Thursday, January 28, 2016

Quiet Blessings

     Beginning tomorrow my husband and I will be relaxing and rejuvenating for a week. My blog will resume on Monday, February 8th.
Try the introvert’s passion for quiet and spend time with God over the next week. Take some good time to read His Word and to pray. You will be blessed. Here ae some ideas for chapters to read.

Psalm 100
Proverbs 3
Isaiah 55
Colossians 1
Philippians 4
John 1
John 14

Jesus,
Protect us with Your sovereign grace. Surround us with Your love and remind us of our blessings each day.

Amen

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Find Your Spot

     Embrace the way God has made you. Some of us often make our decisions with our hearts and others with our heads. Some of us prefer to have a plan for each day. Others love to “go with the flow.” Some of us are intuitive and others need to see, hear and touch the world around them in a practical way. The extroverts love social settings; the more the merrier! Introverts need to regain energy by themselves in contemplation and quiet.

     Find the place where your heart sings. Don’t compare God-given gifts and talents to another person’s gifts or abilities. God honors the quiet gifts. Maybe no one else notices, but your heavenly Father does. The body of Christ needs you.

On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable. 1 Corinthians 12:22

     Absolutely no one can take your place in God’s kingdom. No one. You are indispensable.

Lord,
You love us more than we can comprehend and You allow us to serve in our churches, in our communities, in our families in just the way you choose. We want to listen to You and Your Word. You have a spot picked just for us.
In Jesus name,

Amen

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Introverts in the Church?

     In an extroverted culture and an extroverted church, how do we find a spot to shine? We are often looked at as mysterious, anti-social, and uninvolved. The truth is our brains take in and process information in a very different way from the extrovert.

     Extroverts continually process information, immediately able to speak and think on their feet. Introverts process more slowly and need to take time in quiet to sort through information. The quiet ones at a meeting may have just as much to offer, but are often not heard or are simply overlooked.

     The introvert may be the best listener, the one-on-one counselor, the teacher, the one behind-the-scenes. Find your place. God has a purpose and a plan for each of us. He made you just the way you are. This verse may sum up our quiet demeanor.

My brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19

     Extroverts, take note! Take time to draw us out and listen. Don’t be offended when we leave early or stay quiet. We are just observing and taking our time, reflecting and thinking before we take part.

Jesus,
How wonderful it is to recognize the beauty in our differences. We hope to understand one another and to take the time to listen in patience. Help us all to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Amen


Monday, January 25, 2016

Introverts in the Church?

     Can introverts survive in the church? How do we use our skills and gifts and yet retain our energy? So much of church life is geared around socializing, fellowship and doughnuts! As introverts, both my husband and I are uncomfortable with the “sharing the peace” every Sunday. Our new extroverted and energetic Pastor says something like this: “Stand up! Move around! Get away from your pews and say hi!”

     Help! I am reading a book called, “Introverts in the Church” and it is changing my perspective. It acknowledges the rich gifts of the introvert and how to recharge and make sure we don’t become burnt out or filled with self-conscious doubt.

     Have you ever thought that Jesus might have been an introvert? Remember, after being with large crowds of people, He always took time away in solitude. His group of closest friends was small. There were Peter, James and John, the closest of the twelve to Jesus.

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for Him and when they came to where He was, they tried to keep Him from leaving them. Luke 4:42

One of those days, Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12

 Lord,
We thank You for all of our varied personality types. Help us to understand one another and to take the time to listen. You love us just the way we are made and You have made each one of us able to serve.
Amen


Friday, January 22, 2016

Changes

     Our final and eternal transformation will change these earthly vessels into eternal bodies. The perishable becomes the imperishable. Living forever with Jesus on the new earth and in the new heaven will be more spectacular, more colorful, more invigorating, more worshipful, more fascinating than anything we can imagine.

…in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound. The dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.: 1 Corinthians 15: 52-54

However, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard and what no human mind has conceived,” –the things God has prepared for those who love Him-1 Corinthians 2:9

    Nothing we can conceive in our minds, see with our eyes, hear with our ears can prepare us for heaven. One day we will be imperishable and immortal. Changed forever into glory!

Jesus,
Our final transformation awaits us. Keep us ever-mindful of the anticipation of heaven. It will get us through the deepest hurt, the most difficult days, the suffering of our hearts. We know the end of ths story and it is all about You.
Amen


Thursday, January 21, 2016

Changes

     Two of the definitions for the word “change” include, “a change of clothes” and “substitution.” When Jesus died for us on the cross and rose again from the dead, He offered to us a substitution for sin. He offers us a change of spiritual clothing. The spiritual realm, both evil and good, can see that we belong to Jesus.

     You are clothed with Christ and with His righteousness.

I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me in garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest and like a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:27

     Clothed with Christ and arrayed with His salvation and righteousness as a bride adorns herself with jewels. You are covered with the beauty and glory of Christ. Live as His child. You are covered with hope and adorned with light, now and forevermore.

Jesus,
We clothe ourselves with You. You have saved us from our sins and promise us eternal life. It is the only true hope for us on earth. Adorn us for the journey today.
Amen



Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Changes

     It’s hard to imagine that this unchanging, steadfast, faithful and loving God can change us in the most astounding ways. It may not even be evident at first.  Our outward appearance and actions may appear and feel the same, but the change begins. It is a work of the heart.
                                                                                                   
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

     You are a new creation. The changes can be subtle at first, a little more loving here, a little less anger there, a sprinkle of forgiveness here, a touch of kindness there. The annoying becomes bearable. The bitterness softens. The cravings of the old life, melt away into a hunger for goodness and righteousness and holiness.

For you were once darkness; but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light; for the fruit of the light consists of goodness, righteousness and truth. And find out what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10

     Our gracious God creates in us a new heart that transforms our way of life. Walk as a child of the light! And find out what is pleasing to God.

Lord,
Let our lives shine with Your goodness and righteousness. We are blessed to have Your Word available to us daily. Let us soak ourselves in it until we recognize Your voice above everything else. Guide us into truth and holiness.
In Jesus name,
Amen


Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Changes

     Change is inevitable. Dealing with change and uncertainty becomes possible when you know the certain and unchanging God.

Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, and today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

     Our unchanging Savior will steady your faltering hope. His love will anchor you in a stable place, even when the waves seem about to overpower you.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6: 19

     This unwavering hope of the soul picks us up time and time again. Trust in the forever God. His love is unchanging. His hope is in your heart. No matter what is falling apart around you, He is there.

The grass withers, and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God endures forever. Isaiah 40:8

Father,
You are unchanging. Jesus remains the same. The world around us may fall apart, but You are forever. Help us to place You as number one in our lives. You are the anchor, the ever-present hope.

In Jesus name,
Amen

Monday, January 18, 2016

Changes

     Facing change in life is inevitable. We may look at finishing a project, changing jobs, moving on from a relationship or saying an earthly goodbye, as endings. God does not control our choices or our circumstances, but He uses them to teach, to discipline, to change, to transform and to lead us to the path He has ready for us.

     The power of Christ redeems, restores, re-invigorates and resurrects. What are you missing today? What has changed and left you unsure? What decisions do you have to make that seem impossible? God has a plan and an answer. And He always works for good.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

     Has God called you to be His? His plan and purpose are waiting. He will find a way for you. And this plan is GOOD!

Jesus,
We long to trust You with our lives. Work in our indecision, in our doubts and help us to find a new beginning leading us closer to You.
Amen


     

Friday, January 15, 2016

Resurrection Power

     I pray you will be filled, strengthened and comforted by God’s Holy Spirit within you. His Spirit is supernatural power straight from heaven. The Bible tells us we have available to us the same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead!

And His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 1:19-20

     His incomparably great power is within you. That strength and power can get us through this life, day by day, situation by situation, minute by minute. He is available to share His peace during a time of anxiety, His comfort during a time of grief, His joy during a time of blessing, His hope during a time of despair. Feel His power surge through you. Plug into it today and light up the world around you. Christ lives in you!

Jesus,
Your resurrection power is available to Your followers. Indwell us in mighty ways to change our inner selves and to change our surroundings. We don’t understand it all, but we believe.
Amen


     

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Rest and Refreshment

     I find it interesting that God has me writing about zeal, fervor, passion and power during a week of very little sleep. My fervor has failed, my zeal is zapped and my passion is pooped! How are you today? What is swirling around in your mind? Is your body tired and weak? I pray you will be filled with God’s power and enthusiasm.
                                                                                                   
     If you are like me, or have something else on your mind, take a Bible concordance and look up a word or two and I guarantee you will find answers, hope and rest for your soul. Today I leave you with some verses I looked up for the unrest in my body. And tonight I will trust God for refreshment and rest.

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

     The key to keeping our passion and zest alive, is to allow God to work in us at all times, satisfying our deepest needs and relying on His strength in each day. Allow Him to work and He will revitalize your weary soul.

Father,
We need Your strength and power today and everyday. Refresh us. Allow us to rest and be rejuvenated. Fill us again with power and joy.
In Jesus name,
Amen


     

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Passion and Power

     The Holy Spirit will fill you with God’s power. This power of the Holy Spirit comes through prayer, through faith and through the Word of God. Get to know the Bible. The truth about God will change your attitude. The Word will speak truth into your life. The lies of the world will not entice or confuse you.

     And the passion and zest for life you thought you had lost, or maybe never had, will infuse you with light and joy. The true answers for life come in connection with the One who created us for His glory. All of creation is connected to Jesus. And we long for Him in the deepest part of us. He is enough. He is more than enough. He is sufficient for this day and for the next day and for the day after that. Whatever comes your way, scary or fun, imagined or real, disaster or delight He will be there. Fill your life with passion and zest and power.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly…Colossians 3:18a

Jesus,
You are the missing passion in our lives. Fill us with the power of Your Holy Spirit; the power that brings hope and peace and joy. Renew in us a spirit filled with zest and excitement. Show us how to get ready for eternity.

Amen

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Fervor and Zeal

     Has Jesus given you fervor and zeal for life? If we are waiting and watching, God will offer us opportunities to serve one another, to offer hope to each other and to give and share His love and compassion with others.
                                                                                                    
     We all have unique gifts that God uses. Your purpose in life will look different than mine. I love working and serving with older women of faith. Having turned 60 last year, I love to see zeal and passion for Jesus in those in their 70’s and 80’s and even 90’s. As long as we live, Jesus has purpose for us.

     The definitions for “fervor” and “zeal” include these descriptive words: passion, intensity, emotion, warmth, earnestness, eagerness, excitement, enthusiasm, energy, fire, spirit, zest.

     Read through the list. Are you excited and eager to serve Jesus? Is your spirit on fire with zeal and intensity? The word “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek language meaning to be inspired by God. May He inspire us into our old age and keep us planted like trees, still bearing good fruit.

They will still bear fruit in old age. They will stay fresh and green. Psalm 92:14

Lord,
Fill us with passion and zeal for You. Inspire us with Your Word and Your love until we can’t help but speak of You and act for You in the world. You fill our hearts with the deepest compassion and hope. Raise our enthusiasm and eagerness and zeal even bearing fruit in old age.
In Jesus name,

Amen

Monday, January 11, 2016

Passion and Zest

     Our home team, the Minnesota Vikings lost a playoff game yesterday. The final field goal, a relatively short one, would have won us the game. The die-hard fans began the pre-game festivities early in the morning on a -10 degree day. Wind chills hovered around -20 degrees. Their zeal and their fervor were not diminished by the bone-chilling temps.

     The anticipation and the excitement of the fans never fails to amaze me. They dress in purple. They paint their faces. They cry at a loss as if their very lives were coming to an end. And the winning games are never lost in conversation and memory.

     If only we shared that type of passion for our Lord. The football fans don’t care how crazy they look. This passion is top priority in their week, in their speech, in their plans, in their parties.

     We don’t need to paint our faces and scream. The world wouldn’t listen. But if our inner passion and zest moved us to serve and love and affected our lives like the sports fans, we would make a difference.

     Is it time to reorganize our priorities? It doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a sporting event. It is just a reminder of what we hold most dear. May our passion and zeal for Jesus never end and may it show in the way we live our lives.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

Jesus,
Let our lives show real passion and zeal for You above all else. Our priorities are all mixed up in the world around us. Help us to enjoy our lives, but not at the expense of losing our zeal for You above all else. We pray for each other. Let our lives be zealous for You.

Amen

Friday, January 8, 2016

The One and Only

     Man-centeredness is all around us. We selfishly express our needs and wants. We luxuriate in our comfort zones. We “deserve” the best clothes, cars and homes. After all, we have worked hard. Man-centeredness allows us to veer from God’s path. The world says we can. And so we do. We follow. We fall. We need. We want.

     God-centeredness allows us to seek God’s glory rather than our own. All of creation was made for His benefit. And we turned away. The evil in this world of ours takes us off of the path of righteousness, right where Satan wants us. Focus your eyes on the Creator of the universe. Ask for Him to make the plans. Ask for Him to make a path for life. And ask to share His glory.

     This God-centered life leads to deep peace, joy and fulfillment. And nothing else will do. He has the Words to eternal life. He quenches our hunger and thirst. Work on the inward and it will show. Make this New Year all about the One and the Only, Jesus Christ.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

This is how God showed His love among us. He sent His One and Only Son into the world that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9

Jesus,
It’s hard to remember to live through You and for You. Keep our minds set on glorifying You and not ourselves.
Amen


Thursday, January 7, 2016

Meaning

     In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, listed as the wisest man in the world, ponders the meaning of life. The Bible echoes our doubts, our fears, our mistakes and our questions. The human authors, with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, help us understand and acknowledge our frailties and weaknesses. With all of his wisdom, Solomon finds vanity in much of life. The first ten chapters would have you believe all is meaningless.

     With all of his wealth and with all of his wisdom, something was lacking in King Solomon. In the end, Solomon realizes it is all about God. All of his searching had been focused on everything “under the sun.”  What we all need to do is to look beyond the sun and into heaven where the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords resides. He has the answers to our earthly lives and to the eternal questions of our hearts.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart and, yet, no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

     Everyone has eternity in their hearts. That may be one reason there is such a fear of death. The unknown awaits. Believing in Christ alleviates our fear of death. He is there, waiting. We cannot fathom the beginning from the end. But our gracious God has the whole world in His hands.

Jesus,
We love and trust You with all of the doubts and questions that we simply cannot fathom. So much does not make sense on this earth. One day we will understand. Keep us from fearing the unknown and from chasing the meaningless vanities of life under the sun.
Amen

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Heavenly Imaginings

     Do you imagine heaven as boring? Do you see us sitting on clouds playing harps? Don’t believe it! We will have bodies, real bodies that will never wear out. When Jesus appeared in the forty days following the resurrection, He suddenly appeared in a room without walking through a door. He cooked fish on a beach and ate with His disciples. His body had flesh and bone and doubting Thomas could feel and see His wounds. (see John 20 and 21)

     We will have responsibilities and be able to move freely without limits of time and space. Your wildest dreams and imaginings will not be able to bring into focus what will be our home in heaven. Keep eternity in mind. Our short life spans are nothing in comparison. Store up treasures in heaven. Work for Jesus and not for yourself. The rewards will be great.

But as it is written, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9

Father,
No eye has seen nor ear heard what You have prepared for us because of Jesus. Our humble service on earth will mean something in eternity. Keep us focused on those eternal rewards which will be given by Your Son.
In Jesus name,

Amen

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

The Moments of Life

     Our loved ones, our family and friends cut our burdens in half and double our joys. Life is meant to be shared and lived. We win and we lose. We suffer and we sing. We grieve and we laugh. We worry and we rest. We work and we play. And when the opposite ends of the pendulum swing from our greatest joys; our weddings and babies and promotions to our deepest sorrows; a death or a diagnosis or a loss, we call our Bff, we fall into the arms of our spouse, we hug our kids.

     Reach out and tell someone you love them today. Appreciate the moments we live together. Thank Jesus for your family and friends. Make memories. Share Jesus. Is it time to bring hope to someone you love? Is it time to be kind to a co-worker? We all need hope and healing in some way.

Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

     We are in the world at this time, for this season for a reason. Let’s live life together, in Christ.

Lord,
Show us how to live in light of eternity. We have so much to give because of You. You have given us all things. Let us reach out to others this year. And thank you for those we love.

Amen

Monday, January 4, 2016

The Moments of Life

     While watching a funny movie on New Year’s Day our smiles were interrupted by a commercial for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the heartbreaking images of children with cancer and disabilities. Sitting and chatting with good friends at a holiday party, reminiscing with laughter led to somber expressions and teary eyes when the conversation took a turn to the suicide of a classmate’s daughter.

     The moments and memories of life can switch from joy-filled to traumatic in the blink of an eye. And without Jesus, how do we get through? His love, His compassion, His understanding, His strength, and His willingness to share our burdens makes the toughest moments bearable.

So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

     This year let your life be filled with images of our Lord. Get to know His voice and fill up in His presence when life gets too tough. During the moments you don’t understand, He will be with you and He will smile with you during the moments of pure joy. Take in every moment. This life can change in an instant. But He is ready and able to see you through.

Lord,
Life without you is unmanageable and at times, terrifying. The answers will not all be given until one day in eternity where we will see all the pieces of the puzzle. For now, we take each step trusting You.
In Jesus name,

Amen