Category: Faithfulness

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How’s Your Heart?

Yesterday morning on my walk my mind seemed to be going several different directions at once. Does that ever happen to you? I was determined to collect my thoughts and focus on something positive and good.

I asked myself this question, “If you had to write your perspective of how life has changed for the first six months of 2020 what would you say?”. Hmmm. So let me ask, what would you say?

My life really hasn’t changed much. I still get up every morning, have my prayer time and Bible reading, write my blog and visit with my husband. I still go for a morning walk and take care of things around the house. I work in my flowers, develop the content for a new book, visit with friends and family through Facetime and phone calls.

I have learned to order groceries on-line and when I go out I wear a mask. I haven’t gotten to see the kids and grandkids as much as I’d like and we’ve cancelled a couple of camping trips but that’s about it. My heart is fixed; I am confident that God is in control. All of this mess has not caused me to fear. I know, beyond any shadow of doubt, that God will not or has not abandon me. He is faithful to a thousand generations.

The headlines and news casts scream doom and gloom. It seems to be the goal of the media to create fear, angst and hatred.

“There will be special things to look for in the sun and moon and stars. The nations of the earth will be troubled and will not know what to do. They will be troubled at the angry sea and waves. 26 The hearts of men will give up because of being afraid of what is coming on the earth. The powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with power and much greatness.” Luke 21:25-27 NLV

We can stand, unshaken, in the face of all that is going on around us. My heavenly Father is not surprised by the events and actions that are occurring around us so my hope is firmly planted in Him.

“He will never be shaken. The man who is right and good will be remembered forever. 7 He will not be afraid of bad news. His heart is strong because he trusts in the Lord. 8 His heart will not be shaken. He will not be afraid and will watch those lose who fight against him.” Psalm 112:6-8 NLV

If your heart begins to fear and you feel shaken remember these words: “God has said, “I will never leave you or let you be alone.” 6 So we can say for sure, “The Lord is my Helper. I am not afraid of anything man can do to me.” 7 Remember your leaders who first spoke God’s Word to you. Think of how they lived, and trust God as they did. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:5-8 NLV

Trust God and guard your heart – He is faithful!

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Safely Sheltered

Every generation has had to face tumultuous times. That is a fact. When Jesus lived on the earth the Romans had invaded Israel. Roman soldiers patrolled the streets, the local Jewish officials were subject to Roman law and the citizens owed taxes to Caesar.

Some who were living then thought that the Messiah would come, set up His kingdom and overthrow the Romans. They were looking for an earthly king. They longed for deliverance.

Jesus’ heart ached for them. He said they were like lost sheep, vulnerable and alone. They had wandered far from the safety of the shepherd. All through the Old Testament God, the Father, had the leaders and prophets of Israel instruct the people to follow His word and He would be their God and their refuge in times of trouble. Those in Israel had either forgotten those promises or had ignored them.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets. You stone to death those that God has sent to you. Many, many times I wanted to help your people. I wanted to gather them together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you did not let me.” Matthew 23:37 ERV

Do you see those words “I wanted to gather…But you did not let me”? The Lord desires to protect us and keep us safe. That’s His Father’s heart!

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.” 3  God will save you from hidden dangers  and from deadly diseases. 4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield. 5 You will have nothing to fear at night  and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day.” Psalm 91:1-5 ERV

The words of the Bible aren’t mindless platitudes, a good philosophy or some myth or fairy tale. They are God’s words; they are words of life to all who believe them. They are the words of a loving Father to His children. Jesus was expressing the words of the Father when he spoke over Jerusalem. From the beginning of time God has wanted to protect, guard and deliver His children.

Those same words of protection and safety are God’s words to us for this very day! Take courage and trust the Father.

Thank you Father that under the shadow of Your wings is my place of safety!

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Annoyed by Wrong Actions

A few years ago there was a world situation that really had me upset. I had been fussing about it for several days and my conversation was focused on it. (and right now, I can’t even remember the particulars of it) Anyway, it filled my conversation and my thoughts – I wasn’t praying about it, I was complaining. I had lost my focus and then I came across these verses.

“Don’t get upset about evil people. Don’t be jealous of those who do wrong. 2 They are like grass and other green plants that dry up quickly and then die. 3 So trust in the Lord and do good. Live on your land and be dependable. 4 Enjoy serving the Lord, and he will give you whatever you ask for. 5 Depend on the Lord. Trust in him, and he will help you. 6 He will make it as clear as day that you are right.  Everyone will see that you are being fair. 7 Trust in the Lord and wait quietly for his help. Don’t be angry when people make evil plans and succeed. 8 Don’t become so angry and upset that you, too, want to do evil. 9 The wicked will be destroyed, but those who call to the Lord for help will get the land he promised.” Psalm 37:1-9 ERV

When I read these words I laughed out loud. My first thought was “Lord, I’ve been busted”. Instead of focusing on those who were doing wrong I knew the Lord wanted me to focus on Him. This situation was temporary and it was stealing my joy and my peace.

The instruction was clear. Trust the Lord, depend on Him, wait for God’s help, don’t be angry, be dependable. All of these are positive, righteous actions. The anger and complaining weren’t.

Two words jumped out at me. Be dependable! The people around me, those that composed my world of influence, needed me to be dependable. I needed to let God’s light shine through me so others could see the hope that lives in me.

“God once said, “Let light shine out of the darkness!” And this is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts to let us know that his own divine greatness is seen in the face of Christ. 7 We have this treasure from God, but we are only like clay jars that hold the treasure. This is to show that the amazing power we have is from God, not from us.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 ERV

The Lord reminded me of these verses the other day. Yes, I had been complaining again and my attention was focused on people and not on the Lord. I could enter in with everyone else’s comments and complaints or I could be dependable and be a light for God’s goodness.

Maybe, just maybe, you’ve been there too. Let’s join our lights together as we “trust the Lord and do good”.

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How Much Longer?

Are you beginning to wonder “how long can this go on”? Or perhaps you’re saying “I don’t think I can take much more”, “I just can’t do this any longer”? Well I have good news for you today!

In II Kings, chapters 6 & 7, the king of Syria (Aram) brought his army against the Israelites and they had surrounded Samaria and cut off all the food supply to the city. The situation became so grave that people in the city were eating animal dung and there were even reports of cannibalism. They were in a desparate place – hope was all but gone.

There were four lepers who were outside the city wall and they asked a question: “Why are we sitting here waiting to die? 4 There is no food in Samaria. If we go into the city, we will die there. If we stay here, we will also die. So let’s go to the Aramean camp. If they let us live, we will live. If they kill us, we will just die.” II Kings 7:3-4 ERV

How long will we sit here, until we die? It was time to do something even if it meant that they might die. They couldn’t go into the city because there was famine in the city, if they stayed where they were they would starve to death and if they went to the enemy camp they also faced the possibly of death but they had to do something. So they went.

I’ve faced some difficult situations but none have been this serious, how about you?

When the lepers got to the enemy camp they found that the army had fled and left all of their food, clothing, horses, tents and gold.

“So that evening the four lepers went to the Aramean camp. When they came to the edge of the camp, no one was there! 6 The Lord had caused the Aramean army to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a large army. So the soldiers said to each other, “The king of Israel has hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to come against us.” 7 The Arameans ran away early that evening. They left everything behind. They left their tents, horses, and donkeys and ran for their lives. 8 When these lepers came to where the camp began, they went into one tent. They ate and drank. Then they carried silver, gold, and clothes out of the camp and hid them. Then they came back and entered another tent. They carried things out from this tent and went out and hid them. 9 Then they said to each other, ‘We are doing wrong! Today we have good news, but we are silent. If we wait until the sun comes up, we will be punished. Now let’s go and tell the people who live in the king’s palace.’” II Kings 7:5-9

Through these four lepers, the outcasts of society, God provided for the whole city. They were men in a desperate situation and in that situation they saw God work a miracle for them personally and for their city.

We are told in the Book of Acts that God is no respecter of persons and He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Book of Hebrews). Now I’m not saying that we’re going to go out today and find an enemy camp with horses, clothing, food and gold but I am saying that God will provide. Our desperate situation isn’t desperate to God. He has the answer and is providing a way. One of God’s names is “Provider” and His name is a reflection of His character.

“Abraham named that place ‘The Lord Will Provide.’ And even now people say, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’” Genesis 22:14 CEV

“My God will use his glorious riches to give you everything you need. He will do this through Christ Jesus. 20 Glory to our God and Father forever and ever.” Philippians 4:19-20 ERV

Again, we come back to putting our hope in God. When we trust Him and follow what He calls us to do we will find Him there to help.

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

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Listen With Your Heart

This morning I want to encourage you to listen to God’s leading. As we listen with our heart we will hear His.

One of the biggest questions I am asked about my walk with the Lord is how do I know when God is speaking to me. Answer: It comes from reading God’s word and listening to that small voice on the inside.

I’ve heard it referred to by those who don’t understand that God is talking to them as something that just “dawned on me” or in the terms “I knew I shouldn’t have done that”. Some call it intuition. As followers of Christ, we can and will hear His voice if we listen for it. He will never instruct us to do anything contrary to His word.

As we read the Bible if we come across something we don’t really understand we should ask Him to give us the insight we need to properly apply what we are reading. He wants His word to lead us and guide us. A child cannot obey and follow the instructions of their Father if they don’t understand His words.

God’s desire from the very beginning of time was to walk and talk to us and to tell us what was on His heart. He never changes so that is still His desire today. We just need to take the time to slow down and listen.

“But we speak God’s secret wisdom that has been hidden from everyone until now. God planned this wisdom for our glory. He planned it before the world began. 8 None of the rulers of this world understood this wisdom. If they had understood it, they would not have killed our great and glorious Lord on a cross. 9 But as the Scriptures say, ‘No one has ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’

10 But God has shown us these things through the Spirit. The Spirit knows all things. The Spirit even knows the deep secrets of God. 11 It is like this: No one knows the thoughts that another person has. Only the person’s spirit that lives inside knows those thoughts. It is the same with God. No one knows God’s thoughts except God’s Spirit. 12 We received the Spirit that is from God, not the spirit of the world. We received God’s Spirit so that we can know all that God has given us…15 We who have the Spirit are able to make judgments about all these things. But anyone without the Spirit is not able to make proper judgments about us. 16 As the Scriptures say, ‘Who can know what is on the Lord’s mind? Who is able to give him advice?’ But we have been given Christ’s way of thinking.” I Corinthians 2:6-16 ERV

These verses tell us that God wants us to know His heart. Without the leading of the Holy Spirit we can’t understand God’s word but we aren’t without the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his disciples that the Holy Spirit would come to all men and that He would teach us all things from the Father. One thing we can confidently trust is God doesn’t lie. When He makes a promise like that He keeps it. God doesn’t want His word to be a mystery, He wants us to know His heart.

“I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27 I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:25-27 NLT

I often say it is better to read two or three verses in the Bible and then let those words impact our whole day than to read several chapters and walk away forgetting what we’ve read.

Our part is to listen and obey. The Holy Spirit will make God’s word practical. I’m reminded of it at the grocery store, talking with my friends and visiting with the neighbors. Scripture is applicable in every situation.

Trust the Holy Spirit to give you the understanding you need today! Listen with your heart.

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Feeling Overwhelmed?

About eighteen months ago we repurposed our dining room. Out with the dining table (everyone likes to eat on the patio when they come) and in with the roll-top desk, bookcase, filing cabinet, side table and two wonderful wooden rockers that Dave refinished.

The side table holds a lamp and a charging station. On the bottom shelf we have our books; several translations of the Bible, daily devotionals and our “what I want to read next” stack of books. This is my quiet place; my sit-and-pray, read-n-pray, pray-n-write solace. I have learned that every morning life needs to start here or I, all too quickly, become overwhelmed with life’s daily routine and whatever new crisis that crops up in the world overnight.

Here, before the day really starts, I spend time with my Father. He encourages me, corrects me, strengthens and instructs me. It’s here I pray for family, friends, neighbors, our nation and the world.

Life can be overwhelming, Jesus understands that. He knows we need help and He is here to provide what we need. These are some of Jesus final words to His disciples. He would be arrested in just a matter of hours.

“Jesus answered them, ‘Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.’” John 16:31-33 MSG

The disciples were facing an overwhelming time – the death of their leader and their own persecution. Jesus’ words were trust me, be at peace, cheer up, I’m here and I have conquered the world. The same truth is for us as well. Jesus wanted their focus to change from being overwhelmed by their circumstances to overcoming them.

I make lists when I come to my quiet place – a list with prayer needs and I have a daily to-do list. I pray over both of them. I ask the Lord to provide for those I know who need specific things and I ask for direction on which of my to-do’s need my attention that day. It keeps me focused and on track. I hand the Lord those I love dearly and the situations that could overwhelm and I receive His peace, joy and reassurance.

There’s one place in Psalms that I go to when I am feeling overwhelmed and it always brings me peace.

“O God, listen to my cry!  Hear my prayer! 2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help
 when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. 4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!” Psalm 61:1-4 NLT

When life is overwhelming, run to the One who overcame all its adversity. Find safety and peace with the Rock of Ages.

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Small Beginnings

Last night Dave and I were sitting on the back patio and talking about how things looked when we first moved in here. We love our yard and we have put a lot of sweat equity in the last six years to make it “home”.

One thing that is most amazing is the growth of a mesquite tree out there. In this morning’s picture you can see how big it is now. The little inset shows you how tiny it was when we moved in. The trunk of the tree was no bigger than the diameter of my little finger. It was Dave who said we should leave it and one day it would be a nice shade tree. I, quite frankly, had my doubts.

“Here is another illustration Jesus used: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.’” Matthew 13:31-32 NLT

What these verses and our backyard tree tell me is that we should never under estimate something just because it is small and seems insignificant. Not trees and not people. God has a purpose and design for each one of us.

In God’s kingdom, we will all make an impact on those around us as we allow Him to work in us and through us. God’s Word waters us and that watering causes us to grow and mature. Our lives can provide shade and shelter for those around us. We are all called to do good things for God’s glory.

“God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things he had already planned for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 ERV

God has a plan of good things for us, we should never despise small beginnings!

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Moving Forward

As you probably know by now I like to reminisce. However, I’m not in this alone, am I? That’s why we take pictures or keep a journal. We want to remember special events – weddings, births, graduations, a new car, school or home. The memories remind us of blessings and give us hope for the future.

A couple of days ago I had someone ask me when we moved to this house. Without thinking I quickly replied May 29, 2014. She was surprised but that day holds in my memory because we had prayed and waited for eight years to move from Montana to Arizona. With each month and year that passed the longing to move home grew greater. I won’t forget that day.

We said good bye to friends and started out on our journey. We didn’t get far the first day but we started. It was good to stop and rest – good dinner and a good bed. Moving to a new state, a new home or a new job is much like our walk with Christ.

We aren’t abandoning the old, we’re taking the knowledge and strength that we gained from the past with us as we walk new ground. It’s in these “alone” times when we are without the familiar that we deepen in our relationship with the Father and listen more intently for the voice of the Holy Spirit as He gives us direction.

Forward progress doesn’t always come in great distances covered but more often comes from moment by moment, hour by hour, mile by mile forward movement in developing who we are in Christ. It’s important to stop and rest – to come aside to be refreshed and then to pick up and begin again, faithfully following and moving forward in what the Lord has called us to do.

We were excited about the move to Arizona and we’re glad we came. We were joined on our journey by our son and his girlfriend. They helped with the driving and the unpacking at our new home. We so appreciated that. It’s good to have help with difficult challenges. God has promised to never abandon us or leave us alone. Help is always there when we need it!

So today I leave you with this encouragement from God’s word:

“I don’t mean that I am exactly what God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. That’s what Christ Jesus wants me to do. It is the reason he made me his. 13 Brothers and sisters, I know that I still have a long way to go. But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me. 14 I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven. 15 All of us who have grown to be spiritually mature should think this way too. And if there is any of this that you don’t agree with, God will make it clear to you. 16 But we should continue following the truth we already have.” Philippians 3:12-16 ERV

Keep moving forward – reaching the finish line brings great joy!

Love to you all.

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Are You In?

This morning as I was pouring my first cup of coffee I was struck with the concept of “in”.

Let me explain. I was very glad that the coffee was in my cup and not on the counter. When something is “in” its contained and protected. It is much better to be in a boat and not on it. If we were on the boat it would more than likely be capsized and we would be holding on for dear life.

My imagination took over and I started thinking of other “in” phrases…in the house, in the car, in a plane, in love, in person. I’m sure you are thinking of some phrases yourself. To be in is to be protected, totally surrounded, completely captivated.

Used as an adverb the word in means “expressing movement with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else”.

Enclosed or surrounded by something else.

The New Testament has a lot to say about in.

“They were to look for God. Then they might feel after Him and find Him because He is not far from each one of us. 28 It is in Him that we live and move and keep on living. Some of your own men have written, ‘We are God’s children.’” Acts 17:27-28 NLV

As Christians, we are “in Him”, we are God’s children and we are in the family of God. My, my! In the family of God, we are enclosed and surrounded by the heavenly Father. The coffee that is in my cup can be consumed or poured out and the cup would be empty but when we are in Him nothing can removed us.

“I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, 39 and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 8:38-39 CEV

Nothing can separate us from God’s love because we are in Christ Jesus. I really want you to catch hold of this truth – the truth of in. This is God’s plan for us and He sent Jesus to see that it was accomplished. God, our Father, wants all of us to be in Him.

“When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! 18 All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between himself and us. And God gave us the work of bringing people into peace with him. 19 I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people. 20 So we have been sent to speak for Christ. It is like God is calling to people through us. We speak for Christ when we beg you to be at peace with God. 21 Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could be right with God.” II Corinthians 5:17-21 ERV

Let me ask you this question, are you “in”? When we are in Christ we are right with God, every thing is new and all of our old life is gone. May I give you this instruction? Take time to read through the books of the New Testament that Paul, Peter and John wrote. They were teaching the new Christians about their life in Christ. As you read those books, underline the phrases “in Him” and “in Christ”. Pay attention to those words because this is where we live – in Him, and we are protected by His covering of love.

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7 NKJV

Walk tall – we are part of the “in” crowd!

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Apples of Gold

A lot going on in my life right now. One issue in particular has been life and death – God is so precious and life reigns!

“With his mighty arm the Lord wins victories! The Lord is powerful! 17 And so my life is safe, and I will live to tell what the Lord has done.” Psalm 118:16-17 CEV

As I sit here this morning in my quiet place of refreshing I am reminded of a song we sang in the 70’s. Do you remember the early days of the Jesus movement? New choruses of worship and praise were being written weekly. This is one of my favorites, the focal point is Jesus. Without Jesus, all of our songs are just noise or as the Apostle Paul put it – “a sounding brass and a tingling cymbal”.

Lord, you are more precious than silver. 
Lord, you are more costly than gold. 
Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds 
Nothing I desire compares with you.
Lord, your love is deeper than oceans. 
Lord, your love is wider than seas. 
Lord, your love encompasses the nations. 
Nothing I want more inside of me!

My heart is singing praise to the Father – Nothing I desire compares to Him!

God’s word will bring comfort, healing, strength and joy. We simply need to open the pages of the Bible and read. There on those pages are the words of life. The Almighty, all-loving, heavenly Father speaking to us, His children.

“Let instruction and knowledge mean more to you than silver or the finest gold. 11 Wisdom is worth much more than precious jewels or anything else you desire.” Proverbs 8:10-11CEV

“Saying the right thing at the right time is like a golden apple in a silver setting. 12 Wise advice to a listening ear is like gold earrings or fine jewelry.” Proverbs 25:10-11 ERV

God’s word is the source of all wisdom. In the book of John, Jesus is called the Word. He came to tell us what was on the Father’s heart. Nothing compares to Him!

I live to declare the glory and the goodness of the Lord!

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