Month: July 2018

God Welcomes Anyone Looking for Help

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Today is the day! I have to switch my posts to publish on my new Frugalfish Facebook page. I decided to publish today’s post before I switched.

Then, I procrastinated and planned August. I wish I had a tech team to do this for me. But there’s only me.

Psalms 49:7-8, “Really! There’s no such thing as self-rescue, pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. (8) The cost of rescue is beyond our means.” The Message

* * * * * * *

“Living by faith is a bewildering venture. We rarely know what’s coming next, and not many things turn out the way we anticipate. …That God-followers don’t get preferential treatment in life always comes as a surprise.

…Habakkuk…gives voice to our bewilderment, articulates our puzzled attempts to make sense of things, faces God with our disappointment with God. He insists that God pay attention to us.

…It is in his waiting and listening – which then turns into his praying – that he found himself inhabiting the large world of God’s sovereignty. Only there did he eventually realize that the believing-in-God life, the steady trusting-in-God life, is the full life, the only real life. …where every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” The Message Introduction to Habakkuk

* * * * * * *

Nahum 1:7, “God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help.” The Message

* * * * * * *

“When you are unsure which course to take, totally submit your own judgment to that of the Spirit of God, asking Him to shut every door except the right one. But meanwhile keep moving ahead and consider the absence of a direct indication from God to be the evidence of His will that you are on His path. …And when you open it and walk through, you will find yourself face to face with a turn in the river of opportunity – one that is broader and deeper than anything you ever dared to imagine, even in your wildest dreams. …” F. B. Meyer in “Streams in the Desert” July 31

See you tomorrow! I hope – and pray. (Help, God!)

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Follow His Instructions

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The email came last week but I waited until Monday to deal with it.

“As of August 1, Facebook will no longer allow you to automatically share a blog post on your profile. You can only share to a Facebook page.”

I didn’t have a Facebook page. It couldn’t take that long to set up – right?

Wrong. During the process, I accepted a friend request from a hacker. He sent requests to all my friends on both profiles saying he knew me! I blocked him and tried to fix the damage.

My Frugal Fish Facebook page is public. I don’t know many of the people there. They follow my blogs and joined my Facebook page. Normally, I check each profile before accepting a friend request. Skipping that step today caused a lot of trouble.

Proverbs 12:26, “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” The Message

I am so, so sorry.

A few friends sent me messages asking if I knew Thomas Westley. I let them know it was a hacker. I’m afraid he got more friends posing as my friend.

He froze the page where I could report him in both profiles. I sent a message to Facebook another way. In light of the big change on August 1st, I don’t expect a prompt reply. I was ready to throw in the towel and delete both Facebook pages.

“Moses had all the potential in the world at forty, but felt like a lost cause at eighty. Instead of doing God’s will God’s way, he tried to expedite God’s will and delayed it for four decades! At some point in our lives most of us feel like life has passed us by. Our dream seems like a lost cause. The crises presents us with a choice: Throw in the towel, or throw our hat back in the ring. Many of us give up on our dreams because we feel like God has given up on us. But we serve a God of restoration (See Joel 2:25).” “All In” Mark Batterson

My first mistake was working on the Facebook page before I prayed and read my Bible. Tuesday I prayed and had my devotions before I did anything!

2 Kings 23:3, “The king stood by the pillar and before God solemnly committed them all to the covenant: to follow God believingly and obediently; to follow His instructions, heart and soul, on what to believe and do; to put into practice the entire covenant, all that was written in the book. The people stood in affirmation; their committment was unanimous.” The Message

I do not believe God was punishing me for working before devotions. That’s not how God works. Although, I do have to deal with the consequences of getting things out of order. Once again Steven Furtick’s “1 Min Motivation” encouraged me.

“Let me warn you. When you make God a priority the enemy will send a storm. You never cross over without conflict. …The reason the storm is raging might not be…because you are headed away from the will of God. It might be because you are crossing over into the calling that is on your life. …” “You Never Cross Over Without Conflict”

I’m crossing over into the fullness of God’s plan for my life.

©2009-2018 thisyearsbiblereadingguide.com. All Rights Reserved.

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Serene and Calm

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Sunday service at the Civic Center is always a surprise. We set up our instruments and microphones. Then their worker patches the wires up to our soundboard in the control room.

Every sound level remains from the last show. Every show is different. When we first turn everything on it is really loud. Our sound man has to adjust over 30 places to get the sound balanced for the church service.

Yesterday, the keyboard monitor shut off during the service. They could hear us in the house but we couldn’t hear the sounds we were playing. This happens often and I use headphones for that reason.

The poor synth player couldn’t hear anything! I unplugged the headphones to let her hear what I was playing from the external speakers on my keyboard. (Her keyboard doesn’t have external speakers.)

We kept playing. At the next song, the monitor turned back on – and we were together! Woo-hoo! Then it shut off again but came back on for the last song. Amazingly, we both were playing together – calm and serene. God did that!

Jeremiah 17:7-8, “But blessed is the man who trusts Me, God, the woman who sticks with God. (8) They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers  – never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season.” The Message

* * * * * * *

“Our trials are great opportunities, but all too often we simply see them as large obstacles. If only we would recognize every difficult situation as something God has chosen to prove His love to us, each obstacle would then become a place of shelter and rest, and a demonstration to others of His inexpressible power. If we would look for the signs of His glorious handiwork, then every cloud would indeed become a rainbow, and every difficult mountain path would become one of ascension, transformation, and glorification.” A. B. Simpson, in “Streams in the Desert” July 29

©2009-2018 thisyearsbiblereadingguide.com. All Rights Reserved.

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Use Words Truly and Well

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Saturday, I read about using words truly and well. We communicate three different ways:

  • Cheap whining.
  • Words that change people.
  • Words people want to hear.

We had a family reunion. The food was great and I waited all year for a piece of Cousin Ronnie’s Black Raspberry Pie. (I love pie!) He picks the raspberries and makes the pies from scratch. I skipped supper to justify the calories from that one piece of pie! Worth it!

After eating, several went outside to play “Corn Hole.” (Good job, Brenda! Bringing that game extended the reunion for an hour.)

I’m not a fan of outdoor activities. I leisurely ate my pie looking at pictures my sister-in-law brought. A cousin sat down and asked a question. It brought up a painful subject. I found I am fluent in cheap whining. *Sigh* (I repented.)

Jeremiah 15:19, “…Use words truly and well. Don’t stoop to cheap whining. Then, but only then, you’ll speak for Me. Let your words change them. Don’t change your words to suit them.” The Message

After the reunion, we drove through Lake Lacey State Park. I did obey that direction from the Lord.

©2009-2018 thisyearsbiblereadingguide.com. All Rights Reserved.

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Do Exactly What I Command

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Difficult chapter in “52 Small Changes” – get back to nature. Yeah, right. Nature makes me sick. Rather, the things in nature – weeds, trees, grass, dust, hay, etc.

“Don’t let the problem overwhelm you. Don’t let what you cannot do, keep you from doing what you can.” “All In” Mark Batterson

But, I could switch the dresser and desk to face the window. Oh, wait, I wouldn’t be able to open the dresser doors.

I could sit at the end of the kitchen table facing the window. And sit in the chair facing the window in the living room.

We have a family reunion today in Keosauqua, IA. A drive through Lake Lacey State Park would get me out in nature safely.

Jeremiah 11:4, “Obey what I tell you. Do exactly what I command you. Your obedience will close the deal. You’ll be mine and I’ll be yours.” The Message

* * * * * * *

“Give all He asks and take all He promises.” Samuel Dickey Gordon, “Streams in the Desert”

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They’ve Become Deserted Wastelands

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Our son’s former 5th-grade teacher gave David 2 bags of sweet corn. He has a family farm and they sell produce at the Farmer’s Market. The corn was left over from the night before.

David mentioned his field by the highway was empty. He explained that he let it lie fallow this year. It’s a Biblical principle.

Leviticus 25:4, “But the seventh year the land will take a Sabbath of complete and total rest, a Sabbath to God, you will not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. Don’t reap what grows of itself; don’t harvest the grapes of your untended vines.” The Message

Letting a field lie fallow allows the volunteer plants to enrich the soil. The yield on that field next year will be greater. If you don’t give the land rest, the yields grow smaller and smaller. The soil becomes depleted.

Jeremiah 8:7, “Cranes know when it’s time to move south for the winter. And robins, warblers, and bluebirds know when it’s time to come back again. …” The Message

What if the birds stayed in the south?

It’s always warm. They encounter cold and snow when they first arrive. It’s getting cold again when they return. They would eventually eat everything if they stayed in the south.

Jeremiah 9:10, “I’m lamenting the loss of the mountain pastures. I’m chanting dirges for the old grazing grounds. They’ve become deserted wastelands too dangerous for travelers. No sound of sheep bleating or cattle mooing. Birds and wild animals all gone. Nothing stirring, no sounds of life.” The Message

Living paycheck to paycheck is the same as a bird never flying north. Or planting the same field for decades without replacing the lost nutrients. First, you eat the produce, then the seeds, and finally the plant. You have nothing left – no source for food.

“Lord, show me what I need to leave alone this year.”

©2009-2018 thisyearsbiblereadingguide.com. All Rights Reserved.

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The Tried and True

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I am enjoying my journey through “52 Small Changes” by Brett Blumenthal. I look forward to reading it. My scale stopped climbing and started going down – an ounce or two at a time.

“Lasting change happens gradually on the inside, often before there’s any outward evidence of it. …You’re a brand-new creation. But you have to retrain your brain to accept God’s forgiveness and the restorative work Jesus has done in your life.” “Retrain Your Brain” Jim Penner, The Word for You Today

The book goes over the basics – drink water, exercise, and get plenty of rest. The simplest things change everything. The tried and true are the right route.

Jeremiah 6:16, “God’s Message yet again: ‘Go stand at the crossroads and look around. Ask for directions to the old road, the tried and true road. Then take it. Discover the right route for your souls.’ ” The Message

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Because I’ve Given My Word

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David walked in the door and exclaimed, “Hey, it’s not August yet!”

A wreath-sized diamond ring is hanging on the front door. Our cake topper is on the shelf and our unity candle on the table.

After hearing others complain that their husbands forgot their anniversary, I was proactive. I had our wedding date engraved on the inside of his wedding band!

Little white lights line the windowsill – illuminating the cherubs from our wedding cake. The bouquets and feather pin make a nice centerpiece on the dining room table. The “Bride and Groom” glasses sparkle in the china cabinet.

Jeremiah 4:28, “…because I’ve given my word and won’t take it back. I’ve decided and won’t change my mind.” The Message

Jeremiah 4 tells us the people were experts at evil, seducing anyone. Jeremiah 5 says they didn’t really look or really listen. The stood for nothing and stood up for no one.

Jeremiah 5:25, “…Your sins keep my blessings at a distance.” The Message

In a blessed marriage, they:

  • Flirt only with each other.
  • Look to really see each other.
  • Listen to each other.
  • Stand by their commitment.
  • Stand up for each other.

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August, 2018 “Relevant” Bible Reading Guide Chapters

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  • 1 – Habakkuk 2, 3; Psalms 77
  • 2 –Jeremiah 22, 47; 2 Kings 24; Psalms 102; Daniel 1
  • 3 – Daniel 2, 3
  • 4 – Daniel 4; Jeremiah 25
  • 5 – Jeremiah 26, 35, 36, 45
  • 6 – Jeremiah 46; Ezekiel 1, 2
  • 7 – Ezekiel 3-5
  • 8 – Ezekiel 6-8
  • 9 – Ezekiel 9-11
  • 10 – Ezekiel 12-14
  • 11 – Ezekiel 15, 16
  • 12 – Ezekiel 17-19
  • 13 – Ezekiel 20
  • 14 – Ezekiel 21, 22
  • 15 – Ezekiel 23, 24
  • 16 – Ezekiel 29-31
  • 17 – Jeremiah 24, 29, 20
  • 18 – Jeremiah 23, 27
  • 19 – Jeremiah 28, 34, 37, 21
  • 20 – Jeremiah 38, 50
  • 21 – Jeremiah 51
  • 22 – Jeremiah 30, 31
  • 23 – Jeremiah 32, 33
  • 24 – 2 Chronicles 36; 2 Kings 25; Jeremiah 39
  • 25 – Jeremiah 52; Lamentations 1
  • 26 – Lamentations 2; Psalms 74
  • 27 – Lamentations 3-5; Psalms 79
  • 28 – Psalms 94; Ezekiel 25; Jeremiah 49
  • 29 – Obadiah 1; Ezekiel 26, 27
  • 30 – Ezekiel 28; Jeremiah 40, 41
  • 31 – Jeremiah 42-44

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Our Love as Newlyweds

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I lost my box of summer decorations!

I split them into patriotic and summer – seashells, flowers, etc. I remember there wasn’t room on the shelves with my other seasonal decorations. I thought I put it in a safe place. I’m afraid it went to Goodwill with our other donations.

I was at a loss – what do I decorate with now? It’s too early for fall decorations. The answer came when we went shopping last weekend.

“Goin’ to the Chapel”

I had my eye on a chapel birdhouse at Kohl’s I wanted it last spring but waited until I could get it at 80% off. I had a coupon and it was on clearance. I hung it in the window between the kitchen and living room. Every time I walk by, the tune “Goin’ to the Chapel” goes through my head. I’m going to use the paraphernalia from my wedding to decorate. The “Bride and Groom” glasses will look adorable in my china cabinet!

In less than 2 months, our second son will tie the knot. Two months before my wedding, I was furiously sewing the bridesmaid’s dresses. It’s good to look back and remember.

Jeremiah 2:2, “…I remember your youthful loyalty, our love as newlyweds…” The Message

The year between our engagement and the wedding seemed to last forever. It was a busy year but I couldn’t wait for the wedding!

“Rest assured that if God waits longer than we desire, it is simply to make the blessings doubly precious.” Andrew Murray in “Streams in the Desert”

Young girls dream of their wedding. They chose their favorite colors or colors that have special meaning. I chose pink because that was the color my mother chose. And blue – the color of my husband’s eyes.

Dreaming about your wedding is a good fantasy. I am studying Proverbs 12 where they define a bad fantasy.

“Chasing fantasies – scheme for making easy money.” New International Version Study Bible Notes

We had very little when we married. We faithfully saved and planted seeds throughout our marriage. We are comfortable now as the seeds produced for us. Sadly, many use credit instead of waiting for the seeds to produce. They end up with grass instead of a garden.

“…Stop laying sod where He’s planting seed…” “Becoming Love” Bob Goff in Proverbs 31 Ministries

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