A Prayer

 

     My hip surgery is tomorrow and I would appreciate prayers.  I am honestly looking forward to it and getting on the road to being pain-free. It is a less-invasive type of total hip replacement and I will be able to go home the same day.  I may not be comfortable sitting at my desk for a time, so my blogs will be on hold for now.

     In the meantime, I leave you with a favorite prayer from Ephesians 3.  I will be praying for you and will miss meeting you each morning. Thank you for reading God’s word with me each day. Love to each one of you.

For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 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 His 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 3:14-21

Heartache and Heaven

 

     Thank you for your prayers. My friend came through brain surgery with flying colors. The tumor was large and was removed successfully, other than a small part attached to a vein, which should not cause issues. She called me the morning after surgery and sounds fantastic! She has relied on Jesus for most of her life and is so thankful for all of the prayers surrounding her and holding her up.

     Life is filled with thanksgiving, with grief, with hope, with loss, with miracles, and with questions. As we praise God for this successful surgery, two friends have lost daughters recently, one from suicide and one from a rare pancreatic cancer. Both had children of their own. The questions and heartache are seemingly impossible to navigate right now.

     And, somehow, God uses these heartaches to grow us together, to comfort, to listen, to mourn, to hope for heaven. I praise God for their beautiful lives this morning. I praise Him for loving them, even though they left us too soon. I pray for His loving arms to be wrapped around the children and the families as they struggle to cope.

     The tears will flow. Our hearts may feel like bursting from the hurt. But I pray God may grant you blessings today, reasons to praise God through all of life’s ups and downs. He is our Rock, our Shepherd, Our loving Father, Our Savior, and He is with us.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

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

Lord,

Thank You for Your compassion and grace. We praise You through it all. Please be with our friends and family as they grieve, as they cope, as they heal and as they turn to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Sowing Seeds

 

     Years ago, my husband and I followed a sign posted on the side of the road to a garden center and found pure treasure. We would call the owner, “old guy” and we visited him year after year. He was ancient looking. His large greenhouses sat on the peropty where he lived.

     He and his shop were a treasure trove of unusual and common plants, planted in every kind of container you could imagine, from pots and pans to watering cans to birdhouses, to cages. When I think of the seeds he planted and took care of, it seemed astronomical and impossible. His gnarled hands worked lovingly and every time we stopped in he was singing.

     What a joy to be in his presence. Over the last few years, the shop was closed. On a beautiful Saturday, years ago, on our 28^th wedding anniversary, we decided to take a drive. We found out this loving gardener and wonderful example of humanity had died and the family was selling it all, everything. I bought an old watering can and a garden sign. We reminisced with his son and great grandson and enjoyed picking through everything he loved and cherished.

     What seeds are you planting in the lives of others? His passion, his love for nature, his joy-filled nature filled the souls of all who visited. We are reminded in Scripture to plant those seeds of kindness and love and of Jesus. Sometimes it takes more than one person to pass along the Gospel. You might begin the process, the next person waters and one day, they bloom into the kingdom.

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe-as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.

1 Corinthians 3:5-6

Father,

Give us our task of sowing, planting or watering the seeds of grace. We know it is Your work to grow the Spirit.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Healing Hope

 

     One of my closest friends is undergoing brain surgery this morning. We pray for no complications and hope the large lesion is benign. Normally, I would be there today. My hip surgery is Friday and I have been careful for the two weeks leading up to it, not wanting to postpone.

     When we aren’t able to be together, God weaves a connection. I trust His Holy Spirit to be there, to guide the surgeon’s hands, to protect her and to heal her. These are my prayers. Please add your prayers to mine today and we will believe this together. We pray God will be glorified through this time.

“And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13

Father,

We lift up all who suffer today, to be by their side, to give them Your peace and strength, to hold them close in Your loving arms. We pray for healing and hope in the powerful name of Jesus.

Amen

Do Not Lose Heart

 

     God has told us our beauty in age comes from within. The love of Christ gives us the countenance of peace and joy. Jesus is sufficient in our greatest weakness. As we pour our hearts out to Him in all of our needs, He give us the peace that passes understanding.

     Our gray hair is considered a crown of splendor. Know that Christ will meet your needs, carry you into old age and on to eternity. We may suffer for a while. Our bodies will wear out. But our heavenly home is waiting! Don’t look at it as leaving something better behind. Look at it as yearning for something more wonderful to come. Each step of this crazy life brings us closer to pure perfection and joy.

Join me in reading these words, my life verses.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day, for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18

     Don’t lose heart beloved children of God! Most days it is difficult to remember that our troubles are momentary. But in the scheme of things our lives are like a wisp or a vapor, gone in a flash. Our spirits can be renewed day by day with Jesus. And what is unseen is eternal.

Fix your eyes on Christ. Fix your eyes on the unseen. Fix your eyes on heaven. Fix them on home.

Jesus,

Give us eternal perspective today. Remind us of our earthly blessings, even in the midst of great pain and loss. You can fill us with Your love until we see you face-to-face.

Amen

Spiritual Beauty

 

     As we age, let’s gain our strength from the Lord. He changes our countenance. He changes our attitude. He affects the way we react to our circumstances, including physical change. Live in awe of Him, with a willingness to serve and you can be like the Proverbs 31 woman.

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Proverbs 31:30

    Aging can bring out the inner beauty, the type of beauty that is pleasing to God.  This type of beauty never fades. I know women like that and I hope you do, too. Watch and learn from the wisdom of older women of faith. Follow their lead.

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

Lord,

It is beautiful to see the inner beauty of the aging, the gentle and quiet spirit oozing with Your love. Guide us to age with grace and confidence, in knowing we are just getting a little closer to home.

Amen

 

A Crown of Gray

 

     I recently gave up coloring my hair. Blonde seemed to brighten my mood, lighten my appearance, made me feel younger. I’m adjusting to it. What does God say? Count it a blessing! We are crowned! Listen to this:

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

     Wear it with confidence. It is your crown of splendor! And God will sustain us as we age.

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He. I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.  Isaiah 46:4

     God’s word will brighten your mood, lighten your appearance and make you feel younger!  After 10,000 years, life will have just begun. Eternal life is a tough concept in a time-bound world, but believe it. Age on earth is only temporary.

Father

Thank You for our gray hair and wrinkles. Help us to see them as You do. We are beloved children, crowned with glory. Remind us of Your ability to sustain us, to carry us and to rescue us. You are with us from birth until death and forevermore.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Aging in the Lord

 

     As I await my hip replacement surgery at the end of next week, I feel all of my 67 years. Many have not arrived at this age, once thought by me, to be ancient. Of course, Jesus changed my life thirty-five years ago and I view others and life through His eyes. Or at least I attempt, with all of my human frailties, to see the world through Biblical eyes.

     Relationships are a gift from God. Treasure them. Say “I love you” even if it is awkward. Don’t take one breath of life for granted. Thank God for the blessings in your life. Take time to focus on God and what He desires for you. And focus on the needs of others more than on your own comfort or needs. That “other” focus will bless you as well.

     How do others recognize Christ in us? He tells us clearly.

“By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

“This is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8.

     Show love to one another and bear much fruit. What is the fruit?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

     Jesus will grow the fruit of love from within. He loved us first. Now go and be His disciple!  Life is short and precious and it’s all about love.

Lord,

Thank you for the blessings in my life. Thank you for each reader today. Please bless them with an outpouring of love to share.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Hope and Glory

 

     Minnesota weather makes us strong and hardy or is it weak and foolish? Reading these words of Scripture today makes me smile and realize we really need God’s strength!

But God has chosen the foolish things of this world to put to shame the wise and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. 1 Corinthians 1:27

     When change surrounds us in the weather or in life, when we feel weak and foolish, God is there. Skies may darken. Lightning and thunder may strike and roll. After the storm there is hope. The rainbow lights the sky. Something awakens within us. Suffering brings doubt and sadness, but it also brings strength and compassion. Somehow our loving Father uses the storms to bring hope to others. Our pain draws us deeper; deeper into the big questions in life; deeper in our faith; deeper in our trust.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  Romans 5:3-5

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

     Jesus will walk us through this life. Count on Him. Keep hope alive. There will be flood waters rushing by us, and flames burning around us, but heaven calls, the hope of glory. Hang on to hope. We persevere. We find times of refreshment. We hold on for dear life. We hang on to each other. And we hang on to Jesus. He will never let us go.

…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Colossians 1:27b

Jesus,

You know and understand what we go through. Give those suffering right now Your comfort and peace. Help us to persevere and develop character and bring hope. You are the hope of glory, now and forever. And we rely on Your strength

Amen

In Step

 

     Did you know our Father in heaven sees Christ when He looks at you? Once we have believed in the birth, death, burial and resurrection of Christ, we are dead in our sin and we are hidden in Christ. Can we avoid the pitfalls of following our flesh and continue to live in the Spirit? Paul gives us a guide on how to do just that.

Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  Colossians 3:1-3

     Our eternal, forever home, is just a breath away. Don’t get too caught up in the things of this earth. They are temporary. We have already died and have been raised in Christ. God no longer sees our sin, but Christ in us. Give glory to Him today, by listening and walking with the Spirit. Keep your minds and hearts on things above.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

Jesus,

We set our heart on You today, on things above. Keep us in step with the Spirit. Keep us from falling into temptation and protect us from the evil around us. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit.

Amen

Be Ready

 

     Following the dictates of the flesh often brings about suffering. The alcoholic hits rock bottom. The thief sits behind bars. The greedy and powerful lose their position. The busy and bustling find themselves laid up with sickness or a broken bone. And the fear, the regrets, the loss, the silence bring about deep questions. Is there a God? Where is He? And many times, that is just where God meets us.

     God knows beforehand where we will be and when we are ready and He will provide the people and the perfect words to heal. Be prepared and watchful.

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

     Remember, Jesus does the work. He knows each of us better than we know ourselves. He understands our motivation, our moods, our mishaps and our minds. He will give us what we need. How wonderful He chooses to use you and me.  Be ready!

Jesus,

As we revere You above all else, You will guide us to show compassion and love to the hurting world around us. Let our suffering and the suffering of others be redeemed by Your unfailing love. Bring meaning and blessing from our trials.

Amen

Press On

 

     The apostle Paul wrote most of the New Testament. The words inspired by the Holy Spirit give us great wisdom and understanding. Paul writes about this battle between flesh and Spirit. Do you see yourself in these words?

For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do-this I keep on doing.  Romans 7:19

     We just can’t figure it out on our own. Paul gives us motivation to continue on with Christ.

Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ-our Lord! Romans 7:25a

     Jesus never gives up on us. Feeling down and out? He will pick you up. He will turn you around. Lift up your eyes to heaven, our true home and press on!

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at the goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12

     Jesus found you and called you. He will never let go. Press on!

Amen

The Flesh and The Spirit

 

     My flesh is crying out this morning. Age is catching up and I need a hip replacement. Only a little over three weeks to go, but the cortisone shot is definitely wearing out! Perfect timing, as we look at the battle between the flesh and the Spirit. The Holy Spirit within us battles against our own flesh. I can sure relate. Can you? I often think or say or do the wrong thing, even when I know it’s wrong before a word comes out of my mouth.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Galatians 5:16-17

     Remember the word “Holy” before the Spirit of God. His work will mold us into a Godly image. Will there always be a battle to fight? I’m afraid so. Each of us has our own weaknesses and desires apart from God and Satan is aware of each and every one of them. Walking closely with the Spirit brings about hope and joy and peace. Look for and expect the Spirit to let you know when you are heading for danger. Heed the warning. He always wants the very best life for us. I think I will rest my flesh for a bit and take in the words of the Spirit.

Father,

We want to listen to you rather than our own selfish needs and desires. You will lead us in the path of righteousness. Your Son Jesus, will keep us safe if we listen. Let Your Spirit lead us completely today.

Amen

 

Transitions and Trust

 

     It is a time of transition for our family. Change is inevitable and often can be emotional and uncertain. Gavin and Grayson are moving on to daycare/preschool after being with us for the last four school years. We already miss seeing them! Our daughter is teaching her last year in the Bloomington schools as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher after almost a decade and hopes to find a new position closer to where Gavin will begin kindergarten next year.

     Gavin continues to do well and has been seizure-free for almost a year!  Praise God! He will continue to be monitored for medication needs, with EEG’s and learning assessments. Prayer is always appreciated.

     This morning we begin a new chapter in child care as we watch our precious three-month-old granddaughter, Brooklyn. What a gift to be a part of the lives of these children. Our daughter is having a tough time thinking of going back to work this morning and leaving her precious bundle. Our son-in-law began a new job this year, too, after teaching at the same school for ten years. He has a whole new role as athletic/activities director at a private school. So much change!  Our grandchildren have the best parents.

     At this age, we have weathered many storms, forged new paths, let go of those who have moved onto heaven and continue to trust God. With all of the uncertainty surrounding us and the inevitable changes in life, we have an unchanging and loving God. Our greatest desire is to watch our grandchildren grow in faith in Jesus, the One who will guide us through all of life.

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

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

“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

     Take these words from God with you today, whether in a time of smooth sailing, transition, change or grief. He will walk beside you and guide you through with peace and joy from our Savior, our unchanging Jesus.

Lord,

We ask You to be with all of us as we move through life and its challenges. Be with those in times of transition and ease their hearts as You watch over them. Guide our precious grandkids into a life of faith and hope in You.

Amen

Rise Above

 

As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51

     Jesus knew His time on earth was coming to an end. He knew the anguish He was about to suffer. He sets out resolutely. Sometimes we need that determination, the discipline to put one foot in front of the other. There is fear or grief, worry and despair. Somehow, we do it. One small step at a time. We move ahead.

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.  Isaiah 50:7

     Jesus cries out to God in the garden of Gethsemane in anguish, His sweat turns to blood. The only time in eternity He is separated from the Father will come upon the cross, when the world darkens until the work is finished. The suffering of our Lord reminds us. He has been through it all and more.

     We have loved ones in heaven. We know the end of the story. Can we press on? Here are some amazing words to hang onto today:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for 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 12:1-2

     Jesus saw the joy beyond the cross. We can see the joy beyond the pain if we fix our eyes on Jesus, the perfecter of our faith, rising above our circumstances with a love beyond words.

Dear Father in heaven,

Remind us of the joy set before us as we struggle and strain through some of our days. Bless us and our families and friends and brothers and sisters in the faith, as we turn to Your Son Jesus. We can rise above with Him.

Amen

 

Rise Above

   To rise above, we need to trust and believe God’s promises, praising Him without understanding the world around us. The word of God replaces darkness with light. The word of God is alive, active and powerful. (Hebrews 4) Jesus is the word of God and dwelt among us. (John 1) Jesus brings joy and understanding.

     When we accept Jesus as Savior, we are “justified.” It is “just as if” we had never sinned. In that moment of true faith, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit forever!

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

     But He is not done with our lives on earth. Justification is past, and sanctification begins. This is the process of setting us apart from the world and growing us in the faith, making us into the image of Christ. The word (Jesus) transforms our lives and as we become more and more His disciples we can grow in the fruit of the Spirit. We are sanctified in the present and throughout our lives.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22

     One day we receive our glorification and our resurrection bodies and live forever with Jesus. There is never a moment when He is apart from us from our moment of belief until we step into heaven. You are made right with God. He is working in your life right at this moment and one day we will be praising Him along with the angels. Feel the hope and joy. You are His!

After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. Revelation 19:1

We are justified by Christ, sanctified through Christ and glorified with Christ. Amen!

Rise Above

 

 “So the last will be first and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and the humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11

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

Humble yourselves therefore, under God’s mighty hand that He may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6

     I have more questions than answers this week. Searching and seeking over the last thirty-something years always brings me to the foot of the cross. Can I trust God even when I don’t understand? Or do I run from Him and try to figure it all out on my own? Or do I humble myself before the Creator of the universe with the understanding that He will get me through He will get us through.

     God hates pride above all. There is a list of the seven things God hates in the book of Proverbs and pride is at the top of the list. Satan’s removal from heaven came from his desire to be like God.

     Jesus is our example of the humble servant. He humbled Himself to die for us. He loves a meek spirit, a humble heart, a willingness to be the least and put others before ourselves. We can’t do it without Him. None of it. Beginning on our knees each day with a willingness to leave the answers to Him will set our hearts and minds in the right place. On Him. And He will lift us up.

     To rise above, we first need to humble our hearts.

Dear Father,

We come before You this morning, with a willingness to bow before You. We don’t have all of the answers, but You do. Comfort us and lift us up to be Your servants in the world around us.

In Jesus name

Amen

 

Rise Above

 

    Suffering is all around us. Two close friends are going through difficult surgeries and waiting for results, along with so many others on my prayer list. I know it’s the same for you. What do we do with the heartache and grief? Where do we go and how do we cope?

     After years of questioning and searching, I turn first in Jesus. Often in the darkness, we catch a glimpse of His light and hang onto hope. The presence of suffering does not mean the absence of a loving God. This fallen world was not His choice. But the offering of the sacrifice of our heavenly Father’s Son to wipe the slate clean came from Him.

     We have a creator who stepped out of heaven and felt it all. He placed it all on His shoulders and suffered the consequences meant for us. He will share the burdens of this life until we are with Him in perfection one day. His Spirit will groan with us, will comfort us, will teach us great lessons through the suffering and bring meaning and purpose to it all.

     In the meantime we are in this together. We struggle together, cry together, rejoice together and sit with each other when we hurt and when there seems to be no answers and no comfort to be found. The hurt is unbearably tough isn’t it? All of it is temporary and as fleeting as a teardrop. God is collecting those tears and one day will wipe away every last one of them. (Revelation 21)

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. 1 Corinthians 1:3-4

Dear Jesus,

You know our pain and our loss. Comfort us today with Your unfailing love and give us the comfort we can share with others. You understand. One day we will know in full. Give us hope today.

Amen

Rise Above

 

     I facilitated a women’s Bible study for about seven years.  I remember I was having a bad day. Everything had been going wrong and at the end of that tough day I received an e-mail from a friend questioning some decisions I had made on behalf of this group of 30-40 women..

     My first reaction was to immediately type a response, which I did. The words came easily, contradicting some points and defending my decisions. I paused for just a minute and did not push, “send.”

     If you hear nothing else today, I encourage you to hear this. As Christians, we need each other. During those years, I had some trusted Christian friends that I saw at least twice a week. We prayed together, studied together and went through life together, both good and bad, joy-filled moments and heart-breaking loss. They know me then and now  in such deep ways that I trust them to speak openly and honestly with me.

     And so I shared the e-mail and asked the question. “How should I respond? Like this?” And provided my response. She encouraged me to look deeper into the writer’s words. Don’t look at the supposed criticism, but see what she is really asking.  Does she want to help? Does she want her opinions to matter? Does she want a voice in some decision-making?

      My final response included me asking forgiveness, asking for feedback, asking her to look at some items for me. The response back to me was immediate. A thank you. Thanks for being sensitive to my needs. Thank you for your responsiveness. I am grateful. I am grateful for a God who forgives me consistently, over and over again. I am thankful for Christian friends who speak truth when I need it most. I am thankful the situation de-escalated, rather than escalated. I want to view people through the lens of Christ.

     To rise above my immediate reaction and the kick-right-back response. I want to look a little closer. To pause and give the other person the benefit of the doubt and not be so sensitive and emotional.

      Jesus loves us all. And He not only asks us to love and forgive others. He goes so far as to unabashedly ask us to forgive our enemies and to bless them. Can’t we at least do that for our friends and families?

     Rising above our circumstances. No easy task. Life is hard and we are all so frail. We all hurt and lash out. Can we, instead, be the peacemakers?

Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:9

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Dear Father,

Rising above the little annoyances and critical thinking is not easy. Show us how to see through to others hearts and guide us to seek peace wherever we go today. Thank you for the friends that speak the truth in love. Show us how to be Jesus to others today.

In His name we pray.

Amen

Plans

 

     God’s purpose, His plans are above our own. His hand is in control. And when we give Him our very lives and walk in His ways, His purpose for us will be done.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

     Many of my plans have not worked out. How about you? Put your hand in the hands of Christ and He will use your life for good, for His eternal purpose. Let’s jump in with both feet and see what He has in mind. God's plans for you are good

"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

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

     He works “all things” together for good, even when we can’t see the end result. Maybe the end result will be after we are in heaven. God gives us His Holy Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing the life everlasting.

Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 5:5

     One more verse this week and I’ll send you on your way to work and to act for our God. It is His work in us! Let’s let Him figure it all out.

For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose. Philippians 2:13

Lord,

Your purposes are good. Work through us and give us passion and purpose as we rely on and trust You to work everything out in Your way and in Your time.

Amen

Peace

 

     Faith in Jesus provides the best, most passionate life. His love drives us beyond ourselves to a focus above the earth. The perspective God shares with us, about us, and through us is invaluable. His vision is eternally-bound and yet He understands our earthly living.

     Our temporal circumstances can be so difficult, so traumatic and so sad, but Christ rises above them all. His love encompasses our lives and beyond. Trust Him for the answers, trust Him to use your suffering for His good, trust Him to shower you with the power of heaven. We can do all things with Jesus.

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

     Everything was made through Him and for Him, and with our faith, we can move the mountains in our way. His mighty strength and power is everywhere.

For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

     Think we can keep the faith and trust our Lord? All things are held together because of Him. The sun every morning? The air we breathe? The rain, the stars and the moon? Yep, it’s Jesus. Trust Him with your life and He will see you through today and tomorrow and forevermore.

Lord,

We trust You. We know You are sovereign over all things. Everything is held together because of You. It is so much for our human minds and hearts to ponder. We love You.

In Jesus name,

Amen