Abundant Blessings

 

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

     Take in the blessings of God this week. Allow Him to fill the holes in your heart and bless you in all things at all times. Jesus loves you to the moon and back and beyond the stars. After all, He has washed your sins as white as snow. Take that love and the blessings of God and give some away. Count your blessings on Thanksgiving Day and every day. And don’t forget to pray for others and allow others to pray for you.

And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.  2 Corinthians 9:14-15

     God’s gift of grace is meant to be shared. And prayer changes things. Prayer opens hearts and heals wounds and brings peace to the soul. I thank God for each one of you and I pray that God’s gifts be given to you in abundance so that you may overflow with joy.

Happy Thanksgiving! See you Monday.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for Your indescribable gifts. We take each one as a blessing from above and we ask to be given opportunities to give to others.

Amen

Calm Before the Storm

 

     Well, let’s admit it. Along with the delightful, smells, tastes, sounds and anticipation of the season, there is more. More stress, more busyness, more annoying relatives. There are the gifts that don’t work, that don’t fit, that we don’t need. We overeat, we over shop and we overdo.

     Take a break before the hectic days and the hoopla begin and remember the One above watching over us.  Above all else, He is there.

Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.  Colossians 3:2

  This time of the year is especially difficult for those grieving the loss of loved ones. Jesus is there to comfort, to find hope, to remind us of His great gifts. Remember the blessings and, remember, there is a great cloud of witnesses awaiting us in heaven.

     What do you think? Can we rise above the craziness and focus on the hope that awaits? Shine with hope this season. Let’s focus on the love around us and share memories of loved ones waiting for us and the One who came for us. It’s all about Him after all. He can change everything.

Jesus,

Calm our spirits as we get ready to celebrate the loveliest and purest gift ever given, the life You sacrificed for us, offering us grace and forgiveness. Keep our focus on You and on sharing all of the noble gifts You give to us. Please comfort those who mourn.

Amen

The Aroma of Christ

 

     The sights, smells and sounds are upon us. Leaves have fallen. Christmas lights and displays are ready to greet us. The smell of pine will soon infiltrate our homes. Many of us will savor the smell and taste of our Thanksgiving feasts. I love this time of the year and look forward to decorating, baking, spending time with loved ones. Picking out gifts and delighting the young ones around us add to the holiday anticipation.

     What about the reason for the season? What about the anticipation of celebrating the miraculous birth of Jesus? The sights and sounds of the choir of angels greeting the shepherds as they tended their flocks? The realization that the Savior of the world was wrapped in swaddling clothes? What were the sights and sounds and smells of the manger where he slept?  The surroundings were common, but the magnitude of the event, astounding!

     Did you know we can be the aroma of Christ? Imagine that as this season engulfs our minds, our senses and our hearts, as we become distracted from the true meaning of Christmas.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.  2 Corinthians 2:14

Jesus,

Help us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of You throughout this season. We celebrate You. Born of a woman and the Son of God! Sent to save us all. We look forward to celebrating Your birth. Help our focus to remain on You throughout this busy season filled with sights, sounds and smells of the holidays.

Amen

The Amazing Word of God

 

     I pray for all of you as I write, praying that God will be with you and speak to you through His words. The Bible holds great power. It is alive and it goes deep into our souls. Memorizing Scripture will prepare us for any and all circumstances. Saying the word of God out loud shoos Satan away and beckons the angels to surround us.

Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. Psalm 103:20

There are Scriptures just for you no matter where you are, no matter what you need. Comforting Scripture to combat fear and grief, to rejoice in praise or gratefulness, to share the Gospel, to remind you of heaven and hope, to ease our anxiety. We read through history, enjoy the poetry of the Psalms  or sit amazed at the prophetic word that has proven true.

Scripture holds the keys from the beginning to the end. Jesus has the answers.

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

Thank You Father for the gift of Your word. Give us time to dig deeper into it, to understand more and more of who You are and Your plans for us. We resist our enemy and listen to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

 

Our Songs

 

     My mom died the day after my wedding.  The final stages of cancer left her in the hospital the week of and during our special day. Walking through that grief as a newlywed left me helpless and left my husband wondering what to do with me. Throughout that time, I was diagnosed with an eye disease that would, one day, leave me legally blind, and my husband lost his job. All of the above left us floundering for answers.

Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5b

     I began to pray. This was the beginning of finding Jesus. I came to the end of myself and asked for help. God placed the right people in my life and sometimes slowly, but steadily, He has given me great opportunities to serve Him, such as leading crisis ministry teams and teaching Bible studies and now through the written word.

     It is astounding for me to look back over what now spans over thirty-five years of a deep and abiding marriage and a deep and abiding faith. Jesus has changed my life in so many ways. His purpose for me continually drives me with passion and joy and He provides enough grace to guide me through the challenges in life. Much suffering has been a part of our family’s life over the years, but the blessings far outnumber them. The craziness of it all has given me a strong and loving marriage as well as two amazing, beautiful, kind, awesome (you get the picture) daughters, the best sons-in-law and, you guessed it, the most wonderful grandkids in the world.

     Hang on through the sorrowful times. Jesus will bring good from them. I saw a quote years ago when I was feeling down about the circumstances surrounding me and I have never forgotten it.

“If God removed the rocks, a brook would lose its song.” Author unknown.

     I pray your song is making a beautiful melody today.

Lord,

I can only thank You for everything, all of it, difficult, delightful, and disastrous. You continue to give us difficult and necessary lessons along the way. I put my trust in You to get me through life’s journey, until one day, the tears, and the pain will be gone forever. Joy will remain.

Amen

The Journey

 

     Many years ago, I read a book called, “Hinds’ Feet On High Places.” It is the story of a girl named, Much Afraid, a girl like you and like me. She wants to stay in the valley where she is comfortable and knows her way around, until one day she has an encounter with the Good Shepherd.

     How she longs to follow Him, but her pesky relatives keep holding her back along the way. Friends and cousins like Pity and Pride, Fear, Resentment and Bitterness. They hinder her journey. She does not understand it at the time, but the Shepherd chooses Sorrow and Suffering as her companions and, slowly, she heads up a tough mountain trail.

     The hinds (or deer) she spots up ahead near the top of the mountain take an easier route, and she wonders why the Shepherd insists she take another way. But one day, she reaches the uppermost place, the highest place, lessons learned and joy attained.

     This allegory speaks to us as we journey along in life, never quite understanding all of it along the way. But Jesus does, and one day we, like the hind, will reach the mountaintop. Sitting in heaven, everything done for Jesus following along with us with whispers of “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer. He causes me to stand on the heights. Psalm 18:33

Lord,

We won’t have all of the answers until we meet You in heaven. Keep us filled with hope and trust throughout our journeys on earth. Even when our companions include sorrow and suffering, You know the way out and through it all. We love You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Hope In What We Do Not See

 

     I recently searched through and perused some of my writings from years past. I realize that much of my most prolific times of writing have come both during and after times of great suffering. Suffering offers us hard-earned life lessons. Life throws so much at us and as we go through the tough times, it can seem impossible to see a way out, or to find a beacon of hope.

     Jesus taught me the most valuable lessons through these times. I learned to trust. I learned to hang on to hope. I relied on friends and family in ways I might not have had things continued to be comfortable and easy. We can carry each other’s burdens. And the God of hope travels along with us, opening our eyes to spiritual truths, to an eternal perspective, to a life beyond.

     If you are navigating a time of trial, reach out to Jesus with hope.

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

Jesus,

Thank You for the hope you bring to us and thank You for celebrating with us through the joys of life and staying close by our side through the difficult days. We can always find peace and hope when we trust in You.

Amen

Jesus Is There

 

     How is your view today? Are you in the deep valley of grief and sorrow or doubt and fear where the thought of seeing the sun again seems a far-off dream? Are you sitting on a mountaintop with a clear view? Life is in a good place, breath-taking and full of joy. Maybe you are on your way down after just such an experience or find yourself with the long climb up, about halfway but nowhere near where you want to land.

     The good news about Jesus, besides that He offers us eternal life, is that He never leaves our side once we take Him as our Savior. He is with us as our closest companion on the darkest of days, in the pure moments of joy and everything in between. He understands the dark better than anyone, and He resides in the gates of eternity where all things are possible.

     Give Him your heart this morning. Fill Him in on where you are and what you need. (As if He doesn’t know) He knows the answers far better than we know the questions. He will fulfill what we need, not just what we want. The deepest truths in life are found throughout the journey of life. As He reaches out to comfort and help us find our way, we can pass it along to others.

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

Lord,

Wherever we are, there you are also, offering companionship and comfort. We thank You for showering us with Your love and we ask that you give us someone that needs that same compassion and love.

In Jesus name,

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 day.

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

     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, He remains faithful.

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.

Amen

 

Faith

 

     As Jesus begins His 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 almost 40 years, 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 purpose and plan 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

We Can't Help But Speak

 

     Some say faith is a private issue. It is a personal and unique relationship between an individual and God. True, but, as Christians, the Holy Spirit fills us to the brim with the living water of Jesus and we have to speak! Peter and John had been arrested. They were forbidden to speak about Jesus.

     Did that stop them? Not at all. They were right back out in the public square preaching the news. This news was too good to keep to themselves. The Spirit within them would not allow them to be quiet. Here is their response:

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes, to listen to you or to Him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about all we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20

     As for us, we can’t help speaking of all we have seen and heard. Let it be true of us as it was for Peter and John.

Jesus,

Let us speak in Your name, even as we are persecuted and ridiculed. You want everyone to know You.

Amen

Your Story

 

     Each of us, as believers, has a story to tell. Some of us have known Jesus since childhood, others met Him as seniors. I love the fact that Jesus is ready whenever we are. He knows when our hearts are ready to receive Him.

     I have witnessed how He places the right people at the right time in our lives to share the Gospel. Sometimes we just don’t want to hear it from our own family or friends. A stranger could just “happen” to walk into a life with the good news.

     If you know Jesus, you have a testimony. No one else met Him in the same way or at the same time. All of our stories have meaning and purpose. Maybe God is preparing you to share the love of Christ, how He has changed you, how He has opened your heart, how He loves you. Your story is unique and maybe, just maybe, someone around you is ready to listen. Don’t be afraid. The Holy Spirit will give you the words.

At that time, you will be given what to say. Matthew 10:19b

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

     Go and tell what God has done for you.

I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart. I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

Father,

We lean on You to help us speak of Your wonderful deeds. Lead us to those ready to hear Your voice and let the Holy Spirit give us just the right words.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Seek Him and Find Him

 

     God is waiting for you. Have you noticed a yearning in your heart? Are you hesitant to come closer? See if Jesus is for real? Is it possible God truly sent His Son to earth over 2,000 years ago?

     The profound and transforming answers to those questions will change your life. The blessed assurance of finally and forever letting yourself go safely into His arms will set you free. Free from the penalty of sin, free to find peace for your soul, free to be loved forever, free to hope for the reality and assurance of eternity.

     How can you go wrong? Here is His voice speaking to your heart.

You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all of your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

     Believe He will answer your seeking heart.

I sought the Lord and He answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

     All of us fall short of the glory of God. All of us. God gave us a way to Him through Jesus. Jesus Christ died for you and for me. The only sinless man to walk the earth. Fully God and fully man. He rose again and conquered death and He is alive! He has risen! No more death and all we have to do is believe. Here is the good news for those of you seeking an answer.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe resulting in righteousness and it is with your mouth you confess resulting in salvation. Romans 10:9-10

     It is a pure gift of grace. None of us deserve it. None of us can attain it without the one and only Son, sent from the Father.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1;14

Lord,

There are no words that can express the thanksgiving we have in our hearts for Jesus. Please open more hearts to His truth, to His Gospel, to His grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Fullness of Christ

 

And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.  Ephesians 1:22-23

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:10

     When I taught Bible studies, I used this example. On a table sits a pitcher filled with sand, an empty jar and three rocks. Imagine taking the pitcher of sand. As you pour it into the empty jar, you list the ways you spend your days. Pour in the work, time with the kids, cooking, watching TV, reading, laundry, phone calls, computer and anything else that comes to mind.

     The jar is plum full. You love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul and strength. The three rocks represent the Bible, prayer and service. You try to squeeze them into the top of the jar but they just won’t fit. Now picture the sand being poured back into the pitcher. The three rocks are placed into the bottom of the now-empty jar first. And the sand? As it is poured back in, it all fits!

     We think we do God a favor by sitting in a church pew for an hour each week. One hour out of the 168 available to us. If the service goes over an hour, we look at our watches, think about the game about to begin or what we will have for lunch. A distracted faith. It’s there, but we place little value on it when all is said and done.

     Jesus wants a real relationship with us, not a ritual, not a religion, not squeezed into the last five minutes of our days The Bible is His gift to us. It is a way to get to know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit intimately. I guarantee when you soak yourself in the word you will develop a hunger and a thirst for more.  Remember the living water yesterday? It is always available.

     And reading Scripture and time with Jesus won’t feel like an obligation or duty, it will be the most important and valuable portion of the day.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  Matthew 5:6

     And you will be filled.

    And to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19

 Dear Lord,

We long to sit with You on a daily basis, filling up on Your word and praying and talking with You. Let that be the desire of our hearts from this day forward. Develop in us a hunger and a thirst for Your righteousness.

Amen

Soul-quenching Love

 

     Is your soul thirsty and parched? That abundant love and contentment Christ offers can fade into the background of our daily existence, when the urgent takes precedence over our needs, our physical, mental, and spiritual needs. The Samaritan woman at the well during the hottest part of the day, met the One who would fill the dryness in her life. Here are His words for her and for you and to me.

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14

     The lost woman believed. She would become one of Jesus’ first evangelists as she offered the Messiah’s truth to her family and the surrounding area. Soul-thirsty answers, life-quenching truth, free-flowing living water available whenever and wherever we need it. Is it time to stop and drink?

    How do we receive this flowing spring water that will last until eternity?

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

   Believing in Jesus begins with His abundant love. We realize our need for a Savior and His offer is iron-clad. We are His until He will wipe the earthly water from our eyes and we will walk with Him beside the streams of living water forever.

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

    Heaven will provide perfection one day. What about our dry, cracked souls today? He offers us thirst-quenching answers for every tear-stained question, for every deep longing, for every pit of shame. The water is satisfying. Thirsty? Dip into the life-quenching well of Jesus.

Dear Jesus,

Walk with us beside the still, cool waters of Your saving grace in our uncertain lives. Take our hands as we search for answers and lead us to the Words of life. Refresh our souls. You are the answer to our longings. Fill us to the brim.

Amen

Overflowing Love

 

     The ordinary events of everyday life can be filled with the presence of Jesus. It takes practice. It takes time. It takes a deepening sense of who He is and how to seek Him in the middle of the muddle, in the sorting of the laundry piles, in the sneak peek out the kitchen window while cleaning the dinner dishes, in the warm embrace of your spouse. His presence is everywhere, anywhere, anytime. Ready?

The grasslands of the wilderness overflow, the hills are clothed with gladness. Psalm 65:12

     Creation overflows with gladness. Ok, our Minnesota winters may not fill our hearts with gladness. But this fall has been glorious. The last couple of days have been around 60 degrees with bright blue skies and vibrant colors.  God gives us these spectacular colors before the cold sets in.  With Jesus we can overflow with hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

     Trusting Him allows us to live in hope.

All this is for your benefit so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4;15

      God’s extravagant love, His overflowing grace is available to us in His presence and in His word Weaving through the intricacies of our lives we find balance and a rhythm as we walk with the Holy Spirit of God. As our knowledge grows and our lives change, the love that has filled us miraculously begins to overflow.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  1 Thessalonians 3:12

 Dear Father in heaven,

Thank You for Jesus. He gives us a life overflowing with grace and love that rises up to eternity, that extravagant love that fills our hungry souls. Overflow our lives with that love, so we can give it away, just as You gave it to us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Extravagant Love

 

     Extravagant love. What comes to mind? Is it a bracelet dripping with diamonds, a trip around the world, a love poem written just for you? Our world tells us, “You deserve the best.” “You are worth it.”  “You need this to be happy.” Jesus turns all of that upside down with His sacrifice on the cross. While we were yet sinners, He took it all upon Himself, suffered and died, because He loves us.

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  1 John 3:1a

     Extravagant love may not come in the way we envision it. It comes in the heart of the mom with the disabled child. There is not much time to think about herself or her needs. She would not have wished or dreamed about this life for her family, but would she have it any other way? No, the love is deeper than anything she has or will ever experience.

     Sacrificial love. It’s all around us, in the care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or cancer, in caring for the poor, in missionary work in other cultures, in the service of our country, in the front-line heroes. These lives are all around us and they are beautiful. The extravagant love of Christ is available and ready to be absorbed and shared.

     This sacrificial love is often found in places and with people the world would rather avoid. The difficulties and sufferings we are called to endure, often become the very places we witness the holiness of Christ and His love. Don’t be afraid of His lavish love. It is there for the taking. He gives it richly, abundantly, extravagantly, sacrificially. Can we do the same?

Jesus,

You, the pure light of the world, washed the filthy feet of Your disciples. Show us how to love in the ways of Your heart. Take away our fear as we step a little closer to serving others sacrificially in Your name. After all, that’s what you taught us to do.

Amen

Satisfying Love

 

     It was a summer, Saturday evening about 30 years ago. The picture is etched in my mind. Our daughters were somewhere around the ages of six and four. The house was clean. The gardens were planted. The yard freshly mowed and trimmed thanks to my husband. Our girls sat quietly with their French braids, clean from their baths in their freshly laundered nightgowns.

       “Ahh.” Pure satisfaction. You may have noticed the time frame. This is not a daily experience. Far from it. We have those moments when all seems right with the world; when the jobs are done, the tough project complete, after enjoying a satisfying meal, or a day off. Then hunger returns. Another project rears its ugly head. Dishes are dirty. Laundry is piling up. The house is in chaos, the kids squabbling, just too much to do.

     Jesus offers us this deep and satisfying, soul-quenching contentment. All day. Every day. When we place our lives totally in His hands, we recognize the kids are from Him, the grass and all of creation was breathed into existence, just for us. And our lives can be given completely to Him, the satisfying days, along with the frustrating and chaotic days. What Jesus offers us is more than a momentary feeling of satisfaction. He offers us the abundant life, grace-given, love overflowing assurance of the more-than-enough life.

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

     Contentment with Jesus is available in the midst of the chaos, in the fear of the moment, in times of hunger and peril. Every moment can be entrusted to Him. Let’s dig into the abundant life this week. In the meantime, breath out a satisfied, “Ahh” with me. He has you in the palm of His hand. Be content there and then go tackle that mess.

Dear Father,

You gave us Your Son. He gave everything up for us and loves us too much to ever let us go. Give us that Godly contentment every day no matter what is in front of us.

In Jesus name

Amen

Teach Your Children

 

     Raising our children to love Jesus in the world today is vital. As we see disrespect grow, violence increase, drug use as an epidemic, our youth need Jesus. The Jewish people were taught to have God’s word on their hearts and minds each day.

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home, when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you rise up. Deuteronomy 11:19 (Deuteronomy 6:7)

    God has promises for us as believers. As we teach our children about His love and His word, they will never forsake Him.

Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

     I have such special memories of our girls growing up. Reading devotions with them each night before bed. Praying with them when they were having difficulties at school or with friends. And they love Jesus. They are passing their faith and love on to the next generation!  Our grandkids are blessed.

     Our faith will never leave us. Jesus is always here with us. Faith does not have to be and should not be a once-a-week duty. It is a life. A life lived for Christ. A life filled with His everlasting love. Believe and your children will never depart from it. God’s love is everlasting.

The Lord appeared to us in the past saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him and His righteousness with their children’s children. Psalm 103:17

Father,

Your everlasting love will flow from generation to generation as we speak of you as we walk through our days as we sit down and as we rise. Help our younger generation to find You again, for our country to trust in You again. We love You as You first loved us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Happy birthday to our daughter Lauren!

Loved By God

 

     As we age, we can appreciate our memories, our life-long friendships, our families and our Christian family. I am beyond blessed and I am feeling the love of Jesus.  The sunny vibrant skies of fall have been a reminder of all that God has given us.  Feel loved today and take in every single blessing in your life.

     Years ago at a Bible study I facilitated, we studied the books of the Thessalonians. The study included these words:

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you. 1 Thessalonians 1:14

     You, dear brothers and sisters, are loved by God, chosen in fellowship to worship, to pray, to sharpen the faith of one another.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

     The Bible reminds us to stay close to our fellow Christians as we witness the times leading toward Christ’s return. Stay in the word. Rely on your Christian family and continue and appreciate the glory of the earth God has given us.

Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Let all of the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:12

The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1

Father,

Your love for us is so deep and overwhelming. Thenk You for surrounding us with a family of believers. Keep us united in Spirit as we live out our lives with Your amazing grace and love.

In Jesus name,

Amen

His Marvelous Ways

 

     This week I have been striving for more flexibility, away from the sometimes rigid and controlling plans of my own. Jesus can change me with words from wise friends, with my conscience giving me clues on right and wrong, and through our plum line, the Bible.

     But I have come to a realization. Deep down, I appreciate my ordinary life, filled with routine. I know it fits me at this season of my life. Maybe, just maybe, God ordained it this way.

     Has he allowed you a life to fit your deep-seeded personality and your gifts? How marvelous are His ways. With my eyesight deteriorating, I am more than grateful to have a patient husband, supportive daughters and their families and great friends who still want to hang around with me!

     God understands each of us, in whatever season of life we find ourselves. His ways will work with you, wherever you are, in whatever place you live, with the people surrounding you, to help you be at peace and filled with joy. Most of all, we have Jesus.

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways. He does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5

For you are great and do marvelous deeds. You alone are God. Psalm 86:10

The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes. Psalm 118:23

     Wherever life finds you today, give praise to the Lord. He has done and will continue to do marvelous deeds in your life and in mine. He will allow and encourage changes in us and He will find the perfect places and people to surround us. Let Him be sufficient for your days, routines and all.

Lord,

How marvelous are your ways! You find a perfect fit for us throughout our lives. Guide us into praising You each day and listening to Your voice.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Do Not Worry

 

     Our heavenly Father is in control. His wish for us is to trust Him completely with our lives, to believe He has us in the palm of His mighty hands. How about a day without worry? Having loved Jesus with a deep faith for thirty plus years now, I have seen Him deepen my faith through suffering, deny my wishes when He knew they weren’t right for me, delight me with His miraculous ways time and time again, and defended me when I needed it most.

     Listen to the words of Scripture and allow Jesus to take away your worries and your burdens. He cares for us.

“Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, not about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air. They neither sow nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to the span of life?” Matthew 6:25-27

“Come to Me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

     God is watching over you. Cast all of your cares on Him.

Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

     As our trust grows in our God, the one who promises us eternal life, the one who sent His only Son to die for us, the one who cares for the birds of the air, the one we can trust to keep all of His promises, we can find peace. Here is another promise to fill your heart.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Father,

We take the words of Jesus into our hearts and souls today, trusting Him with all of our cares and worries. Fill us with that peace that passes all understanding as we give all of our lives to You. You are faithful and unchanging.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A New Thing

 

     I like to have a plan. Early to bed, early to rise describe my husband and me. Breakfast is typically around 6:30, lunch around 11 and dinner at 5.  Each day I sort through what lies ahead for the day, for meals, for the week ahead.

     I am fortunate to have some wonderful and wise girlfriends and I was able to spend a few hours with some of them over the weekend. One of them said, “Well, we have to be flexible.” Wise words.

     Lately, I have been writing the blogs for the week as a theme, spending a few hours putting them together. Last week’s theme was finding freedom in the Holy Spirit, understanding that God will always work in us, working for His good and perfect purpose in our lives.

     This week let’s listen to the Spirit, allowing him to do something new. Each day will bring new surprises and adventures. I plan to get up at my usual time. (No surprise there!) But I will not plan what I am going to write ahead of time, trusting the Spirit to move in my life as I allow Him to do as He pleases with the day.

     What will He do in your life today?

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

     If you are feeling stuck or lost, don’t be afraid. God will make a new way. He can provide clear, living water during the desert times of life. He can bring fresh blooms and new fruit, after a long cold winter. He can find a new way for us! Do you see it?

Father,

Thank You for teaching us and leading us with something new. We ask for Your Holy Spirit to show us a new path today. Thank You for the freedom that faith gives us to place our trust in You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

The Plan Is Jesus

 

     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 very own 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 and to make Him known.

     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

 

A Purpose and a Plan

 

     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 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 in the very best way that suited me. 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.

     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

 

A Guaranteed Plan

 

     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 Grace God's Plan

 

     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

A Good Plan

 

     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 is 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