Life Shared Spontaneously

 

     Many years ago, our daughter and her husband invited a sixteen-year-old relative to stay with them, as she struggled with challenges in her home life. This was unexpected and mutually agreed on in a moment of time. They did not know how long she would stay, or exactly what she needed.

     But, the beauty of our God remains steadfast. He brings people into our lives seemingly out of nowhere. The spontaneity is no coincidence. God’s footsteps continue to walk ahead of us with a plan. As you walk into new situations, trust His lead and His wisdom. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will bring words or heart-felt actions directly from Him. Watch how He will bless others through you.

     I am so proud of our daughter and son-in-law for so many reasons. But their heart for God and for others is a profound blessing to watch.

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

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

Lord,

Today we ask You to keep us from fear as You place opportunities in our path. Give us the words and the actions to be Your hands and feet, to speak Your Words, to love in Your ways, as we walk through the rest of our lives.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Life Shared Sacrificially

 

     Sharing life can be difficult. When our family and friends are suffering, we suffer along with them, longing to take away their pain, their loss, their sadness. Loving others sacrificially blesses them and, in due time, we ourselves will be blessed.

     Jesus is the perfect example of sacrificial love. He separated Himself from His Father in heaven, choosing to live out a life for one purpose only. That purpose was to die in our place, to suffer the consequences of all of our sin, to take on a fallen world in what was the most agonizing death of all time, and He overcame death for us.

     If you are in an exhausting situation of care giving, of uncertainty, of giving, if you are tired and weary of waiting and wondering, let Jesus comfort you. He has been along the same, tough road and He understands.

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

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

     Sometimes, others can’t give us just what we need, but Jesus can. He came to do just that. Here are the words Jesus quoted, words prophesied long before His birth. Let them comfort you.

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

Jesus,

Comfort the care givers and their families. Give strength to the weak. Give us hope when we see none. Be our guide and our protector.  You will lift us up.

Amen

 

Life Shared

 

     There is a Swedish proverb that reads, “Shared joy is double joy, shared sorrow is half a sorrow.” God created us to share life together. He designed marriage, along with the gift of children, for some. He created friendship and family and love.

     When our lives are filled with deep connections and commitment to one another, it becomes more manageable to navigate what can be a treacherous journey at times. When I was a little girl and something wonderful or something awful occurred at school, I couldn’t wait to get home and tell my mom and dad. They had answers. They congratulated, comforted and corrected me along the way.

     Now, I share my deep concerns and deep joys with my family and friends.  What a blessing and a privilege it is to be open and authentic with those we love, listening and lifting one another up with encouragement and hope.

     Walking alongside others throughout our lives is not always easy, but it is always worthwhile. If you find yourself alone, remember God is your constant companion. You can run to Him with all that is in your heart and He will find others to surround you. Here is a verse to take along with you as you go through this day.

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

Lord,

I thank You for all of the people is my life, my husband and children, my sons-in-law and my grandchildren, my friends and acquaintances and my extended family. Keep all of our eyes open to those in need. Show us how to walk beside others, even for a little while.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Nourishment for the Soul

 

     Life changes find us feeling the need for deep nourishment and rejuvenation. Jesus has the answers and the ability to fill our deepest needs. Our soul and spirit need to be fed and filled just as our physical bodies need nutrients and hydration to survive. In fact, Jesus calls Himself the “bread and water” we need.

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

     Filling up with the God’s word and allowing Jesus to feed our souls means we will never be thirsty or hungry for our deepest desires again. A saying came to me last night. I’m not sure if God gave it to me or if I heard it somewhere, but here it is:

     “With Jesus, even when everything else is gone, we are left with everything we need.”

     Jesus knows us deeply. He understands our quirks, our weaknesses, our flaws. He loves us in a more intimate way than anyone else. Allow Him to nourish you today. Ask Him to feed you good spiritual food and the living water that leads to eternal life.

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

Jesus,

Fill the empty places in our souls. Give us the living water that will flow within us. We long to be filled with the bread and water of life.

Amen

 

Capture Every Thought

 

     The changes we deal with may be a product of our own minds. I have dealt with anxiety and panic attacks off and on since I was 14 years old (around the time of my dad’s untimely death.) They appear out of nowhere. My heart races. I want to escape, but can’t. Waves of fear and dread encompass my body and they often raise their ugly heads in the middle of the night.

     I have gone many years without them and suddenly, they are back. I find it interesting how God brought about the verses from the blogs this week to remind me. He is there. He is in charge. When I allow Him to fill my body with His peace and joy, the panic, the fear, the heart-racing will subside. Satan uses our weaknesses to stop us in our tracks from being all God has planned for us.

     God is stronger and mightier and He will bring us into His glorious rest, even iin the middle of the night. The changes this week are to bring God into my thoughts and fears. We can capture EVERY thought. Listen to this verse.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

     Let Christ take control of your every thought. Joyce Meyer wrote a book called, “The Battlefield of the Mind.” That is where so much of my trouble lies. Within my own head!  How about you?

Dear Lord,

Thank You for bringing us the right words and promises for us, just when we need them. Guide us through life changes, even the ones we bring about ourselves from within our own minds. We trust You and believe You can bring us back to hope and peace.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A New Beginning

 

     When change is forced upon you, watch for God to bring a new beginning.

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

     It’s easy to get lost in the wilderness of our lives, in those times when we don’t see a way out or a trail to follow. We may be filled with anxiety. What’s next? How do I go on? Where do I go? Here is a word from the mouth of our God for you.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

     Allow the change to settle in your heart trusting God for a new beginning. He is making a new path. Trust Him with no fear. Do not be afraid or discouraged. He is with you every moment before, during and after the changes. In fact, it’s a forever kind of thing.

Lord,

Your presence is with us now and forever. We trust You to show us the way through the difficult changes and turns in our lives. You forge a new way, a beginning, and when we trust, we can remove fear.

In Jesus name,

Amen

For A Little While

 

     The loss of a loved one creates unwanted life change. Our hearts are broken. The person we loved and treasured is no longer there as our partner, our parent, our friend. Voids remain in the absence of their smile, their presence, their part in our lives. Relationships and family are the closest we come to heaven on earth and to what matters. And Jesus loves us even more than our closest relationships on earth.

And I pray, that you being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:17a-18

     The love of God can fill us again with hope and life and the knowledge that our believing loved ones are waiting for us in heaven.

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

     Our lives are short, even though we refuse to admit it. As Peter claims in the verse above, “now for a little while.” Our lives in the Bible are seen as “a little while, a wisp, a vapor.” Gone just as the grass withers away. Keep it in perspective. See with eternal eyes. Allow God’s deep and abiding love to fill in the voids, the losses in life, “for a little while.”

Jesus,

Comfort those who mourn (Matthew 5) Joy comes in the morning with You. (Psalm 30:5) You help us through our deepest grief and bring us back to peace and hope. Help those who are suffering this day.

Amen

Life and Change

 

     Life brings change. We age. We move. We have children. We suffer through changes in love, health and finances. Are you working through a change in your life, whether self-directed or one thrown at you with no warning? God can be the steady hand, the firm foundation, the voice in the wilderness. He is there as your guide, your leader, your peace in the chaos.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying “This is the way. Walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

     The voice of God brings peace and confidence. As you pray, as you adjust to change, as you stand at the crossroads waiting for direction, follow peace. God will let you know how to walk in His ways. Follow peace.

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

     Fear and doubt creep in so easily, don’t they? Trust God over your emotions today. He offers a new perspective, a fresh start, a change in direction, with peace and love. Do not be afraid.

Father,

We trust Your word. We will follow peace. Keep us calm in the midst of changes in our lives. You promise to be our peace and to guide our ways.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Joy Forevermore

 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore onto me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with Your free Spirit.  Psalm 51: 11-13

     You may have sung these words on a Sunday morning. These words are in a traditional church hymn sung through the ages. What beautiful words to sing to our God. Not feeling joy-filled at the present moment? The joy of our salvation wanes and weaves from our hearts and minds as we live out our lives. But God will restore that joy to you as you continue to ask Him for His holy presence in your life.

     God’s presence is not always a tangible, emotional feeling. But believe it; He is ever-present! It takes faith and trust in a God who is more than able and available. He watches over your life.

The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:8

     A reason to rejoice! Your salvation in Christ brings great joy. His ever-present guidance is available right now this very minute. Ask Him to restore your joy and be filled with His free and willing Holy Spirit.

Jesus,

We ask for Your complete joy to fill us today. Thank You for watching over us all the time. Remind us of the heaven to come.

Amen

Rejoice in God's Love

 

     King David was called, “a man after God’s own heart.” But, like us, he messed up time after time. His beautiful songs and emotions fill the pages of the Psalms. We witness his sorrow, his fear, his deep shame and his continued desire to come back to God.

     Even when we mess up, God is there. He loves us always, never less, never more, because of our behavior. His unconditional love is beyond our human understanding. Wherever you are today, rejoice in His love for you.

I will be glad and rejoice in Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul.  Psalm 31:7

Then I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be glad because He rescues me. Psalm 35:9

     Notice in the last verse above, the word “rescues.” It is not past-tense or future-oriented. It is a perpetual rescue, past, present and future. He will rescue us. He has rescued us. He rescues us over and over again.

Lord,

We rejoice in Your ever-present love for us even when we mess up and turn away from You. Thank You for never leaving us alone. All we need to do is turn to You again and again.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Rejoice Always

 

     Paul suffered greatly in his life. Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus propelled him forward no matter the circumstances.  You can read through a list of some of the trials Paul suffered beginning with verse 24 of 2 Corinthians 11.  Paul wrote many of his last letters from a prison in Rome where he was chained to a Roman guard.

     How then could he write these words from the dank, smelly cavern of a prison cell?

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! Philippians 4:4

     A tall order to “always” be full of joy in the Lord. Remind yourself of all you have in Jesus. His Spirit resides within you. He is ready to teach and guide you throughout the rest of your life. He has a plan and a purpose for you. He has an eternal home waiting for you. Let’s say it again!  Rejoice!

Jesus,

We do rejoice in You! Keep the deep joy bubbling up within us until it shows beyond ourselves to the world around us. Your transforming love needs to be shared with the world.

Amen

 

Sealed With Joy

 

     The deep joy of Jesus, even facing the agony to come, can be embedded deep within our souls. The Holy Spirit seals us when we first believe and comes to reside within us. The deep peace and joy of our blessed assurance in eternity provides our souls with an abiding rest.

     When our human emotions, struggles and trials begin to take over, as they will time and time again, we can choose to focus on Jesus. Fix your eyes on Him and on hope. Joy, complete and eternal, is waiting for us.

For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5

What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Psalm 84:5

Jesus,

You are the joy of our hearts. Place our hearts and minds above the earth to You today. Remind us continually of the joy to come.

Amen

 

For The Joy

 

     Imagine the Creator of the universe, the Word of the infinite God, the One with thousands of angels under His authority, offering to live as one of us and experience humanity in all of its forms. Jesus wept. The Son of God became angry. The Messiah felt weariness and was tempted in every way. Our Savior prayed continually for guidance from our Father in heaven. The good Shepherd sweat drops of blood agonizing over the death to come.

     He did it willingly. In fact, He did if for the coming joy.

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 12:2b

     If we could only imagine the joys of heaven. Jesus knew the end of the story. The agonizing darkness on Friday would become a glorious Sunday filled with light and hope. Death had no power over Him. And it has no power over you, because of Him. He did it for you and me. He suffered every sin we would commit, every disease that we experience, every grief that robs hope from the soul. He overcame it all for the glorious joy of resurrection and redemption. He did it for you. He did it for me.

Jesus,

There are no words. The plan of salvation was written before time began. You counted it joy and You are worthy to be praised from now ‘til forevermore.

Amen

Do Good Seek Peace

 

     Jesus uses His believers to do His work on the earth. Isn’t that incredible? Obviously, He can do all things, is in all things, and all things were made for Him.  He chooses us. He chooses us to pray for those around us. He chooses us to plant seeds of kindness and love in His name. He chooses us to grow in our faith so that others notice something different. And somehow, miraculously, He uses our lives, the good, the bad and the ugly to shine His glory.

     He sanctifies us as the years go by as His children, to be His witnesses and to represent Him in a dark and ever-increasing violent earth.

We are, therefore, Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20a

     We won’t be able to remain strong in our faith and in our witness apart from Christ. Connect with Him today. Praise Him. Read about Him. Get to know His character, what He sees as evil and what He considers good. Do good in His name.

Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14

Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Psalm 37:3

I know there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. Ecclesiastes 3:12

Jesus,

Show us how to do good while we live. You will protect us and keep us safe as Your beloved children. Keep us connected to Your love and to grow into Your likeness.

Amen

 

The Peace of Christ

 

     The Bible tells us to, “seek peace and pursue it.” The peace of God is an inner peace. We long for world peace, for peace in our divided country, for war to cease. But Jesus tells us conflict will continue to grow as the end draws ever closer. We may pray for that type of peace, but pursuing God’s peace is a work of the soul.

     Knowing and trusting God, leaving our cares with Him, letting go of anxiety and turmoil is no easy task for us as humans. With the help of our God, sitting still and knowing He is God (Psalm 46), and believing He can handle whatever life throws our way, brings peace.

They must turn from evil and do good. They must seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:11

     As we seek the peace of the Lord, Jesus promises us:

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

Jesus,

Give us the inner peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4) as we trust You with everything. We pursue Your peace today as we seek You. We claim Your promises for us.

Amen

 

The Word of God For You

 

     Pick a verse and proclaim it out loud. The word of God carries with it the power of our God. It is His word and it lives and breathes. It teaches and confronts. It guides and nourishes. It is to be trusted. What’s on your mind? Look up a verse to speak out loud back to God. This is what You told me Father. This is Your promise to me today.

     Here is my verse. This is a prayer and I have changed the ‘you” to “me” and the “we” to “my.”  Put in your own name and personalize some Scripture just for you.

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen (me) with power through His Spirit in (my) inner being, so that Christ may dwell in (my) heart through faith. And I pray that (I), being rooted and established, in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people to grasp how wide and long, and high and deep is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:16-18

Let the word of God dwell in you richly today as He speaks His words to you.(Colossians 3:16)

Amen

 

He Will Provide

 

     When we are weak He is strong. When we are guilty, He offers mercy. When we fear, He protects. When we doubt, He provides faith. When we weep, He comforts. When we are lost, He shows the way. When we pray, He listens. When we worry, He gives peace. When we mourn, He finds joy.

     Wherever you are, whatever you need, whenever you ask, whoever you are, He will provide.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

      He gives us everything we need. He meets us wherever we are. Count on Jesus today. This morning He provides rain! After so many weeks of drought, He provides.

Dear Father,

You provide what we need, when we need it. We trust You in the darkest of days and in the glorious days of joy. How can anyone survive without You? Our greatest hope is for others to rely on You, to accept Jesus as Lord and to live a faith-filled life in Your mighty power.

In Jesus powerful name,

Amen

God-breathed

 

     Exhausted? Feeling like it’s tough to go on? Remember the fishermen had been up all night with nothing to show for it when Jesus told them to go out and try once more. Floundering with nothing to hang on to? Peter lost his focus and began to sink when Jesus reached out His mighty hand to lift him up. The woman at the well didn’t realize how thirsty she was for the life-quenching, soul-satisfying love of a Savior.

     Jesus will be with you wherever you are, every day, each minute, forevermore. He may answer our prayers immediately. Most often, He walks us through the grief, pain and fear. And sometimes He takes us right up to the throne room of heaven for eternity. Whatever the circumstances, He is there.

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

     Savor and meditate on the living words of our God. Scripture will give you answers. The living water and bread of Jesus is available. A Scripture you have read over and over again may open up in a new way. A word you have never seen will suddenly appear just for you, at the moment you need it most.

For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

     God-breathed and alive. The Bible was written just for us through the Holy Spirit of our God. Take a deep breath and nourish your soul, and you will be thoroughly equipped to take on the deep waters of this life.

Father,

Thank You for the words that lead to eternal life. Keep us fed until we overflow with the abundant life you offer. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus who will lead us home.

Amen

 

 

Rushing Waters

 

     Within the poetry of the Psalms, David takes us with him on the emotional ride of life. He moves from praise to anguish, fear to self-doubt and confession. As the Israelites flee from Jerusalem, he is hungry and thirsty for God. Our fear moves us from faith into the “what ifs” and “why me” questions that surround us. Listen to his words in Psalm 42.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Where can I go and meet with God?  Psalm 42:1-2

     Have you longed to meet with God and He just seems too far away? I know I have felt that way many times. David is feeling swept away in fear. His voice echoes ours as we finally meet with God and once again, feel His overwhelming love.

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

     God’s voice in the Bible is described as rushing water, the sound of a waterfall. (Ezekial 43, Revelation 1). David calls out in his deep distress to the depths of God until he is swept away. Feel God’s mighty presence. He wants to fill our lives with abundance and hope.

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 (NLT)

     The amplified Bible goes even further. Jesus offers us an abundant life filled until overflowing.

     The deep waters can overtake us, but Jesus meets us right there. Allow Him to save you again from wherever you find yourself today. Hear His words to you. He is with you now and forever.

Lord,

We call out from the deep. Overwhelm us with Your love until we are filled to the brim and have enough to give away.

Amen

Living Water

 

     Are you thirsty? Dry and parched? We feel a deep thirst after a daily jog or workout or after a long-night’s sleep. Is your soul thirsty and begging for more? The abundant love and peace of God can fade into the background of our busy days, as the urgent takes precedence over the more important. Work, computers, drive time and social gatherings leave us little time for drinking the living water to fill our emotional, physical and spiritual needs.

     The Samaritan woman met Jesus at the well during the hottest part of the day. Little did she know she was looking at the Savior of her dry and parched soul.

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

     Soul-thirsty answers, life-quenching truth, free-flowing living water, are available for the taking. Are you thirsty? How do we receive this unending spring of water reaching to eternity?

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

     The gift is offered and we believe. Our tear-stained questions, our pits of shame, our deep longings are refreshed and satisfied with the living bread and water of Christ. Ready to dip in and take a sip? The living water will well up within us and allow us to refresh others, even to eternity.

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall lead them, and shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.  Revelation 7:17

Jesus,

Walk us beside the still, cool waters of Your saving grace. Fill us to the brim with the living water of Your word. Refresh our souls. We come to the well today.

Amen

Jump In!

 

     The disciples were ordinary folks just like us. Their personalities were varied, like ours. Peter was impetuous and spontaneous, often acting and speaking before thinking. Did you know he took a leap of faith and jumped right out of the boat when he saw Jesus’ walking on the water? Peter spotted Jesus and asked Him to let him come to Him on the water. How did Jesus respond?

“Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:29

     When Peter heard the command of Jesus, he obeyed immediately with no hesitation and the power of Christ was with him. What happens next, is a lesson to all of us, as we jump in to obey the calling of Christ.

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:30

     When we find ourselves in situations of fear and doubt, of fear and questions, we long to remain fixed on Jesus, keeping our minds and hearts focused in trust and faith. Often, we take our eyes off of Him and feel ourselves sinking. What does Jesus say to us?

Immediately, Jesus reached out His hand and caught him “You of little faith,” he said. “Why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Matthew 14;31-32

     When Peter began to flounder and sink in fear, did Jesus leave him? No, immediately Jesus reached out His hand to save him. When you are heading to the deep waters of fear and doubt, cry out to your Savior for help. His hand is reaching out to you, to comfort, to bring peace, to find hope and a new beginning. Wait for Him to calm the storm. When He says, “Come” jump out of the boat and turn back to Him.

Lord,

Thank You for the reminders today. We turn our eyes away sometimes when life gets too hard. You are always there with a steady hand to calm us and to reach down and save us again.

Amen

 

Deep Waters

 

     The men were exhausted. They had been out all night The fishermen and hadn’t caught a thing. Tiredly, they cleaned their nets in the early morning hours. Are you overwhelmed with exhaustion? Have you tried everything and nothing works? Surprisingly, Jesus gets into one of the empty boats and tells them to go back out.

“Put out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4b

      How would we respond? “I’m too tired.”  “I can’t.”  “I have given it my best and nothing worked.” Here is Simon Peter’s response. It sounds familiar, but we might want to pay attention to the last phrase.

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught a thing, but because You say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5

     Have you been swimming in the shallow end of faith? When the answers are not immediate or your prayers are not answered in the way you expected, do you give up? Jesus challenges us to dive in a little deeper, to tread for a while longer in the living word of God, until eternity is etched in our hearts and Jesus is the answer to everything.

After they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. Luke 5;6

     Jesus is the answer to the loneliness, the emptiness, the hole in the net of our hearts. He can fill and re-fill our souls until they overflow. Let’s head to the deep water and fill our nets. The abundant life is there for the taking.

Jesus,

Take away our fear of diving into the deep water of faith to trust and obey You. You have the words of eternal life (John 6:68) Let our defeated attitudes change to a resounding, “yes” to living the abundant life with You.

Amen

Come Lord Jesus

 

     Life moves through cycles of weakness and strength, of chaos and peace, of sadness and joy, of comfort and unrest. After we come to know Jesus, He sticks with us through it all and as we deepen our relationship with Him, we look more and more forward to seeing Him face-to-face and we yearn for our eternal homes.

     My grandma, Pella, made a huge impact on my life. I was lucky to have her until my late twenties. As she aged and moved into her nineties, she would often say, “I just want to go home to Jesus.” With her strong Swedish accent, she said, “Yesus,” and called me “Yudy.”  I still miss her, but the older I get the more I understand the longing that faith brings and the eternal perspective in life. I treasure her Swedish Bible that is so worn from her years of lovingly reading its contents.

     My one remaining aunt is in her mid-nineties now. Along with my grandparents, she and her husband, Paul, taught by example what it means to live a life of faith. My uncle, Paul, was larger than life to me with his outgoing personality filled with laughter and love, with his ability to speak passionately and pray beautifully, never afraid to share His love of Christ.

     Each time I spoke with him, even as he lay dying, he added the words, “Come, Lord Jesus!”  And to me, “Keep shining the light.” My aunt is close to going home now and each day she prays Jesus will take her to heaven.

     Did you know that the disciples expected Jesus to return at any moment? The apostle Paul wrote often about being ready for the soon return of Christ. Each generation believed He could return at any moment, any day, any season. We, along with generations past, should be ready as well.

     His return is imminent. About to happen at any moment. Are you ready and longing for His appearance?

So, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. Matthew 24:44

Therefore, keep watch because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Matthew 24;42

     Keep watch. Be alert. Watch the signs and the seasons. As we witness Scripture coming true prophetically, we can be confident in our faith and in the soon return of our Lord.

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

     We have nothing to fear. Live with confidence in Jesus. Wait patiently and with great expectation. Each day is a blessing and our eternity is secure.

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come Lord, Jesus. Revelation 22:20

Father,

We say, “Come, Lord Jesus.” What a day it will be when we meet Him face-to-face and move into our glorious eternal home. In the meantime, keep us ready and alert, doing what You ask us to do through our lifetimes here as we await that glorious day.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Enjoy the weekend and keep shining!

Come and See

 

     Come and see what the Lord has done! As we live our lives with Jesus, we begin to witness the miraculous all around us. His creation is more magnificent and unbelievably beautiful than we appreciated before knowing Him. The love we share with family and friends becomes more precious because of Him.

     Our eyes open to what is important to Him, the deep and the lovely world that Jesus offers. Deep speaks to deep.

These are the things God has revealed to us through His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10

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

     Jesus opens our spiritual eyes with the help of His Holy Spirit. After meeting Jesus and following Him for a while, the deep blessings overwhelm us. His voice reverberates in our souls and we begin to see through His eyes, hear with His ears, serve with His hands, walk in His steps.

     We remain human and fraught with weakness, slipping again and again, but His love remains strong and faithful as He continually welcomes us back to Him and to come and see what He will do next.

Come and see what God has done, His awesome deeds for mankind! Psalm 66:5

     Our testimonies will become filled with His stories, with His ability to walk us through anything, with the blessings of His love. John and Peter had been arrested while sharing the Gospel and were told not to speak in public anymore. After their release, they went right back out. Why? Here is the answer.

“As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

     Come and see what Jesus has in store for your life, and you, too, will not be able to stop speaking of everything you see and hear.

Lord,

Your ways are much deeper than our ways. Open our spiritual eyes to see what You have to share with us. The glories You offer are beyond this world, sent from heaven for our pleasure. We love You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Come Follow Me

 

     After coming to Jesus with our hearts, He asks us to follow Him throughout the rest of our earthly lives, trusting Him through each day, with every step, through the tough times and the smooth times.

“Come follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Mark 1;17

Then He said to them all, “Whoever wants to be My disciple, must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.” Luke 9:23

“My sheep listen to My voice. I know them and they follow Me.” John 10?27    

     Following Jesus does not mean our lives will be perfect and easy. On the contrary, He often works best through our times of suffering and sadness. We become closer to Him. Our testimonies become rich with wisdom and trust. His blessings are much deeper than the blessings the world sees as most vital. His love and hope grow in us when we are most vulnerable.

     Follow Him and listen to His voice. He has the answers to the questions you are asking right now. Feel the warmth of His love and comfort. Follow His lead. He will use your stories to shine with His love.

Lord,

Even when life is not easy, we come to You. We follow You. We listen to You. Teach us to trust You and count on You every minute of every day.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Come to Me

 

     Have you met Jesus? Accepted him as Savior? Love Him more than anything? If not, He is right there, knocking at your heart. Jesus beckons, welcomes, waits patiently for us to turn our heads His way. Jesus will continue to watch over us, waiting for the opportunity to arise. Often, when we do come to Him, it is during a time of suffering, a time of asking the deep questions in life. Are you seeking answers? Wondering about life and what it’s all about?

“Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7;7

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

     Jesus is ready to open the door. You will find Him. Feeling weary and burdened with life? Seeking comfort and hope? Jesus is speaking to your heart.

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

          Rest from our worries, rest from our stress, rest from our grief, answers to eternal questions, peace and joy from now until heaven. He offers us a changed life, one built on the foundation of faith. If you haven’t met Jesus, come to Him today with an open heart, ready to listen, to discover His love, to accept Him as Savior, and He will meet you right where you are.

May Your unfailing love come to me, Lord, Your salvation according to Your promise. Psalm 119:41

Jesus,

Open our hearts today. We come to You with our lives. Open Your loving arms to us and to those who do not yet know You. You are waiting for us to come home.

Amen

Go and Tell

 

     The great commission from Jesus Christ is to “go and make disciples.” Do you find it challenging, awkward or scary to bring up Jesus in a conversation? Have you missed opportunities to share your faith? I know I have. I believe, if we are truly looking, God will place the right people at the right time in front of us. All He asks is that we plant the seeds.

     The Holy Spirit knows when a heart is seeking. As believers, we can jump in and assist in God’s work. I find that an impossibly amazing fact. God actually uses us! The Holy Spirit will give us the words. (Matthew 10:19) Let’s be ready the next time an opportunity arises.

     After their arrest, Peter and John were told by the rulers not to speak of Jesus. Even then, they could not keep the hope to themselves.

For we cannot help but speak of all we have seen and heard.  Acts 4:20

     Are you filled with the hope and joy of Jesus and His eternal hope? Let’s be ready!

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

Lord,

Fill us with courage, with gentleness, and with respect and give us answers to share with those who ask. You do not want to lose even one.

Amen

Faith

 

     It can be so difficult to trust God through the deep valleys in life. It’s easy to shout for joy when we are on the mountaintop, isn’t it? Our familiar comfort zones can leave us lethargic and lukewarm. God asks us to believe and have faith throughout our lives, good and bad, ups and downs, from the pit, and from the top of the world.

     God loves to see our passion and love for Him. Our faith pleases Him. In fact, Scripture tells us it is impossible to please Him without it.

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  

     Whatever your view right now, trust Him. Have faith in His presence. Have faith He is working. Watch for the blessings, even in the time of trials and sorrows. He stands in the pit with you. His hand reaches in to pull you out.  Jesus, the One and Only, is your Savior, your Shepherd, your salvation. Nothing is too hard for Him.

Is anything too hard for the Lord? Genesis 18;14a

Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17

Jesus,

Take our focus off of our troubles and onto You. You will work it all out in Your eternal time. We trust You above all else.

Amen

 

He Comforts

 

     God knows each word that will come from our mouths before we speak them. (Psalm 139) He understands our deepest desires and our most fervent prayers. Before the beginning of time, He saw us. Our prayers, even before they are uttered, are being worked on by our loving Father in heaven.

     Can we trust Him with our very lives? Looking back over my life, I can say a resounding, “Yes!” There were times I simply did not know how to go on. There have been, and continue to be, times of deep joy and love, more than I could have imagined. He worked through the suffering and brought good. Sometimes the good can be our ability to share the compassion that Christ first gave us.

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. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

     If you are troubled or tired or confused, let Him comfort you. If Jesus has comforted you, pass it along to those in trouble now. The love moves on and on to heaven’s door. He will use our lives in ways we can’t even imagine.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen  Ephesians 3:20-21

All Things

 

     When you pray or focus on Jesus, do you picture Jesus the man or the resurrected Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Jesus, the perfect man shows us the humble, compassionate, love-focused, forgiving One sent to die for us.  Remember, all things were made by Him and for Him. His glorious power and light are available to us!

For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen Romans 11:36

     Jesus, our Savior, created the heavens and the earth. He sits in heaven and rules over all. All of us, all of creation were made for Him.

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

Jesus,

All things have been created through You and for You. We don’t understand the magnitude of it all. We are grateful You became one of us. You are above all and through all and in all and we worship You. We bow down before You, Creator of all.

Amen

 

Children of the Day

 

     What is it about the human race that loves the dark? Like a bug scurrying to go underground when a rock is overturned, we return time and again to our dark and dingy corners. Much of our culture is immersed in the darkness of the world, greed, pride, sexual immorality, carousing and debauchery. Jesus puts it this way:

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. John 3:19

     Once we believe, we become children of the light. I just love that term. I am a child of the light. Jesus changes our desires. He draws us from darkness to light and we begin to crave more and more of it.

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

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.  Ephesians 5:8

     Children of the day. Children of the light. Let us live in the brightness of it all. Allow Jesus to move you from the night and from the dark into glorious light.

Jesus,

You are the light of the world. You allow us to live freely as children of the day. What a relief. What a glorious gift! Let us live as children of light.

Amen

We Believe

 

     There is no other faith under heaven and earth that offers eternal life as a free gift of God’s grace. Only Jesus. And Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship with a living, loving God. There are religions that believe we can get to heaven on our own. Others believe we need to come back and live more lives before we achieve a heavenly state. Others need to pray a certain number of times each day, to follow the rules, to live a “good” life or to keep working and meditating to achieve a deeper peace.

     The truth is, none of us are good enough to work our way to heaven. The God of the universe is holy and perfect and just. And we are not.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

    Don’t buy into rules, regulations and religion. Jesus offers us the finished work of the cross. He paid the price for all of us and all He asks is the faith to believe He came, He died and He rose again. To believe He is the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9-10)

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

Come and see! He is real.

Father,

What a gift. It is amazing grace. After the darkness of Friday, there came a Sunday, full of light and hope. The gift You have given us in Your one and only Son. He paid the price. He took on the suffering that we deserved. He took on our sin, all of it. We believe.

In Jesus name,

Spirit Power

 

     The enemy of our souls prowls around like a lion ready to pounce (1 Peter 5:8) He accuses us. (Revelation 12:10) He disguises himself as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14) He knows our weaknesses and knows how to discourage us. He wants nothing more than to discredit our witness.  If you are working for Christ, he is your enemy. The best thing for us is to recognize the enemy and his wily ways, but to understand, we have the resurrection power of the almighty God within us.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

     The power of the Spirit of Christ within is greater than our enemy!

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

     Recognize your foe with no fear. He has to flee from us!

Father,

Thank You for Your protection and thank You for the Holy Spirit that resides within us. He is mightier than the one in the world. Keep us steadfast in the faith, submitting to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen