The Way

 

     Suffering finds us scrambling for answers. Why is this happening? What do I do now? When will this end? There are no easy answers to the questions, are there? One thing I have discovered over the years. God knows. He understands. He will bring good through it all as we live to serve and trust Him.

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

      These may not be the most helpful or encouraging words to offer someone in the midst of suffering. More likely, we just need a listening ear and a hug, no quick platitudes, no formulas, no pat answers. The grieving process is important and it takes time, so much time. Everyone grieves in their own way, in their own time.

     Something begins to happen over a lifetime of following Jesus. Our trust builds. We witness the ways in which He works. We get through the suffering and come out of it more in love with Him, praising His name and finding hope. Always hope. He is good. He loves us and our lives are short.

     Our redeemer lives and one day we will be with Him.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions. . If it were not so, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place, I will come back and take you to be with Me, that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4

    We do know the way.

Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:5

Father,

Help us to sit with the grieving, to listen to those in need, to offer compassion where there appears to be no hope. These are Your ways. You show us how. You know our hearts. You understand our deepest needs and You show us the way back to You.

Amen

Job's Hope, Our Hope

 

     You may know the story of Job We tend to believe that if we do everything right, we won’t suffer. Surely, we will be rewarded for our goodness, our faithfulness, our righteousness in Christ. When we read through the Book of Job, we learn the truth. We all suffer. Maybe no one has suffered more than Job, other than Christ Himself.

     Job followed God. He was a righteous man, rich in family and in possessions. And he lost everything. Everything, including all of his children, all of his possessions, even his health. His friends muttered helplessly, placing the blame on Job himself. Read through the book of Job when you have time.

     Job reacts as we might. He weeps, and wails and tears his clothes in anguish. He asks why over and over again, even wondering why he was born. One thing remained unchanged in Job. He held on to one hope. He did not lose faith in his God. Our God. He placed his trust and hope in Him, even in the most-dire circumstances.

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship. Job 1:20

     Worship? Is this the first thing you think to do when grief and tragedy hit? Job did. Listen to his confident words. They may be familiar.

”Naked I come from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be praised. Job 1:21

     Job did not understand, but he never blamed God. Hope remained. Hope in the risen Lord. Finally, Job speaks these words of faith. We can do the same.

“I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand on the earth.” Job 19:25

Lord,

Thank You for the examples You give us in Scripture and in our lives of men and women of faith, never doubting Your love and promises. We know we will live with You one day forever. Give us the hope and worship of Job.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Ultimate Hope

 

     Jesus understands. He lived a human life, yet without sin. He bore the pain, paid the price, placed our sin and the despair of this fallen world upon Himself. Our God knows. He is in heaven, alive and well, full of His glory, His righteousness and His plans will be fulfilled.

     Lay your heart open to Him. If you are suffering, look to Him. He will find a way for you to persevere, to walk through, to find hope. Our hope is always in Him. He will use us for good.

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

    The journey through suffering is difficult, seemingly impossible. It takes perseverance (steadfast patient, continuing on.) This perseverance in the midst of struggle, builds character (maturity, reputation, value) and finally, we find hope again.

     The stories of triumph through tragedy, finding a message through a mess, or a testimony through a time of testing are numerous in the Bible and in your life and in mine. Do you have a story to share? About faith? About perseverance? About finding hope? About growing in compassion? About helping others through a similar situation? About finding God? Hope awaits, always hope in Jesus. He is there and He is working. Maybe your story needs to be shared.

Lord,

It is hard to imagine thanking You for our times of trouble and tears, yet you manifest Yourself in them and through them. We thank You for the goodness You bring through the tragic times of suffering. We won’t understand completely until heaven. But our faith remains steadfast in You, the ultimate hope.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Beauty Through Suffering

 

     We live in a fallen world. There is no way to get through our lives without suffering. At the ripe old age of 68, I have seen my share both in my own life and in the lives of loved ones, friends and acquaintances. Suffering often brings us to our knees. For me, finding Jesus came through a time of deep questioning and suffering and grief. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

     Beauty and suffering, an oxymoron? Beauty rises from the depths of suffering. We’ll think about just that this week. Let’s think back through our past and imagine the lessons learned, the burdens shared, the wisdom found, even through the times and seasons we thought we could not endure.

     Finding God, sitting with the dying, crying common tears, working out good through it all, is walking on holy ground. There is a richness through suffering that is deep and indescribable. The Holy Spirit’s presence is often felt in ways we have never experienced. We wouldn’t wish it on anyone and we pray we will not go through it again, but let’s look a little deeper into how God works through the worst of times to show His glory. Here is His promise from the words of Isaiah:

And provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness a planting of the Lord for the display of His pleasure. Isaiah 61:3

     Hang on to these words if you are going through a tough time. God will provide the spiritual clothes to replace our black robes, to comfort us in our mourning and grief, to replace our feelings of despair. Is it time to put on the crown of beauty, the oil of joy, the garment of praise to our loving God?

Father,

We don’t understand, but You can work good through the worst of times on this earth. When our lives seem to be falling apart, when we have reached our limit, You reach down and offer much more, a deep joy and peace, and, finally, a heart that wants to praise You through it all.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Light and the Fullness of Life

 

     Before Jesus claims our hearts and souls, we (whether we know it or not) are slaves to darkness and sin. It is impossible to release guilt, anger, shame and unforgiveness. Jesus sets us free from death and bondage. Remove the clothes of mourning. You are alive in Christ forever! The Holy Spirit can move you into more light and freedom each day.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  Galatians 5:1

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  Galatians 2:4

     Take a deep breath. Relax in the joy of salvation. You are set free from sin and death forever. Lift your arms in worship and praise. Feel the lightness in your soul. Let the burdens of life be lifted once and for all and feel the deep peace and joy of the Lord wash over you.

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

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12;46

Jesus,

You bring us freedom from death, freedom from sin, freedom from what has bound us in the past. You bring light and the fullness of life inito eternity.

Amen

 

There Is a Time

 

     Is today a day to be strong? Is today a day to be humble? Is today a day to speak up? Is today a day to keep quiet? Is today a day to mourn? Is today a day to dance? Is today a day to be busy? Is today a day to relax? Is today a day to make a friend? Is today a day to begin again? Is today a day to look back? Is today a day to step out in kindness? Is today a day to seek justice? Is today a day to say, “I love you?” Is today a day for a goodbye?

     The minutes become hours. The hours turn into days. The days transition into weeks, the weeks into months and the months into years,. The years become seasons of our lives. The days blur together as the decades fall behind, yet each day continues to hold its own beauty, its own promise. A life is lived. And each life is precious to our God. And with Jesus, each day holds its own purpose.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens; a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 1:1-8

Jesus,

Whatever this day brings, You are with us. Let each season bring lessons, love and laughter. Give us Your sense of this present moment, along with the perspective of eternity spent with You.

Amen

Freedom

 

     What does freedom mean to you? With Jesus, freedom goes deeper. Would you like to be free of guilt, pain or addiction? Is there a prison wall surrounding you and keeping you from experiencing life? Are the tears bottled up from pain and never released? Are you angry and unable to forgive?

     Allow Christ to unlock the padlock around your heart, to free you from any bondage you have been fighting. He will open the cell doors and set you free!

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted; to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Isaiah 61:1

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

     Jesus offers spiritual freedom. That includes freedom from death. Make peace with eternity. Remove your fear of death and remain free indeed in Christ.

Thank you, Jesus, for freeing us. You remove us from darkness and place us right out in the open, in the light of day. You call us children of the day. Let us live as if we are free indeed, free to enjoy this short life of ours, knowing we will live forever. Make our lives count.

Amen

 

May Your Soul Be Well

 

     How do we go on when we are brokenhearted? Somehow, we put one foot in front of the other. Just one tiny step at a time may be the most we can manage. We get through the week, the day, the hour, the next ten minutes. Life is not normal, and we wonder if there will ever be a “normal” again.

     As Christians, our eternal perspective can soften us into some form of peace and joy deep within. All can be well with our souls, even when our bodies, minds and hearts are crushed and broken. Jesus knows our hardships. He suffered more than any of us ever have or ever will. Why did He suffer? He suffered for you and for 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

     I pray for each of you today, that it is well with you. Most of all, I pray that all is well with your soul.

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

Jesus,

The pain suffered throughout our lifetime seems insurmountable and impossible to endure at times. Days and nights move on in agony and loss. Bring comfort to those who mourn today. Heal their souls with Your promise of hope and life. Bring peace to their inner being.

Amen

Brokenhearted

 

     My friend and I have known each other since we were 2.. We are now getting close to age 70!. Yes, this has been a lifetime friendship. Hopscotch and jacks, kickball, neighborhood plays, Beatle’s and Beach Boys, first crushes, high school hockey games, found our first jobs together, and I was there when she met her husband 50 years ago. We continue to celebrate our joys and sorrows.

     Her husband was diagnosed with a fast-growing terminal brain cancer several years ago and passed away after a battle against it.  My heart is still breaking for her and her boys and for all of us who knew this wonderful man. I cry out to God. Comfort her, Lord. Strengthen her, Lord. Her cry and mine are heard. Jesus is there with her and He is here with me.

     As we age, we witness the loss of spouses, friends and family. Our earthly goodbyes are impossibly difficult.

     Are you going through a time of heartache and loss?

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

      The Lord is close. He cares for you and He cares for my friend and He knows our hearts. Jesus will see us through somehow. He will never leave us. Never. And joy will return. (Psalm 30:5)

Father,

Heal our crushed spirits and broken hearts. Sometimes it feels as though our hearts might just break in two. Comfort those in mourning and lead us into Your peace. Turn our memories into smiles.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Called By His Name

 

     Thinking about freedom in Christ brings about peace and faith. His good and perfect plan will be fulfilled and, somehow, He uses us to accomplish just that. We have relaxed into His Spirit this week, dressing ourselves in our new spiritual clothes, allowing Him to work in us as individuals as He uses our varied personalities and gifts. Let’s continue to listen for His lead, understanding He never gives up and will continue to work in us until His coming.

     As we close out the week of studying His plans and purpose, He reminds us that all of us, working together, as different parts of His body, are working toward one common goal. Our goal, as a church, is to bring glory to Him.

     It is not about us. It is always about Him.

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you My power and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16

     God has raised you up at this time, in a particular family, in a work environment, in a neighborhood, to bring glory to His name, so that others may know and proclaim who He is. And every single thing we do, including laundry, eating a meal, fulfilling our passions and desires, the ordinary and extraordinary, can be done for Him.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:3

     God created us for His glory. That is our united purpose, each one of us, to show His glory.

Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory, I have formed and made. Isaiah 43:7

Father,

You have created us to glorify You. Complete Your plans and purposes in our lives as you continue to work in us with Your everlasting and unfailing love. Give us the spiritual clothes we need in our hearts to live our lives for You and give us freedom and peace to enjoy the journey.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Same Spirit, Different Gifts

 

     God’s purpose and His work in you will look very different than His purpose and His work in me. He knows us intimately. He understands our quirks, our frailties, and He understands and will use our personalities, our natural talents and the spiritual gifts He freely provides.

     I have volunteered and given time to ministries that were not a good match for me. Once I understood that God could use me in exactly the ways He had made me, I began to understand and to listen to how He could use me best. The work He has for us will always bring joy and blessings.

     If something you are doing in the name of Christ brings a sense of duty and obligation, a sense of dread or fear, pray and ask if it is right and if it will bless others. God loves a cheerful giver. It’s easy to compare and compete in this world. But God ordained the body of Christ to work together.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone, it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12::4-6

     Sometimes, we will plant a seed, and the next person will water that seed, and finally, God will grow and nurture it until it blooms!

The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 1 Corinthians 3:8

     Whatever God accomplishes through us will be for our good and for the good of others and to fulfill His perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

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

Jesus,

Help us to see ourselves through Your eyes. Allow us to walk in the plans You have designed for each one of us individually. It is miraculous that You have designed each one of us to be used in such a variety of ways We praise You today.

Amen

Signed Sealed Delivered

 

     A great way to relax into the freedom God offers, is to remember His Holy Spirit now lives within us. We know that we know that we know, we belong to Him and will one day reside in a perfect eternity with Him. His Spirit is a deposit and a seal.

And you also were included with 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

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

     A seal and a guarantee. As we are filled with and guided by that perfect Spirit, we look different, we act different, we are transformed. Look at the first part of the verse above from 2 Corinthians.  We have been “fashioned” for a purpose.  Did you know you wear inner clothes? God works from the inside out.  Clothe yourselves with the Spirit today. Here is our fashion statement.

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

     The spiritual clothing provided by the Spirit is really all that matters to God. He tells us it is all about the heart.  It brings beauty from the inside out.

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

     I want that gentle and quiet spirit of peace that is of great worth. Put on your spiritual clothes and that inner light will shine.

Lord,

Thank You for the work You do in us with Your Holy Spirit. Help us submit to His lead, so we can represent You with beautiful hearts, clothed with Your character. Change our inside fashion.

In Jesus name,

Amen

God's Purpose God's Grace

 

     Remember, we did nothing to deserve Christ’s sacrifice for us. None of us are worthy. But because of His great love and His willingness to come to this earth, we are saved and we are called!  Jesus came to serve us and that kind of love brings out the best in us. Love always does.

He has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 2 Timothy 1:9

     It all boils down to grace, His unmerited favor upon us. His grace is sufficient to get us through each day! (2 Corinthians 12:9) His mercies are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:22-23)

     Whatever your plans for this day, the purpose and plan of Our Lord for your life will prevail. Begin the day with Him. Ask for His guidance and for Him to be shown through you as you go through the business of the day. And be refreshed. He is working!

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

Father,

We know that our faulty human notions and plans don’t always match up to the amazing plans You have in store for us. Bless others through us. Help us plant seeds of hope because of You and we will be blessed.

In Jesus name,

Amen

God's Work in Us

 

     God’s promises and God’s purposes have been and will continue to be fulfilled. All is accomplished in His own timing and will come to pass in His perfect and good will. Hard to believe sometimes? One of the questions unbelievers ask is, “How can a loving God allow such evil and horror?” 

     Our answer is, a resounding “Jesus is the answer!” The evil in man’s hearts has been on this earth since the beginning of time. Satan is real and will one day be vanquished. In the meantime, we can trust God and live in joy and peace, because of Jesus. His purpose will prevail.

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

     God’s plans and purposes are over-arching, spanning the heavens and the earth. He watches over the sun and the moon and the stars. He watches over nature, with all of creation, all under His control. And He watches over you and me. Let this bring you a sense of freedom. He is working in each one of us continually. Allow His love to set you free!

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

     Did you hear that? It is God’s work in us. His “good purpose” will be done through us because of Him.  And He never, ever, ever gives up on us. Feeling discouraged or unworthy? Join the club!  But God sees us as His beloved children. His work continues with patience and love. He will provide the people, the opportunities, and the good works He wants accomplished through us. What a blessing!

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

Lord,

Your ways and your thoughts are so much higher than ours. Let us relax into Your good works, knowing You will fulfill everything that needs doing until the return of Christ Jesus.

Amen

Lift Up Your Eyes

 

     Feeling better this week? I hope so. I know the old strongholds will raise their ugly heads as long as we live on this fallen earth. Our Father is powerful enough, strong enough, protective enough, loving enough, merciful enough, to stick with us. When we are sidetracked from the path, He has chosen for us, He will find a way to get us back on course.

     Keep looking up. Focus on Jesus when things are falling apart. Our help comes from Him. Our Redeemer, our Savior, our Shepherd, our friend, the one and only Son, the perfect man, the one who fills our hearts with all that is good. Focus on Him.

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. Colossians 3:1-2

I will lift up my eyes to the hills-where do I get my help? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

     Be transformed!

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, perfect and pleasing will.  Romans 12:2

     His plans are good for you.

Jesus,

Place our hearts and our minds above all that drags us down. Let our gaze remain fixed on You  Remove us from the perils of this earth as Your children, alive forever, dearly loved.

Amen

 

Transformed!

 

     Small irritations take control. A bitter root takes hold and grows in our hearts. Satan’s strongholds in our life appear to be taking over. The world is suddenly or gradually not so sunny and warm. A cool breeze takes hold of our hearts. Someone hurt us. That person doesn’t understand. What is wrong with me? How can I go on without them? It is easy to blame others or to blame our past or our circumstances and travel to a pit of despair.

     It is convenient to look at others through the lens of our own lives. Jesus always meets us right where we are. He meets each person’s needs in a unique and glorious way. He tugs at our heartstrings and makes us realize we no longer need to be right. We just need to be loved. When life becomes too difficult, we may realize we are tired of doing it on our own. We need God. We need a Savior.

     That hole in our hearts, the questions about life and death, the search for answers, for truth, can be found in one man. The man who was also fully God. Jesus came in sacrifice and humility. He came to suffer greatly. He came to experience the humanness of life on earth and to show us the way to the glory of eternal life. He came to save you and me.

     The one and only perfect man took it all.  He took all of our pain and offers us complete forgiveness and righteousness. His righteousness. God allowed Him to become one of us and suffer as if He had committed every one of our sins and in return offers us the holy righteousness of Christ. Wow!

But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. Romans 8:10

It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus who has become for us wisdom from God-that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

     You are redeemed. Jesus traded places with you and took it all. You are now the righteousness of Christ, forever forgiven, sins washed clean as snow, forever loved, forever alive with Him.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

Father,

Jesus changed everything for us, giving us new life. We praise You for giving us Your Son. Through the shedding of His perfect blood our sins are as white as snow, we are forgiven as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12) There are no words perfect enough to thank You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Capture Every Thought

 

     This week we have talked about minor irritations, bitterness and anger and how these negative thoughts and emotions can rob us of peace and joy. When it comes right down to it, the battle is fought most of the time within our own minds. My mind can take off on one tangent after another, winding down roads and valleys that leave me with no way to escape.

     Many times, most times, it is in the middle of the night. I have dealt with insomnia for most of my life. Did I say the wrong thing? What can I do to help her? What will I make for our weekend away? Will I sleep? Should I get up for a while and try to relax my mind? Now it’s 1 o’clock, 2’o’clock etc. etc. etc.

     You get the picture. You too? Praying and reciting calming Scripture often does the trick as I give my roller-coaster thoughts to the God of peace. In fact, there is a wonderful Scripture about capturing each thought. I would love to do just that when my mind is running away from me!

     The Bible calls the difficulties we deal with as individuals as “strongholds.” Satan knows and understands our weaknesses and knows just where and how to aim his fiery arrows, often into our own hearts and minds. Read through these powerful words.

The weapons we fight are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

     Jesus has the answers, the knowledge, the wisdom to demolish our damaging strongholds. He will never give up on finding the way to complete peace and freedom for us. Trust Him. Give Him your thoughts, ask Him for rest and peace. Memorize Scripture verses that are made just for you. And believe He is working.

     I am going to try to sleep tonight, resting in His protective arms and His promises.

Father,

You know what we need and how to provide for us. Capture every thought that does not honor You. Give us the peace that transcends understanding. Guard our minds when they move us in the wrong direction.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Beware the Bitter Root

 

     Yesterday we gave up our worry, our anxiety as well as our small irritations to our trustworthy, bigger-than-our-problems Lord. I remember having a discussion with my niece some years ago. I responded to our conversation with the common phrase, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”  She immediately replied, “The small stuff adds up.” So true, isn’t it? A day can start off routinely enough, until the small irritations begin to intrude. As we focus on the negative, on the constant noises keeping us away from peace, on the circumstances or the people that bring us down, we will be filled with unrest.

     Many years ago, before studying the Bible in earnest, my brother, sister-in-law and I had a falling out. The argument began innocently enough and slowly escalated as our opinions grew more one-sided and self-involved. This minor disagreement grew until we did not speak for several years. I can remember how it weighed on my heart, but I just knew I was right. I would dwell on their mistakes and have conversations in my head as to what I wanted to say to them.

     Sound familiar? My brother was 22 years my senior, and luckily, we made up and enjoyed many more years of closeness before he died from a Parkinson-like disease over 20 years ago. The Bible warns against what we experienced. It is called a bitter root. Don’t let it take hold of your heart.

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:31

     Easy to see the escalation in the Ephesians verse above. A bitter root can grow into slander, anger and even malice. Sounds a bit like our culture today. Jesus is the cure and He has some good advice in this next verse, again in the book of Ephesians.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

     Be kind. Forgive. Be compassionate. Christ has done so much for us. He has given us eternal life and the abundant life right now.

Father,

Keep us from growing bitter and unkind. Give us hearts to see others as You do, to love, to forgive, to look for the good. You understand how difficult it is for us. We want to be right. We believe we have the answers. The truth is always found in You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

The "Eeshies" In Life

 

     This week our granddaughter, Brooklyn, pointed at a tiny bug in our laundry room, took a step back and said, “eeshie.”  It brought back a blog I worte five years ago when Gavin was about the same age. Thought I would share again. Remember, our ordinary days can teach us life lessons or give us a view of the big picture.

     Our one-year-old grandson is just learning to walk. You will usually find him crawling speedily around the house. That is, until he spots something that stops him in his tracks. It might be a pebble, a piece of lint, or a small string on our wood floors. Luckily, he doesn’t put them in his mouth (obviously a brilliant child). Instead, he will grasp the tiny item, get on his knees and hold it up for us until we reach over and take it from his tightly pinched fingers. His facial expression turns to one of mild disgust and he says,”eeesh.”

     So adorable. How often do we get derailed and disgusted by the smallest irritations in our day? Another driver cuts us off, or an irritating habit of a loved one drives us crazy, or the personality of a co-worker is becoming unbearable. The list goes on. These little “eeesh” moments in life can move us from joy and peace and contentment and set us off on the wrong track.

     The Bible continually warns us against fret and worry, against bitterness and anger and offers us instruction on how to prepare and avoid them. It isn’t often I use the Amplified Bible. Its wordiness can be burdensome, but today there is valuable emphasis added to these favorite verses from the book of Philippians.

Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything (every situation and circumstance) by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your (specific) requests known to God. And the peace of God (that peace that reassures the heart) which transcends all understanding stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

     Like Gavin, let’s reach up and hand over our “eeesh” situations and the small irritations in life to someone bigger and more able to handle them. Let’s allow Jesus to lift the damaging emotions from our hearts and our minds and feel His reassurance, as He fills us with His everlasting peace. And once handed over, continue on your merry way.

Lord,

Thank You for the lessons You give us, for the teaching moments that remind us to turn to You over and over again when we need to be lifted up and reassured. We give it all to You and accept Your peace.

Amen

Just For Today

 

     What holds us together when everything within us and around us tells us we should be falling apart? Just for today hang onto God’s word for you. Each day can be a new beginning. He is enough. Just for today.

     His grace is sufficient for each moment. His power is released in our weakness.

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. 2 Corinthians 12

     When we fall away, His unending mercies are waiting to meet us each morning.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

     He is near to our broken hearts.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

     His deep peace, His perfect peace, His peace that passes understanding is ours

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

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

     When our faith fails, His does not.

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself. 2 Timothy 2:13

     He protects us when we are scared.

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

     His love is yours until eternity.

Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ and to bring you to eternal life. Jude 1:21

     When hope seems unavailable, His hope remains forever and ever. Amen

May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father who loved us and by His grace gives us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Just for today.

 

 

Faithfulness

 

     As Jesus begins to work in our hearts and souls and minds, we begin to change. The changes may be subtle, transforming us slowly over the years. Other changes are dramatic, life-transforming, in an instant of time. Jesus changes everything.

     After walking with Jesus for more than 30 years now, looking back over the decades, I have experienced what it means to follow Him. I still fight with the devil’s schemes as we all do. My anxiety raises its ugly head now and again. But my trust and faith in Him never waver. I return to His overwhelming grace each time I falter.

     All God desires from us is to trust Him, to remain faithful, to love Him and spend time with Him. As the Creator of all we see and experience, He really doesn’t need us to complete His purposes. But He chooses us to be a part of the plan, to help Him achieve His plans before He sets up the new heaven and the new earth.

     Trust Him with your life and experience His deep joy and peace. It is available and your faith pleases Him.

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

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

Lord,

Increase our faith as we earnestly seek You. You will reward us with the deep and abiding joy of Your presence.

In Jesus name,

Amen