Bonnie J Martin

bonniejmartin

Camping and Fishing

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I hear a bird through the thin camper walls. It is calling the world awake on an early Sunday morning. An alarm clock of sorts. Wake up! Arise. The sun is just over the horizon waiting to make an appearance. Get ready!

We are expecting a little visitor today. His parents are bringing him for a little fishing excursion. We have a life-vest just his size and a fishing pole suitable for his little hands. And snacks! Snacks are a must-have on the boat.

His mama grew up camping and fishing. She’s not a big fan of camping anymore but she enjoys being on the water. His daddy loves to fish when he has the opportunity. So the boy is destined to be a fisherman. And if his uncles and Papa have anything to say about it, he will know how to fish!

His Nonnie is not a big fan of sitting for hours on end with a rod in hand waiting for that catch-of-the-day. But she does enjoy watching her people and snapping pics of the fun. There is always a story in the boat worth capturing. And that is my kind of fishing.

“And He *said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

“So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.” Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.”
‭‭John‬ ‭21:9-11‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Humility

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Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Philippians 2:5-8

Holding back His greatness, He did what no one else could do. He suppressed His glory and packaged it into human form. Did it ooze from His pores? How could His eyes not pierce those He looked at? Demons recognized Him fast but not His own friends.

He got down on our level. He had much bending low to do to get down here. He associated with people like me and you; good-for-nothings. He walked and talked and ate and lived and breathed and did the human thing. But He was God.

He didn’t boast but stooped down and wrote in the dirt. Doodling in dirt while accusers targeted a woman who assuredly messed up but found her Savior. His simple question, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”

He made no accusations. He just reminded. He brought a little perspective. He brought a lot of perspective.

In His perfect mercy, full of grace, bent low in humility, no arrogance in His demeanor, He saved.

Bold Action

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Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.  Philippians 1:12-14

Persecuted and imprisoned, still sharing the gospel.  The very thing that placed him in his circumstance was still so worth sharing. In his imprisoned state, he shared the One that would save his persecutors.

He didn’t see his circumstance as a reason to quit. He didn’t find himself cowering down because someone told him to be quiet. He didn’t stop sharing the most important message just because he faced opposition. Matter of fact, his boldness in the midst of persecution, spurred others to courageous action in sharing the same message.

For the grace and mercy given by the Savior, he shared what he had received.

Will you do the same?

Worn Path

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The path worn through the grass shows exactly where they choose to walk.  It is what they know.  They have worn it down and discovered the safe path for their feet.  It has proven to be the best route for them.

Any potential obstacles are known and easily detected in this worn-down line of exposed dirt.  Stray rocks or fallen limbs become obvious.  It has taken years to open this path with nothing but continual pounding of earth with feet.  That path is not a direct route.  It bends and curves out of the straight line. 

Constant, continual, conditioning of the space transforms it into the desired outcome.  Relentless effort to create this thing that brings certainty.  An open path leading to the intended destination.

So it is with hearts and minds.  Repeated exposure to anything will condition hearts and minds toward that thing.  Becomes normal.  Becomes what feels comfortable. Becomes known.

You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.  Deuteronomy 6:7

Who do you work for?

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Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24

Hitting the ground running on a Monday morning. Already feel behind. Didn’t leave the load light on Friday so expecting it to be a bit heavy this morning. Not how I want to start the week.

But then I remember these verses. My load can be light because of Jesus. He carries by burden. His strength is perfect to carry the load.

As I go about my work, I need to remember this. I need to remember any work I do is for Him.

Just leaving this here so I can remember. Hope it helps you as well.

Anxious for Nothing

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Repost…

I have a history with being anxious. Faced with certain circumstances, I get nervous. My palms get sweaty and my heart races. I force myself to take deep breaths to help calm my nerves. In those deep breaths, I whisper silent prayers. And He hears.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  Philippians 4:6

In those moments of sweaty palms and racing heart, He is with me. He has never left me in a situation that has completely ruined me. He has taught me lessons, for sure, but has been faithful to walk with me and see me through to the other side of the sweaty palms and racing heart.

He offers me peace. He offers me confidence in His faithfulness. He provides assurance of His presence. He dries the sweat on my palms and slows my racing heart. He allows me to survive.

Have you experienced the unspeakable peace that only comes from Him? If so, offer Him your thanksgiving. And continue to thank Him as you make your requests known to Him.

Be Still and Be Loved

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I have a t-shirt with the phrase, “Be Still and Be Loved” written in bold letters. In my busy going and doing and thinking, I find it hard to be still. When I look at that phrase, I focus on the “Be Still” without giving much thought to the “Be Loved.”

I wore the t-shirt yesterday. I glanced in the mirror late last night and really saw the end of the phrase. Normally, I skip the end of the phrase. It’s like I don’t even see it. I see be still and focus on that so hard I skip over the end.

But there it is. Be Loved.

What does that look like to you?

What do you see?

How do you “Be Loved?”

Allow me to say love isn’t all about feelings. Love is choosing to show compassion and care. Love is choosing to attach yourself to another so together you stand supported. Love is unconditional forgiveness.

All that seems to be from me to you. It is giving love. So, how do you “Be Loved?” What does it look like to receive it?

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  John 3:16

To receive love can be hard. It isn’t something I go around thinking about. Oh, let me find some love today. Some have been hurt to the point being loved is scary. Being loved doesn’t seem possible.

Without naming the name, each of us go about our daily lives searching for that deep unwavering acceptance, knowing we are chosen. Being a choice. Being loved. Even in hurt, we still desire to be loved.

God, in His infinite everything, chose to give the perfect display of Love. Accepting that Love is a choice. Being loved is a choice. He is faithful to constantly have a fresh supply available at all times. It is a choice to accept it.

“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Different versions use “be still” in place of the NAS using “cease striving.” I like the NAS. Cease striving. Stop your constant attempts at finding what satisfies outside the only true source. Other attempts may fall short outside His provision.

Be still, cease striving, stop looking elsewhere. Be still and be chosen. Be loved. Know Love. Know God. Know and be chosen.

Be Still and Be Loved.

T-shirt design by MaryAnn Shea.

It’s Personal

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Have you looked at the example Jesus gave in Matthew 6 for prayer recently? If you are reading this you know the one. I learned it in King James. But the version I am using today is New American Standard. Look at it in whatever version you prefer.

It is plural. That model prayer is covering more than the one praying. It is a corporate prayer. Short, to the point, covers necessities, perhaps because of the crowds gathered Jesus chose to use plural pronouns.

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

Perhaps that is Paul’s reason, as well, in Romans 8, as he addresses the people of that place with the reminder of the intercession of the Holy Spirit.

I know my prayers can be strained. Limited by my short attention span. Inadequate for the One to Whom they are addressed.

Many times they are plural. So I cover in prayer anyone that runs through my mind.

But it’s personal. Prayer can be corporate. It can be held where two or more are gathered. But it is also very personal and intimate.

“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6

No fancy words needed. No repetitious quotes. No shouting needed.

Just an open heart sitting in a quiet space welcoming the Almighty into the moment.

Praying you find yourself chatting with Him today.

Cobbler Is My Enemy

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Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. Philippians 3:19

I baked a yummy berry cobbler. I mixed together some strawberries and blueberries and sugar to try making a sourdough tart. It turned out tasty. I had some of the berry jam leftover so I thought I would use it up on an old cobbler recipe. The morning, after finishing off the cobbler, I felt used up! Too much sugar!

Am I the only one that has this problem? I take what is good and gorge until I feel sick. Please tell me I am not alone.

Paul speaks of observing those who walk according to the pattern he has explained. Having an attitude of maturity in the upward call of God. Following an example set that is honoring to that call for Christ.

As I overindulge in sweet, warm, fruity covered cake, I don’t consider the ramifications. All I know is that in that moment, it sure is good. Give me all the sweets. Let me shove them in my mouth to enjoy the yummy goodness of it all.

Even typing that out makes me feel a little sick.

And it should.

In those moments of overindulgence, I am ignoring the God-given fruit of self-control. I am filling my body with a substance that is not beneficial for me. The slight amount of nutrients remaining in the berries did not balance out all the sugar that leaves me feeling drugged after about thirty minutes of sitting in my stomach.

I go back to these verses:

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. 1 Corinthians 10:23

Sugar does not treat my body well. I know this. But yet, I choose to eat it. It provides no nutritional building blocks. It messes up all my building blocks. It leaves me in a stupor, unable to focus, weak and sleepy.

Sounds a lot like living in sin. In the moment, no consideration is given to the ramifications of my behavior and action. In the moment, all that is considered is my selfish desire to do whatever I want that is in front of me that may seem awesome in the moment but what about the moment after. What is left after the selfish desire is acted upon and indulged? That weak stupor of knowing sin invades and takes over and pulls me out of the shelter of the Most High. It separates me from my Savior.

Thankful for the mercy of my Savior. He offers His children the opportunity to turn away and leave sin behind. He offers forgiveness and redemption from sin. He offers an eternal life in existence with Him.

Walk according to the pattern of Christ. Follow Him so closely nothing else has opportunity to sneak in and ruin your walk. Even that bowl full of sweetness.

Names

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This picture isn’t about the reflection of my coffee cup. Not about the glass capturing the reflection. Not about the frame surrounding the glass. Not about the shelf it sits on in my work space.

It sits just above my computer monitors along with pictures of my family. I look up to see my girl and her little family. I look up to see my two boys. I look up to see their daddy and me as young parents. I really need a new picture of us old people!

I look up to see the Names. I read through them. This framed piece of paper printed on the printer sitting on my desk is simple but complex.

Lord, Master. Adonai.

The All-Sufficient One. El Shaddai.

The God Most High. El Elyon.

The God Who Sees. El Roi.

The Creator. Elohim.

The Lord Will Provide. Jehovah-jireh.

The Lord Who Sanctifies You. Jehovah-mekoddishkem.

The Lord My Banner. Jehovah-nissi.

The Lord My Shepherd. Jehovah-raah.

The Lord Who Heals. Jehovah-rapha.

The Lord of Hosts. Jehovah-sabaoth.

The Lord is Peace. Jehovah-shalom.

The Lord is There. Jehovah-shammah.

The Lord Our Righteousness. Jehovah-tsidkenu.

Jealous. Qanna.

LORD. YAHWEH.

May you be reminded of Him today.