God's Way

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory forever and ever. Hebrews 13:20-21

     As we take apart the verses above, there are precious words for us, words to consider as we walk out the door day by day. Our God is a God of peace. He will calm our nerves, take away our anxious thoughts, as we learn to trust Him.

     God raised Jesus from the dead and that very power of the Holy spirit now lives within us as believers. He equips us with everything we need. I love the reminder stated in the last part of the verse. HE works it out in us. Relax into those words and let Him take over. Continue to receive His love, His word, His guidance and He will work out what is pleasing to Him. Let the glory belong to Him for everything good.

     And God equips each of us in a variety of ways. Talking with a good friend yesterday reminded us that we each have our abilities and gifts used to please Him and others. Take heart. God is with you and will use you in special ways.

     When I began writing daily blogs, the plan ws to try to write for one year. Here we are eight years later!. Not sure where the time has gone, but God is full of surprises.  I am taking a few weeks of, both for a get-away vacation with my husband and for some time to relax and rejuvenate.  Keep praying. Stay in God’s word. And I will see you back here very soon. Thank you for spending time with me. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Jesus,

Teach us Your ways. Work in us what is pleasing to You. Guide us away from the patterns of this world. Help us to rise above it all as we focus our sights on You.

Amen

    

God's World

 

     The world is moving so fast with new technology offering us 24/7 connections to media, to friends, to music, and television. We take the world with us wherever we go. We are beginning to hear about the damage to very young children as their brains are moving quickly from one screen to the next. There is no time for reflection, for imagination, for creativity.

     The Bible reminds us not to be conformed to this world. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. Not so easy these days. Finding time to read the Bible, to sit down and pray to our Lord and to ask for His ways, will give us peace and joy in a chaotic world. This next verse is a good one to keep close to our hearts as we maneuver the world swirling around us.

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

     The only way to renew our minds is to follow God’s ways and His words. Be transformed. Test all things and find God’s perfect, pleasing and good will. I want that above all else. How about you?

Lord,

You know the days in which we live. Give us quiet moments with You. Show us Your perfect ways. Renew our minds to be like Jesus.

Amen

 

God's Wisdom

 

Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise, but as wise making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Ephesians 5:15-17

     Wisdom is mentioned over and over again throughout the Bible. Many verses in the book of Proverbs have to do with Godly wisdom vs. foolishness. Be very careful how you live. What does that mean? The only way to understand is to know the word, and to understand how God cares about the kind of people we are, more than what we do.

     Let Godly wisdom guide you as you make decisions against the ways of the world. Stay true to God’s word. Our God is pure and holy and He desires us to represent Him wherever we are and whatever we do.

     Be wise. The days are evil. Walk in the Word. Be careful. Ask Him for Godly wisdom and allow His word to light your path.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

Father,

Thank You for Your word. It gives us what we need to live and shines light on the way we should go. It is alive and active. It delights the soul. It gives us You. Allow the Holy Spirit to teach us as we read and study and take action with the wisdom that comes from You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

God's Will

 

     God’s will, His desire is that every single human being would recognize and know the Son. Listen to the words of Christ.

“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life and I will raise them up on the last day.” John 6:40

     God’s will is for everyone who believes in the Son to have eternal life. What a gift! God’s will is always pleasing and perfect for each of us.

    God loves all of us. Pray for those you love, for your friends and family, for your neighbors and for your enemies to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus and His gift of eternal life. It is God’s will. He will provide the opportunities. His Holy Spirit will shine through you as you light up the world around you.

In the same way let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:15

Father,

We thank You for Your gift to the whole world. We know You yearn for everyone to believe in the risen Christ. We pray for the unbelievers. Shine through us today

In Jesus name,

Amen

Final Change

 

     Our final and eternal transformation will change these earthly vessels into eternal bodies. The perishable becomes the imperishable. Living forever with Jesus on the new earth and in the new heaven will be more spectacular, more colorful, more invigorating, more worshipful, more fascinating than anything we can imagine.

…in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound. The dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.: 1 Corinthians 15: 52-54

However, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard and what no human mind has conceived,” –the things God has prepared for those who love Him-1 Corinthians 2:9

    Nothing we can conceive in our minds, see with our eyes, hear with our ears can prepare us for heaven. One day we will be imperishable and immortal. Changed forever into glory!

Jesus,

Our final transformation awaits us. Keep us ever-mindful of the anticipation of heaven. It will get us through the deepest hurt, the most difficult days, the suffering of our hearts. We know the end of the story and it is all about You.

Amen

A Change of Clothes

 

     Two of the definitions for the word “change” include, “a change of clothes” and “substitution.” When Jesus died for us on the cross and rose again from the dead, He offered to us a substitution for sin. He offers us a change of spiritual clothing. The spiritual realm, both evil and good, can see that we belong to Jesus.

     You are clothed with Christ and with His righteousness.

I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me in garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest and like a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10

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

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:27

     Clothed with Christ and arrayed with His salvation and righteousness as a bride adorns herself with jewels. You are covered with the beauty and glory of Christ. Live as His child. You are covered with hope and adorned with light, now and forevermore.

Jesus,

We clothe ourselves with You. You have saved us from our sins and promise us eternal life. It is the only true hope for us on earth. Adorn us for the journey today.

Amen

 

Inner Change

 

     It’s hard to imagine that this unchanging, steadfast, faithful and loving God can change us in the most astounding ways. Our outward appearance and actions may look and feel the same at first, but the change begins. It is a work of the heart.

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

     You are a new creation. The changes may be subtle, a little more loving here, a little less anger there, a sprinkle of forgiveness here, a touch of kindness there. The annoying becomes bearable. The bitterness softens. The cravings of the old life fade and a hunger develops in us for goodness and righteousness and holiness.

For you were once darkness; but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light; for the fruit of the light consists of goodness, righteousness and truth. And find out what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10

     Our gracious God creates in us a new heart that transforms our way of life. Walk as a child of the light! And find out what is pleasing to God.

Lord,

Let our lives shine with Your goodness and righteousness. We are blessed to have Your word available to us daily. Let us soak ourselves in it until we recognize Your voice above everything else. Guide us into truth and holiness.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Our Unchanging Anchor

 

     Dealing with change and uncertainty becomes possible when you know the certain and unchanging God.

But You are the same and Your years will not come to an end. Psalm 102:27

Every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

     Our unchanging Savior will steady your faltering hope. His love will anchor you in a stable place, even when the waves seem about to overpower you.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6: 19

     This unwavering hope of the soul picks us up time and time again. Trust in the forever God. His love is unchanging. His hope is in your heart. No matter what is falling apart around you, He is there.

The grass withers, and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God endures forever. Isaiah 40:8

Father,

You are unchanging. Jesus remains the same. The world around us may fall apart, but You are forever. Give us hope and help each step of the way. Help us to place You as number one in our lives. You are the anchor, the ever-present hope.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Changes

 

     Facing change is inevitable. We may view finishing a project, changing jobs, moving on from a relationship or saying an earthly goodbye, all as endings. God does not control our choices or our circumstances, but He uses them to teach, to discipline, to change, to transform and to lead us to the path He has ready and waiting for us.

     The power of Christ redeems, restores, re-invigorates and resurrects. What are you missing today? What has changed and left you unsure? What decisions do you have to make that seem impossible? God has a plan and an answer. And He always works for good.

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

     Has God called you to be His? His plan and purpose are waiting. He will find a way for you. And this plan is GOOD!

Jesus,

Teach us to trust You with our lives. Work in our indecision, in our doubts and help us to find a new beginning leading us closer to You.

Amen

 

Life Transitions

 

     This week of celebrating the life of our friend Tom and celebrating the new life of our granddaughter, Brooklyn, ends with a life transition for us. We want to thank our precious daughter, Lauren, and her husband, Garrett, for allowing us the privilege of watching their boys for these last four years.

     It has been exhilarating. It has been exhausting. It has been challenging. It has been joy-filled. It has been filled with worry and fear. (we are forever grateful that Gavin’s epilepsy is now under control) These four years have been a blessing from God and we praise Him for putting these boys in our lives and for keeping these old folks healthy enough to keep up! (Barely!) It has been the greatest blessing God could provide.

     Life is full of change and transition. It is full of hellos and goodbyes. Jesus does not change.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

     His timing is perfect and we know these boys are ready to be out in the world  as God begins to stir in them their gifts and natural abilities to shine in this world. Our emotions are bitter-sweet, but the bonds will remain. And this fall we will be caring for our sweet Brooklyn for a year or two.

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Proverbs 17:6

Father,

This week of change and transition is filled with Your love and care. You do not change and we count on Your firm foundation. We thank You for the gift of grandchildren. Watch over Gavin and Grayson as they venture out in the world to become the men of God You have called them to be and may they always know how much we love them.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Circle of Life/Brooklyn Kay

 

     The circle of life. After celebrating and sorrowing over the earthly death of our good friend, Tom, we are filled with joy at the celebration of a new life!  Our sweet granddaughter, Brooklyn Kay, arrived this week. Have you noticed how often our earthly goodbyes are often followed by an earthly hello?

     The blessing of grandchildren is a rare and inexpressible joy. Brooklyn is perfect. We savored her ten little toes, her ten tiny fingers, her button nose, her sweet mouth, her head of dark hair and the softness of her skin. Snuggling new babies is one of life’s greatest gifts and I, for one, cannot get enough.  As we stared at our new beauty, these words came to mind.

For you created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14

     Brooklyn, dear and beloved child of God, may you always feel His presence, His strength, His power and His guidance throughout your life. And may you always feel the warmth and deep love of all of us who surround you. You have the best parents, along with the best siblings, and a whole host of close family and friends who will always be there for you. You are dearly loved and chosen for just these moments.

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you. 1 Thessalonians 1:4

Father,

There are no words to thank You for the gift of our children’s children. Thank You for choosing Brooklyn to be born at this time and in this family. We praise You. She is fearfully and wonderfully made.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Life Forever in Glory

 

     One day we will meet Jesus face to face. Our bodies will become immortal. Did you know, after the resurrection, Jesus ate with His disciples? Did you know that they could touch Him and see Him? And did you know He could move from place to place instantly? Walk through walls as if they did not exist? Imagine that!

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2

     Thomas or “doubting Thomas” as he became known, insisted on touching Jesus. He had a body different from ours, but made with flesh and bones.

“Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself. Touch Me and see. A ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” Luke 24:39

     One day all of our suffering will be over. No more grief, no more disease, no more anger or bitterness, no more addiction and hopelessness. And our bodies will live forever in joy.

So, it will be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable. It is raised imperishable. It is sown in dishonor. It is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness. It is raised in power. It is sown a natural body. It is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

     We will be like Him, a new body, raised in power, in glory, imperishable. Keep this tucked away throughout the rest of your life. We are raised with Christ. Do not fear death.

Lord,

One day we will live forever in glory with You. Give us hope each day on earth as we share the truth of Jesus and His resurrection.

Amen

Death Into Life

 

     Jesus is risen! Because He lives, so do we. We live with Him now and forever. Most of the world religions are based on works of the flesh. Praying a certain amount of time each day, working towards a greater state of bliss, being kind enough, good enough, worthy enough.

     Only one was worthy, and it was Jesus Christ. His life, death and resurrection gave us the freedom to live victorious lives, trusting in Him for our eternal home. As Paul says, if there is no resurrection, we are to be pitied.

If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:19

     The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. We need no longer fear the death of the body, but only the death of the soul. Jesus is the way home.

If we live, we are for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

     Put your faith in the Son of God, who came to dwell among us and will return to set up a new heaven and a new earth with us forever. Believe in Him and you will be saved. His death and resurrection vanquished our sins, once and for all, and gave us victory over death.

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

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. Romans 6:8

Jesus,

Your resurrection from the dead transforms everything. You paid the price for us and we are free from sin and death. We glorify You today and every day. We praise You and thank You.

Amen

 

Celebration of New Life

 

     A celebration of life was held on Saturday for one of my husband’s best buddies. Tom was an outstanding athlete, coach and all-round good guy. He affected the lives of many in the youth hockey program in Owatonna  and Moorhead and as a golf pro at Owatonna Country Club. Before he died he found out he will be inducted into the high school sports hall of fame this fall.

     It was a beautiful setting at Owatonna Country Club and my husband enjoyed seeing his hockey friends from his college days in Mankato, along with his coach. The celebration of life continued as words were read from family members and one of Tom’s life-long friends performed the ceremony.

     During Tom’s lifetime, seeds were planted about Jesus. As Paul writes:

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

     After hearing many sweet and funny memories, we were moved to learn, not only was this a celebration of Tom’s life, but of his death and the life to come.

     His friend, Mark, talked to Tom about Jesus shortly before Tom moved to the hospital where his cancer would take his life after many years of suffering. Here are the verses he shared with Tom:

Thomas said to Him, “Lord we don’t know where You are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me. John 14:5-6

     And tom accepted Jesus as His Savior on that special day, and we will be with Him in paradise. The resurrection of life is real and we are blessed.

Lord,

We thank You for Tom’s life. We are grateful to have known and loved him and we praise You for Your timing in placing the right person at just the right time to speak of You,when Tom was ready. You are an amazing and gracious God.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Praise and Thanks

 

     As we end our week of praise and worship, I leave you with several verses of praise. King David sang for the Lord. He danced for the Lord. He played his harp for the Lord. He worshipped God even as his heart was breaking. He was called the King after God’s own heart. I pray you are a king of God’s heart. Enjoy the praises written by King David some 2500 years ago.

I will be glad and rejoice in You. I will sing the praises of Your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:2

Sing the praises of the Lord, you His faithful people, praise His holy name. for His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5

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. Psalm 40:5

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever. His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise, His greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:3

My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise His holy name forever and ever. Psalm 145;21

Lord,

We praise You and we worship You. We sing before You. We thank You. We adore You.

Amen

 

Praise For Creation

 

     Let God’s creation bring praise from us! The Bible tells us that in the new heaven and the new earth, Jesus will be our light. Think of how creation turns to the sun as it rises in the morning. Birds sing, roosters crow, flowers turn their heads and seeds grow. How magnificent! The whole earth praises Him right along with us.

Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and all that move in them. Psalm 69:34

Praise be to His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen. Psalm 72;19

     Heaven is filled with light and filled with color (see Revelation 21) I love to think of the stars and the moon as glimpses into heaven through the darkness. And the rainbow after the storm? Heaven opening with the promises of our God.

Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him all you shining stars. Psalm 148:3

I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of My covenant between Me and the earth. Genesis 9:13

Lord,

Your reminders surround us. The very earth sings praises to You and longs for Your return. We thank You for the marvels of creation, the animals, the trees and flowers, the sun, moon and stars and the glorious rainbow opening right to heaven. We praise You!

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Sacrifice of Praise

 

     Sometimes, it seems impossible to praise God, to trust Him when life appears to be falling apart. When we turn our focus to heaven, when we praise Him no matter how we feel or no matter the fear set before us, He brings us peace. Praise God for who He is even in the most-dire of circumstances. Yes, yet we will praise Him!

Why my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42;11

     It takes sacrifice to praise God when we simply don’t feel like it. He honors out praise when it does not come naturally.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that openly confess His name. Hebrews 13:15

     And there is the secret to praising God. It is only through Jesus. Through His strength, through His name, through His sacrifice for us. Give Him praise continually!

Jesus,

We offer praise to You, the one and only Son worthy to be praised. Keep us continually in contact with You throughout our days and offer lips of thanksgiving to our God.

Amen