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Tag Archives: Tea Pot Testimony
Darkness of a Cloud
Pam Ford Davis
My mood can change as rapidly as the weather; I may start my day as a ray of sunshine and warmth, yet before high noon, I am walking in the fog of a dark cloud. Morning meditations lift my spirits and I bask in the light of my redeemer; problems arise to pelt me and I despair in the darkness of doubt. I desire to walk in the light of the Lord, light of his word, light of the Holy Spirit and light of truth. I dread times of darkness, circumstances when I cannot see his hand in front of my face.
Daddy, don’t play hide-n-seek. Where are you? Come out; come out, wherever you are! He is never far from sight… “Then he said to Moses, ‘I am going to come to you in the form of a dark cloud, so that the people themselves can hear me when I talk to you, and then they will always believe you (Exodus 19:9 The Book/ Living Bible).” God met with his friend Moses in a dark cloud; the communion benefited him and those who eavesdropped on their conversation. I will not fear the dark; Daddy is there!
Alignment
Pam Ford Davis
Our son Lee is a shop manager at a well-established tire business. He knows his business and has wisdom to treat management, staff and customers with courtesy. He has built a steady business and lasting relationships. Many returning customers make periodic visits for alignment. If workers balance sales, installation and maintenance with service all runs smoothly. When there is a weak link, realignment is a necessity.
It may be time for me to make a mental note to do routine maintenance. Am I, a branch aligned to the vine? “Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me (John 14:4-5 TEV).”
It is ludicrous to believe a severed branch will produce fruit; I am a branch and I am depend on the vine. “Father forgive me for trying to do kingdom ministry apart from the Master.”
How Can I Be Sure?
Pam Ford Davis
How can I be sure what people say is truth? I hear many statements from opinionated people, but I would be a fool if I believed they were all true. News channels carry segments where the anchor is interviewing several people all at the same time; it begins with a pointed question, then it becomes a shouting match. Is that informative? Each person believes he or she alone is sharing the truth of the matter, and all others are just spouting error.
I am so grateful that God reveals truth. He does not want me confused or misled by false teachers and has given me the inside story. Jesus prepared his disciples for his death, burial, resurrection and ascension. “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you (John 16:12-14 NIV).”
The Holy Spirit is a good listener; he hears the Father and Son’s spoken word and whispers it in our ear. It is not rumor or opinion; the message is truth. I pray for guidance. He is here. What am I waiting for? “Lord Jesus, thank you for letting me eaves-drop on your conversation with the disciples. I want the Spirit of truth to guide me on lighted paths; place my hand in his and open my ears to his still, small voice. In your name, I pray. Amen.”
A Letter From Mama
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Spring Sing
Pam Ford Davis
God delights in variety; look at people and animals. Yes, His creation gives ample examples of vast differences and each ad to the beauty of His handiwork. The changes of seasons are not as dramatic in all areas of the globe, but changes do occur and most of us have our favorites. I am a fan of spring, summer and autumn.
Spring is alive with the hope of new life. I bubble over as buds blossom and green grass makes a way through winter weary soil. I anticipate the Easter celebration as we worship the Lamb of God. Coats remain in closets and sweaters keep me comfortable as I begin to choose lighter clothing and brighter colors.
Summer months are hot and humid but I do not mind that. I remember the past winter and I try to keep complaints of heat waves to a minimum. There are fresh vegetables from our garden, outings and picnics with friends and family, July 4th flag waving parades. It sadly rolls to a last minute frantic close with Labor Day.
Autumn is a dramatic display of shades of red, orange and brown. My eyes try to take it all in, but it eludes me. I’m not sure if my body temperature needs regulating or the change of seasons finds it difficult to control. I feel a chill when I step outside in the morning or evening, but crank up the AC in the afternoons. Winter lovers can fill in my blanks…
I’ve discovered another benefit of the spring season in scripture. I can celebrate the arrival of the Spring Sing! “For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove Is heard in our land (Song Of Solomon 2:11-12 NKJ).” Praise to God echoes through the land and I want to attend the free concert!
Folly or Fulfillment?
Pam Ford Davis
It is far easier to begin many projects than it is to finish. If we are establishing a new business on pay as you go construction, it can be a slow tedious process. My husband put on both radio and television stations from scratch and I am well aware of the many difficulties that arise. Expenses are nearly impossible to estimate and out-of-pocket funding is painful.
Broadcast towers were one very visible sign that we were close to our goal. We could send the transmitter signal across our area at the flip of the transmitter switch. We located towers and hired a crew of professionals to raise them, then anchor securely with guide wires. It involved a commitment of a large lump sum of cash. We had come so far, if we failed to get the stations on the air, competitors and residents would mock us.
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish’ (Luke 14:28-30 NIV).” Jesus taught a relevant message; discipleship comes at a price of lifelong submission.
Storm Chaser
Pam Ford Davis
Man instinctively runs from storms, taking cover in places of refuge and safety. Today, meteorologists depend on a new breed of adventure seekers; they call upon storm chasers. These men and women run to storms in hopes of catching remarkable film footage and recording detailed statistics on wind speed, amounts of rain and size of hail. Most of us who view the completed work take it for granted; weather forecasters applaud the efforts of storm chasers.
Jesus took complete control of storms; He calmed them and those who cowered in fear. “And behold, there arose a great storm in the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves, but He Himself was asleep. And they came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing!’ And He said to them, ‘Why are you timid, you men of little faith?’ Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and it became perfectly calm (Matthew 8:24-26 NAS).” We marvel at His power!
Why Women?
Pam Ford Davis
The Lord God frequently does what we least expect! If we try to put His activity in a box He is sure to burst it open! Resurrection morning would not be scripted by any of the disciples.
Before complete daylight a close knit group of faithful women began a mission of love, for their departed Lord and friend. They reverently approached His tomb, laden with spices to anoint His body. They likely discussed the problem of getting in to perform their task. The large stone sealing His tomb created a barrier they needed to overcome.
The sight of His open tomb caught them by surprise. This development never crossed their minds, still numb with grief. The stone lay off to the side, giving complete access to the burial place given by a wealthy Council member, yet a follower of Jesus. The kindness of Joseph of Arimathea did not go un-noticed.
The women humbly entered the opening and nearly fainted in the discovery that Jesus no longer occupied the grave! Where is He?
Suddenly in their midst they encountered two men in clothing radiant as a bolt of lightning! The natural reaction of fright gripped the women and they fell to the ground in awe. Maybe this was all a dream! The men then spoke to the women with a penetrating question, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead (Luke 24:5b NAS)?” Before they had time to answer, the message continued, “He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again (Luke 24:6-7 NAS).”
Yes, now they remembered Jesus telling them! It just did not seem possible; they saw Him die! Three days passed by and His lifeless body was sealed inside the tomb!
This was amazing! The morning skies now showed the glow of dawn and their hearts once cold moments before, now pulsed with reborn hope and joy!
Next we come face to face with culture, tradition and prejudice prevalent in the days of Jesus life and ministry. Women did not normally hold a place of authority or great influence. They lived in the shadows and did not expect many changes in their acceptance. In spite of the odds they were given the announcement of Jesus resurrection! Matthew said, “And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to report it to his disciples (Matthew 28:8 NAS).”
Do you read between the lines of scripture? If you do, side step briefly and catch sight of these frail women, lifting their skirts, and breathlessly running to tell the men, found cowering in fear!
That is not all; next they see Jesus face to face! It is true, ladies He is alive! Now, dropping to the ground and grasping His ankles revealed pure love, worship, and a desire to never be out of His sight again! In tender compassion The Son of Man, born of woman, talked to the select group, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to my brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they shall see me (Matthew 28: 10 NAS)”
Don’t lose track of the women’s prized privileges. They were the first to see the open tomb, first to hear an announcement of His resurrection, first to behold Jesus alive, and now first appointed messengers to carry the gospel, the good news of Jesus conquering death!
Did the disciples wrap them in arms of love and share their joy? “And these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them (Luke 24: 11 NAS).” The men soon saw Him themselves through eyes of faith and rejoicing!
Jesus birth announcement came by a heavenly angelic assembly to simple shepherds, outcasts in society. The Easter story targeted women, in their lowly state. Jesus return will need no go betweens. Trumpets will sound and He will appear in the heavens! Every day is Easter! HE’S ALIVE!
The Lamb
Pam Ford Davis
The household pet quickly becomes a central part of the family in many homes, bringing pleasure to young and old. A faithful dog or cat is at your side giving unconditional love. Watching them romp and play brings laughter and joy. Those with a dash of mischief create problems mixed with interest.
Our son, Lee once owned a loyal dog named Kenwood. His Husky and German shepherd mix blended the strengths of both breeds. He was a “one man dog!” In a couple of occasions the housing arrangements made it difficult for having pets. So, we became guardians of Kenwood; but he roamed often, discovering the location of his master. He may not have been a blood hound; but he had the nose of a tracker! Kenwood loved yard sales. Well, his version was more of the variety we see in gardening season, signs posted reading, “Pick Yourself.” He went in yards and picked up anything our son might want, dragging home tools of assorted shapes and sizes, to surprise his master. Lee shares a story about once hearing a strange sound in the distance; getting closer he observed Kenwood dragging a shovel on the pavement! I guess he was a “kleptodogiac!” Another characteristic he displayed to Lee revealed his loving heart. If Lee experienced stress, Kenwood laid his head across Lee’s legs and showed he cared.
Did you know the lamb sacrificed each year at Passover, by the Israelites, often lived as the family pet? (Exodus 12:1-6). The busy family saw him grow, standing firmly on once wobbly legs. They witnessed his growing appetite and stubborn independence. The lamb depended on them for everything; his care and protection rested in their hands. When the Passover observance approached each member of the family eyed the lamb feverishly. They knew he must die; imagine their sorrow!
How could God ask for such a sacrifice? We must remember the reason for the Passover feast and worship. When God’s people were slaves in Egypt He said to Pharaoh, “Let My people go!” He refused God’s demands; and plague after plague fell upon the nation in God’s judgment. The final curse came in the form of the death of the first born in every Egyptian family, and even the first born to animals of the land. The cries of sorrow rang out across the country. God’s people were instructed to kill their lambs, taking blood from the dead carcass and to apply it to the doorframes of their homes, where the roasted lamb sacrifices would be eaten. (Exodus 12:6-9).
Why were they commanded to smear blood on their homes? “And the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt,
(Exodus12:13 NAS).”
Their sacrificed lambs took the place of their firstborn. God provided a way for their deliverance. He provides for our salvation. He sent His firstborn Son, His only begotten Son, to become the Lamb of God, (John 1:36). He laid down His life on the altar of Calvary to become God’s perfect sacrifice, “but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:19 NAS).”
What does God ask in return? He desires us to live for Him, becoming living sacrifices (Romans12: 1-2). It is our reasonable response to His sacrificial love!
Pam Ford Davis 