Lines That Lift

Hunger & Thirst

Being hungry and thirsty are just normal everyday things that our bodies experience. Sometimes it's hard to see Christ as a human who also had these desires.

We as Christians are to hunger and thirst for God. Imagine our desire to know Him intimately as the same as the desire for a cold glass of iced tea or ice water on a hot summer day. It's a very strong desire to have our thirst quenched! Much in the same aspect God can quench our thirst. How refreshing it is to take a long drink from the well of Living Water!

After He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, He was hungry. Matt 4:2
Early in the morning, as He was returning to the city, He was hungry. Matt 21:18

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. "Give Me a drink," Jesus said to her, for His disciples had gone into town to buy food. John 4:7
After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now accomplished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, He said, "I'm thirsty!" John 19:28

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why do you spend money on what is not food,
and your wages on what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
and you will enjoy the choicest of foods. Isaiah 55:1,2

"I thirst for God, the living God" Psalm 42:2

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed,
for they will be filled. Matt 5:6

Physical Pain

Jesus too felt the physical side of pain in his body. I guess we never really think of Jesus having a headache, backache, or other muscular aches. The Bible lists some of the severe painful experiences that he suffered:

Whipped: Matt 27:26; John 19:1
Pierced Side: John 19:34
Nailed to the Cross: Luke 23:33; Psalm 22:16

I guess one thing that comes to my mind is how many of us would have been able to endure this kind of pain? These were very excruciating, and I would have to honestly say I am pretty sure I wouldn't have. Thank you, Lord, for sending Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice. He was the only one that could and would.

Insulted/Mocked
Have you ever been insulted or made fun of? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is probably "yes". What may even be more upsetting is that it may have been done by a close friend or someone you are close to. Yes, we can hurt others easily by our words. The bible says we are to lift up our fellow brothers and sisters. Jesus too was insulted and mocked by those who once praised and lifted him up. They were people who loved him.

After blindfolding Him, they kept asking, “Prophesy! Who hit You?” Luke 22:64
Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. Luke 23:11

So yes, we can be hurt by those who love us. Those hurts are often the worst of all! Let's be doers of God's word by lifting up those we love with words of encouragement and love!

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today.” Hebrews 3:13

Food for Thought...

The Lord is my Shepherd

A Sunday school teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible; Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse.

Little Bobby was excited about the task. But, he just couldn't remember the psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite the psalm in front of the congregation, Bobby was real nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my shepherd and that's all I need to know!"

Have you ever really thought about the human characteristics of Christ? Well, for this year, we are going to look at several. This month, we will start with His conception and birth.

Although He was conceived thru the Holy Spirit, Mary still became pregnant and showed the signs of an expectant mother. Matt 1:18 Jesus was carried in His mother's womb until born, just like you and I. Maybe not under the same circumstances but nevertheless born into this world as a baby, physically from the labor of His mother, Mary. Matt 1:16; Luke 1:31; 2:7, 11 His body made of flesh and blood. John 1:14; Heb 2:14

As the year continues, I will cover other areas where His body, mind and soul were much like yours and mine. Until next month, keep well and warm. God's blessings!

For unto us a child is born, who is Christ the Lord! Our Lord came down to earth as a babe to eventually make the ultimate sacrifice for you and me! As you make all your preparations to celebrate this Christmas with friends and family, don't forget the real reason for the season...Jesus!! The preparations for his coming were many, and it did not happen overnight. "
4 "When the time came to completion, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." Galatians 4:4-5
The announcements to Mary, Joseph, the shepherds tending their flock were all planned ahead.
May you find joy and peace in the New Year. I encourage you to live for Him and cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you! Merry Christmas!

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalms 100:4
The holiday season is upon us as we are just a couple days from November. Here's a reminder to not get too wrapped up in all the preparations and hectic activities that accompany this time of year. We tend to forget to be thankful for all our blessings and need to stop and remember the real reason for the holidays. Take time TODAY to thank God for ALL He has done this past year! I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. 2 Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me. Psalms 103:1-2

Our September characteristic is Righteous. Jesus was an innocent man who walked blameless before God.

In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it[a] will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior. Jeremiah 33:16

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:9

Both Daniel and Job walked upright with God even when times were looking bad.

Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3

Let us walk in righteousness before the Lord, spotless and pure. Keep your chin up and walk right with God!

The Letter

Kay went to her mailbox and there was only one letter. She picked it up and looked at it before opening, but then she looked at the envelope again. There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address. How odd, she thought but continued to open it and begin reading:

Dear Kay,
I am going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon, and I would like to stop by for a visit.
Love Always,
Jesus

Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table. "Why would the Lord want to visit me? I am nobody special. I don't have anything to offer." With that thought, Kay remembered her empty kitchen cabinets. "Oh, my goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run down to the store and buy something for dinner." She reached for her purse and counted out its contents, $5.40. "Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least." She threw on her coat and hurried out the door. A loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey and a carton of milk...leaving Kay with a grand total of 12 cents to last her until Monday. Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm. "Hey lady, can you help us, lady?" Kay had been so absorbed in her dinner plans; she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alley way. A man and woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags. "Look lady, I ain't got a job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kinda hungry and well, if you could help us, lady, we would really appreciate it." Kay looked at them both. They were dirty, they smelled bad and frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to. "Sir, I would like to help you, but I am a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, I am having an important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him." "Yeah well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway." The man put his arm around the woman's shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley. As she watched them leave, Kay felt a familiar twinge in her heart. "Sir, wait!" The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them. "Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest." She handed the man her grocery bag. "Thank you, lady. Thank you very much!" "Yes, thank you!" It was the man's wife, and Kay could see now that she was shivering. "You know, I've got another coat at home. Here, why don't you take this one." Kay unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders. Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street...without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest. "Thank you, lady! Thank you very much!" Kay was chilled by the time she reached her front door, and worried too. The Lord was coming to visit, and she didn't have anything to offer Him. She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox. "That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day." She took the envelope out of the box and opened it.

Dear Kay,
It was so good to see you again. Thank you for the lovely meal, and thank you, too, for the beautiful coat.
Love Always,
Jesus

The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Kay no longer noticed.

Isn't that a great story! Now just think of yourself in Kay's place...I can see each one of us wanting to have a nice meal prepared for Jesus if He was coming to dinner. We would probably fuss over every little detail and make sure it was perfect! After all this is Jesus! Not just anyone!

But God teaches us to have that attitude with everyone. Especially those less fortunate, in need and yes even those that seem a bit undesirable in our eyes. Jesus wasn't partial to anyone; His love and compassion was for everyone! So therefore, our love and compassion need to be as well.

Our August characteristic is Compassionate. The scriptures are full of examples of Christ's compassion for others.

Poor and Needy: "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat." Mark 8:2

Weary: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matt 11:28

Afflicted: When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matt 14:14

A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Mark 1:40-42

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. Matt 20:29-34

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:34

Here's what His word says about how we are to care and have compassion for one another.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Matthew 25:34-45

So that means what we do here on earth for others, we are actually doing for Him! Even when we are unkind to one another, it's just like being unkind to Him! Now doesn't knowing that make it easier for us to show kindness towards others? It definitely should!

I will share a story in a separate post that ties in great with this teaching God shares with us.

Faith Prayer

Where there is Faith
There is Love
Where there is Love
There is Peace
Where there is Peace
There is God
Where there is God
There is no need

Our July characteristic is Faithful and True. Then the One seated on the throne said, "Look! I am making everything new." He said also, "Write, because these words are faithful and true." Revelations 21:5

Noah was a faithful man. He was obedient to God even though others questioned the commands God gave him. Genesis 6:9-10, 7:5

By faith Noah, after he was warned about what was not yet seen and motivated by godly fear, built an ark to deliver his family. By faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Sometimes we need to have this kind of faith even though we may look 'foolish' to others. And sometimes we need to prepare for the rain even though the forecast says otherwise. (Rain doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing...rain can also be good and a blessing!)

Our God is faithful and His promises are true to us!

Righteousness will be a blet around His loins; faithfulness will be a belt around His waist. Isaiah 11:5

He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Anyone presenting his own ideas is looking for praise for himself, but anyone seeking to honor the one who sent him is a good and true person. John 7:18

Our June characteristic is Sinless and Spotless. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14

Jesus was without sin and spotless before God. We as Christians must work towards becoming pure before God also. Sinless and spotless in our robe of white as we behold His Greatness! One more characteristic we must continue to strive for to be more Christ-like.

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2 Peter 3:13-14

For the summer months, we are going to focus on several of the characteristics of Christ. This month will be on His obedience to God the Father.

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8

As Christ the Son, He was obedient to His Father!

Jesus said, “The food that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started. As you look around right now, wouldn’t you say that in about four months it will be time to harvest? Well, I’m telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at what’s right in front of you. These Samaritan fields are ripe. It’s harvest time! John 4:34-35

Additionally, there are many characters in the Bible that were obedient to God. Abraham being one of my favorites. Many people in his situation could probably honestly say they would not have obeyed God's command to offer their only son as a sacrifice. Genesis 22:1-17.

Let's strive to be hearers and doers of God's voice and commands.

Though He was God’s Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. After He was perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. Hebrews 5:8-9

But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

He replied, “Yes, but even more blessed are all who hear the Word of God and put it into practice.” Luke 11:28

But those who do what Christ tells them to will learn to love God more and more. That is the way to know whether or not you are a Christian. 6 Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did. 1 John 2:5-6

Check out this awesome video! https://youtu.be/APATH3ea-D0

Wanted: Servants

Help Wanted

SERVANT - Someone to do often undesirable work for the sake of others. Needs strong sense of self-worth in God's eyes and true compassion for others. Must be personally acquainted with the greatest Servant of all in order to continue training. Work requires being on call 24 hours a day to meet needs of family, friends, and even strangers. No experience necessary. Job begins today, right where you are.

Joy in The Morning!

“He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said.” Matthew 28:6

Because of Jesus’ Resurrection, Yes, we have the promise of eternal life in heaven with Him if we choose to accept the gift and live for Him! This reward is something we look forward to everyday! “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live.” John 11:25

But what else does the resurrection of Christ mean to us? It means we have joy now because Jesus lives! We have joy knowing our heavenly Father is always there for us; therefore, we can express joy to others.

Be encouraged to share your JOY with everyone this Easter Sunday! Celebrate the Savior’s resurrection and the good news that He is alive and ever present in time of trouble. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:4-5

“I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” John 15:11

“You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.” Psalms 16:11

“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” Psalms 32:11

May you have a blessed Easter!

Just verifying that everyone is seeing the posts as I add new items to the page. LIKE if you are getting them...thanks!

Hosanna! He who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One – the King of Israel! John 12:13
As Easter vastly approaches, I am reminded of the grand entry of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
Is it not interesting how those same people that welcomed Jesus as he rode in on the donkey and giving praises to him, could change their minds within days and udder bad words towards him? Unfortunately, we too can be like that. One minute when things are going well, we are happy and giving praises, the next when things take a turn for the worst, we are complaining. And not always with God, but with others. Thinking before you speak or act in your circumstances can help prevent an unnecessary hurt.
My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. James 1:19-20

Many years ago, I was inspired by a very special lady in my life to start a letter ministry called Inspirational Writings "Lines That Lift". She was forever-loving, kind, and a true worker for the Lord, but overcome with great grief due to the passing of her husband. After returning home, from a visit with her, I decided to send out notes of encouragement to her once a month. It wasn't long before I realized that there were many others that needed to hear those same encouraging words, so thus my list began to grow.

Kay, my inspiration, went to be with the Lord many years ago, and when she left this world, I felt as though a part of me went too. But she left something with me, the desire to share with those hurting and just needing to hear an encouraging word. And so now, I continue to share with all of you, just as I shared with her so many years ago. It is my hope that you will be encouraged and "lifted up" as I share what the Lord lays upon my heart.

"If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" Ecclesiastes 4:10

"The Lord God has given me his words of wisdom so that I may know what I should [write] to all these weary ones. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding" Is 50:4