The Simple Joys of a More Simple Life

     Simple joy may mean decluttering and simplifying our belongings, recognizing the time, energy, and resources needed to accumulate, to keep in order, to clean, to use up every available space. I found a stack of sweaters today on the floor of a closet downstairs. I forgot I even had them. Some of them are really cute, too!

     But as I sorted, washed and tried to find room in my small closet upstairs, I thought about the fact that I had not even missed them. What is lurking in your storage rooms, in your cupboards, on your shelves, on your wish list? A simple joy may be giving some of it away, or downsizing just a bit.

     A fire pretty much gutted our home about fifteen years ago. It made us recognize (the hard way) how temporary our material belongings really are. God often teaches us the most valuable lessons through our times of struggle. None of it will follow us into heaven, but, as usual, over the years, here we are again. Closets have filled, shelves are overflowing and now we are starting over with toys, diapers, cribs, and car seats as we care for our grandson.

     This blog speaks to me more than anyone else. Simplifying will bring joy and relief, even though I can’t wait to wear those cute sweaters😊

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy and where thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19

Therefore, He said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15

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

Jesus,

Renew our minds to seek Your will. Let the treasures of our hearts be heaven-bound. Don’t allow us to let our possessions possess us. We thank You for all we have. Everything good comes from heaven. We long to simplify and sit at Your feet.

Amen

The Simple Joys of Everyday Miracles

     What brings joy to your life? There can be so many hidden joys available to us if we have the heart to see. The gift of the rising sun each day, the pleasure of reading a book or savoring a cup of coffee with a friend, being able to see and hear, or walk and talk. When we stop to ponder it all, each and every part of our lives is filled with miracles.

     Creation itself is a gift from our God. The variety in the trees, the flowers, in the birds and the animals is astounding. Imagine the design of the giraffe, the zebra, the koala, the eagle and the wren. He created all of this for us to enjoy, to inhabit, to cultivate, to maintain.

     Today enjoy the simple joy of the creation surrounding you, no matter the time or the season. There is so much around us. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” Genesis 1:26

     God is so good to us. Thank Him today for the miracles all around you.

Lord,

The simple joys in life include Your creation. Help us not to take it for granted when we witness the beauty and wonder of the earth and everything on it.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Simple Joys of Children

     I never tire of watching our 9-month-old grandson. Mesmerized by his little face, we watch his eyes light up as Gramps mows the lawn, see him laugh with delight as he swings,as he strains forward to catch one last glimpse of the big truck on the road, or as he sits contentedly with one of his favorite toys. When do we begin to lose the sense of wonder and simple pleasures attached to each day? As we grow older, we face criticism, body image, peer pressure, busyness, worry and the list goes on.

     He works hard on each new feat, whether crawling or picking up small toys or feeding himself. We celebrate each milestone and appreciate the pure joy in our hearts at each giggle and smile, at each new accomplishment.

     He has allowed us into his precious world, a world filled with new beginnings, and the simple pleasures in life. As grandparents, we now have the ability to sit back and enjoy the small moments. We hold onto each one as a treasure. Watch for the simple joys today. Let a child brighten your day. Swing or go for a walk. These are the memories that will last. The disciples of Jesus tried to keep the children from bothering Him. He had so much to do and so many people needed Him. And what did He say?

People were also bringing babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:15-16

Father,

Never let us take for granted the simple joys in life. Give us the eyes and ears of a small child so we,too, can sit in wonder at all You have given us. Thank You for the small children in our lives. Let them teach us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

     Our lives matter to Jesus. Our love will continue with us to our heavenly home.The greatest gift for us will be to discover we have led others to Christ. Imagine that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we have shared the Gospel. Somehow, we have watered that down over the years. We love, but we don’t share the good news.

     And that is the best news the world has ever been given. Christ suffered immense pain for this world. If there had been another way to heaven, an easier way, a different way, He would not have chosen the path He had to take.

     Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem, knowing the fate that awaited Him, the separation from His Father, carrying the pain of all of the sins, diseases, and evil on His very own human shoulders. He gave up His heavenly home and became one of us.

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

     It is a gift. There is nothing we can do to deserve it. We just need to accept it. Miraculous, unending grace. We are called to bring others to Him!

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Romans 10:13-14

     Those are our marching orders from on high. Give to the preaching of the Word. Pray for those who do not yet believe. Pass along the answers to eternal life with gentleness and respect. Ask for opportunities. This is what matters.

Father,

You give us the answers to eternal life. How can others believe that have not heard? Give us the provisions to spread Your beloved Word to others around the world.

In Jesus name,

Amen

     So far this week, we have looked at purpose in suffering, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and losing our fear of death. In other words, God will figure everything out, working for good even when we don’t understand. We often wonder why someone lingers before death, why an elderly person, more than ready to go home to heaven, lives several more years, why a child has to suffer?

     God wants a relationship with each and every one of us. The people surrounding a tragedy or family members involved with someone who is suffering can be transformed through it all. These events prompt us to look up, to pray when we have never prayed before, to ask the deep and hard questions about life and death, to recognize the reality of a loving God.

     If someone you know is involved in a difficult situation, look around for blessings. Watch for God’s hand to move, wait for the right timing, for the perfect words, for the right people to show up. The Holy Spirit is often closest to us during these tough times. His presence can be felt. The prayers of others can lift us up. We are here for a reason, for a season. For such a time as this. (Esther 4:14)

     And when we experience the compassion and the comfort of Christ, we pass it on. We pay it forward. There is no greater gift on earth.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

     Read the verses above carefully. God comforts us and shows us compassion, “so that.”  There is a reason.  It is “so that” we can use that same comfort and compassion for those in “any” trouble! Bring the love, comfort and compassion of our Father in heaven, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort wherever you go. He will give us opportunities to pay it forward, all the way to heaven.

Father,

How can we thank You for the love, compassion and comfort we receive from You? This great love is meant to be shared. You can use us and we are privileged and honored to represent You and Your Son, Jesus.

Amen

No Fear of Death

      I often hear this; “It’s better than the alternative,” meaning even during a difficult time, it is better than being six-feet under! I completely disagree. The life after this life will be so much more than we can hope or imagine.

Now to Him, who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen! Ephesians 3:20-21

     This life will never end if Jesus is your Savior. We will be moved immediately to our heavenly home, brighter, more beautiful, more peaceful, more-joy-filled, than anything we can ask or imagine. Do not fear death.

     A pastor years ago said, “We spend more time trying to keep saints out of heaven, than we do sinners out of hell.”  So true. We find it hard to let go of our loved ones. Those earthly goodbyes are so difficult. But the goodbyes are not permanent. Remember that when you are lonely and grief-stricken. We do grieve, but we grieve with hope, the hope of heaven.

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13

     A small child asked his mother what it would be like to die and she explained it something like this: “When you fall asleep on your way home late at night and you wake up in your own bed, with your own pajamas, in your own house, that is what it will be like when you wake up in heaven. You will be home forever.”

Amen!

His Good Work In You

     Has the Holy Spirit given you an unexpected peace during a chaotic time? Has He brought back joy following a time of mourning? Has He brought wisdom through pain? Has He given you words to pray when you had none? The Holy Spirit is our teacher, our guide, our Spiritual voice in a crazy world. His work will continue in us.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26

You turned my wailing into dancing. You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11

    The death and resurrection of Jesus gives us hope, always hope. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you today, through the good and the bad, through the tough and the tender, through the grief and the joy. His work continues with us until we are perfected in heaven.

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

     Allow Him to continue His good work in you!

Father,

We give ourselves to You today. Teach us, guide us, give us the right words to represent You wherever we go. It is Your good work in us. And you will never give up.

In Jesus name,

Amen

For The Joy

     Our brother-in-law almost died last spring of a massive heart attack. The recovery has been long and hard, but he is doing well. He believes He saw Jesus during the moments he was near death. Is it possible? I’m not sure, but if he now believes Jesus is real? It is wonderful and life changing for him.

     God works through the most tragic moments in our lives, doesn’t He? Those moments that bring us to our knees in desperation, in fear, in doubt. Where do we go next? Is God real? Why do we have to go through this? The answers to why we suffer will not be answered fully until we are in heaven, but God always works for good. The immense suffering of Jesus brought us freedom from sin and provided a way to heaven. There can be no greater example of beneficial suffering.

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

But, God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

     Jesus went willingly to His suffering. The Bible tells us He died for the joy. The joy is us!!

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

     God will work all things for good. Trust Him with your life for eternity. He gave up everything to become a humble servant and take the full penalty for our sins. He will see us through this life, all of it, to the next place; eternity.

Father,

We can’t imagine the suffering of Your Son. He did it all for us and we thank You. Give us wisdom when we suffer. Guide us through. Protect us and show us the blessings to come.

In Jesus name,

Amen

It's All About Faith

     As we focus on things above and set our minds on Christ, we can train ourselves to see with heavenly eyes, to look beyond the surface, to dive deeper in the hearts of others, to live a rich life beyond what we see, hear, and touch. Is that possible? Ask the Holy Spirit today to give you the eyes of faith, to let Jesus work through You in powerful ways.

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

     What, who, and where is your focus? Let it be on things unseen, with hope for this day.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

     Keep an eternal perspective, with an understanding that Jesus is next to you, ready with an answer, willing to bring hope, to something beyond. We have our citizenship is another place. Our heavenly home.

Instead, they were longing for a better country-a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16

     Our heavenly home is secure. Run with the gift of faith all the way to heaven.

“My Father’s house has many rooms. If that were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me, that you also may be where I am. John 14:2-3

Lord,

Give us heavenly eyes, minds and hearts to see beneath and beyond the earth, to work spiritually as we walk through our journeys on earth, with a steadfast gaze on our heavenly home. We walk by faith. Let is be said of us.

Amdn


Happy 65th to my wonderful husband and see you all back here on Monday!  Enjoy the fall weekend.

It's All About Faith

One of the many benefits (blessings) of having faith in Jesus is the gift of His peace. His peace is soul-deep. This peace does not offer a calm, turmoil-free life. His peace does not promise we will not suffer or have trials. But He does provide and promise peace in the midst of everything life throws at us. I love this verse from the Book of Isaiah:

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. Isaiah 26:3

     Staying strong in our faith and trusting in God will keep us in perfect peace. What a promise we have! When trouble finds us, let’s set our minds and our heart on Jesus, on things above.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

     These verses are a challenge for us, to move our thoughts beyond what we see, to trust in Jesus, to “set our minds,” to keep our minds steadfast on Him. He promises peace. I could use that today, how about you?

Peace I leave with 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

Jesus,

Your peace is not of this world. We set our minds on You today, beyond our circumstances. Our faith is secure, our confidence is in You alone. Give us that peace that transcends understanding.

Amen

It's All About Faith

     A friend from my neighborhood growing up shared a video this week of a 94-year-old woman six hours before she died. This woman was a camp counselor when my neighbor was a young girl. She remembered her strong faith and contagious love of Jesus.

     In the video this sweet woman, with a weak voice, sings “Jesus Loves Me.”  She mixes up a few of the words, but sings it through and at the finish, looks into the camera and says, “The Bible tells me so and that’s all I know.” And she smiles.

     How beautiful. Simple child-like faith. That’s what it’s all about. Jesus gives us inner beauty that shines through like light. This woman was still sharing Jesus in the last hours of her life. Such an example.

     As you witness the beauty of the trees as they prepare to let go of their last vestiges of leaves this fall, remember that inner beauty can stay with us until our last day on earth.

Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

     Child-like, joy-filled, passionate faith in Jesus that guides us, protects us, sustains us, strengthens us, empowers us and lifts us up. He is there. Come to Him like a child.

And He said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Father,

Give us the humble faith of a child. Give us the inner light to share You with others as we walk through our lives.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Light, Light and More Light

      As we focus on light this week, remember when this life is through, we will live in the full, undimmed light of Christ. Did you know He is the lamp of heaven? There will be no more night, no more darkness, only glorious light.

The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more. The Lord will be your everlasting light and your days of sorrow will end.  Isaiah 60:19-20

     No more sun, no more moon, God will be our everlasting light and Jesus?

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light and the Lamb is the lamp. Revelation 21:23

There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp, or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light and they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:5

     One day, the light will shine forever and ever. No more night. No more tears. Our sorrow will end. The glory of the Lord will be our light and the Lamb, the lamp. Amen

Light, Light and More Light

     As believers in Christ, we no longer belong to the night. Satan has no power over us. He may try to deceive us, to put lies in our heads, to bring doubt and fear, but we now have pure light, and the darkness will not overcome us!

You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5

     This image of light, the likeness of Christ will increase in us as we continue to follow Him! We have access to the full glory of the most-high God. Listen to this beautiful verse:

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

     Allow the Holy spirit to fill you with the light of life, to transform you more and more into the image of Christ, with ever-increasing glory! Hallelujah!

Lord,

No matter how we feel today, You offer us light and hope. You are working in us to transform us into Your likeness. We can’t imagine anything more wonderful. We love You.

Amen

Light, Light and More Light

     Jesus is the light of life. I love that term, “light of life.” Darkness appears to reign all around us, doesn’t it? Darkness is equated to evil in the Bible, but our God offers the light of life. And light always exposes darkness. Light has the power of God, and Jesus is the light.

In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8;12

     Let’s overcome darkness with light. We follow Him and we walk in the light. Remember that today. Turn on the light within your soul and allow Christ to shine through wherever you go.

Jesus,

You are the light of life and the darkness has no power to overcome it. You are in all and through all and all things were made for You. Give us the light of life on this day.

Amen

Light, Light and More Light

     As believers in Jesus, we have perpetual access to light. In fact, we are called to reflect and shine the light of Christ. When Jesus walked on the earth, He was the light.  Jesus said:

“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5

And, He reminds us, we just need to believe!

“Believe in the light while you have the light, so you may become children of light” John 12;36a

     We have the light! And we are to shine!

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:15

     The light that shines through us is for one purpose only. To glorify our Father in heaven, to represent Him, to share Jesus. Shine!

Lord,

This generation needs You. Allow Your light to shine through us so that we may be like stars glorifying our Father in heaven.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Light, Light and More Light

     The clouds have been overpowering the sun in Minnesota for the last couple of weeks and there is no end in sight. Cool temperatures have left us with little signs of the warm, crisp fall we had anticipated. To break the monotony this week, we will remind ourselves that light is always available to us. God is light!

This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light. In Him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

You are radiant with light, more majestic than the mountains rich with game. Psalm 76:4

     You may have heard the term, “It is always darkest before the dawn.” The darkest part of the night is broken with the first peak of morning light. The sun shines through. There is light

     In our own darkest hours, just a glimpse, a glimmer, a flicker of light brings hope. God is pure light. When the clouds finally open up to clear skies, look up in the middle of the night. Imagine the stars as openings into heaven, into the light that never fades.

     Ask for the light of Christ to shine on you and within you. Feel the warmth of the Son. His light shines through the darkness, always and forever.

Lord,

You are pure light and goodness. That light will never fade away, and soon we will be living in the midst of pure light with You. For now, shine some warmth and light into our days.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Guard Your Heart

     Humility appears to be missing from our culture. Pride and showmanship are everywhere. It must be someone else’s fault. Self-centeredness and heartlessness shine their ugly lights throughout our days in full-blown color and sound. The humble servant may not be noticed by man, but God loves a quiet and gentle spirit.

     He knows that a man is led by His heart and He sees right through the veneer.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6;45

Dear Father in heaven,

Guard our hearts to be open to You. Guard our mouths to speak good things. Keep our hearts so full of You, that Your love flows from us like a river. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to You our Lord and Redeemer. (Psalm 19)  

In Jesus name,

Amen

Share Jesus

     It’s easy to judge a book by its cover, isn’t it? To scoff at appearance. To question lifestyle choices. To put down others not living according to our opinions. Remember, many and even most people do not have a living, hope-filled, eternity settled, relationship with Jesus.

     It is easy to point out sin. But how do we even understand sin unless and until we know the truth about God and His desires? Living our lives according to God’s will is never easy, but our lives can be different. Our love can be sincere. Our humility rooted in the humility of the one and only Son. It is only because of Him we have hope. We are nothing without Him.

     Sharing that love will not be accepted if we put down and humiliate. Jesus does the changing. Not us. Jesus has to find the heart first and change happens over time, over a lifetime of relationship and it will never, ever be finished.

     Think about sharing who Jesus is and what He means to you. And let Him transform. Let Him turn the darkness into light and expose the things He desires to change.

     We offer so much through Jesus. Let it be said of us and let it show. We belong to Him.

By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35

Finally, all of you be like-minded. Be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves had been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

Jesus,

Keep us from judging those who do not yet know You. Give us the words and the wisdom to share Your love as we meet others right where they are. You turn darkness into light. You take empty lives and fill them with living water. You give hope to the hopeless and joy to the broken hearted. Teach us.

Amen

Change

     Today in Minnesota it will reach almost 80 degrees with a good chance of a fall thunderstorm. Tomorrow the high is 50! Roller-coaster changes in the weather are commonplace here. It may take some time for our bodies to acclimate to varying temperatures and seasons, but the change keeps us hardy and able to assimilate.

     What changes are you experiencing in your life? There is a seemingly unending array of change throughout our lifetimes. Changes in weight, in age, in appetite, in values, in jobs, in houses.  The list could go on and on and on.

     Change can be difficult and challenging. Some change is chosen and anticipated with enthusiasm. Other changes come out of nowhere, stopping us in our tracks. We do have choices when change is forced upon us or even as a chosen path. How do we adapt?

     Talking over changes with the ones we love, exchanging possible scenarios and options and possible outcomes may help. Praying together or praying one-on-one with God will allow His hand to guide us into something new. When a difficult change is forced upon us, we can trust God to show us a new way of life, a new road to take, a ray of sunshine on a dimly-lit path.

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

     Let Jesus take hold of your hand and guide you through the dark times, the times you may not see a way out. He will go ahead of you and make the rough places smooth and He will never leave you. Hang on. Change is coming.

Lord,

The changes in life are many. Give hope to those experiencing dark times today. Guide all of us into days of hope and life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Help Us, Lord

     The Psalm that you will read below has been e-mailed and texted and shared around the nation, as we witness yet one more sordid and circus-like political arena in our nation’s capital. Both parties in the latest media blitz have been bashed and hated and had their lives torn apart.

     The sides have been filled with vitriol and venom, children caught in the mix, even lives threatened. This story, along with just about everything else meant to remain confidential, was leaked. Whether you believe one party or the other, let’s pray for our country, so divided. Read these words from our Lord.

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.” Luke 11:17

     Trust in God to find truth, to bring healing, to help all of us as our country continues to struggle. It is disheartening.

Psalm 40

1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
and put their trust in him.
4 Blessed is the one
who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.[b]
5 Many, Lord my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
but my ears you have opened,
burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.
8 I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.”
9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, Lord,
as you know.
10 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.
11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord;
may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.
13 Be pleased to save me, Lord;
come quickly, Lord, to help me.
14 May all who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
be appalled at their own shame.
16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!”
17 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
you are my God, do not delay.

Father,

Humble our hearts before You as we witness the hate surrounding us. Bring us back to respect and character, to values and truth, to You. Have mercy on us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Lament and Praise

     My father-in-law saw the signs of early dementia in my mother-in-law long before we did. After she broke her hip, he realized he couldn’t take care of her anymore. He visited her each day at the nursing home, teaching us, along the way, so much about deep love and about remaining positive, as he continued to share wisdom in his role as a great dad, father-in-law and grandpa.

     God’s mercies continued for all of us through those difficult days. Perseverance builds character and character, hope.

Not only so, but we glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character and character, hope Romans 5:3-4

     These verses in the book of Lamentations spoke to me of all that my mother-in-law was suffering throughout those days.  The Bible always meets us exactly where we are.

He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. Lamentations 3:4-5

     As the words continue on through this chapter in lament, we remember the Lord’s love, His compassion and His faithfulness.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore, I have hope. Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23

     When the tough times come, remind yourself of just this. He will show mercy through it all. His compassion, His faithfulness and His everlasting love will never fail. 

Father,

Life can become so difficult when our lives turn upside down and inside out. Yet you remain steadfast. Always lead us back to hope and back to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen