Expecting one thing and getting something else. It happens. In life someone may be talking about how much they love a particular steakhouse and how great the steaks are there. You’re in the car with them getting hungry for a steak and they pull into a spaghetti house.  In your mind it’s not that you dislike spaghetti it may even be your favorite but all that talk about steak and you were expecting steak. Disappointments happen every day. For the most part disappointments arrive because we had an expectation to begin with.  No one has to set us up for disappointments we do a great job all by ourselves.

Moses had two reasons to be disappointed. First, he was disappointed in people because his expectations that his people would understand what he wanted to do for them and would accept him were not fulfilled.

Second, he was disappointed in his circumstances. After years of privilege and education in Egypt, he never dreamed that he would spend the rest of his life tending sheep in the desert.

Today, we become disappointed for the same two reasons. When we set our hearts on people or on circumstances, we are usually disappointed.  God wants us to set our hearts only on Him. He wants us to trust in His goodness, even in the midst of our deepest disappointments.

Here is a website to go to for more information:

https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-14-dealing-disappointment 

Here is a little piece but please go to the web site for deeper in sight.

Satan has a strategy to invade our spirits and bring us down until we are defeated. The tip of the wedge seems so harmless. It is simply disappointment.

But if we let our disappointment fester, the wedge is driven in a little farther, and we experience discouragement.

Unchecked, discouragement because disillusionment.

Then the wedge invades even more territory as it proceeds to depression.

Ultimately, we end in defeat.

How do we prevent the penetration of this deadly wedge into our spirits? We find the answer in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances."

Thanksgiving—the Antidote to Disappointment

As most of you know I have been at a conference this week. There are many interesting people here. The power of the presence of God is what I am enjoying the most. When a person knows God in a personal way and has a true relationship with the person of the Holy Spirit that power is resident in their life. You know when someone has that presence and when they don’t. You see it in their eyes. You hear it in their words. You know it.

At lunch today I was asking a young man how he kept himself anchored to Christ through his undergraduate years of college and through his studies throughout law school. He shared it was partly focus (he had a wife and children), partly his upbringing (his parents were ministers) but then the look in his eye changed and he said, “My father told me in order to be successful in Babylon I would need to have a Daniel spirit.”  At that moment the entire story of Daniel riveted through my mind. Yes, I said to myself that would work. It did work. Daniel is proof that a young man can not only survive but thrive in a corrupt culture.

The Bible is not just a book to be read. The Bible is not just bread to eat. The Bible is a life to be lived. Just as Christ became the word made flesh, you and I must live the life that the word of God produces.  The story of Daniel in this man’s life was not just imitated but emulated. I kept repeating this young man’s words over and over to myself. I rehearsed in my mind what Daniel had refused to do. What Daniel refused to partake of. How Daniel would not deny His God. A young man that lived out his faith.

Isn’t that what we all long for? To see the Bible work in the lives of those who work the Bible. I encourage you to work the word in your life today. Live to bring the stories to life in your own life. Be a living testimony. When others see into your life may the pages of the Bible rivet through their spirit.

Living out of a suitcase for weeks on in has taught me a great deal.  I can do without most of the things I say I can’t live without. For example I pack five pair of shoes. Most of you know I have a hundred or so. I only packed a few outfits, and some lounging clothes though I haven’t got to wear them at all. I have the bare necessities when it comes to toiletries although I wish I would have brought my own shampoo and crème rinse (never again) as I have had a bad hair day every day since I got here. All in all I can get up and within an hours’ time or less be anywhere I need to be with time to spare. Normally I am late. Load the dishwasher, put in a load of clothes, make the bed, grab a cup of coffee for the drive and the list goes on of reasons I am late. Living out of a suitcase nothing really matters you put on what you have and out the door you go. No offense men but this must be what it feels like to be a male. Here’s what I have learned.

All the things that mean so much really don’t matter at all. All the things I think I have to have—I don’t. All time stealers that surround my life can be brought to an abrupt halt and will be when I get home. I am planning to simplify my life. I probably don’t know all that that will entail but I am going to attempt to tackle it none the less.

Here is a link for 7 Simple Life Lessons from the Bible.

http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/7-simple-life-lessons-found-in-the-bible/

Too much stuff?  Give it away before it controls you. Here are some scriptures to look up this week.

Proverbs 11:4, 28; 23:4-5; Deuteronomy 15:7-15  Then print this below and put it somewhere you can read it--everyday, and then just do it!

The best stories are usually built on suffering. MICHELE CUSHATT

I just finished a great book, Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life by Michele Cushett. It was life changing. She is the co-host of Micheal Hyatt’s show “This Is Your Life”, that I watch weekly.

Some stories you read and you say, “Oh that was nice”.  This book wasn’t nice. It is filled with lessons learned and private thoughts shared. I appreciate her openness and her private feelings and family. I’ve learned so much from her. I feel like I know her and maybe one day I will.

Please pray for her and enjoy the show.  Copy and paste this link in your browser. 

http://michaelhyatt.com/season-6-episode-01-the-transformative-power-of-suffering-podcast.html?utm_source=Michael+Hyatt+Newsletter&utm_campaign=aa33f16a21-rssdaily2&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d1fa5823d7-aa33f16a21-251194849

Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV) “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 

We were both tired. The kind of tired that wants to go to sleep and skip dinner tired. Problem was it was only 4:30PM, too early for bedtime. I knew the source of our exhaustion. No fuel. We’d started the morning off sharing a breakfast at IHOP then spent the day on the ocean and in and out of the pool and of course a walk to the Pier. Mother always said, “Apples don’t fall far from the tree.” She and I can get so busy we forget to eat. It never bothers us until our get up go done got up and went. This was one of “those” moments. We both knew better and actually did better when we have others to feed. However left to ourselves we have a bad habit of skipping meals.

I had the answer. Cell phone in hand, “Nearest Japanese restaurant from my location?” Mother wanted Japanese. Got it only 1.7 miles from the hotel, getting directions. We were on our way we’d be early, but hey food was calling.

We were immediately seated and served a bowl of clear liquid. Best hot water I ever had. Did I mention we were starving? Between the, “Butter fly” and the “Egg Roll” we had a “volcano” and a “Choo Choo”.  Now all you Japanese Steakhouse regulars know what I mean. I ate my fill needless to say and between bites I was able to get to know and share (counsel) a young couple planning to marry in February of 2016. I asked them about marriage counseling and they ask, “What’s that?” I had my in. Help me Holy Spirit.

For the next several minutes I asked questions for which they had no answers. We (the Holy Spirit and I) had their attention and the answers to questions they had no idea they were going to ask. When dinner ended they were grateful. Their eyes shinned with new knowledge they couldn’t wait to use. His needs/Her needs, love languages and temperaments were all new to them. They’d been high school sweethearts and together for eleven years. Tonight a door was opened to a deeper relationship not just with one another but with God. God had found a way yet again into the lives of the unsuspecting.

As I look back on the night I was grateful to be a part of a journey just beginning.  All God was looking for was a road in. He allowed me to enjoy my mother, dinner and the privilege of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a very inoffensive manner. I will probably never see this young couple again but I am sure when they left they had lots to talk about.  Knowing the top 5 needs of men and women opened the conversation. Sharing who made man and women brought dead to life.

Mark 16:15 (NKJV) “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'”

Suitcases sure have hanged over the years. I suppose it’s because people have a lot more clothes than they used to. Think about it. Men had one suit if they were wealthy and two pairs of shoes. Women had a couple dresses and skirts, a sweater, a couple of tops, and a coat. Today a person may have a hundred pair of shoes or like my mother over a hundred hats. We want to take everything with us when we travel but airlines won’t let you take a suitcase weighing over 50 lbs. Most airlines charge for the first bag and the second bag.

Suitcases today are wonderful. Mine has wheels that turn 380 degrees and have extending handles that make it easy to maneuver even the most wicked airports. I thought I had a great set and they are only few years old—until I shopped for a new set for my mother. My large suitcase weighs 22 lbs. empty. My mother’s new one weighs only a little over 5 lbs.

I got to thinking burdens are like old suitcases, the older they are the more they weigh and the more burdensome they are to carry.  I’ve learned it you want to travel quickly you’ve got to travel light.

We were never made to carry burdens but to turn them over to our savior. I challenge you today to think about what you have carried far too long. What’s weighing you down?

Matthew 11:28 (NIV) “"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:30 (NIV) “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

"Moving day is coming. Just when the van will stop at your home we do not know - but for everyone it is sure, and for those along in years, it is soon. As the day approaches, we realize the necessity of leaving our present abode and occupying the new house "not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Death for the believer is a Home-going, and not a dreadful parting." - J. E. Campbell

There have been a number of deaths surrounding our little community lately and I guess it has me thinking about eternity. When I think about where I will go when I leave this earth I think of it as the best place I could ever go but haven’t been yet.  I have nothing to compare it to but look forward to being there. It’s not the streets of gold we get to walk on or the fact that there are no shadows there; however I wonder what high heels sound like walking on gold—just saying. I am excited about the Marriage Supper of the Lamb but that’s not it either.  It’s seeing Him—Him who made me.  It’s seeing the house He is preparing for me.  Can you imagine what a house made specifically for you by the person who knows you better than anyone else is going to look like? Me neither! I know it’s going to be one of the best surprises ever.  Since heaven is my home I guess you could say it will be home!

Did you ever notice when you talk about spiritual things how weird it sounds? Even as a believer when I read this back to myself it sounds a little crazy, but we get it! We get it because we have read the book. What about those who haven’t read the book. They don’t know this scripture:

John 14:3 (NIV) “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

See this God we serve is coming back for us. He wants us to be with Him. Whether it is when I am very old and it’s my time or He is told by His father it’s tomorrow I am staying ready. I am keeping my garment spotless and my lamp filled with oil because it could be any day now. Yep, moving day is coming. I’ve got to tell as many people as possible about this day and I can use your help. Are you ready?


Today's Blog is dedicated to my father-Vaughn D. Pirlo, Sr.  He loved this song and we used to sing it together.  Miss you Daddy.

Have you ever noticed the hand at the end of your arm does the most and gets the least amount of recognition? Well let me encourage all of you reading this, you cannot out give God! Whatsoever a man sows that shall he reap! (Galatians 6:7)  

We have a wonderful ministry at our local church that helps families and individuals in times of need. If a family member dies, has surgery, or there’s a new baby this team goes into action.  It is a great blessing to our local community and church. The person in charge of this is not a squeaky wheel and usually just immediately goes into action. When she recently experienced the passing of a family member the wheel ceased to move because the driving force was not the one that needed to be driving. That’s when I realized I needed a back-up for her. Until this occurred it hadn’t dawned on me we needed a back-up plan. Discussing this with God I had another “God moment”. You know those times of instruction you get that you didn’t know you needed?

He told me that when others sow seeds not only do they reap a harvest but others benefit. When I go to the store I reap a fruit from a seed I did not plant. When someone makes me a dinner or purchases me a gift I reap from a source that I personally did not have a hand in. Follow me here. I pour myself a cup of coffee and enjoy the taste, the warmth and energy from a beverage that came from a seed I did not plant. God had my attention. He went on to explain that when we do acts of kindness however small or large we are sowing seeds that not only will we reap a harvest from but others as well.  Check out this scripture:

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,”

The power is at work in us! See when we allow His power to be at work within us—immeasurably more than ALL we ask or imagine can be accomplished.  The wheel did not stop turning!  Helping Hands continued to flourish because of the previous seeds sown. Those that refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)

Coming into church I tend to notice little finger prints on the glass of the front doors. These tale-tale signs that someone has been there are clear to the eye when the sunlight shines through. I stood there trying to put a name with the prints and imagined the little faces connected to those prints. I wondered we’re they crying as they were trying to reach someone just on the other side of the glass? Perhaps they were waving bye-bye with a pleasant smile on their face knowing they were safe and that the separation was only temporary and that made everything okay.

How about you? On this side of the glass (life) do you know you are safe and that separation (death) is only temporary for those who have made Jesus their Lord? Do you know God our Father sees our every move?  He not only made us but cared that our finger prints were unlike any others. Our prints are unique only to us and He knows them. God knows where we’ve been and what we’ve been up to. As He shines into our lives He sees it all. The things left in our wake of living life—He sees. He doesn’t have to wonder who those little hands belong to. He does not have to wonder what the face behind the hands reveal He knows.  He is not mad or upset because of what He sees. He knows us. However, His desire for us is that we leave prints that matter—in the places that matter.  God desires that we leave a legacy and that what we leave in our wake of living, brings the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ into the lives of others. This is a great opportunity for us. We need not tell people where we have been and what we have done when the proof is in the fruit of changed lives wherever we go.

Let’s leave prints that others can follow and when the light shines through what we’ve left it will show we too were followers of Jesus Christ.

Oh and if we try to cover up where we’ve been and what we’ve been up to…..it doesn’t work. The only solution is the BLOOD.

Matthew 7:16 (NLT) “You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”

1 John 1:7 (KJV) “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Matthew 18:3 (NIV) "And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Yesterday I had the privilege of watching my little grandson. When he’s hungry he tries to open the refrigerator, pull over his high chair and signs, “eat”. Then we go through the game where I point and he says, “No” to several items until I come to sugar. Oh, sugar how sweet tho aren’t. He never says, “No” to sugar. Now being a grandparent it is quite tempting to just let him have whatever he wants. However, I am still a parent and I love my daughter and know that it’s not only not good for my grandson—it’s not good for my daughter either. So I refrain. I want to make my grandson happy but I’d rather he be healthy.

Then the epiphany. God the Father wants me to have what I want. He’s a good, good, Father. (Check out the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djrY_eFDOwE)  It is more important to Father that I am healthy rather than that I am happy.  He knows that happiness won’t last long if I’m not healthy. He’s a good, good, Father; it’s who He is.

I got this. If I am like a little child I will be corrected.  If I am corrected it is because I am loved. I had to be in time-out for a while today. It’s okay—I am better for it. Not happy but healthier than ever before.