Blind Leading the Blind

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture

Psalm 100:3 (KJV)

What happens in our churches when the blind lead the blind? What happens in families? We must be mindful not to be Pharisaical in our thinking, and in our approach to life. (It’s easier said than done sometimes!) I think it’s a natural desire for most Christians to want God to work IN us and THROUGH us. But, it gets hard, perhaps a little LESS natural for us when it requires sacrifice. “The eating of crow or taking the high road” can certainly be a challenge. We should make a point to NOT be the type of person who says one thing, but does the opposite. It’s rocky ground! And it hurts the cause of Christ.

I came across an article last year (The Washington Post) in which it told the story of several shepherds. (There’s something about sheep and shepherds that I just gravitate to, so the story caught my attention!)

The setting was not too far from Istanbul, Turkey. It was hot. Early morning time. It was quiet. The sound of hooves on the dirt and wind slightly whistling through the olive trees sprinkled the air. All of the grazing sheep were clustered together eating their morning breakfast. It was a “regular” and ordinary morning under the shepherds’ watch.

Yet…One little sheep wandered away. Casually at first. Then in full throttle, it unexpectedly jumped off a 45 ft precipice to its demise! Gone in an instant!

Then to compound the problem, without hesitation, the other 1500 sheep followed suit! Bam! Before the shepherds could do anything about it – over the cliff ALL the sheep went!

What a horrific and stressful scene that must have been for the shepherds! I can hear their screams and cries in my mind’s eye. How frightening and catastrophic that must have felt in those first few minutes.

The good news?? About 1,000 of the sheep survived because of the billowy, cottony wool that they sported. (And because of God’s grace. It is Amazing!)

It makes me wonder what our Heavenly Father thinks when He sees us…blindly following toward the ravines and gorges in life. Jumping on someone else’s “bandwagon” or taking ought with things we have no business in. We must not be blind in our following, but look to God’s Word. Spend time in prayer. Seek discernment. (Life Moment: You understand that God’s Word does not change. Use God’s Word as your road map and it alone! Because someone seems highly favored, much respected, and well thought of, strangely enough, it doesn't mean they’re not blind themselves.)

Let’s be reminded we’re under the Good Shepherd’s watch! We are HIS Sheep. We are HIS people, if we've accepted Him.  

Yet, how easy it is! We can leave the path of righteousness before we barely know it, and find ourselves right smack-dab in the middle of a rocky, barren, snake infested cliff!

If you see (or hear) a fellow sheep straying, try to call out. Help them! Point them BACK to the safety of our Shepherd. Not in a judgmental way, but in a spirit of love. They may not accept your Christian insights, but at least you will have tried to point them to the caring arms of our Good Shepherd. HIS rod and staff will protect us!

Look UP my friends! 

Wealth and Riches

Warren Buffett. Does his name ring a bell? Does 60 billion dollars ring a bell? Well, it doesn’t resonate too deeply to me either – that amount of money. Ha! But it’s noteworthy for a couple of reasons.

After recently completing radiation treatments for prostate cancer, he’s still going strong at age 83. The gentleman, Warren Buffett, is considered to be the world’s FOURTH richest man. (I don’t know the top 3). Buffett is estimated to be worth $58.5 billion to be exact. 

That’s B with a billion; not M as in million.  According to Forbes’ website, Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway teamed up with 3G Capital to pick up legendary ketchup maker H.J. Heinz for $23.2 billion and a Berkshire subsidiary is buying Nevada's NV Energy for $5.6 billion. It is reported that Buffett gave over $2 billion of Berkshire stock to the Gates Foundation in July, bringing his lifetime giving to nearly $20 billion. (I think it’s pretty fantastic that he gives away such a generous portion of his accumulated wealth!)

And by the way, the Gates Foundation – that would be Mr. Bill Gates and his wife’s charitable entity. I read that Mr. Gates has enough wealth to purchase EVERY home in Alaska, North and South Dakota, and Wyoming. I've read that he has enough paper money to cover every square inch of Manhattan no less than 6 times. We’re talking big money! It’s said that he could own 85% of the entire world’s diamond industry and STILL have hundreds of millions left over.

Wow – that’s an astounding amount of wealth. An astonishing amount of money – really so large that it’s beyond my comprehension. I've dreamed about suddenly coming into a million dollars. I personally don’t play the lottery, but its fun to dream.

What would I do? Would I buy a home in Hawaii?  Would I start an animal sanctuary for abused circus animals? Would I buy needed items for my family? It can be harmless to daydream sometimes. (Life Moment: The key is to avoid covetousness and jealously. The LOVE of money is different than acquiring it. God DOES bless His children in varying degrees! It's not necessarily a bad thing to have nice things! God blesses His people.            I Timothy 6:10 (KJV) 

So, this idea of success, riches,  and “wealth” gives way to thoughts about WHAT do we really value on earth? In what ways do we consider ourselves truly WEALTHY?

The Bible says, “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?” Matthew 16:26 {KJV}

I think this question puts it into perspective for us all! The person without wealth (penniless) with Jesus in his heart is FAR wealthier than a billionaire with countless riches in his portfolio. (I have no idea about Mr. Gates or Mr. Buffett’s spiritual status – I’m simply stating that money doesn't quantify eternal life in heaven!)

Really think about it…do you VALUE God in your life? Do you VALUE your time with Him? Your time devoted in service to the Lord? Simple Truth: It’s important to store up our treasures in heaven MORE than on earth!

Fill in the blank. I am rich in_______________. I value__________the most in this life.

Look UP my friends!

Does Your Talk Match Your Walk?

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness – Romans 6:19 (KJV)

I’ll come right out and say it; just jump right in with today’s thoughts- Our language, like our clothing, should be kept clean. We seem to be inundated with bad or undesirable language from all groups and all ages. It’s exhausting on the Christian conscience to listen to it – even by default.

I remember my mom literally once washed my brother’s mouth out with soap when he was about 10 years old. He had become angry and let forth a slew of words that would make any grown man blush. She tried to calm him down, which resulted in an increase of verbal assault. Hence, out came the soap. (He laughs about it now).

Now, I know in this generation, it would probably be considered child abuse by many, but it worked back in the early 1980’s. Such parenting styles aren’t permitted these days, but it certainly isn’t’ because the language has improved!

I just had my ears burned and conscience seared in a restaurant this week. We were darting in for a quick supper. The young people in the next booth partook in what I felt was a vulgar, inappropriate language – their conversation was very casual, unassuming, and without any ashamedness at all. I was exhausted by the time they left (From trying to block it all out of my mind). 

I’m not trying to be dogmatic, but it’s no wonder that 89% of high school principals have reported receiving vulgar, provocative, and cursed language every day of the school year – either toward themselves, other students, or teachers. (I read that poll online).

Perhaps you’ve read about the great Welsh revival of the 1900’s?! After the large group of coal miners accepted Christ Jesus into their hearts, their speech was changed!  Their behavior changed! In this spiritual transformation, the horses they used every day to haul the coal out of the mines became affected too. 

The horses could NO LONGER understand the miners. Their clean speech was totally FOREIGN to the horses. I found that quite extraordinary! And sad.

So, let us be mindful of our speech. Our language. Our words. Our communication. Let’s maintain as positive and wholesome a quality as possible. Let’s ask ourselves, does my TALK match my WALK?

In times of stress, God will guide us,
So we will, in His grace be strong,
For by His grace we can conquer each trial,
Lord, help my lips to say nothing wrong.

Your forgiveness and Your mercy,

Every day I need,

During my walk let me keep my tongue guarded,

Not just tomorrow, but today is my plea.

That I may be a light to others

A trophy of grace I want to be

Until then, may my lips stay closed,

Until the day Your face I one day see!

       By: Kimberly Hemric© 2014

Look UP my friends! 

Walked on Water

Tonight my husband and I are privileged to be singing in a revival a couple of towns away. As of late, one particular song has ministered to so many throughout various churches. Although our personal ministry sometimes seems small, I've seen God move in big ways across our state and neighboring states! I hope this song is a blessing to you…take your time and read it slowly! Take a moment to remember where God has brought you from…be reassured that the same Jesus who walked on the water and calmed the stormy seas is the same God we serve! Amen!

As I kneel in the darkness in the middle of the night
I’m praying for assurance everything’s gonna’ be alright...
Lord I see another battle out in front of me
I’m afraid I won’t be able and I’ll go down in defeat

And He said, Didn’t I walk on the water and I calmed the raging sea
I spoke to the wind, it hushed and I gave you peace
Didn’t I run to your rescue didn’t I hear you when you called...
I walked right beside you just so you wouldn’t fall
Didn’t I leave all of Heaven just to die for your sin
I searched until I found you and I’d do it all again

He said, do you remember where I brought you from
Just take a look behind you at how far you’ve come
And everytime you asked me, didn’t I deliver you
So why would you be thinking that I wouldn’t see you through

Now she’s talking to her father in a house that was once a home
She said my bills are coming due Lord and six days is not that long
She hears a voice so still and low
It says I’ve moved like that before
And I’ll do this little thing and I’ll give you so much more

Songwriter: Linda Gibson Johnson

Look UP my friends! 

A Bedtime Prayer

Night is drawing nigh and it will soon be time to rest

But not before I say needed prayers,

To remember, on this day my life is blessed.

The day has wrought a valley and testing down here

 The adversary my soul disturbs and sharply scatters fear.

Yet, let me be still in the presence of God this eve

Quiet my mind; Lord, grant me peaceful reprieve!

As night comes forth may I reflect upon today,

With a thankful heart and God’s Word guiding my way.

For His ways are true – His paths are steady and just

Say my bedtime prayers? It’s a spiritual daily must!

By Kimberly Hemric© 2014

Bedtime Prayer: Heavenly Father, as the day draws to an end, I want to thank you for this very day. All of your gifts and all of your blessings you bestowed me. The night is dark – but your Word is a lamp unto my feet; a Light unto my path. The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold around me, within me, and inside my heart.  May the quietness of your voice resound inside my head. My home. My spirit. Allow me to look hopefully and expectantly to You, the giver of ALL good things; the keeper of every tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Look UP my friends!

A Scottish Farmer

Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe, though it be told you – Habakkuk 1:5 (KJV)

In doing a little research here and there, I could not validate the entire truth of what I’m about to share with you. But, I have had the thought, “God works in mysterious ways,” on my mind of late. He is so good in so many unusual and exciting ways!  I pray this will serve as an inspirational thought.

Do you recognize the Fleming name? Those of you in the medical field might find it familiar…

Fleming was his last name – a nice, unassuming fellow. He was a meager Scottish farmer. One day, while he was working among his crops, he heard a cry from he thought was a nearby farm dog. Like how a parent knows the cry of their child, he knew the cry was one of pain and fright. Fleming didn’t know to whom or what the cry belonged to – but he knew it was an emergency!

Farmer Fleming dropped his tools and ran toward the frantic sound. There, caught up almost to his waist in black muck, was NOT a dog, but a terrified boy, screaming and hollering with all of his strength. He was obviously struggling and writhing to free himself from certain death as the quagmire pulled him lower and lower into the earth. Farmer Fleming, able to think fast on his feet, was able to save the young boy. He seemed to be at the right place at just the right time.

The next day, a fancy carriage arrived at Fleming’s sparse abode. A well-dressed and aristocratic looking gentleman stepped out and introduced himself as the dad of the young boy he had saved the day before. He wanted to repay the humble farmer.

"You saved my son's life,” he said.

Fleming graciously declined to accept a payment of any kind. Simultaneously, his own son came to the door of the little farm shack.

 (I have directly pasted this next part of the story from an online site – I am unable to find the site name at the time of this posting.)

"Is that your son?" the nobleman asked. "Yes," the farmer replied proudly.

"I'll make you a deal. Let me take him and give him a good education. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll grow to a man you can be proud of."

And that he did.

In time, Farmer Fleming's son graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the nobleman's son was stricken with pneumonia. What saved him? Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill.

Isn't that amazing?! God really works in mysterious ways!


Look UP my friends! 

2 Christian Poems

This Christian poem tells of Jesus' never-failing support for us. It's a Christian inspirational poem that's also a Christian rhyme. This poet does a wonderful job…I’m always thankful when God speaks to the heart through songs, poetry, and music. They compliment God’s Word so often!

The poem I wrote is below it.

You’re Always There for Me

When the world comes crashing in
And chaos rules my mind,
I turn my heart to you, Lord,
And pure, sweet peace I find.

You lift me out of trouble
You comfort me in pain;
You nourish, heal and cleanse me,
Like cool, refreshing rain.

In times of joy and bliss,
When things are going right,
You lift me even higher,
And fill me with delight.

You listen to my prayers;
You hear my every plea;
I’m safe because I know
You’re always there for me.

By Joanna Fuchs

 God Created Me

God created me to be me
 He created me in His time – in His way,
And since God made me who I am,
In my Christian-walk I want to stay.

It’s not by works that I should boast

Or by my tongue that I am saved,
But it’s through the Cross of Calvary

That my Lord, Jesus, made a way

I don’t want to pretend that I’m anything I’m not

I don’t want to lead someone astray

But I want to encourage others to walk

In the good old Gospel way

I’ll never get over His love so great

For everyone - tall, short, thick, or thin

God sent His Son to die for me

He paid the price for my sin!

By: Kimberly Hemric © 2014

Look UP my friends! 

Happy as a Camel on Wednesday

People love people – maybe not ALL people – but we usually love someone. When we’re extremely blessed, you will love many people, and in return be reciprocated that love. We’re innately made to love each other. Even when we’re scrupulously unlovable, a sovereign God LOVES His children. (In spite of ourselves). 

Kids too love things…their Lego’s®, their iPods, iPads, their pet, cheese pizza, swimming pools, and snow days.  There are lots of things to love about life! God is generous in His mercy that way.

This past week I enjoyed some vacation time with my husband. I thoroughly love vacation time, don’t you?!

My curiosity was piqued by a sweet young boy – about 7 years of age – as he was sitting on a hectic street in our tropical destination. He wore no shoes. His shirt was filthy – it had once been yellow in color – but over time it had turned into a tobacco brown flush. His hair was unkempt. I noticed he had beautiful white teeth that stood out on his bony features. His dingy and torn shorts hung low on his slender body, obviously too big for his size.

The street was busy with tourists. Men were yelling for taxis, t-shirts and straw hats hung on poles, heavy aromas of cumin and curry wafted in and out of the hot air. People were rushing to and fro buying souvenirs and going to their destinations.

I observed him dart into a dark bungalow. No shirts, bags, or hats lined the front. I saw one light bulb dimly burning from within.  Within short order, I saw him return to his perch on the polluted sidewalk with a black banana. He smiled to himself as he peeled it with great care – and dipped his fingers into the fruit – savoring its flavor. 

Frankly, it broke my heart.

I pointed him out to my husband and suggested we try to buy the little fella’ a fresh banana or something substantial to eat. He immediately agreed.

The little guy didn’t speak English, but he did understand the universal sign to “eat” by placing one’s fingers to their lips. He just laughed and shook and his head. I pointed to the store next door – and held up a five dollar bill to him – offering him to go in and buy something to eat.

 He wouldn’t take the money, but he went into the store. After careful consideration, he chose 2 items. One candy car and one pack of shower caps. I know, right? Shower caps. Three to a box. $1.99.

I was thinking to myself, “How precious. He’s buying those caps for his mom or grandma most likely.”

I smiled – offered him a burrito on the counter – he politely turned it down. He was content with his selection. With the purchases made, he offered me a hand shake and returned to his self-designated spot on the street. He looked as “happy as a camel on Wednesday!”

We went on our way as we continued our walking “tour” of the city.

When we returned to the same street about 45 minutes later, there he was…sitting on the corner. Playing with a stick in the dirt. Wearing a mint green shower cap!

I had to laugh out loud at his innocent contentedness! His simple pleasure in life. He waved at us from across the street and formed a heart with his fingers over his chest.

It brought tears to my eyes. That little boy, in that precise moment, was a real expression of love. Isn't the love of a kid life changing? The love from another human being? No matter how small or new? It reminded me of the old hymn that states, “Grace and love, like mighty rivers, Poured incessant from above.”

I've included 3 of the 4 stanzas in today’s post…I hope you will take a few moments to enjoy the song. Verse 3 happens to be my favorite. Trusting it blesses you too!                  

Here is Love – By William Rees (1802-1883)

1.    Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Loving-kindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout heav’n’s eternal days.

2.    On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.

3.    Let me, all Thy love accepting,
Love Thee, ever all my days;
Let me seek Thy kingdom only,
And my life be to Thy praise;
Thou alone shalt be my glory,
Nothing in the world I see;
Thou hast cleansed and sanctified me,
Thou Thyself hast set me free.

Look UP my friends!

A Boy and His Wolf

If you've been reading my blog for any time, then you may share my belief that little things do mean a lot!

I read a little story on the internet a few weeks back that stuck with me. It was the story of little 9 year old boy who was having surgery. He was nervous. Scared. And very anxious about being put to sleep.

He decided to take his stuffed wolf with him to the hospital. In his thinking, since his beloved wolf had a broken ear and a wounded leg, perhaps the doctors could operate on him too!

The little fellow was bold – he actually asked the doctor if Wolfie could be operated on…but his parents said, “no” to the request and stopped the conversation.

But! When his parents walked into the recovery room (from a successful surgery) they saw an amazing thing. There was Wolfie, next to their son on his gurney, this time with a surgical mask, a little cast, and some pretty well intact sutures to his leg and ear.

I think the surgical team shared an incredible amount of kindness and compassion for this 9 year old. Their few moments of kindness – doing this seemingly little thing – for this boy and his wolf toy – sent a HUGE message!

Isn't it a blessing to see someone else’s blessing?! Let's do "something little" as God gives us the opportunity...

Look UP my friends!