Category: I Peter

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Thank You!

This morning I will deviate slightly from my normal blog teaching because I want to say thank you to the ladies of Desert Christian Fellowship. I so enjoyed being with you yesterday. Your hearts were so tender and receptive. I know you all will be bolder women sharing God’s love.

Pastor Kathy and the Women’s Ministry team welcomed me and my daughters. You were such gracious hostesses. Thank you.

Seeing dear friends of 35+ years was an added bonus. These ladies have enriched my life greatly through the years!

The Praise Music was perfect! Thank you Julie. You led us right to heaven’s presence – how can we not be bolder women when we are reminded that Standing on the Promises we cannot fail!

“Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope.” I Peter 3:15 CEV

Our purpose was to honor Christ and I know we did; now we are ready to give an answer to all who ask us about the hope we have, the hope we have in Christ.

God bless you ladies! Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to share my heart with you!

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It Is Good!

One of the things I enjoy about being in the mountains is talking with people who are enjoying God’s creation.

Night before last we had another amazing sunset! Last night, we talked with several people who were remarking on its beauty. “Did you see that sunset, it was one of the most beautiful I’ve seen?” And they would go on from there. One man we met is a professional photographer and he had been out one night photographing the Milky Way; he said he loves being up here where there is no artificial light to spoil the night sky.

I’m sure, as we were looking at the spectacular sunset God was too. I can just hear him saying, “Now that’s a good one. I hope they enjoy it.”

“ God said, “I command lights to appear in the sky and to separate day from night and to show the time for seasons, special days, and years. 15 I command them to shine on the earth.” And that’s what happened. 16 God made two powerful lights, the brighter one to rule the day and the other to rule the night. He also made the stars. 17 Then God put these lights in the sky to shine on the earth, 18 to rule day and night, and to separate light from darkness. God looked at what he had done, and it was good. 19 Evening came and then morning—that was the fourth day.” Genesis 1:14-18 CEV

God looked at what he had done, and it was good! Oh my, yes.

Good…I can find so many more adjectives in describing the sunset than good but then I’m not God. That was the phrase that struck me this morning, as I began to write. He called it good. Just good.

But when He talks about us He is much more eloquent.

“But you are God’s chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done. The Scriptures say, 10 “Once you were nobody. Now are God’s people. At one time no one had pity on you. Now God has treated you with kindness.” I Peter 2:9-12 CEV

Special…chosen…royal…holy. A beautiful sunset is good but we are special, chosen, royal and holy. WOW! To know that God thinks about me in those terms is overwhelming. When I look into a mirror I tend to see my flaws and imperfections but that’s not what God sees. He sees me as valuable and precious.

“Then the Lord All-Powerful said: You people are precious to me, and when I come to bring justice, I will protect you, just as parents protect an obedient child.” Malachi 3:17 CEV

Through the years I have learned that what God says about me holds greater value than what others say about me or even, what I say about myself. His opinion is the one that matters and to Him, I am precious!

The beautiful sunset is good but I am precious and so are you!

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Hallelujah!!!

This morning I have tears streaming down my cheeks!

It was 8 days ago my computer died and I had no way to share with you each morning. I’ve been praying for you every day and trusting the Father to encourage you in your daily walk.

Yesterday I expected to receive my new computer but instead I received an email which read “shipping has been delayed, do you wish to cancel your order”.

NO!!

For a week, I have been trying and praying to connect to my site via my phone only to be met with “incorrect password” and never receiving the necessary email to reset it. Frankly, I was beginning to lose hope.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick”

I was heart sick for sure. Several dear friends have been holding me up in prayer. Thank you, thank you!!! One sweet friend encouraged me by reminding me that I didn’t need a strong internet signal to pray – very true.

Before I got up this morning, I heard very distinctly in my heart. Don’t give up, try again.

I was reminded of Noah, who spent years building an ark, telling his neighbors of the coming flood and had not one convert. Then there was David, who knew he had been anointed to be king of Israel and yet he hid from Saul for 13 years in the wilderness because Saul was trying to kill him. And then there was Jesus, who preached for 3 years and was crucified by the religious Jews.

My computer struggles are small potatoes compared to these monumental challenges but I know that the Father is just as concerned with me and you as He was for them.

So, this morning, I got up and tried one more time, a little differently, but try I did…and here I am to encourage you -don’t give up, don’t quit trying!

“Thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus.” II Corinthians 2:14

No matter what you’re facing don’t quit. Keep your trust in the Father, he is worthy of all our trust. Roll all your cares on Him!

“Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you”. I Peter 5:7

Can you say Hallelujah?!

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In My Life

This morning is a time to reflect on my years as a mother. 46 years to be exact.

Dave and I have three great kids and I am blessed to be mom to them and their mates. I am also blessed to be Besta (grandma) to five and great grandma to one more. My heart is full!

My children have seen me in my moments of greatest weakness, they know my inadequacies and some of my failures but they also know that I can be strong and relentless. They know that I depend upon the Lord, His word and the power of prayer.

There is a chorus* we used to sing in our church 35+ years ago and it came to mind this morning when I was thinking about my life as a mother.

“In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified, Be Glorified
In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified Today.”

Only two little lines but they are life changing. Whatever we do should be honor to the Father.

“Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” I Peter 4:11 NLT

If someone were to ask my children to tell them something about their Mom I hope they would say “My mom loves the Lord”. That would be the highest compliment.

Moms, we don’t need to be perfect – we can’t be. In our humanity, we should show our children that we love them, unconditionally, just like the Father loves us. They should know that we will be there to help them in any situation because the Father is always there for us.

We don’t need to preach at them, instead we need to live a life where they see our dependence and trust is in the Lord. Living for Jesus is the example we should be setting and when we fail in that, they should see us repent and not make excuses.

Pray for their friends, their careers, their well-being. We can trust the Father with every area of their lives. Pray for them as infants, toddlers, school-age, stepping out on their own. Pray for them if they are rebellious. Pray for them always!

Moms, this is my Mother’s Day prayer for you:

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.” II Thessalonians 1:11-12 NLT

In my life, Lord, be glorified!

*In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified written by Bob Kilpatrick

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Tired & Unsettled

I didn’t sleep well last night. In fact, I barely slept at all. I laid in bed trying to get back to sleep and when that didn’t work I got up. Up about an hour earlier than I normally do and that’s early.

Sitting here in my chair, I’ve been praying about what I should share and no great revelation came. Instead, I found myself saying “Lord, I’m tired and don’t know what to write” and then I realized that was the very thing I needed to put on paper.

I have let my heart get weighed down with some circumstances that are going on right now. I thought I’ve been handling it but I guess I’ve only been pushing it aside. Out of sight, out of mind. This morning I realize that I haven’t really trusted God with it.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT

I’ve been trying to figure everything out in my own mind. Asking the question “what do I need to do” and it’s made me weary and unable to rest. That’s not the Lord’s plan for me and it isn’t His plan for you either.

His plan is for us to come to Him with our burdens and weariness. When we do He promises to give us rest. Rest…that’s how I know that I hadn’t given this to Him, there has been no rest.

I’m really glad you all were here today. I needed to lay all of this out on the table and then draw strength for the Source of all Strength.

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7 CEV

In Him, I have found rest for my soul!

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Smile & Feel Better

Today’s blog is amazingly practical.

Late yesterday Dave and I were watching a program on television that was dealing with some real life, very emotional issues that face teenagers. They were completely without hope and it left both of us sad and downcast.

I knew I couldn’t let this premeate our evening or we’d both go to bed feeling depressed. I asked him to find something funny we could watch, “I need something to make me laugh”. He switched to YouTube and there we found old clips of Tim Conway and Harvey Korman. We watched a few of those and then Dave found an old Abbott & Costello movie – more laughter.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Proverbs 17:22 NLT

“Happiness makes you smile; sorrow can crush you.” Proverbs 15:13 CEV

We went to bed last night with a smile on our faces and our spirits were lifted.

Somedays it’s hard to be joyful. I understand that completely but we must take these verses on joy and happiness for what they are – instructions from the Lord. He wants us to have a glad heart, He wants us to be “care free” and roll all our worries over on Him. When we do He promises to replace our worries with His strength.

“Ezra said to them, “Go, eat and drink what you enjoy, and give some to him who has nothing ready. For this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be sad for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NLV

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” I Peter 5:7 NLV

A couple of weeks ago I had to go into the pharmacy to pick up a prescription for my mother. As I was standing in line waiting for the pharmacist the woman at the counter turned and looked at me. Behind her mask, I saw that her eyes were filled with sadness. She turned back and then turned around one more time, we made eye contact and I gave her my biggest smile, behind my mask. She said to me “I can tell you are smiling. Your eyes are twinkling. Thank you I needed that”. I said a simple “God bless you” and our encounter was over.

Lord, I want you to use me and all who read this to bring joy to a hurting world. We have a message to proclaim “Joy to the world, the Lord has come”!

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed… 3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NLT

The words above were written about Jesus. This is why He came – He came to bring God’s favor (His life) to the earth.

The next time you are feeling down ask the Lord to fill your heart with joy. He will! With joy will come strength and with His strength we can do all things!

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Happy Cast Away

I don’t know how many of you have had any experience fishing but some of my best childhood and teen memories are centered around fishing with my dad.

When I was quite small Dad would buy my sister and I bamboo cane poles for our fishing excursions to the lake. No reel necessary. Just a bamboo pole, a length of fishing line, a hook and a bobber. We would sit for what seemed like hours waiting for the bobber to go under indicating we had a bite and more than likely a fish.

Our older brother and our dad had the fancy poles with the spinning reels. They could cast a spinner bait or a live bait half way across the lake where the big fish were. How I wished I was old enough for a spinning reel. Eventually, dad bought me one and now I have several of my own.

Yesterday afternoon I sat thinking about those good ole days and then I remembered a story a friend of ours told us about fishing with his three year-old son. They were in the boat, on the lake. He said he had described in great length how to properly use a spinning rod. He had even showed his son, a couple of times, the way to release the line at just the right time.

The explanation was finished and he felt confident that his son was ready to take the rod in hand. He handed the pole, with baited hook, to his son and said “ok, throw it in”. He turned to pick up his own rod and heard a “ker-splash”. He turned around to see that his son had done exactly that. He threw the whole thing in – hook, line and sinker. There is was – the rod and reel beginning to sink. Dad quickly grabbed the fishing net and was able to retrieve the gear. We certainly all got a good laugh at our friend’s expense.

However…that is a perfect example for today’s Scripture verse.

“casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 NKJV

So many times we are the ones with the spinning reel and rod. We cast our cares out to the deep water, far from us, but when nothing happens we anxiously reel them back in and try to take care of them ourselves. Once again we become anxious and overwhelmed so we cast them out their again. We wait on God to do something about our cares. It appears God is being slow, so we reel them in again.

But that’s not what this verse says…Casting them all upon Him. Just like our friend’s little boy in the boat, God wants us to throw our cares in – hook, line and sinker. It’s then and only then the Father can retrieve them. He takes our cares, makes them His own and we are left empty-handed.

While we cast away our cares there is one thing we are told NOT to cast away.

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:” Hebrews 10:35-36 NKJV

Oh what joy – to be care-less and confidence full!

I was convicted about some things that I keep reeling back in. So, I encourage you to do what I did yesterday on the sofa in my living room. I grabbed those cares and made the biggest cast I could and got them to the Father with no strings attached. When I did I saw God cast the confidence of His Word to me.

I hope you will do the same.

I very thankful that I get to be a “cast away”!

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Enjoy the Feast

Yesterday morning I showed you how God’s word is referred to as milk and when we are new babies in Christ the Word of God provides us with the nourishment we need. But the Bible also has many references to our being fed by God’s word. It is our life-giving sustance. So this morning I would like to share a few of my favorite verses with you – enjoy the feast!

I praise God for those who have been called to the work of translating the Bible, not just in foreign languages, but into versions that make it easier for us to use and understand.These verses have really helped me and I hope that there are one or two that provide what you need!

HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ME OR LET ME DOWN! “Let yourcharacter or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” Hebrews 13:5 AMP

WHEN CHRIST RULES, PEACE REIGNS “And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].” Colossians 3:15 AMP

HE CARES FOR ME “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” I Peter 5:7 AMP

I HAVE AN OVERFLOWING LIFE “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP

MOSES AND I HAVE THE SAME GOD, THE GREAT I AM! “And when that time comes, you will ask nothing of Me [you will need to ask Me no questions]. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am].24 Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.” John 16:23-24 AMP

MY FATHER’S WORD GIVES ME CONFIDENCE “And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.” I John 5:14-15 AMP

Feasting on God’s Word is one of the best meals ever!

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Growing Strong

I love babies!! ❤❤

We have two grown grandchildren, three young grandchildren and one great grandchild. I’ve been working on photo boards and attending birthday celebrations during the last couple of months. First birthday, third birthday and fifth birthday…lots of pictures to look at while I reminisce.

I remember holding all six of these precious ones in my arms, speaking softly, swaying gently as they slept in my arms. What a blessing to hold a sleeping babe! As much joy as that brings no one wants them to remain babes forever. We desire to see them grow strong and healthy.

It’s a routine with babies – eating and sleeping, sleeping and eating. It’s required for growth.

They eat all the time and make no apology for it. They have a God-given instinct to eat and they let us know about it. We quickly learn which cries mean I’m hungry, tired, mad or wet. As they get a little older we learn signs long before they can articulate their request.

We need to follow their example.

“Be like newborn babies who are thirsty for the pure spiritual milk that will help you grow and be saved. 3 You have already found out how good the Lord really is.” I Peter 2:1-3 CEV

We need to be like babies – sincere, innocent with an overwhelming desire to grow – to eat spiritual milk (the Word) and learn of the Lord’s goodness.

Growing is natural, it’s good, it is proof that we are healthy and strong. Babies also get thirsty and sometimes just need a drink of water and not a feeding of milk. It keeps them hydrated and all their organs working well. We also need water, but the living water, that only Christ can give.

“Jesus answered, “You don’t know what God can give you. And you don’t know who I am, the one who asked you for a drink. If you knew, you would have asked me, and I would have given you living water.”11 The woman said, “Sir, where will you get that living water?…13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 14 But anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give people will be like a spring flowing inside them. It will bring them eternal life.”15 The woman said to Jesus, “Sir, give me this water. Then I will never be thirsty again and won’t have to come back here to get more water.” John 4:10-15 ERV

When little babies are hungry they cry and their parents get them a bottle and provide them with nourishment. Scripture tells us that our Father runs to our cry.

“Those who are hungry and thirsty to be right with God are happy” , because they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NLV

When was the last time we cried to let the Father know we are hungry for the sincere milk of God’s word or the living water that only He can give? When we do, we will be filled.

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Not Sugar But Gold

For years now, a dear friend of mine and I share a saying whenever we are out in the rain. We say “I’m not made of sugar, I won’t melt”.

That saying quickly came to mind last night as I heard a young man talking about the circumstances of 2020. He said that his life, like all of ours, has been greatly impacted by social distancing requirements. He’s an entertainer and all of his concerts were canceled from March forward and into 2021. He said that even though the rains fall he will stand strong; he will sing, praising God in the pouring rain.

To paraphrase, I’m not made of sugar, I won’t melt.

As I sat there thinking about his words the Lord reminded me of His Word.

“Fire is used to make gold and silver pure, but a person’s heart is made pure by the Lord.” Proverbs 17:3 ERV

“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.” Luke 6:45 NLT

How we handle the tough situations in life says a lot about us. Do we fall apart and wallow in self-pity and despair? Or are we like this young man and sing praises to God in the downpour? We voice our fears and disappointments to the Father in prayer. Jesus did that in the Garden of Gethsemane but then He stood up and went forward knowing that God was by His side. We have His promise that He will never leave us – in fact, He takes us through.

Dave and I had a dear friend who was an amateur metallurgist. He studied the process of refining gold. I remember him telling me about it. Let me give you a brief overview. Once gold ore is brought from the ground it is crushed and the non essential elements are washed away. The gold then goes through several refining steps. It is acid washed, heated, the impurities are skimmed off and then heated again until the gold is in its purest form. What is removed is the impurity. The refined gold increases in value.

When we go through trials and difficulties we are also being refined. Our faith is being purified. The dross or non essential elements are being removed. God doesn’t leave us during the these times, in fact, He is there to bring us through victoriously.

Both James and Peter taught the Christians in the first century to stand strong in spite of troubles. Their writings have much to say about daily living, interpersonal relationships and hardships. Their words of instruction came from the Lord and we can learn so much from what they taught.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 NLT

“These troubles test your faith and prove that it is pure. And such faith is worth more than gold. Gold can be proved to be pure by fire, but gold will ruin. When your faith is proven to be pure, the result will be praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ comes.

8 You have not seen Christ, but still you love him. You can’t see him now, but you believe in him. You are filled with a wonderful and heavenly joy that cannot be explained.” I Peter 3:7-8 ERV

We need to remain joyful in tough situations. How? By knowing that God hasn’t abandon us, but He stands with us to give us strength and we come out better, perfect and complete by placing our trust in Him.

So, when the rains come remember we aren’t made of sugar, we won’t melt. It’s a time for joy. We are more valuable than gold that has been refined in the fire!

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