Digging Deeper

Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day.

1 Chronicles 16:23

When we praise and show adoration both publicly and privately to our Lord, we are worshipping Him.  The Lamb of God is worthy of our praise because He redeems us, loves us, and will share His reign with us.  In Chronicles, we are challenged to worship the Lord with singing, by telling others of His marvelous deeds, by bringing our offerings, trembling before Him, crying out, giving thanks, and praising Him.  How do you incorporate personal times of worshipping God into your life?

When the sun in shining in my face, the cool ocean lapping around my ankles, and my entire family is in my sight; it is easy for me to have a spirit of worship.  God is so good!  I easily remember wondrous times when praise slipped from my lips without thought or effort.  The miraculous birth of our three children, my grandmother accepting Christ as her Savior on her death bed after battling a life of unbelief and addiction, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, and hearing Hispanic believers sing beautiful songs of praise without any musical instruments.  At these times, my heart seems as if it will burst with praise!

In the stress of today, let’s not forget Who is in control and worthy of our praise.  When children disobey and hurt us, when loved ones suffer and die, when disaster strikes close to home…He is Lord!  Then all the people said, “Amen” and “Praise the Lord!”

Bible Reading:  1 Chronicles 16:23-36

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!”

By Dianna Brisco

Worship the Lord with gladness.  Come before Him with joyful songs.

Psalm 100:2

Songs evoke precious memories for me. They have the ability to transport me to a different place and time with just a few notes of a melody.  The melody of “Oops, be careful. That’s my shadow…” transforms me into a six year old, pigtailed girl skipping over cracks in the sidewalk.  I’m on my way home from school.  I have my metal plaid lunch box in one hand, new books tucked under my arm, and a song in my heart.  Just a few notes hummed from Braham’s lullaby bring my mom’s soft singing during a storm or after a bad dream.   My musical memory is filled with childhood jiggles I learned at school, Vacation Bible School, Girl Scout camp, or listening to the radio.  They are a comfort to me and pop into my humming when I least expect it!

I treasure Christian melodies too because of the strength and comfort they give me.  I can draw upon a whole repertoire of songs from church camp, Woman of Faith conferences, and Sunday morning worship services.  Nothing gives me goose bumps faster than to hear hundreds of people singing and worshipping God together, many voices blending into one song.

I have been blessed to be able to participate in Spanish services in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Even though there were wooden mismatched chairs, no air conditioning or screens, no musical instruments or sound system, the poverty was forgotten as the people raised their voices in worship. Their upturned faces were gleaming, hands stretched toward heaven, and bodies swaying.  They sounded like a choir of angels as they harmonized and sang from the depths of their souls.  I was glad the roof was nailed on or surely it would have been lifted from its rafters! I didn’t always understand all the words we sang, but we were worshipping the same God, the Father who created us all.

Bible Reading: Psalm 100:1-5

Father, thank You for giving us music.  Let our singing be a way to praise the King of Kings.

By: Dianna L. Brisco

Put on the full armor of God…Stand firm against the schemes of the devil.                      -Ephesians 6:11

Being a Christ follower calls for active participation. We cannot stand on the sidelines as an observer. We must engage the enemy. To do this we must spend time every day with Christ. It is imperative we put on the full armor before we step out onto the field. There we put into action what we learn in scripture. We might be small compared to our opponent, the roaring lion, but with faith we can block his tackle. People will tell us we are not big enough, smart enough, strong enough, or fierce enough. Satan will accuse us with our weaknesses and failures but we have nothing to prove. Christ in us our hope of glory. He is our proof. He stands victorious over all.
   In the movie Rudy we see his passion and indomitable spirit to reach his goal. He never gave up on playing for Notre Dame. He learned the rules well and never stepped onto the field without the proper equipment and uniform. Giving up was not an option for him. He gave his whole heart to reach the goal even when everything and everyone seemed to be against him. 
   Our passion for Christ and His Kingdom should out shine Rudy’s! The world calls us fools and throws roadblocks in our way. Giving up should never be an option. Let us press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:14) We must tell our mountains how great our God is, never losing hope for Jesus says, “To Him who over comes I will grant to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne. Behold I am coming quickly and my reward is with me, to render to every man according to what he has done. (Rev. 3:21&22:12) 
 

Help us be strong in you Lord, and in the strength of your might. May our passion be for your Kingdom and glory, as we stand firm for the cross of Christ!

Author:  Becky Hutzel

But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  -Luke 6:27-28

Talk about a tall order. It just isn’t natural to bless the one who calls you a good for nothing whatever. Or pray for the mother-in-law who mistreats you. All you want is someone to stand up for you and take that person down a peg or two…or ten. If it sounds like I’m speaking from experience that’s because I am. My mother-in-law is not a Christ follower. And for almost 22 years she has loved to stick it to me and I have wanted so badly to give it right back. So much so I became bitter and angry and well that meant my relationship with my husband suffered. Even worse my relationship with my God suffered. It came to a head around Christmas last year. Suffice it to say it was ugly. My actions and reactions did not show the light of Christ. And I hurt so badly. There is no adjective to describe my pain. In the bottom of this pit in the darkness of despair I threw myself on Christ and surrendered my right to be right. I gave up. I chose to forgive and let God have control. I soon felt Him nudging me to pray a blessing on her everyday. To love her this way and wait on Him! My reaction any other time may have been “NO” but this time I said yes. As I prayed my heart was changed, and so was my relationship with God and my mother-in-law.
   It has never been this peaceful. Is it perfect? No, because we are human. But it is something beautiful. Only God can inspire such changes. I wonder why we are surprised at the good that comes from obeying His commands?  Doing the right thing cost me my rights and my will. But it has given me the start of a God directed relationship with my mother-in-law. I’m hoping to see her accept Christ yet. And that is worth any sacrifice I make.
 
   Lord, help us follow your way no matter the cost to ourselves!

Author: Becky Hutzel

Calling His disciples to Him, He (Jesus) said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on. -Mark 12:43-44

Do you moan when you write out your tithe? I used to. It seemed an awful lot to give away. It would be enough to pay a bill or get groceries. I knew God loved a cheerful giver but did He really want a full tenth of our earnings or would less be okay? My husband and I waffled over this for several years. Until one day we heard a sermon from Philippians 4:10-20, verse 17 in particular jumped out. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the profit which increases to your account. Suddenly it was clear. God wanted to reward our obedience. It just clicked for us. It was the right thing to do. So we made a decision to obey. Every pay period since then we give our ten percent. No excuses. It wasn’t without moments of deep soul wrestling, but we did it. Some weeks there may only be $30 for groceries. Yet the most amazing thing happened. Writing that check became a joy; a privilege. And our needs, well they have always been met. We do not go hungry. No we don’t eat steak but we eat.
   Our bills are paid though we don’t always know how. And every time we have run low God provides side jobs. There is always just enough for the moment.
   Giving it all is a blessing. It allows us to see God at work in everyday life. Doing the right thing takes sacrifice and faith. But our God is worth it all.
 
   Lord God, help us give freely and cheerfully, to hold nothing back but give all for the glory of your Name. 
 
Author:  Becky Hutzel

 Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him. And He will make your paths straight.
-Proverbs 3:5&6

I wonder how many times my children have heard “No matter what others think or say always do the right thing; do what Jesus would do.” Doing the right thing takes faith and trust. It means going against the tide of the world. Doing that which is not necessarily logical.  It calls for sacrifice, the sacrifice of our comfort. Is it logical to give up a high paying job to become a poor missionary? Not according to the world’s standards. Yet, if God calls you to do that you must set aside your logic and trust Him with all your heart. Then, do it. Doing the right thing sometimes means you have to leave behind mother, father, brother, sister, for His names sake. (Matthew19:29) When I answered God’s call to be His child I had to trust Him to love me enough to fill the void losing my family opened up. I went against their pre- conceived ideas of what was right and I listened to God Himself. It hurt to lose the closeness with my sisters, to be treated unfairly but God directed my steps and I gained a closer walk with Him.
   We have friends who have a family of ten. Most are adopted with special needs. They have a small house and little money. But when God called them to open heart and home they did. Now they have a Christian adoption ministry. Was it logical for them to do this? Many say no. Do they face adversity and scoffers, absolutely. But they have placed their trust in the Lord against all odds, not relying on their own understanding. They just did it. Doing the right thing takes trust and faith. It means being deaf to the nay- Sayers in our lives. It’s time to take a leap of faith to trust with all your heart.  Just do it.

Lord, help us trust you even when others say it can’t be done or we don’t understand it all. We acknowledge that you will make our path clear if we just do it.

Author:  Becky Hutzel

There… These men, O king have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up. -Daniel 3:12

Doing the right thing, in this day and age there are no absolutes. Doing the right thing simply means doing what feels right to you as an individual. This really isn’t a new concept. During the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar he had a golden image made to as a strategy to unite a nation and solidify his power by centralizing worship. At the sound of music all the people were to bow down in worship to this statue. The penalty of disobeying was death. The story gets exciting. The three men in charge of the province of Babylon known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abindago refused to bow down and serve this false God. When the king was informed of their refusal he became enraged. Bringing them before him he offered one more chance to bow down, before they were thrown into a fiery furnace. This was no small campfire but a large industrial sized furnace, belching flames out of the top. The heat was so intense it killed several guards. 
Their answer: O Nebuchadnezzar we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if He doesn’t, you can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up. The story goes on but I’ll let you finish it yourself.
   There are absolutes in this day, just as there were in Babylon. There is only One God and one way to Him, Jesus Christ.(John 14:6) Are you doing what is right or have you bought into the world culture? Are you bowing to the god of money, sensuality and selfishness? Or have you taken a stand and said Jesus you are Lord and there is no other! I will not bow no matter if I lose my job, my friends, my life!

Read all of Daniel 3

 O Lord every day we face the gods of this world. Give us strength not to bow but to stand for you no matter what the cost.

Author:  Becky Hutzel

Children are a gift from God; they are His reward.  -Psalm 127:3

A knock at 9 o’clock in the morning, changed my parents lives forever. It was the county sheriff with the news that my younger brother, Ben, had been in a serious car wreck. He needed to be transported by care flight to Indianapolis. My brother was 18 years old, and laid in a coma with severe brain damage for months. He was on full life support and not expected to live. Family, friends, and our church family set up prayer vigils in the hospital room and lobby. Ben was completely covered by prayers as the respirator forced his lungs to take each breath. He gradually stabilized and was released to a nursing home, but my parents’ knew they could care for him better at home. They took him home and it was there he began to heal. My parents turned him regularly so he wouldn’t get bed sores, learned to clean his feeding tube and do his physically therapy. Dad and Mom wouldn’t give up on my brother. Gradually, surrounded by prayers, encouragement, and therapy he has gotten better. The stomach tube was removed and he began to enjoy Mom’s delicious home cooking once again. He walks with their help for balance, beats us regularly in cards, and motors around the yard in his electric wheelchair. My 38 year old brother did live and even though he requires a lot of care, he is a blessing to our family.   

Bible Reading:  Psalm 128:1-6

 During times like these, Father, I can’t even formulate an intelligent prayer in my heart.  I can cry and pray for wisdom and strength, but sometimes being strong means letting go and releasing our loved ones and our plans to You.  Thank You for letting Ben live!

 Author: Dianna L. Brisco

  I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.

-Psalm40:1

Our son, Marcus, began praying for a dog when he turned five years old. He had his heart set on a black and white border collie and talked to God frequently about him. However, as his parents, we wanted to make sure he understood the responsibility and work that went along with having a pet.  After praying and waiting for two years. Marcus was definitely excited about becoming a parent!  Walking into McMakens Grocery one day, Marcus stopped and pointed at a flyer on the bulletin board. Someone, just down the road from us, had found a dog and they were trying to find its owners. Well, the dog was a mystery. No one called to claim him. No one knew where he had come from, but Marcus knew. This dog, his dog, was his little gift from God and the dog was almost delivered to his very own door step. Marcus took the black and white border collie home and discovered his dream dog was a girl! He named her Marla Mae Brisco, Marlee for short. The following is an excerpt from my children’s book, The Day Marcus Got a Dog, after Marlee had been hit by a car.           Marcus remembered how Marlee had frightened the owl away for him.  He wanted to be brave for her now, but the vet said she could have many broken bones.  Marlee had an IV in her leg and she was frightened.  Marcus carefully held her paw and prayed.  Please God, Marlee loves to run and play. If she is all broken, don’t let her suffer.  You know how much I love her, but I don’t want her to hurt anymore. Help me be brave enough to let her go if I have to.  The vet called Daddy, Mommy, and Marcus into his office. Daddy put his strong hand on Marcus shoulder.  Mommy held Marcus hand.  The vet had pictures, called x-rays, of Marlee’s bones.  He pointed to her x-rays and was slowly shaking his head.  I don’t understand it. I thought your dog had many broken bones and internal injuries. But I don’t see any! I think she should stay here so we can keep an eye on her, but she should be able to go home soon.  She’s a very lucky dog!  Marcus ran back to Marlee who slowly opened one sleepy eye.  He knelt beside her and gently rubbed her ear.  you’re going to be alright! We still need each other, don’t we girl??  Marcus closed his eyes and added, And thank You, God, for letting me be brave this time for Marlee!

Bible Reading:  Romans 8:24-28 

Graciously Father, You measure my strength according to my responsibility.  Show me Your will and how to do it.               Author: Dianna L. Brisco

What is faith?  It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen.  It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.  -Hebrews 11:1

One night around midnight, I was researching facts about monarch butterflies for a book I was writing.  I heard a knocking on my bedroom door.  Startled I carefully pulled back the curtain and peered out. I certainly wasn’t expecting what I saw!  A monarch was throwing herself into the glass of my door. Yes, I know it was a girl because I had done my research!  She didn’t have the raised, black scent pouches on her back wings of her male counterpart. I went outside on the porch and held out my finger.  She landed on my finger and began to crawl up my arm! I think I had just made friends with a butterfly!  Unbelievable!!! I began talking to her and decided she just might be hungry. I left her outside and hurried inside to get a milk lid full of sugar water.  I went back to her and held the treat in my hand.  She fluttered over to me and drank the sugar water. I watched her stomach get fatter and fatter. I put her down on the porch, but she was so heavy she couldn’t even fly! She rested on the porch all night. In the morning, she fluttered her wings back and forth rising above the trees and out of sight. It was October and she had a long way to fly before it turned dangerously cold for her. I prayed she would not give up and arrive in the mountains of Mexico safely. A midnight visit from a butterfly? God continues to remind me He is in control and takes good care of His creation, including me and a hungry monarch butterfly.

Bible Reading:  Hebrews 11:1-3

Oh God, my Heavenly Father, You are the Creator and ruler of the universe.  You reveal Yourself through nature, the Bible, and Your Son Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending a little butterfly to me as a reminder of You.

You can go to my website if you would like to see a photo of the midnight visit with my little friend, the monarch butterfly!   www.diannabrisco.com 

Author: Dianna L. Brisco