Yapping Dogs

"The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the
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voice of the Lord is full of majesty."
~Psalm 29:3-4

I live with dogs; a Mastiff, a Schnauweenie-huahua, and a dachshund. The latter two are what I call "yip-yap" dogs. Every noise, real or imagined, sets these two off and to me, their shrill yapping is like jamming an icepick in my ears. Actually, an icepick would be preferable. Yelling at them does nothing to quell the yapping, so I have taken to throwing things. An empty gum container or a balled up sock usually does the trick. I've tried bark collars and other recommended methods, but nothing works. I even looked into having them debarked but the cost is out of reach. Actually, I compared the cost to how many pairs of shoes I could buy, and couldn't justify the cost!
So, I continue to throw socks in the general direction of the loudest yapping.

Life is like that - constant noise coming from every direction; television, radio, phones, social media, and people all around us spouting opinions. The world is full of noise, and most of it is useless yapping. I got rid of cable/sattelite TV years ago, and now have a' la carte TV. I can watch what I want without the noise of commercials and the filth that is now considered must watch TV. Other than noisy dogs, my house is quiet, which allows me to really listen and hear God's voice.

"And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper (1 Kings 19:11-12)."

When we have too much going on, or too much noise in our life, no matter where it comes from, it's difficult to hear the sound of a low whisper. God doesn't shout to get our attention. God doesn't yell above the din to tell us something. He waits for us to be quiet before Him. He waits for us to focus our hearts on Him.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth (Psalm 46:10)!”

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning (Psalm 130:5-6)."

Being still and waiting for the Lord is part of our Christian process and growth. Waiting patiently and being still are marks of maturity. Children can't sit still for very long, they are impatient, and they can be noisy too. But as we grow and mature, we're expected to be patient, still and quiet. The same is required with God. We might love to worship loudly and pray fervently, but there comes the moment when we must be still and wait for His voice to speak into our hearts so that we may discern His will.

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2)."

Read 2 Samuel 15-17

©2018 Marie McGaha

Grieving God's Heart

"If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."

~1 Peter 4:14

I've seen a lot in life. I've seen things I wish I hadn't. I've seen things I hope no one else ever does. There's not much in this world that surprises or shocks me, except people. And not just the average non-Christian running amok, but people who profess to be Christians and love God. Yet their actions and words of their mouth show the opposite.

"But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so (James 3:8-10)."

For Christians, our lives are to be modeled after Christ. To walk in love, to be at peace with others, and to show others through our words and deeds that we follow Jesus. Our goal is to bring the light of Jesus into the lives of a desperate and decaying world. So what do we accomplish by attacking other believers? Is that showing Christ in you? Is that appealing to anyone who doesn't know Christ? And what does it say about you if all you can do is criticize and condemn?

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29)."

There is so much trash in the world, and as Christians, we have to be above it. We serve one God in Jesus Christ. We are saved by the same Spirit, and it is the same blood at Calvary that Jesus shed for us all. When I hear Christians bad-mouth other Christians, it makes me sad because it grieves the very heart of God. This should not be so among believers in Christ.

"See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:15)."

Read 2 Samuel 12-14; 1 Thessalonians 5

©2018 Marie McGaha

Wars & Rumors of Wars

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

~Matthew 24:29-31

I have always been fascinated with the end of life as we know it here on planet Earth. The wars, rumors of wars, and all of the other things that must take place before Jesus Christ returns. I was raised to believe in the pre-tribulation rapture theory that all Christians will be called off the earth before any of the really bad stuff happens. In 1995, the Lord began to show me things that changed my mind. I no longer believe that Christians are exempt from what is coming in the last days. If you believe in a pre-tribulation rapture, I'm not here to change your mind. If I'm correct, you'll know soon enough, and if you're correct, it's not going to matter to either of us. The reason I bring it up is because today, April 30, 2018, a nuke was dropped on Syria. The situation has hit critical mass. 

The reason I'm writing this is because our lives may change very soon in ways we could never imagine. No matter what we believe about our futures, we have to be more concerned with our eternal future. Whether a pre-tribulation rapture, a mid-tribulation rapture, or a post-tribulation rapture, our eternal destination is being determined right now.

"For He says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2)."

No matter where you are or what you've done, the heart of God is calling out to you. We don't know what tomorrow will bring or if we'll be here to see it. However, we do know none of us are getting out of here alive, and the choice we make right now will determine our eternal future. Jesus is calling out to you, don't ignore Him. 

"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8-10)."

Read 2 Samuel 9-11; Matthew 24

©2018 Marie McGaha

The Last Word

"He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"
~Revelation 22:20

When I was younger, I thought this verse, and others about Jesus' return, wasn't all that important. After all, I'd heard all about the Rapture since I was a little kid, and my grandmother patiently awaited that moment when when the Lord would show up amid thunder, a shout and the blast of the Shofar. She believed the Lord would return in her lifetime. As I got older and had more understanding of the hope my grandmother had in Christ's return, I also began to have that same hope. Even the disciples believed Christ's Second Coming would occur in their lifetime. I suppose every generation since then has believed they would see the coming of the Lord. I know I certainly do. 

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going (John 14:1-4)."

We don't have to know when the Lord will take us home, whether at His Second Coming or through our bodily death. What we have to know is that one way or the other, we will see Him again. We have to be ready no matter when we are called home. 

Jesus' last words, "I am coming soon," may occur in my lifetime, and what a wonderful event that will be to see first-hand. However, if He doesn't, is there any less hope in my heart? Of course not. My hope is not in an event, it is in the person of Jesus Christ who gave His life that I would have mine. That is the hope of Glory. One day, I will leave this body and all of it's aches and pains, and step from this life into eternal life with my one true hope, the Lord Himself. The last words Jesus said in this life will be forgotten as soon as I hear the first words He speaks to me in His kingdom: "Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21)."

 "But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour (Matthew 25:6-13)."

Read 2 Samuel 6-8
Weekend reading 1 Chronicles 14-17

©2018

The Death Of The Saints

"I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set
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the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken."
~Psalm16:7-8

My friend, Joel Tilley, went home to be with the Lord last night. As sorry as I feel for his wife, Sue, and the grief and heartache she is experiencing today, my heart rejoices because Joel is in Heaven where I want to be. I can't imagine what it's like to finally stand before our Lord and Savior. Joel was in his 90s and has served the Lord for many years. He has earned his rest. 

Many people, even some Christians, think of Heaven as an abstract place. And I know some Christians who still fear death. Personally, I look forward to the day I leave this planet and join my family members who have gone before me, but most of all, I want to see Jesus face to face. After all, isn't that our ultimate destination?

"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8)."

There's a saying I like: Earth is not my home. I'm just passing through on my way to Heaven. That is true for every blood-bought Christian alive today. For everyone who has accepted Christ as their Savior, has confessed with their mouth that Jesus is Lord, and has called upon His name, the reward is everlasting life with Him in a brand new body free of pain and sorrow.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:4)."

We live in mortal bodies with aches and pains. The evidence of our mortality grows ever clearer with each passing year. Life without pain, sorrow, suffering, anger, war, and all of the other things we live with every day may seem like a dream, but in Christ, that is our reality when we close our eyes to this life.

My friend, Joel is free of the pain in his body brought on by advancing age and the cancer he's fought so valiantly. He is rejoicing with the saints of Heaven right now and probably has hugged the stuffing out of Jesus. He is where I want to be. Where each of us should want to be.

"Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints (Psalm 116:15)."

Read 2 Samuel 5; 1 Chronicles 11 & 12

©2018

The Battle Is Real

"The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light."
~Romans 13:12

This is one of my favorite verses, although, I have to admit, when I first read it in my youth, I had no idea what it meant. But being me, sort of like a dog with with a bone, I don't let go of anything until I have an understanding of the spiritual, physical and metaphysical meanings. I chewed on that verse for years! It may seem that elementary, it means to stop living in sin (darkness) and to live in the light (salvation). But I think it has a much deeper, richer meaning for us. 

In Jesus' day, and prior to His life on Earth, battles against invading armies we're common. When warriors rested at night they wore a different type of armor that was heavy and cumbersome. It served two purposes - to protect them from the elements, and to protect them from a sneak attack while they slept. When dawn approached, the took off the heavier armor for a lighter type that allowed more freedom of movement to engage their enemy in battle. 

In Romans 13:12, Paul uses this metaphor of taking off one thing and trading it for another. Certainly, when we experience salvation in Jesus Christ, we come out of the darkness of sin into the light of forgiveness and redemption. As we grow in Christ, we also take off the ignorance of not understanding our place in the Kingdom and put on the full maturity of Christ's nature.

"Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life' (John 8:12)."

When we contrast Romans with the above verse, we see that it is only by Jesus that we come out of the darkness that engulfs our souls. But it's there that the real battle begins. We are now on satan's hit list. The battle is real and we must fight like soldiers, fully covered in armor.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-13)."

When we look at the Old Testament, we see the physical battles the Children of Israel went through to possess the land promised to Abraham. Even then, the battle belonged to the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:15). In every physical battle, there was a spiritual battle. When God's people did as the Lord said, the battle was won. When they ignored the Lord's commands, their enemies won. The battle remains the same for us. When we listen to the Lord and obey Him, victory is ours every time.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priest-hood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)."

Read 2 Samuel 1-4; 1 Chronicles 10

©2018 www.mariemcgaha.com

It's Not About The Money

"Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And He said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 
~Luke 12:13-15

Like most working class Americans, we live paycheck to paycheck. The bills are paid, we don't want for anything but there's not much left over either. That is sometimes very frustrating considering the hours and effort put into earning those paychecks. It seems every time we might get a little bit ahead, something comes up and there goes the extra. On top of that, prices edge upward every day. The last time I filled up my truck's tank, gas was nineteen cents a gallon higher than the month before! But I remember when I was a kid and my parents complaining about the same things - not enough money and rising prices. However, the Bible tells us not to worry about those things because God takes care of His people.

"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:31-33)."

We live in a world that worships excess and no matter how much people have, it's never enough. We see teens dealing drugs because wearing gold chains and driving big cars, and living the "thug life" is better than getting an education and earning a living. We see the rise and demise of Hollywood stars as they strive to be rich and famous. Television shows offer recording contracts to hopeful contestants who want to be the next big singing star. But how many 'one hit wonders' have we seen over the years who are here today and gone tomorrow?

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11-13.)"

We all go through highs and lows in life and knowing that God is in control of every situation is how we get through each day. It isn't how much we earn, how big our bank accounts are, or the kind of car we drive that impresses God. It's our love for Him, for others, the condition and motives of our hearts that matter. 

We work to pay our bills and there's nothing wrong with living paycheck to paycheck. If we inherit a million bucks, there's nothing wrong with that either. It's how we live with what we have that matters. Go to church, study God's word, pay your tithes, serve God by serving others. Those things matter to God, and what matters to God is what should matter to us.

"The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me; to the one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God (Psalm 50:23)!"

Read 1 Samuel 29-31; Psalm 69, 81, &131

©2018 www.mariemcgaha.com