Storytime/The Bicycle

Years ago, our pastor gave us a copy of the following story. See what you think.

       I used to think of God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I didn't really know Him.

     But later on, when I met Jesus, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Jesus was in the back helping me pedal. I didn't know just when it was He suggested we change, but life has not been the same since I took the back-seat to Jesus, my Lord. He makes life exciting. When I had control, I thought I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points.

     But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places and at break-through speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!" I was worried and anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared", He'd lean back and touch my hand.

     He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our journey, my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So, I did, to the people we met, and I found in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

     I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it, but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus.

     And when I'm sure I just can't do any more, He just smiles and says... "Pedal."

(Author unknown)

My sheep listen to My voice. I know them and they follow me. John 10:27

Father,

Teach us to trust You in the driver’s seat of our lives. No matter where life takes us, you know the way through it all. You make everyday extraordinary, filled with blessings. We love you, Jesus. Let us follow You.

Amen

Storytime/Rambling Mind, Restless Body, Resurrected Heart

The following story was written more than a decade ago. Two members of our family were in nursing homes and it was a trying time for everyone. God, as usual, taught lessons along the way…

     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 rambling 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)

Storytime/Holy Ground

     Our daughter’s love for the group, Hanson, began when she was about 9 years old. She adores them to this day. There was a resemblance between her and the youngest brother in the band and, at the time, she had dreams of joining the group. I have been to three concerts with her over the years. (none of her friends are as enthused about this group, and mom is always ready to be that last resort😊)

     One such concert happened to fall on her birthday and took place at the Minnesota State Fair. A never-to-be-forgotten memory, as the brothers were available after the concert to sign autographs.

     Another of the concerts took place at First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. Little did I know there would be no seats. Standing for hours in the shoes I had chosen would be no picnic for this fifty-something-year-old mother. But God works in mysterious ways.

     That particular week I had studied the subject of holy ground in Scripture. If you remember the story, Moses had to take off his sandals as he stood in the presence of the Lord. The presence of the Lord was found high on the mountain and Moses appeared radiant as he arrived down the mountain to share with the Israelites.

     My mind, at this concert, was filled with self-pity. Would it ever end? I did like the group, but my aching feet were about to give out and the pain was taking precedence over the music. Just at that moment of self-focus, I looked at my radiant daughter, singing the songs of her youth. It just so happened this particular concert was filled with the songs from her favorite CD.

     Her smile lit up her face. I was reminded that, unlike Moses, we do not need to climb a mountain or go to a particular place to meet God. His presence is within us and around us. We take our holy ground with us wherever we go. I slipped off one shoe and wiggled my toes a bit. “Ahh, yes, holy ground.” The smile on Angela’s face is still a priceless memory.

“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5

Father God,

Remind us of the holy ground beneath us as we take You with us wherever we go. You teach us lessons along the way as we listen to Your Holy Spirit. Teach us Your ways.

Amen

Storytime/Cracked Pots

     Here is another story you may have heard. I have used it in Bible studies and at women’s retreats over the years. I love it. It’s about a cracked pot, like me and like you! Did you know God uses our cracks? The cracks allow His beauty and light to shine through.

     In ancient times there lived a water bearer serving the King. Each morning he traveled one mile to the well to draw water and one mile back to the King’s summer home. The pole across his shoulders was heavy, with a large ceramic pot on each end.

     One of the pots had a large crack running down one side and, each and every day, as they arrived back at the home of the King, the cracked pot would be half-full. One day the cracked pot needed to speak. (yes, in this story the pot can talk)

     “Sir,” he said quietly. “Why do you continue to carry me each day, when I am not able to perform my duties? This crack does not allow me to hold water in the way I was intended to be used.”

     The water bearer smiled sweetly on the way to the well.

     “As we head back to the King’s home, look at your side of the path. You will see many beautiful flowers along the way. A long time ago, I noticed the crack along your side. I planted flower seeds along the entire path. The Master has a beautiful view and flowers for his table, all thanks to you!”

Yet You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter. We are all the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8

     How about you? Do you consider yourself to be filled with cracks? Yeah, me too. God sees beauty in weakness. He understands our deepest fear and our deepest anxiety. He will work with our weaknesses in ways we could never imagine. He will use them to change lives, to build our confidence in Him, to allow Him to take us on unfamiliar paths to show His glory. This is what He will do.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them. I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do. I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16

Lord,

Thank You for loving cracked pots like us. You use our frail and weak parts to show Your strength. Find beauty in those hurting today. Shine light through those dark cracks and bring glory to Yourself through them.

Amen

Storytime/Much Afraid

     A book I read decades ago made an impact on how I view the world and all that is difficult to understand. The book is called, “Hinds Feet On High Places,” by Hannah Hurnard. The book is an allegory following a girl by the name of Much Afraid. Like us, Much Afraid has some pesky relatives, hindering her journey; relatives like self-pity, bitterness and pride.

     Much-Afraid wants to follow the Good Shepherd. She sees him by the river and with His eyes full of compassion and patience, waiting for her to be ready.

     Slowly and surely, Much-Afraid begins to trust the Shepherd. Her relatives call out to her and make her stumble along the way. Her weak leg brings added challenges to the already-difficult journey. And the Shepherd takes her up a steep mountain path as she moves toward the High Places.

    She does not understand, until much later, why He chooses Suffering and Sorrow as her companions on this endless journey. Along the way, there are frightening storms and unfamiliar terrain. She often wonders why the Shepherd does not choose the much easier path for her. One day, after seeing the sun shine through after one such tragic storm, she realizes she is filled with joy and peace.

     We can all relate to the journey of Much Afraid. We have experienced fear, storms, weakness, self-pity, bitterness and pride, all shared emotions and weaknesses. Our weaknesses, whether physical, emotional or spiritual can be used by our Mighty God. His strength shines brightest when we need Him the most. God’s grace is sufficient for us every minute of every day.

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Father,

We rely on You in our weakest moments. Your strength is made perfect in weakness. Use us through the storms, through the fear, through the pride, through the disabilities, through all of the weakest parts of us. And show us how to trust You through it all.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Storytime

     This week will be filled with stories; stories from books, writings or personal experience. I would imagine you have a story or two of your own or a story that means something to you. Lessons learned and experienced can be a testimony to others. Sharing thoughts and wisdom can change lives. I hope and pray you will share your hard-fought stories with others.

     A common theme in many of the testimonies I have heard involve personal suffering and personal (real or perceived) weakness. Battles bring about wisdom and weakness forces us to rely on God’s strength. Falling to our knees aids in our journey of becoming closer to our personal God. Intimacy grows when our face is to the floor in humility and helplessness.

     Jesus is there. He is everywhere. He is ready to give you His strength, His hope, His love in an, often, uncomfortable world. Reach out your hand and let Him teach you and thing or two about life and death, blessings and hope, wisdom and awe. Tell your tales and bring Him to others.

I do not hide Your righteousness in my heart. I speak of Your faithfulness and Your saving help. I do not conceal Your love and Your faithfulness from the great assembly. Psalm 40:10

Lord,

Show us Your ways and teach us how to love and give us courage to speak boldly as we gain wisdom and strength from You. That deep and abiding joy does not come easily through our journeys on earth. But You fill us with exactly what we need.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Gratitude and Joy

     Gratitude and joy. Jesus faced the cross with the joy set before Him. As He moved into Jerusalem understanding what was to come, He set His face towards the goal.

Now it came to pass when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem. Luke 9:51

     Jesus knew what was about to take place. He set His face steadfastly. Other versions use the word, “resolutely”. Have you had struggles to face? We know the feeling of having to go through something so deep and so traumatic, we just set our face and do the best we can. Jesus understands. In fact, the prophet Isaiah wrote about Jesus hundreds of years earlier. Listen to these words about the coming Redeemer.

I offered my back to those who beat Me, my cheek to those who pulled out My beard; I did not hide My face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign Lord helps Me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like flint and I know I will not be put to shame. Isaiah 50:6-7

     Flint is a hard, sedimentary rock. When struck against steel, a spark ignites. Jesus knew the difficulties about to strike Him and He set His face like flint, resolutely, steadfastly. The cost, many times, is worth the pain. Have you come through a difficult time and gained something more valuable? Wisdom, personal change, a deep spiritual joy, an abiding faith?

     Jesus helps us to set our faces as we move against our struggles, with the joy set before us. He is our joy and our home. Let’s move steadfastly, resolutely towards Him.

Jesus,

One day soon, we will be with You forever. Guide us through the tough times and bring us out with new purpose and joy. We thank You with grateful hearts this week, for all You have done, for all You will do.

Amen

Gratefulness and Joy

     Live in constant awe of the gift Jesus gave. A grateful heart goes a long way in this short and, many times, difficult journey on earth. A grateful heart lifts the spirits. A heart filled with thanksgiving for even the tiniest blessings will exude joy. The joy of the Lord can win others to Him, too.

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

     I believe this. The joy of the Lord gives us strength to get through it all. Fill your heart with gratitude. Remember what Jesus has given us! A heavenly home awaits. In the meantime, He will guard our hearts and minds with His peace that passes all understanding.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

     As Paul sat in prison, wondering if he would live or die, he was able to write these words. Hold them in your heart today and every day.

Rejoice in the Lord, always. I will say it again. Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Father,

We rejoice in Jesus today. Guard our hearts and our minds. Give us peace. Help us to find the joy and remind us, each day, to be grateful.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Gratefulness and Joy

     Jesus came to bridge the gap between us and God. He came as a man, humbling Himself to serve and to sacrifice. And He did it for us. He offers heaven and He offers life now for our souls. He is the Word of God! The Bible points to Jesus from Genesis to Revelation.

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

     The one and only Son, the Word of God became flesh for us. All things were made for Him and by Him and through Him.

Through Him all things were made, without Him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:3

For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever Amen. Romans 11:36

     We don’t understand the magnitude of the glory of God, through Jesus. But we believe!

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 1 Peter 1:8

     I pray you are filled with that inexpressible joy that comes from Jesus. He honors your faith.

Lord,

The Word came to live among us. All things are for Him and we believe. Fill us with deep joy and peace on this day.

Amen

Gratefulness and Joy

     Not only did Jesus sacrifice for us, He came to earth willingly, suffered willingly, died willingly, for us. Listen to these words that are foreign to humankind.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

     For the joy set before Him? How do we reconcile the agonizing pain of the cross with joy? His joy is you! And it is me! He did it for us. He longs to be with us forever and ever. How I pray everyone will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. His love gives us strength and peace and comfort and we, too, find joy in Him.

     Imagine the joys of heaven, meeting Jesus face-to-face, no more pain, no more tears, no more struggles, no more sin. Maybe we can endure anything in this life, for the joy set before us. It is offered to us through Jesus. May our joy be complete.

Jesus,

Our joy is found in You. As we wait for heaven, let us live our earthly lives in peace and joy, those found only in You. Remind us of what lies in store for us as we move closer and closer to heaven.

Amen

Gratefulness and Joy

     Fill your hearts with joy and gratitude for our amazing God! We can never move too far, make too many mistakes, or run far enough away from God’s grace and mercy. Are you dealing with guilt or shame over the past? Is it still painful? Remember, Jesus died for every single sin, every single atrocity, every single lie, every single word said in anger, every word of gossip, every sexual sin and the list could go on for pages, couldn’t it?

     How does our loving God forgive? Only one perfect man could shed His holy blood to renew our souls, to wipe the slate clean. Ask the one and only, Jesus, for forgiveness, accept His free gift and take a deep breath. Freedom reigns. God only sees us through Jesus. He is our redeemer, our intercessor, our intermediary, our Lord.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man, Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5

     The perfect man, the perfect death, the perfect mediator between us and a perfect God. Forgiven, washed clean, now and forever. Believe it.

Father,

We praise You for Your son, Jesus, for His willingness to go to the cross for us! Dead to sins and alive in Him. Help us to understand Your mercy and Your grace which is given lavishly to us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Living Water

     The topsy-turvy, upside=down, inside-out, down-is-up world of Jesus is one crazy ride. We won’t fit into the world any longer, but what blessings we will discover! Our spirits will sing with inner peace and joy. We won’t be able to help but speak of what we know.

As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

     As we are filled with the power and love of the Holy Spirit, as we continue to hunger and thirst for the bread and water of the Word of Christ, we will overflow with the His love for others.

Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst again. The water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14

“Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:28

     May the living water of Christ give you hope for today and for eternity as we continue to love in His name.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 1 Thessalonians 3;12

Down Is Up

    We have been turned right-side-up and inside out, rooted deep as we grow good spiritual fruit. God also reminds us that “down is up!” In this self-confident, it’s-all-about-me world, God seeks the humble heart. Before we can accept a Savior, we need to admit we need one! Jesus humbled Himself for us.

And, Jesus, found in appearance as a man, humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death-even death on a cross! Philippians 2:8

     The humble heart recognizes sin, not just in others, but in ourselves. We can’t do it alone. As we humble ourselves before Him, He lifts us up.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10

     Seeing ourselves in the presence of a perfect and holy God, keeps us right where we need to be, surrendered to Him and His love. We learn to love as He does and to see others through His eyes, those imperfect people, just like us.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, Rather, in humility value others above yourselves Philippians 2:3

     This is impossible for us as self-centered humans. But as we are rooted in Christ, we can develop the mind of Christ. He leads by example.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. Rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  Philippians 2:5=7

Father,

We humble ourselves before You, asking for you to give us the mind of Christ as we move out into the world. He humbled Himself for us, even to death.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Dark To Light

     Rooted deep. For us to continue to grow in Christ, we need to be rooted in His Word, reminded of His undying love for us each day and aboding in Him through everything, good and bad, happy and sad, through joy and sorrow. We are His.

     Just as the grass and the flowers need roots to grow, so we need to be rooted in Jesus, the Son. Let His face shine on you today and grow in the Spirit of the One who loves you enough to die for You and take ALL of your sins, past, present and future! What freedom! What joy! What love!

      Listen to these beautiful words from Jesus:

You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself. It must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine. You are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from Me, you can do nothing. John 15:3-5

     Remaining or abiding in Christ. He will bear the fruit for us as our roots grow deep. Just as the plant’s roots grow in the dark solitary depth of the earth, so, too, our roots will become healthy as we pray, as we search the Word, as we spend quiet time abiding with Jesus. The outward growth will begin to show, from the inside out, dark to light.

Jesus,

Teach us how to grow good fruit with You. Give us more and more of You as we study and listen and pray.

Amen

Right-Side-Up and Inside-Out

     As Jesus transforms our lives, we begin to realize we have been living as if we were standing on our heads, trying to figure things out from the wrong vantage point. Money hasn’t brought satisfaction. The burst of happiness at the beginning of vacation falls short. Our bodies and our outward appearance fades, even after years of tiresome treatments.

     Jesus stands us upright, leading us into His ways, turning us upside down from our lopsided world and turning us inside out! This earthly life is temporal. Our physical bodies are temporal. Why don’t we spend more time on our spirits, the part of us that lives forever??

     A good question. Moving into a relationship with Jesus should give us a deep hunger and a burning thirst for more and more of Him. I pray that your first and foremost passion is Him. Talk to Him all day long. Seek to see the world as He sees it, with love and hope for new life, right-side-up and inside out. The world won’t understand. They are trying to figure things out, just as we were, from an earthly position, a completely different view, the blood rushing to their heads. But I’m ready to follow Christ, are you?

If we are, “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God. If we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, for we are convinced that One died for all, and therefore, all died.  And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone. The new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:13-17

Lord,

Keep us “out of our minds” for You. We are new creations. You turned the world upside down and inside out with Your love. We follow You and see the world through Your eyes.

Amen

Death To Life

     Not only does God offer new life and victory over death, He continues to turn our lives upside down and inside out. God’s ways stand in sharp contrast to the ways of this world. As we die to ourselves and take on the righteousness of Christ, a new life springs forth. Creation speaks to us of this same process. Here is Jesus:

“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24

     Because Christ died for us, He gave us the opportunity for new life. We are united in His death and will live forever!

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

     Death to life. This life in Christ can bring newness to every part of us, body, mind and spirit. We are new creatures, saved by grace!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

     The old has gone? Hopefully, more and more each day! Living for Christ does not come naturally, but we have His Spirit to guide, to teach and to convict. Reading God’s Word will get our minds aligned with His. Stay in the Word and not in the world!

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12;2

     Death to life, a new creation, transformed and renewed. Aliens of the world, citizens of heaven. Represent Him in all you do!

Jesus,

Keep our minds on You and Your ways, Renew our minds. Transform our hearts. Keep us out of the pattern of the world and instead, into the ways of Your perfect and pleasing will.

Amen

New Life/New Peace

     I pray Easter is blooming in your heart with new life. With a 2-month-old grandson around, hope arises anew! There is a spring in our step, a perpetual smile on our faces and a joy unspeakable. I pray you have something to smile about today. If you know Jesus, you do!

     He is there, deep in your soul, ready to give you His eternal peace. His peace is unlike any other. When turmoil and strife surround you, there can be peace.

“Peace I leave you. My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14;27

     Inner peace. Ahh! Sounds wonderful. How I wish it would last every minute of every day. As human beings, we flounder. We fall. We are anxious. We want to fix things, to control our lives. But, we live in a fallen world, a temporal world.

     Jesus is ours. He will bring the peace back, once again, over and over again. He is the God of new beginnings and second chances, waiting with open arms. He will hold you. He has the words of eternal life. Where else would we go?

Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68

Jesus,

New life is in You. Our souls are born again as we believe in You. Death is vanquished and You promise us peace and hope as we live life here. Bring renewed hope to us today. Guide those who have not yet met You, to seek You, to believe in You, to accept You as Savior, the creator of new life!

Amen

New Life/New You

     It helps me to remember; even when I feel weak in faith, discouraged in life, or worried and anxious, God continues His work in me.

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

     When you lose your confidence, be confident in Christ. When you lose your way, remember He has the path ahead all figured out. When you are about to give up, He will bring the right words, the perfect people, the Scripture you can hold onto for dear life, or the hope of heaven.

     At the end of this life, there is a new place, our perfect home, the beginning of forever. This is not our true home. We are visitors.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord, Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20

     God is working in your life right now. Trust in Him. He will never let you go. Wait eagerly for His coming. In the meantime, take His hand and He will show you the way to new life.

Jesus,

You are the way, the truth and the life. Our lives here will count for You as we allow Your work in us to continue. Give us renewed strength today. Bring the right words to our hearts and the right people to our paths.

Amen

New Life/New Hope

     A brand-new believer in Jesus is often filled with new hope and joy and peace. As humans, that euphoria can wear off as life continues to unfold with its hardships and struggles. But deep within, there remains an eternal perspective, the truth and hope of our heavenly home. The Bible tells us eternity is in our hearts.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

     We will not understand all that goes on in our earthly lives. But God knows the end from the beginning.

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

     Allow these words to bring peace to your heart. God knows the end from the beginning. We will not understand all of His ways until the end of our time on earth. His purposes will come to pass, in His timing, in His way, in your life and in mine.

     Keep eternity in your heart. All of this is temporal. Allow the blessings of the new life in Christ to give you renewed strength today.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Father,

When we begin to move away from You, renew our strength. We do not want to grow faint and weary in our faith. Keep the peace and hope of eternity in our hearts as we walk out our faith and our new life in Christ.

In Jesus name,

Amen

New Life

     How about, just as the spring blooms begin to show their lovely heads and the trees begin to bud with new life, if we, too, begin life anew? What if we decide to let our faith grow this year, to spring ahead with new enthusiasm for Jesus, to burst with new joy at the hope He brings? How about if we have a new passion for life, filled with the very Spirit that gives us peace?

     Let’s start anew with Jesus.

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

      Let God speak these words into your heart with an exclamation point. “See, I am doing a new thing!”  A new thing in your heart, in your soul, in your path, in your life. See! There it is! Right in front of you. Step into a new life in Christ. This new life is not about our physical life, the comforts of the body, but it is filled with the Spirit, the Spirit of God. The Bible gives us the very Words of the Spirit.

The Spirit gives life. The flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you-they are full of the Spirit and life. John 6:63

Jesus,

We pray for Your words and Your Spirit to give us new life. Begin a new thing in our hearts this year. Increase our enthusiasm and passion for You, so that we may show the world.

Amen

New Life

     He is risen! The Lord, Jesus, is alive and well, in full glory, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Death has been defeated, no longer our enemy. Let everything in you resound with the words, “HE IS RISEN!”  Hallelujah!

     Easter blessings can follow us throughout our days. Living our lives to glorify Christ can get us through. Even our tough times can be an opportunity to share Him with others, to show who He is and what He can do through us. Let the light of the resurrection shine in your life, as Easter remains in our souls, as our hope for eternity.

     Jesus humbled Himself and sacrificed Himself for us. Sacrificial love is rare these days. We want to do our own thing, live for ourselves, for our comfort, for our good times. Sacrificial love brings the greatest blessings, both to others and, in return, back to us.

     How will others know we are His disciples? Let’s allow the Lord, Himself, to explain.

“A new commandment I give you. Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

     This love goes beyond romantic love or the love of a friend. This love is for everyone. Your enemies? Again, here is Jesus.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44

     Impossible, you say? Me, too. Only with the grace of God, with the love of Christ, with the power of the Holy Spirit, will we have the strength to love and pray for our enemies.

Jesus,

You are alive and we wait to be with You. Give us the power and the strength and the wisdom to love, to show others the kind of love You first gave us, the power over death, to new life.

Amen