Jesus Take Control! by Myra Boozer

There comes a time in all of our lives when the things we thought would happen just didn't happen for whatever reason. But God wants us to be still and know that He sees every tear and every challenge we have faced. He is telling us to "Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10.

Being still is so very hard for a child, and sometimes, as adults, we get very anxious, acting like little children, wanting what we want, thinking we have everything figured out. We may think we have grown to maturity and think we have everything all figured out, but we have not! We must stand and look into the face of our great and mighty Maker and say woe is me, for I am still childish.

“Take control of my life, Lord, and bring me to the place you want me to be, even though I may be kicking and rebelling all the time against you and your plan for my life. Yes, Lord, please pick me up and correct me, as I know you are a good Father and what you do will be for my own good. Times are changing fast, and I lose my way. I must have your supervision to reach the place you have prepared for me and my family. Change me Lord into your image and into the Christian adult you want me to be. In your Holy Righteous Name, I do humbly ask." Jesus, Take Control!

These Are Perilous Times!

2 Timothy 3:1, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Paul told Timothy that in the last days, perilous times would come. The original word for “last” is Eschatos, meaning “last in time or in place.” From this word is derived Eschatology, which relates to the end of the world or the events associated with it. Paul states that this period of the last days will be perilous times, hard to bear, troublesome, dangerous, harsh, fierce, and savage times. Then, he continues to characterize this period of the last days.

“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy...” Paul is describing selfish people in this verse. Have you ever observed a more selfish and entitled generation? We are living in one of the most self-absorbed times in the history of mankind. It is hard to find people who are concerned about anyone else but themselves. Jesus said to love our neighbor as ourselves. People who are only focused on themselves do not have the capacity to love others. Consequently, the driving force in their lives is to gain for themselves, and it doesn’t matter who they hurt to achieve their goal.

“Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good.” Without natural affection is used only twice in the New Testament. It is used here and in Romans 1:31. The term “affection” comes from the Greek astorgos, meaning unsociable, unloving, inhuman. Paul states that these characteristics will manifest themselves in the last days.

We are seeing these things manifest right before our eyes. It is without natural affection for a mother of an unborn child to abort that living, developing baby. It is without natural affection for two people of the same sex to enter into a sexual relationship. It is unsociable, inhuman, and perverted love according to God’s Holy Word. And when the followers of Jesus Christ take a stand for these Biblical Truths, the false accusers, the fierce and despisers of those that are good, go ballistic. The haters, the militant, the defiant instigate social disorder, destroying public and private property and even causing the death of the innocent. They are incontinent, without self-control, and intemperate! (continued) 

Time To Be Very Still! by Myra Boozer

Colossians 3:15, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful."

For quite a while now, a big squirrel has perched right on the top point of the building out back. He looks like an ornament, really; he looks frozen, not moving except for the wind blowing his fluffy tail. I wonder if he is angry about this weather, or maybe the stash he had for his family is depleted. I don't know, maybe he is confused by this weather. One moment, the sky is sprinkling snow on us, just like you would sprinkle confectioner's sugar on your French toast, then all of a sudden it stops, and the sun shines so bright. You think, "Wow, is it over, then it starts up again. That's the way of confusion, and it's something we all have at times. It is hard to deal with when your prayers are still not heard, and your heart is breaking for your loved ones. You begin to question God, “Why the delay?”

This is the time to be very still and very quiet and just wait, just like the squirrel perched on the highest point. God can soothe all our frustrations and calm our minds. We can rest in His presence and know He loves us, but we must remember that sometimes He allows us a little while of "feeling all alone and confused." Don't give up and don't complain. Rest in the fact that God has it all in His hands and in His time He will make all things beautiful...with no confusion. He brings Peace and Joy that will overflow in our hearts and bring assurance in every situation. Time To Be Very Still! (This was written some time ago, but is very fitting for today.) 

The Dreams Of Life Refocused! Conclusion

(for part 1 see 3/25/26)

We must plan for the present with the end in view. We set our goals in life, always thinking of tomorrow or later. I realize that there are things in life that you must plan for. It is best to prepare for college and career, marriage and family, retirement, and final things. But, it is so very important to keep the finish in mind, always! A correct understanding of the final things in one's life will keep everything else in proper focus. Then we understand that our vision of the finish will determine how we respond to every relationship in life. No matter what decision we may face, the final things will bring a clear perspective to the matter. Ecc. 12:13, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

Therefore, life's choices are governed by our vision of final things. We realize that we live our lives in the present tense. We are planning for tomorrow by the way we live today. That will not only affect our lives but also those who have been entrusted to our care and those who share our sphere of influence on this journey.

Now, getting back to my little gray squirrel (see post for 3/25/26). His creator has given him an innate sense to gather and store provisions. I am sure that what appeared to me to be a frantic search was normal for him. That's the way squirrels are because God created them that way. You and I are created to live on a much higher plane. If God gives an animal an innate sense of provision for its life, God has done so much more for us. The problem comes when we fail to communicate with Him. My little squirrel has an automatic system built into his consciousness for his provision. We are created higher than any other creature in God's creation. We were made for a relationship with God and each other. Our relationship requires communication. If we fail to communicate with God, we cannot receive instructions for our provision.

If we are listening to God, He will instruct us in His plan for us today. He will help us to understand that we live in His will today so that we are in His will tomorrow. If we follow Christ today, we have no need to worry about tomorrow. Our life and future is secure in the grace of Jesus Christ.

2 Tim. 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 

Treasures Of The Heart! by Myra Boozer

Proverbs 2:1, “My son, (or daughter) if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, 2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; 3 For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; 4 If you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.” NASB

The things that I love and hold dear to my heart are just borrowed, they're not mine at all... Jesus only let me use them to brighten my life...So remind me, remind me, dear Lord. The words of an old song hold true today. I have loved and held many things close to my heart. I have had so many blessings and material goods. No, I am not wealthy compared to some. But compared to others, I am. I have had my share of the comforts of life, not extravagant things but enjoyable things. Some have been very useful, some just pretty to look at, and some just plain and simple little treasures. But, things are just that, they are “Things.” Things can be replaced if lost or stolen. They are disposable and transferable. They are things.

Sometimes things get in the way of what is important. They can become too meaningful, taking our time and energy away from what really counts. I am learning to lay them down. Day by day, they are losing their value to me. I have been letting them go from my heart for some time now because I will not take them with me. They have served their purpose thus far, and I am very thankful for all I have been given to enjoy along the way.

I have always tried to keep my head straight as to how I spend our money. I have tried to be saving and practical, you know, the bargain hunter kind of person. But even at a bargain, the “things” you have can become a part of you. You become familiar with them, and they sometimes become “treasures.” They may not be worth much to anyone else but you. They are special to you.

Well, I have had lots of those special things hidden away in old hat boxes or the dresser drawers and in closets, even under the beds. Things I have saved from our only little boy, baby clothes, little cars, and things he saved through the years. Things that make you smile, like a costume I made him for his 1st grade play, pictures he drew of his house, family, and the neighbor's dog. The dog stayed at our house because he loved it so much. You know “treasures” that I don’t plan on throwing out, but my heart is letting go.

I think I understand the purpose is to let go. It isn’t wrong to have things, but it is wrong for things to have us. When what we have and what we do is all about things, and we just want to live on, and on, so we can secure and protect our treasures. We need to release them! No U-Hauls are going to heaven. I don’t want the tears that are wiped away from my eyes to be about the “things” I have accumulated. I will leave all that behind.

1 John 2:15, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world...” I am letting go! The greatest treasures I have are My precious Family, My Relationship with the Lord, and My Understanding of His Word. I celebrate the fact that He died, that I might live, and that has nothing to do with “things.” That is my greatest treasure! And, that my friend, I must hold on to forever and NEVER LET GO. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” Matt. 6:21. 

The Dreams Of Life Refocused!

Matthew 16:26, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

(I wrote this some time ago on a wet, dreary day, inspired by a little gray squirrel). As I sit looking out my window, I observe nature at work in my world. The rain is falling at a steady pace, and a gray squirrel is running from place to place, appearing to be searching for food he has stored. His work must continue whether sunshine or rain. No matter what the weather or circumstance each day brings the same responsibility and need for provision and survival.

We have a lot in common with my little squirrel. We rush at a hurried pace from place to place, searching for whatever we perceive to be the needs of life. And we do that for the entirety of our lives. We rush through our childhood, wishing that we were older so we could participate in the games of life. Whether it is to attain the age of 13 to be a teenager, or 16 to get a driver's license, on we go, experiencing the magic of age, graduating high school, and maybe college.

We hurry through those magical years, thinking that by “obtaining” our lives will be fulfilled. We find a mate, get married, and start a family. We are so very busy learning how to be a companion, parent, and provider, thinking that life will slow down at some point, and we can begin to enjoy who we are and what we do. So, we rush through the early family years thinking that when the children get older, or we land that perfect job, or we achieve this or that, all will be “better” and we can slow down and enjoy the life we have created.

And, before you know it, the children are all grown up, have chosen mates, and have started families of their own. Then we rush through the grandparent years, helping our children and grandchildren to do the same as we have done. We are rushing through time, achieving, thinking all along this journey that at some point we are going to slow down and enjoy the life we have created for ourselves and our families. However, we must plan for the present with the end in view. (continued) 

Who Will Be Ready? by Myra Boozer

Hebrews 9:28, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”

"What kind of people must we be to be ready for the return of the Lord and to enter the kingdom of heaven with Him?" There are many answers to be given. The one that stays with me so much is...We must be watching and waiting for Him (carrying out His commission). He is coming for those who are looking for Him!

We must be set apart from this world and separated from its hold. We must be in a loving relationship with Jesus Christ to want to be with Him. Don't just use Him to "get out of " what is coming upon this world in the form of judgment because of sin and wickedness. Luke tells us, "Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man," Luke 21:34-36 (NLT).

We must have ears to hear and recognize His voice when He gives us direction...also to hear the trumpet sound...not everyone will hear that sound. We must be ready to go with Him. The Word says to be alert, not dulled by careless living.

Do we love the Bridegroom? Are we laying aside every weight that would hinder us from being ready? Are we watching for His coming? The Truth about the Rapture gives us great incentive to deny worldliness and live holy and righteously today because He could come today.

Don't let anything sedate you. Stay watchful! This world can pull you in by its luring bait, which looks all pretty and innocent, but it is a trap and not easy to escape once you have bought into it. Jesus said, "And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things, entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful," Mark 4:19. 1 John 2:15 tells us to “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Who Will Be Ready?