His Voice

     Remaining in the peace and joy that Jesus offers is not easy, is it? Satan wants to destroy our destiny, to sap our strength, to fill our heads with fear, to make us doubt ourselves and God’s love. Maybe a conscious effort needs to be made daily to listen to God’s voice above the roars of Satan, above the emotions and feelings that guide us. Remember, God's voice never condemns.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

     We belong to Him. Listen for His voice above all others. We will recognize His love, His peace, His joy beyond it all.

My sheep listen to My voice. I know them and they know Me. John 10:”27

     We are His forever. Still those inner voices of doubt, fear, worry, and guilt. Nothing will ever, ever separate us from the eternal love of Jesus.

I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. No one will snatch them out of My hand. John 10:28

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

     No longer condemned. No longer in chains. Never to be separated from Jesus, not ever. We will never perish, but will have eternal life. Listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd as He brings you to safe pasture. Let Him comfort your soul today with His forgiveness and love.

Amen

See you back here on Tuesday! Enjoy the weekend.

Once For All

     Many of us grew up with a picture of a judgmental God, a guilt-provoking God, a punishing God, where we felt the need to constantly ask for forgiveness, never feeling good enough. I know many churches still teach that we have to go back to the cross again and again, never quite free.

     Remember, Jesus died once and for all. When we trust Him as our Lord and Savior, we have His Holy Spirit to guide us. Our sins are forgiven, once and for all, past, present and future. The Spirit will guide us into more and more truth, into more and more freedom, into living a life led by Him, rather than being led by our own feelings, emotions and temptations.

     What a gift. Let the chains that bind you fall away, once and for all.

He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Psalm 107:14

And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all. Hebrews 10:10

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8;36

     Shake off your chains, once and for all. You are forgiven! You are free! You are free indeed!

Jesus,

It is hard to accept Your gift of sacrifice. You took it all, once and for all, for us. We praise You. We are free indeed. Let Your Spirit lead us into more and more truth as we are filled with the joy of total forgiveness.

Amen

A Plan For All

     We have talked about children and grandchildren this week. There are many out there living a single life by choice, by circumstances, by separation and by death. God is a loving companion for all. He is a Father, a friend, and He has a plan for each one of us. We can do all things through Him who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13)

     Hang onto His hand when you are lonely. Listen to His voice when you have lost your way. Feel His love as it surrounds you. His plans are always good, always.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

     Hope and a future. He has a plan for you and for me. Satan would love nothing more than to discourage us, to disarm us, to destroy God’s plan for us. God is mightier. He is good. All the time. As His children, we know He will work the good, the bad and the ugly into something beautiful. He leads us before, during and after. He leads us through. He leads us up. He leads us out. Trust Him today.

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

He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all-how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

Father,

Help us to feel Your overpowering love for us, knowing that You are working all things out for good, for Your own purposes, with a unique plan for each of us. Let us, married or single, be overwhelmed and transformed by Your amazing love.

In Jesus name,

Amen

No Greater Love

     Our daughter is back to teaching this week and we are back to caring for our 7-mnth-old precious bundle of grandson joy! We pray the transition will be a smooth one for all of us. It is tough going back to work after being a full-time mommy all summer. She knows that this child has our hearts and we will watch over him, nourish him, protect him, snuggle him, delight in him and love him the best that we can.

     As much as we love our children and our grandchildren, our Father in heaven loves them even more. He watches over us, nourishes our souls, protects us and delights over us. God loves us so much He sent His only Son to die for us, to give us hope and freedom. He gave us a way back to Him and we can enjoy a full relationship with a loving Father.

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you. In His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

     God will be with our daughter, with us and with our precious grandson. He delights over us and rejoices over us with singing. Can you imagine? Rest in that promise today.

Lord,

We praise You for Your great love for us. There is no greater love than Yours. Give our daughter great peace in knowing that her son is in good hands, as we all delight in him.

In Jesus name,

Amen

She's 30!

     How is it possible for our first-born to be turning 30 today? The two of us were quite out of sorts for the first few weeks of her precious life. Luckily, my husband, (one of the unending list of reasons I am still madly in love) took good care of us. And, just as luckily, we both turned the corner from the crying, not-to-be soothed mom and baby, into a happy mommy-daughter duo that exists to this day.

     In addition to the impossibility of passing time, another real impossibility exists in trying to put into words how much this child means to me. From the quiet, kind and gentle spirit emanating from her even as a young child, from her earnest and careful first steps and her overly-neat eating patterns, she has emerged into the most beautiful, hard-working, organized, generous, funny and fashionable young women to grace our lives.

     Tears flow down my face freely as I ponder this young woman gifted to us by God. She is about to embark on marrying the love of her life and I see how deep she can love, including loving his two children with her whole heart. How lucky they are to have her and how lucky we are to have her as our daughter.

     Her faith is strong. I made numerous mistakes as a mom over the last 30 years, but introducing our children to Jesus is the most precious gift we had to offer and both daughters accepted Him whole-heartedly. What peace that brings.

     Happy birthday Angela. You truly are an angel to many, including your dad and me. We love you!

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4

All your children will be taught by the Lord and great will be their peace. Isaiah 54:13

Start children off in the way they should go and even when they are old, they will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Father,

Thankfulness and gratitude pour from my heart as I praise You for our children. May they continue to walk in the ways of our Lord, Jesus. Bless our daughter, Angela, today on her 30^th birthday and bless her footsteps throughout this happy year ahead.

Amen

The Christian Life

     Many of our churches in America have become complacent over the years. We used to understand the battle between good and evil, to stand for our faith even to the point of death, to willingly speak of Jesus Christ as the only way to heaven. So many have died in His name.

     If there were other ways to heaven, why would our Lord have come to earth to pay such an awful price, to die such an agonizing death, to carry our sins? There is simply no other way, no other explanation.

Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

     The Bible makes it clear. It breaks my heart to think of anyone missing out on heaven. Jesus loves everyone and He does not want to lose even one.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

     Unfortunately, the Bible also makes it clear. As the return of Jesus draws ever closer, evil will increase. There will be a great falling away of the church of Christ. A complacent church. A world-loving church. A compromising church. Let it not be said of us.

Let no one deceive you by any means, for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition. 2 Thessalonians 2:3

For know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people, run away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5

     The list above is disheartening. Each and every one on the list needs Crist! A world that needs Jesus. We bring His hope.

Lord,

We want to keep passing along the Gospel of salvation. You died for everyone and You love us all. Keep us Spirit-filled and Jesus centered, never compromising on the truth of salvation.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Christian Life

     A Christ-centered life is a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. The very Spirit of God, the Father Himself, comes to live within us, the moment we believe and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. What type of Spirit is this and what type of power is available to us each and every day?

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

     Remember, this power is available to us! We can be disciplined, filled with love and filled with God’s power! And what does this power include?

And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies, because of His Spirit who lives in you. Romans 8:11

     Imagine that!!  The Spirit of God, the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, is living within us!  Now, that is power!! This power will support us, comfort us, teach us, pray for us, give us the right words, and love us throughout our lives. And at our death, this Spirit will remain alive through eternity, and our mortal bodies will one day become immortal!  Take this in today. Feel the power of the Spirit. Do not be timid. You are filled with the resurrection power of Jesus Christ Himself!

Lord,

We can’t fill in enough exclamation points to communicate the Holy Spirit's power You offer us now and forevermore. Help us to understand and to walk out into the world with the humble confidence of our Lord and Savior.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Christian Life

     Have you noticed the hate-filled language around us? Our culture appears to be in rapid decline. Violence is erupting. Harsh words are spoken. Families are divided. What does the Bible have to say about our speech and how should we react to all of the frenzy? Do we yell right back? Swear at each other? Seek revenge? Not exactly what God expects from His beloved children. Listen to what God’s Word has to say.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:3-4

     Think of the changes in our culture over the last fifty years. When we read what the Bible says is good and pleasing in the eyes of God, the Holy Spirit will remind us.  We just need to listen to His voice.

    God is there to guide and to teach and to transform us more and more into Christ-likeness. We will never be perfect. We fail every single day. But God’s work will continue as we move in a counter-cultural way. Remember, not everyone knows Jesus. They look to us. We represent the God of creation.

     Remember, it is not up to us to point out flaws in one another. We are to humble ourselves before each other. Unbelievers do not know Jesus or His ways. Be kind. Dress  yourselves with spiritual clothes

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

Lord,

You understand it is not easy for us to be different in the world, to be kind and loving to everyone, especially to those who do not yet know You. We want them to want what we have. A saving relationship with Jesus Christ.  Fill us with your love, your compassion, and your joy. Help us to represent You. Let it be contagious!

Amen

The Christian Life

     It is hard to find quiet. A quiet life looks unusual in a world moving to and fro at break-neck speed. The internet, our I-phones, all of our screen time, separate us from real life as we remain connected, superficially, 24/7. The brains of our young children are moving at such a high rate of speed, viewing images one after the other, they may find it hard to concentrate on one thing for any substantial length of time. Patience and focus become rare.

     What does the Bible say about our lives?

And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you. 1 Thessalonians 4:11

     It’s tough to mind our own business when private lives are an open book for all to see. When does our speech become gossip, rather than just passing along necessary information? Working hard keeps us out of trouble, that’s for sure. I need to work harder to stay off of the internet, to mind my own business and to refrain from unnecessary gossip.

     Find some quiet time, away from the hustle and bustle and connect with Jesus. He invited his disciples, just as He invites you and me, to join Him in a quiet spot.

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

“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-burdened and I will give you rest”. Matthew 11:28

Father,

We long to step away, to be with You, to lead quiet lives, minding our own business and focusing on what is important to You.  Help us and give us wisdom today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Christian Life

     Where did the summer go? We are making plans to attend the Minnesota State Fair, talking about Labor Day and looking forward to taking care of our grandson when our daughter returns to work as a teacher. Life is busy.

     My husband and I realized we had only two weeks before we begin caring for a 6-month old We need to step into a flurry of last-minute appointments and activities. At the beginning of the summer, it seemed as if we had all of the time in the world.

     None of us knows what the next day will bring. It’s easy to get lost in a rush of activity, in schedules planned almost minute-by-minute. The busier we are, the more we need time with Jesus, don’t we? For me, it is the only way to remain peaceful.

     Try not to neglect time in prayer and to study God’s Word. Scripture will give you focus and tips on how to live life as a Christian. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you throughout the day. The Word of God renews our minds to be more like Christ. The world is far apart from the ways of God. Here is a great verse:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

     It is so much easier to just go along with the flow, fit into the world, isn’t it? The only way we can discern the ways of God is to understand what is pleasing to Him, to be given spiritual wisdom. All we have to do is ask!

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. James 1:5

     Did you hear that? No need to feel guilty.  God gives generously without finding fault.  I need His wisdom today. I need to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.

Lord,

Feed us with Your Word. Give us the spiritual wisdom we need to get through the day. Keep us focused on You, filled with Your peace and walking in Your ways, no longer conformed to the world, but transformed by You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Faith Supports

     Are you building your life on things that will hold you secure when the first sight of storm clouds appear? Will you sink when the waves crash into you with force? Or are you built on the firm foundation of faith in Christ?

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house, yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds beat and blew against that house, and it fell with a great crash. Matthew 7:25-27

     Our faith provides a firm foundation, built on the rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ. He will hold you up through the greatest storms in life and will not allow you to crash. Rely on Him.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

     Our faith will sustain us through the flames and the waves, through the storms of life. Be assured of Jesus. Find hope in Him alone. Build your spiritual house on the solid rock.

But the Lord has become my fortress and my God, the rock in whom I take refuge. Psalm 94:22

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4

Father,

Our foundation is secure, set, on the Rock of our salvation, Jesus. Our faith assures us of heaven, even through the trials and tests on earth, You are there to protect and provide.

Amen

Faith Protects

     Satan is real and active, devious and aware. We can wear our spiritual armor with confidence each and every day. You can read through each piece of armor in Ephesians 6:13-18. For today, we will focus on the shield that protects us from the fiery arrows of our enemy.

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

     God provides everything we need. If only we would remember to clothe ourselves with our helmet of salvation, our breastplate of righteousness, our shoes of the Gospel of peace, our belt of truth, our shield of faith, our one offensive weapon; the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, all tied in with prayer.

     Faith protects us from the voice of Satan filling us with doubt, with worry, with temptation, with greed and envy, with pride. He knows how to push our buttons and wants us to remain in a weak position, unable to speak truth, to bring glory to Jesus with our lives.

     Today, hold up your faith with confidence and joy. You’ve got this! Jesus provides protection against every single arrow pointed at you.

Lord,

We thank You for the weapons of warfare against evil. We lean on You for protection in this world as we await Your coming.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Faith Assured

     Have you felt the presence of God in a real way, known that a prayer has been answered, smiled and said, “That was You, Jesus?”

     When I was 28 years old, I was driving down 28^th Avenue in South Minneapolis on a bright, sunny day, driving my pale yellow stodgy 4-door Dodge K-car, feeling very sorry for myself. My dream in life, from the time I was a small girl playing with my baby dolls, was to be a wife and a mom.

     At the time,35 years ago, I was dating someone I knew did not want to be married or to have kids. Many of my friends were married with children and I was filled with doubts about life and what direction mine was going. Out of the blue, a feeling washed over me. I felt it from the tip of my head to the soles of my feet. I know now it was the Holy Spirit, but at the time, I was not in a relationship with Jesus. God begins His work in us long before we open our hearts to Him completely.

     The assurance was real. I knew that I knew that I knew I would be married and have a little girl named Angela one day. (My favorite name way back to the dolls!) A smile of pure joy broke out on my face, driving alone in my car. But I wasn’t alone.

     I never doubted that deep truth, even though I would go through many trials in the next few years. I married my love at the age of 31 and had my first child at 33. Yep, you guessed it. A daughter named Angela. My husband did have a say in our second beautiful daughter’s name, Lauren, a couple of years later.

     I love to hear stories of prayers answered, of knowing God is real and involved. I have never experienced anything quite like that day all of those years ago. But my faith has not wavered. The assurance of faith is real. I want to share a verse that I used a couple of days ago. It is a good one to memorize. Faith and hope are ours. God is here, there and everywhere.

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

Father,

We know You are real. We are assured of our faith in Jesus, by the work of the Holy Spirit. Help us to feel Your presence surrounding us today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Faith Tested

     Has your faith in God been tested? The Bible is clear. It will. The testing of our faith produces good. So hard to understand when we doubt, when we wonder, when we ask, “why?”  And there are so many struggles in life that bring about the testing of our faith.

     God will be present through it all. Even at our bleakest moments, somehow He will return us back to Him, and even bring good things from the pain.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you have trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work, so that you may be mature not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

     Have you persevered, wondering how you would make it? I know I have. When we come out the other side of suffering, we find our faith has increased, our trust in Jesus made stronger, and our hope assured. Not easy. Would never ask for it. But God is good. All the time.

In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now, for a little while, you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

     Rejoicing in grief? I am certainly not there yet. But faith remains through it all. All to the praise, glory and honor of Jesus.

Lord,

We pray for those suffering right now. May they feel the comfort and peace and hope that only You can bring. This fallen world is filled with imperfect people, with all kinds of trials, but our hope is in You.

In Jesus name,

Amdn

Faith Remains

     It’s all about faith. Our faith, our belief, our trust, our hope all depends on one God. One faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. One faith that assures our home in heaven. One faith that pleases our God.

And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

     To find him, we must seek Him. Are you looking? Wondering if there really is a God? Read through the Scriptures. Pray and ask. He is there, waiting.

Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

     Jesus will not come into your life without first seeking, knocking and asking Him to be your Lord and Savior. And faith will be yours forever!

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

     Faith will do that. Give us confidence and assurance. We do not see. But we hope. Our hope is secure in Him.

Jesus,

Thank You for the gift of the faith that pleases You. Give us complete assurance today in all You have planned for us. We love You.

Amen

Our One and Only Favorite

     This weekend we will have our favorite grandson sleep over night while our two favorite daughters and their favorite guys go to a concert and on Sunday we will host a family picnic with some of our favorite relatives. What a blessing! I pray you have friends and family surrounding you this weekend.

     If not, fill up on the presence of our favorite God and His Son, Jesus, the Word in the flesh. The one and only!

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

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known. John 1:18

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

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

     Jesus is not one among many favorites in our lives. He is the ONE and ONLY.  The one and only Savior. The one and only way to God the Father. The one and only with the answers to eternal life. The one and only Savior.

     Savor and love all of your favorites in this short journey on earth. Save your eternal gratitude and love for the one who saved you, Jesus Christ. And best of all, YOU are His special favorite. It is as if you are His one and only, too.

Father,

Thank You for sending us Your one and only Son, to show us the way back to You, no longer condemned, but redeemed from our sins, now and forever. He loves us that much.

In the one and only name of Jesus,

Amen

Favorites

     One of my favorite daughters is getting married next summer. She will choose her favorite people to be there, her favorite friends to stand by her side (including her favorite sister) and pick some of her favorite songs for the day. God is so good to give us these celebrations that remain forever etched in our hearts as some of our “favorite” days!

     What are some of your favorite days? Most will include the people we love. Our wedding, the birth of our babies and grandbabies, the weddings and celebrations of our friends and families, favorite vacations and favorite places. One of my favorite places is Lake Nokomis. I never tire of taking walks, going to the beach and reliving one favorite moment after another, from childhood until today.

     Along with Jesus being our favorite, we can choose the day we accepted Him as Savior as our very favorite moment. This is the moment we began our journey with Him, the moment the Holy Spirit entered, the day we knew we are a child of God, the moment we knew for a fact, we will be in eternity with God!

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the Gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13

     The very best moment, a moment to be savored, our utmost favorite, the day of our salvation.

Jesus,

Thank You for saving us from death, from living for eternity apart from You. We pray for this moment to be shared with others, that they, too, may believe in the one true God.

Amen

Favorites

     With all of the examples in Scripture of fallen human beings like us, do you have a favorite story or a favorite person in Biblical history, that has taught you a valuable lesson? Peter spoke without thinking, yet Jesus forgave him and used him in mighty ways. Paul was an enemy of the church and God transformed him to become the greatest evangelist of all time. He wrote most of the New Testament.

     Daniel remained true to God, even as a young man in enemy territory, refusing to bow down to the king. God protected him, even from death in the lion’s den.  Ruth stayed true to her mother-in-law  after their husbands died, making the decision to remain in a strange land, God guided her into new love and hope. Moses began his ministry at age 80. Caleb was one of only two Jewish men from the original group of millions to make it into the promised land, still full of strength and passion at an old age. Joseph was betrayed by all of his brothers, and years later, had the opportunity to save them from starving and to offer forgiveness. The list goes on and on. Become familiar with all of the great stories of real men and women, like you and me.

     Jesus is our redeemer and everything from Genesis to Revelation points to Him, to His forgiveness, to His ability to redeem and restore, to His gift of eternal life. I am looking forward to spending time with my favorites in heaven.

     One of my questions to Paul will be, “What was the thorn in your side that God did not heal?”  He found strength in his weakness and many have pondered the meaning of the thorn. He was a writer and I believe he may have suffered some sort of blindness, just like me. He mentions his friends being willing to give him their eyes (Galatians 4:15) and that he wrote in his own hand in large letters.

See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand? Galatians 6:11

     Isn’t that amazing? It brings me comfort. Who do you identify with in the Bible? Do you have a favorite?  The opportunitiy to meet them and speak with them will be here soon. We can take all the time in the universe to meet all of our favorites!

Father,

Thank You for Biblical examples. All of them had flaws and frailties, just as we do. You can use us, just as You used them to change the world. We identify with the real stories of the ancient paths in Your Word. (Jeremiah 6:16)

In Jesus name,

Amen

Favorites

     As you think about our favorite things in life, think about your favorite Bible verses. It’s hard to choose, isn’t it? The list could to on and on. Whether you find yourself content or unsettled, whether joy-filled or filled with sorrow, whether angry or peaceful, there are Scripture verses to meet you right where you are.

     Think about your needs today. Find a verse, just for you. God speaks truth through His Word. His Word is precious, more valuable than silver or gold. (Psalm 119) Today, I am thinking about getting ready for company. Cleaning, cooking and getting everything ready can keep me in a fretful mood. (Hospitality is not one of my spiritual gifts!) Here are Scriptures written for me, spoken by Jesus Himself:

“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or stow away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:25-27

     This is just one of many Scriptures that warn us about worrying. It robs us of the joy of today. Everything will get done. I take comfort in these words. How about you? Take a minute to pray and think about your circumstances for the day. What is next? What do you need from God’s Word? He is ready to meet you and talk to you. Just the two of you together, ready to meet the day. Maybe you will find a new favorite Scripture!

Jesus,

Thank You for the Word that brings life to our souls. You tell us not to worry about the surface issues in life. You meet us in the deep recesses of our souls, wherever we are, wherever we are going. Thank You for Your precious Word that speaks to our hearts.

Amen

Favorites

     My friends tease me because I always use the word, “favorite.”  The definition of favorite includes, “preferred before all others of the same kind,” I guess they are right to tease. My favorite dessert is ice cream or cheesecake or apple pie. Each of my daughters is my favorite one!

     Above all else, yes, my one special favorite is, of course, Jesus. He trumps my favorite husband, my favorite kids and my favorite grandson, and my favorite friends, (each one my special favorite) I am blessed to have so many “favorites” in my life. And God has given me each one to treasure, but He needs to be first.

     When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, here is His answer:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 22:30-31

     God first. Everyone else second. All special favorites. One is above all else. It is Jesus.

Lord,

We love You with all of our mind, our soul and our strength. You encompass all of the favorites around us. You are in everything. Help us to keep You first each day, at the top of our favorites list. And we thank You for the blessings of all of the other favorites in our lives.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Memorable moments

     Our memorable moments bring reminiscent smiles and regretful tears. They bring heartache and excitement. Life lived with Jesus brings us something precious, more precious than gold. He gives us grateful hearts for the breath of life each morning. He is the perfect parent, the great comforter, the healer of our souls. And most precious of all of His gifts, He offers heaven, eternity with Him.

     Keep track of His work in your life as you journey on. You will notice the little ways in which He answers your heart. You will find opportunities to bless others in His name.

     The greatest gift we have to offer is to bring glory to His precious name. Our faith pleases Him. Because He has given so much to us, we have an abundant supply of love to give away. Let His love flow like living water through you.

     Jesus taught the woman at the well about this gift.

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” “Sir”, the woman said, “You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?”  “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. 4:10-11, 14

   Later on, in the 7^th Chapter of John, Jesus explains that this living water is the Holy Spirit, given to those who will believe in Him Is the living water flowing through you from Jesus? Fill up on it in His Word. Drink deeply from His love. Take in the nourishment He offers. It is life.

Lord,

Thank You for each memorable moment You give us. Fill us to the brim until we overflow with the living water of the Holy Spirit. We are Your beloved children, and we long for more brothers and sisters. Let us bring Your deep joy with us wherever we go.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Memorable Moments

     Some of our most memorable moments include deep suffering. The moment you lost a loved one, faced a diagnosis, lost a job, lost a relationship. The list goes on and on. Did you know, with Jesus, we can never lose our spiritual joy?

     The joy of the Lord remains throughout our lives, no matter the circumstances. You may believe you have lost it, but it is there. His hope is eternal. His love is forever. Even through suffering, He brings good. He renews our faith. He surrounds us with people to love us. He gives us wisdom to share. Here are Scriptures written by James and by Peter that remind us of the value in trials.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of great worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Christ Jesus is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

     We do have a choice to choose joy. Not easy. The joy of the Lord does not mean we will not grieve. We do. It doesn’t mean life will be easy. It isn’t. But we have Jesus. That changes everything. Allow His joy to replace bitterness, anger and sorrow. Allow Him to comfort you and rejoice.

     As Paul sat in prison, ready to face death, he wrote these words.

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

Lord,

Your joy is deep and unending. Give us an abundant share of it today. Even though we will go through trials in our lives, You are faithful.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Memorable Moments

     As we reminisce this week and thank God for memories, for friends and for family, let’s think about sweet moments with God. I bet we will be surprised in heaven to learn how many times He and His angels protected us, at the times He grieved with us, or rejoiced with us and for the prayers He answered.

     Has He answered a special prayer immediately? Or have you waited patiently, not believing He even listened, only to discover years later, He was there all along. I believe I have been the closest to Christ during my times of great sadness and worry. Those times bring us to our knees as we beg to understand And He offers everything we need to hold unto. And, He is enough.

     Have you felt His presence in a real way during worship>? Been overwhelmed with His love? Stuck up for Him when others don’t believe? There are so many moments, and as we age, we recognize Him more and more. He is involved and He is everywhere.

     Celebrate your God moments today. Think back to prayers answered, to believing the sufficiency of His grace, to feeling His presence throughout the day, for the people He has brought into your life, for the peace He offers in the midst of chaos. God is good all the time.

Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

I remain confident of this. I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27;13

Lord,

We celebrate You today, for the moments we share, for the hope you bring, for the trust You develop, for the love that never ends. Your goodness follows us all of the days of our lives. We are confident. You are good.

In Jesus name,

Amen