has told us something which is completely contrary to that feeling. Lets live out this fantastic truth with a contagious joy and with thanksgiving overflowing in our hearts. Why? Because we are LOVED, LOVED, LOVED.

No Substitute by Maria Hartman

John 14: 15-18
This is absolutely amazing! Jesus is preparing His disciples for the time when they will not see Him anymore. His sacrifice is fast approaching; the cross looms in the shadows. I can't imagine what it was like for the disciples. What did they think, what did they feel? Jesus knew.

He answered the cry of their hearts even if the words never made it to their lips.
In v. 15-17 He told them, "If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but you know him; for he dwelleth with you,and shall be in you.

If I was there, I believe I would have said, "Don't go Jesus; we don't want anyone else, it's YOU we need!" Maybe they felt something like that inside, for in v. 18 Jesus so lovingly tells them what they need to hear most. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

The astounding truth of this passage recently became clear to me: The Father knew that no substitute would do, therefore Christ would leave, but His Spirit would come. Not less of Him but more. They parted with Him physically, but they received Him in greater measure when His Spirit took up residence IN them. Although He was leaving, He was staying; permanently joined with each of them in a union which could never be broken.

Friends, you and I have been given what John and Peter and Luke were given; the Spirit of the Living God! We who are His have first hand knowledge of the Father because the Son left His Spirit for us. What provision!

God brought life out of death and accomplished this with such enormous magnitude so that His purposes would be fulfilled for all of eternity. He didn't take Christ from the disciples, instead He gave Him to the entire world! Praise God for His goodness to us!

For today: God left His Spirit on earth to accomplish many things, one of which is to reveal the will of the Father to all believers. Acts 26:18 reminds us of our mission, and the Spirit empowers us to carry it out . I now send you, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

DILIGENCE by Maria Hartman

I concluded my last posting with the verse from Hebrews 11:6. The second part of the verse says: For he that cometh to God must believe that He is; and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. I could not let this verse go. First and foremost we must KNOW that He is, but God tells us even more. He tells me who to seek, how to seek, and what the outcome will be.

God rewards those who seek Him one way only; diligently. Diligence is a noun that is defined as: "Constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind." With that definition in mind, lets go on. The word seek also means much more than just a casual pursuit of something. And what we seek is of utmost importance. Three words that give us a clear picture of our instructions: we are to SEEK GOD DILIGENTLY.

What is something you have looked for in life with diligence; something you have searched for with all your heart? Think about it. Only one thing comes to mind when I answer this question. Once, for maybe 10 minutes when Joey was about 8, we got separated in an enormous store in Pa. called Cabela's. Along comes Kurt, without Joey, followed a minute or two later by Mark and Nathan without Joey. I panicked, yes I did. We found him eventually, gawking at the incredible display of real stuffed animals over at the side of the store. We were so thankful!

How I felt at this time isn't what I want to share, but rather the effort in which I sought him. I had a singular focus. I was not drawn in by the sights, sales, or displays set up all around me. Nothing in the store existed but only that my son was there; somewhere, and I needed to find him. I was consumed with the end result of having him back where he belonged. The reward for the diligence of my search was that he was found and no harm had come to him. (some harm may have come to my blood pressure, but....)

I believe that God wants that much effort in seeking Him. Everything around paling in comparison as we search fervently for just a glimpse of Him; stretching and straining for more of Him. My son is worth so much to me, but how much is my God worth to me? I wonder sometimes if we really understand the significance of the privilege we have been given to seek the Creator of Life, the Eternal God. Do we understand that a true and diligent search for God will literally yield HIM as the result? THAT I believe must be the great reward He promises; experiencing in some degree the unfathomable character of God.

When I couldn't find my son, it was because he had moved from where he was supposed to be. When I can't find my God, it is because I have moved from where I am supposed to be. But I am not left to wonder alone how I can find Him. In the Word of God I am given a road map to a treasure that all the riches in the world will never compare to. I am told who to seek (HIM), how to seek (DILIGENTLY), and what I'll get when I seek (a REWARD). Is there anything more amazing than that?

For today: What will you do on your search for God? Keep on hard and don't stop. He wants to be found.

What Do You Believe? by Maria Hartman

It's the way we live, not the way we talk that counts.
All of us live what we really believe.

We can't see so many things yet we believe they exist. None of us can 'see' germs but we believe they exist because we have been affected by them personally. We have gotten sick in one form or another and subsequently we take the action of washing our hands often.

What about the temperature? It's another fact of life we can't see with our eyes but we can certainly feel. At noon on a mid August day we act on our belief that it will be hot outside and we dress accordingly.

What do you believe about God? Do you know that what you and I really believe is evident for all to see even if we preferred it wasn't? We can say the right things to others and even to ourselves but unless we take THE WORD and allow it to change our heart, (which in turn will change our lives and actions), it isn't belief in God, it is instead empty words.

God's Word is 100% truth. Even if the entire world believed otherwise that would not change the truth that has been established since the beginning of time. If you believe that life isn't precious or sacred and that you were not divinely created for a great and mighty purpose, you are completely wrong.

What we hear and listen to is very important. Truth needs to fill our minds, and we need to be diligent to keep ourselves unstained by a world which is full of deceptive philosophy and false hope. But listening alone, and being taught great truths alone, is not going to determine our belief. We must take steps toward living that truth, one small step at a time, and thus do what God calls us to. That is real faith in more ways than one; it is real because it is based on truth, and it is real because we have taken it to heart personally and it can be seen by others.

I'll leave you today with something that I read to my daughter this morning. Before I do however, I challenge you to think carefully about what it is you believe about God, not what you'd like to think you believe. I am challenged with the same question as I look at my life.

This was taken from The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes by Kenneth N. Taylor.
Maybe all the other people laughed at Noah for believing that God would make it rain so hard, but Noah didn't care. He believed God and got into the boat. Then God sent the rain.

Yes, Noah did believe.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

'Mommy Jail' by Maria Hartman

When my son was small, I began something I never anticipated would become so meaningful. I would gather him tightly in my arms and smother him with kisses. I'd tell him he was in 'Mommy Jail'. The only possible way for him to get out was for mommy to get some kisses (this was the key). He would squirm and squeal with sounds of delight that still resonate in my mind. Oh what a sweet time that was! Of course I repeated this 'captivity' with my daughter when she came along.

The other day as I wrapped my arms around her and listened to her giggle, I noticed something that was exactly as it was with my son. Mommy jail was not a place she wanted out of. There, both of my children found tenderness wrapped in familiarity, held by a heart that loved them unconditionally. Who would want to leave a place like that, where love is lavished and joy is full?

God Himself provides something like this for His own children; a haven where unconditional love in its truest sense can be experienced form the One who IS love. Incredible as it is, we are personally invited to that intimate place near to His heart. He calls in Matthew 11:28 'Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. In these ever so capable arms, we are like the child who knows where he belongs no matter the circumstance. Words cannot describe the depth of what the Father is willing to offer to those who draw close and remain still. Who would want to leave a place like that, where perfect love is lavished and joy is full?

From just a silly game, God has graciously taught me something I have endeavored to implement daily. First, He's shown me the ongoing blessing of consciously choosing to put down what competes for my attention so that I can receive a gift. I chase after and grab my little ones as if nothing in the world mattered more. Nothing does. Next and most significant is that I know I must do the same myself. But this time I become the child who responds to the One who is pursuing. My Father doesn't 'chase' me around the house until He catches me, but Praise the Lord, He does pursue me. Again, I need to put down what is competing for my attention so that I can receive a great gift. I can unite my heart with the only One who makes me complete; the One who wants me there no matter the hour. In that refuge I too am instructed, grounded in truth, and reminded that I am here to serve Him with my life.

There will come a day when my little ones will be too old to play this game, but I am so thankful that I will never be too old to practice what He has taught me. Through something I could so easily identify with, He has whispered for me to come into His Everlasting Arms over and over again, and has led me to the truth that I am not the only one who loves the time there. This beautiful place is surely not jail, but a glimpse of heaven. It is my prayer and the longing of my heart that my children will desire to be intimately connected to the Giver of all that is good and worthy and that one day soon they will listen for His call to come. I pray that they will answer "Yes Lord" and run straight to Him for the love that will always surpass what their mother was able to give.

O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Psalm 63: 1-3