Love Enemies

But love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.  Then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. ~ Luke 6:35

We all have those people in life who rub us wrong, who no matter how we might try, we just won’t get along with.  Hot-tempered, selfish, snobbish, someone who holds morals completely opposite our own, someone that may even wish us ill will; these are people we tend to stay away from and can’t imagine being overly kind too.  After all, why would I submit myself to helping someone like that?  Have we forgotten that Christ saved us and showed us his faithful love even as we were sinners?  My God gave His most prized possession for me without knowing if I would even accept his gift and then there is the fact that I will never be able to live a “good enough” life for such a gift.  To be kind to the ungrateful and wicked can only happen with supernatural strength as this act is completely counterintuitive to our human nature.  We are called, as followers of Jesus, to treat ALL people well; even those who are hostile toward us.  We don’t stand out for Christ, and we are not the light to the world we are called to be when we treat our enemies the same way they would treat us.  Instinctively, we usually want to respond to our enemies with the same intensity, anger and defensive attitude that they have, but instead, we are to speak graciously to them and pray for them.  We are called to respond with kindness, to give without expecting anything back and to pray for even those who show wickedness toward us.  This is such a tall order, but we must do what Christ has done for us.  We need to do good to our enemies.  Pray that God will help you with this supernatural task and He will meet you there.  Pray that you will see your enemies as Jesus sees them and help you to treat them as He would. ~ Amen

Have Labored

But I said, “I have in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all.  Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand and my reward is with my God.” ~ Isaiah 49:4

There are times in our lives when we feel like the mundane is overwhelming and exhausting.  The daily chores that we do day in and day out with little gratitude from others, but that must be done nonetheless.  What about living in kindness; turning the other cheek; giving and giving and giving some more?  Sometimes we wonder if it’s all worth it.  We doubt, we question.  I believe in my heart that I am where I am supposed to be, but am I making any difference?  Sometimes it’s just so hard to tell.  We may get discouraged, but we must remember where our ultimate reward comes from.  Who it comes from.  My goal is to continue to give God glory and to plant as many seeds as I can for Christ.  The world needs Him desperately; they need the free gift of His redemption and grace.  But in a world that is so self-reliant and a bit narcissistic, sometimes I feel like even my best efforts are to no avail.  My encouragement comes from knowing that it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to turn the hearts over and it’s my job to keep planting.  It is a difficult world we live in, but if we stay focused on our mission and lean into God, we will find encouragement.  We may not be rewarded here on earth, but my ultimate reward will come from the Creator of the universe.  There is always reason to have hope in Christ so as not to give in to discouragement.  I am sure God felt discouraged as he watched Israel falter back and forth from Him many times.  I am sure Jesus felt discouraged at times as he led twelve misfits and again when He was in the garden asking God to take this cup (the crucifixion) from Him.  The Messiah of the universe felt all the feelings we feel and still fulfilled his mighty purpose.  Let us not get discouraged, but keep going on and let God take care of the rest.  Being called a follower of Jesus was not a promise of a discouraging free life, but we know we still have hope and faith that even through our heartache God will be faithful and just.  Let’s keep moving and keep our eyes on the prize! ~ Amen

Count Blessed

As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered.  You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.  The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. ~ James 5:11

We all have trials and tribulations in life and James is encouraging us to continue to be faithful to God even in our difficulties.  Amid great persecution and destruction that God allowed to touch Job, he never renounced his faith in the Almighty.  His children were killed, his livestock stolen, his servants destroyed and his body was overtaken with great sores - yet he persevered.  Justice was ultimately given to Job when everything was restored plus more was given to him and God was given much glory.  Anger, bitterness and self-pity can penetrate our souls when we go through trials, but we are called to keep our eyes on God and persevere through whatever comes our way.  Beautiful diamonds are created using great pressure and the same can be true of our faith as we wait patiently and faithfully on the Lord.  Non-believers can get swallowed up in dismay, but we are called to count our trials as great joy as they can produce glorious fruit in Christ if we would just hold on and keep our eyes focused on Him.  Jesus endured the greatest trial of all and God’s glory was shown brilliantly and mankind benefited greatly from his trial.  If Jesus had to endure trials, why wouldn’t we?  And even though we may never understand the reasons for our trials, we can be living testimonies of God’s goodness when we are patient and persevere through it.  There will be times in your life when you will question why you are going through something.  May I suggest that it is to strengthen your faith, to be an example of Godly patience and perseverance for others and ultimately to bring glory to God alone.  May we focus our eyes on Jesus, who is the perfecter of our faith, and persevere. ~ Amen

Serve Masters

No one can serve two masters.  Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and money. ~ Matthew 6:24

“Just look at what you have spent your money on this week and you’ll be able to see where your heart lies,” my Pastor said from the pulpit and my stomach turned.  The truth of the matter is I didn’t think, or even ever dreamed that I put money first, but do I?  Am I consumed with thoughts of God, or my bank account?  When we are more concerned about our material well-being over our neighbor in need, God may not be first in our lives.  Being a follower of Jesus means putting others first and serving, even with our money; which is in direct opposition to the act of acquiring for ourselves.   We have to be intentional about using our wealth for Kingdom gain instead of our own personal gain.  Totally upside down from the world’s view.  To put others first even in our finances does not come naturally.  All of us know the world goes round and round by money and with money.  Jesus isn’t telling us that having money is a bad thing, but he is making it clear that money and God both battle for first place in our hearts and we must be careful not to let money win; it’s a heart issue.  There will be a choice to make at least once in your life regarding these two masters.  Are you going to help your friend make her bills this month, or are you going to go ahead and stick this extra in the retirement fund?  Do not become a slave to materialism as money will become your master.  Trust that God will take care of His believers who serve God with their money and put others first.  This does not mean Christians who serve God cannot have money, or things.  Jesus is not suggesting that His followers become destitute.  Money for a follower of Jesus, with the heart of a servant, is another tool to be used to further the gospel of Christ.  He is merely pointing out that there can only be one master of your heart.  Make sure you are a servant of God instead of a slave of money.  As for me ... .well, let’s just say I am a work in progress. ~ Amen

Weary Doing

Let us not become weary doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ~ Galatians 6:9

I am tired, I am exhausted and sometimes I just want to be selfish and throw in the towel and think only about myself.  Sometimes I feel like I give and give and give and no one is filling me back up.  Juggling the needs of my family, making a meal for a sick co-worker, answering the call to help a friend move and watching my neighbors animals while they go on vacation all in one weekend has proved to push me to the end of my rope.  Now more than ever, I need to lean in and find rest in Jesus.  Jesus also had to find alone time and rest during his time here on earth….so what makes me think I can do without rest?  Jesus is the best example in always doing good, but knowing how and when to rest as not to grow weary in our quest of doing good.  I know as a follower of Jesus I am called to do good and I want to do good, but we must be conscious of not getting disgruntled, or tiresome.  He didn’t give up on us and we must never give up on the mission He has left for us.  Instead, we must strive to be Christlike - to love God and love people.  To show the love of Christ through our walk, talk, and to help others.  To be the hands and feet of Jesus in a changing culture.  Being a light to non-believers of a fulfilling life full of love, joy and peace that they do not see in the world’s way of living.  And we must not give up gently planting the seed of the gospel so that God can grow that seed into a new believer.  Till the hearts, plant and wait patiently.  Repeat.  Do not grow weary and you will see good deeds become a great harvest.  Jesus will continually fill us up when we come to Him to keep doing His work.  He will reward us for our perseverance and for not giving up.  Keep on planting for the harvest will be great! ~ Amen

Perfect Love

There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love. ~ 1 John 4:18

Fear has several definitions and according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, fear is:  1) an unpleasant and often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger; 2) an anxious concern; 3) reason for alarm or danger; or 4) profound reverence and awe especially toward God.  As followers of Jesus, the fear we are to have is the fear of reverence and awe, but the fear of danger, or alarm have no place in our walk.  My loving God is not to be feared as an angry and punishing God, but as an unconditional giver of love that conquers all and will never leave those who are his followers.  I do not have to be fearful of what may be coming my way, and I don’t have to be fearful of what is happening around me as long as I have my hope and trust in the Lord.  To be overcome by fear may imply that my trust does not fully rest in Jesus Christ.  He loved us enough to die on a cross for our sins, to pursue us into a relationship with Him and to show us His great love for us.  This is not a God who wants to make us fearful of punishment, but a God who wants to have a mature relationship with you and a God who will never leave you.  Often it is Satan who tries to lull us into fear and shame by whispering lies into our ears whether we are going through difficult circumstances (“if God was a good God, he wouldn’t allow this”), or maybe he likes to tell us that we’ve stumbled to far for God to still love us (“how could God love and forgive you”)?  God is with you through every circumstance and God loves you no matter what you’ve done.  Believes of Christ should be led by the Spirit and fear should not be able to take over our thoughts.  Be in awe of God, but do not be fearful in life.  Instead, call on God for his guidance, live in his love and let his love cast out all your fear. ~ Amen   

Tongue Rejoice

I keep my eyes always on the Lord.  With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure…~ Psalm 16:8-9

There are many reasons our faith may be shaken in this unstable, broken world.  Turn on the television, or follow any media outlet and in moments you can find negative information and  unrest in our own nation and around the world.  Senseless crimes, illness, political backbiting and unrest, and numerous tragedies abound.  So how do you keep from being overtaken with sadness?  How do you push forward when evil permeates, or tragedies take over your own life?  Trust.  As followers of Jesus, we must ask for his continued guidance and protection over our hearts and minds.  We must ask and expect that no matter what goes on in this wild world, or in our own lives, God has us.  Even when it doesn’t feel like it.  Turn your eyes and heart to God and seek His ways.  Even when you don’t feel like it.  Putting the Lord first and living with your trust in Him brings much joy and peace even in the midst of chaos.  My heart can be peaceful and full of joy when God is my priority and my trust is in Him.  I know that this home on earth is only temporary, but a whisper.  James 4:14 says, “why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”  I know that while my body may decay and be left behind here on earth, my eternal glory will be my soul once again with Jesus Christ and I find comfort in knowing this is not my home.  My body is a temporary vessel for my spirit that will live forever.  This world is a pit stop, it is a temporary place to bring honor, glory and praise to Christ so that others may see Him.  For as followers of Christ, we have the benefits of protection and guidance in a messed up world if we would only ask and trust Him to transform our minds.  I don’t rely on the security of the world, or my success.  I rely on God’s strong right hand.  I find goodness and well-being in the thick of God as my refuge.  There is no one like the Alpha & Omega, the Creator of life, the Beginning and the End to put my trust in so that instead of being shaken my heart can rejoice and my mouth proclaim that all is well with my soul! ~ Amen

Glorious Name

Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.  Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. ~ Nehemiah 9:5

There is nothing as sweet to God’s ears as our voices in worship and praise to him.  Yesterday, today and tomorrow God is eternal and deserves our praise.  Only one God and one name can move mountains, heal the sick, give peace to storms and take away all my sins.  The whole entirety of the earth will sing God’s praise even when people have fallen silent.  Luke 19:40 says, “I tell you, if my people were silent, the very stones would cry out.”  Does this mean that even nature knows who to worship?  I do believe that everything God has created, that all of creation, does in fact bring Him praise.  In short, we will never be able to praise God’s name to the full extent of what he deserves.  God is eternal - forever.  His name is above all names.  He knows everything about you; your struggles and your wins; your good days and your bad days; your accomplishments and your failures;  He knows all.  He is sovereign.  He is known as the great I AM.  He has you.  He is in control.  He is exalted above everything.  He has been here forever and will BE forever.  He has put time and space into motion.  He deserves our undivided attention and praise.  His hand has been in control of all things.  He speaks life, or death into situations.  His eternal nature is one of love and goodness from one generation to the next.  He is good.  He is faithful.  He is holy.  His name is above all and no other name rivals that of Jesus.  At the name of Jesus, Satan has to run.  At the name of Jesus, hearts are healed and miracles are performed.  At the name of Jesus my sins were forgiven and I was made clean.  Praise belongs to Jesus and his name!  Philippians 2:10-11 says, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Under the earth?  So even those in hell will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, but by that time, it’s going to be too late as they have already made their decision.  When will you decide that his name deserves glory and honor?  He is God alone in the good times and the bad times and we would do well to keep him in his rightful place in our lives.  He alone is worthy of all worship and praise.  If you aren’t praising God, what are you praising?  Let’s make sure our worship and praise is directed to the only name that deserves it all – Jesus Christ. ~ Amen

Resentment Kills

Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple. ~ Job 5:2

The book of Job is profound, weird, challenging and one of my favorite books in the Bible.  Chalked full of trials, the loss of everything he had once owned, torturous physical pain down to losing his entire family, God allowed a lot of suffering to come upon Job all in the name of a “test”.  Talk about a brutal final exam.  Even though Job has been a righteous and faithful servant of God, God still allows Satan to test Job.  Yet despite horrific suffering and loss, Job still refuses to curse God and remains His faithful servant.  Now on the scene come three of Job’s friends to try to comfort him and what ensues is what sounds more like a theological debate than comfort.  They claim they want to console him, but their attempts seem a bit futile, or misguided.  They just should have kept their mouths shut!  There is no doubt that Job is in the pit of despair, but when Eliphaz suggests that Job must have done something sinful to bring this upon himself and that he needs to repent and ask God for forgiveness, this seems to bring the discussion to a whole new level.  Truly the friends don’t know how to handle this, and surely don’t have the right words to say about their friends' situation.  They don’t understand why this is happening.  So it is, or will be…. with your life.  With my life.  There will be times when we don’t understand why we are going through what we are going through.  You may have had things happen to you in the past that you still wrestle with and are harboring bitterness over.  This verse, Job 5:2, struck me hard and I heard this loud and clear in my head, “LET IT GO!  GIVE IT TO ME!  DO NOT LET IT DESTROY YOU!  THEY WILL CONTINUE TO HURT YOU UNTIL YOU LET THE BITTERNESS GO!”  There is nothing but destruction when we hold onto resentment, bitterness, or envy against people, or even God.  The verse can’t be any clearer, “resentment kills”.  It kills relationships, it leads to pain, and it will become your stumbling block if you don’t lay it at Jesus’ feet and let go.  At the end of Job, God restores Job’s life with more than what he had before Satan messed with him.  The Lord restored everything and more.  He wants to do the same for you.  Don’t let life’s trials, your past, or I dare say, even a test from God fill you with bitterness, jealousy, resentment, or envy.  Let it go! ~ Amen

Spirit Fruit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law. ~ Galatians 5:22-23

I love fruit, all of it!  Apples, bananas, berries, peaches, plums, nectarines, grapes - you name it, I like almost all of it.  Fruit is naturally sweet and delicious and good for your body.  Well, the fruit of the spirit is sweet, delicious, good for your soul and great to share.  In Galatians 5:19-21, Apostle Paul lays out what are the obvious acts of the flesh; which tend to be very stinky, destructive and unpleasant. “The acts of the flesh are obvious:  sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”  They are not called fruit, but instead “acts”; they are unsavory behaviors.  What about that list is delicious?  Sweet?  Good for you?  For most of us, our fleshly desires come naturally to us without much thought because we are all born sinful and have to choose to intentionally nurture the fruit of the spirit once we become followers of Jesus.  We are called to give up the selfish lifestyle and lead a servant lifestyle.  I have to cultivate my relationship with Jesus and seek His face so that the Holy Spirit can cultivate and grow my spiritual fruit so that I may be the best representation of Jesus I can be.  I want to represent these life giving qualities instead of representing destruction and self-centeredness.  Furthermore, if I claim to be a follower of Jesus and if I am letting the Holy Spirit lead my life, then I had better see the fruit of the spirit flow; otherwise there must be a disconnect.  For the fruit of the spirit is evidence of our connection to Jesus.  John 15:5 states this clearly, “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.”  Jesus longs for this connection and he wants to leave the Holy Spirit with you so that you may experience this good fruit.  So stay connected, let the Holy Spirit lead you, pray for growth and be intentional about following Jesus and in no time, you will reap a great harvest. ~ Amen

Blessed Transgressions

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. ~ Psalm 32:1

I hate when I give in to sin and temptation, but I am not going to lie and say that I don’t - I am human.  However, when I do “cross the line”, I am so thankful that I can come to Christ, confess my sins and know that I am forgiven and have a clean slate once again.  Sin will eat at your insides and zap your strength and keep you at arm's length with Christ until you come to Him and confess so that you can be clear of the heavy burden.  Christ wants you to come so that he can give you the gift of forgiveness that he brutally paid for.  The impurity of our sins will be mercifully and gracefully covered to be seen no more so that you can stand in the presence of the Lord joyfully.  Jesus died for all mankind, but only those who have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior and have become His follower have the true gift of forgiveness of sins.  Forgiveness is a promise given to every believer, but it comes with a warning.  Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”  As followers of Christ, we must be obedient to our calling of forgiving people who have hurt us, or wronged us – this is the only way you will not be judged on the day you stand before the one who has forgiven you.  The scripture is clear; we will be judged on this attitude of forgiveness when we stand before Christ.  Was I forgiving?  Did I forgive?  Was I gracious and full of mercy to my offender(s)?  Or did I play the victim and remain bitter?  We must forgive as Christ has forgiven us.  Go to Him now, confess your sin, get a clean slate and forgive others.  Your heart and soul will be more joyful. ~ Amen

Over These

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ~ Colossians 3:14

I love my children, my husband, my family, friends and I would even say my co-workers and church family.  How we display and show our love will bring everything together in unity - meaning we will be a light to the lost when we clothe ourselves in love for everyone.  I believe that the greatest way we can show love is to be a servant of Christ and humbly put other people before ourselves.  Love is the sticky glue that holds all of Christ’s holy attributes together.  It’s an attitude that illuminates the soul so brightly that no one can argue with the positivity and influence it brings.  Love never fails.  Love can begin the healing process.  Love can piece together a shattered dream.  Love can bring hope, peace and forgiveness.  Love can light up the dark.  Love believes.  No one can argue with love.  Love like this can only be demonstrated if you are rooted in Christ and then allow His supernatural love for others flow through you to bless others.  This is not worldly love.  This is different.  You can not obtain this love without Christ being the center of your life.  It is a very district and selfless love.  Love ties all Godly virtues and spiritual fruit together.  Peace flows from love, joy flows from Godly loves, self-control flows from Godly love, gentleness flows from this love, patience flows from Godly love, kindness flows from this love, goodness flows from Godly loves and faithfulness comes from Godly love.  Love gives grace and should be the priority of a Jesus follower.  How well do you do?  God help my love for others increase. ~ Amen 

Restless Wanderer

When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you.  You will be a restless wanderer on the earth. ~ Genesis 4:12

Consequences for our actions come in many forms and touch many lives and consequences of sinful actions have even larger and sometimes longer impacts.  Impacts that can touch a family line and sometimes even nations.  We read of mankind’s first murder in Genesis when Cain becomes filled with jealousy and rage when God blesses his brother Abel’s offering over his.  And from this horrific sin, Cain will no longer be able to get crops from the ground and has become estranged from his family.  Instantly, Cain becomes a vagabond with no crops, no family and Adam and Eve lose two children and numerous possible grandchildren.  Most sin is an action of impulse from our flesh and worldly desires; a knee jerk reaction, or choice we make when we lose our focus on the Almighty followed by great consequences and guilt.  How many times have you lived with the guilt of your actions wishing you could turn back time?  It’s a terrible feeling.  Cain should have been Abel’s protector as his older brother, but instead he gives into his anger and does the unthinkable.  We read that Cain lies to God, as if he could, and tries to hide the crime, but God knows all too well what has happened.  He witnessed it.  He asks Cain in verse 10, “what have you done?  Listen!  Your brother’s blood cries to me from the ground.”  The fact is that Cain was more afraid of the consequences from God than he was sorry for having done the deed.  He was afraid to get caught; isn’t that how most sin works?  Sin, all sin, is crouching around the corners of all of our lives and we are all capable of the unthinkable if we don’t stay focused.  Keep yourself righteous and rooted in God’s word so that you may have joy, peace, and love in your heart instead of jealousy, anger, resentment, bitterness and rage.  Put Satan in his place and do not let him have a foothold.  ~ Amen

Your Anxiety

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7

Christ cares. Period.  We often worry and sit in our anxiety because we don’t always trust God; in fact, maybe we trust in ourselves a little too much.  Whatever the reason, most of our anxiety is rooted in the fact that we don’t take our cares to him.  He wants to help, but we must let go.  He wants us to humble ourselves and come to Him with prayerful and hopeful hearts that God knows what is best.  Many times in my own life I have held tightly to my anxiety depending on myself and believing Satan’s lie that I must shoulder my burdens by myself.  That no one else can help, or cares.  But that is a lie.  God is faithful to help.  I need to humble myself and cast my cares at his feet.  No matter how big, or small, God promises to care for us and our burdens.  God doesn’t always take our anxiety, but when we throw our anxiety on Him, we can rest knowing that He will take care of us as we work through the stress.  You may wake up in the same circumstance, but you have more hope, more peace and more confidence that everything will be okay.  That’s our heavenly Father.  We live in a broken world where independence is considered greatness, but we were never created to do life by ourselves; to think that we must do everything on our own.  We were created for fellowship with each other and our Creator.  To put it all on our shoulders and not seek Him is extremely prideful.  No one has it all together.  We are called to throw our burdens on Jesus and let him care for us as he works everything out in his timing.  It’s all in who He is.  Being God means He can do what he wants to when he wants, but remember he is not a genie for our purposes, but He is faithful to be good all the time no matter if we understand His ways or not.  The Lord is good, He is gracious, He is sovereign and He will reign forever.  He will take care of you.  He may not take the difficulty, but he will be with you and take care of you through it if you will humbly cast it before his feet. ~ Amen

Jacob's Descendants

Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnants of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born.  Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. ~ Isaiah 46:3-4

Doesn’t this verse give you great comfort?  He will carry me through, sustain me and rescue me.  What more could we want, or need?  Everything we need to get through any trial, temptation, or difficulty God has if we rely on him.  He even promises to be with us all through our golden years.  A superhero dad who takes care of all our needs and then some.  An action hero dad!  A dad who we can come to in our tremendous times of need and know that we will be taken care of no questions asked.  The idols of Israel’s enemies could not carry them, sustain them, and time and time again we see that those man made objects failed and could not rescue them.  These false gods had to be moved and carried by human hands.  Our God doesn’t need help; instead, we need his and he carries us.  The image I have is God telling the Israelites in a loving, but firm manner, “Hey idiots!  I am the one!  Me!  Not your crafted idols, but ME who has sustained you.  Turn your eyes the right way.  Redirect your praise!”  Rembrandt, van Gogh, Monet, or any other artist didn’t/doesn’t create beautiful masterpieces and then just toss them to the side.  No, they take extraordinary care of their creation.  The same is true of us.  God made us; do you really think anybody else is going to take better care of us?  He knows our thoughts, what makes us happy, or sad and he knows every cell in our body.  He knows how to get you to the end of this race; it’s designed BY Him for His creation.  He is all we need.  He will be with us from start to finish here on earth and as believers, He’ll be with us forever! He sent his only son to redeem us to Him; why would he not take care of us?  A number of people will let you down in this broken world, but God will never leave you.  You are as close to God as you want to be.  He is not the one who keeps you at a distance; it’s much more likely that you keep him at arms length for whatever reason.  All He has ever wanted to do is love you and take care of you.  Let Him. ~ Amen

Fruitless Deeds

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ~ Ephesians 5:11

Here Paul clearly tells believers to have nothing to do with sin.  We are also charged with exposing sin, but we must be careful in how we bring the dark into the light as we can not and should not come across as being judgemental.  By living a righteous life first, only then may we be able to humbly talk to another believer about their sinful deeds.  Do not try to expose something you are also taking part in.  Christians are often accused of being hypocritical; don’t add fuel to the fire.  We were rescued from the darkness when we decided to follow Jesus Christ and now we walk with the light of the children of God and should no longer play with the devil’s advancements.  Illuminate a dark room with a flashlight and you can see where everything is so you can walk freely about.  The same is true of the light and darkness; expose the sin so that the deeds can be openly acknowledged, denounced and turned from so as not to stumble over it again and again.  Christians must not be ashamed of their holy living and they must be humble so that they can be great light bearers to this broken world.  We live in a warped world where things that once were wrong are now considered right and vice versa; we need our light to shine more now than ever.  I work at a high school and I see the enemy attacking teens daily about their identity.  Know who you are!  I am heartbroken, but I pray for them and if asked my opinion, I try to gently respond with God’s truth and in love.  We need to stay anchored in God’s truth so that we can tear down the many lies of the devil!  A spiritual battle isn’t coming – it’s here!  And if you do not stay anchored in God’s word and fully committed to following His ways, you may be in trouble my friend.  Pray that God would help you avoid temptation and sin as it is a waste of time and ask God to help you humbly expose the lies while you live a holy life. ~ Amen   

God Is Love

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ~ 1 John 4:8

I believe this one verse clearly defines who does and does not follow Christ.  He is not referring to physical, sexual love, but I believe John is talking about the supernatural love of supernatural compassion that you only enjoy, or can possess by knowing and having a relationship with God.  Loving unconditionally and stepping into a love that isn’t gratified by human desires.  This love is one of the spiritual gifts Christ cultivates in his followers so that we can bestow it onto others.  Doing for others before ourselves and sacrificing some of our comfort for others as Christ sacrificed his only son for us is this kind of love.  An action love.  A doing love.  Not an emotional love, but so much more.  The fact of the matter is that everything God does comes from a place of love.  How does that grab you?  Everything.  And we are supposed to show that same kind of love as followers of Christ.  I must be willing to get out of my comfort zone to show Christ’s love.  I must listen to that still small voice we know as the Holy Spirit.  I must be willing to show love even when I know no one else is.  I must be loving in my words and in my thoughts towards others.  I must understand that if God is love, then even the difficult and painful journeys in my life God has orchestrated, or allowed out of love for a purpose in my life that will bring him all the glory.  That he is working behind the scenes for my good out of love.  Today the world is all about me, myself and I, but God’s love is unconditionally selfless and servant-like.  We can only emulate that type of love by being in relationship with God.  If you cannot love someone because they don’t agree with you, you do not know God.  If you cannot love someone because they don’t affiliate with the same political party as you, you do not know God.  If you cannot love someone who has a different perspective on sexuality, you do not know God.  If you cannot love the sinner, you do not know God.  Because as Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  His nature is love.  He is the source of love.  He can not be without love.   A person in genuine relationship with God will radiate God’s love.  Let’s let our acts of love permeate our world with His love. ~ Amen

Be Merciful

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. ~ Luke 6:36

Jesus just gets done telling his followers that they should love their enemies and now he is telling them to be kind and merciful to them no matter what they may have done to them.  Many of us have been hurt by people and sometimes there is no explanation for their harshness, but we still need to look at them with kindness and look at them with sincere care.  I don’t know about you, but I need to work on this big time.  Sometimes I can get so caught up looking at the hurt that someone has caused me that I become engulfed and my heart can harden towards them.  I could care less.  If you hurt me, or my family, it’s grudge holding time, but that’s not how God would want us to act.  Over the years, I have intentionally worked on this and it takes practice.  I am by no means there yet, but I have an easier time these days when I step back and realize that they may be lost….and so then I pray that God would bless them and let the offense go.  Now I still believe that boundaries need to be set up sometimes and I don’t believe Jesus would ever want us to show our kindness by staying in an abusive, or violent relationship.  Please get out and get help!  I believe this verse specifically calls for us to be merciful when we are being persecuted for our belief in God.  I could be wrong, but I don’t believe God is asking you to be merciful to abuse.  There is a difference between abuse and conflict.  We are talking more along the lines of disagreements and conflicts.  Get out of abuse!  Sometimes showing mercy is taking yourself out of a situation, calling for help, or just by bringing groceries to the lonely, grouchy old couple who live next door.  Two years ago, God granted me the biggest opportunity for showing mercy I have ever experienced yet.  And he used my own son.  Isaac has, as the saying goes, been too smart for his own good.  But by his sophomore year in high school, he was headed for disaster.  Honestly, I don’t remember much of his junior year, but I do know there were at least two suicide attempts.  By his senior year, you name the drug and he was using it.  We were in a spiritual war.  I chewed off God’s ear and wore the carpet out with my knees near my bed praying.  One night, and I am not going to get into great detail, but one evening in June 2022 he became extremely agitated with me and his father.  He started throwing things and cursed loudly non-stop at us.  I heard “call the police” in my head.  My husband didn’t think it was a good idea, but I knew where that voice was coming from.  The next thing I remember is talking to dispatch while I watched my son and husband get physical with each other.  You see, when I grabbed the phone, my son grabbed a knife and now my husband was trying to wrestle it away from him.  Long story short, two sheriff deputies showed up at my house and hauled our 18 year old son away.  It was a terrible night.  The worst one so far in my life.  Awful.  Sad.  Cried ourselves to sleep.  So many questions.  I don’t know how I stayed calm on the phone (divine intervention), but two years later he is on the right path.  He was sent to a mental health facility where he was finally properly diagnosed with a mood disorder and ADHD.  Two weeks later we were able to bring him home and with the right medication and counseling improvement was almost immediate.  I tell you this story because even though calling the police on my son was not the “nicest” thing to do, I knew that it was the only thing to do.  We had to get him help and I knew he wasn’t going to listen to us.  We learned, while he was at the facility, that he was probably experiencing a “manic” episode that night; which we would have never understood if we didn’t take ourselves out of the situation and get him help.  God had granted me mounds of mercy for my son that night.  I don’t have any other explanation.  I was concerned about his well being.  I stayed calm, didn’t fight or argue back and did the best thing I could for him at the time even though it was extremely difficult.  Two years later, he is a different young man and has made tremendous strides.  He is enrolling in college classes for a culinary degree, is an assistant manager at a restaurant and hasn’t had a “manic” episode since.  I was worried that my relationship with him would be strained, but it has only grown stronger.  He calls that night the biggest turning point in his life.  Show mercy and grace to others.  Even when it’s hard.  God’s mercy was all over that situation that night and now it is part of our family's testimony.  Thank God for his mercy and grace. ~ Amen 

Created Heavens

For this is what the Lord says - he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited - he says:  “I am the Lord, and there is no other.” ~ Isaiah 45:18

In Deuteronomy 5 and in Exodus 20 we find the list of the Ten Commandments that God gave Moses on Mount Sinai while leading the Israelites out of Egypt.  The first commandment right off the bat is:  “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  You shall have no other gods before me.”  Number one right out of the gate!  Then here in Isaiah, God makes sure that everyone knows, “I am the Lord and there is no other.”  In today’s cultural and religious confusion let me make this clear - there is NO other God!  He is the only one who fashioned the earth and made it inhabitable for us.  No other god has lavished so much on us, cares so much for us, gushes over us as much, or promises to be with us wherever we go.  No other god knows the very working of your special design, or the number of hairs on your head.  The powerful, sovereign and creative God specifically made the earth for his glorious creation of precious humanity.  I believe every little part of the earth was intentionally created for you and I to enjoy - nothing is wasted.  Yellowstone National Park was created for our enjoyment; the Arches National Park was created to bring glory, honor and worship to God and Niagara Falls; well, it’s just plain breathtaking (just to name a few) and God made it all.  A loving and just God who has created so much beauty for us to behold is a sovereign and awesome God who deserves all our praise, worship and reverence.  He did this.  Alone.  He created the earth out of nothingness and formed it to be our dwelling and to enjoy its majesty.  Genesis 8:22 says, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”  Let’s enjoy and be good stewards of what the one true God has given us and let us have no other gods before Him. ~ Amen

Stand Against

Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ~ Ephesians 6:11

The devil just needs you to put your guard down once; just one little time, one little crack, one little lie, one little thought and if he can get you to give into him, you are going to have a battle on your hands.  We are in spiritual battles everyday and just like a soldier going into war, we need to make sure we have the right equipment and protection.  This verse emphasizes the need to put on the full armor of God that is available to us.  The armor of God comes in 6 pieces and is one size fits all:  the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit (word of God).  What is the functionality of these pieces?  Each has a special function.  Let’s start with the belt of truth.  Identity has been lost in this woke, cross-cultural and very confused world.  The belt of truth protects us from an identity crisis.  You should know who you are.  The truth is you were made in the likeness of Christ and you were made as a reflection of God’s holiness.  You were made to be in fellowship with and to be a child of God.  Being made “right” is the job of the breastplate of righteousness, both by way of the righteousness Christ gives us and by the righteousness we have the desire to stand up too.  The enemy will use any way he can to hurt our heart and emotional being; the breastplate protects us from his sinful temptations that could, and probably would, lead us to heartache and brokenness.  Sometimes doing the right thing, or making the right choice isn’t always popular, or easy, but you won’t be so hurt by the right choice.  Disobedience can lead to destruction, but obedience always leads to peace.  This leads me to the shoes of the gospel of peace, boy; something everyone wants.  Buckling knees and weak ankles can find rest as they stand firm in these shoes.  But many times in this broken world, the enemy can cause us to be trembling with worry, anxiety, doubt and fear.  Remember, don’t worry, instead take every care and cast it at Jesus’ feet so that you may have peace that surpasses all worldly understanding.  So often the shield of faith and the shoes of the gospel work together to ward off our deepest fears and anxieties.  The shield of faith protects us and our faith is where we find the courage and hope to move through difficult times.  Our shield of faith reminds us of the promises and goodness of God and we hold them high when we believe God to be who He says He is knowing He will “make all things work together for the good of them that love God” (Romans 8:28).  Then there is the helmet of salvation; which we were granted access to the moment we put our trust in Christ’s death as payment for our sins, but the helmet of salvation also helps in the battlefield of mind games.  The brain and the heart don’t always line up with one another for the righteousness of God, but with the helmet of salvation and the shield of faith working together, God can get the two on the same page.  As 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We destroy arguments of every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ”; this is the work of the helmet of salvation. The last piece of the armor of God is the sword of the spirit, or the word of God.  Let me put this plainly….the B-I-B-L-E.  Scripture.  Arguably, the most effective weapon.  The scriptures can be used as both an offensive weapon and a defensive weapon.  Years ago, I was challenged by an older woman to memorize Psalm 91.  The whole of it.  My husband and I were going through a rough patch and I evidently had the look of sorrow all over my face at this weekend Women’s Retreat.  This sweet lady had no possible way of knowing what I was going through, but she came up to me and simply said, “The spirit told me to tell you to memorize Psalm 91 for comfort.  Oh, and yes, he’s going to get you through this.”  Then with a quick squeeze of my hand, she turned and left.  I stood with my mouth wide open for a brief second before I burst into tears.  As fast as I could, I memorized Psalm 91 and you will never know, or understand how much it has been used as the first of many scripture quivers I have in my arsenal.  Memorize scripture.  Pick scripture that means something to you.  Pick scripture to fight anxiety and fear.  Pick God’s promises.  Just do it!  I can’t explain the feeling I get when I can quote scripture out loud during a battle.  It stops the enemy in his tracks.  Put on the full armor of God and be ready for the battle.  Victory is ours! ~ Amen

Give Birth

He chose to give us birth through the Word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. ~ James 1:18

Giving our firstfruits is a term often used in the church as meaning to give God first of our money, time and other resources even above ourselves and our family.  Original readers of James, the Jewish believers, were well aware of this term as they celebrated The Feast of Firstfruits as an offering of gratitude to God.  The truth is we should be grateful ourselves that God gave us a new life and birth when we became followers of Christ.  Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”.  This means that by his own will and goodness Christ died for us to give us a new life in Him.  Not only are we Christ’s crowning creation, but “firstfruits” suggests we have a special standing above the rest of creation.  We are firstfruits of salvation and firstfruits of new creations in Christ.  God gave us new life in Christ.  God chose, out of his own will, to bring us up out of our sinful lives by sacrificing his firstfruit, his son, Jesus.  The bible makes it clear that we were set apart and chosen by the Lord, born again and adopted into the family of Christ.  He did this.  He sought us out and by his will we were brought into relationship with him through the invitation of His sacrifice.  God has chosen to give us new life not through our own works, but through the truth found in his word so that we may be the dedicated and special part of God’s creation to fulfill His purposes.  From the beginning, God chose mankind to be His splendor and wanted us to find our purpose in Him.  Our spiritual rebirth is an act of God’s grace so that we may live in the fullness of life for him and with Him.  It is through faith in Jesus alone that we receive this  new birth.  We accept the good news of the cross and He gives us His righteousness as the firstfruits of creation.  You can not earn this, in fact, you do nothing at all but accept the invitation for a new life.  A life of hope, love, and grace and one where you will always have someone by your side. ~ Amen

Been Saved

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. ~ Ephesians 2:8-9

Being saved has nothing to do with the good deeds you do, how many times you go to church during the week, or how many bible verses you have memorized.  After the fall of man, there had to be a way to reconcile us back to God.  In the Old Testament, Israel had to follow many, many laws, be obedient to the leaders God had put into place and make many sacrifices for the atonement of their sins.  God recognized that His people could not live like this forever and that there had to be another way to reconcile this now sinful world back to him once and for all.     The whole purpose of Jesus could have been classified as a rescue mission for all who believe.  Free and simple. Many religions believe in good deeds and religious performances in order to be smiled upon by their god.  For those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, it is imperative that we understand we were saved through the very act of the crucifixion and resurrection.  Under God’s authority, we received an undeserved gift of freedom and salvation when we put our faith in Jesus Christ.  A gift that can never be repaid through our own doing.  Being a follower of Jesus will automatically bring about good works and a lifestyle change of blessing to others, but that is not what makes you saved.  We believe by faith that we are saved by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ as God’s gift of grace, kindness and love.  Because he wants us with him.  Always.  This way we can not boast about ourselves and; therefore, can not place ourselves on the same level as God, or higher.  But if we remember that grace is defined as an undeserved gift, or act of kindness, we will want to build our faith in a manner that is pleasing to God. ~ Amen  

Beginning Knowledge

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. ~ Proverbs 1:7

We all know people who seem to think the rules of society don’t apply to them.  They ask for advice and turn around to do the exact opposite.  Sometimes these people look like they are trying to self-sabotage; choosing everything and anything that is not good for them even though they know better.  Their lives tend to be a path filled with bad decisions, broken relationships and constant chaos.  They can’t see today from yesterday and tomorrow doesn’t look much better.  It seems like no matter how many people try to help them, they just run their lives deeper into the ground.  And we, as their loved ones, are at a total loss.  We must be wary not to turn into such foolish people.  Humble worship and a reverential fear of the Lord develops a teachable spirit for us to learn His knowledge on how to build our lives.  Jesus is the beginning of all knowledge.  Most of us would say we are knowledgeable in life, but are you knowledgeable because of your awe and worship in God and so know his ways, or are you knowledgeable most in how the world would tell you to live?  How the world tells us to live is in direct contrast to what God would say; just read the Beatitudes from Jesus’ sermon on the Mount in Matthew and you will see that God’s ways are upside down compared to the world and our own flesh.  In Proverbs, Solomon talks greatly about wisdom and foolishness, and the message is clear - foolish people do not consider the truths of Christ and they pay dearly for it.  Wisdom is knowing the knowledge and then putting that knowledge into action.  Wisdom and instruction is to know, teach and do what Jesus, the beginning of knowledge, has taught us.  However, fools hate this.  They despise being told what to do; they think they know it all and don’t need to learn anything else and they don’t need your advice.  They think they have it all together.  They run away from teaching, learning, or correction.  They think they have a better way and so disregard God and live according to their desires.  They want everything to be about them and will try to conform all paths to satisfy their needs and desires.  They flap their jaws incessantly and talk of nothing.  I hate to say it, but I think this can happen to the best of us as I don’t see Solomon making any distinction between the “wise” being only the followers of Christ and the “fools” being only the non-believers.  Just two choices - wisdom, or foolishness.  We have all been given the opportunity to choose a path in life; the decision is left up to us.  Make a wise choice.  Seek out His knowledge. ~ Amen

Before Creation

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy & blameless in his sight.  In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ~ Ephesians 1:4-6

The very idea that God chose me to be part of his plan; part of his family, is astounding to me.  A daughter of the Most High King as I have been brought into the family of Christ!  We need to understand that God chose ALL of mankind to be adopted back to Him through the resurrection of his son, Jesus.  When you made the choice to follow Jesus, you accepted his invitation to be adopted back to Him for his pleasure and purpose.  We all know people who are not believers, but that was not God’s original plan.  Before the world was created, he had chosen mankind to be His, but because He is a gentleman and didn’t want to force himself on us, he gave us free-will to choose him, or not.  However, He has always longed for all of us to choose Him.  God’s heart is breaking when those He chose have made their decision to deny him and go a different way.  He wants us all.  We are God’s crowning creation and he longed for us to be with Him forever because He loves us.  I know it’s hard to believe, but God created us to be in constant companionship with Him.  When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord, we no longer have to worry as God has now stepped into our lives in relationship with us and wants to take control if we will submit to His authority and will.  We were created to be loved by God, to accept his invitation so that we could be adopted as his child and to love God by doing His will of spreading the good news everywhere so everyone would have the opportunity to come back to Him.  We are to be holy, or “set apart” and live in such a way that is pleasing to God.  We are here to love God and love people.  Do you love people?  Do you love God?  You are a child of the Most High King and because of Jesus, you are holy and blameless.  Let that sink in.  That’s how much he loves you. It’s time to share the good news. ~ Amen

Fools Vent

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. ~ Proverbs 29:11

The book of Proverbs is chalked full of verses referring to the “fool” and the “wise”.  Many people are “hot tempered” and let their emotions get the best of them.  I know people, and I bet you do too, that have lost jobs, got themselves in trouble with the law and have even destroyed relationships because they can’t keep their emotions in check; which leads to a spiteful tongue.  A harsh word may have been spoken against you, or someone may have openly hurt you with no sense of reason; whatever the case maybe, we need the Holy Spirit to help us calm down before we react.  I admit, I have reacted poorly to being hurt and I have let my anger bubble out only to feel regret and wish I could hit the rewind button.  Our tongue can speak life, or bring death into situations and so before we go spewing our feelings, we best bring them to God first for Him to help us sort them out.  Being intentional about going to God so that he can speak to our hearts and calm our spirits does something not only to ourselves, but it can bring thoughtfulness to the other party as well.  People don’t know what to do with someone who doesn’t fight back, or get defensive.  It often softens their hearts and lowers their walls and leaves them exposed to reconciliation.  Better to keep our mouths shut than to end up looking like a fool.  How many times have you heard people talk just to talk?  Or how about those ‘one upper” storytellers who just like to hear themselves talk.  See, a fool venting his anger is not the only fool.  A fool can babble on about themselves, or any thought just because a foolish person likes to talk arrogantly while a wise person knows there is a time to speak and a time to be silent.  Which one are you?  Let our words be gracious and used only for edifying and let’s bring calmness so as not to look like a fool. ~ Amen

All Nations

From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. ~ Acts 17:26

Paul had to have been heartbroken seeing all the different “gods” in Athens.  Ideas about different Gods and what happens when we die and ideas right from wrong were flowing through the streets.  I love how Paul says, “People of Athens!  I see that in every way you are very religious,” (Acts 17:22) as a way not to offend them, but in a way that will hopefully bend their ear to his teaching.  But he doesn’t stop there; he eventually gets to the fact that they even worship things that they don’t know; how can that be a god?  I imagine he has their attention as he goes on to explain that the God of the universe and everything in it does not need anything from us, but that He, in fact, is the whole reason we breathe and live.  In other words people, you are here because God wants you here.  God ordained for all nations to be created and he laid out the boundaries and he even decided when each person in each nation was born and ordained to perish.  Victories have been won and battles have been lost because God determines the outcomes of the nations.  The fact that you were born when and where is no accident.  Popular world leaders have been set up and appointed just at the time God commanded it to be so.  A powerful sovereign God we serve!  A mirage of ethnic groups in different geographical boundaries are all descendants of Adam, the first man God created.  Today you are right where you are supposed to be to best further Christ’s kingdom and to hear the good news.  You are at the appointed place at the appointed time.  Are you up for the challenge? ~ Amen

My Yoke

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 11:29

A yoke, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (such as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together”.  Another definition they have is “a frame fitted to a person’s shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions”.  These frames were used on a single animal, or multiple if the work was great.  Jews had a heavy burden of everyday law that they were under according to the great Pharisees of the day.  Those Pharisees questioned everything!  I imagine nothing was ever good enough for the Pharisees and the Jews probably felt pretty beaten down.  Jesus knew what his purpose was and he knew that he would be able to break the burdensome “law” yoke of those pious religious leaders.  The son of God invites the people to “take his yoke”; in other words, give Him authority and control of your life.  Let go of the countless religious exercises.  Submit to me and let me make your life easier.  Give me your burdens. He wanted to give them much needed rest; He could see they were exhausted.  And He wants to do the same for you.  Nobody will go through this life burden-free, but God is here willing and able to help you with your burdens.  The time would come when Jesus would break the burdensome worry of the law for the Jews and now that He has risen from the dead, He has broken through even that much more for us.   The Lord Almighty invites you to unload your burdens at His feet and let him relieve you and give you rest.  I don’t know about you, but I know when I spend the first few minutes of my day thanking God and then another few minutes of my day unloading my burdens, I do, indeed, feel relief.  I intentionally name my stressors off and let the Holy Spirit renew my soul.  The giving up of control is hard, but Jesus understands and wants to help.  Jesus is gentle and has come to heal our burden worn shoulders.  Take His yoke and put yourself under his authority and will. Let it go and let Him.  Leave it at his feet.  Let him give you rest. ~ Amen

Tempted Beyond

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

God allows temptation, did you know this?  If he allowed Satan to tempt Jesus, don’t you think He allows Satan to tempt us?  Then there’s Job.  God practically handed him over to Satan to test; so why would we be any different?  Satan prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).   He is just waiting for us to slip up.  The Lord, however, is faithful and promises that he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear and He will provide a way out.  There have been times I have thought, “Lord, you sure think way too much of me because you are jumping on my last nerve with this.  It’s too hard!”  And then He gently reminds me that he doesn’t expect me to do this alone, but to lean in on Him.  Press in!   You see, most of us think this verse means God won’t give me more than I can handle, but the verse actually means God won’t give you more than you can handle with Him by your side.  Oh yeah, sure, we can try to fight it alone, but that is a very dangerous, slippery slope my friend.  If you think you are going to fight this on your own, where is your way out coming from?  Yourself?  Good luck with that.  Paul promises us that after we have invited the Holy Spirit to help us fight the temptation, that there will be a way of escape presented to us; which means it could be “no thank you”, or it may be you actually walking away from, or even literally escaping a situation.  God wants to help his children get away from the trap of temptation and will always help them who call on his name with a desire to do right in their moments of distress.  Call on Him.  Don’t fight the battle alone!  God will respond and assist! ~ Amen

Days Ordained

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. ~ Psalm 139:16

Plans come and plans go.  Plans get messed up and plans get rerouted.  Plans get interrupted.  Then there is God’s plan.  He has a plan for everyone, including you.  These plans were written for you before you even breathed one breath; hidden in your mother’s womb.  There are no promises that all plans will make us happy and there is no guarantee that some of God’s plans, or days for you won’t be filled with pain.  Some pain and suffering has been mapped out for you my friend.  But God has also ordained glorious days as well.  There will be questions of why one friend’s life was cut short, while seemingly godless people live a long and sometimes prosperous life.  Put your trust in God.  He, and only He, has ordained the days you will live.  Just know that your life has a purpose and a plan that he promises in Romans 8:28, “works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Don’t get discouraged when your days, or plans don’t go the way you expected.  Look at them as divine interruptions; even if they are filled with pain.  This scripture is clear; God knows everything about our lives.  The days you live have been counted out.  Not that you should act foolish and carelessly to test God, but to give you reassurance that your job on this earth is not finished until he says so. No one can argue the fact that they can’t predict what will happen tomorrow.  We can and should have plans, but the ultimate decision rests in Christ’s omniscience hands.  And so we should live everyday trusting God and abiding in his will for our lives as best as we can to glorify him. ~ Amen

Merciful Lord

The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. ~ Exodus 34:6

Yet again, we get a clear description of some of the Lord God’s characteristics when Moses boldly asks to see God’s glory.  Why Moses didn’t already think he’d seen enough through a burning bush conversation and the inscription of two stone tablets I’ll never know, but he asks to see it yet again.  The Lord himself calls himself merciful; which is defined as full of compassion; providing relief by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.  How many times did the Israelites disobey God?  I wonder how many times I have disappointed God.  I am thankful he turns his anger away and is merciful towards me instead of always giving me a just punishment.  The Lord calls himself gracious; which is defined as marked by kindness and courtesy (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).  I don’t believe there will ever be a kindness shown to man greater than the free gift of God’s love through his son Jesus Christ.  Graciousness = Grace; which is an undeserved favor, or gift and there will never be a greater one.  The Lord calls himself longsuffering; which means he is patient and slow to anger.  I am thankful God is long-suffering as I find myself a lot like Paul when he says, “I do not understand what I do.  For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do,” (Romans 7:15).  Thank you Jesus for being patient with me.  Good portions of the Old Testament show God’s anger and judgment and on the flip side of that, good portions of the Old Testaments also show us God’s great mercy, grace and long-suffering and love for mankind.  Thank you Lord.  Thank you for your abounding love and faithfulness. ~ Amen

Not Hidden

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. ~ Psalm 139:15

God carefully, lovingly, and delicately created you to be completely unique.  In fact, God put together your tiny body in your mother’s womb with specific qualities, characteristics and features in mind.  Muscles, tissues, cells and organs were all placed where God designed them to be in the human body.  There has never been, and there never will be, another you. We have breath and life on this earth because God desired it to be so.  The term “woven” reminds me so much of watching my grandmother do needle point, or knitting.  To watch her skillful, yet delicate hands maneuver the needle(s) to her next desired positioning was poetic and beautiful.  Crafting and creating a masterpiece.  You are God’s masterpiece.  One of many that bring him joy and the joy you bring him is special and unique.  You are irreplaceable, special, and very valuable to God.  To the Creator of the universe.  He knows how many hairs are on your head and he desperately desires a relationship with you.  You are one of a kind.  God has been singing and dancing over you before you took your first breath.  Consider yourself a miracle.  A true blessing (even when you don’t feel like it).  You were handcrafted by the Master.  By the way, you were handcrafted in the image of God.  To that end, murder is an attack on the very image of God.  God is the Creator of life and; therefore, should be the only one allowed to end life.  In the last month of my first pregnancy it dawned on me, “This is absolutely amazing.  The only time I can think of that I am knowingly participating in the completion of one of God’s miracles growing inside of me.  I am helping God perform a miracle.  How miraculous!” And I gotta do it twice.  Children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3).  God knows each one of them intimately and they are special to Him.  So are YOU. ~ Amen

Kind Reward

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. ~ Proverbs 19:17

I will admit, I am not the best at this. Where I live there aren't a lot of poor, but I do know there are plenty of needy that I could be more generous toward.  The world tells us and our flesh longs for more, more, and more for me, myself and I.  I pray on the regular that God would not only help me be more generous in big ways, but open my eyes to the small needs also.  The truth is, it is easier to look the other way and pass judgment on someone then it is to help them, which shatters God’s heart.  I don’t want to break his heart.  I want to bless Him.  There are going to be times when you give and then find out your gift may have been used for something you didn’t intend, but we are not the judge of that, God is.  People need help in all kinds of ways and money isn’t defined in this verse as the only way to be kind to the poor.  In fact, money isn’t even mentioned in this verse, even though it is what most people tend to need, but what about the poor in spirit?  Do you allow interruptions in your daily life if someone needs your time?  Your shirt?  How about just a listening ear, or soft shoulder?  A ride to the dr. appt.?  I have a co-worker moving out of state and she doesn’t have any family here to help her repair her home for sale, or to clean and pack.  She’s been part of this community for 13 years and she can’t seem to find anyone that is willing to help her despite her pleas on social media. I knew what God wanted me to do.  Admittedly, begrudgingly, I offered her my help and she was estatic.  And you know what happened?  That afternoon spent with her and another friend finishing final touches on her home was more of a blessing to me, I believe, than to her.  God blessed my heart as we were able to relieve a little stress for her.  She even laughed over lunch and I hadn’t seen her do that in weeks.  She was just too stressed to even smile, or be excited about her new journey.  May we all learn to open our hearts to kindness to the poor more often.  Whether it’s monetarily poor, or time poor, or help poor.  When we offer our kindness to others, we are offering our kindness to God.  And doesn’t he deserve that?  Look at what his kindness has done for us. ~ Amen