An Eternal Perspective

 

     Looking ahead to heaven is a worthy past-time.  Our true home awaits us. The number of our years will be just a passing glance in lieu of eternity. Our eternal hope gives us a new reality in our lives. Our most pressing purpose becomes serving the One who offers us our eternal home.

     Living in light of eternity leaves us with hope. On our deathbed there is true hope. Stay in the moment-to-moment events of life with the promise of heaven etched in your heart. Jesus has you this very minute. Trust Him with the next minute and all of the moments to follow.

     Live with hope and with no fear. Let the worries slip away. Worries place the burdens of tomorrow on the blessings of today. Focus on hope. Minute by minute, step by step, there is Jesus. And then there is heaven.

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

But in keeping with His promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13

Jesus,

You bring hope. Always hope. We eagerly await Your coming. We are looking forward to the new heaven and the new earth. For now, we love and we serve and we trust and we hope.

Amen

Overcomers

 

     The answers to our, “what,” “where,” “when,” and why,” questions may be impossible to answer on our own. Faith and hope replace the questions and help to make sense of our uncertain world.  My anxiety creeps in and out of my life unexpectedly.

     God continues to work with me to overcome it time and time again. It is one of my many weaknesses. I share the truth of it with others and, in turn, others share their stories with me. We all struggle with worry and anxiety throughout our lives. Scriptures familiar to me comfort me during my sleepless nights. How do you cope?

     Without Jesus, there would appear to be no stable foundation for us. Luckily, we have the Savior of the world at our disposal. He is stronger than the one who lies to us, who tempts us, who works to destroy our testimony. Shut him out. The one within us is a mighty force.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they have life and have it to the full.  John 10:10

     We are overcomers. Jesus knows the world is full of trouble. The Holy Spirit gives us power and strength and love to overcome it all.

“I have told you these things, so that in Me, you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Lord,

Give us the heart of overcomers. We crave Your everlasting peace. Protect us today from the worries and anxieties that overtake us. Give us Your heart of peace.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Broken Pieces and All

 

     The trail behind us may be covered with shattered dreams, with broken pieces, with regret. God, through Jesus, can redeem all of it. He takes the broken pieces and makes them into beautiful clay pots. The cracks left in these pots allows the light to shine through our brokenness.  This healing light brings something new and bright and beautiful.

But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands, so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Jeremiah 18:4

     The great potter will mold you into something precious and treasured, unique and beautiful in His sight. You belong to Him.

You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the One who formed it, “You did not make me?” Can the pot say to the potter, “You know nothing?” Isaiah 29:16

     God formed you and He loves you and He will continue to work things out in your life. Ready to begin again? Ready for a new thing? Listen to these beautiful verses made just for you and for me today as we begin again.

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 Him show you the way, broken pieces and all.

Father,

It can be hard to look ahead and trust You to transform all that is behind. But You know us inside and out and You will redeem it; all of it. Show us the new things You are doing. Show us the way.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Letting Go

 

     It’s hard to leave the past behind. In fact, it can be overwhelming and seemingly impossible. Letting a relationship go even when we know it’s the right decision. Letting go of a loved one to death or divorce, being let go from a needed job. Life’s journeys can wear us down and out.

     Can we get to a peace in our relationship with Jesus where trust wins over fear and doubt? Can we believe Jesus works through the drama and anxiety and loss and letting go? Is there a hope and a future no matter the cost?

     Jesus will hold you up. He will comfort your broken heart and move you forward. He will make the memories sweet. He will move you forward and use your loss and your heartache and your fear for His purposes. Your weakness will show His strength. Hold onto the Savior. He works it out. He moves us ahead. He gives us hope for tomorrow.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Philippians 3:13

Father,

Moving ahead can be so hard. It is a strain. Give us the ability to trust You above our circumstances until we can see a bright, new future ahead.

Amen

 

Why?

 

     Our precious grandson turns 3 years old today! He is funny, curious, mischievous, precocious, creative, and entertains us endlessly. We are more than blessed to watch Gavin and his baby brother, Grayson, full-time. Gavin’s favorite word, his favorite questions is, “Why?”

     My mom’s birthday is this week as well. I miss her even after almost 34 years without her. I pray I am like her. She was simply the best mom’ compassionate, loving, always giving. The “why” questions in all of our lives don’t have easy answers. Why couldn’t my parents live to see our wedding and meet our girls? I’m sure you have unanswerable questions of your own.

     The “whys” in life can lead us in circles and find us no closer to an answer as we continue to seek. Gavin’s “why” questions go nowhere. “Why do I have to wear gloves?”  “Why do I have to let my brother play with that?” “Why did you push that chair?” At this age, we appreciate the stage he is in. He is learning and curious and only sees life through his feelings at any one moment in time..

     Just like Gavin, our “whys?” are never-ending. We will never figure out the answers to all of our questions. But we do know the One who holds the future in His almighty hands. And the future is good for each of us, all the way to eternity.

“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

     Keep turning to the God and, Gavin, keep asking the questions. We love you more than words can express. You are our sunshine! Happy 3^rd birthday.

Lord,

We give You thanks for our grandkids today. Bless them and keep them. Make Your face to shine on them and give them Your peace. You know the answers to all of our “whys.” Give us Your peace with the unanswerable questions in life.

Amen

Thal All May Go Well With You

 

     Are your spiritual muscles feeling a little stronger? Are your eyes beginning to glow with that certain light? Is your spiritual heart beating with passion and love? Are you ready to fill up on the living bread and water of Jesus and His word?

      I pray this week you have thought a little more about the value in growing spiritually. I believe that when the Holy Spirit becomes the voice we hear, we can live the abundant life God has in store for us. When life is getting too busy, too stressful, when fear or grief overwhelms, He will guide us through, keeping us in peace. He will also be available to replenish no matter how many times we need to begin again.

     I read a prayer once that went something like this. “God of new beginnings and new mercies, here I am again.” We fall, we stumble, we regress, but His mercies are new every day. And when we turn back again, we start anew and He will do the work when we give it all to Him.

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

      I leave you with this prayer written by Jesus’ half-brother, John.

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2

 

 

His Living Water of Life

 

Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38

     The Bible mirrors our physical health with our spiritual health. We know we are to take care of our bodies with healthy food and exercise. Keeping our spiritual hearts guarded and filled will keep us overflowing with spiritual health.

     In our daily lives, we are told to drink water, to stay hydrated, to keep ahead of the heat. Jesus tells us in John 7, that if we believe in Him rivers of living water will flow from within. Never will we be thirsty again. Jesus and His word are the living bread and water for our lives right now and into eternity.

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  Revelation 7:17

     Believing in Jesus quenches our spiritual thirst on earth and someday in eternity, Jesus, Lamb of God, will be our Great Shepherd, wiping every earthly tear from our eye and leading us, again, to the living water.

     What a beautiful picture. This overflow of life, this overflow of love can only be found in Christ and in His word. Have you tasted the living water and bread of life? Once you get a small taste, a hunger and a thirst for more will develop. We all yearn to be deeply satisfied.

     When the well runs dry, or we run away, when we let life get in the way of trust? He is always there with more of the abundant life, offering bread, water and a heart of love from heaven, just for you and me. Jesus told us we would have trouble in this world, but listen to His promise to you and me.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

     This Almighty God, this Good Shepherd, this Lamb of God who sacrificed everything to save us from sin, this word of God come to life, will nourish you with manna from heaven and give you peace.

Dear Father,

How can we thank you for this living bread and water of Christ? Fill us until we overflow with it. I pray each Scripture verse will go into our hearts. Remind us to take care of our spiritual health by spending time with Your Son and His word.

Amen

Guard Your Heart

 

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

     Guarding our own hearts would be impossible. Giving our hearts wholly to our Holy God will give Him permission to guard it and fill it with His love. The overflow of His love will show in our actions and be heard from our lips.

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.  Proverbs 12:25

     We might offer a kind word to an anxious friend.

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy robs the bones. Proverbs 14:30

     God uses each one of us in very different ways. He can grow us into fulfilling our very own and unique purpose. There is no need for envy.

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.  Proverbs 15:28

     We will be more careful with our tongues, recognizing the power of our words.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

     Guarding our hearts with Jesus, allows us to lift up and encourage others with His deep and abiding joy.

Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.  Proverbs 18:12

     A man of God, (our janitor at a prior church) used these words: “Humility does not mean we think less of ourselves, but we think of ourselves less. Giving to others with a humble heart gives honor to God.

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.  Proverbs 27:19

     It is amazing to consider the fact that we can reflect God’s love and light. All of these Scriptures we have read this week are a reminder of what the heart of God can look like when we give Him permission to enter. Jesus changes everything, from the inside out and everything we do can flow from that.

Dear Jesus,

Help us to be Your hands and feet, as you guard our hearts. Show us how to be the ones to comfort, to encourage and lift up others and to be at peace with being Your children, each in our own way. Your heart is big enough to handle ours.

Amen

Our Hearts Are Well

 

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:21

     Jesus reminds us of the greatest commandment.  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”  Matthew 22:37.

     The Bible is a love story. It is no wonder the word “heart” is mentioned over 500 times. When we invest our time and our treasure into loving God and trusting Him and writing His words on our hearts, we learn to discern the voice of the Spirit and how to live our lives. God’s word changes us. Our hearts, like the heart of the Grinch, will grow three sizes!

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.  Psalm 19:8

     The word of God gives joy to our hearts and lightens our gaze.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

     He will guide our paths in the way we should go.

     Yesterday we contrasted worldly wisdom and beauty with Godly wisdom and beauty. When God chooses our paths, lightens our heart and blesses us, the world may not see the value in any of it. The blessings from within can’t be measured, weighed or seen. God does not take much notice of our outward appearance.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

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

     What is the current condition of your heart? Guard it with God’s word. Fill it with His joy. He is blessing you right now as you read these words of Scripture. Let the treasures of your heart be measured in your love for Him and for others. Your inner appearance is much more valuable to God and to men. For out of it flows what is important in life.

Dear Jesus,

You see the real us, the parts that are often hidden from everyone else, even those closest to us. Fill our hearts with the most valuable lessons in life; the words from You.

Amen

Our Souls Are Well

 

     The heroes in my life have changed over the years. The people I view as wise and beautiful contrast with the world’s view of beauty and wisdom. I was shocked to see an older Hollywood star after she had, what appeared to be, many cosmetic surgeries. There was nothing natural about her and there was little evidence left of the young star of decades past. The quest for a youthful appearance brought about a grotesque mask with misshapen features.

     My neighbor and friend, Phyllis, will be 90 years old in April. I want to grow up to be just like her. Gray hair surrounds her like a halo and her countenance is lit with kindness and gentleness. She wears little or no make-up. Her eyes sparkle with humor. She is beautiful. She has walked with Jesus for most of her life and His image flows from deep within.

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 16:31

     How does God see us? What does He consider most valuable? You might be surprised as we look into spiritual growth in aging this week.  Our spirits have the ability to grow and shine ever brighter, even as our bodies age. The challenge is to learn to see with spiritual eyes and ears.

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  Romans 8;5

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  2 Corinthians 4:16

Dear Lord,

Your Holy Spirit comes to live within us when we first call you Lord and Savior. Teach us how to grow inwardly as we set our minds on what the Spirit desires. Our Spirits can be renewed day by day.

In Jesus Name

Amen

His Work, Our Faith

 

     Jesus is at work in the believer’s life. He is there on our weakest day and in our strongest moment. He is there when we don’t recognize or feel His presence. He is willing, through His Holy Spirit, to provide contentment in any circumstance, to move in our lives in surprising ways when we least expect it, and He is able to use us through, and because of, our deepest wounds and doubts.

     Building trust in any relationship takes time. Have you known Him long enough to be able to look back and see His footsteps when He carried You? Can you spot His wisdom when there were no easy answers? Can you trust even when you still don’t have a clear vision of the future? I hope so. If you haven’t known Him long, keep seeking. He is right there. He’s been there all along. Expect Him to show up.

Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:8

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

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.  1 Peter 4:11

Jesus,

Remind us daily. Everything is about You. You provide the gifts. You work through our humanness. You provide purpose for us designed long ago. We praise You!

Amen

Our Weakness, His Strength

 

     Another surprising and challenging way God uses our lives is to share His glory. He uses our weaknesses to show His strength. The parts of you that you don’t like or the parts that leave you feeling less than, or disappointed in general, may just be the parts of you God uses to show Himself off just a bit.

     I’ll give you an example. My friend, Ruth, is almost completely blind. She served as a pastor’s wife for years, both as a missionary and in a church in South Minneapolis. She has played the piano all of her life and has a beautiful singing voice. The hymns, Christmas carols and other worship songs she learned over a lifetime are still bringing others joy. She loves to serve.

     Even though she is disabled through blindness, God gave her gifts in advance in preparation for how He would use her during this challenging time. using her weakness to show who He is through her contagious joy and peace. God just “happened” to place Ruth in a ‘Bible study I was facilitating and we grew close. Because I was dealing with a similar eye disease, she was a constant inspiration to me and because I still had some reading vision, I was able to read to her from our current study.

     I grew up very shy and public speaking remained one of my greatest fears. With God’s sense of humor, He has allowed me to speak in front of both large and small groups with no fear at all. Why? My confidence is now in Christ. Putting our trust in Him takes the focus off of ourselves and unto God and others, He may just start working through the very things you consider detriments in your life.

     And others may say, “Well, we know THAT has to be God!

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power 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. ! Corinthians 12:15

Dear Lord,

You make us smile at the ways You use us in almost miraculous ways. Yes, It can only be You. Shine through our weaknesses as we show others who You are!

In Jesus name,

Amen  

Our Needs, His Surprises

 

     My head is swirling with the surprising ways I have seen God work in my own life and in the lives of others. I pray He will make sense of it all as I try to put pen to paper or fingers to keys. The bottom line is to be expectant.

     Expect Him to be there. Expect Him to dig up the old wounds and, even when it hurts, to heal them. Expect Him to bring you face-to-face with your fears until they subside and even disappear. Expect Him to give forgiveness where none is merited. Expect Him to give you the right words when there is nothing left to say.  Expect Him to offer compassion and light and hope when all you see is darkness. And expect Him to return at any moment.

For when You did awesome things that we did not expect, You came down and the mountains trembled before You. Isaiah 64:3

“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” Luke 12;40

     There is no perfect formula to follow as we examine our gifts, talents, personalities and passions. Trial and error can be a beginning. Focusing on Jesus definitely helps. Believe He is there, ready and able. Expect Him to show up. And allow the Holy Spirit to give you the words you need to inspire someone else.

“For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Luke 12:12

Lord Jesus,

We wait expectantly for You. We seek You day and night as we walk out our lives. Let Your Holy Spirit teach us today. Show us where we should go, how we should pray, which Words to read and where You need us to serve. We expect You to surprise us today.

Amen

Our Struggles, His Plan

 

     Don’t be concerned if you haven’t figured out the purpose or plan or gifts God has chosen for you at this time in your life. He may use you or me in ways that surprise us! Can we be content with who we are and where we are and trust God to work with us to show us what’s next?

     Paul teaches us about contentment. He lived through so much including beatings, a shipwreck, hunger and grief. Here is what he says;

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11

And

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

     Contented no matter the circumstances? That’s how I long to live each and every day. I have learned over the decades that God uses our weaknesses, our sorrows and our struggles to do His work. Would I trade the things I have learned through hardship to have an easier life? I would have to say, “no.” The greatest gift in surviving our difficult times is knowing Jesus and allowing Him to use it all for His glory.

Jesus,

You carry our burdens, heal our sadness, watch over us when we doubt and pick us back up again when we fall. Give us Your contentment and use the difficult lessons and hardships in life to share You.

 Amen

Our Gifts, God's Glory

 

     All of us, as believers, have the continual and eternal joy and peace of our salvation, along with the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit within us. As we gain confidence in this earth-shattering faith and the way it changes our hearts and minds, we can investigate how God has uniquely designed us and how and where we are called for His purposes.

    The Biblical gifts of the Spirit are worth delving into, as we recognize how God has designed His church to work together, each one doing their part. (See 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12 and Ephesians 4) Just as the human body is wonderfully and intricately designed to flow together working as one, so, too, are we. (1Corinthians 12)

     As we put together not only our spiritual gifts, but also take into consideration our personality types, our natural talents, what we value most at this particular season of life and the passions God has placed on our hearts, we can find purpose and joy in the places we are meant to serve.

     No matter where we go, or how we serve, we bring Jesus into a hurting world. We are called to walk alongside the lost and the weak and allow others to walk alongside us during times of struggle and doubt. It is a picture of God’s kingdom on earth. Ask God to open your eyes to something fresh and new as you seek His purposes. Remember it is not by works we are saved. It is only in believing in the one-time-only sacrifice of Christ that saves our souls.

     Listen to these verses that describe this so beautifully:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10

     Hearing the Word of God’s salvation, having faith through the grace of God, saves us. But God has work for each of us that was planned in advance. We are not saved by works, but we work because we are saved. Trust Him to show you. Take a chance. Take a step forward and give something in your heart a try. He will fill you with the Spirit’s power to do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Dear Lord,

Show us the works You planned for us from long ago and give us courage to step into them with no fear. Our confidence remains in You to give us strength for everything life throws at us. We are Your handiwork.

In Jesus Name

Amen

 

He Knows

 

     Be devoted to God this year, giving all to Him. He works through our toughest times, through the uncertainty, through the fear, through the path ahead that appears to be filled with stones and boulders. He will smooth the path and lift us over the rough spots, to a new beginning, to a miracle, and eventually, to heaven.

     This year of 2020 has brought us to our knees in frustration, brought us to tears with boredom, brought us to questions that have no answers. He hears us. The souls of the saints will continually rise up with light, until the very end of days.

     God holds our hand through these times. Trust Him. Be devoted to Him. Listen to His voice above the voices in your head. That’s where trouble often lies. Trying to figure things out on our own, to control the impossible, to find answers when there are none. God knows. He is the One who made the heavens and the earth. Give Him your heart and He will provide.

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

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

Father,

You know the end from the beginning. You created all things and we can trust You with all we have, with all we are, with the past and the future. Your plans will be made clear as we wait to be with You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

He First Loved Us

 

     Fill your souls with the unending love of God. Be filled with the supernatural power of the very Spirit of God. Receive His heavenly wisdom as you move out into this crazy world.  Our devotion to God comes in response to His love for us.

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

     Paul gives us great instructions as we live together in the love of Christ.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:10-12

     Our instructions are to love one another and to keep our spiritual fervor. How? Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 

Father,

Let Your word be lived out in our lives this year as we battle against the evil that surrounds us. Give us the light that shines so brightly in the dark. Your love and light will vanquish darkness.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Spiritual Wisdom and Power

 

     Being devoted to God comes to us as we learn to trust Him completely. After all He has done for us, it should be easy. He sent Jesus to die in our place, to forgive our every wrong move and to give us a guarantee of an eternal glory! Not only will He meet our every need, He will give to us abundantly, until it overflows.

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

     As you think about the future, as you pray for your needs, pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit. God always gives generously. Pray for His wisdom. The more we rely on His gifts, the more confidence we will gain as we move toward the future. Just ask.

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? Luke 11:13

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

Father,

Please give us the power of Your Spirit and the gift of Your wisdom in the days ahead. Give it in abundance to all who ask.

In Jesus name,

Amen

All We Need

 

     The prayer from the book of Ephesians we looked at yesterday says we are “rooted and established in love.” Christ dwells in our hearts. He lives there! Our response to the devotion of God gives us the zeal to love others, to look for ways to share.

     God guides us all in different ways. He loves in the way each of us needs to be loved throughout the varied seasons of life. He comforts us when we grieve. He showers us with compassion when we are lost. He is faithful when we don’t feel His presence. He provides courage when we are afraid. He is patient when we lose our way. His loving kindness is never-ending and His grace and mercy are new every morning.

     This year we all desperately need a fresh start. God is the master of new beginnings. What will we keep from this impossible year? What will we gladly leave behind? (Hopefully, so much!)  We are all anxious to regain our freedom to move about freely, to be in close contact once again with our loved ones. For today, let God’s love fulfill your every need.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Father,

You will meet us where we are and show us Your plans. The riches you offer are way beyond our earthly needs. Help us to rest in that in the days ahead, knowing You are always there.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Devotion

 

     My word of the year has been chosen. The word is, “devotion.” Four years ago, I began this tradition to replace the heap of unfulfilled resolutions from years past. The tradition started with the word, “authentic,” followed by “beginnings.”  When I realized the first two years began with the first two letters of the alphabet, I continued the pattern.

     Last year’s word, “contentment,” didn’t live up to its potential. Contentment within the confines of quarantine and isolation, amidst the turmoil of politics and in stemming worry over a myriad of issues? Highly unlikely. This year the letter, “D” stumped me for a time.  

     “Devotion” fits my need to strive to be faithful to Christ, to family, to friends. A worthy goal I hope to dig into a bit deeper, with God’s help. This word appears in the Bible a handful of times, preceded by descriptive emphatic words such as “wholehearted,” “sincere,” “undivided,” and “pure.”

     I pray for a life of devotion to be lived out this year. I pray to be loyal, loving and enthusiastic in my passion for God, to allow God to fill me with His Spirit, to share His joy as I share Christ with others, to commit to study the Word of God,  and to humbly live out what He has called me to do.  Let it be so.

     One of my favorite sections of Scripture (along with a thousand others) is the prayer Paul penned to the Ephesians. Let’s take it as a prayer for you and for me.

I pray that out of His glorious riches, He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is in work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever!  Amen