The Word of God Has Wings

"...For which I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained." 2 Timothy 2:9

The apostle Paul referred to Timothy as his "true son in the faith." While imprisoned Paul wrote Timothy a letter of remembrance (v.5) and encouragement (v.8). Paul may have been thinking of God's word which states in Isaiah 55:11 "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth. It shall not return to Me void (i.e. empty, without fruit) but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." In his encouraging way, Paul was instructing Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Jesus Christ; and to remember the things Paul had taught him. He also wanted Timothy to find faithful men who would carry on the the propagation of the gospel. "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2:3) Sharing the truth of the gospel to an unbelieving world is always a battle in the great war of good and evil. Paul would continue to teach and encourage Timothy throughout the two letters He penned to his son in the faith. "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season..." 2 Timothy 4:2 In other words, "Timothy be ready to speak the gospel when it is popular and when it is not popular."

God has provided all that is needed to abound in all the work He has purposed for each believer to accomplish. "God is able to make all grace abound toward you , that you, always having sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 God incorporates all He has given to believers to spread the gospel. This verse states that God is more than capable to make all grace abound, in other words, "superabound; to be in excess. The divine influence on the heart and it's reflection in the believer's life includes gratitude. Gratitude expresses itself in being thankful to God for the gifts bestowed, and using those gifts to spread the gospel.To all believers has been committed the ministry of reconciliation. The ministry of reconciliation requires the utilization of the gospel, therefore the gospel must be preached. 2 Corinthians 5:18 The gospel is only bound when those called to spread the good news neither use their gifts, nor speak Christ's words to an unbelieving world. Jesus stated in Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." The gospel of Jesus Christ and God's kingdom will always move forward, it will never retreat. If there are those who refuse to do as Christ has bid them to do, then He will find another who will gladly be a soldier of His cause. "Many are called, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14.

The gospel is able to reach the hearts of people who have been imprisoned by man made walls; walls of tyranny, dictatorship, communists, and evil corruption. It cannot be kept from the hearts of the masses who desire Jesus Christ. The question which needs to be asked is the same question posed to Isaiah: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" The reply should be as Isaiah's, "Here am I , send me." Not all are able to go, but support of ministries which have access to hostile countries, and areas where God directs is one way to supply seed to the sower. 2 Corinthians 9:10-14

Suffering for the gospel gives the believer an affinity with Christ. Paul was imprisoned as he wrote to Timothy. He had suffered many things He . 2 Corinthians 11:25 Jesus was able to say, to His Father "I have finished the work which You have given Me to do." Jesus was obedient to the Father's command, even to death. John 10:18; Philippians 2:8 May all who are called by the dear name of Christ be willing to be partakers of affliction whatever it may be; to enable the gospel of our Lord and Savior be to heard, and witnessed by an unbelieving world; that we may say to Christ, I have finished the work You have given me to do.Mark 16:15 For only when I have accomplished that which I have been given to do will I hear the words of my Master say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant enter into the joy of your Lord." Matthew 25:21
Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel www.mycalvaryslove.com

A Woman of God

Deirdre was an elderly woman who stood 5 feet and weighed no more than 90 pounds. Her hair was silver gray, and her eyes were hazel blue. In her many years of public work she had been a school teacher. She and her husband had done many things for the Lord whom they both loved and adored.

In the mid 1980's I had moved close to my home town. There I began going to church. Someone invited me to the women's Bible study . The person said, "You can either go to the Bible class the Pastor's wife teaches or you can go to Deirdre's class. Deirdre gives homework." Without a thought on my own, I heard myself say, "I'll go to Deirdre's class." What I did not know was God was about to change my life for ever using this woman to do it.

Deirdre's class was very intense. And yes, she did give home work! I had been praying that God would show me how to be closer to Him than I had previously been. I would read my Bible, but I had no constructive study to put what I had learned into practice;I desired to grow in the Lord. God answered my prayer when Deirdre started teaching me.

Bible study lasted three years. Deirdre could no longer come to the church to teach due to her husband's failing health. Years before her husband had a stroke and she cared for him at home. But she stayed in contact with me. For fifteen years this woman and I were close sisters in the Lord. She would mail me insights as to what the Lord was showing her in His Word. I saved all the lessons she laboriously cranked out on her mimeograph machine; and all the teachings she sentto me by mail. Deirdre went home to be with Jesus in 2000. Words are absent from my vocabulary to describe how much I miss her.

1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14 promises me I will see her again.

It is my intention to share some of her writings with those who visit the blog because the biblical lessons taught are invaluable. My hope for all who visit, is as Deirdre's hope was for me, "to grow in the knowledge of the Lord." Here then, is one of her writings.

"The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside still waters: He restoreth my soul..." Psalm 23

We all know this beautiful psalm. Have you seen the painting called, "The Shepherd?" It shows the Shepherd standing on the side of a steep hill with a wounded lamb over His shoulder. It has been said that if the lamb habitually wandered off alone,the shepherd would break one of it's legs. While the leg was healing the shepherd would carry the lamb, so that it would become familiar with the shepherd's heartbeat and the sound of his voice. The lamb would be so comforted by the nearness of the shepherd that it would never again wander away. Have you ever had your leg broken spiritually speaking, when you have followed your own path rather than staying near the Shepherd? James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

If we follow the Shepherd, listen only to His voice, He will lead us to the still waters and restore our soul.

Great Shepherd, may we walk close to You so our heart is warmed by Your nearness, and our souls refreshed by Your still waters."

Finding Strength

"If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another." 1 John 1:7

Have you ever seen a monarch butterfly? We can learn from them.

The Monarch butterfly, fill the sky with black and orange as they fly from Canada to warm climates. Those delicate wings and frail bodies travel a distance of over a thousand miles, and their energies are spent when they arrive; they cling to the drooping branches of the eucalyptus tree. Some fall to the ground, while others hang on with their remaining strength. If you look closely you will see it. They are not hanging on by their own strength. They are locked in, like overlapping shingles. When a stray Monarch flies by a string of nesting butterflies,as if on cue they lift their wings . Deftly, their exhausted fellow finds a place,then all the others drop their wings in unison, locking each other securely. When a congregation lifts it's praise to God, it is an invitation for others to find a place in the community of faith. When we close ranks our overlapping gifts can provide strength and provide sustanance for one another.

Lord, may each of us find a fellowship that holds us as much as we hold it, for Jesus' sake.

Author ~ Deirdre Patrick
Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

Guard My Soul

"Guard my soul and deliver me;
Do not let me be ashamed, for
I take refuge in Thee." Psalm 25:20

In this Psalm David prayed for protection, guidance and pardon. As David believes, he speaks in his heart.

There are times when my earthly enemies are minute compared to the enemies of my soul. Granted, I may not think of it as such passing through a time of suffering; but the battle for the peace of my soul is the greater battle. It is the battleground on which Satan tries to win.

Derek Prince in his book, "Entering The Presence of God" describes the soul. "The soul is the ego - it is the attribute that says "I will," or "I will not," "I think," or "I do not think." It is usually identified as being made of three areas: the will, the intellect, and the emotion. These areas are expressed as three simple statements: "I will," " I think," and "I feel."

It is my spirit that rules my soul. When I am in a battle I can be sure the Holy Spirit is guiding me to victory but still, I must endure. I must learn from the experiences because learning leads to maturity. Hebrews 5: 12-14 I immerse myself in God's Word to find what He is teaching me. I am taught about myself, my situation; but more importantly I learn about my God. It is essential for my spirit to constantly commune with the Lord. When my will, my mind, and my emotions are attacked I don't know any other solution but God!

I am reminded of Ephesians 6:12. There is the unseen foe for which I need the whole armor of God Ephesians 6:14-17. Yet,if I think I may accomplish the battle on my own I am sorely mistaken. God is the only one who views the spirit world against which the battle is fought. It is in His strength the battle is won.

David, in his supplication was aware God knew more of the battle he was involved in, than David knew. Many times it is difficult for me to verbalize what I am experiencing. I can talk for hours and still not formulate what my problem may be. Yet, I can rest assured God knows. Romans 8:26,27

David pleads with God, "Do not let me be ashamed." In other words, "Don't let me be found doubting Your word." Psalm 119:49 "Don't let me be found with unbelief; do not let me be ashamed by allowing my enemies to triumph over me.Psalm 25:2 Don't let me entertain the thoughts self-will throws my way. Please don't let me fail You with thoughts unbecoming and sinful. I want to be faithful to my God. Let me fall to my knees and cry for Your understanding and enlightment. Let me never use my own means to deal with the enemies of my soul, or to solve my problems. This I know, will cause me shame!

In Psalm 86: 2 "Preserve my soul for I am holy; You are my God: save Your servant who trusts in You." David was reminding God of this one fact: He did not worship the many gods as other nations and cultures of his time had done. He worshipped the true God; the God of Israel; because of this David was favored of the Lord. God would preserve the soul of His servant. David then continues, "Show me a sign for good; that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, because You, LORD, have helped me and comforted me." Though David's physical enemies sought his life, the prize in the spirit world was his soul. 2 Samuel 21:15 David's soul was ruled by the Spirit of God. Psalm 41 :9-11 David prayed for help; God answered. In doing so, God foiled the plans of David's enemies. The enemies were ashamed because their desire to destroy David never came to pass.

There are idols of time, money, and hobbies just a few I will mention. Anything I put before, or in place of God is an idol. I must be attentive to filling my life with "little gods" which destroy my intimate relationship with the Lord. For instance, there was a time when I would spend all day with my camera going about taking photographs. Yet, when faced with situations in my life I could not cope with, my camera couldn't help me. I learned it is better to stay prepared for battle, than to be in the heat of war and not know what to do. I still use my camera, but God comes first.

I can't begin to count the times when God worked on my behalf in battles seen and unseen. I am presently reading through the Bible for this year. I am in the book of Job. Each time I read what Job experienced, I think of the first chapter where Satan appears before God. Satan accuses God of favoring Job. God allows Satan to test Job's loyalty. Job 2:3-7

Job's body, soul and spirit are attacked. And if that wasn't enough Job had to deal with his three friends who insisted he was suffering because he committed some great sin which angered God. So therefore God was causing all Job's pain. Talk about battles! Yet, Job comes through the battle and is rewarded. Job 42: 7,10,12

For whatever reason God allows me to be tested, and a battle ensues, I think of Job. I admire his optimisim in suffering. "Look, I go forward and He is not there, and backward but I cannot behold Him; when He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the right hand I cannot see Him. But He knows the way I take; when He has tested me I shall come forth as gold" Job 23:8-10. God can use my enemies to tests my heart and my mind."I the LORD, search the heart I test the mind, to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." Jeremiah 17:10 Will I be faithful to what I know to be true of God? Even though He may test me, I have nothing to fear because His Word tells me, "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger abounding in mercy....As father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. Psalm 103: 8, 13
My answer to battles and testings? God's Word and prayer. Staying close to Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to accomplish the will and purpose of God in my life. Yielding to His instruction and teaching for God has promised, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel and watch over you." Psalm 32:8 I have no fear,because God is in control of everything that concerns me. He will guard my soul because He has chosen me. John 15:16

One thing I know, whatever I face, it is in God I take refuge. He will never desert me, or leave me on my own. Hebrews 13:5. I will never be ashamed for trusting the Lord God. Psalm 27:14. But thou, O LORD, are a shield about me; Your my glory and the lifter of my head Psalm 3:3

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

Sibling Hatred John 7:1-10

As I read this particular Scripture I thought to myself this is an instance where the Holy Spirit had John record the animosity of Christ's brothers towards Him for my benefit. How many times had his brothers taunted, ridiculed, and exhibited sarcastic jealousy aimed at Jesus?

As I have stated in previous writings Jesus shared no DNA with Mary. To have done so would have made Jesus' sacrifice for sin void. Mary shared the Adamic nature just as I do; as all humanity shares the fallen nature. Mary knew she needed a Savior as we all need a Savior. Luke 1:47

While reading, I began to think of how it was for Jesus growing up in a family that despised Him. His brothers showed no concern for the threats on Jesus life.They sarcastically dared Jesus to go to Judea with full knowledge there would be those would attempt to kill Him.

No doubt His brothers had heard Mary and Joseph speak of the anointed events of Jesus' birth. This miraculous fact could have been overwhelming for years after it's occurance. I believe Jesus' brothers took every advantage to ridicule, and disown Him. They wanted Jesus to make a public spectacle of His works, His miracles, His teachings to give creedence to their unbelief. They wanted Jesus to fail enabling them to say, "I told you so, He is a fake."

Yet Jesus told them the truth. His time was not ready. He knew when and how God the Father wanted Him leave this earth. John 2:4 However, His brothers knew nothing of their "time." Jesus told them, "Your time is always ready." "The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that it's works are evil." In one sentence Jesus told His brothers they were consumed with the world; the world which hated Him, rendering His brothers unable understand His heavenly mission.They were on a path to hell because of their unbelief. Jesus showed love for His brothers by telling them the truth. Jesus not only had to endure His brother's hatred within the household; He had to endure their venomous attacks while He was doing God's will. Many Jews thought Jesus was insane, while other's spoke of the miracles He did. There was great division among the people John 10:20 There were times when Jesus' brothers went to where He was preaching to bring Him home. Matthew 12:46

Scripture states that Mary had other children after the birth of Christ. Mark 6:3 Nothing is stated concerning His sisters, just His brothers. It is clearly stated they did not believe Jesus. John 7:5 David prophesied in Psalm 69:8 saying of Christ, "I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother's children."

There is no way I can fully imagine what Jesus went through being despised, rejected, and forsaken. He gave up more than I will ever comprehend. I can only experience all these things to the extent God allows. Yet, I know when I am hated and rejected because I bear Christ's name I don't fear it. God's word tells me "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached (insulted or reviled) for the name of Christ blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified." 1 Peter 4: 13,14

I will go on following Jesus. In all ways He suffered to show me the greatness of His love. I believe Jesus is my pattern for living in this world. The world may hate me, but it hated Jesus first. Christ died to ensure I spend eternity with Him. Thinking of all He may have suffered with the hatred of His brothers and many others only enforces my fortitude.

How about you? Are you suffering some form of hatred or rejection from your famiy and friends because you have decided to follow Jesus? Press onward in the Lord, for truly eternity with Jesus is far greater than our brief stay on earth.
The Apostle Paul in writing to Timothy said, " Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 To me it doesn't matter what my siblings or anyone else may say or do to me. I have put everything in the past. Phillipians 3:13 Jesus is worth so much more to me than whatever I may endure in this world.

One of my favorite songs is a hymn written by Thoro Harris (1874-1955) The chorus repeatedly plays in my head:

"All that thrills my soul is Jesus;
He is more than life to me;
And the fairest of ten thousand
In my blessed Lord I see."


Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

Holiness

Holiness befits Thy house, O LORD, forevermore. Psalm 93:5

Holiness is a character trait of all who follow Jesus; who make him Lord of their life. To be holy is to be separated from the world and worldly ways. Yet, it is more than this. It is being separated from my way to the Lord’s way. Separated specifically for His use; His purpose. Being His child, I should exemplify His character and attributes.

I do not dress as the world dresses, neither do I talk as the world talks because I have a higher calling, therefore I will have a greater accountability when I stand before God. Romans 14:10, 12

Motives, for what reason do I accomplish anything? Is it to boast in what I can do? No, motives must be pure. My life in all areas must bring glory to God. My prayer life must be a joy, not a drudgery of presenting an “I want” list to God. Prayer is not only speaking to God the things on my heart, it is listening to Him. How do I deal with my fellowman? If what I do is not done out of love than it has no value. “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he hasn’t seen. I John 4:20

As a child of God I have no will of my own. Jesus surrendered His will to the Father Matthew 26:39. My only desire is to see God’s purpose and will accomplished in my life. The resignation of the will was seen in Mary of Bethany sitting at the feet of Jesus. Luke 10:39 It was present in the apostle Paul who said, “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21. The key is to desire God’s will to be accomplished.

Another perspective on holiness is that it makes me desire to be where Christ is. I am exiled on this planet until He comes again
1 Thessalonians 4:16. My desire for Jesus allows the Holy Spirit to separate me to Christ. The greater my desire, the more I desire to be separated.

I am set apart, or sanctified, by the blood of Jesus. I cannot “work” at holiness. It is a divine process. Ephesians 5:27 I surrender my will, I yield to the Holy Spirit because I hunger and thirst for God. Christ warns those who follow Him, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Obedience must be done in love, not fear 1 John 4:18. If I obey only because of fear of punishment, and then I have not experienced the totality of God’s love. Christ, knowing He was sent to die for the sins of the world said, “I delight to do Thy will, O my God.” Psalm 40:8 He was obedient to the Father’s commandment John 10:18. Jesus did not fear to ask the Father if there were another way for the justice of God to be satisfied to let it be. But God the Father allowed His Son to die, that I may live Luke 22:42. Jesus obeyed out of love. His trust was in His Father to know what needed to be done to take away the sin of the world. So must I trust God to know what is best for me to accomplish His will.

This and much more is the holiness which befits God’s house. I delight to do the will of God that where He is I may be there too.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

The Lord Who Listens

When I was a child if I were to become angry for one reason or another my mother would instruct me. I wouldn’t have to say a word, but Mom always knew by my expressions, I guess, I wasn’t thinking nice thoughts. “Be careful what you think, God is listening,” she would say. I always wondered how she knew these things. My father was more inventive. When he returned home from work he would say to me, “A little birdie told me you were naughty today.” He explained when he ate his lunch he fed the bird some bread. The bird was so grateful he told my father I had been naughty. I later found out the little birdie was my mother! I still laugh when I think about this!

Today while I was in prayer I asked the Lord how I could verbalize my thankfulness for the Gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you sounds so minutiae in view of the salvation God has given to me; to all who call on His name. Then I thought to myself, there are no words to express the thankfulness I experience but, thank you, Lord. It was then I heard the still small voice say “I know the thoughts that come into your mind, every one of them.” 1 Kings 19:12; Ezekiel 11:5b

It occurred to me as it does over and over, there isn’t anything the Lord does not know about me. In fact, He knows me better than I know myself. Nevertheless, I thought of my mother’s words to me, “Be careful what you think, God is listening.”

These words brought me comfort. The comfort of remembrance of my mother, of the day I found the verse in God’s word telling me how God listens to my thoughts. Psalm 94:19. It is a comfort knowing God cares for me beyond my comprehension to understand.

The comfort of His presence to have the Holy Spirit speak in my quiet time is always a blessing. There is a peace knowing I am receiving instructions, encouragement and guidance, from the Lord.

The comfort of joy knowing God saw me as a child sitting, staring at the baby in the manger wondering how God put on human flesh to come and die for a sinful world. Joy abounds when the assurance of salvation brings to me the anticipation of Christ’s return. He is coming back for me, for all who have claimed the baby in the manger as Lord and Savior of their life. John 14:3

I am very thankful God is God. This simple fact enlightens my life in numerous ways. When I can’t think of what to say, or how to pray God knows my mind and my heart. Romans 8:26, 27. I understand I have a responsibility as a child of God and a disciple of Jesus. John 15:10 Yet, even in obedience there is joy!

At this time of year I have the greatest sense of “family”. I am thankful for all my brothers and sisters in Christ. Although I may never meet them this side of heaven, there is unity in our beloved Savior.

It is my prayer for all who love the Lord Jesus Christ and are thankful to God for the Savior, to realize God hears your thoughts, and the music of joy in your heart for the Son He loves so dearly; the One who was born to die for us. John 3:16

I wish you all a Merry Christmas. May God bless you with spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus, the one true Gift.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

Psalm 86:10-12

This Psalm in its entirety is a prayer of David.

*For You are great and do wonderous things…
God’s work is beyond my mind (which He created) beyond my understanding to describe. I believe Him when His word tells me there is no other God other than Him.
Isaiah 44:6,8 The word “wonder” means God’s works are beyond human comprehension. However, God delights in my thinking of the vast works He accomplishes; works of salvation,the work of refining my faith, healing, and spiritual growth. He enjoys listening to the wonder of mind and heart as I observes the beauty of nature, the vast starry night sky, or the power of a storm. I do not have to understand how God does His wonderous works; I experience them.

*Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth…
God must teach me His way for I do not have the capability to know what
He desires from me. If I choose my own way I choose a path to
destruction; an eternity separated from God. Matthew 7:13,14 Walking and living by faith is a life of learning experiences; each event is an opportunity to grow in faith by trusting God alone. God’s faithfulness never fails. His truth is the only truth which can guide my life. John 17:17

*Unite my heart to fear Your name…
When my heart goes in different directions all at the same time I must make this my prayer. It is easy for my heart to become weighed down with family, friends, even Church. Whenever my heart is overwhelmed I remember Jesus’ words to Martha, “You are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion which will not be taken away from her.” I strive to be a Mary in a Martha world; undivided between competing loyalties. Luke 10:41,42 Fear seems to have a negative connotation; actually the word means to “stand in awe, and reverence.”

*I give thanks to You, O LORD my God with my whole heart…
He has set me free from the death of sin. Romans 6:23 The salvation given to me in Christ Jesus has delivered me from sin; and the Holy Spirit gives me power to overcome sin. My whole heart is healed of its spiritual sickness, and the new life given to me by Christ’s sacrifice gives me liberty to walk in God’s truth; His ways. In Psalm 138:8 David states it this way: “The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands.” God’s reply, I will not forget you. I have engraved you on the palm of My hands.” Isaiah 49:15a; 16b

*I will glorify You forever…
This speaks not only of my life on earth, but in eternity. Glorifying God becomes a way of life. One question precedes all actions, speech, and thoughts; that question being, will this glorify God?

My time on this earth is a dress rehearsal for eternity. I won’t get things right all the time, but I know God is watching me strive to obey and please Him. I know He is faithful, forgiving and compassionate. His understanding is unsearchable, I will not be afraid. He knows my hearts's desire is to give Him my very best. Isaiah 40:28

*Scripture taken from the English Standard Version, ESV

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com