Category: God’s Promises

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Waiting…

On Thanksgiving we told our three year-old granddaughter that she and her brother would be coming to our house for the weekend. She was excited. Her brother has come alone on a couple occasions but this would be her first trip without parents. When the day was done and we helped gather up the things our youngest daughter and family would take home from our oldest daughter’s, none of us were giving much thought to the next day when the kids would join us for the ride to our house.

No one except for Kristine.

She isn’t real expressive with words but when her dad lifted her into her car seat she said “Wrong car daddy”. Oh…we hadn’t made it clear that she wouldn’t be coming that night, she had to WAIT one more sleep and we would come for her in the morning. It made my heart hurt.

None of us do well with waiting.

Nowadays we live in an instant, microwave, IM world. Some things are just worth waiting on. As children we waited on Christmas morning; it brought excitement, anticipation and an almost sleepless night. As women we wait expectantly for 9months, 40 weeks – for the birth of a child. Each week, each month there’s a new joy of expectancy; we’re excitedly awaiting the due date.

Then there’s the joy of planning a wedding – deciding on the right dress, the flowers, the venue, the food – registering for gifts, planning the honeymoon – you get the picture – although it’s in the future, there’s joy in the planning.

Guys wait for that first hunting trip of the season, getting the tag, the food, scouting the right spot, the thrill of the hunt, buck fever; or it could be the High School State Football Championship – the weekly games, the playoffs and finally the championship game.

Perhaps it’s the promotion at work, graduation from college or trade school, moving out and getting your own place. It would be silly to think that any of these things could be accomplished without preparation, without the passage of time. Looking at the goal and preparing ourself each step along the way is what makes the end result so successful – so rewarding, so joyful.

“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14

Wait on the Lord!

How many times have I heard someone get upset because they are having to wait for an answer to prayer, I will include myself in that. Let me encourage you with this; as we’re waiting on the Lord let’s prepare ourself to receive His blessings. Don’t be discouraged instead let the anticipation build and don’t grumble. Wait patiently!

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3

Little Kristine is here at Besta and Pappy’s now, without Momma and Daddy, and if you asked her if it was worth the wait I’m sure she’d say yes.

The Lord has so many special blessings planned for our lives. Waiting on Him is a great adventure.

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Needing Direction

Have you ever had that feeling of being lost and alone?

I think GPS devices were probably invented by someone who had been lost or had a loved one who had been. As annoying as that silly voice is, there is some comfort in knowing that someone knows where I am even if I don’t.

Dave and I watched a movie a while back, “Adrift”. It is based on a true story of a couple who are lost at sea. In one particular scene the young woman is using a sextant to plot their location. In desparation she declares that they are so far off their original course that she doubts anyone with find them. Physically they were lost but they were almost emotionally or mentally lost. Alone and afraid.

I think more people experience being lost emotionally than do physically. The inner turmoil that comes from feeling lost in a big world is unnerving and creates fear. There’s a way of thinking that leaves us feeling isolated and alone even when we are in a group of people. Where’s the GPS for that?

Glad you asked.

“With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. 6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.” Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV

We all experience uncharted territory as we go through life but there is One who has gone before and He knows the way and will direct us safely through.

Joshua was a man who had been Moses assistant. He was being groomed to lead the Israelites into the land that God had promised them. Joshua had been there once as a young man but this was new territory. Being the leader of a nomadic nation of over a million people was also new territory. He had many reasons to feel lost and alone but he also had a word from God.

“Then Moses called Joshua. All the Israelites watched while Moses said to Joshua, “Be strong and brave. You will lead these people into the land that the Lord promised to give to their ancestors. You will help the Israelites take that land and divide it among them.  8 The Lord will lead you. He himself is with you. He will not fail you or leave you. Don’t worry. Don’t be afraid!” Deuteronomy 31:7-8 ERV

Don’t worry. Don’t be afraid. Let God lead!

Joshua followed that word and the Israelites were successful in conquering the new land God had given them. The first step into this uncharted territory was the step Joshua took in his heart. He put his confidence in the Lord, not in his own abilities. He trusted God to direct his steps.

What are our uncharted territories? Relationships, career, education, medical, financial, political or maybe a combination of these. We are not alone; we don’t have to have all the answers and in our finite minds we won’t. However, there is One who will guide us through. He will never leave us on our own.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLV

We can take comfort in that!

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Where Do You Hang Your Hat

I got up this morning and headed to the front door to let in the cool morning air and there it was. The hat rack.

Dave made it a couple years ago so we would have a handy place to hang our coats and hats. I love it! There’s room for our big cowboy hats and also smaller hooks for the ball caps that we wear on our walks. It’s always full.

This morning as I opened the door I was reminded of the words of an old expression – not a Scripture, just as expression. “Now that’s something I can hang my hat on”. For those of you who have never heard it let me share the meaning.

When you can “hang your hat on” something it means it’s dependable, reliable, trustworthy and believable. i.e. They’re someone I can hang my hat on, they’ve never let me down.

As we start into November, the month of giving thanks, it’s important to evaluate what we can depend on. Where do we hang our hat?

“Forever, O Lord, Your Word will never change in heaven. 90 You are faithful to all people for all time. You have made the earth, and it stands. 91 They stand today by Your Law, for all things serve You. 92 I would have been lost in my troubles if Your Law had not been my joy. 93 I will never forget Your Word for by it You have given me new life. 94 I am Yours. Save me, for I have looked to Your Law. 95 The sinful wait to destroy me, but I will think about Your Word. 96 I have seen that all things have an end, even if they are perfect, but Your Word is without end.” Psalm 119:89-96 NLV

There is only ONE that I know to be completely faithful and trustworthy, that is God and His word. God’s word is the exact representation of Him in this world. If we want to know how He thinks we read His word. If we desire to see how the Father will act and respond we read His word. When we search for instruction and wisdom we find it all in His word. I am thankful for the infallible Word of God. It has stood the test of time. It will never pass away.

Years ago we used this expression, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it”. However, the real truth is this. God says it and whether we believe it or not it’s settled. God’s Word is always reliable, always true.

Yes, the Word of God is where I hang my hat!

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Broken Plates – Broken Promises

When the garage sale was over there were a few things that needed to be packed away and saved for the next sale. I wrapped them carefully, not wanting them to be damaged before they appeared again.

I was reminded of a couple times when I’ve had to clean up broken plates and even more times when I’ve had to forgive and heal from broken promises.

One time, we had just moved to the Coeur d’Alene area of Idaho from Spokane, WA. I wanted to have an afternoon tea for my friends from Washington, introducing them to my friends in Idaho.

I had made cheesecake, cinnamon rolls, german chocolate cake and prepared cheese and meat trays along with vegetable trays. I set a serving table next to the breakfast bar and had covered it with the lace tablecloth and begun to set out the salad plates, silverware, cups and glasses. All of a sudden, and without warning, the table legs collasped at one end of the table and almost everything slid to the floor!

I was devastated!

The ladies would be arriving within the hour and I had a huge mess to clean up while still making the best presentation I could. I believe it’s important to honor the women in our lives and that’s what this gathering was all about. Making my friends feel special. I was able to get things cleaned up, with the help of one early arriving guest, and we all had a wonderful afternoon.

My next experience with broken plates occurred six and one-half years ago. Dave and our son were unloading the U-Haul that had transported all of our wordly possessions to Arizona from Montana. When we loaded the truck in Montana, I had carefully placed my kitchen dishes on the upper shelf of the van. They were the first things on and they would be the last things off.

What I hadn’t calculated properly was the May 30th temperatures in Arizona. Dave and Koy had worked hard all day carrying boxes and manuevering hand trucks up and down the ramp from the truck to the garage in 100+ degree temperatures. My dishes, the last tubs off, were set on the hand cart and brought down the ramp. The guys were exhausted – the cart slipped, the tubs tumbled and the dishes crashed. Our son was so apologetic, he was crushed!

Broken dishes. I’m just glad there were no broken bones!

I refused to open the tubs until later. Dishes can be replaced; relationships matter most! Accidents are just that and we all have them.

So, as I was packing the glassware that didn’t sell at the garage sale I was careful, but if things break, it’s not the end of the world.

Over the past sixty-seven years I have had broken dishes and broken promises. Things I’ve said with well meaning have not come to pass. I’m ashamed to admit that there have been times that I have made promises I had no intention of keeping and the Lord has forgiven me for that. I have also been made promises that have been broken. As hard as it has been at times I have tried to forgive and not harbor any ill feelings.

I am so grateful that God has never been guilty of breaking His word. No broken promises!

My favorite verse, my life verse, can be found in the book of Numbers. Of all the books in the Bible Numbers is really one of the most dry and uneventful books, its a census, but it holds my favorite verse.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

Remember this and be thankful – God never breaks a promise, never! if necessary, sweep up broken dishes, move past broken dreams and forgive those who break their word.

God forgives us and He is always faithful!

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Things That Go Munch in the Night

There are some mornings, as I sit here writing, I wish you could be with me. That was the case yesterday. I sat in my rocker with words of comfort running through my head when my thoughts were disturbed by the barking dog across the street.

I know I’ve mentioned to you before about the unrest that comes to our neighborhood when javelina, deer and coyote walk the roads in the early morning hours. I tried to ignore the barking and kept writing but it wasn’t long before I put down my laptop, picked up a flashlight and headed out the front door.

Before I got to the courtyard wall I could hear the munching. My cacti had become a middle of the night snack. I turned on the flashlight and peered over the fence. There they were, the javelina. I saw the first one rooting around the base of my newly planted yucca and heard others feasting on the fat, water-rich pads of my prickly pear.

Mind you, it’s three a.m. and I don’t want to yell at them and wake Dave or the neighbors so I kept the light in their eyes and annoyed them enough that they headed on their way. I was really surprised they weren’t more skittish. They were hungry and not easily deterred. Once they meandered off, I came back in and finished writing.

As I went through the day I thought about them again and this Scripture came to mind:

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

Those who hunger and thirst will be filled…

Do I hunger and thirst for the things of God? Am I easily distracted or frightened away from His word? Or do I boldly search the Scriptures for His truth and ignore the distractions that are driving me from feasting on the truth?

“I feel like a stranger visiting here on earth. I need to know your commands. Don’t keep them hidden from me. 20 I constantly feel a hunger to understand your laws.” Psalm 119:19-20 ERV

It’s important that we take time to feed on God’s word. I know that you feel that way too or you wouldn’t be taking the time to read my blog each day. Our physical bodies get hungry and we feed them – sometimes too much but we can never over indulge when we are feeding on God’s word.

“Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry. He who puts his trust in Me will never be thirsty. ” John 6:35 NLV

Take time each day to feed on God’s word. Fix a big sandwich from the Book of John. Enjoy a buffet in the Book of Psalms or feast on a steak-size portion from the Book of Ephesians. It will soon become addictive and you won’t spend a day without feasting on His Word.

Are you hungry? Come and be filled!

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Three Wooden Crosses

I woke up singing – I haven’t heard this song in a very long time but there is was on the tip of my tongue. Waiting for the coffee to finish brewing the lyrics kept running through my mind.

“There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway
Why there’s not four of them, Heaven only knows
I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you
It’s what you leave behind you when you go.” by Randy Travis

A couple of weeks ago while we were in the mountains we had this discussion with our daughter about her upbringing. We talked about the times that Dave and I said no to her and her brother’s request to go on a particular activity. (This happened more than once.) There was really no good reason to say no but we didn’t have a peace about it.

They would plead and nag as only teenagers could but we stood firm. “If we don’t have a peace about it, we won’t say yes. We will pray and if God gives us a “yes” we’ll let you know”. I only remember us changing our decision once. Nothing, that we knew of, ever happened at these events which could have effected our kids negatively and for that we are grateful. But we didn’t have peace.

“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 AMPC

Let the peace of God rule in our hearts. The word rule means to act as the umpire. The umpire in a baseball game is the one standing behind the plate to call balls and strikes. He says what is fair and what is foul. He makes the call of safe or out. That’s what God’s peace does in our hearts.

If there’s no peace, don’t go. If there’s no peace, don’t buy it. If there’s no peace, don’t agree. If there’s no peace, don’t push the door open. Wait for God’s plan! We might be nervous about what God has planned because we have never done “this” before but even so, we will be at peace.

On that same camping trip we were talking about our drive up the mountain. Dave and I pulled off at a rest area and it was packed. It took us off the road longer than we had wanted. We were tempted to complain about the delay until…we went one-half mile further up the road to stand-still traffic and we realized if we had been there sooner we could have been involved in an accident.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:6-7 ERV

I am certainly thankful for the hundreds of times when I’ve known the Lord has kept me from harm’s way but I am even more grateful for the thousands of times that I know He has protected me and I’ve not even seen the danger.

“He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go.” Psalm 91:11 ERV

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Going Through The Gate

The other morning we took a walk. When we left the campground area we had to go through a gate at the start of the trail. There’s a country or ranch tradition that our family is very familiar with – if you go through a gate, close it.

Plain and simple. Gates have a purpose. It’s either to keep someone or something in or to keep someone or something out. Gates are important.

We enjoyed our nature walk. We saw some of the tallest Ponderosa pines I have ever seen. It was a beautiful area; unspoiled nature. I didn’t see anything that needed to be kept behind a gate but the gate was there all the same.

Isn’t that the way it is with life? We don’t always see or know the purpose for something but its there for our protection.

Jesus was telling his disciples a story about some sheep who were being kept in a pen behind a gate. They were safe from outside harm. The disciples didn’t understand the meaning of the story so this was Jesus’ explanation:

“So Jesus said again, “I assure you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All those who came before me were thieves and robbers. The sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will be able to come in and go out. They will find everything they need. 10 A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:7-10 ERV

In the natural, sheep don’t have any common sense. They need a shepherd to protect them and to lead them to good pasture. Jesus had said He was the good shepherd. He was the one to protect and to provide “Everything they need”.

He hasn’t changed! His promises to protect and provide are still valid. Jesus repeated this mission that He had been given by God, the Father, using a variety of examples. He said I AM the gate, the shepherd, the living water, the bread of life, the way, the truth, the life! Not once did He say I am the destroyer, the condemner, the abuser, the neglecter. Never! That’s not who He is.

He has given us so many examples of who He is, if we look for them they will become clearer and clearer.

Today I am glad that He is the gate – He opens and closes to protect me in all I do.

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Crossing Life’s Bridges

Yesterday my daughter and I went for a bike ride at the campground. It’s been a couple years since I’ve been on my bike and so I knew we weren’t going to travel too far and that the road was going to be pretty smooth.

I had forgotten about the bridge.

As we started over the bridge her words of warning rang in my ear, “don’t let your tire get caught between the planks”. I hadn’t even thought about that. I was really just enjoying the ride and taking in as much of the view as I could.

Now there was a warning! There was some element of danger that I needed to avoid. Shortly, we would be crossing that bridge again as we headed back to our campsite. This time I paid more attention as I chose which plank to align with for the crossing.

That old saying “we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it” was going through my mind. Each bridge we cross takes us to new territory, new adventures, new situations. Bridges like graduation, marriage, job placement, a new city, health and retirement. Each one will have challenges and could also have pitfalls. It’s important that we don’t let our tires get caught between the planks.

The image I used for this morning’s blog was a well loved painting that was duplicated and widely circulated in the 1930’s through the 1950’s. It is called “The Guardian” and was painted by an Austrian artist in 1918. There was one just like it that hung in my grandmother’s living room. As a young girl I would sit and look at the painting each time we went to her home. I was intrigued by the colors but more fascinating was the large angel and the way it was protecting the children.

“Because you have made the Lord your safe place, and the Most High the place where you live, 10 nothing will hurt you. No trouble will come near your tent. 11 For He will tell His angels to care for you and keep you in all your ways. 12 They will hold you up in their hands. So your foot will not hit against a stone.” Psalm 91:9-12 NLV

I am so thankful for the Lord’s loving protection. Thankful that I am not left alone when I cross life’s bridges. Thankful that He is there to see that my tires don’t get caught between the planks.

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Sweet Perfume

I was reading a verse that I have taught on numerous times this morning and a greater understanding of that verse jumped off the page.

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ. God uses us to spread his knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 NLV

My oldest granddaughter and I share this verse with just one word – ALWAYS! In the King James version it is translated “always triumph”. And that’s what I have taught on many times but this morning’s focus was on the second half of the verse.

The sweet perfume.

When I read those words I was reminded of Mary, who came in to a dinner where Jesus was enjoying the evening’s repasse with his disciples and Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Lazarus was her brother. She wanted to honor Jesus. He had caused her brother to triumph over death.

In her hands she carried a box of expensive perfume. Mary poured the perfume on Jesus’ feet and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance filled the room. Judas Iscariot protested that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus silenced him and said that her actions were actually preparing him for his burial.

“Jesus answered, “Don’t stop her. It was right for her to save this perfume for today—the day for me to be prepared for burial.” John 12:7 ERV

Mary left that place with the odor of sweet perfume in her hair. I’m sure that when she went to the marketplace the next day, Mary took with her that sweet smell of her worship of the Lord. I’m sure that when asked “what’s that fragrance you are wearing” she told of Jesus and her encounter with Him. She spread the knowledge of relationship with the Lord, the triumph over death.

The sweet smelling perfume!

Another thought that came to mind was the instruction that the Lord gave in the Old Testament about the sacrifices they offered.

“I am building a temple where the Lord my God will be worshiped. Sweet-smelling incense will be burned there, and sacred bread will be offered to him. Worshipers will offer sacrifices to the Lord every morning and evening, every Sabbath, and on the first day of each month, as well as during all our religious festivals. These things will be done for all time, just as the Lord has commanded.” II Chronicles 2:4 CEV

Sweet-smelling incense was a part of the sacrifice offering.

When the Jewish people smelled the incense they knew that sacrifices were being made. Praise and repentance were taking place and the sweet odor from the incense made them aware of what the Lord had done. When their children or foreigners in their midst ask “what’s that sweet smell” they were able to tell of their wonderful God who delivered them from Egypt and helped them defeat their enemies.

I believe that this is what Paul is referring to here as he writes to the Christians in the church at Corinth. When the world sees the victories that we experience in Christ, we always triumph, our praise of God and His power rises like a sweet-smelling perfume. And when people ask “why do you always have such a sweet disposition” “why don’t you worry or fret” we can share the knowledge of God who always causes us to triumph!

Let the sweet smell of God’s love and goodness permeate the atmosphere of your world.

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Pray About Everything

I had the sweetest experience a few days back while I was at the post office. Yes, the post office.

I had gone in to mail a book to a friend, little did I know this was one of those divine appointments. I was being set-up by the Father.

This one particular clerk at the post office always has a smile on her face and she greets everyone with a “good morning mi hija” or “good morning mi hijo”. If you’re not familiar with the terms, they are terms of affection which mean good morning my daughter or my son.

Well…I handed her my package and she gave me the amount that was owed. I pulled three one dollar bills from my wallet and handed them to her. Her response was what made that meeting a “God meeting”. She said, “You are an answer to my prayers”. The dialogue went like this:

“Really”

“Oh yes. I only had three one dollar bills left in my drawer and I told God I needed more.”

“I like being the answer to someone’s prayers. That makes me feel good. I have more ones in my wallet. Would you like to have them also?”

“Please”. and with that I gave her another fifteen one dollar bills. As I was leaving she said, “I’m serious, you are an answer to my prayers. Some people think that’s silly but I really believe I can tell God what I need and He will give me the answer. Today it was you”.

“That’s not silly at all. I believe that way too. I’m so glad you told me I was the answer to your prayer. God is so good!”

Was this something big or miraculous? No. Could anyone have been used to bring this sweet clerk more one dollar bills? Yes. However, I was the one who got to be the answer to her prayer that day and I will have a connection with her in the future.

There are not big and small requests for our Father. Just His children bringing Him the needs of their lives. One day it’s the need for more bills in the till and the next it may be a healing of cancer. Whatever it is, we can be assured that our Father is listening and He is always there to provide the answer.

“Always be full of joy. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t stop the work of the Holy Spirit.” I Thessalonians 5:16-19 ERV

What is on your heart today? Hand it over to the Lord in prayer and then be thankful.

“Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful.” Proverbs 16:3 ERV

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