Love Love Love

 

     The rain is tapping on the windows of our office this early morning. I love rainy days, although it means missing out on outdoor activities. Even on the cloudiest of days, we always have the love and light of the Son.

     Stop for a minute. Take a deep breath and fill your heart with the love of Christ. Feeling lonely or unworthy? You are a beloved child of the King. The Holy Spirit that raised Christ from the dead now lives within you as a believer.

And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you. Romans 8:11

     As His beloved family, we are alive spiritually. Those without the Spirit are like the walking dead, trying to find life in the world around them. Live as children of the light. Live in the confidence of the risen Christ. Live as one spiritually alive with the power of the Holy Spirit within. See others with the love and spiritual eyes of Christ and give them His love.

You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5

Jesus,

Remind us of the power we have available to us because of Your great love. Your Father has filled us with the very Spirit that raised You from the dead! We are alive in You. Show us Your ways and Your thoughts that are above the ways of the world.

Amen

 

Love Love Love

 

     Just a reminder. God loves you. He loves you so much, He sent His Son to die for you. Every sin, every wrong thought, every fear, every shame-filled moment was nailed to the cross. He suffered every sin and He overcame death. For you. There is no greater love.

Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

     No greater love. The gap was too large to bridge. God could not and cannot look at sin. Thank God, He sees us now through the image of Christ, and when we believe in Jesus as Savior, we will be with Him now, every single day of our lives and we will be with Him forever.

He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live with Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:10

Lord,

Your love knows no bounds. You willingly died for us, shedding Your holy blood on the cross, as You experienced all of the darkness and despair of this world. We pray for those who do not yet know You, that their hearts may be open to Your sacrificial, unconditional, heavenly love.

Amen

 

Heart Treasures

 

     How is the condition of your heart? Is it troubled, angry, resentful, bitter or joy-filled, hopeful or passionate? True treasures lie within our hearts. If Jesus and His word are the greatest treasures in our life, the condition of our hearts will reflect His life, filled with inner peace, joy, hope and love. Count on it.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34

Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise. Apply your heart to what I teach. Proverbs 22:17

God is not interested in the outer man, how we look, how we dress, what we drive, where we live.  He always looks at the heart.

For the Lord sees not as man sees. Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. 1 Samual 16:7b

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles or the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 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 3:3-4

Lord,

Check the condition of our hearts. Help us to pay attention and to turn our ears to Jesus. He treasures the things of the heart. He understands what we need. Turn our attention to what He teaches, and our hearts will be filled with true riches.

Amen

 

More Precious Than Gold

 

    We have God’s word. The more we study, the more it becomes alive. It is active, sharper than a two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12)   It gives us everything we need to live a faith-filled life Every word is Spirit-breathed and useful. (2 Timothy 3:16)    It is a most precious treasure.

And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. Psalm 12:6

The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. Psalm 119:72

     God’s word is flawless. Every word is completely true and God-breathed. The fulfilled prophecies of old have been 100% accurate, with many more prophecies to be fulfilled before the second coming of Christ. Can you imagine how our lives would change if we believed the word holds the greatest treasures available to us? With Scripture in our hearts, we can remain pure in God’s love and not dragged into the ways of the world. What if we spend more time in it? What if we take the time to study and grow? Imagine the difference it would make to our lives and to the people around us. Dig into the treasures, the eternal, the hope, the peace and the joy that our God offers.

Jesus,

You are the word come to life. (John 1) Remind us to put down our phones, to sit still and study, to seek You in the Bible. The truth will set us free! Your truth is filled with great treasures, more precious than silver and gold.

Amen

Things Above

 

     Heavenly wisdom comes as we keep our focus on the unseen, on things above. Our circumstances can overwhelm and confuse. God is so much higher and so much wiser. He knows the end from the beginning. Focus your eyes, your mind and your heart on Jesus. He’s got this.

Since then, you have been seated with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

     All of this is temporary, our belongings, our stress, our grief and our worry, even our very lives. Our true home awaits.  God is so much bigger than what we see.

Jesus,

Keep us focused on the eternal, on the unseen, on things above where our true home and treasures lie. We become consumed with details, with busyness, with overwhelming obstacles. With You, we can have all things. Give us your peace.

Amen

 

Heavenly Wisdom

   

     Be encouraged as you read the Scriptures below. The full riches of heaven are found in Jesus Christ. You believe in Him. You ask Him to be your Savior, and there the exciting journey begins. As He guides your life and mine, we grow in true understanding of what is good and true, what is valuable and worthy of our time.

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3

     In Jesus we discover the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I would like to grow in His wisdom. How about you? The Creator of the universe gives us understanding? How is it possible? With God, all things are possible.Ask Him

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

Lord,

Keep growing us in Your kind of wisdom, in the mysteries of Your heavenly power. It is difficult to grasp the enormity of what You offer to us through Your word. Your wisdom is beyond anything of earthly value. Keep us hunting for the hidden treasures of Jesus.

Amen

Treasures in Heaven

 

     The riches of God are not tangible. Most of the treasures of heaven are not visible. The Bible tells us to keep our attention focused above, on the unseen, counting up our treasures for heaven. This week we will talk about the true riches of God and how to find them. Where do we look? What are they? What pleases God? How will we know when we find our true treasures?

     The rewards of heaven are heart-based. God looks at our motives. As we humbly serve God and love in His name, our treasures in heaven will grow. The love of Christ given freely will bring true blessings to our lives right now, to our future days on earth and will follow us into the new heaven and the new earth.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6;20-21

     Give God your day and ask Him to flow through you as you go to work, as you talk to your family, as you greet strangers, and rely on His complete love to shine through you. And that pile of treasures? It’s worth more than silver and gold.

Lord,

Give us eyes to see true treasures, the things in life that are measured in the heart. Guide our hearts to be wide open, to change lives, to seek kindness, to love mercy, to love the unlovable, to forgive, to be different in a cold and calculating world. Only with Your help, can we do it.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Creation's Groans

 

     As we ponder God’s creation, we also understand that we live in a fallen world. Along with the fall of mankind, creation fell along with us. In Romans Chapter 8, we read these words.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, grown inwardly, as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:22-23

     As the coming of Jesus draws ever closer, the earth will be as if it were in childbirth. Jesus calls them “birth pangs.”  As we have witnessed, storms have increased, wars are on the increase, as well as earthquakes and more. (See Matthew 24 and Luke 21)

     My prayers are with those suffering in Texas right now. Our good friends lost everything with hurricane Ida a few years ago. These tragedies are hard to understand when we think of our loving God.  He has told  us of the future and of the coming glory. In the meantime, we pray and we wait expectantly and we look up.

When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21:28

Father,

We pray for all of those affected by floods and famine, from storms and war. Our hearts break from such unimaginable grief. You tell us what to look for and we wait expectantly for You. Comfort us with Your presence.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

 

God's Creative Design

 

     We have been appreciating and discussing God’s magnificent creation this week. That includes you! You are His handiwork and don’t you forget it. He needs you and He loves you.

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

     God knew you before you were born. He understands how you are made, your personality, your family, your gifts and talents and He planned good things for you to do, according to His plan. This is fascinating, isn’t it? Let Him guide you throughout your days and you will be surprised at the encounters and the opportunities set before you and your ability to use your God-given gifts to serve Him.

     What a privilege to represent Him to our loved ones and to our communities and to strangers throughout our lives. I wish I had known Him much earlier in my life. I am more than grateful that our daughters know and love Him. Are you ready for His plan? It’s an adventure filled with blessings! And He will meet your every need.

And God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Out of His fullness we have all received grace upon grace in place of grace already given. John 1:15

Lord,

You never run out of the grace we need. We can never fall too far away from Your goodness, Your forgiveness. Your grace is always sufficient to meet our every need. Send us out to do Your works in the world around us. We are Your handiwork.

In Jesus name,

Amen

God's Creative Design

 

     Think about the resources, the time and the thought that has gone into some of the conveniences we enjoy today, from microwaves to I-phones, from airplanes to driving our own cars. To think God created us to be able to create, to build, to invent, to discover so many new and improved ideas and inventions.

     Imagine the thoughts and ways of our God! It is impossible, as we know from this verse in Isaiah:

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

     I simply can’t comprehend how anyone can believe that the universe just “happened” into being by some random cosmic force. The design of each tree, the color and shape and variety of each flower, the koala bear’s nose, the bunnies ears, the horse’s hoof, the zebra’s stripes, the giraffe’s neck, the lion’s mane, the flow of the streams to the rivers, to the magnitude of the ocean, the majesty of the mountains, the uniqueness of each individual human, each individual snowflake, the miracle of birth, one heart beat as blood cells, veins and arteries course through our bodies.

     When we sit and concentrate on all of creation, we know there has to be a grand design, a plan, a Creator and He is God of all.  Jesus is the heart of all we see, taste, touch, feel and hear. Listen to these two verses about our Lord.

Through Him all things were made. Without Him, nothing was made that has been made. John 1:3

For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities. All things have been created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

     “All things?” Everything created around us is because of Him. Amazing! Praise him as you look around. Appreciate the breath of life today, the birds and the trees, the rocks and the seas, all because of Him.

Father,

Thank You for Your thoughts and Your ways, so much higher than our own. You give us much more than we can hope for or imagine. Keep us filled with gratefulness for each day on this earth, the works of Your hands.

In Jesus name,

Amen

God's Creative Design

 

     Are you inspired by God’s creation? Do you long to sit by the ocean, hike in the mountains, or do you have a favorite tree, flower or animal? Miraculous creatures, stunning views, quirky plants, flower-eating bunnies (not so cute) and my particular favorite, palm trees, are available for our pleasure.

     To think God created all of this for me and for you! There is so much we take for granted each and every day, including the sunrise and sunset, the moon and the stars, the air that we breathe. I am grateful. Take a deep breath. Look out the window and marvel at the sights and sounds. There is a robin right outside our window that greets the sunrise for us. I have heard this robin for years. My husband laughs when I say it’s my friend.  Our grandson, Gavin, thinks the robin stops by to see him. I believe it, too.

     I have a wall of palm tree pictures taken on some of our vacations. These wonderful trees come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Tall and willowy, short and stubby, long palm strands or short. I’ve even named some of my favorites, as if they have personalities of their own. I bet heaven will be filled with even more of God’s glorious creativity, but I am convinced palm trees will be with us. Maybe my special place will be surrounded by them.

     Scripture shows that in the building of the Jewish temples, the carvings showed the angels (cherubim and seraphim) surrounded by palm trees. (1 Kings 6) The earth sings in praise to the Lord. Let’s join the chorus as we marvel at the beauty around us.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song before You, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Psalm 19:1

Father,

We praise You for all of creation today, for the miraculous sights and sounds of the earth and for the beauty of heaven that will be ours one day. We can never thank and praise You enough.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

God's Creative Design

 

     Everything in all of God’s creation points to Jesus. The earth was made for our enjoyment, but all of it, including us, was created to show His glory. I love to think about how God uses everything to show us who He is. In Scripture, over and over again, the ways and means of nature are brought about to show us who God is and how we relate to Christ.

     Today, let’s think about the birds that raise their heads to greet the sunrise, giving glory to God’s name. The head of the sunflower follows the sun throughout the day, seeking light, as we do. Seeds planted by the farmer need to die before they are brought to glorious life.

Let every created thing give praise to the Lord, for He issued His command and they came into being. Psalm 148:4

     In John 15, Jesus is the vine and we are the branches.  Only when we are rooted deep in the nourishment of Christ, will we bloom for Him.

“I am the vine. You are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5

     Jesus is our rock, sturdy, solid, keeping our foundation from falling. He is the Lion of Judah, the Lamb of God. As you witness His creation, see how everything brings glory to the Creator of heaven and earth. Call on the Lamb, the Lion, the Rock and the true Vine. Let’s raise our heads, along with the birds of the air and the flowers of the earth. He is to be praised!

He will call out to Me, “You are my Father, my God, the Rock, my Savior.” Psalm 89:26

But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God, the Rock in whom I take refuge. Psalm 94:22

     Let’s praise Him for all He has given us.

Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. Psalm 90:2

Lord,

We praise You for the many ways You reveal Yourself to us. Open our eyes to new beauty and truth today, as we move into the world. You are all around us and we worship and praise You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Philosophies of Life

 

     This week, we have found quiet time, made a song from our rocky paths and found the time to find joy and dance! I pray you will have some relaxation this weekend as we celebrate this wonderful country. America gives us freedom and democracy and a hope for our future.  Keep praying for our country and keep praying for each other.

“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 29:1

If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

     Celebrate, relax, savor, sing, dance, find hope and may God bless America!  See you Monday.

Father,

We are grateful for the blessings we find each day. We treasure our freedom and the long history of Christianity in our land. May many find You and return to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

 

Philosophies of Life

 

     “I Hope You Dance,” became a special song for us and our girls when they were growing up. Our youngest daughter loves to dance and was on her high school dance team. The words are precious.  Listen to them if you can today    

     The lyrics include, “Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance, and if you have the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.” King David danced in the streets as he brought the ark of the covenant back to Israel. Miriam, the sister of Moses, played the tambourine as they celebrated. The Israelites sang as they ascended the hills to the temple.

     Sing praises to God. Dance when you can. Find joy often in the little things. And, please give the havens above more than just a passing glance!

The young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness. I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13

Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with timbrel and harp. Psalm 149:3

You turned my mourning into dancing. You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11

     I hope you dance.

Father,

We give thanks for music and joy. Music brings back memories and echoes within our hearts. We do give You more than just a passing glance always. We praise Your mighty name today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Philosophies of Life

 

     A saying I heard decades ago has stayed with me over the years. “A brook would lose its song if God removed the rocks.”  Isn’t that beautiful? As we look back over our lives, we remember the times we have stumbled, the rock-strewn paths we maneuvered, the giant boulders we believed we would never scale or make our way around.

     Are you on a rocky path or in a seemingly impossible situation? God uses our struggles to bring glory to His name. The journey isn’t easy, but He will help us through, around or over the burdens. He offers us comfort through our grief and suffering, so one day, we too, can comfort others. The rocks create a song of life

     Because of my eye disease, I literally stumble all the time. Here is a verse meant just for me. (You can share it, too.)

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

     Delight in God and He will find a way just for you.

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 23-24

     God lifts us from the deepest holes, protects us from ourselves as we move into a wrong decision, finds a way around a tricky corner and holds us fast as we stumble

He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121:3

Lord,

Thank You for Your 24/7 watch over us. We need it!  Remove the rocks before us and lift us up again and again. We put our trust in You.

In Jesus name,

Amen