“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.” Exodus 20:17 (KJV)
My sister has three horses: two Missouri Fox Trotters, a mare and a gelding, and a gelding Mini. The full-sized gelding is the alpha horse of the herd. At feeding time, he exercises his authority over the others by running them away from the first feed bin to be filled.
There are three feed bins, spread apart. Once he has his feed, you would think he’d be happy. But no, he is so envious of what the others have that he will abandon his bin to run them from theirs. There is no difference in what they’re getting, yet he wants what they have so much that he doesn’t enjoy his own.
Not only does he not take time to enjoy his own, but he also loses it. While he is busy stealing their food, they amble over to his and eat that instead. He doesn’t gain anything by coveting their meals.
Isn’t that what envy does in humans? Envy makes us worry so much about what someone else has that we don’t appreciate what we do have. We can easily get caught up in wanting instead of thanking God for He has already given us.
“For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.” Job 5:2 (KJV)
Have you fallen into the trap of ‘the silly one’ and let envy slay your joy? Take a moment to appreciate all the blessings you’ve received. Contented gratitude is the antidote to envy.
Father, thank you for all that You have given me. Help me to be grateful for what I have, not envious of what I don’t have. And please grant me an abundance of contentment, wherever I find myself.
© 2009 Mary Beth Magee
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
He is Faithful (number 31 in a series)
“I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.” Psalm 89:1-2 (KJV)
Living in the foothills is an unbelievable experience. I learn new things every day. One of the biggest surprises I had was discovering the Sierra Nevada mountains are not looming over everything. In fact, I seldom see them.
The foothills are high enough around us to block the view of the mountains most of the time. But every so often, you round a curve or top a hill and find amazing beauty spread before you as the snow-frosted mountains come into view. The mountains are there, whether you see them or not. They may be out of your line of sight, but they are still rising majestically in their place.
The mountains remind me of the faithfulness of God. Even when I don’t see His hand or hear His voice, He is still there. He has promised to be with me and never to forsake me. Mountains may shift and crumble, eroded or shaved by man’s designs. God will not be moved. He is constant, dependable, faithful.
What are the signs in your life of God’s faithfulness? Have you praised Him for them lately?
Father, we thank you for Your promise to always be with us and we praise You for Your everlasting faithfulness. Keep us ever mindful of Your presence, even when unseen.
© 2009 Mary Beth Magee
Living in the foothills is an unbelievable experience. I learn new things every day. One of the biggest surprises I had was discovering the Sierra Nevada mountains are not looming over everything. In fact, I seldom see them.
The foothills are high enough around us to block the view of the mountains most of the time. But every so often, you round a curve or top a hill and find amazing beauty spread before you as the snow-frosted mountains come into view. The mountains are there, whether you see them or not. They may be out of your line of sight, but they are still rising majestically in their place.
The mountains remind me of the faithfulness of God. Even when I don’t see His hand or hear His voice, He is still there. He has promised to be with me and never to forsake me. Mountains may shift and crumble, eroded or shaved by man’s designs. God will not be moved. He is constant, dependable, faithful.
What are the signs in your life of God’s faithfulness? Have you praised Him for them lately?
Father, we thank you for Your promise to always be with us and we praise You for Your everlasting faithfulness. Keep us ever mindful of Your presence, even when unseen.
© 2009 Mary Beth Magee
Monday, May 4, 2009
Signs and Landmarks (Number 30 in a series)
“Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.” Ezekiel 20:12, KJV
Signs and markers are an important part of getting from one place to another. Ask the people who have gone into an area following a natural disaster and tried to find their way around. When the signs and landmarks are gone, it’s hard to tell where you are or where you’re going.
Here in northern California, I’ve learned landmarks tend to have interesting names and historic connections. Some are manmade markers of human accomplishments but others are natural.
One of the best known locally is the Lollipop Tree, a tree growing with a rounded canopy, high on a hill. It is visible to the people rafting and kayaking on the south fork of the American River or riding or hiking in the public areas along the river. The tree helps people know where they are along their trip. It is a sign of their progress.
In the same way, our observance of a day of rest helps us to find out where we are along our life journey. The Sabbath is a time of reflection on our progress. It is a sign, a marker of our relationship with God. By setting aside that precious time for worship of our Lord, we acknowledge His kingship and partake of His renewing sanctification.
Too many times we let other activities interfere with our time of worship. I know from personal experience that I suffer when I let something keep me from my Sabbath time with God. A momentary pleasure costs too much in the long run.
Are you finding your weeks too full, your schedule too hectic? You won’t improve things by skipping your Sabbath. You’ll only find yourself off the path, in need of new directions.
Father, thank You for the gift of the Sabbath. Thank You for loving us so much that You gave us signposts and markers to keep us on track toward You. Give us strength, please, to follow Your path and not to be diverted by fleeting earthly interests.
© 2009 Mary Beth Magee
Signs and markers are an important part of getting from one place to another. Ask the people who have gone into an area following a natural disaster and tried to find their way around. When the signs and landmarks are gone, it’s hard to tell where you are or where you’re going.
Here in northern California, I’ve learned landmarks tend to have interesting names and historic connections. Some are manmade markers of human accomplishments but others are natural.
One of the best known locally is the Lollipop Tree, a tree growing with a rounded canopy, high on a hill. It is visible to the people rafting and kayaking on the south fork of the American River or riding or hiking in the public areas along the river. The tree helps people know where they are along their trip. It is a sign of their progress.
In the same way, our observance of a day of rest helps us to find out where we are along our life journey. The Sabbath is a time of reflection on our progress. It is a sign, a marker of our relationship with God. By setting aside that precious time for worship of our Lord, we acknowledge His kingship and partake of His renewing sanctification.
Too many times we let other activities interfere with our time of worship. I know from personal experience that I suffer when I let something keep me from my Sabbath time with God. A momentary pleasure costs too much in the long run.
Are you finding your weeks too full, your schedule too hectic? You won’t improve things by skipping your Sabbath. You’ll only find yourself off the path, in need of new directions.
Father, thank You for the gift of the Sabbath. Thank You for loving us so much that You gave us signposts and markers to keep us on track toward You. Give us strength, please, to follow Your path and not to be diverted by fleeting earthly interests.
© 2009 Mary Beth Magee
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Waiting for the Season (Number 29 in a series)
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)
Spring in the foothills is a glorious season. The “sticks” in the vineyards along the roads are garlanded in young leaves of rich green. The orchards have bloomed and immature fruit is beginning the process of filling out into apples and pears and other succulent delights.
The garden we’ve started in the backyard is filling in with leaves of green beans and spreading tomato plants. The lettuce is nearly mature and the peas are climbing their trellises is a riotous glory. Squash bushes are beginning to sprawl across their hills. The carrots are trying my patience – I know they are slow to sprout but I look forward to their emerald feathers gracing the garden bed.
I am accustomed to working full-time, to traveling from site to site to provide training. When I wasn’t training people, I was testing programs or helping to develop new classes and class materials. Always busy, always moving. Now my pace is much slower – I’m waiting. Waiting for Mama’s next medical appointment; waiting for a job; waiting for the carrots to appear.
This is a season of slowing down, of planting for the future harvest. Much as I want to hurry things along, I know God’s time is perfect. Some days I easily can praise Him for the opportunity to spend time with my mother and my sister’s family, and to experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Other days it takes as act of will to praise Him as I grow impatient with the waiting. I want to see His purpose and I want to see it now! It's hard remember to wait and pray for God's good time.
Will I be a string bean, shooting up quickly? Or a carrot, slower to appear but sweeter to the taste? Both are valuable for our nourishment. What would you have me be, Lord?
Father, we thank You for the rich variety of Your creation and the knowledge that everything (including us!) has a purpose there. Help me to see Your purpose and to grow accordingly. And please be patient with me when I want to hurry.
© 2009 Mary Beth Magee
Spring in the foothills is a glorious season. The “sticks” in the vineyards along the roads are garlanded in young leaves of rich green. The orchards have bloomed and immature fruit is beginning the process of filling out into apples and pears and other succulent delights.
The garden we’ve started in the backyard is filling in with leaves of green beans and spreading tomato plants. The lettuce is nearly mature and the peas are climbing their trellises is a riotous glory. Squash bushes are beginning to sprawl across their hills. The carrots are trying my patience – I know they are slow to sprout but I look forward to their emerald feathers gracing the garden bed.
I am accustomed to working full-time, to traveling from site to site to provide training. When I wasn’t training people, I was testing programs or helping to develop new classes and class materials. Always busy, always moving. Now my pace is much slower – I’m waiting. Waiting for Mama’s next medical appointment; waiting for a job; waiting for the carrots to appear.
This is a season of slowing down, of planting for the future harvest. Much as I want to hurry things along, I know God’s time is perfect. Some days I easily can praise Him for the opportunity to spend time with my mother and my sister’s family, and to experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Other days it takes as act of will to praise Him as I grow impatient with the waiting. I want to see His purpose and I want to see it now! It's hard remember to wait and pray for God's good time.
Will I be a string bean, shooting up quickly? Or a carrot, slower to appear but sweeter to the taste? Both are valuable for our nourishment. What would you have me be, Lord?
Father, we thank You for the rich variety of Your creation and the knowledge that everything (including us!) has a purpose there. Help me to see Your purpose and to grow accordingly. And please be patient with me when I want to hurry.
© 2009 Mary Beth Magee
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Standing Up to Distractions (Number 28 in a series)
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Psalm 17: 4-6 (KJV)
I have learned from hard experience how easy it is to be distracted by seemingly innocent behaviors. Suddenly time has passed; things I should have done are not done, while I’ve been doing something that bore no fruit. Have you ever had that happen to you? If so, you know what I mean.
There are days when it takes a concentrated effort on my part to stay on task. Some days it is easy to do. In both cases, at the end of the day I feel a deep contentment that I lack on those days when I don’t stay focused. Rather than disappointment over what I haven’t done, I have joy in what I accomplished. I like those days a lot better than the others.
There is a great deal of discussion and teaching on the subject of Christian money management. I am out of work and pretty much have no money to manage so that’s sort of a moot point for me just now. What I do have is TIME. How I manage that time is as critical to my spiritual life as any financial management skills. Am I using my time to His glory or am I ‘slipping from the path’ and frittering it away?
Computer games, hundred of TV channels, novels – these are all tools. How I use them is my choice. Am I spending a few minutes in relaxation or losing hours in unproductive pursuits? Does the pastime enrich me or leave me feeling guilty? God has given us a precious capacity for play and recreation, but we have a human tendency to lose perspective and balance.
Where are you spending your time? Are you cultivating for the Kingdom with your activities? Do you feel satisfied and fulfilled at the end of the day, or irritated and frustrated with what you’ve done?
Father, thank You for the gift of time. Help me to use it wisely and to Your glory. Keep me on the path to You. Please help me to choose rightly when faced with a choice of activities.
© 2009 Mary Beth Magee
I have learned from hard experience how easy it is to be distracted by seemingly innocent behaviors. Suddenly time has passed; things I should have done are not done, while I’ve been doing something that bore no fruit. Have you ever had that happen to you? If so, you know what I mean.
There are days when it takes a concentrated effort on my part to stay on task. Some days it is easy to do. In both cases, at the end of the day I feel a deep contentment that I lack on those days when I don’t stay focused. Rather than disappointment over what I haven’t done, I have joy in what I accomplished. I like those days a lot better than the others.
There is a great deal of discussion and teaching on the subject of Christian money management. I am out of work and pretty much have no money to manage so that’s sort of a moot point for me just now. What I do have is TIME. How I manage that time is as critical to my spiritual life as any financial management skills. Am I using my time to His glory or am I ‘slipping from the path’ and frittering it away?
Computer games, hundred of TV channels, novels – these are all tools. How I use them is my choice. Am I spending a few minutes in relaxation or losing hours in unproductive pursuits? Does the pastime enrich me or leave me feeling guilty? God has given us a precious capacity for play and recreation, but we have a human tendency to lose perspective and balance.
Where are you spending your time? Are you cultivating for the Kingdom with your activities? Do you feel satisfied and fulfilled at the end of the day, or irritated and frustrated with what you’ve done?
Father, thank You for the gift of time. Help me to use it wisely and to Your glory. Keep me on the path to You. Please help me to choose rightly when faced with a choice of activities.
© 2009 Mary Beth Magee
Monday, March 9, 2009
The Godparent (Number 27 in a series)
“Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” Psalm 34:11, KJV
I have a godmother, my dear Nanan. She prays for me, loves me and reminds me often of how precious I am to her and to God. Nanan takes her responsibility as a godparent seriously.
Over the years, I have been privileged to stand as godmother to several children, some relatives, some not. Each of those children is my official godchild. They are on my heart and in my prayers. Some are adults now, but still a child of my heart.
In the last few years, God has laid on my heart that the “official” godchildren are not my only charges. As a professing Christian, I am called to show the same love and care to all children, whether I held them at a christening and spoke vows or not. The two girls I sponsor through World Vision are easily in my prayers. What about the others?: the teens giggling in the department store, the child who smiles at me in the supermarket, the laughing children in the schoolyard I drive past are all my godchildren. So are the little one crying his heart out in the doctor’s waiting room, the homeless children in the news, and the local sports team reeling from a loss.
So my prayers have taken a slightly different turn. I still pray for my official godchildren and other children I know by name. I pray for the others by description. There is a great comfort in knowing that, although I don’t know all of their names, God does. My job is to hold out the blanket of prayer; He wraps them in it and His love.
Look around you. There are potential godchildren all around. We can care about them, lead them by example and show them God’s love in practical ways wherever possible. Where we can’t do anything else, we still can lift them in prayer.
We serve a God who has so much love to pour out, we could never contain it all. Share the overflow with the children. They are the future of society. Be the Nanan or Paran (or whatever nickname your culture uses) to every child you come into contact with and every one you hear about.
Father, we thank You for the example of love You gave us through Your precious son. Help us to remember that each and every child in the world is one of Your children. Lead us to treat them accordingly and to be a beacon to lead them to You.
© 2009 Mary Beth Magee
I have a godmother, my dear Nanan. She prays for me, loves me and reminds me often of how precious I am to her and to God. Nanan takes her responsibility as a godparent seriously.
Over the years, I have been privileged to stand as godmother to several children, some relatives, some not. Each of those children is my official godchild. They are on my heart and in my prayers. Some are adults now, but still a child of my heart.
In the last few years, God has laid on my heart that the “official” godchildren are not my only charges. As a professing Christian, I am called to show the same love and care to all children, whether I held them at a christening and spoke vows or not. The two girls I sponsor through World Vision are easily in my prayers. What about the others?: the teens giggling in the department store, the child who smiles at me in the supermarket, the laughing children in the schoolyard I drive past are all my godchildren. So are the little one crying his heart out in the doctor’s waiting room, the homeless children in the news, and the local sports team reeling from a loss.
So my prayers have taken a slightly different turn. I still pray for my official godchildren and other children I know by name. I pray for the others by description. There is a great comfort in knowing that, although I don’t know all of their names, God does. My job is to hold out the blanket of prayer; He wraps them in it and His love.
Look around you. There are potential godchildren all around. We can care about them, lead them by example and show them God’s love in practical ways wherever possible. Where we can’t do anything else, we still can lift them in prayer.
We serve a God who has so much love to pour out, we could never contain it all. Share the overflow with the children. They are the future of society. Be the Nanan or Paran (or whatever nickname your culture uses) to every child you come into contact with and every one you hear about.
Father, we thank You for the example of love You gave us through Your precious son. Help us to remember that each and every child in the world is one of Your children. Lead us to treat them accordingly and to be a beacon to lead them to You.
© 2009 Mary Beth Magee
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sharing the Joy of Worship (Number 26 in a series)
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)
One of the hardest parts of relocating is (for me, at least) finding a new church home. Whenever I am out of fellowship, I feel hungry. My soul misses the nourishment of sharing worship and companionship with other believers. No matter how many wonderful inspirational books I read or gospel albums I listen to, nothing replaces the joy of being with others who share my faith.
There is a mutual strengthening that takes place when we gather together to worship. We rejoice in each other’s joys, help to carry each other’s burdens and grow together in God’s Word. As we raise our voices in praise, we bring down a glimpse of the future we anticipate in heaven. Camaraderie and celebration fill the hall.
I am so blessed to have found a wonderful congregation here in California. The operating orders of this fellowship are “Love God. Love people.” As I become more acquainted with the different ministries the church supports, I will be able to find my own place to contribute to the well-being of the body of Christ. The prospect is exciting!
This is not the first church I visited since my arrival. It is the one where I heard God whisper, “Your place is here.” I knew it was Home within two visits.
Don’t be discouraged if you are seeking a church home. Here are some hints for finding the right fit:
• Commit to finding a church home and becoming involved. A “maybe one day” attitude will interfere with your search.
• Search the internet for churches in your area. Read what they say on their websites. Do their beliefs match yours?
• Visit and see if the reality matches the website. Don’t be afraid to visit several times.
• Pray for God’s direction in choosing the right fellowship.
Once you’ve found that fit, you’ll find worship is a joy, not a duty. Whether the membership is small or large, you’ll be blessed and you’ll be a blessing.
Father, we thank you for the blessings of fellowship with other believers. Help each of us to find the right place to worship and serve You. Please anoint our efforts and use them to Your glory.
© 2009 Mary Beth Magee
One of the hardest parts of relocating is (for me, at least) finding a new church home. Whenever I am out of fellowship, I feel hungry. My soul misses the nourishment of sharing worship and companionship with other believers. No matter how many wonderful inspirational books I read or gospel albums I listen to, nothing replaces the joy of being with others who share my faith.
There is a mutual strengthening that takes place when we gather together to worship. We rejoice in each other’s joys, help to carry each other’s burdens and grow together in God’s Word. As we raise our voices in praise, we bring down a glimpse of the future we anticipate in heaven. Camaraderie and celebration fill the hall.
I am so blessed to have found a wonderful congregation here in California. The operating orders of this fellowship are “Love God. Love people.” As I become more acquainted with the different ministries the church supports, I will be able to find my own place to contribute to the well-being of the body of Christ. The prospect is exciting!
This is not the first church I visited since my arrival. It is the one where I heard God whisper, “Your place is here.” I knew it was Home within two visits.
Don’t be discouraged if you are seeking a church home. Here are some hints for finding the right fit:
• Commit to finding a church home and becoming involved. A “maybe one day” attitude will interfere with your search.
• Search the internet for churches in your area. Read what they say on their websites. Do their beliefs match yours?
• Visit and see if the reality matches the website. Don’t be afraid to visit several times.
• Pray for God’s direction in choosing the right fellowship.
Once you’ve found that fit, you’ll find worship is a joy, not a duty. Whether the membership is small or large, you’ll be blessed and you’ll be a blessing.
Father, we thank you for the blessings of fellowship with other believers. Help each of us to find the right place to worship and serve You. Please anoint our efforts and use them to Your glory.
© 2009 Mary Beth Magee
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