Travel, Texas and Truth ... a witch?

podcast: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/e824311e/travel-texas-and-truth-a-witch

Just in case you missed it, the other day I threw down the gauntlet. I suggested carrying your Bible with you occasionally - maybe placing it on the treadmill rack at the gym, or somewhere near you, visible to passers by at your favorite coffee shop or perhaps on your airplane tray table.

Here's my little weekend vignette on the matter.

On Friday, I boarded a westbound airplane for Lubbock Texas--and yes, my Bible was in my pink tote bag. When I connected through Dallas Fort Worth, I called my friend to pray for her and when she referenced a verse, I reached down to grab my favorite book, but it was not in my bag. I had left it on the airplane! While I would like to tell you I did not panic, that would be a lie. Thankfully, I had sense enough to pray and ask God to please help me find it! But then because DFW is so huge, I could not remember the terminal, much less the gate, where I had landed. Jumping back on the tram, I looked out the window at different land markers, and made my best guess and disembarked.

'What's the big deal about a book?' you ask. Opening my Bible is one of the first things I do each morning--I trust it to lead, guide, inspire and inform me. And I have found it more than reliable. This particular Bible is very dear to me as it has so many personal notations, dates and thoughts, words whispered to my God... Why, I had taught from its pages three tines in Israel, and also in Greece and Turkey...Paul's footsteps. 'O, Lord, help!'

I got it. While I never like to claim a miracle of anything mundane for sure - considering where I was when I discovered I did not have it, that I found my way to it made me feel I had reclaimed a precious diamond, so great is its value to me!

The next morning, when I went down for breakfast at my hotel, I got my coffee and opened to Psalms in my Bible and began journaling my prayer to start the day with God. When I finished, I was eating a little breakfast as a gentleman sat down at the next table.

'So what are you reading in your Bible?' he asked.

'Well I like to pray the Psalms--do you know what I mean? But I am also studying and writing on the book of Acts,' I replied.

From there, we were off!

We talked real talk about life, faith in God, family, his new retirement and more; it was refreshingly delightful.

And, guess what? Part Two, the next morning. While I have never done this before, I asked Randy if I could read my Morning Briefing "In the Valley of Good and Evil" to him, because I was kinda stumped about the ending. He graciously said 'yes' and suggested a terrific closing verse. Did you read or listen to it? [https://conta.cc/4ajjREL]

But think of it - our conversations would never have happened if I had lost my Bible, as it was the object of attention. And we had reason to talk because we both believe that it contains the very words of God.

Some of you who know me are asking 'Why Lubbock?' My friend, Pam, a dear woman of God who traveled in the footsteps of Jesus with me in 2019, (along with her husband, John), had finished her brutal five-year battle with cancer, running into the arms of the Savior. I wanted to honor her by being at her memorial service; I just needed to be there. hmmm.... people, mission, Jesus.

Over the 18 years I have been writing Morning Briefings, more than once I have raised the question: 'what will be your legacy?' 'What will others say about you when you move to Heaven?' My girl, Pam, will live on in the hearts of all who knew her-because of her:

>Joy-filled heart that loved God and lived fully for him

>Life filled with love for her family and friends, characterized by laughter, beauty and grace

>Bountiful artistic creativity generously shared with others.

On Saturday afternoon, from way up in the back of the little sanctuary, I think I heard the strawberry-blonde beauty, Pam, loudly whisper:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, 

I have kept the faith. 

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, 

which the Lord, the righteous Judge, has now awarded me—

and not only me, but also all of you, who long for his appearing.1

Our lives really do matter -

we can be difference makers and change makers for God if we live well.

The Sunday trip home to North Carolina was one for the books. All was on schedule, as I landed at DFW, and jumped on the tram to the next terminal. A woman next to me was a little unsteady on her feet, so I helped her get a foothold, and then we discovered we were on the same flights homeward bound. Conversation revealed she had rods in her back which caused both mobility issues and pain, so I was happy to carry her coat, and smile as we walked along. Finally arriving at the furthermost gate in the terminal, we settled in for a bit, and Tracy took off her jacket. And that's when I saw it. Her tattoo.

When I asked her about it, it turns out, Tracy is a witch. . .

What??! I had just finished writing "In the Valley of Good and Evil," had not even sent it, and here it was: the juxtaposition of a move of God in Ephesus--a revival, followed by evil on display. As I was trying to get a strong internet connection to send my Morning Briefing on such, a witch had stepped directly into my path.

Why would I even be aware of such a thing? Because of what I have learned in the Bible. For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.2

Just a slice of real life.

A little look at how impactful the words of God are in our daily lives, no matter the context. And because I ask God for opportunities to talk about Him - well, they come. He comes. That's what we're doing here, and because we look to God, life is rich. Amen.

Only one response: Lord, have your way in my life!

listen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFi64SKCJjE&list=PL330A461779491

Have your Way!

Christine

1 - 2 Timothy 4. You 7-8, NIV, personalized for Pam

2 - Hebrews 4.12