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Throughout my life I have taught many piano lessons.

After a beginning student has successfully progressed to perhaps the middle of the first method book, I have been known to have them look back at the first few pages to see just how far they have come. In their own estimation, it is evident that the  exercises and short melodies seem incredibly simple. They are no longer at the level where they started. Given their present maturity of skill, the previous pages are but a memory of struggles past. Enjoying their present abilities, they look forward to the future, certain of greater proficiency and heightened development.

We are all enrolled in lessons----life lessons. Who is the teacher? God is. What method is He using? Its perfectly personalized for each one of us individually. We begin our sessions with simple understandings of God as He patiently instructs us through our lives, one page at a time. Each day is a fresh assignment, to be accomplished using what we have already learned, with the addition of newly presented wisdom ready for our embrace.

As we look back occassionally over the previous pages in our personal record book of life, do the earlier chapters seem like chronicles of simple melodies and short exercises when compared to our current relationship with God?

In the Book of Esther in the Old Testament, we are given the account of an evening when King Xerxes was having difficulty sleeping. He ordered that a book containing events that had happened during his reign be brought to him and read. Most of us have no written account of our every day lives, yet God has kept our "lesson notes" with every detail finely recorded. He is aware of the pages where we struggled the most; He knows the tunes that flowed effortlessly after hours of practice and submission to His will.

Thinking back, were not where we once were. We look forward to the future, certain of greater closeness with God and a heightened awareness of His unfailing love.

That night the king couldnt sleep. He ordered the record book, the day-by-day journal of events, to be brought and read to him.

 ---Esther 6:1 The Message

I love the beach.

Something about the waves in never-ending rhythm against the sandy shore draws me closer in. The awesome power of God is displayed in such an intriguing way as the ocean waters meet the land. In the midst of the constant sounds of the sea, I feel peace. A calm peace that joins an already existing peace that never leaves me. One that is assured that I belong to God.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...

   Romans 5:1

Some very kind friends surprised me with an offer for dinner out last night.

The food was good and the service was friendly and cordial. As we began to talk and "catch up" a bit on each others lives, I told them of a recent prayer I had voiced while on the way to work one day. It seemed like I had not been at work five minutes until my prayer had been answered.

The telling of Gods goodness---His love and compassion---to those we spend time with allows them to share in the knowledge of who He is and what He is doing.  Our personal testimonies that stem from our relationship with Him cannot be refuted.

They are ours to share.

What blessing of God in your own life would bring joy to someones heart today?

Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."

 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

 Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

 "Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."

---John 11:21-27

And God said,

"Let the water teem with living creatures,

and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky."

 So God created the great creatures of the sea

and every living and moving thing with which the water teems,

according to their kinds,

and every winged bird according to its kind.

And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:20,21

To run.

I thought I knew what that was. Ive seen it done. Ive done it myself. However, Ive never thought about it this way.

According to the dictionary, this is what "run" really means:

"to go quickly by moving the legs more rapidly than at a walk and in such a manner that for an instant in each step all or both feet are off the ground."

The phrase "both feet off the ground" got my attention. Continually lifting ourselves above the ground, time and again, with purpose.

For each of us there is a spiritual race marked out. It cannot be separated from our physical lives, because God works in us through our earthly experiences, challenges and goals. We find God beside us as we go the distance.

Could it be that we are to "run" in our journey of faith, being lifted above the temptation to become stationary?

As we determine to run, is it not God who repeatedly lifts our feet?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

---Hebrews 12:1

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me,

and I will listen to you.

 You will seek me and find me

when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

It was an interesting idea.

As part of a group activity, everyone was to take a blank sheet of paper and draw.

Not just draw, but draw specific representations.

Not just any representations, but those that the leader of the activity specified.

I was uncomfortable with some of the topics to be illustrated.

One was the topic of regret.

Something youd done that you wish you hadnt.

I drew a stick figure.

Next, I drew another--a shorter stick figure beside it.

I drew lines coming from the mouth of the taller one.

What did all this mean?

I had thought of words that I had said from years ago when raising my children that I wish I hadnt said.

Not horrible things, but perhaps discouraging remarks.

Remarks that showed dissapointment in them rather than encouragement.

Irritable remarks instead of kinder, more understanding comments.

What I didnt know was that the leader was going to have each of us show our drawings and explain their meaning.

Did I mention being uncomfortable before?

I do regret the failings of the past.

So, what is there to do?

Ask God for forgiveness.

Resolve to use words of gratitude, sincerity and kindness.

Correct others when necessary, but using compassionate words formed from a heart with a right attitude toward the situation.

Psalm 141:3 says:

Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.

O LORD, you are my God;
       I will exalt you and praise your name,
       for in perfect faithfulness
       you have done marvelous things,
       things planned long ago.

---Isaiah 25:1

Could a song be annointed?

There are certain songs that bring the desire to praise God bubbling out of my heart. To me, there is an empowering of that which we call music to reach hidden places of my soul.

One such song is "Alive Again" by Matt Mahr. Consider his words:

You shattered my darkness

Washed away my blindness

Now Im breathing in and breathing out

Im alive again

When I hear those words coupled with the instruments, I want to join in the praise. God DID shatter my darkness;

He washed away my spiritual blindness.

Im breathing in and breathing out a life not possible without His forgiveness. I am truly alive again.

There was a very strong rainstorm this afternoon. As it subsided, I found myself out in the fresh air, looking at the water droplets suspended on the plants. The rain had washed the flowers, the bushes and the trees, leaving them vibrant and renewed.

In John 9:11 we read, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see."

God washed away my blindness years ago, and then, I could see. I could see His love. I could see His forgiveness.

As the rain washes the leaves and blossoms, His love washes us clean from our sin.

......Im alive again!

The Amen,

the faithful and true Witness,

the Beginning of the creation of God,

says this:

Behold, I stand at the door and knock;

if anyone hears My voice and opens the door,

I will come in to him

and will dine with him,

and he with Me.

Revelation 14:b,20

Is Jesus standing at your door and knocking today?

Will you choose to let Him in?

I remember the day that I heard Him knocking.

I opened the door.

Listen....do you hear Him?

Psalm 142:3a

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. (KJV)

And whenever I feel low, you are there to guide me. (CEV)

As I sink in despair, my spirit ebbing away, you know how Im feeling. (The Message)

When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. (NLT)

When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way.(NIV)

In reading several versions of Psalm 142, this seemed to be the heartfelt "collage" of the earnest prayer from verse three:

Whenever I am feeling low and my spirit is overwhelmed within me, ebbing away, and Im sinking in despair, growing faint, You are there to guide me; you know my  path, my way--the way I should turn; You know how Im feeling.

Overwhelming times will come. Despair will sit on your doorstep. In those moments, knowing that God knows us is a great comfort. He is faithful to guide us each day through our path.

Tomorrow is St. Patricks Day. Is this more than just a celebration of all things green, drawings of shamrocks on school room windows and pinching those unfortunate people who have forgotten to wear that certain special color?

If our busy lives were to slow down just a bit, we might actually stop to consider for a moment---who was Saint Patrick, anyway?

While I am confident that a great many people know exactly who he was and why we remember him, I must confess that I did not...

At least, until today.

After doing a little research, I was pleased to find out about Saint Patricks faith in God. 

His father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest in Great Britain. When Patrick was only sixteen years old, he was kidnapped and carried to Ireland to be a slave. He worked as a herdsman for six years. In a letter, Patrick wrote that his faith grew while he was in captivity and that he had prayed every day. God revealed to him that he would soon go home, and within a series of events, he escaped and found passage on a ship that delivered him back to England to be reunited with his family. He was now in his early twenties. After a period of years had passed, he was led to return to Ireland. By his own account, he reported that he had, "baptized thousands of people," and had ordained priests to lead new Christian communities.

Matthew 28:19 and 20 states:

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Saint Patrick was obedient to his calling. He returned to the place of his captors in order to help bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the people of Ireland.

Tomorrow will be special for me. As I wear my green shirt to work, I can smile inside, knowing that centuries back, a young man with a heart turned to God chose to love others unconditionally.

Saint Patrick.

Im glad I know...

The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
   "Hosanna!"
   "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
   "Blessed is the King of Israel!" Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,
 "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;
      see, your king is coming,
      seated on a donkeys colt."

John 12:12-15

The "old" me that was truly me before I accepted Jesus as my Savior is gone. That me doesnt exist anymore.

Is that a difficult concept?

When I asked for forgiveness, seeking God, a transformation occurred.

I still knew all the things that I did before; I looked the same.

In a place deep down inside, where only God can reach, He came to live.

It was still me, but it was me plus Him.

Nothing was the same with Him there.

When placed together, the darkness and a single candle flame become light.

Darkness is simply crowded out.

No room for that anymore.

The "old" me is different, because Christ lives "in" me.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ---Galatians 2:20

Yes, things were different then.

Earlier today, I was thinking about how things had changed in my life from just over a year ago. Prayers have been answered. Areas of concern have greatly improved. Looking back, enormous gains have been made. It is obvious to me that God has brought about miraculous events.

The 55th chapter of Isaiah is an invitation from God. Verses 12 and 13 tell of the good things replacing the bad:

You will go out in joy
       and be led forth in peace;
       the mountains and hills
       will burst into song before you,
       and all the trees of the field
       will clap their hands.

  Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
       and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
       This will be for the LORDs renown,
       for an everlasting sign,
       which will not be destroyed.

It has seemed to me that many times I have had a thornbush growing.

A spiritual thornbush.

A family thornbush.

A financial thornbush.

A relational thornbush.

Have I really had the faith to believe that God could replace them? Did I notice when the seed -bearing cones appeared?

With gratefulness welling up in my heart, I can truly say that there are now pines where many of the thornbushes once grew.

God is at work in my life... and in yours.

How great is God—beyond our understanding!
       The number of his years is past finding out.

  He draws up the drops of water,
       which distill as rain to the streams;

  the clouds pour down their moisture
       and abundant showers fall on mankind.

  Who can understand how he spreads out the clouds,
       how he thunders from his pavilion?

  See how he scatters his lightning about him,
       bathing the depths of the sea.

Job 36:26-30

Lord, you are so wonderful. You bless me with life and with love. You never leave me, even for one moment. You allow me to see your greatness in nature. You allow me to know your faithfulness within my heart. Help me to follow You each day.

It was windy. VERY windy.

I had driven by a road marked with a sign indicating a wildlife preserve many times over the years, but I had never taken the time to actually visit. Now was the time.

Pleasantly surprised, the acreage was inviting. With winds of 25 to 30 miles an hour, the air rushing through the trees mimicked the sound of the ocean.

New spring blossoms were scattered about. Small birds scurried from tree to tree, chirping and calling to one another. Overhead, larger birds maneuvered themselves in the swift currents blowing from across the lake.

At times, it seemed that the birds were suspended in one place, unable to fly into the wind or be blown back. It was fascinating to watch. On occasion, I would see the shadow on the ground of a large bird flying above me, blocking the sunlight.

Psalm 17:6-8 speaks of the shadow of Gods wings:

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
       give ear to me and hear my prayer.

  Show the wonder of your great love,
       you who save by your right hand
       those who take refuge in you from their foes.

  Keep me as the apple of your eye;
       hide me in the shadow of your wings...

Unlike the birds I saw at the preserve, God is not affected by strong winds. Nor does He struggle to move forward or backward, up or down. He is in complete control.

And the shadow of His wings? We may take refuge there, knowing that He is protecting us and ever watchful.

Be strong.

Be strong in the Lord.

Be strong in His power.

Be strong in His mighty power.

Everyone faces challenging situations in their lives. Some are bigger than others, but challenges do come.

When we are really strong is when we come to the point where we can say,

"I am weak; I need God to get me through this."

Perhaps you are sick, and youve lost your employment.

Perhaps you are quite well, and youve just accepted your dream job.

Both are challenges.

Maybe youve lost a good friend.

You might be at the beginning of a new relationship.

Both are challenges.

Does God care about the challenges in our lives?

Does He offer help?

The answer to both of these questions is simply, "Yes."

Invite Him to give you strength to face those moments that loom large in the pathway before you.

Ask Him to give you the power that you need to accomplish what He wants you to.

Ask Him to give you wisdom.

Ask Him to give you the words to say.

He hears.

Ephesians 6:10 says,

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power."