Work To Do

     I believe, as followers of Jesus, if He hasn’t called us home, we have work to do. He longs to be with us as much as we long to be with Him. It fills me with awe that the Creator of heaven and earth, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, the one who numbers the stars in the sky and names them all, the one who counts the number of hairs on our heads, can use us!

     Are you ready to be called into action at any moment? Are you asking and staying alert for opportunities? Sharing the Gospel with just one person would be such a gift. To imagine you and I could be a part of someone living eternally with God! Most of the time, we will just plant a seed; a seed of kindness, of compassion, of encouragement, the seed of time and love.

     Someone else may pick up where we left off and the difference we make may lead them to Jesus. You may be the only Jesus someone knows. Ultimately, it is God who opens the heart and allows the Holy Spirit to move in.

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

     Will you plant or water a seed today? Ask God to show you how. He will follow it up with the light of the Son.

Jesus,

You grow the seeds we plant. It’s exciting to know that we work together with you and with other brothers and sisters. The plan is all Yours. Move us in the right directions, to the places and the people you have prepared in advance.

Amen

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  A Savior is born. See you back here on January 2^nd.

Into Old Age

     My uncle, Paul, (age 90) and my aunt, Mary Ellen, (age 89) have been and continue to be an inspiration. They live in Portland, OR and I may not see them again this side of heaven, but their faith in Jesus has been a constant in my life since I was a small child. My uncle has a perpetual smile and a twinkle in his eye. They swim and walk daily and keep their minds active as well.

     In their current senior high-rise, they have several friends over 100 years old and the person they call their “Sunday school teacher” is 96! Don’t we all long to be active and serving God to a ripe old age. The first three verses in the Psalms always come to mind when I think of my older friends and relatives, especially the ones who acknowledge and serve Jesus as Lord and Savior. They are well-nourished and strong.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

Lord,

Let it be said of us as we age that we serve and love You, that we can remain strong in season, like a tree that does not wither. What beautiful words. Help us to tell the aging people in our lives that they matter, that they inspire, that their wisdom teaches so much.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Trust Him, Lean on Him, Acknowledge Him

     If we ask God to be first in our lives, if we study His word, listen for His voice and continually pray, He will continue His work in us with new dreams, new possibilities, new opportunities, it’s the perfect time to listen for His call as we move into the brand-new year that awaits.

     Is He asking you to change an old habit, to forgive an old grudge, to change an attitude, to teach, to encourage, to start a new job, to take care of a grandchild (yes!). Life with Jesus is a continuous adventure. Remember He always wants the very best for us and as we serve Him, the blessings increase.

     Sit with Him for a time and ask, “What’s next?” Where will the New Year lead? I await those answers along with you. Wherever you go, whatever you do, lean on Him, acknowledge Him and He will show us the way.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6

Lord,

Increase our willingness to trust You in all things, to acknowledge you in all of our ways, to lean on You when we don’t understand. We believe You when you tell us the way to go.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A New Thing

    For the last couple of years, rather than a resolution, I have picked a word for the coming year. Two years ago, I chose “authentic.”  Living as a child of God and becoming the person He created me to be, is a work in progress. But I yearn for the peace He offers and for the joy of the Holy Spirit to be within me no matter the circumstances, no matter the people I am with, no matter the suffering. Authentic.

     Last year I chose the word, “beginnings.” I stepped down from two positions I loved and cherished that had blessed me over and over, leadership in a crisis ministry and teaching a wonderful group of women in deep Bible study. What would come next? God always has something new ready for us when change comes upon us.

     The word became a self-fulfilling prophecy, not only for me, but for my entire family. My husband was given an opportunity to retire early, our youngest daughter became pregnant with our first grandchild, and our older daughter is in a new and serious relationship. What an amazing God! What does your new year have in store? Watch and wait. I’ll let you know my word for next year.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

Father,

You are always working in our lives. Keep us watchful and aware as you move us to change, as you seek new beginnings for our lives, as we allow You to guide our ways in the years to come.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Spiritual Armor

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6;17

     The gift of salvation may be our greatest piece of armor. No matter what comes our way, we know we will reside in heaven for eternity! What joy that brings. The helmet of salvation keeps our mind from straying away from our hope. The hope of salvation. You are saved forever!

     The Word of God is our offensive weapon. Did you notice the other pieces of armor we have studied this week are all defensive? God protects us with His Gospel, with the gift of faith, with our salvation and with His righteousness.

     When we memorize and study Scripture, it is written on our hearts. We can take it out as a weapon against the attacks of Satan, whether in our own minds or in the world around us. Scripture is alive. It holds the very Words of our eternal God. The Word, teaches, guides, admonishes and encourages. It changes our hearts and gives peace to our souls. Satan hates to see us peaceful, joy-filled and standing firm on our faith. What a gift!

     Even Jesus used Scripture to speak back to the devil when He was tempted over 40 days. (See Matthew 4)

     And finally, God leaves us with the power of prayer as we learn to combat the spiritual battles around us. Put on the full armor of God and withstand the days of evil.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

Jesus,

Keep us alert, prayerful and loaded with Scripture. Our home in heaven is secure. What gifts you give us each day. Keep hope in our hearts as we withstand evil.

Amen

Spiritual Armor

And with your feet fitted for the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15

     The Gospel that saved our souls forever gives us peace in the world. Our feet are called to be fitted with this gospel, ready to walk and share this great news. We have the knowledge of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Put on your spiritual shoes and be ready to share.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16

     I love this promise and this piece of armor. Our faith in Jesus gives us the strength and the power to avoid all of Satan’s arrows. Feeling fear? There are Scripture verses to stand against it. Mourning a loss? Jesus is there to comfort. Facing an addiction or a health crisis? Jesus is our eternal healer. Our faith can keep us peace-filled and able to withstand our enemy, the accuser of the brethren. (Revelation 12:10)

Father,

We praise You today for these pieces of armor, the peace that flows from accepting the Gospel and our continuing faith in Your ability to get us through every part of life. Thank You, Jesus.

Amen

Spiritual Armor

     The world around us holds many “truths.” Everyone worships something or someone. Everyone finds an idol or a way to get through, a philosophy that makes sense to them. But Jesus tells us. He is the truth. His Word is truth. Nothing, not one single thing has been proven wrong in the Word of God.

     The more we know and understand God’s word, the more we will be able to battle the spiritual forces at work. Standing firm on the Bible protects us from deceit, from compromise, from being swayed by the craziness that says the workd is right. Know God’s truth. There is such power in the word. Speak it, study it and use it as part of the spiritual armor.

Stand firm, them, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. Ephesian 6:14a

     Jesus died for you. You are forgiven past, present and future. And when you accept the Savior and the fact that Jesus lived, died and rose for you, gives you His righteousness.

…with the breastplate of righteousness in place. Ephesians 6:14b

     The breastplate of righteousness covers our hearts. Our hearts are blameless because of Jesus. You are covered.

Jesus,

Thank You for covering us with Your holy blood. We are forgiven. We are loved. Our hearts are protected because of You.

Amen

Spiritual Armor

     In addition to the spiritual clothes to be worn as God’s chosen ones, He also gifts us with a full suit of spiritual armor. The battles within us and surrounding us are spiritual in nature.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil iin the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

     It is hard to imagine evil in the heavenly realms. There are battles described in the Bible between demonic forces and angelic beings. Both demonic angels and angels of light have territories and authority. We need to suit up!

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

     What does this armor look like? And how do we wear it? Become familiar with the verses we will be looking at this week. And after you have clothed yourselves with Jesus and His armor, you will be able to withstand the forces of evil.

Father,

Thank You for Your word that gives us everything we need in this world. Remind us each day to put Your full body armor on as we meet the evil forces surrounding us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Spiritual Clothes

     Spending time shopping, buying and thinking about our wardrobe takes some thought and some quality time. There are dress clothes; the suit, the little black dress for evenings out, the glitter adorning the sweater for the holidays. How about jeans and a sweatshirt for a walk outdoors? Or packing the suitcase with swimwear, tank tops, shorts and flip flops for a sea-side vacation?

     What would happen if we put as much thought into our spiritual clothes? Did you know the Bible gives us both the what-not-to-wear and the clothes we should put on each day?

     We are to take off our old desires, falsehood, corrupt language, sexual immorality, drunkenness, gossip and anger. The old spiritual clothes just don’t fit quite right once we have become believers. They become more and more uncomfortable as we draw closer to Jesus. (see Ephesians 4, Galatians 5, 1 Thessalonians 5)

     The clothes that feel good to the soul look so much better than the old clothes of the darkness. They feel good on the inside and shine through to the outside.

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

     As you think about what to wear each day, remind yourself of the new wardrobe of the soul. You will look marvelous!

Father,

You gift us with so much as we clothe ourselves to look and act like Jesus. Create us more and more into His image.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Our Greatest Desire

     My greatest desire for our soon-to-be born first grandchild, (a boy!) is for him to know and love Jesus at an early age. Jesus offers great protection and courage in a world that has lost its way. I am more than grateful that our daughters, our son-in-law and our future son=in=law are all believers.

     This is also my greatest desire for all of our friends, neighbors and acquaintances. Opportunities to share our faith are important and I pray we all are given people through our lives to share the Gospel. Can you imagine the thought of being a part of guiding someone into heaven? What a privilege! What an honor! To think God uses us to shine with His glory.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

     Therefore, go! Pray for people. Pray for opportunities. Pray to share the great love and hope of our Savior. Go!

Jesus,

Give us boldness. Give us the words. Give us the people. We are willing to go. Send us.

Amen

Stop. Be Still

     The experts are beginning to study the ramifications of technology on our youth and on society in general. Our brains do not mature and function in a normal manner, when various images, words and thoughts fly in and out every couple of seconds. We lose the ability to be still, to contemplate, to relax completely and to concentrate on one thing fully.

     Slow down. Settle in. Be still. Creativity flows in the stillness. Our kids may be losing the ability to think for themselves, to sit and have a long conversation with a friend, without looking at their phones every few seconds. I am often caught off-guard by someone with a headset talking on the phone while out in nature. Or the view of a young mom out to lunch with her kids, yet paying more attention to the device in her hand.

     Yes, I am of the older generation, but I worry about the overuse and misuse of technology. Take some time. Be still.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a

     Getting to know God takes time. Time to pray, time to study, time to be. Time with God is never wasted. He teaches the important and valuable things in life. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness come from a deep relationship with Jesus. Do you know Him? He shines light in the dark places. He gives rest to the soul. Take the time. Know God.

Lord,

We pray for times of stillness, times to read Your Word, to pray, to take in the love You have for us, to enjoy Your creation. Teach us Your ways and take hold of this younger generation again. Give them a hunger for You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

I Will Yet Praise and Trust Him

     What causes fear to rise up within you? I have dealt with panic attacks off and on since I was fourteen years old, shortly after my dad died. They arise, sometimes in the middle of the night, and at other times in the middle of the day. They overwhelm and frighten me with irrational thoughts and visions of dying.

     What causes fear to rise up within you? When you feel displeasure from another? Fear from a news event or a diagnosis? The world is full of fear, as we yearn for peace.

     The only true peace is the peace within our souls. It returns to us again and again as He fills us with His peace through difficult times and times of overwhelming fear.

Be anxious for nothings, but in everything by prayer and petitions with thanksgiving, make your needs known to God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

     I passed along the anxiety gene to our oldest daughter. This is our go-to verse to remind us of what we have and the One to whom we go. We can unload it all to Him and He will bring us back to peace. The devil roans around waiting to pounce. He knows the weaknesses in our minds and hearts. Don’t allow him control. Be anxious for nothing. Trust in God. Trust in Jesus.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

     The abundant life away from fear awaits. Thank Him in advance for removing your fear.

Jesus,

We need You and we yearn for Your peace. When we are out of sorts, bring us back to You. You take our burdens and bring balance and peace. We look to you.

Amen

I Will Yet Trust and Praise Him

     We can continue tp praise our God through the difficult days. He is higher and more glorious than anything on this earth. When you are in difficult times, focus on Him. When you don’t know what to pray, praise Him anyway. David taught us to do just that. He would cry out to God with all of his emotion and all of his tears and he would continually return to trust and praise. Here is just one example.

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 42:5

     Praise does not come easily when we suffer. But praise can lift us out of the depths as we look to heaven for answers. He is above it all.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Father,

You endure forever and we are Yours. We do not understand everything, but You do. We praise You today for Your ways and for Your thoughts. Shower us with love.

In Jesus name,

Amen

I Will Yet Praise and Trust Him

     Placing our full trust in Jesus with everything in our lives is easier when things are going along the way we expect. We make our plans and when the plans change, when a disruption occurs, a dream is lost or a worry creeps in, we often lose out way.

     Emotions rule the day. Can we get to the point where our faith is so strong, we can absolutely trust God with each minute of each day? I’m not there yet, but I do turn back to Him again and again through the uncertain times, placing everything in His almighty hands.

     He wants good for us. And sometimes the good comes through and after the bad. Our trust builds as He sees us through yet another trying time. We live in a fallen world. Sin entered the world and we deal with the repercussions all day, every day.

     One thing I know and our daughter, Angela, reminds us, “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands.”  Our amazing God has all of the working pieces of each life, of each creature, of the number of days left for the earth to revolve.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. Psalm 56:3

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8

Lord Jesus,

We can place the uncertainties in our lives in Your almighty hands. You understand our human nature and the fear that creeps in. Take away our fear as we look only to You.

Amen

Resurrected

     Death has has no hold over us. We transition from this world to the next. Our bodies will be immortal and invincible! In this life, once we are saved by our Lord, we have been redeemed from the grave, restored into new life, reformed into the image of Christ, refreshed on a daily basis and, finally, we live forever!

     How do we thank Jesus for this new life and the resurrected life to come? We thank Him by continually believing, loving and trusting Him above all else. When circumstances appear impossible, He turns them into good. We become transformed through our suffering as gold refined in a fire.

     And he never leaves us, not ever. There will be times in our humanity where we wonder where He has gone, where we wonder why me, where we wonder how we can get through another day. The truth is He is right there, abiding with us, understanding the pain we are in, as He suffered more than we will ever know.

     Trust Him today with whatever is on your heart and feel His presence. It is a forever love, a forever presence, a forever partner.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen 2 Peter 3:18

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

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. 1 Corinthians 15:42

Jesus,

How can we thank You for life everlasting. Be with us each day until we are united with You in heaven. We praise You today.

Amen

Refreshed

     The refreshing power of the Holy Spirit is available to all of us who believe. In need of refreshment? My wonderful husband is retiring after almost 30 years at the same company. He is in need of refreshment and rejuvenation. I am more than grateful for him. He has been provider, protector and partner and I pray we have many years together in this next season of life.

     What does the word “refreshment” bring to mind? Rest, relaxation, a vacation, a time of quiet and reflection? Maybe all of the above for us in the years to come. I pray the Lord will guide us as we listen for His leading in the places we go, the people He places in our lives and the purposes He has in mind.

     Refresh yourself today in God’s Word. Take some time to reflect on life, on what is important, on blessing the people around you. It is what life is all about. My husband has and will always be the greatest blessing God has provided for me.

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings You have given us. Give my husband times of refreshing and bless those who refresh others.

Amen

Reformed

     As Jesus brings us into new life, we are made more and more into His image. Again, sound impossible? The good news beyond believing the Gospel is that the Holy Spirit immediately sets up residence inside of us!

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

     When we allow the Spirit to work, He changes us. That small voice inside that says, “Don’t say that” or “Let’s not watch that/read that,” or “Send the card,” “Make the phone call.” The list goes on. When we abide in Christ, when we read the Word, we are reformed, changed day-by-day.

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

     More and more into the image of Christ. More love, more kindness, more humility, more patience. Let it be said of us.

Lord,

Change us. We want to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Let Him guide us today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Restored

     The guilt, shame, unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, hurt, grief, condemnation and fear are taken away by Jesus. The new life in Him brings us restoration from our past and gives us a new way to live in the present, always filled with hope for the future.

     Sound impossible? As we give over our lives to Him, He will rebuild what has been lost or stolen by Satan. I didn’t know exactly what I was missing before Jesus, but I knew it was something. Trying to be good enough, busy enough, happy enough, left me floundering.

     His love restores. A new life begins to emerge from the depths. Souls become alive and joy-filled with the everlasting hope offered in Jesus. Taking away the fear of death reminds us of the joy of our salvation.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Psalm 51:12

Restore us, O God, make Your face shine on us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80:3

Lord,

We praise You for restoring us a step at a time, for building us back up after a life without You. Bring hope to the hopeless, comfort to those who are grieving, forgiveness to those living with guilt and show them a bright and new future.

Amen

Redeemed

    I have and always will go back to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is our beginning. A new life, a found hope, an everlasting promise. And once saved by Jesus, it is our greatest desire to pass it along. The transformed life with Jesus is so overwhelming and wonderful, we can’t keep it quiet!

     The beginning of faith is to hear the Gospel. Jesus, virgin-born, fully God and fully man, lived as a man on earth, giving up His heavenly deity, to live a sinless life. His holy blood was shed as a sacrifice for all sin. And all He asks is that we believe! To believe in His birth, death on the cross and resurrection from the dead gives us the ability to enter the throne room of God, now and forever.

     The word, “redeemed” is a powerful word. We are no longer dead in sin, but forgiven, past, present and future. It’s a forever redemption. He redeemed us from the jaws of death and we live spiritually.

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:22

You, Lord, took up my case. You redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:58

And all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came through Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24

     We are redeemed, set free, set apart for life everlasting.

Father,

We pray Your good news of the redemption of Jesus Christ would spread through our lives and our lips. Your Son offers us the gift of eternal life through our faith. We accept this gift and praise You now and forever.

Amen

gratefulness

     Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy time with family and friends. If you are alone, sing praises to Jesus. He is our constant companion, our closest ally, our protector, our God, our friend, the One who died for us. Spend time with Him and thank Him for all He has done for us.

     See you on Monday. I am thankful for you!

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

Jesus,

Thank You for giving us brothers and sisters in the faith. We need each other to remain rooted and strong. We are grateful to You for so much. Give us hearts of thanksgiving each day.

Amen

Back on Monday!

Gratefulness

The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in Him and I am helped. Therefore, my heart exults and with my song I will thank Him. Psalm 28:7

     A heart of thanksgiving brings blessings. Even through the storms of life, we have Jesus with us in the boat. He calms the wind. He is the peace in the midst of the struggle. His name brings great power as we pray.

     Praise Him for who He is, for His willingness to walk alongside us through this life, until we are home with Him. He longs to see us as much as we long to see Him. If you are a believer, you have work to do! He has a purpose, a way to serve, a way to show others who He is!

     The Lord is our strength and our shield. Let our hearts trust Him and worship Him. Let our hearts rise up in song to praise Him.

Father,

We exult in our worship. We praise You through our joy-filled moments and through our dark storms. You are with us and will protect us and guide us until we arrive in heaven. Remind us to have an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving for who You are, not for what You can do for us. We serve You!

In Jesus name,

Amen

Gratefulness

     Beyond the blessings of our personal belongings, our homes, our cars, our food, and beyond the greater blessings of our spouses, our children, our families, and our friends, remains the truest blessings of a loving heavenly Father. This loving Father offered His Son as a living sacrifice so we can live forever!

     Beyond this very short life lies life forever in the presence of the glory of God or life forever separated from God. The images of both are beyond our imaginations.

     Today, thank God for your faith. Thank God for Jesus Christ. And thank God as we pray for those who do not yet believe, that He will continue to work in their hearts and open their eyes to the best blessing of all.

In that day you will say, “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done and proclaim that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Isaiah 12:4-5

Heavenly Father,

You are the blessing beyond all blessings. We give You thanks and proclaim the name of Jesus Christ to be exalted above all names. Let the world hear about You.

Amen

The Path of Life

     Ready to let God guide your ways until we reach home? I am. We will all step off the path, fall down and lose our way. But His ways are above our own and He is always there with a hand to get us back on the straight and narrow road that leads us back toward Jesus.

The Lord will guide you always. He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11

Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. Psalm 25:5

You guide me with great counsel and afterward, You will take me into glory. Psalm 73:24

Father,

One day we will be in glory with You. Keep us on Your path. Guide us with Your counsel. Speak Your truth into our hearts and do not let us be swayed by the world around us. We love You more than life itself.

Amen

The Path of Life

     The path of life with Jesus isn’t always easy. Speaking up with boldness for His sake seems to be more and more difficult these days. Everyone has their form of “truth.” The way is narrow and Jesus tells us we will be persecuted for His name’s sake. People die every day around the world, never denying their faith in the One true God. Stay on the narrow path. Don’t compromise as the world grows into more chaos and confusion.

      Satan loves confusion and chaos. And he hates our Lord. He hates Christians and Jews. And the world will band together as the days grow short. Don’t be confused. He will make the way clear for us. It is a privilege to serve Him and to represent Him in a world gone mad.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” Luke 13:14

Jesus,

Keep us on the narrow road as so many voices are leading many to the wide road of compromise and delusion and destruction. We trust You and Your Word and we stand firm on the foundation of our faith.

Amen    

The Path of Life

     I think I have shared the following verse with you in the past. We are talking about the path of life this week. This particular verse has meant so much to me over the last 25 years, both physically and spiritually. Being legally blind has its challenges, but Jesus has taken me on one adventure after another, as I wait for His lead.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them. I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do. I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16

     Powerful words for all of us. Trusting Jesus even with our weaknesses and through our most difficult times will allow Him to smooth the way again, to bring light after a time of darkness, to guide us as we stumble along unfamiliar paths. He picks us up, dusts us off and gives us a new direction.

     He offers an abundant life full of adventure. Don’t be afraid. He is the good Shepherd.

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

Jesus,

We keep turning back to You. Guide our steps when we falter. Smooth the rocky places before us. Lead us when we can’t see a way out. You are our protector. You are our hope.

Amen

The Path of Life

     Jesus makes it clear. He is the only way to heaven. He chose to come to earth, fully God and fully man to take all of the world’s sins upon Himself. How can we turn down an offer like that? He freely offers the gift of eternal life to everyone who believes. He is The Way.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

     The way of Christ turns the world upside down. We feel the need to earn our way, thinking if we do some good, we are good enough. But we all fall short. We have all sinned, and Jesus is the only way through.

The righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew or Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by the grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24

Jesus,

How do we thank You for freely offering us this gift of grace? Open hearts to the way, the truth and the life. The blessings overflow when we come to a saving knowledge of You and Your sacrificial gift.

Amen

God's Will

     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 Word. 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 Will

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. It is truth. 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 shine with His love in all the choices you make today.

Father,

Thank You for Your Word. It gives us what we need to live. 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.

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.

     For today, realize how much 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.

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.

In Jesus name,

Amen

God's Will

    What is God’s will for us? Is it specific? Is He the one to pick out our spouse, our house, our jobs? The Bible does not say that. But the Bible does give us parameters to follow, what is right and what is not in His sight.

     God wants only the best for us. The Holy Spirit of God living within us will assist us in teaching us God’s Word and in making us more and more into the image of Christ. There is really nothing about a very specific and detailed plan laid out for each one of us. We live by God’s rule book and make our own choices!

     Of course, along the way, we will make both good and bad choices. We are human, after all. But, looking back, I see how God uses even our bad choices and weaves them together with the good to fulfill His will. Wow!

     Here are specific verses about the will of God that pertain to all of His children. We can incorporate them into our daily lives.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

     We can rejoice that we know Jesus, we can acknowledge His presence around and within us by praying to Him all day long and we can give thanks to Him no matter what. After all, He died for us and He will get us through it all. His perfect will guides us home.

Lord,

We have the freedom to give our lives to You. You work out the good and the bad and somehow, through Your miraculous Holy Spirit, You sanctify us more and more into Your image. We rejoice in You, we pray to You and we give thanks everyday in all things. Let Your will be done.

In Jesus name,

Amen

His glorious Presence

     God knows the end from the beginning. His plans and purposes will come to pass. He knows the words we will speak before they are out of our mouths and He knows the number of our days.

Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. Psalm 139:4

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. Job 14:5

     Place your trust in Jesus. He knows you completely and He knows just how long you will live. Let the Psalmist remind us that our lives are short. Make it matter. Gain a heart of wisdom, serving Jesus.  And don’t worry about how long you will love. You are safe with Jesus and it is more than today. It is forever.

Father,

Thank You for the promises of a heavenly home with You. It is only through Jesus we can experience a glorious future. Open hearts and minds to accept Your son, Jesus during this time of grace before it is too late.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Glorious Guarantee

     Our home in heaven is a guarantee, promised by our Lord. He has sealed us for eternity with His Holy Spirit.

And you were also included in Christ after you heard the message of faith, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession-to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13-14

     Keep these two verses etched in your mind and written on your heart. We tend to make it so complicated. These verses spell it out. We hear the Gospel, the fact that Jesus came to earth as a man, fully God and fully man, lived a sinless life and took the pain of a fallen world on the cross. He shed His Holy blood for you and me, died and rose again. He defeated death for us. And after we hear the message, if we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouth that He is Lord, (Romans 10:9) we are sealed at that moment with the Holy Spirit, a GUARANTEE, a deposit to declare our inheritance in heaven forever. Believe it and know nothing can ever separate you from Christ, not ever. He loves us that much.

Father,

We thank You for the faith that allows us to believe in the Gospel of grace. The free gift You give us in Your Son. We praise You today for our inheritance, eternal life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Glorious City

     The heavens will be filled with God’s light, with a temple made of colorful precious stones, with one gigantic pearl operating as a gate, with sheer golden glass for pathways, with fresh and unique fruit harvesting each month, there for our satisfaction.

     The angels will surround the throne. We will witness beauty and wonder as we work and praise God forever. Just a glimpse into the descriptions of heaven fills us with awe. If we could see into the glory of the new heaven and the new earth, we would not be able to stand it here one moment longer. God gives us just a taste of what it will be like.

     Allow your imagination to look up as we wait. Soon, we will be done with pain, with chaos, with disaster, with sickness and grief, with a fallen world filled with violence and drugs and hatred. Peace will flow like a river, and joy will overflow.

The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold as pure as transparent glass. Revelation 21:19-21

     We can only imagine as we wait for the day we will see all of God’s glory.

Amen

The Glorious Light

     Jesus is the Word of God come to life in the flesh. (John 1) We have read about and imagine His earthly life. We have not seen Him in His full glory. It would be impossible for us to witness His full glory until we arrive in heaven. Right now, we have His very own Holy Spirit within us and we see in part what is to come.

For now we see only a reflection, as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthian 13:12

     Jesus, in His full glory, will fill the heavens and the earth with His light. He knows us fully. Someday, we will know Him fully as we meet Him face-to-face!

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

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

     Impossible to imagine. No need of the sun or the moon. God’s glory will be shining for eternity with Jesus as the lamp. Anticipate the wonder.

Lord,

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit as we anticipate the wonders of our heavenly home. There are moments we long for Your return. Keep us content while we wait.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Glorious Reunion

    We are beginning to plan our 45^th high school reunion. Where have the years gone? I was blessed to be a part of South Minneapolis and, collectively, we are all still connected with younger and older “kids” from our neighborhoods. My class had over 600 students. Planning for reunions brings anticipation and excitement. Who will be there? Who has changed? What have old friends been up to since the last time we met?

     There will be another reunion for us one day. As we take our last breath, we will be escorted into heaven to be reunited with the believers who have gone before us. I long to see my parents, my friend, Patsy, my grandparents, cousins and other friends who have arrived in heaven first. That day brings anticipation and excitement. The former things will pass away and everything will be new and exciting and forever. Who do you miss? Do you sometimes long for the day you will meet Jesus?

See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create. Isaiah 65;17-18a

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

    We wait with anticipation for that most glorious reunion.

Lord,

We await the new heaven and new earth where we will dwell together with You and all who have gone before us. Keep us protected and filled with hope as we wait.

In Jesus name,

Amen