Nancy

This is My King

March 30, 2024 by Nancy Leave a Comment

Friends, it’s Friday, but Sunday’s comin’! Many of you may have heard this classic sermon from Dr. S. M. (Shadrach Meshach) Lockridge (March 7, 1913–April 4, 2000), but there’s no better time to listen to it again. He was the Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, a prominent African-American congregation in San Diego, CA. Read his powerful words below, then search for “My King” by him on YouTube to hear his awesome, Spirit-filled delivery of this and other sermons.

The Bible says my King is the King of the Jews. He’s the King of Israel. He’s the King of Righteousness. He’s the King of the Ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of Glory. He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King.

I wonder, do you know Him?

My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful.

Do you know Him?

He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Savior. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He is the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology. He’s the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Saviour.

I wonder if you know Him today?

He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He strengthens and sustains. He guards and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers the captive. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent. And He beautifies the meek.

I wonder if you know Him?

He’s the key to knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory.

Do you know Him? Well…

His life is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. And His yoke is easy. And His burden is light.

I wish I could describe Him to you. Yes…

He’s indescribable! He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hand. You can’t outlive Him, and you can’t live without Him. Well, the Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him, and the grave couldn’t hold Him.

Yeah! That’s my King, that’s my King.

I pray you know Him! Have a blessed Easter.–Nancy

Too Old?

February 19, 2024 by Nancy 12 Comments

All the talking heads on TV are currently postulating about who is or isn’t too old to run for President of the United States. As someone whose last birthday put her a year closer to 80 than 70, it frustrates me that so often chronological age is the only factor mentioned. What we should be concerned about is not age, but mental acuity and physical stamina.

My friend Lois who resides in the assisted living community where I volunteer has written five books in the last few years and is expecting delivery of the most recent one any day now. She’s 88. I’m sure she’s bright enough to run for president of anything if only her darn hip was better. And yes, there are people in care facilities all over the country, many younger than I, who aren’t doing as well. But it’s simply wrong to paint all 88-year-olds with the same brush.

Research shows that people who stay engaged, have passion about something, and are open to learning new things often make a difference in society far longer than many assume. Those with a strong faith thrive even longer.

We don’t have to look far for notable examples. Warren Buffet, at 93, still serves as Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and is often consulted for his investment advice by people decades younger. Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, is 80. He’s frequently interviewed for his political perspectives and seems to be able to recall every important date in American history back to the American Revolution.

And what of celebrities we’ve known and loved who are still going strong into what some consider old age? Willie Nelson recently celebrated his 90^th birthday “on the road again!” His voice may not be as strong as it once was but there’s no questioning his talent—and he has no problem remembering the lyrics to his songs.

Dolly Parton is performing and recording at 78. Martha Stewart, 82, is still sought out for her business acumen as well as her cooking and homemaking skills. Cher released a new album last year at 77. (Well, most of her parts are that old!)

Would I want the demanding schedule of campaigning for a national office at my age? Not really. But I wouldn’t have wanted to do that at 40 either. I’m grateful to have the energy to write, volunteer, keep up with grandkids, and make it to Zumba class a few times a week. But those who maintain the mental acuity and stamina to follow their political passion should go for it. It’s been said, “It’s not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years.” Let’s not label everyone who is chronologically gifted “too old” too soon!

Facing Future Fears

January 12, 2024 by Nancy 15 Comments

Just over twenty-four years ago we were all in a panic over what might happen when the clock struck midnight on December 31, 1999, and we plummeted into a new millennium. Yes, it was two dozen years ago that we were told to store up gallons of water and batteries before January 2000, and everyone everywhere was talking about all the bad things that might happen in Y2K. Guess what? The clock struck 12:01 AM and nothing significant changed.

It’s true there was some reason for concern that what was dubbed the “Y2K bug” would keep our computers from moving from 1999 to 2000 and we might find we all reverted to 1900 instead. Banking, telecommunications, and energy systems could have been affected. So computer experts updated software and replaced or modified existing systems to avert the crisis and it worked. A lot was learned about proactively preparing for technological challenges in the months leading up to that fatal tick of the clock. So the hard work may have paid off, but all the fear we found ourselves swimming in didn’t contribute to the smooth transition at all.

Besides jugs of pure water and batteries, consumers were encouraged to stock up on medications and first aid supplies, flashlights, cash, fuel, battery-operated radios and basic necessities like toiletries and hygiene products. My husband and I gave in to fear enough to buy a stock of batteries and about five jugs of water. Over the years we used up the batteries but when we moved eight years ago we found a couple of jugs of Y2K water still in our crawl space. We laughed remembering that we went out to dinner on New Year’s Eve 1999 to a very expensive restaurant we hadn’t been to before (nor since). As my husband paid the tab he quipped, “Well, we can come back here next millennium.”

No doubt there will be attempts to whip us all into a frenzy of fear in the year to come. Certainly we see events in our country and our world that concern us deeply, but as in Y2K our fears won’t contribute to solving the issues, only our hard work and optimism will make a difference. Fears can paralyze us, making us feel powerless over our lives. Better to choose faith over fear and slam the door on fear mongers. The Ark Encounter in Kentucky sells sweatshirts with the motto “Faith Like Noah.” That’s what we need.

Worry seems to be a basic failing of humankind, however, and we worry about what we fear. Speaking to believers in the sovereign God, Elisabeth Elliot wrote, “We are allowed to plan for tomorrow but we are not allowed to worry about it.”

Jesus also encouraged us not to worry in Matthew, Chapter 6, often called the “mental health” chapter of the Bible. He asks, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27). He speaks of how God cares for the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field and then says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

I need these reminders as much as anyone. Psalm 121:3 says, He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber. Let’s resolve to move into 2024 facing any fears we have for the future head on and remembering that faith always overcomes fear. May you have a happy and fearless New Year!

(This was first published in The Country Register, January-February 2024 Edition. Reading it again now I suppose my word for 2024 is FEARLESS!)

Mary, Did You Know?

December 21, 2023 by Nancy 17 Comments

“Kissing the Face of God” by Morgan Weistling.

“Mary, Did You Know?” is my husband’s very favorite Christmas song, and I love it, too. It was written in 1991 by Mark Lowry, with music by Buddy Greene, when both were part of the Gaither Vocal Band. Since then it has been recorded and performed beautifully by many artists.

One reason it captures us so is that it takes us right back to the moment described in Luke 1 when Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her, “Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:30-33).

The lyrics in the song go on to outline all the things Mary couldn’t possibly have known as a teenager in Nazareth, surprised and frightened by the appearance of God’s messenger. Things she couldn’t even know as she held her newborn son after he was born: That He would one day walk on water, save our sons and daughters, give sight to a blind man, calm the storm with His hand…that He was, in fact, the great I Am! Perhaps the most touching line in the song is, “When you kiss your little baby, you’ll kiss the face of God.”

No, Mary couldn’t possibly know all the joys and sorrows that this assignment from God would bring her. But she knew God, and she trusted Him. After asking just one quite reasonable question, “How will this be…since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34), Mary submitted herself completely to God’s will for her life. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).

Mary was called blessed among women. Yes, there was great heartache, but Mary’s assignment brought her many blessings as well. Is there an area of your life where you are struggling with something God is asking of you? Trust and submit to His will. The blessings will follow.

Merry Christmas to you, and may your new year be full of hope and joy.

First published in a Christmas Devotional, Fellowship of the Rockies, 2017.

Deeply Grateful (2)

November 24, 2023 by Nancy 12 Comments

(Dear Subscribers: Due to a glitch with my website host, many of you weren’t able to open this yesterday. If you already received it, please know I’m doubly grateful!) I grew up in a personal land of plenty. My sisters and I had a mom who tied the sashes on the back of our dresses, took us shopping for new school shoes and handed us a piece of crisp bacon folded in warm buttered toast as we went out the door to school. Our dad was a patriot to the bone. He loved the law and the Lord and always insisted on taking our photo near every American flag we saw when we went on vacation. We ate fresh tomatoes, green beans, corn and strawberries from our garden, and could hop on our horse and go for a ride on a whim. A land of plenty.

When I look back over all the blessings I’ve had in my life, they don’t stop with my childhood, but more and more I’m drawn back to when life seemed simpler, everyone was proud to be an American, truth was truth and evil was evil. These days it’s easy for me to look at all that’s happening in our culture, our country, and the world, and become discouraged. Although I’ll never stop trying to make a difference where I can, the injustices and depravities run so deep that I’ve shifted from being a passionate patriot to a curious observer—wondering why God is allowing all that He is and what He intends to do through it all. But I trust Him. And though my concerns run deep, my gratitude runs deeper.

By God’s grace, I’m coming into this Thanksgiving season grateful for the small, often overlooked blessings in my life as well as the big ones. One morning as I was reading Jeremiah 31:35—He who appoints the sun to shine by day…the Lord Almighty is his name—I glanced up to see a glorious sunrise. Our orange cat was snoozing on my lap, trusting me with her presence. Deeply grateful.

Every Tuesday morning I meet with a group of sage older women for devotions, and I always walk to my car afterwards enriched and encouraged by time spent with these dear ones. Deeply grateful.

Within our ever-growing family two little souls are in their mothers’ wombs preparing for their spring arrival into the world. Great-grands three and four for us. Deeply grateful.

The list goes on and on. Every person in our family. Caring friends. A warm home. Friendly neighbors. Church fellowship.

And at the top of the list, a husband who loves, protects and provides—my traveling companion this past year as we visited both Pearl Harbor and Omaha Beach honoring those whose sacrifices for our freedom are now too often forgotten. Deeply grateful.

Will you join me? Can you set aside your worries about the fate of our country and the world for at least a day and let your gratitude run deeper? Even if, as a popular praise song says, all we have to offer is a hallelujah, we must offer it. Praise God through whom all blessings flow! And have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Deeply Grateful

November 22, 2023 by Nancy 6 Comments

I grew up in a personal land of plenty. My sisters and I had a mom who tied the sashes on the back of our dresses, took us shopping for new school shoes and handed us a piece of crisp bacon folded in warm buttered toast as we went out the door to school. Our dad was a patriot to the bone. He loved the law and the Lord and always insisted on taking our photo near every American flag we saw when we went on vacation. We ate fresh tomatoes, green beans, corn and strawberries from our garden, and could hop on our horse and go for a ride on a whim. A land of plenty.

Every Tuesday morning I meet with a group of sage older women for devotions, and I always walk to my car afterwards enriched and encouraged by time spent with these dear ones. Deeply grateful.

Within our ever-growing family two little souls are in their mothers’ wombs preparing for their spring arrival into the world. Great-grands three and four for us. Deeply grateful.

The list goes on and on. Every person in our family. Caring friends. A warm home. Friendly neighbors. Church fellowship.