AH, NOW I GET IT…

Posted on February 16, 2021 by randscallawayffm

We felt it was time to move from our two-bedroom house when we had our 3rd child.  Randy had just graduated college but hadn’t secured a teaching position because he finished in the middle of the school year, so he had to wait while passing out many resumes.  In the meantime, he held a full-time factory work position during his college years to provide for his family.  I also pitched in with part time jobs I could accomplish at home while raising our kids.

We prayed.  We looked.  We filled out paperwork on nine or so “good deals” on homes that would require sweat equity to make them livable.  We assumed with our budget we would have to make it happen this way.  We thought God would never answer our prayer to make this move! 

Have you ever waited, truly waited for months?  I can’t think of anyone on earth who is gifted at waiting. 

We couldn’t see why God would allow all these good “deals” we were trying to make fall through at the last minute.  We just didn’t get it.  We saved for the down payment.  Our credit was good.  We looked in our price range.  We prayed for just the right house.  But it just wasn’t happening!  We couldn’t complete the deal UNTIL months later. 

Discouraged, I looked at the paper (a daily news and ads sort of thing typed then printed in mass quantities on actual paper that was distributed to your home daily by a boy on a bike) one more time for house ads.  My eyes were guided to an ad for a home just beyond city limits with a loan that seemed unbelievable.  I called immediately.  We met the builder that evening after Randy got off work.  We qualified!

We came away from that meeting with paperwork signed for a NEW home to be built in a school system that we favored with payments we could afford easily while getting out of the crowded city limits but close enough to live our lives as we had only dreamed.

Ah, now I see what God had waiting for us…His best, not our “make do” mediocre plan.  Since that experience, we have trusted God for every decision.  We lay before Him everything from the small details of daily life to the gigantic, earth shattering, life changing circumstances of living this life.

Worship and Wisdom, Psalms and Proverbs

Part Ten, Psalm 119, The Message

Potters Hands

73-80 With your very own hands you formed me;
    now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
When they see me waiting, expecting your Word,
    those who fear you will take heart and be glad.
I can see now, God, that your decisions are right;
    your testing has taught me what’s true and right.
Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight!
    just the way you promised.
Now comfort me so I can live, really live;
    your revelation is the tune I dance to.
Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds;
    they tried to sell me a bill of goods,
    but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel.
Let those who fear you turn to me
    for evidence of your wise guidance.
And let me live whole and holy, soul and body,
    so I can always walk with my head held high.

TRUTH: “I can see now, God, that your decisions are right; your testing has taught me what’s true and right.”

EPILOGUE:  Randy became a teacher.  I went back to college and finished my degree in education and became a teacher.  As time passed and our kids grew, God led first Randy then me a few years later to leave our comfortable teaching positions, that we loved and worked hard to attain, to work full time in the ministry of helping people see God for who He really is…One to be trusted…God, who sent His One and Only Son to save us because of His love for us.  Ah, now I see, now I get it, Lord.  YOU knew all along what You created us to be and do.  Our response is to follow.

“When they see me waiting, expecting your Word, those who fear you will take heart and be glad.  I can see now, God, that your decisions are right; your testing has taught me what’s true and right.”  Psalm 119

Proverb 1:7, The Message

WISDOM: “Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.”

         
Abba Father,

What a mess we can be in waiting! Thank you for your perfect patience with us when we are imperfectly impatient!  We are frustrated easily when we don’t get our own way and are blind to what You are working on that is better for us.  Thank you for opening our eyes to see your glory at work with ears to hear your voice above all others throughout our lives.  We don’t deserve your favor of grace, but You still provide.  Thank you for your guidance and understanding.  Thank you for saving us from ourselves, our poor, ungrateful attitudes and stubborn dispositions when being tested.  Thank you for teaching in the trials and giving us your message in our messes.  Thank you for your loving faithfulness.  Truly, GREAT is your faithfulness!  To YOU be all glory, honor and praise!

In Jesus Name, Amen

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GOD IS GOOD

Posted on February 15, 2021 by randscallawayffm

The emphasis in this psalm is on what is good in the life of the believer. The Hebrew word tob is used six times in these eight verses and can be translated good, pleasant, beneficial, precious, delightful, and right. God does what is good because God is good and because what He does is “according to his word” and His Word is good. Neither His character nor His Word will ever change, so, “God is good all the time.”

Playing in the background of our psalm is “Good, Good Father” by Chris Tomlin…let’s worship God and thank Him for being the Source of all the is Good!

Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
And You tell me that You’re pleased and that I’m never alone

You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

Oh and I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching for answers only You provide
‘Cause You know just what we need before we say a word

You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

Because You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways…

Worship and Wisdom, Psalms and Proverbs

Part Eight.  Psalm 119:65-72, The Message

Be good to your servant, God;
    be as good as your Word.
Train me in good common sense;
    I’m thoroughly committed to living your way.
Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,
    but now I’m in step with your Word.
You are good, and the source of good;
    train me in your goodness.
The godless spread lies about me,
    but I focus my attention on what you are saying;
They’re bland as a bucket of lard,
    while I dance to the tune of your revelation.
My troubles turned out all for the best—
    they forced me to learn from your textbook.
Truth from your mouth means more to me
    than striking it rich in a gold mine.

TRUTH:  More than all the world has to offer us is God.  God has it all, created all and is all we need.  Who is for us not against us?  God.  Who is good and the source of good?  God.  Who loves us so much He sent His One and Only Son to save us?  God.  Who takes troubles in our lives and forms beauty from the ashes?  God.

Proverb 3:5-6, The Message

WISDOM:  “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.”

Abba Father,

You are so good to us because You are the Source of all that is Good.  We don’t know what Good is until we know You.  Thank you, Jesus, for all the work you did to show us the Goodness of God!  Thank you, Holy Spirit for always leading and guiding us to all Who is Good.  May your Good and your glory be seen in me today.  Thank you for wanting the best for us, standing with us not against us in a world so confused about what good really is.  Good is You.  You are Good.  You are God the Source of all that is Good.  I will trust in You alone for all that is Good for me.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

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YOUR LOVE FILLS THE EARTH!

Posted on February 14, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Playing in the background of our psalm this morning is an old song by Third Day, “Your Love, Oh Lord”.  Both psalm and song fill my soul with the love God has for me and for you who believe and love Him back. 

Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean’s tide

I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings

Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean’s tide

I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings

I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings

I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings

I will lift my voice
I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King

I will find my strength
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings

Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky

Wisdom and Worship, Psalms and Proverbs

Part Eight – Psalm 119:57-64, The Message

Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise
    to do everything you say.
I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile,
    be gracious to me just as you promised.
When I took a long, careful look at your ways,
    I got my feet back on the trail you blazed.
I was up at once, didn’t drag my feet,
    was quick to follow your orders.
The wicked hemmed me in—there was no way out—
    but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me.
I get up in the middle of the night to thank you;
    your decisions are so right, so true—I can’t wait till morning!
I’m a friend and companion of all who fear you,
    of those committed to living by your rules.
Your love, God, fills the earth!
    Train me to live by your counsel.

TRUTH:  Your love, God, fills the earth!  Train me to live by your counsel.  God is our greatest joy (vv. 61-64). It should be the Christian’s greatest joy to know God, love Him, hear His voice, and obey His will. Praying to Him and praising Him should be more refreshing to us than sleep. Being with His people should satisfy our hearts, and we should see the love and glory of God in all of creation. Whether we are lying on our bed at midnight, meditating on His Word, fellowshipping with God’s people, or taking a walk in God’s glorious creation, we love God, listen to Him, and thank Him.

Proverb 3:3-4, The Message

WISDOM: “Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.”

Abba Father,

Help me to love others like you love me.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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HANG ON TO GOD’S WORD FOR DEAR LIFE!

Posted on February 13, 2021 by randscallawayffm

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” –Jesus  (John 16:33)

TRUTH:  Bad times will come as often as good times.  What words do we remember when we come to the end of ropes, become overwhelmed by life or cope with an unexpected repair that will break the bank?  When we see a loved one fall back into harmful addiction when we thought they had it under control, what words do we fall back on for strength and help?  When peace is gone and worry sets in like a cancer, what are the words that soothe the soul to set us free in faith once more? What wise words do we remember, cling to, and hang on to for dear life when the bottom as fallen out of a project you spent years in building or in a failed relationship who was dear to you?  What words of comfort do we remember when we experience an expected loss?

What words have we turned to in this pandemic?  Have we become bitter or better?

I remember my mom (who was told by her mom) telling me as a child the importance of memorizing passages of God’s Word.  “You’ll never know when you will need it, so pack it away in your mind.  At just the right time, when you need it most, you will recall God’s Word and it will help you and those around you.”  I have never forgotten those wise words.  It is God’s Holy Spirit, promised by Jesus, who brings what we have learned to the surface in trying times as well as in good times!

Our grow group ladies have asked me more than once how do you just pull scripture out of your head at the right time like you do?  I had parents and grandparents who taught me well.  In fact, I thank God for them right now at this moment.  As a grandparent, I am comforted and strengthened but what little I know coming forth at this moment to help me now.  I am encouraged at what I am still learning.  It takes a life time to learn and grow into an intimate growing relationship with Jesus.  It takes all we’ve got to sit under the teaching of His Word so we will remember.  I followed this wise advice, not to become a scholar but because I am weak without God’s Word tucked away in my heart, mind and soul.

I compare this learning to having fully stocked shelves when a snowstorm hits.  Because we stored up daily needs, we can quickly access what we need to stay alive!

The greatest discovery for me is that the more I learn God’s Word, the more excited I am to learn more!  This is an addiction in my life that I will continue!  God’s Word is nourishment to my hungry soul in good times and bad.  His Word is a love letter to my tender heart.  His Word frees my mind of worry that brings me down and gives me peace no matter what the circumstance. 

Friends, I want to be better, not bitter in this life as I prepare for life eternal with God.

We must remember that the basic theme of Psalm 119 is the practical use of the Word of God in the life of the believer. When you consider that the writer probably did not have a complete Old Testament, let alone a complete Bible, this emphasis is both remarkable and important. Christian believers today own complete Bibles, yet how many of us say that they love God’s Word and get up at night or early in the morning to read it and meditate on it? 

How many Christian believers ignore the Old Testament Scriptures or read the Old Testament in a careless manner? Yet here was a man who rejoiced in the Old Testament Scriptures–which was the only Word of God he had–and considered God’s Word his “food” and his greatest wealth! His love for the Word of God puts today’s believers to shame.

If the psalmist with his limited knowledge and resources could live a godly and victorious life feeding on the Old Testament, how much more ought Christians today live for the Lord. After all, we have the entire Bible before us and two millennia of church history behind us!

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”  Psalm 119:11, NIV

Worship and Wisdom, Psalm and Proverbs

Part Seven

Psalm 119:49-54, The Message

49-56 Remember what you said to me, your servant—
    I hang on to these words for dear life!
These words hold me up in bad times;
    yes, your promises rejuvenate me.
The haters hate me without mercy,
    but I don’t budge from your revelation.
I watch for your ancient landmark words,
    and know I’m on the right track.
But when I see the wicked ignore your directions,
    I’m beside myself with anger.
I set your instructions to music
    and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.
I meditate on your name all night, God,
    treasuring your revelation, O God.
Still, I walk through a rain of derision
    because I live by your Word and counsel.

TRUTH: “These words hold me up in bad times; yes, your promises rejuvenate me.”

Proverb 3:5-6, The Message

WISDOM: “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.”

Our Father,

Hallowed be your Name.  Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Be in every detail of our lives today.  Show us Your Ways in Your Word.  We  understand enough to live a life pleasing to You.  Help us live this life well done. Help us recall Your Word when we need it most.  Your Word IS a light to our path.  Your Word never changes the rules for living a life that is best for us!  Help us to be better, not bitter in this ever changing, fickle world.  Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from all evil.  For nothing, absolutely nothing is too hard for You.  To You be all glory, honor and praise!  Abide in me while I cling to You and Your Word.  I will sing Your praises all day long!  I’m singing your word now…

In Jesus Name, Amen

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LOVE SHAPED LIFE

Posted on February 12, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Many years ago, I was a first grade teacher.  It was fun, hard, exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time.  Our first graders tested our patience; then seconds later loved us beyond what we expected.  We daily got cards or slips of paper with hearts and words of love given to us from these little ones.

I was also a teacher advisor for the new first grad teacher across the hall from me.  One day, around Valentines Day, she rushed over with another dilemma that wasn’t taught in college text books.  Mrs. Callaway, I need your help!  So, I quickly gave my class instructions, opened the door so I could hear my class working and went to the hallway.  It seems one of the little girls in her class came to her and said, “Daddy taught me how to make love!” The little girl was so proud and wants to teach the class!  The young teacher was horrified and frantic, thinking the worst.  She said, “I can’t do this”, asking me how to handle this delicate situation. 

“Relax”, I told her.  Ask her to come into the hall with a smile on your face so she knows she is not in trouble.  Then we will let her tell her story about love.  The young teacher brought her out into the hall.  I leaned down to this happy little girl and said, “Tell us how you were told to make love, we want to learn, too”.  I was smiling the whole time for I had a strong feeling this was not what the young teacher thought it was. 

While motioning with her hands, the little girl began, “Well, Daddy said to begin with ‘I’ then draw a heart and end with ‘you’.”  “I heart you”.  “I love you!”  “That’s how you make love!”, the little girl beamed with a big smile on her face.  I thanked her for teaching us about love and told her that would be a good thing to teach the class!  The young teacher relaxed her body and giggled.  I reminded her not to assume the worst just ask questions.  I was smiling and giggling all the way back to my classroom who had stayed on task while I was gone.

The Psalmist begins with a request from God asking him to have a love-shaped life that begins with His love in him.  How many times have we asked our Daddy, our Father God in heaven to teach us how to make love be first in our lives?  John the gospel writer, says, “We love God because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) So, we learn that love begins with God.  “Knowing God, we know Love, real Love”, John relates.  John continues this train of thought with clarification;

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”  1 John 4:7-12, NIV

Our very lives are shaped by His love in us.  It is in realizing the depth of His love for us and believing that He saved us from death through His Son, Jesus Christ who was the ultimate expression of God’s love for us, that we can love.  Love God. Love Others.  This is Love.  This is revolutionary in a world of hate led by the prince of darkness. 

I love you, Lord.  I (heart) love you, dear reader of this message of love to you.

Wisdom and Worship, Psalms and Proverbs

Part Six

Psalm 119:41-48, The Message

Let your love, God, shape my life
    with salvation, exactly as you promised;
Then I’ll be able to stand up to mockery
    because I trusted your Word.
Don’t ever deprive me of truth, not ever—
    your commandments are what I depend on.
Oh, I’ll guard with my life what you’ve revealed to me,
    guard it now, guard it ever;
And I’ll stride freely through wide open spaces
    as I look for your truth and your wisdom;
Then I’ll tell the world what I find,
    speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed.
I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!—
    relishing every fragment of your counsel.

TRUTH:  Lord, shape my life into a heart that loves like you love me.  Your love stands up to all the world can dish out.  Show me your truth always in a world that lies.  I will tell the world of you love always.

Proverb 10:12, The Message

WISDOM:  Hatred starts fights, but love pulls a quilt over the bickering.

Abba Father,

Thank you for loving us so much that you sent Jesus to lay down His life for us.  Thank you, Jesus for completing your mission to seek and to save the lost because of your love for us.  Thank you for laying your life down in place of mine for my sins.  There are not enough words to tell you how much I love you so I will try to show it each day with my life.  Help me to love deeply like you love us.  Help me to realize your love for me deeper still for then my love for others grows.  Thank you, Lord, God of heaven and earth.

In Jesus Name, Amen.  I believe.

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A STARVING SOUL IS A SOUL READY TO BE FILLED!

Posted on February 11, 2021 by randscallawayffm

I’M STARVED!  How many times in our lifetimes have we said this in all kinds of voices from whispers to shouting?  How many times have we come to a table of goodies with a warning to all that we are ready to be fed?  Let’s think of our starving times for a moment.  We get to this point of starving when we have been too busy to eat, put off our regular times to feed ourselves because of all kinds of interruptions or couldn’t eat because of a medical issue.  When our stomachs get empty enough to let us know it needs to be fed, we can even get “hangry”, a form of dissatisfaction, angry coupled with needing food in our bellies.  We physically feel hunger.

Our soul functions in pretty much the same way.  A starving soul who puts off being with God, the Father, missing the intimacy of a growing relationship with our Creator who loved us first is spiritually hungry.  We starve ourselves from the One and Only who calms our souls, forgives all our sins because of Jesus, gives us peace and encouragement, taking away all fear and replacing it with the nourishment of his love, grace and mercy.  What a Table God sets before starving souls!

I think of this as the Psalmist lays out the benefits of coming to God’s Table of all that we need to be fed well so that we grow in His character, walk in His ways in relationship with Him while learning to love like He loves us. 

The writer knows the Menu well and asks for one of each: 

Lessons for living

Insight to do His will

Guidance down God’s road

Wisdom (skills for living)

Renewed energy

Relentless focus to avoid distracters  

“See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways!  Yes, Lord, I’ll have what he’s having!  One of each, please.  Feed my soul this morning.

Worship and Wisdom, Psalms and Proverbs

Part Five

Psalm 119:33-40, The Message

God, teach me lessons for living
    so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
    my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
    I love traveling this freeway!
Give me an appetite for your words of wisdom,
    and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
    invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
    promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
    but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
    preserve my life through your righteous ways!

TRUTH:  God feeds our souls daily when we come to Him hungry.

Image result for Proverbs 10:3, images

Proverb 10:3, The Message

WISDOM:  God won’t starve an honest soul, but he frustrates the appetites of the wicked.

Abba Father,

Your promises are true.  You feed us like no one else can.  You are the Bread of Life eternal.  You are the Living Water that quenches our thirst for Life everlasting.  You are God, the Sustainer and Nourishment for our souls.  Feed us this morning with all you know we will need for this day.  Give me your daily manna of wisdom, insight and understanding for my soul.  I’m starving and ready to be filled.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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SHOW ME HOW

Posted on February 10, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Growing up in Oklahoma, with both parents working during the day, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents on their farm just outside the city.  Instead of a babysitter, mom or dad would get up earlier on their work days and meet Grandpa Lacquement half way so my brother and I could spend the day on the farm while they worked.  I applaud my parents for making this extra effort for us. 

My love for my grandparents grew to awe and wonder for how they worked a farm with all kinds of animals from peacocks to cattle, goats and sheep.  There was the chicken house that gave them chicken and eggs to eat and sell.  (No, I don’t know which came first!) There were the side businesses of raising and selling Siamese kittens, parakeets and cockatiels.  There was always a pony in the back lot for grandkids to ride.  It wasn’t a glamourous farm, my grandparents barely made ends meet at the end of each month, but it was a place for kids to learn to fish in the ponds, while avoiding the cows, with plenty of land to roam and explore. 

Grandpa’s real trade that brought in extra money was carpentry.  He had the gift to understand exactly what a client wanted then build a cabinet or add on a room to fit their specifications. 

I thought Grandpa and Grandma could do anything.  I was in awe of how Grandma cooked.  Fresh biscuits every morning for breakfast and lots of fried chicken on Sundays.  I followed Grandpa around wherever he went and hammered him with questions daily.  “How do you do that?”  “Why do peacocks spread their wings like that?”  “Can you teach me to fish like that?” “Can I build something from your scraps of wood?” 

The constant question was, “Can you show me how to do that.”  Now that I am grown, have grandkids of my own, I remember my roots.  I learned the ways Grandpa and Grandma read the Bible and prayed EVERY day, asking the same question of God that I asked them so often.  “Lord, teach me.  Show me Your ways.”  God did and they obeyed.

Because of my loving, intimate relationship with Grandpa, I wanted to be where he was, learn what he knew and do what he did daily.  Because of my loving, intimate relationship with God, my Father, through Jesus Christ, His Son, I want to be in His Holy Presence, hearing His voice, learning His ways and obeying Him quickly for God loves me even more than my Grandpa could love me.  Mind.  Blown.

Lord, I’ll run the course you lay out for me if you’ll just show me how.

Worship and Wisdom, Psalms and Proverbs

Part 4

Psalm 119:25-32, The Message

I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse!
    Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
When I told my story, you responded;
    train me well in your deep wisdom.
Help me understand these things inside and out
    so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn;
    build me up again by your Word.
Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;
    grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the true road to Somewhere,
    I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;
    God, don’t let me down!
I’ll run the course you lay out for me
    if you’ll just show me how.

TRUTH:  God will show us how to live His way.  Jesus is the Way, Truth and Life.  It all begins with believing in Jesus then asking God to show us how to live His ways, our best life here, constantly growing more in love with Him while maturing in His character.

Proverb 4:1-5, The Message

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;
    pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
    so do not forsake my teaching.
3 For I too was a son to my father,
    still tender, and cherished by my mother.
4 Then he taught me, and he said to me,
    “Take hold of my words with all your heart;
    keep my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.

WISDOM:  Get wisdom and don’t run from it.  Embrace wisdom and seek to understand.  Engage in learning who God is and how He works in our lives.

Abba Father,

Thank you for taking me back to my roots of growing up with people who knew you intimately and who were engaged in your ways.  They sought wisdom from you daily and now I do.  I seek to understand this world only enough to help others find and follow you.  People wander around without knowing your everlasting love and care for them.  Show me your ways and how you work so I can imitate what you do.  Help me to love others like you love me.  Teach me your ways, Lord and help me to apply the lessons learned.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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DON’T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD!

Posted on February 9, 2021 by randscallawayffm

EEK!  When the driver takes their eyes off the road to join in conversation with you, it is frightening because their attention is not on road as they try to maneuver a big machine of metal and plastic. When you see the driver of the car in front you look down at their phone, you get out of their way, right?  I do!  I steer clear of them knowing that at any moment they will crash and hurt themselves and anyone close to them.  I am not afraid to remind the driver to watch out when their eyes look at the scenery other than the road ahead.  Anything could happen and generally does when our eyes leave the road we are traveling. 

Our attention is so easily distracted in many ways as we drive.  True story.  I remember being engrossed in conversation with some people I picked up from the airport in Columbus.  We were all so happy to see each other and talk about old times that I drove around the beltway of that city two times before realizing I was never going to get home if I didn’t pay attention to the signs to exit!!

We laugh until it isn’t funny when we get hurt by taking our eyes and our mind’s attention off the road.  Isn’t that the way we are with life in general?  God gives us His Word to teach us.  Jesus gave us His Holy Spirit to guide us as we navigate this life’s journey until He comes back for us for eternity.  AND, because Jesus paid for our sins, we can come straight to God and ask for directions for the right road to follow!  How many times do we go our own way and miss seeing God’s glorious miracles daily?  How many times have we run into obstacles we could have avoided if we had not taken our eyes off His Road? If we take time to really listen, God speaks to our hearts and tells us the best way to go.  Don’t you love our God who bends down to listen and is ready to show us the way?  So, let’s not take our eyes off His Road to His abundant, eternal life!  Be still and know God.  Focus, listen and learn the right way to go. 

Worship and Wisdom, Psalms and Proverbs

Part Three

Psalm 119:17-24, The Message

Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life;
    not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
    what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I’m a stranger in these parts;
    give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
    insatiable for your nourishing commands.
And those who think they know so much,
    ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
Don’t let them mock and humiliate me;
    I’ve been careful to do just what you said.
While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
    I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
    I listen to them as to good neighbors!

TRUTH:  Open our eyes, Lord, so we don’t miss the Road of Life! 

Proverb 4:10-15, The Message

Dear friend, take my advice;
    it will add years to your life.
I’m writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way,
    I’m drawing a map to Righteous Road.
I don’t want you ending up in blind alleys,
    or wasting time making wrong turns.
Hold tight to good advice; don’t relax your grip.
    Guard it well—your life is at stake!
Don’t take Wicked Bypass;
    don’t so much as set foot on that road.
Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth.
    Make a detour and be on your way.

WISDOM: Follow the map, stay the course and don’t take your eyes of Righteous Road!

Abba Father,

Open my eyes to see and know you.  Bring me to full attention to see the way you want me to go.  Help me to stay focused on you while avoiding the obstacles.  Draw so close to me that I hear the whisper of your voice above all the racket and distractions of this world.  You have the map; I have the decision to follow.  I choose to follow you!  Guide me, teach me, encourage me in the right way to go.  May your glory be seen each new day.  I don’t want to miss a thing on Righteous Road!

In Jesus Name, Amen

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FOLLOW THE MAP

Posted on February 8, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Jesus, Master Teacher, our Lord and Savior, God’s Son, Messiah, come from heaven to earth to seek and to save the lost who had forgotten God or who had never heard of Him, prayed to the Father for all His instructions, all the words He would say and all the actions He would take on earth. 

Many times, Jesus had to explain to the religious elite who had lost all sight of God, who had lots of rules but no relationship to God, how He lived in complete relationship with God, His Father. 

“Jesus gave them this answer: ‘Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.’”  John 5:19 

“They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.’”  John 8:28-29

“For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So, whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”  John 12:49

“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.”  John 14:10

This journey through John’s gospel shows that Jesus Christ, who had the power to do anything, went off by Himself to pray, asking God, the Father what HE wanted Him to say and do on earth.  My question for all of us is this, do we really believe in what know of God to be really real?  If the answer is yes, then who do we think we are not to ask our Father, God what He wants from us and for us each day?  Who are we to say we don’t have time to read His Word for direction and wisdom?  Who are we to lazily claim ignorance and blame God after life has gone wrong?  Who are we to think we don’t have time to check in with God before getting our marching orders for each new day?

If we really want to obtain the mind of Christ which give us the peace we seek, a lighter load to carry, and the blessed assurance that He is with us each day giving us direction for life’s journey, then do what Jesus did, pray, asking the Father what HE wants us to say and do each day.

This is clearly the theme of Psalm 119.  Carefully read the map of God’s Word so we won’t get lost.  Pursue God and what HE wants.  Rely on God’s promises to help us, be with us and bless us with His growing character traits so we will live a clean life.  Ask for God’s wisdom. Delight in all God tells us to be and do because what He wants is ultimately the best for us.  He knows us.  Be still and know God. 

Worship and Wisdom, Psalms and Proverbs

Part Two

Psalm 119:9-16, The Message

How can a young person live a clean life?
    By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I’m single-minded in pursuit of you;
    don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart
    so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.
Be blessed, God;
    train me in your ways of wise living.
I’ll transfer to my lips
    all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
I delight far more in what you tell me about living
    than in gathering a pile of riches.
I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
    I attentively watch how you’ve done it.
I relish everything you’ve told me of life,
    I won’t forget a word of it.

TRUTH: “I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it.”  BE then DO.  Be with the Father before Doing anything.

Proverbs 3:5-7, The Message

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!

WISDOM: Run to God.  Listen for God’s voice.  Trust God.

Abba Father,

I am shoving my agenda items to the side and asking You for what You want for me and from me today.  You are God and You know what is best and needed for me to live a life worthy of your calling.  I know you will provide whatever I need to be and do what you want for today.  What blessed assurance of your love and promises to us!  I love you, Lord.  I need you every hour of every day.  Thank you for the road map of Your Word that gives us clear directions for growing in your character traits.  Help us to love like you love us.  Make us blessings then to others who need to know you, too. 

In Jesus Name, Amen

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STAY THE COURSE

Posted on February 7, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Cross country running is one of the disciplines under the umbrella sport of athletics and is a natural-terrain version of long-distance track and road running. The course, typically 4–12 kilometers (2.5–7.5 mi) long, may include surfaces of grass, and earth, pass through woodlands and open country, and include hills, flat ground and sometimes gravel road. It is both an individual and a team sport; runners are judged on individual times and teams by a points-scoring method.  The course is clearly marked.  There are judges, as well as coaches, to make sure you stay the course.  Cross country running goes back to prehistoric times.  Before there were vehicles with wheels people walked or ran everywhere.  (Was there road rage back then, too?)

In a cross-country race, runners are expected to stay on the marked path.  If they decide to leave the path, the way will be harder, they might get lost, or worse yet, fall and lose precious to time to finish the race well.  They may have injuries from a fall that may slow the runner down or even tempt them to quit.  But there are coaches that encourage, teach and sometimes run alongside the runner to cheer them on.  

As believers, Paul compels us to “run the race marked out for us”.  We study to learn the course that we will run.  We are “cross” training with our coach, Jesus Christ, the One and Only, to whom we have given our lives.  We must train for the race so that our bodies are ready to endure what lies ahead.  Just like a cross country course, life will include natural, man-made or artificial obstacles.  But, no matter what tries to slow the runner down, cross country courses support continuous running.  Living for Christ also commands continuous running.  Continuous running is key to winning the race.  We don’t quit.  We won’t take short cuts.  We must stay the course.

“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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

The emphasis in Psalm 119, the longest psalm, is on the vital ministry of the Word of God in the inner spiritual life of God’s children. It describes how the Word enables us to grow in holiness and handle the persecutions and pressures that always accompany an obedient walk of faith. It is the guide to continuously running the race.  Since it is long, we will learn in bite-size pieces.  Let us begin our “cross” training following the steps of Jesus, our coach for life.

Worship and Wisdom, Psalms and Proverbs

Psalm 119:  The Message


1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course,
    walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
    doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
    you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
    now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
    keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
    in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
    I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
    don’t ever walk off and leave me.

TRUTH:  Blessed to stay the course.  To be blessed is to learn the beautiful rhythmic flow of God’s love, mercy and grace.  To be blessed is to stay focused on God, growing in His character and love–leaving all world thinking and idol worship behind.  Believe in the Lord and realize His love for us—then love like He loves us.  This is being blessed no matter where we live or what our circumstances are—for love never fails.  God’s Presence is always with us. Jesus promised His Spirit will remain in us to guide us until He comes back again.  This is Truth whether we choose to believe it or not.  I choose to believe.  No regrets.

Proverb 28: 20, The Message

WISDOM: “Committed and persistent work pays off”…Run to win the race.

Abba Father,

Hallowed be Your Name.  Blessed are you, Lord.  May Your Kingdom come and dwell in us and through us.  May Your glory be seen all around us.  May Your Will be done in every detail of our lives as it is in heaven.  Help us to run the race well to hear your well done at the finish line.  Your Word challenges me this morning.  Thank you for the lessons of life that keep us continuously running to You with open arms, focused on you with all our mind, heart and soul.  Thank you, Lord for saving us to run.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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