Philosophies of Life

 

     The month of June has been a busy one for us, three weeks of grandkid care with two sleepovers squeezed in, birthday celebrations, two out-of-town funerals, two high school graduation open houses and outings with friends (including one today!)  We are so blessed. We are so tired. I am feeling the need for some quiet time.  Being an introvert at heart finds me longing for solitude.

     In Italy, there is a saying, “dolce far niente,” translated to “the sweetness of doing nothing.”  Count me in. Their philosophy does not call for being lazy, rather savoring moments in life, relaxing at times during the day, to breathe in life.

     I learned of this wonderful saying (where else) on the Hallmark Channel, where all great philosophies are found. When you need quiet time, know that God is willing to sit awhile with you, to comfort, to bring peace, to walk in nature with you, to remind you of His love.

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come away with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

He says, “Be still and know that I am God.”  Psalm 46:10a

     Take time to be still, to enjoy the sweetness of doing nothing, to find a quiet place for yourself.

Jesus,

Remind us of our need to be still, to savor the moments of life, to be quiet with You and to listen. Heal our busy minds and hearts with goodness and peace.

Amen

 

Under His Wings

 

     There are so many Psalms to choose from, each one finding God through all of life’s ups and downs. The 91^st Psalm is one of protection, reminding us of the One in charge. The One who counts the hairs on our head (Matthew 10) and the stars in the sky (Psalm 147), the One who counts the number of our days. (Psalm 139)

     Trust Him with your life. Talk to Him in trust and hope. Ask for His peace. He will honor you and your life, from today ‘til forever. Take refuge in Him.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “he is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2

He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4

     Acknowledge Him in all you do. Praise Him both in joy and sorrow. His protection remains firm and forever.

“Because he loves Me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him. I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. He will call on Me and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:14-15

Father,

The Psalms echo deep within us as we turn to You for answers, for protection, and to praise You no matter our circumstances. You remain steadfast and true. Protect us and guide us. Please protect and give strength to those in danger and in grief. Give them hope.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Deep Calls to Deep

 

     Seeking God during times of deep grief and heartache may seem an impossible feat. If you find yourself in a difficult time, let the Psalms speak for you. Psalm 42 is a beautiful Psalm penned by a man in deep sorrow. Listen to the first verse.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1

     Have you found yourself in a desert, panting for something to sooth your soul? Jesus tells us He is the living water. (John 4:14) Those that find Him will never be thirsty again. Let your soul pant for the presence of Christ and He will meet your needs.

     In both verses 6 and 11, David cries out in lament. Why, he asks, is his soul downcast? Even in his grief, He turns to God and praises Him. Praising our God from the depths reminds us of who He is. He will bring us through. He will give us living water. He will refresh our soul. His voice calls to and meets the very deepest parts of us.

Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls, all your waves and breakers have swept over me. Psalm 42:7

     Let the living water of Jesus and these words wash over you, cleanse you and give you His peace.

Father,

Thank You for these words that meet us in the depths. We cry to You. We praise You, even when we find ourselves in a desert land. Give us hope today as You take our hand and walk with us and quench our deepest thirst.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Our Faithful God

 

     Another of the many Psalms to savor is the 37^th Psalm. When the world feels out of control, when you see evil rising and wonder, “Where is God?” this Psalm will bring comfort and a firm foundation. Our God will vindicate. Through Jesus, our righteous reward remains steadfast and forever. Delight yourself in Him and trust Him, above all you see in this temporal world. He will keep us safe as we trust Him.

Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4

     These two verses speak volumes to us in how to live life. “Trust in God! Do good!  Take delight in the Lord! He will give you the desires of your heart!”  So much promise and truth for us. When we look to Him in faith and in trust, our desires will match His will and we will find peace and joy right in the midst of chaos and evil.

     One day soon, God will vanquish evil and we will inherit the new heaven and the new earth. Hang on to this hope.

A little while, and the wicked will be no more. Though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and will enjoy peace and prosperity. Psalm 37:10-11

     Finally, in this Psalm, God gives us a promise. Even though we stumble, (and we will!) He will lead us into forever.

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him. Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24

Lord,

We take refuge in You as you uphold us with Your hand. Keep Your words in our hearts as we make our way in the world. May evil be vanquished and freedom reign. One day all will be new. Forever awaits.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Words and Meditation

 

     Psalm 19 is one of my favorites. This Psalm combines the majesty of nature, with the wonder of God’s word, two of the places we witness the truth and splendor of our Lord. There are only 14 verses. I invite you to read through them today.

     As you venture outside, take in the sights and sounds, the warmth of the sunshine, the cleansing rain, the way the earth is set in the universe, day and night, sunrise and sunset. As the birds welcome the morning light and the nocturnal animals set out in the nighttime hours, as the trees and flowers bloom with the promise of new life, take time to thank God.

     And search God’s word as if hunting for silver and gold. The wisdom found there is much more precious to us, much more valuable. Ask God to reveal the hidden things of your heart, to bring them out in the light of His countenance. This Psalm ends with a verse I speak out often to our Lord.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

     May our hearts and our words bring honor to Jesus, today and tomorrow.

Lord,

The words speak to the deepest parts of our soul. We praise You today for Your creation that welcomes us to rise each morning and gives us rest each night. We praise You for Your word and how it reaches in to meet us right where we are. May our words be pleasing to You, our Rock and our Redeemer.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Heart and Soul

 

     The Psalmist cries out to God and gives voice to our human thoughts and feelings. The writers seek answers, as we do. We read and feel the pain that mirrors our grief. The Psalms praise God through the ups and downs of life, as we should. If you are searching, grieving, seeking forgiveness, or praising God, the Psalms will echo in your heart and soul. Seek God in them. Find comfort and hope in them. The human condition is found there.

     The word “Psalms” can be translated in the Hebrew or Greek as “praises,” or “songs of praise.” Many of these words were set to music and the ancient Jews sang them as they set out for the temple. Others are Psalms of lament as they cry out to God. Many of the Psalms were penned by King David, others attributed to various writers, including one as far back as Moses. We will look at a few this week.

     Whatever season of life, whatever emotion, whether in joy or a sorrow, you will find words you can use to pray and to praise. The following is a favorite Psalm for many, a reminder of where we need to look to find our peace and our protection.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills-my help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you-the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-He will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121

     This Psalm was sung as the Israelites traveled up to the temple of God, a Psalm of ascent. Whatever the future, God holds us in the palm of His hand. He will watch over our lives, our coming and going, now and forevermore. Hallelujah! Look up to the loving God watching over you.

Father,

We thank You for the Psalms, for these songs of praise written for us. You watch over us, protect us and love us as we look up to praise You.

Amen

Living Water

     Our memorable moments bring reminiscent smiles and regretful tears. They bring heartache and excitement. Life lived with Jesus brings us something precious, more precious than gold. He gives us grateful hearts for the breath of life each morning. He is the perfect parent, the great comforter, the healer of our souls, the peace giver. And most precious of all of His gifts, He offers heaven, eternity with Him.

     Keep track of His work in your life as you journey on. You will notice the little ways in which He answers your heart. You will find opportunities to bless others in His name.

     The greatest gift we have to offer is to bring glory to His precious name. Our faith pleases Him. Because He has given so much to us, we have an abundant supply of love to give away. Let His love flow like living water through you.

     Jesus taught the woman at the well about this gift.

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” “Sir”, the woman said, “You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?”  “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. 4:10-11, 14

   Later on, in the 7^th Chapter of John, Jesus explains that this living water is the Holy Spirit, given to those who will believe in Hi. Is the flowing through you from Jesus? Fill up on it in His word. Drink deeply from His love. Take in the nourishment He offers. It is life.

Lord,

Thank You for each memorable moment You give us. Fill us to the brim until we overflow with the living water of the Holy Spirit. We are Your beloved children, and we long for more brothers and sisters. Let us bring Your deep joy with us wherever we go.

In Jesus name,

Amen

God Moments

 

     As we ask God to begin anew in our lives, we also reminisce and thank God for memories, for friends and for family. Think about sweet moments with God. I bet we will be surprised in heaven to learn how many times He and His angels protected us, at the times He grieved with us, or rejoiced with us and for the prayers He answered.

     Has He answered a special prayer immediately? Or have you waited patiently, not believing He even listened, only to discover years later, He was there all along? I believe I have been the closest to Christ during my times of great sadness and worry. Those times bring us to our knees as we beg to understand He is always there to hold you and, He is enough.

     Have you felt His presence in a real way during worship? Been overwhelmed with His love? Stuck up for Him when others don’t believe? There are so many moments, and as we age, we recognize Him more and more. He is involved and He is everywhere.

     Celebrate your God moments today. Think back to prayers answered, to believing the sufficiency of His grace, to feeling His presence throughout the day, for the people He has brought into your life at just the right moment. God is good all the time.

Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

I remain confident of this. I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27;13

Lord,

We celebrate You today, for the moments we share, for the hope you bring, for the trust You develop, for the love that never ends. Your goodness follows us all of the days of our lives. We are confident. You are good.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Renewed Strength

 

     It helps me to remember; even when I feel weak in faith, discouraged in life, or worried and anxious, or feeling achy with age, God continues His work in me.

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

     When you lose your confidence in yourself, in life, in others, be confident in Christ. When you lose your way, remember He has the path ahead all figured out. When you are about to give up, He will bring the right words, the perfect people, the Scripture you can hold onto for dear life, or the hope of heaven.

     At the end of this life, there is a new place, our perfect home, the beginning of forever. This is not our true home. We are visitors.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord, Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20

     God is working in your life right now. Trust in Him. He will never let you go. Wait eagerly for His coming. In the meantime, take His hand and He will show you the way to new life.

Jesus,

You are the way, the truth and the life. Our lives here will count for You as we allow Your work in us to continue. Give us renewed strength today. Bring the right words to our hearts and the right people to our paths.

Amen

Soar On Wings Like Eagles

 

     A brand-new believer in Jesus is often filled with new hope and joy and peace. As humans, that euphoria can wear off as life continues to unfold with its hardships and struggles. But deep within, there remains an eternal perspective, the truth and hope of our heavenly home. The Bible tells us eternity is in our hearts.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

     We will not understand all that goes on in our earthly lives. But God knows the end from the beginning.

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

     Allow these words to bring peace to your heart. God knows the end from the beginning. His purposes will come to pass, in His timing, in His way, in your life and in mine. His ways and His thoughts are higher than ours. (Isaiah 55)

     Keep eternity in your heart. All of this is temporal. Allow the blessings of the new life in Christ to give you renewed strength today.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Father,

When we begin to move away from You, renew our strength. We do not want to grow faint and weary in our faith. Keep the peace and hope of eternity in our hearts as we walk out our faith and our new life in Christ.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A New Spirit

 

     How about, just as the summer blooms begin to show their lovely heads and the trees are full of new life, if we, too, begin life anew? What if we decide to let our faith grow this year, to spring ahead with new enthusiasm for Jesus, to burst with new joy at the hope He brings? How about if we have a new passion for life, filled with the very Spirit that gives us peace?

     Let’s start anew with Jesus.

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

      Let God speak these words into your heart with an exclamation point. “See, I am doing a new thing!”  A new thing in your heart, in your soul, in your path, in your life. See! There it is! Right in front of you. Step into a new life in Christ. This new life is not about our physical life, the comforts of the body, but it is filled with the Spirit, the Spirit of God. The Bible gives us the very words of the Spirit.

The Spirit gives life. The flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you-they are full of the Spirit and life. John 6:63

Jesus,

We pray for Your words and Your Spirit to give us new life. Begin a new thing in our hearts this year. Increase our enthusiasm and passion for You, so that we may show the world.

Amen

 

Eternal Joy

 

     Eternal perspective is tough in our time-centered lives. Sunrise, sunset, morning, afternoon, evening, seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, years, decades. Each moment marked in so many ways. Definite time frames, appointments, work days, bedtime, mealtime, and on it goes.

     God is eternal and yet He stepped into time for us, fully human and fully God. How impossible are His ways! He stepped into our humanity and lived through all we experience throughout our lives, all of it. His servant’s body took the pain and the death we all deserve. Through it all, He remained focused on His purpose and on the joy to come.

     That’s you and me!  We are His joy. Set your earthly eyes on Him and know you belong to Him eternally.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

     He was the first to conquer death, but He was not the last. Many are with Him now and many more will join the Lamb in heaven one day, where there will be no more time limits, forever and ever. No more tears, no more pain, only light and joy.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4.

Lord,

The promise of heaven is more than we could ask or imagine.  Remind us of what is in store as we live out our lives on earth. Give us hope and purpose and a good plan as we follow You into eternity.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Little While

 

     A friend of mine reminded me today of a Bible study we did a few years ago. That study gave us real insight into the over-all big picture of life, death and eternity. The apostle Peter wrote these words:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. The inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice though now, for a little while, you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:3-6

     Praise God!!  We have new birth. We have a living hope. We have an inheritance that will never perish, spoil or fade. Through faith we are shielded with God’s mighty power, followed by a happily-ever-after.  We can greatly rejoice because of our inheritance to come.  Notice this!

…now, FOR A LITTLE WHILE… (v6)

     Our grief and suffering, our trials are for just a little while. Keep it in perspective, even through suffering. Today…a little while…ETERNITY!!!  Forever and ever, one day we will rejoice forever.  Look up and rejoice.

Jesus,

Your resurrection overcame the enemy of death. Our spirits will never die and we will receive resurrected bodies just like Yours one day very soon. Comfort those who grieve. Give peace to the anxious heart. Bring hope to those in depression. Open hearts to Your gift of eternal life. We are here for just a little while.

Amen

Just For Today

 

     Take a deep breath. Take a few minutes to let the stress go. Today will be just a memory in a short while and soon, the years will be adding up behind you faster than you can imagine. Those days you thought you wouldn’t survive? You did. The grief you would never get through? You made it. The what-ifs you worried yourself sick over? Most never saw the light of day.

     Today appreciate the job. Be a light to the people around you and not the complainer, the grudge holder, the angry one in the crowd. Life is so short. What if, because of Christ, we can make life a bit brighter, more hope-filled, an answer to prayer, an avenue to fill a deep need? What if today is different? Take a breath. Savor it. Say a prayer. Help a stranger. Make a phone call. Bring light into the darkness. Lean on others and ask for help when you need it and, most of all, take strength from Christ.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Father,

Lift us out of worry, anger, greed and wasted days. Fill us with Your kind of love and hope. Remind us to stop, savor, pray and listen just for today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Cast Your Cares

 

     Sunshine, flowers, happy thoughts, beautiful mornings. We believe it would be best if every day was filled with easy living and comfort. Think back on your life. Where did you gain the most wisdom? When did you feel closest to God? When have you relied on God’s strength most and when did you begin to trust Him with all that was happening in your life?

     If you are like me, the darkest times, the times of deepest suffering brought you into a more intimate relationship with Christ. Even in music, the minor chords lead us to appreciate the majors. Gratefulness and thanksgiving are often most apparent after coming through a tough time. Life is filled with tough challenges and deep struggles.

     Without Jesus, I don’t know how anyone gets through it all. With Him, we gain perspective over time, we gain wisdom through His words to us, we gain trust when He gets us through one more crisis and we gain peace and joy when eternity is secure.

     Count on Him. Rely on His power. Trust Him to see you through the next moment, the next hour, through one more day. His grace is sufficient. He cares for you.

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 12:9

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 2 Peter 5:7

Father,

We don’t understand why we suffer. You do. And Your power shines through every situation. We cast all of our anxiety on You today knowing You care for us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

He Will Do It

 

May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

     I love those verses. They remind me that even when I am not faithful, Jesus is. As our Lord, He sanctifies us (keeps transforming us) through and through, even when we don’t feel it or see it ourselves. Even through our physical body changes and ages and eventually wears out, our spirit, in the image of Christ, will never die.

“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

     Our souls (our mind, will and emotions) will follow us into heaven. Believe Jesus today. He calls you, the one and only you, to be His forever. He is faithful and He will do it!

Jesus,

Thank you for sanctifying us, body, soul and spirit. You continue to do Your work in us throughout out lifetimes on earth preparing us tot the place You are preparing for us! We are in awe of you.

Amen

 

Teach Your Childrren

 

     It’s Brooklyn’s 3^rd birthday today! We are caring for her for a couple of weeks. She is happy and energetic, loves to sing and, of course, boss us around! One of her favorite songs is, “Jesus Loves Me.’ We are grateful our daughters and their husbands are teaching their children about Jesus at an early age.

     Teaching our children and grandchildren about Jesus is a great privilege. The ground will remain secure with Jesus as their foundation. God commands us to teach them.

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

     Our children will return to God’s word and His ways, even if they walk away for a time. Listen to this promise.

Train up your children in the way they should go and when they are older, they will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

     Direct them. Teach them. Talk about Jesus when you get up, when you go through your day and before you go to bed. Let Him become a part of daily life, in everything you do.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4

Lord,

We long to make You number one, to think about You, to pray to You, to read and teach Your word. As we get up each day turn our thoughts and hearts to You. Let us teach our children about You. Happy birthday our sweet girl!

Amen

Redeemed and Protected

 

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell of Peter’s wrists. Acts 12:7

Unchained. Free. Delivered. Redeemed. Our souls are now free forever. Jesus can do that. Grief will be with us. Questions will remain, but those of us who believe, will find comfort and peace and a will to do His work. 

    God has saved us from death. He moves with us through our lives. He is there in the fire, through the storms and in the times filled with joy and comfort. Allow Him to protect you and walk with you through it all.

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

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4

Lord,

We simply don’t understand completely. We grieve. We hold on to one another. We love and we hope. You are the anchor. The foundation. The One we love.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Pray!

 

     Prayer moves God. It’s easy to underestimate the power of prayer. He honors us when we fall on our knees in worship and in relationship. How amazing to think we are invited into the very throne room of the Most-High because of Jesus. He is the intercessor. He paved the way. And the Holy Spirit interprets our prayers to go right into God’s heart. God knows what is best. He answers our prayers according to His will.

     Let’s not be complacent about our prayer life. Spending quiet time in God’s word, and in His presence is essential. The Holy Spirit will envelop us with power and light. Today God tells us to stop sleeping and get up and pray!!! And He reminds us not to be afraid.

“Why are you sleeping?” He asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22:46

But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” He said, “Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 17:7

Father,

Give us the motivation and the passion to pray. Send Your Holy Spirit into our minds and hearts and wake us up to sit with You every single day. Give us power and insight into the way you want us to go and give us the heart to be obedient to Your Word.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Get Up!

 

So the Lord said to Joshua, “Get up! What are you doing down on your face?” Joshua 7:10

     The numbers were overwhelming. The enemies of Gideon’s tribe far outnumbered them many times over. When God found Gideon, he was hiding. It’s tempting to pull the covers over our heads and stay put when our circumstances overwhelm us. God chose Gideon and God chooses you!

     Gideon was from the weakest tribe and considered himself one of its weakest members. But God called him a mighty warrior. With God’s help, the few hundred men led by Gideon conquered their thousands of enemies. And God will conquer yours.

During the night, the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands.” Judges 7:9

     Yesterday we needed God to fight a battle or two for us. But sometimes, we just have to get up, and move with God’s help. Let’s face the day today with new confidence. We are in God’s army! With Him as our leader we can conquer the demons surrounding us, we can overcome the obstacles ahead, we can make a difference. Now, get up mighty warrior!

Lord,

Thank You for leading us even when we are overwhelmed. You walk a step ahead of us. Remove our fear as you say to us, “Get up!” We are listening and we believe Your Word.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

 

Facing The Giants

 

     Sometimes we need to be still and allow God to fight our battles. Gideon’s army was outnumbered by thousands. David faced down the giant many times his size. Moses had a speech impediment and God asked him to lead the Israelites. Rahab was a prostitute and helped God’s men to escape their enemies. She is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Himself.

     The disciples of Jesus were simple fishermen. They gave up everything to follow Jesus and brought many to Christ. The weaker we are, the stronger He is. Suffering and weakness bring us to a place of dependence where we allow God to work. When things are comfortable, we forget to rely on and call on Him.

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 12:9

     The building of trust is important in any relationship. Learn to trust Jesus with your life. Give it all to Him today and be still. He will fight the armies you face, the giants in front of you, the weakness you experience and will give you rest for your soul.

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11;28-29

Lord,

Fill us with Your peace as we go through difficult times. You will fight for us when we are too scared, too weak, too overwhelmed. We give it all to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Confidence in Him

 

     Walk in confidence today as a child loved by God. You are dearly loved. Yes, you!

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

     Dear sisters and brothers loved by God. He has chosen you. He has chosen me. Christ will give us His righteousness, His power, and His wisdom and His truth. Our steadfast faith in Him gives us confidence.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. Jeremiah 17:7

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. 2 Corinthians 3:4

     Equally and uniquely loved. He loved us so we may love our brothers and sisters in the faith, as well as others in the world. Our confidence rests in Christ, our faith secure. Be yourself. Let your personality, gifts and talents shine in this dark world. We walk in freedom and trust, knowing we are His, now and forever. Rest in that this week as you venture out, dear brothers and sisters loved by God.

Father,

We rest in Your love, moving in confidence. Your love never fails and You forgive time and time again. We remain Yours now and forever, children dearly loved..

In Jesus name.

Amen

 

Gifted in the Spirit

 

     We are equally and uniquely loved. Your relationship with Jesus will look different than mine. I have a good friend who is fortunate enough to spend two hours every morning in deep study and prayer. What a gift!

     Another of my friends is an extrovert who just takes Jesus with her wherever she goes, picking up nuggets of wisdom from Him along the way throughout the day. What does your relationship with Jesus look like? Are you aware of His presence? Do you ask for direction throughout the day? Do you seek Him when a decision has to be made? Pray for the health of others? Look to His Word for answers?

     He yearns to be close to each one of us equally and uniquely. He honors each one of us in deep love and concern. He is for us and with us every moment.

Now you are the body of Christ and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5

     Equal parts of the same body, each one uniquely created, to work together in service. Don’t you just love His plan? He loves us and we love one another.

Lord,

Thank You for the individual gifts You give, the way You guide us into relationship with You and with others. We wait for opportunities to serve, each one in the ways chosen by You. Teach us how to find our spiritual gifts and to use them to Your glory.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Lavished With Love

 

     We love because of Jesus. We are transformed because of Jesus. We can live with the Holy Spirit of the Creator of the universe because of Jesus. We can live supernaturally, with hope, because of Jesus.

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

     Because He first loved us. That love permeates everything about us. He lavishes us with the type of love that defeats death and brings life.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 1 John 3:1

     We are children of God! He lavished His love on us with Jesus. And because of Him, because of His forgiveness, His grace, His new mercies every morning, because of His death, we can choose life, life now and forever.

Jesus,

Thank You for the gift of life everlasting, and for the great love You lavish on us each day. Help us to live out our lives with that same love for others. We love, because You first loved us.

Amen

Together Forever

 

     This week, we are allowing God to lavish His love on us, and, in return, we will love and honor one another. One of the purposes of God’s love for us, is to take care of, and honor our brothers and sisters in Christ. We may have personality clashes, but we are to love. We may feel jealous of another’s gifts, but we are to be satisfied with our own. We are to rejoice with one another and suffer with one another.

     The deep fellowship in Christ is unlike any other. It will move from this earth to eternity. We are linked together forever as children of our Father. Let’s love.

So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.  Now, you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12;25-27

Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

     We are in this together, equally and uniquely His. Our joys can be shared and our burdens cut in two when we live out life together.

Father,

Thank You for brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus died for all of us. We want to learn to love and to live through and with Him. Help us to be examples in the world around us, as we share the generosity and unconditional love of Jesus.

Amen

Equal and Unique

 

     I have to remind myself, continually, that God loves me and always wants the best for me. So many days, I feel guilty about one thing or another. You, too? As human beings, we have our weaknesses, our temptations, our emotions and a myriad of other attributes that take us away from God’s plan.

     Today, let’s soak in God’s unconditional love for us. Don’t be hard on yourself. He loves you just the way you are. He understands your unique personality and your unique gifts. The ways you serve won’t look like the ways I, or anyone else serves. Let’s not compare and compete. We are all members of the same body, with different parts, all valuable to Jesus.

     Some of our gifts are quiet and encouraging, others boisterous and generous, others behind-the-scenes and, still others, up on the podium. None is better than another. You are gifted and loved. You are a child of God, a beloved child of God.

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

     The same Lord, the same Spirit, the same God, working in us and loving us, quirks and all. He loves you!

Lord,

You are our God and the same Spirit is within each of us. That Spirit understands us deeply and profoundly, leading us in ways we often don’t notice. Guide us into truth and into Your love today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Come to Him

 

     Confidence in Jesus doesn’t come so naturally, even as lifetime believers, when we are worried, when we are grieving, when we are anxious and downhearted, when we can’t find an answer. Maybe one of these describes you today. If so, let it all go to the foot of the cross. Jesus understands your burdens. Give it completely to Him and wait expectantly. He will work.

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and lean on Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear. I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

     For now, for this minute, for this day, for as long as you are able, lay it all at His feet. Let Him carry you for a while. Let Him work for you and fight these battles. He will do it.

Father,

We wait for You to work. Heal us, comfort us, take our burdens and fight for us. Guide us in Your ways as we wait for our prayers to be answered. We love and praise You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Hope and a Future

 

     I pray your confidence in our Savior has grown this week. His plan for your life is pleasing and perfect. He will work for the good even when we can’t perceive it. His love is astronomical. As one of my favorite authors Max Lucado wrote, “If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.”

     You are His precious child. You are His workmanship. God’s plan for you is intimate and personal. He longs for a relationship with You, all day, every day. Your future looks bright in His mighty hands.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

     God has a hope and a future for you, plans for you to do His good works that will bless you and bless others. We were created with certain gifts unlike anyone else! You are His handiwork, His piece of art, His love.   

     How do we know what that plan is? What do we do? Where should we go? Will we miss out? No, never!  God's work always continues even when we don’t notice. His hand is upon us day and night. He will provide opportunities when we least expect them. When we study His word and participate in our relationship with Him, through prayer, through fellowship, through Bible discussions, we get to know Him just as intimately as He knows us and we will grow more and more into our love for Him. We are a separate entity from the rest of this crazy world. We belong to Jesus.

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 1:13

Father,

You give us strength and hope. Keep growing us with Your mighty hand, even when we don’t recognize Your work. Your love for us carries us through.

In Jesus name,

Amen

    

More Than Conquerors

 

     One of the greatest gifts we can offer another or that can be bestowed upon us, is the gift of unconditional love. Maybe you were blessed to grow up in a family that gave and received love. You knew, no matter what, no matter the mistakes made on either side of the relationship, love remained.

     When we are loved unconditionally, our confidence grows. Our confidence in ourselves as people worthy to be loved and confidence enough to trust others, confidence to be open to genuine and loyal relationships.

     Jesus offers us unconditional, everlasting love. His love is beyond even our greatest and most love-filled relationships on earth. Jesus can fill the gaps suffered from unloving relationships. He can fill our hearts with His love, until we grow in the ability to live out the rest of our lives, filled with contentment and filled with joy.

     As believers, we will have Jesus forever. Nothing you can do will pull you away from His grasp. You belong to Him. We can conquer anything with His kind of love. Here are a few more of my many, many favorite verses.  Place them in your hearts and be filled today.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

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

Jesus,

Your love is so deep and wide, so sacrificial and so overwhelming, it is hard for us to accept. Thank You for loving us. Let Your Holy Spirit wash over us and lavish us with the much-needed love today and every day. May we never forget.

Amen

Forever

 

     Once we are saved through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus, we are seen as holy in the eyes of our holy and perfect heavenly Father. We don’t understand it. The gift is too wonderful to comprehend. But it is true.

This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 3:22a 

     As we are given the righteousness of God through Jesus, our sins are painted as white as snow. As His children, we now live in His glorious light.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

     Our confidence grows as our faith grows, moving more and more into His light as we gain trust in Him through the rest of our lives. Each step draws us closer and closer to our heavenly home. There is no need to fear. We are with Him now. We will be with Him later.

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

     I have witnessed the yearning for heaven, time and time again, in believers close to death, in the aged, in the burdened. For those living in grief, to those longing for a loved one in heaven, this is such a solemn and profound promise.  We will be with them one day. We will live with them forever. Do not fear. Be confident in that.

Lord,

Keep us mindful of the brevity of life and the hope of tomorrow. We now live in Your righteousness and Your light. To live is You and to die is gain. How profound! Keep us from worry. Keep us in peace. We are Yours.

In Jesus name,

Blessed Chosen Forgiven

 

     If you want to feel cherished and loved and grow in your faith in Christ, a great chapter to read is the first book of Ephesians. Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus is filled with the spiritual blessings we have as believers in Christ. I won’t print the entire chapter, but here are a few blessings we have with Jesus as our Savior.
We have been:
• blessed in the heavenly realms (v.3)
• chosen (v. 4)
• adopted as sons and daughters (v. 5)
• given His glorious grace (v. 6)
• forgiven (v. 7)
• given his wisdom and understanding (v. 8)
• made a part of His perfect and pleasing will (v. 9-11)
• included in Christ (v. 13)
• sealed with the Holy Spirit (v. 13)
• guaranteed a heavenly home (v. 14)
     As I close today’s devotion, please read carefully through the following words from this beloved chapter. These words are given for you as a believer in Jesus Christ and I pray them over you today. Listen to the love and power you now have available as a child of the most-high God.
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:15-21
     These words are too wonderful to comprehend! The very same power that God used to raise Christ from the dead now lives within us! Take that with you today. Have confidence in the one who has saved you! He is risen and His power lives with us.
Jesus,
We praise You for all of the many gifts and blessings You have lavished on us. Thank You for these beautiful reminders in Your precious word for us. We love You
Amen