Work To Do

     I believe, as followers of Jesus, if He hasn’t called us home, we have work to do. He longs to be with us as much as we long to be with Him. It fills me with awe that the Creator of heaven and earth, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, the one who numbers the stars in the sky and names them all, the one who counts the number of hairs on our heads, can use us!

     Are you ready to be called into action at any moment? Are you asking and staying alert for opportunities? Sharing the Gospel with just one person would be such a gift. To imagine you and I could be a part of someone living eternally with God! Most of the time, we will just plant a seed; a seed of kindness, of compassion, of encouragement, the seed of time and love.

     Someone else may pick up where we left off and the difference we make may lead them to Jesus. You may be the only Jesus someone knows. Ultimately, it is God who opens the heart and allows the Holy Spirit to move in.

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6

     Will you plant or water a seed today? Ask God to show you how. He will follow it up with the light of the Son.

Jesus,

You grow the seeds we plant. It’s exciting to know that we work together with you and with other brothers and sisters. The plan is all Yours. Move us in the right directions, to the places and the people you have prepared in advance.

Amen

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  A Savior is born. See you back here on January 2^nd.

Into Old Age

     My uncle, Paul, (age 90) and my aunt, Mary Ellen, (age 89) have been and continue to be an inspiration. They live in Portland, OR and I may not see them again this side of heaven, but their faith in Jesus has been a constant in my life since I was a small child. My uncle has a perpetual smile and a twinkle in his eye. They swim and walk daily and keep their minds active as well.

     In their current senior high-rise, they have several friends over 100 years old and the person they call their “Sunday school teacher” is 96! Don’t we all long to be active and serving God to a ripe old age. The first three verses in the Psalms always come to mind when I think of my older friends and relatives, especially the ones who acknowledge and serve Jesus as Lord and Savior. They are well-nourished and strong.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

Lord,

Let it be said of us as we age that we serve and love You, that we can remain strong in season, like a tree that does not wither. What beautiful words. Help us to tell the aging people in our lives that they matter, that they inspire, that their wisdom teaches so much.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Trust Him, Lean on Him, Acknowledge Him

     If we ask God to be first in our lives, if we study His word, listen for His voice and continually pray, He will continue His work in us with new dreams, new possibilities, new opportunities, it’s the perfect time to listen for His call as we move into the brand-new year that awaits.

     Is He asking you to change an old habit, to forgive an old grudge, to change an attitude, to teach, to encourage, to start a new job, to take care of a grandchild (yes!). Life with Jesus is a continuous adventure. Remember He always wants the very best for us and as we serve Him, the blessings increase.

     Sit with Him for a time and ask, “What’s next?” Where will the New Year lead? I await those answers along with you. Wherever you go, whatever you do, lean on Him, acknowledge Him and He will show us the way.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6

Lord,

Increase our willingness to trust You in all things, to acknowledge you in all of our ways, to lean on You when we don’t understand. We believe You when you tell us the way to go.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A New Thing

    For the last couple of years, rather than a resolution, I have picked a word for the coming year. Two years ago, I chose “authentic.”  Living as a child of God and becoming the person He created me to be, is a work in progress. But I yearn for the peace He offers and for the joy of the Holy Spirit to be within me no matter the circumstances, no matter the people I am with, no matter the suffering. Authentic.

     Last year I chose the word, “beginnings.” I stepped down from two positions I loved and cherished that had blessed me over and over, leadership in a crisis ministry and teaching a wonderful group of women in deep Bible study. What would come next? God always has something new ready for us when change comes upon us.

     The word became a self-fulfilling prophecy, not only for me, but for my entire family. My husband was given an opportunity to retire early, our youngest daughter became pregnant with our first grandchild, and our older daughter is in a new and serious relationship. What an amazing God! What does your new year have in store? Watch and wait. I’ll let you know my word for next year.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

Father,

You are always working in our lives. Keep us watchful and aware as you move us to change, as you seek new beginnings for our lives, as we allow You to guide our ways in the years to come.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Spiritual Armor

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6;17

     The gift of salvation may be our greatest piece of armor. No matter what comes our way, we know we will reside in heaven for eternity! What joy that brings. The helmet of salvation keeps our mind from straying away from our hope. The hope of salvation. You are saved forever!

     The Word of God is our offensive weapon. Did you notice the other pieces of armor we have studied this week are all defensive? God protects us with His Gospel, with the gift of faith, with our salvation and with His righteousness.

     When we memorize and study Scripture, it is written on our hearts. We can take it out as a weapon against the attacks of Satan, whether in our own minds or in the world around us. Scripture is alive. It holds the very Words of our eternal God. The Word, teaches, guides, admonishes and encourages. It changes our hearts and gives peace to our souls. Satan hates to see us peaceful, joy-filled and standing firm on our faith. What a gift!

     Even Jesus used Scripture to speak back to the devil when He was tempted over 40 days. (See Matthew 4)

     And finally, God leaves us with the power of prayer as we learn to combat the spiritual battles around us. Put on the full armor of God and withstand the days of evil.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

Jesus,

Keep us alert, prayerful and loaded with Scripture. Our home in heaven is secure. What gifts you give us each day. Keep hope in our hearts as we withstand evil.

Amen

Spiritual Armor

And with your feet fitted for the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15

     The Gospel that saved our souls forever gives us peace in the world. Our feet are called to be fitted with this gospel, ready to walk and share this great news. We have the knowledge of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Put on your spiritual shoes and be ready to share.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16

     I love this promise and this piece of armor. Our faith in Jesus gives us the strength and the power to avoid all of Satan’s arrows. Feeling fear? There are Scripture verses to stand against it. Mourning a loss? Jesus is there to comfort. Facing an addiction or a health crisis? Jesus is our eternal healer. Our faith can keep us peace-filled and able to withstand our enemy, the accuser of the brethren. (Revelation 12:10)

Father,

We praise You today for these pieces of armor, the peace that flows from accepting the Gospel and our continuing faith in Your ability to get us through every part of life. Thank You, Jesus.

Amen

Spiritual Armor

     The world around us holds many “truths.” Everyone worships something or someone. Everyone finds an idol or a way to get through, a philosophy that makes sense to them. But Jesus tells us. He is the truth. His Word is truth. Nothing, not one single thing has been proven wrong in the Word of God.

     The more we know and understand God’s word, the more we will be able to battle the spiritual forces at work. Standing firm on the Bible protects us from deceit, from compromise, from being swayed by the craziness that says the workd is right. Know God’s truth. There is such power in the word. Speak it, study it and use it as part of the spiritual armor.

Stand firm, them, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. Ephesian 6:14a

     Jesus died for you. You are forgiven past, present and future. And when you accept the Savior and the fact that Jesus lived, died and rose for you, gives you His righteousness.

…with the breastplate of righteousness in place. Ephesians 6:14b

     The breastplate of righteousness covers our hearts. Our hearts are blameless because of Jesus. You are covered.

Jesus,

Thank You for covering us with Your holy blood. We are forgiven. We are loved. Our hearts are protected because of You.

Amen

Spiritual Armor

     In addition to the spiritual clothes to be worn as God’s chosen ones, He also gifts us with a full suit of spiritual armor. The battles within us and surrounding us are spiritual in nature.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil iin the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

     It is hard to imagine evil in the heavenly realms. There are battles described in the Bible between demonic forces and angelic beings. Both demonic angels and angels of light have territories and authority. We need to suit up!

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

     What does this armor look like? And how do we wear it? Become familiar with the verses we will be looking at this week. And after you have clothed yourselves with Jesus and His armor, you will be able to withstand the forces of evil.

Father,

Thank You for Your word that gives us everything we need in this world. Remind us each day to put Your full body armor on as we meet the evil forces surrounding us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Spiritual Clothes

     Spending time shopping, buying and thinking about our wardrobe takes some thought and some quality time. There are dress clothes; the suit, the little black dress for evenings out, the glitter adorning the sweater for the holidays. How about jeans and a sweatshirt for a walk outdoors? Or packing the suitcase with swimwear, tank tops, shorts and flip flops for a sea-side vacation?

     What would happen if we put as much thought into our spiritual clothes? Did you know the Bible gives us both the what-not-to-wear and the clothes we should put on each day?

     We are to take off our old desires, falsehood, corrupt language, sexual immorality, drunkenness, gossip and anger. The old spiritual clothes just don’t fit quite right once we have become believers. They become more and more uncomfortable as we draw closer to Jesus. (see Ephesians 4, Galatians 5, 1 Thessalonians 5)

     The clothes that feel good to the soul look so much better than the old clothes of the darkness. They feel good on the inside and shine through to the outside.

     Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, compassion and patience. Colossians 3:12

     As you think about what to wear each day, remind yourself of the new wardrobe of the soul. You will look marvelous!

Father,

You gift us with so much as we clothe ourselves to look and act like Jesus. Create us more and more into His image.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Our Greatest Desire

     My greatest desire for our soon-to-be born first grandchild, (a boy!) is for him to know and love Jesus at an early age. Jesus offers great protection and courage in a world that has lost its way. I am more than grateful that our daughters, our son-in-law and our future son=in=law are all believers.

     This is also my greatest desire for all of our friends, neighbors and acquaintances. Opportunities to share our faith are important and I pray we all are given people through our lives to share the Gospel. Can you imagine the thought of being a part of guiding someone into heaven? What a privilege! What an honor! To think God uses us to shine with His glory.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

     Therefore, go! Pray for people. Pray for opportunities. Pray to share the great love and hope of our Savior. Go!

Jesus,

Give us boldness. Give us the words. Give us the people. We are willing to go. Send us.

Amen

Stop. Be Still

     The experts are beginning to study the ramifications of technology on our youth and on society in general. Our brains do not mature and function in a normal manner, when various images, words and thoughts fly in and out every couple of seconds. We lose the ability to be still, to contemplate, to relax completely and to concentrate on one thing fully.

     Slow down. Settle in. Be still. Creativity flows in the stillness. Our kids may be losing the ability to think for themselves, to sit and have a long conversation with a friend, without looking at their phones every few seconds. I am often caught off-guard by someone with a headset talking on the phone while out in nature. Or the view of a young mom out to lunch with her kids, yet paying more attention to the device in her hand.

     Yes, I am of the older generation, but I worry about the overuse and misuse of technology. Take some time. Be still.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a

     Getting to know God takes time. Time to pray, time to study, time to be. Time with God is never wasted. He teaches the important and valuable things in life. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness come from a deep relationship with Jesus. Do you know Him? He shines light in the dark places. He gives rest to the soul. Take the time. Know God.

Lord,

We pray for times of stillness, times to read Your Word, to pray, to take in the love You have for us, to enjoy Your creation. Teach us Your ways and take hold of this younger generation again. Give them a hunger for You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

I Will Yet Praise and Trust Him

     What causes fear to rise up within you? I have dealt with panic attacks off and on since I was fourteen years old, shortly after my dad died. They arise, sometimes in the middle of the night, and at other times in the middle of the day. They overwhelm and frighten me with irrational thoughts and visions of dying.

     What causes fear to rise up within you? When you feel displeasure from another? Fear from a news event or a diagnosis? The world is full of fear, as we yearn for peace.

     The only true peace is the peace within our souls. It returns to us again and again as He fills us with His peace through difficult times and times of overwhelming fear.

Be anxious for nothings, but in everything by prayer and petitions with thanksgiving, make your needs known to God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

     I passed along the anxiety gene to our oldest daughter. This is our go-to verse to remind us of what we have and the One to whom we go. We can unload it all to Him and He will bring us back to peace. The devil roans around waiting to pounce. He knows the weaknesses in our minds and hearts. Don’t allow him control. Be anxious for nothing. Trust in God. Trust in Jesus.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

     The abundant life away from fear awaits. Thank Him in advance for removing your fear.

Jesus,

We need You and we yearn for Your peace. When we are out of sorts, bring us back to You. You take our burdens and bring balance and peace. We look to you.

Amen

I Will Yet Trust and Praise Him

     We can continue tp praise our God through the difficult days. He is higher and more glorious than anything on this earth. When you are in difficult times, focus on Him. When you don’t know what to pray, praise Him anyway. David taught us to do just that. He would cry out to God with all of his emotion and all of his tears and he would continually return to trust and praise. Here is just one example.

Why my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5

     Praise does not come easily when we suffer. But praise can lift us out of the depths as we look to heaven for answers. He is above it all.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Father,

You endure forever and we are Yours. We do not understand everything, but You do. We praise You today for Your ways and for Your thoughts. Shower us with love.

In Jesus name,

Amen

I Will Yet Praise and Trust Him

     Placing our full trust in Jesus with everything in our lives is easier when things are going along the way we expect. We make our plans and when the plans change, when a disruption occurs, a dream is lost or a worry creeps in, we often lose out way.

     Emotions rule the day. Can we get to the point where our faith is so strong, we can absolutely trust God with each minute of each day? I’m not there yet, but I do turn back to Him again and again through the uncertain times, placing everything in His almighty hands.

     He wants good for us. And sometimes the good comes through and after the bad. Our trust builds as He sees us through yet another trying time. We live in a fallen world. Sin entered the world and we deal with the repercussions all day, every day.

     One thing I know and our daughter, Angela, reminds us, “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands.”  Our amazing God has all of the working pieces of each life, of each creature, of the number of days left for the earth to revolve.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. Psalm 56:3

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8

Lord Jesus,

We can place the uncertainties in our lives in Your almighty hands. You understand our human nature and the fear that creeps in. Take away our fear as we look only to You.

Amen

Resurrected

     Death has has no hold over us. We transition from this world to the next. Our bodies will be immortal and invincible! In this life, once we are saved by our Lord, we have been redeemed from the grave, restored into new life, reformed into the image of Christ, refreshed on a daily basis and, finally, we live forever!

     How do we thank Jesus for this new life and the resurrected life to come? We thank Him by continually believing, loving and trusting Him above all else. When circumstances appear impossible, He turns them into good. We become transformed through our suffering as gold refined in a fire.

     And he never leaves us, not ever. There will be times in our humanity where we wonder where He has gone, where we wonder why me, where we wonder how we can get through another day. The truth is He is right there, abiding with us, understanding the pain we are in, as He suffered more than we will ever know.

     Trust Him today with whatever is on your heart and feel His presence. It is a forever love, a forever presence, a forever partner.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen 2 Peter 3:18

For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His. Romans 6:5

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. 1 Corinthians 15:42

Jesus,

How can we thank You for life everlasting. Be with us each day until we are united with You in heaven. We praise You today.

Amen