Friday, April 28, 2017

The Journey


I pray for all of you as I write, praying that God will be with you and speak to you through His words. The Bible holds great power. It is alive and it delves deep into our souls. Memorizing Scripture will prepare us for any and all circumstances. Saying the word of God out loud shoos Satan away and beckons the angels to surround us.

Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. Psalm 103:20

There are Scriptures just for you no matter where you are, no matter what you need. Comforting Scripture to combat fear and grief, to rejoice in praise or gratefulness, to share the Gospel, to remind you of heaven and hope, to ease our anxiety, to share history, science, poetry and so much more.

Scripture holds the keys from the beginning to the end. And Jesus has the answers.

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, “My purpose will stand and I will do all that I please.” Isaiah 46:10

Thank You Father for the gift of Your word. Give us time to dig deeper into it, to understand more and more of who You are and Your plans for us. We resist our enemy and listen to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen






Thursday, April 27, 2017

The Journey


My mom died the day after my wedding.  The final stages of cancer left her in the hospital the week of and during our special day. Walking through that grief as a newlywed left me helpless and left my husband wondering what to do with me. Throughout that time, I was diagnosed with an eye disease that would, one day, leave me legally blind, and my husband lost his job. All of the above left us floundering for answers.

Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5b

I began to pray. This was the beginning of finding Jesus. I came to the end of myself and asked for help. God placed the right people in my life and sometimes slowly, but steadily, He has given me great opportunities to serve Him, such as leading crisis ministry teams and teaching Bible studies and now through the written word.

It is astounding for me to look back over what now spans thirty years of a deep and abiding marriage and a deep and abiding faith. Jesus has changed my life in so many ways. His purpose for me continually drives me with passion and joy. Much suffering has been a part of our family’s life over the years, but the blessings far outnumber them. And the craziness of it all has given me a strong and loving marriage as well as two amazing, beautiful, kind, awesome (you get the picture) daughters and one awesome son-in-law.

Hang on through the sorrowful times. Jesus will bring good from them. I saw a quote years ago when I was feeling down about the circumstances surrounding me and I have never forgotten it.

“If God removed the rocks, a brook would lose its song.” Author unknown.

I pray your song is making a beautiful melody today.

Lord,

I can only thank You for everything, all of it, difficult, delightful, and disastrous. You continue to give us difficult and necessary lessons along the way. I put my trust in You to get me through life’s journey, until one day, the tears, and the pain will be gone forever. Joy will remain.

Amen

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

The Journey


Many years ago, I read a book called, “Hinds’ Feet On High Places.” It is the story of a girl named, Much Afraid, a girl like you and like me. She wants to stay in the valley where she is comfortable and knows her way around, until one day she has an encounter with the Good Shepherd.

How she longs to follow Him, but her pesky relatives keep holding her back along the way. Friends and cousins like Pity and Pride, Fear, Resentment and Bitterness. They hinder her journey. She does not understand it at the time, but the Shepherd chooses Sorrow and Suffering as her companions and, slowly, she heads up a tough mountain trail. The hinds (or deer) she spots up ahead near the top of the mountain take an easier route, and she wonders why the Shepherd insists she take another way. But one day, she reaches the uppermost place, the highest place, lessons learned and joy found.

This allegory speaks to us as we journey along in life, never quite understanding all of it along the way. But Jesus does, and one day, we will be like the hind. Sitting in heaven, everything done for Jesus following along with us with whispers of “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer. He causes me to stand on the heights. Psalm 18:33

Lord,

We won’t have all of the answers until we meet You in heaven. Keep us filled with hope and trust throughout our journeys on earth. Even when our companions include sorrow and suffering, You know the way out and through it all. We love You.

In Jesus name,

Amen


Tuesday, April 25, 2017

The Journey


     I recently searched through and perused some of my writings from years past. I realize that much of my most prolific times of writing have come both during and after times of great suffering. Suffering offers us hard-earned life lessons. Life throws so much at us and as we go through the tough times, it can seem impossible to see a way out, or to find a beacon of hope.

Jesus taught me the most valuable lessons through these times. I learned to trust. I learned to hang on to hope. I relied on friends and family in ways I might not have had things continued to be comfortable and easy. We can carry each other’s burdens. And the God of hope travels along with us, opening our eyes to spiritual truths, to an eternal perspective, to a life beyond.

If you are navigating a time of trial, reach out to Jesus with hope.

 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for, and assurance of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1



Jesus,

Thank You for the hope you bring to us and thank You for celebrating with us through the joys of life and staying close by our side through the difficult days. We can always find peace and hope when we trust in You.

Amen


Monday, April 24, 2017

The Journey


     How is your view today? Are you in the deep valley of grief and sorrow or doubt and fear where the thought of seeing the sun again seems a far-off dream? Are you sitting on a mountaintop with a clear view? Life is in a good place, breath-taking and full of joy. Maybe you are on your way down after just such an experience or find yourself with the long climb up, about half way but nowhere near where you want to land.

     The good news about Jesus, besides that He offers us eternal life, is that He never leaves our side once we take Him as our Savior. He is with us as our closest companion on the darkest of days, in the pure moments of joy and everything in between. He understands the dark better than anyone else, and He resides in the gates of eternity where all things are possible.

     Give Him your heart this morning. Fill Him in on where you are and what you need. He knows the answers far better than we know the questions. He will fulfill what we need, not just what we want. The deepest truths in life are found throughout the journey of life. As He reaches out to comfort and help us find our way, we can pass it along to others.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 1 Corinthians 1:3-4

Lord,

Wherever we are, there you are also, offering companionship and comfort. We thank You for showering us with Your love and we ask that you give us someone that needs that same compassion and love.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Friday, April 21, 2017

The Cheerful Heart of Susie


Susie was one of a handful of residents greeting visitors as they walked into the nursing home. The front foyer was small, just big enough for a few wheelchairs and an upholstered chair or two for guests. The two large windows were low enough for the residents to watch the comings and goings of cars, staff and friends.

My trips to the nursing home were somewhat regular visits, usually on a Saturday afternoon.  My brother spent the final few years of his life there, living out the last days of a degenerative, Parkinson-like disease.

These nursing home visits could be discouraging, depressing and dark. The senses were put on alert immediately upon entering. On any given day, there might be a low wail or moan escaping from a bed down the hall, the strong odor of urine filtering down a corridor or the sight of a weakened body no longer in control.

And there in the midst of it all was Susie.

Susie once lived in Greece. I picture her in my mind’s eye as she might have been in her youth. I see her laughing and twirling in the dance of life. I’m sure she had a bountiful appetite for good food and a strong love for family and friends.

I never knew her in this previous life. Yet I believe my vision to be true. Let me describe Susie to you as she was on a Saturday afternoon not long ago.

Susie sits with this handful of greeters in their wheelchairs as we enter through the automatic front door. My eyes alight on the familiar group. One woman sits with her head on her chest, snoring softly. A man smiles weakly. I have never heard him speak, but his gaze meets mine clearly as he raises a hand in a slight wave. Another more active resident says, “Hello, how are you?” We chat for just a minute.

And then I spot Susie in her favorite spot just behind the large pillar in the front room. She leans forward in her wheelchair, curious to see who is behind the voices she hears. She peeks around the pole with a mischievous grin and a twinkle in her eye.

“Sophia! Hellooooo! Oh you look so beee…you…tee…ful today!” she expounds with a loud gust of cheerfulness.

For some reason, I feel beautiful when seen through Susie’s eyes. She really doesn’t know me and my name isn’t Sophia, but she is convinced that I am she.

The Saturday just prior, she called out,

“Gloria! How WONNnnderful to see you! Come and sit for a while!”

I have done just that on more than one occasion. She has regaled many an active listener with her stories. They are bold, vibrant stories of great adventure.

Her spellbound audience may hear tales of large weddings, dancing until the wee hours of the morning, stories filled with intrigue, stories of a life well lived. As she speaks, I can see the sparkling white of the homes and the beaches set against the brilliant turquoise of the sea. She gushes out the words as a flowing river, rich in tone and full of nourishment for the soul.

And just as clearly as I picture the scenery around her, I see her through her stories, not as she appears today, but as she sees herself and those around her through the memories etched in her heart.

In place of the hay-like spikes of her short gray hair there would be an abundance of long reddish cascading curls. The now frail frame would be covered with a bronze tan over voluptuous curves. Instead of the plain and comfortable black pants and striped blouse with a washed-out stain or two, there would be flowing dresses in brilliant colors.  She would remove her shoes, now encased in the steel of her chair, in order to run barefoot through the white sand or to sway beneath the stars.

Susie’s reality is not as we see it, a life lived out in a wheelchair, a body frail with age, clothed in drab dress, with wrinkled brow and unkempt hair. Her life is lived in memory and it is undeniably real. You can see it in her exuberant smile and glowing eyes. The energy and cheerfulness of Susie are contagious and I eagerly searched her out at each visit.

And so Susie reminded me to see beyond the sights and smells of reality at the nursing home. She reminded me to see the hearts and souls of each person young or old. And just as Susie sees each visitor through another lens, and welcomes each one with open arms and a sincere expectation of good things from all, so God looks upon each of us through a different lens.

He turns the smelliest corners of our lives, the darkest corridors and the weakest parts of us into something we can’t even imagine. He looks beyond it all and sees only His beautiful and beloved children.

And when God and Susie see us this way, we begin to feel bee…you…tee…ful! And as we accept this uncompromising vision for ourselves, we can turn and look through a different lens and view those around us with the eyes of an open and loving heart, the love of Christ.



The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord, looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b





Thursday, April 20, 2017

Sand Through The Hourglass


As the lights blinked on in the laundry room, my gaze landed on the cracked plastic frame holding an old photo and a weathered postcard. Annika had been only a year old, almost twenty-five years ago now. It had been the first for her of many trips to a lake in Northern Minnesota. I would never forget that particular day. A frustrating day with a life-changing message from my dear grandmother-in-law.



***

The beach beckoned. There it was. I could see it, but would we ever reach it? It should have been a short walk from the rustic cabin; a curved path and about ten steps, a brief distance had I been unencumbered. I was, however, heavy laden. A foldout chair and a large backpack weighed me down. A blanket hung haphazardly over the chair. On either side of me waddled a one-year-old toddler and an eighty-year-old grandmother.

I scooped Annika into my right arm, moved the chair up around my left shoulder and grabbed Pella’s arm firmly with my left hand. 

Ok, I thought, at least a turtle’s pace is a slight improvement over the snail’s.

“Some vacation,” I muttered under my breath. The guys awoke at the crack of dawn and would be sunning and casting all day long. Sighing, I struggled to hold on to the squirming Annika. Pella stopped short. She had some trouble seeing the form of the steps. At least we had made it to the steps.

My heart constricted suddenly. Oh no, I had left the picnic basket at the cabin. Tears welled in my eyes. Water and crackers were the only form of sustenance in the backpack. There was no way to go back now. With a moan, I moved the group slowly down one more step.

Two limber teenagers hopped quickly around us, running and laughing into the water ahead. Honestly, it had taken them a full ten seconds to get there. Incredible! Had I ever been that young and carefree? The backpack was nothing compared to the weight in my heart at that moment.

Finally, we arrived at the last step. We moved ahead a few more feet as I lowered Annika to the sand, twisted to remove the chair, pulled it out for Pella and gently lowered her onto the seat.

Sighing again wearily, I laid down the blanket and wondered again about lunch.

Pella reached over and touched my shoulder.

“You’re missing it,” she said.

“What? Missing what?” I asked.

 “Missing the moment.”

“Grandma, what are you talking about? Is the sun too hot for you? I’m wondering if we need to head back to the cabin early for lunch. I forgot the picnic basket. Although I can’t imagine how I could have carried one more thing!”



“Honey, don’t worry so much. I remember how it feels to be a young mom. Your work is never done. But stop now. Smell the fresh air and breeze. Look at your beautiful daughter. Etch this in your mind forever.”

I turned and focused my attention on Pella, so frail and weak, with her head raised to the sun, eyes closed with a smile on her face.

There was a sudden shift in the atmosphere or maybe the shift took place only in my heart.

“Was it hard for you, too?” I asked softly.

“Oh I’m sure it was, dear. I know there were days when I would crumble into bed at the end of the day, wondering how I could do it all again the next. But you know, today, it all seems like a blessing. Those wild boys turned into fine young men. And now I treasure the memories of those days. I wish I had stopped more often to memorize the details, the sights and sounds. It all goes so very fast.”

The self-pity evaporated into the warm breeze. The crackers and water were sufficient as the sun shone on us for the next three hours. Annika fell instantly in love with the beach and the picture taken would become a favorite. Chubby legs, naked upper body, droopy diaper and a big pair of sunglasses. Sand clung to every inch of her including her hair, and she was giddy with joy.

And nothing seemed to bother the curly headed mom with the shovel in her hand and the goofy grin on her face as she looked down at her adorable little girl.



***

Reflecting on those long-ago beach memories, I realize the heavy laundry basket feels light today. I trace the outline of Annika over the plastic frame and then step outside, lowering the basket, lifting my head to the sun with a smile on my face.  I will call Annika in a little while, I think, as I hang the sheets on the line, and we’ll plan a trip to the lake. Tired moms of toddlers sometimes need a sudden shift in the atmosphere.



Her children rise up and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:28 (NKJV)












Wednesday, April 19, 2017

My Wife of 50 Years


For my wonderful, 92 year old father-in-law, Bert, one of my heroes.


“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

     I can’t find her in the place where she lives, my wife of 50 years, even though I try. I bring her clothes, make sure she’s clean and listen to the words I no longer understand. I can’t stay away and I can’t stay long.

     I return to the home we shared, she and I, and there I find her, my wife of fifty years. I find her in the scent of the vanilla perfume sitting on the mirrored tray. I find her under the quilt she so lovingly made, and I find her in the brush I use on my fine white hair. The same brush she used each day trying to manage the hair that never stayed just right.

     Her hair is the one thing that brings a rare smile as I say, “Honey, your hair looks pretty today.”

     I guess when you worry and fuss about something over an entire lifetime you never forget, even in a mind almost gone. And so I chuckle a little and I sniff, and I snuggle and I brush trying to find her, my wife of 50 years.

Dear Father in Heaven,

Comfort me in this time. Help me remember all of the wonderful years past with my spouse. I know you understand her and you understand me. Keep  us both safe in your care. Amen

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Road Trips and Rocking Chairs

Even as a moonstruck newlywed, I was determined to work on our relationship as a couple. If and when we had kids, the two of us would always be front and center.
 

And then we had kids. Exhaustion hit and the business and busyness of raising two daughters left us little time to focus on one another. Our girls were three and five the year my husband turned forty. It was high time for a get-away weekend to rekindle our love. It would be a surprise.
 

His peers at work expected me early on a Friday afternoon to sweep him away to a cozy, clean cabin three hours north of where we lived in a suburb of Minneapolis. We would be greeted with a basket of goodies upon our arrival.
 

My husband looked bewildered as we exited his office building. I couldn’t wait to hear his response to my surprise.  He turned to me.
 

“Will we have a TV at this place?” he asked.
 

“Well…no, I don’t think so.” I replied warily.
 

A TV? I thought to myself; couldn’t he imagine a weekend away from everything with his bride? His next words hit me hard.
 

“It’s World Series time you know.”
 

Uh oh.
 

My plans to avoid rush hour traffic went by the wayside as we scurried home to retrieve a TV. After sitting in traffic for hours, we became lost in the darkness of the north woods of Minnesota.  Finally, after an extended time of circling the general vicinity, we spotted a small sign heralding our destination.
 

The tired looking attendant handed us our basket and our key.  Relief shone on my face as we unlocked the door to the cabin and it was everything I had imagined. Stepping in, I turned to the side to witness the love of my life’s reaction to the lively fire and the north woods atmosphere.
 

My romantic partner for the weekend was bent over plugging in his precious television set right next to the kindling fire.
 

There was absolutely no reception.
 

He looked at me, once again, in bewilderment, followed immediately by a look of panic. He moved quickly around the small sitting area and kitchen, into the bedroom, and returned with a small clock radio.  There were beads of perspiration on his forehead. Once again, he bent over with cord in hand.
 

And once again, no reception.
 

The look on his face moved from panic to hopelessness. We sat in the two comfortable rockers in an uncomfortable silence. My mind swirled. The anticipation, the hope, the romance of the long-awaited weekend came crashing down in confusion.
 

What would we talk about all weekend? What was I thinking? Where were the kids when you needed them?


I  suggested we just go to sleep and start fresh in the morning.


The next day dawned a crisp and clear October day. The view across the lake was spectacular, the trees a vibrant array of color. After a long trip to the nearest grocery store, we decided to go for a walk.


Finally, romance! We headed out hand in hand into the beauty of nature.

That’s when we heard the first shots.
 

“Oh no!” my husband exclaimed. “It’s hunting season! We better take cover.”
 

So much for our weekend away. We took another drive and went out for dinner. There was no sign of a sports bar. We left early Sunday morning.


There has been a wide assortment of mistakes made over what now spans twenty years of marriage. Some valuable lessons have been learned.  It is now understood we need to agree on a spot for a get-away. My girlfriends and I shake our heads at our clueless spouses when we spend the weekend at a cozy, clean cabin in the north woods. My husband and his buddies don’t give us a second thought as they huddle together in front of the large screen TV with the great reception.


Years ago, one of our daughters told us she liked to hear the sound of our voices when she was going to sleep. We bought two comfortable rockers of our own. And a tradition took hold for us to sit and talk when our daughters were tucked safely in their beds. Our voices soothed them. All was right with the world when they knew we were near.


Our times to talk have changed, along with the furniture and along with the season of our lives, but the tradition remains. Our current comfortable purple (yes I said purple!) rockers are wearing out fast. Our daughters go to bed long after we retire for the night.


We wait and listen for the sound of their voices as we are tucked into bed. And when we hear them, sometimes late at night, we know all is right with the world.


The uncomfortable silences of old have somehow turned into jewels of memory. That moonstruck honeymooner has grown up some from her somewhat naïve but always well-intentioned views.  And the often hard-learned lessons of marriage have matured into the well-worn comfort of a life together that has and will continue to stand the test of time.


And so, with laughter and tears, frustration and worry, with deep joy intertwined with deep sorrow, our lives have merged into one. The wonders of watching our daughters grow into beautiful young women cannot be easily expressed. We will continue to wait together as we listen for the sound of their voices, coming and going through the years to come.


In the meantime, we understand our need for time alone, just as we understand the need to be with friends. And our hands still reach for each other when we go for a walk. We are ready to take cover together when we hear the distant sound of danger and, along with good conversation, we can rock away the hours in a comfortable silence.


“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh.” Ephesians 5:31

Monday, April 17, 2017

Rambling Mind, Restless Body, Resurrected Heart





My life as a writer is viewed as curious by many. Lost in fictional characters, deep thinking and quiet days makes me, to the casual observer, melancholy and isolated. Most of my family and friends are out there, in the real world, on the outside, their lives filled with details and noise.

     My husband says,
“You think too much.”
     It’s true. My eccentric ways can be annoying. In the middle of a conversation a stray thought takes flight, traveling an unexplored path to a destination unknown. I blurt out a nonsensical remark.
     “Where are you? Weren’t we just talking about dad’s birthday party?”
 my husband asks.
     How do I explain? This chaotic mind is derailed at the slightest nudge. Forgotten missions left behind include open cupboard doors, light switches left in the “on” position, and delayed meals. It is certainly a challenge for my logical, left-brained husband, not to mention my two adolescent daughters.
     “Mom! I explained all of this yesterday! Why don’t you ever hear what I am saying? Ugh!” 
     Today, this rambling mind is going out. My mother-in-law is in last stages of real Alzheimer’s disease, not the type my family accuses me of having. 
     My brother, twenty-two years my senior, is in the last stages of a neurological disease that began in his toes. It has continued in upward motion until it now affects his speaking and swallowing.
     I imagine the two of them joined, mind and body, to make one whole human being.
     So today is a day for the real world. Today is a day for visiting the nursing homes.
     My body is restless, another consequence of the writer’s life. I go for a long walk and think about the day. As I return home, I drop to my knees in helplessness and hopelessness, wondering what to say to them. How can I help? How can we cope?
     There are no answers and I leave the questions with the one of my heart, Jesus. As I repeat His name over and over in praise, He answers my hopelessness with a resurrected heart. Body, mind and spirit are rejuvenated. I move out into the world with renewed energy and an eternal perspective beckoning hope.
     I read comforting Scripture from the book of Psalms to my mother-in-law. It calms both of us. Suddenly she says, “You are so beautiful.” It brings tears to my eyes. Other days, most days, she is filled with unrest and anxiety. I don’t believe she knows who I am, but I believe the Holy Spirit within both of us connects. It is a rare moment to treasure from one rabling mind to another.
     As I leave her side, I feel blessed. God can transform a situation in miraculous and unexpected ways. And I move on to my next stop.
     As I rub the good hand of my brother on his frozen and rigid body, I remember his born-again moment two years ago. My brother, Jim, has lived with depression for much of his life. He could not imagine a loving God in that dark world of his. But, as God often does, He brought a glimmer of light into the darkest of places, at just the right time
     As Jim’s body began to wear out, the right people appeared. There was the motorcycle-riding chaplain visiting the nursing home. He and Jim clicked. An old friend, motoring down the avenue in her wheelchair, came to see him with a Bible in her hand. There were the hymns sung on Sunday mornings. The hymns of old made him cry the tears that had never been shed.
     On a beautiful fall day, about two years ago, on his wife’s birthday, he met us with the incredible words, “ I have met Jesus. I am born again.”
     For these last two years, he has a peace and calm and humor about him not found in most of us. He is content and I marvel at the wonder and awe of this God of ours. And these restless bodies connect. I am grateful.
     Through His Spirit I am redeemed and resurrected. And so are they. So are they.
     Jesus knows the way through all of the suffering in this short life.  Rambling minds, both real and imagined, restless bodies aching for relief, become His as we are resurrected with Him now and eternally. One day with open minds and healed bodies we will see clearly, as His resurrection becomes ours forever.

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 (NIV)




Friday, April 14, 2017

Happy Easter!


     This weekend, in addition to the Easter bunny and candy eggs, sit back in wonder and celebrate the good news of the empty tomb. Jesus offers the greatest gift ever given and all He asks is that we believe. All other religions take hard work, duty-filled prayer, endless obligations, finding a place of bliss through our own efforts, or believing we come back to life again and again before we get it right. I think it’s an impossible dream to believe we can work our way to God.

     God needed to come to us and He did, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived among us, suffered our sins on a cross, overcame hell and death and rose again. Believe and be saved. He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Holy Week


     After darkness covered the globe as Jesus died, there came a day. A Sunday, one day above all others. The tomb is empty! He is not there. The first to see the empty tomb were the women, His followers. They loved Him so.

     Mary Magdalene was the very first person to see Jesus alive!

When Jesus rose early, on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had delivered seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him and who were mourning and weeping.  Mark 16:9-10

     Women in the days of Jesus were looked at as less-than, below men in every way. Men were not even allowed to speak with them in public> Jesus, however, looked upon them with favor. He picks Mary, this woman previously filled with demons, to be the first missionary after His resurrection. He loves each one of us equally, each one of us uniquely, each one of us to be used for His purposes. Go tell. The tomb is empty. He lives!

Jesus,

Thank You for the witnesses that began the testimonies of Your love. So many witnesses saw You after You rose from the dead. And we see You today. Give us the wisdom to share the truth with others. You are alive! And we can live forever, too.

Amen

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Holy Week


     The words of Jesus on the cross give us more insight into God's image, into His plan. We see His heart, His love, and His ability, even then, to see the resurrected hope to come.

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals-one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  Luke 23:33-34a

     One of the criminals mocked Jesus, the other one believed. That’s all. He just believed.  And Jesus said to him and He says to us as we live out our last breaths:

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23;43

     And after all of the agonizing hours on the cross, as He suffered all of our sins on Himself:

When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit. John 19:30

     Even then, on that horrible cross, He wants to forgive, He wants to promise heaven, He wants to offer hope. The Holy Spirit of the One and Only Son offers Himself as the final sacrifice. The Lamb of God, the one with the words of eternal life has overcame death and we are forgiven. If it finished. Amen


Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Holy Week


     Jesus understands our sorrow and suffering. His emotions match ours in intensity, in fear, and finally, in obedience.  As He moves away from everyone into the Garden of Gethsemane, He is in anguish. Listen to His words and feel the pain.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me, yet not My will but Yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him.  And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:42-44

     In suffering, we too, pray more earnestly. We beg. We cry. We moan. We ask God to remove the depth of sorrow. Jesus and His angels are right by our side, coming to our rescue. We find hope in Him and no one else. Jesus, in His anguish, knows what He has to do and He will do it. He did it for you and for me.

Lord,

You know where we are right now, this very minute. Comfort our hearts and minds as we give it all to You. Grant us hope and peace throughout our lives until we are by Your side.

Amen


     The Words of Jesus on the cross give us more insight. We see His heart,

Monday, April 10, 2017

Holy Week


     Holy week is here. Walking with Jesus as He willingly makes His way to the cross reminds us of His human agony, His overwhelming suffering, His love for us and His divinity. He overcame death. He fulfilled the law and offers grace. Everything in the Old Testament points to and foreshadows the Redeemer, Jesus. As we begin to understand the richness, the depth, the complexities of the Word of God, we can get a glimpse of His majesty, His timing and His ability to be personally involved in each of our lives.

     As Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem preparing for His death the following Friday, His timing is perfect. The Passover celebration was upon Jerusalem. The sacrificial lambs were being led into town, just as the Lamb of God is entering. Each lamb brought in to be sacrificed has to be scrutinized and found to be without blemish, just as Jesus was scrutinized by the leaders of the day and they found Him with no bault.

     The Passover supper He shared with His disciples included the wine that represented His blood and the unleavened bread to represent His broken body. How beautiful! How astounding! How miraculous! Yeast always signified sin in the Bible. Unleavened bread means bread with no yeast, or the one Holy man with no sin.

      John the Baptist recognized Jesus when He first began His ministry three years earlier.

The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1;29

     Let us behold Him this week as we prepare for the Holiest of weeks.

Father in heaven,

Keep us mindful of all that Jesus has done and what He will do at His return. We marvel at the timing, the miraculous way all prophecy has and will be fulfilled and that Your Son, the One with no sin, lived with us, died for us and conquered death to save us.

In Jesus name
Amen,

Friday, April 7, 2017

The Power Of The Tongue


     Studying and thinking about the power of our tongues has me thinking and praying. How about you? James has so much to say about the damage our tongues can do in Chapter 3 of the book he wrote. He compares the damage of slander and gossip to the spark that brings about a forest fire!

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. James 3:5

     Every person on earth is loved by God and His desire is to save each one. When we speak evil about another, it causes damage to ourselves and to a child of God.

With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. James 3:9

     King Solomon adds to the warnings of James. We can avoid the fire altogether and put out the flame.

Without wood, a fire goes out, without a gossip, a quarrel dies down. Proverbs 26:20

     And finally, a reminder that our tongues can bring harm to others, but ultimately our boasts and slander and gossip cause the most harm to ourselves.

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

     Let’s take this next verse as a daily prayer. I need it!

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3



Amen!!

Thursday, April 6, 2017

The Power Of The Tongue


     Gossip is a tough subject. God hates gossip. It is listed with the other things he hates in Proverbs 6. How do we recognize gossip? Another tough subject and question to consider. As Christians, we can tell another person’s story under the guise of needing prayer.

     We can talk about our neighbors or friends as a way to feel better about ourselves. Gossip can become a way of life so easily, and God has been convicting me of just that. When we are in a group talking about others, we feel safe. At least they are not talking about us. It may go all the way back to grade school when we just wanted to fit in, to be accepted. The Bible is clear about gossip. We are not to take part in it and we are to avoid people who wallow in it!

A gossip betrays a confidence, so avoid anyone who talks too much. Proverbs 20:19

     Well, I know I talk too much! Maybe if we turn the conversations in a positive way about the person being discussed, change the subject or walk away, we can make a difference. Gossip causes damage and we can avoid it. Here is a wonderful verse to think about as we consider the way we speak.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Father,

Keep a guard on our mouths. (Psalm 141;3) Remind us to make sure our conversation is beneficial and uplifting about and to others. You know how hard this is for us, but You will help us. We love You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

The Power Of The Tongue


     As the called-out children of God, we are to be set apart from a world gone mad. Part of living righteously is watching our tongues. We don’t need to fit in. We can be sure God will give us the opportunities to be different, to set a higher standard, to be representatives of Jesus.

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. Psalm 37:30

     Are we fair when we speak of others? Are we sharing the wisdom we learn from Christ? How about our language?

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:4

     Not easy to be set apart, to strive to be an example, to be fair and just, to watch the way we speak. But it’s a worthy cause. Jesus is watching.

Lord,

We want to please You and to continue to move in a way that honors You. It isn’t easy, but the Holy Spirit will help us and convict us when we are in the wrong place or when we say the wrong thing. We are taking in Your Words this week.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

The Power Of The Tongue


     As we listen to ourselves speak and take responsibility for the damage our tongues can do, we can take great advice from the Word of God.

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

     I don’t know about you, but many times I am quick to speak and slow to listen. We think about what we are going to say next, rather than give our full attention to the one speaking. Listening to others is a gift, to really hear them and try to see their hearts. We jump to conclusions from appearance or actions and don’t take the time to go beneath the surface.

     Be slow to speak, be slow to get angry and be quick to listen. I am going to listen to that and give it a try.

Lord,

Thank You for Your great wisdom. I pray we will listen to Your advice as we look at the power of what we speak. 

Amen


Monday, April 3, 2017

The Power Of The Tongue


     Once the Holy Spirit moves into our hearts and souls and our bodies become His temple, things begin to change. As we deepen our love for Christ, gain knowledge of His mighty word and believe in His resurrection power, He begins to change us from the inside out. We may not notice the subtle changes for years. Luckily, He is patient! His enduring love stays with us, wherever we are, teaching and guiding us into new truths.

     Lately, God has been convicting me on the importance of our words, as we speak to ourselves and as we speak to others. When I think of the things I say, it is not always pretty. I get down on myself for doing stupid things. (Sound familiar?) I speak negatively about others or think about the annoying habits of others. Hard not to, right?

     There are numerous verses about the power of our tongues and we’ll focus on those this week. I need them and when the Holy Spirit asks us to move to a better place, I hope we will all listen.

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

     What? The power of life and death? Makes me want to think about what I say and how I say it. We have the power to speak words of love, encouragement, and kindness and, as we do, to think the best of others. We also have the choice to think ourselves better than others, to believe we have all the answers, to try to get even, or to speak negatively to or about others. Yikes!

Lord,

Help me, help us to do a better job of representing Your love and kindness even when we and others don’t seem to deserve it. Our tongues have great power to put down or to lift up. Please show us how to make the right choices.

In Jesus name,

Amen