Watch for Him

 

     Watch for God each day. As we move into fall and into the holidays, ask yourself what is most valued, what events will make the most memories, what will give you a grateful heart? Look for ways to brighten someone’s day, to sneak a bit of kindness into someone’s life, to encourage rather than discourage.

     God is moving all around us and He sees you, right where you are. Where is He asking you to love, to comfort, to pray? The opportunities will be made clear as we ask Him to be with us each day, throughout our days.

     Are you upset with someone? Seek forgiveness. Show mercy. Build up your spouse, your friend, your child, your co-worker. I need some work on what my friend calls our “sand-paper” people. We all have them.

     Praying for those we find difficult, puts them in a new perspective. Dig deeper, try harder, give willingly and cheerfully. I need these reminders today as we move into extended family time over the next several months.  I encourage you to listen for God’s words, more than your own.

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

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  James 3;13

     Clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience?  I definitely need a change of clothes, and a reminder that I am dearly loved by Jesus Christ. His compassion knows no bounds.

Father,

Teach us to follow Your Son and his ways. Help us to be different, to act in wise ways, to wear the spiritual clothes of Your choosing. We need You!

In Jesus name,

Amen

Heavenly Eyes

 

     As we focus on things above and set our minds on Christ, we can train ourselves to see with heavenly eyes, to look beyond the surface, to dive deeper in the hearts of others, to live a rich life beyond what we see, hear, and touch. Is that possible? Ask the Holy Spirit today to give you the eyes of faith, to let Jesus work through You in powerful ways.

     What, who, and where is your focus? Let it be on things unseen, with hope for this day.

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

     Keep an eternal perspective, with an understanding that Jesus is next to you, ready with an answer, willing to bring hope, to something beyond. We have our citizenship in another place. Our heavenly home.

Instead, they were longing for a better country-a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16

     Our heavenly home is secure. Run with the gift of faith all the way to heaven.

“My Father’s house has many rooms. If that were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me, that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3

Lord,

Give us heavenly eyes, minds and hearts to see beneath and beyond the earth, to work spiritually as we walk through our journeys here, with a steadfast gaze on our heavenly home. We walk by faith. Let it be said of us.

Amen

Peace

 

     One of the many benefits of having faith in Jesus is having His peace. His peace is soul-deep. It does not mean a calm, turmoil-free life. His peace does not give us  a life without suffering and loss. He does promise us peace in the midst of everything life throws at us. I love this verse from the Book of Isaiah: I needed it last week and I re-post it today.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. Isaiah 26:3

     Staying strong in our faith and trust in God will keep us in perfect peace. What a promise we have! When trouble finds us, let’s set our minds and our heart on Jesus, on things above.

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

     These verses are a challenge for us, to move our thoughts beyond what we see, to trust in Jesus, to “set our minds,” to keep our minds steadfast on Him. He promises peace. I could use that today, how about you?

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,

Your peace is not of this world. We set our minds on You today, beyond our circumstances. Our faith is secure, our confidence is in You alone. Give us that peace that transcends understanding.

Amen

Child-like Faith

 

     A friend from my neighborhood growing up shared a video a while back of a 94-year-old woman six hours before she died. This woman had been a camp counselor when my neighbor was a young girl. She remembered her strong faith and contagious love of Jesus.

     In the video this sweet woman, with a weak voice, sings “Jesus Loves Me.”  She mixes up a few of the words, but sings it through and at the finish, looks into the camera and says, “The Bible tells me so and that’s all I know.” And she smiles.

     How beautiful. Simple child-like faith. That’s what it’s all about. Jesus gives us inner beauty that shines through like light. This woman was still sharing Jesus in the last hours of her life. Such an example of a gentle and beautiful spirit loved by God.

     As you witness the beauty of the trees as they prepare to let go of their last vestiges of leaves this fall, remember that inner beauty can stay with us until our last day on earth, as we let go to heaven.

Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

     Child-like, joy-filled, passionate faith in Jesus that guides us, protects us, sustains us, strengthens us, empowers us and lifts us up with hope. He is there. Come to Him like a child.

And He said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Father,

Give us the humble, child-like faith to give ourselves to You. Give us the inner light to share You with others as we walk through our lives.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

It's All About Faith

 

     It’s all about faith, isn’t it? That is all God asks of us. To believe His Son, Jesus, is the Savior, that He paid the price for our sins, all of them, that He died and rose again. As we accept this gift from Him, we are cleansed forever. God sees us only through the pure, sinless lens of Jesus from that moment on.

     Do you believe? Is He the Savior of your soul? If yes, feel the peace that passes all understanding. Know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you will live eternally with Jesus. You are His beloved child. Now and forever.

     Place your trust in Him and let Him forge a path for you, a path filled with hope, with promise, with goodness and love.  Here is a Biblical definition of faith.

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

     As you read through the entire chapter of Hebrews 11, you will read about some of the great men and women of faith. Their struggles were real. And so was their faith. Let them lead by example over the pages of old and walk by faith.

For we walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

     Trust God above it all; the trials, the doubts, the sickness, and the questions. He always has the answers and He will see us through. It’s all about faith.

Lord,

Thank You for the gift of faith, for the examples You set before us in Your word and in our lives. Lead us to be strong in our faith and be overcomers in this very short life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Moments of Life

 

     This week has been an emotional roller coaster for me. How about you? Moments of deep joy at our 50^th reunion and heartfelt birthday wishes from family and friends meant the world to me. At the same time, so many around me are dealing with health issues, with grief and with worry.

     Seeking God through unrest soothes the soul. I thank God for each one of you, searching the Scriptures with me. God binds us together and He will give us rest.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You. Isaiah 26;3

     The moments and memories of life can switch from joy-filled to traumatic in the blink of an eye. And without Jesus, how do we get through? His love, His compassion, His understanding, His strength, and His willingness to share our burdens make the toughest moments bearable.

So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

     Allow your life to be filled with images of our Lord. Get to know His voice and fill up in His presence when life gets too tough. During the moments you don’t understand, He will be with you and He will smile with you through every moment of pure joy. Take in every moment. This life can change in an instant. But He is ready and able to see you through.

Lord,

Life without you is unmanageable and at times, terrifying. The answers will not all be given until one day in eternity we see all the pieces of the puzzle. For now, we take each step trusting You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Heaven's Hope

 

     Do you imagine heaven as boring? Do you see us sitting on clouds playing harps? Don’t believe it! We will have bodies, real bodies that will never wear out. That sounds pretty good to this baby boomer. When Jesus appeared in the forty days following the resurrection, He suddenly appeared in a room without walking through a door. He cooked fish on a beach and ate with His disciples. His body had flesh and bone and doubting Thomas could feel and see His wounds. (see John 20 and 21)

     We will have responsibilities and be able to move freely without limits of time and space. Your wildest dreams and imaginings will not be able to bring into focus what will be our home in heaven. Keep eternity in mind. Our short life spans are nothing in comparison. Store up treasures in heaven. Work for Jesus and not for yourself. The rewards will be great.

But as it is written, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Father,

No eye has seen nor ear heard what You have prepared for us because of Jesus. Our humble service on earth will mean something in eternity. Keep us focused on those eternal rewards which will be given by Your Son.

In Jesus name,

Amen