Category: Peace

Posted on

The Worry Bird

Sometimes I just know what I’m supposed to share the minute I start my morning Bible reading. Today was one of those days. I was reading in three different places and in each of those I found God’s instruction on worry. To be more accurate, I found instruction on not worrying.

When I was a little girl we moved from Yuma; we left dear friends, our church family and our home and moved to a very, very small town in the middle of the desert, Gila Bend. If you pay attention to summer weather reports Gila Bend is often the hottest place in the nation. That’s where Dad had a job and so that’s where we went.

The people at church gave us a send off and someone gave my mother a worry bird. It looked just like the one I used here this morning. According to all rational thinking Mom had good reason to worry. She was moving with her family to a very small, hot and dusty town where she knew no one. There wasn’t even a real grocery store in the town. Maybe you can identify with what she was going through.

Our lives can be filled with so many worrisome thoughts. There are financial, health, home, children, grandchildren, career and even spiritual worries. Some of us don’t think we are being good parents or grandparents if we aren’t worrying. However, when we allow worry to permeate our thinking it keeps God’s word from working.

“Others are like the seed planted among the thorny weeds. They hear the teaching, 19 but their lives become full of other things: the worries of this life, the love of money, and everything else they want. This keeps the teaching from growing, and it does not produce a crop in their lives.” Mark 4:18-19 ERV

We don’t want to lose our confidence and trust in God’s promises. Worry is on the opposite end of the spectrum from faith. Worry is the belief that worse may happen and faith is trusting that God’s best will come to pass.

“So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are? 27 You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.” Matthew 6:25-27 ERV

It doesn’t get much plainer than that. Jesus was instructing his disciples and a multitude of people on how God wanted them to live. He knew they had a tendency to worry and so He addressed it. Don’t worry. We are more precious to God than the birds and He provides for them, so He will provide for us. He goes on to say:

“Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:31-33 ERV

How do we displace worrisome thoughts when they come? We keep focused on God’s word and follow His instruction. Remember what I said a few days ago? God always keeps His promises. So, each time a menacing thought comes we give it to Him.

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

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

Each time we give an anxious thought over to the Lord and trust Him to handle it we gain spiritual strength. Its like exercising our faith muscle. Lift the worry, hand it off, lift the worry, hand it off. Repeat. Repetition builds muscle, spiritual repetition builds faith and trust.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

Be conscience of the object lesson that Jesus gave us. Each time we see a bird it should make us happy. God’s love for us is so much greater than it is for them. Since He provides for their needs, He will provide for ours!

“And my God will give you everything you need because of His great riches in Christ Jesus. ” Philippians 4:19 NLV

Don’t be a worry bird!

Posted on

Power Failure at Christmas

Do you remember those scenes from the Christmas movies when the man of the house had worked so hard at putting up the Christmas lights and when he plugged them in nothing happened?

Or worse yet, the lights came on for just a moment and then they tripped a circuit breaker. All that effort, all that work but not enough power to display it. We had a tripped circuit breaker at our house the other night. Not from too many lights; it was caused because there was too much power demand made on too small a circuit. It could have been easily averted if the cord had been plugged into another outlet with a greater capacity.

Many of us live our Christian lives in a similar scenario. We have the desire to be a witness for the Lord. We want to share His love with those around us and live the kind of life that reflects the Lord but the effort is all ours. We aren’t depending on God. We are plugged into the circuit of our own power when we should be utilizing the Lord’s power.

“As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. 32 “For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?
33 God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect. 34 He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places.” II Samuel 22:31-34 NKJV

As Christians we are all witnesses. The question is what kind of witness are we? When we are operating in our own power we have a tendency to burn out. When we allow God to energize our lives we take on a new glow and allow His godliness to shine through us.

“God once said, “Let light shine out of the darkness!”[a 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. 8 We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. 9 We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.” II Corinthians 4:6-9 ERV

The important thing to remember is we must depend on His amazing power and not our own. When things get difficult…and they will, when life greets us with unexpected hardship, devastatingly disastrous events and serious setbacks if we are plugged into that amazing power of God we won’t quit.

“For this reason, I ask you to keep using the gift God gave you. It came to you when I laid my hands on you and prayed that God would use you. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind. 8 Do not be ashamed to tell others about what our Lord said” II Timothy 1:6-8a NLV

When we go through those difficult times I mentioned above and we keep an attitude of joy and stay in a place of peace those around us will notice and eventually they will want to know why we weren’t destroyed in the face of difficulty. Our actions will reveal the source of our strength. God’s light within us will come shining through.

The power that lit the sky on that first Christmas night is the power that has been made available to us. In fact, heaven is still singing of God’s power.

“I looked again. I heard the voices of many thousands of angels. They stood around the throne and around the four living beings and the leaders. 12 They said with a loud voice, “The Lamb Who was killed has the right to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and shining-greatness (glory) and thanks.”

13 Then I heard every living thing in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea and all that are in them. They were saying, “Thanks and honor and shining-greatness (glory) and all power are to the One Who sits on the throne and to the Lamb forever.” Revelation 5:11-13 NLV

Let’s join with the angels’ chorus and sing praise to the Lamb of God, who sits on heaven’s throne. Let’s thank Him for the power He has given us.

“Jesus said to them, “You don’t need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls. 8 But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.” 9 After Jesus had said this and while they were watching, he was taken up into a cloud. They could not see him” Acts 1:7-9 CEV

Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have heard on high
Singing sweetly o’er the plains:
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Come to Bethlehem, and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav’nly song?
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

See him in a manger laid
Whom the choirs of angels praise
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid
While our hearts in love we raise
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

The best way I know to operate at full power is to praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow!

Posted on

O Christmas Tree

Each morning I sit here with my Bible and my coffee, looking at the Christmas tree adorned with angels and tiny lights. I love it!

I think the thing that is most striking about this tree is there are no gifts beneath it and that gives me a real sense of peace, joy and contentment.

There were years when our children were younger and having no presents caused me heartache. I shed many tears wondering how the Lord was going to provide because we had no money for gifts. Frankly, we had very little money for food so it would have been foolish to think of trying to buy Christmas presents.

But this year is different. This year, and the last number of years, there has been a true contentment in celebrating the season with loving hearts and devotion. Yes, we have given gifts to the ones we love and we have received in kind. But the greater joy has come in thanking God for the many blessings He has abundantly given. Our lives are so filled with His love and provision that there is no wanting or needing anything more. Yes, the word is contentment.

With contentment comes peace. True heart-felt peace. The kind of peace that says all is well; no worries, anxiety or stress. The Bible refers to it as peace that by-passes our understanding. Peace that anchors us in every situation. It doesn’t mean that there is an absence of difficulty or problems, rather that there is a confidence in God that means all is well.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you…1 11 I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. 13 Christ gives me the strength to face anything…19 I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus!” Philippians 4:6-19 CEV

I remember a little chorus that I sang in Sunday School when I was just a girl. “What can I give Jesus, I want to do my part. What can I give Jesus, the love of all my heart. My hands and feet and money too; My praises and my song. I give them all to Jesus for all to Him belong.” The greatest gift we can give is the gift of our heart.

I know many of you have found your true contentment in Christ and have been living this way for years but perhaps there is someone you know who is struggling with the lack of peace and joy this Christmas because there aren’t any presents under the tree. I hope you will share with them what the Lord has taught you about trusting Him and the peace that brings.

In the last few lines of the Christmas Carol, O Christmas Tree, we are admonished to learn to trust in God. I hope you have found that lasting and abiding trust.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer’s here,
But also when ’tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can’st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can’st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can’st give me.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There’s only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! !”


Posted on

Living With Purpose

So many people spend a great deal of time searching for their purpose in life. The movie “It’s A Wonderful Life” comes to mine. George Bailey, Jimmy Stewart, gets to see how the lives of those he loves would have been drastically changed if he hadn’t been around.

About thirty years back,  society became aware of a new condition,  the mid-life crisis. People were disillusioned, ending marriages, acting irrationally, searching for their purpose. I wish I could say that Christians aren’t effected by such behavior but we are. Everyone wants to know why we’re here and how our lives can make a difference. 

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ERV

There are so many in the Bible who thought they really had no purpose – Esther, a young Jewish girl ended up saving her people from annihilation. Gideon, a fearful farmer, defeated a vast army with only 300 hundred men. A young boy had Jesus use his sack lunch to feed a multitude. 

Shepherds, possibly feeling they were unappreciated and unacceptable to society, were given the responsibility of spreading the news that the Messiah had been born. Joseph was just a carpenter but he was called to bring up Jesus in a loving home. Mary, a young girl, dreaming of her marriage to a carpenter was asked to be the mother of God’s Son.

Jesus, God’s Son, was asked to give up heaven so that He could bring salvation to all mankind. 

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world. He did not send him to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 ERV 

Each one was willing to live a life of purpose. They all had to trust God, overcome obstacles and self-doubt to fulfill the plan God had for them.  We too, have a call of God on our lives. 

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.

19 What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. 20 We were sent to speak for Christ, and God is begging you to listen to our message. We speak for Christ and sincerely ask you to make peace with God. 21 Christ never sinned! But God treated him as a sinner, so that Christ could make us acceptable to God.” II Corinthians 5:17-21 CEV

Our purpose is almost identical to the one the shepherds received. We have been given the work of sharing God’s message of peace with those around us.  I’m so thankful that someone shared that message with me and that I can now share it with you. 

I have a song to share with you this morning that may be unknown to many but the story is one of purpose. I believe it was written by Barbara Mandrell, I know she is the one who recorded it. 

Born to Die

Shepherds gaze in wonder
While angel voices sing
This night of nights has come
And brought the world the long-awaited King

The earth is filled with gladness
And yet the heavens weep
For heaven’s eyes can see
He was born to die for me

Jesus
Baby Jesus
Is that a tear in your eye
Jesus
Baby Jesus
You must know you were born to die

It must have broken God’s heart
For the future He could see
Yet He formed His hands and feet
Knowing one day they’d be nailed to a tree

So all the world could know it
A gift came from above
For God so loved the world
That He gave His only Son

Jesus
Baby Jesus
With a tear of love in your eye
Jesus
Baby Jesus
You knew you were born to die

Father, thank you for giving me a purpose. Thank you that my life is important enough that you sent Jesus to bring me salvation!

Posted on

Three Days of Christmas

We are in Yuma visiting with my Mom for a few days. Yesterday I asked her what Christmas traditions they had when she was a child. She’s 95 and so I wanted to know what Christmas was like in 1920- 1930’s on a farm in rural Iowa.

Mom doesn’t really remember a Christmas tree although she is sure that some years they had one. Gifts were useful items, mostly clothes, that her mother had made. She told me that they didn’t need toys; they made their own entertainment. There was always a tree to climb, a game of tag to play and even though she was scared of horses, she remembers that one year there was a new pony. 

What is most prominent in her memory are the three days of Christmas. 

Christmas Eve they would go to my grandmother’s parents home. The grandparents would have a small gift for the grandchildren but it was more about being together, celebrating the birth of Christ and sharing the day’s meals with those you love (aunts, uncles, cousins).

Christmas Day was spent at home with just the immediate family. My Mom’s  grandparents would come occasionally if they didn’t have out-of-town guests. My grandmother fixed a Christmas dinner and my grandfather always prayed thanking God for the wonderful gift of His Son and the other blessings that they received throughout the year. 

The third day of Christmas was December 26. They would go from their small town of Hardy to Eagle Grove, a distance of 17 miles, to spend the day with my grandfather’s father, the uncles and their families.

Mom said the thing she remember most about that day was the smell.  She said you could smell the dinner as soon as you got out of the car. 

Lutefisk. 

A traditional Scandinavian meal. She admits that she never liked it. It didn’t have a fragrant aroma, quite the opposite, and the taste was questionable but it’s what Norwegian families ate. Lutefisk is dried white fish that has been soaked for days in a solution of water and lye, then rubbed with salt and steamed before eating. The other part of the meal was boiled sticky rice. She liked that. A big plate was covered with white rice leaving a crevice in the center which was filled with butter and sprinkled with  cinnamon and sugar. 

But the best part of the day was spending it with family. She loved her grandfather, a man who had been widowed since her father was young. A very loving, distinguished looking man. They got to play with their cousins who they didn’t see often enough throughout the year. 

The three days of Christmas. Having family and friends close. Gifts weren’t important, love was! Christ was the focus of their celebration. 

According to my Mom, Dave and I have been celebrating our own days of Christmas. Early in the month we spent time with Kim and Austin in their home; last week we were with Koy and Kym at their home in California; this past weekend we had Kaci, Stephen and little grandkids at our home. Now we are here with Mom, my sister and her family. 

The days of Christmas – filled with love, family, good food, a few gifts and the celebration of Christ’s birth. 

I know I used this verse yesterday but the depth of this one Scripture overwhelms me.

“For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to His rule and His peace, upon the throne of David and over his nation. He will build it to last and keep it strong with what is right and fair and good from that time and forever. The work of the Lord of All will do this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 NLV

Everything we need, Jesus is! All things wonderful, all instruction and knowledge, all power, an all loving, protective, providing Father and constant peace are wrapped in one gift! There is no end to His rule. We have been given the gift of God’s dear Son! There is nothing greater.

It came upon a midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, goodwill to men,
From heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats
O’er all the weary world;
Above its sad and lowly plains,
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds
The blessèd angels sing.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife
The world has suffered long;
Beneath the angel-strain have rolled
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not
The love-song which they bring;
O hush the noise, ye men of strife,
And hear the angels sing.

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing!

Enjoy your days of Christmas, they may be many or few. Keep your heart focused on the angels song of peace  and rest in the gift of God’s love.

Posted on

Naughty or Nice

We’re only a week away from the day that the world celebrates the birthday of Jesus!

I still have quiet a bit of baking to do and a few more presents to finish but I’m not feeling rushed or pressured. I am simply enjoying the reason for the season; the gift of life that God gave us all over 2000 years ago. 

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler.
His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father  and Prince of Peace. 7 His power will never end; peace will last forever. He will rule David’s kingdom
and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and justice. The Lord All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done.” Isaiah 9:6-7 CEV

There is such peace when we have a true relationship with Jesus. For years I didn’t have that. I thought that I was the one responsible for getting God to love me, I had to be good enough for Him to bless me. I guess I had the same impression of God that many do of Santa – was I going to be on the naughty list or the nice list. I had a real struggle. 

Maybe that’s why I so enjoy the celebration of Christmas now. The struggle is over. I have learned that God’s love for me is unconditional. I don’t have to work to earn it; I just need to accept what He has done for me and say “thank you”. 

“May you have loving-favor and peace from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Let us honor and thank the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has already given us a taste of what heaven is like. 4 Even before the world was made, God chose us for Himself because of His love. He planned that we should be holy and without blame as He sees us. 5 God already planned to have us as His own children. This was done by Jesus Christ. In His plan God wanted this done.” Ephesians 1:2-5 NLV

God chose each and everyone of us to be His. He has showered His love on us and He when He looks at us He sees us as blameless because of what Christ has done for us. It’s not our efforts or actions that qualify us for the Nice List; it’s the actions of Christ. 

“By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live at peace with God. 2 Christ has also introduced us to God’s undeserved kindness on which we take our stand. So we are happy, as we look forward to sharing in the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2 CEV

We’ve been made acceptable; we can live in peace; happiness is ours because of what Christ has done! 

Let’s celebrate!  It’s the Birthday of a King!

In the little village of Bethlehem
There lay a child one day
And the sky was bright
With a holy light
O’er the place where Jesus lay.

Alleluia
O how the angels sang!
Alleluia
How it rang!
And the sky was bright
With a holy light
‘Twas the birthday of a King.

Humble birthplace
But O
How much God gave to us that day!
From the manger bed what a path has led
What a perfect holy way.

Alleluia
O how the angels sang!
Alleluia
How it rang!
And the sky was bright
With a Holy light
‘Twas the birthday of a King

God gave us a gift of new life; He gave us the gift of His Son. Alleluia!

Posted on

And All Was Silent

I got up earlier than normal this morning. I checked on the grandkids; gave hugs and kisses, said another round of prayers and restarted the “white noise” station on Pandora. 

Everyone was cuddled in and I came to the living room to read and have my prayer time. The house was, and still is, silent. I love this time when the world, my home, is blanketed with stillness…

I had thoughts of laying down on the couch and going back to sleep. It was so peaceful but all I could think of was God – how great is His love, how vast is His goodness, how personal are His thoughts toward me. (deep sigh) So, I leaned back and snuggled into His presence. I felt dwarfed by the quiet but was completely comfortable in my awareness of the Father’s companionship. 

Quiet.

That’s what I experience in His presence – quiet. I began to search the Scriptures for verses on “quiet”. What I found was  quiet is equated with lack of conflict, turmoil or war. 

“But you have a son who is a man of peace. I will give your son a time of peace. His enemies around him will not bother him. His name is Solomon. And I will give Israel peace and quiet during the time that he is king. 10 Solomon will build a temple for my name. He will be my son, and I will be his Father. I will make his kingdom strong, and someone from his family will rule Israel forever!’” I Chronicles 22:9-10 ERV

“But he who listens to me will live free from danger, and he will rest easy from the fear of what is sinful.” Proverbs 1:33 NLV    or

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33 NKJV

“The work of being right and good will give peace. From the right and good work will come quiet trust forever. 18 Then my people will live in a place of peace, in safe homes, and in quiet resting places. ” Isaiah 32:17-18 NLV

And one more…

“Do your best to live a quiet life. Learn to do your own work well. We told you about this before. 12 By doing this, you will be respected by those who are not Christians. Then you will not be in need and others will not have to help you.” I Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLV

Praise God for the quiet. In the quietness there is rest for the soul…

And then there was the abrupt intrusion into this time of silence, the coffee pot beeped to let me know that it was going to automatically shut off. I had to chuckle. 

There could only be one carol that I would share with you while I’m enjoying this silence. It’s one everyone knows but I hope you will take the time to read all the words.

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

[Verse 2]
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born

[Verse 3]
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

The Father speaks to us in the quiet. If we listen, we can hear His words of love and grace and His word will free us from turmoil and unrest.

Posted on

Let Love Rain

I’m using a play on words this morning; let love rain. I know it should be “reign” and not “rain” but the change in spelling makes a point. 

Here in the desert we don’t have the snow scenes that you experience in the northern areas of the country. When we lived in the northwest it was great fun to hike out through the snow and cut our own Christmas trees; build snowmen and sledding runs; and even go on horse drawn sleigh rides. For a few days, a few days…the snow was fun and if I’m perfectly honest I do miss it from time to time. 

But the other morning when Dave and I were on a walk  after a nice soft winter rain, the day was glorious. The temperature was crisp, the sun was shining brightly, the desert grasses glistened with the previous days moisture, and the air was crystal clear. We both remarked what a beautiful day it was – this is why we live here!  We have the beauty of nature and no snow to shovel.

Now how does this relate to rain and reign? The winter rains we experience in the desert are gentle, soft and soothing. Isn’t that what we all need this time of year? We need things to be soothing, soft and kind. 

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits. 8 Love will never end.” I Corinthians 13:4-8 ERV

During the Christmas season we seem to be more loving, accepting, gentle and forgiving. Maybe it’s because the season reminds us of how gracious God is to us. He doesn’t coerce or demand; He doesn’t ridicule or criticize. God, in His loving manner, welcomes us with open arms and He never gives up on us. Like a soft rain soaking in to the harden soil, God’s love soaks through even the hardest hearts to bring the message of forgiveness. He never loses hope and He never gives up on us.

It is important to have love reign as well as rain. When love reigns it means that it has set itself up as the ruling authority. Like a king establishes his rule throughout the land, love, when it reigns in our hearts, establishes its authority and dictates our actions. There is nothing greater than love. 

“Be careful. Hold firmly to your faith. Have courage and be strong. 14 Do everything in love.” I Corinthians 16: 13-14 ERV

My desire is to  shower folks with love. Each day I try to look for opportunities to be a godly example. Years ago I heard a song recorded by Barbara Mandrell, One Night a Year. She’s one of my favorite country artists and this song became an anthem in my heart. I hope you enjoy it.  (you can listen to it by clicking on the song title)

One Night A Year

Once again the windows shine with pretty lights
Once again our loved ones gather at our sight
Busy crowds of strangers greet each other with a smile
There’s Christmas in the eyes of every child

Once again the presents are resting by the tree
Once again we worship the One who came for you and me
I hear choirs of voices as they’re singing out His name
Again we tell the story of how the Christ Child came

One night a year we believe in peace on earth
One night a year we praise our Saviour’s birth
I wish every night the whole year through could be like Christmas Eve
When love’s pure light is shining everywhere, one night a year

Once again around the world heads are bowed in prayer
Once again the promise of peace is in the air
But soon will come the morning and the feeling will be past
And I can’t help but wonder why the feeling only lasts

One night a year we believe in peace on earth
One night a year we praise our Saviour’s birth
I wish every night the whole year through could be like Christmas Eve
When love’s pure light is shining everywhere, one night a year

One night a year we believe in peace on earth
One night a year we praise our Saviour’s birth
I wish every night the whole year through could be like Christmas Eve
When love’s pure light is shining everywhere, one night a year

One night a year

Let’s join together and let love rain more than just one night a year!

Posted on

Rest, Sweet Rest

Last night I told Dave that I was tired and just wanted to sleep in this morning. I said I wasn’t sure that I would get up to write the blog. He laughed and said, “Honey, there has never been a morning that you haven’t gotten up early. You’ll write the blog.

Ok, so he was right and I was up earlier this morning than I have been in a while. I hoping to be like this little puppy later today and just lay down for a bit and rest.

One of the things I have learned from years of constantly being on the go is the Lord takes no delight in us being exhausted and weary. Burn out is not God’s plan!  Let me encourage you to rest.

I found sound instruction in Psalm 23 this morning.

“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. 2 He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. 3 He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.” Psalm 23:1-3 ERV

The Lord knows that we need rest. He didn’t design our bodies or our minds to be constantly on the go. We need to have our strength renewed and restored. He invites us to lie down and rest.  He’s a gracious, loving Shepherd and He watches over us attentatively.

When we’re tired we lose focus, our concentration decreases and we can even weaken our health. However, when we wait, cease from labor, our strength with be restored.

“He helps tired people be strong. He gives power to those without it.
30 Young men get tired and need to rest. Even young boys stumble and fall.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired.” Isaiah 40:29-31 ERV

The word trust in verse 31 can also be translated “wait”. Trusting the Lord is a form of waiting. Trusting means to expect, look for, hope in and rely on. There is waiting attached to each and every one of those words. When we are weary there is a place of rest that never disappoints. 

“Come to Me, all of you who work and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. 29 Follow My teachings and learn from Me. I am gentle and do not have pride. You will have rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NLV

God’s Word gives us instruction on how to live and keep things in proper order. It promises us rest. Jesus’ life was filled with constant activity. He walked from town to town, ministered to people daily, and resolved interpersonal conflicts. This is what He did when he needed to be strengthened and rest.

“Then Jesus made the followers get into the boat. He told them to go to the other side of the lake. He said he would come later. He stayed there to tell everyone they could go home. 23 After Jesus said goodbye to the people, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. It was late, and he was there alone.” Matthew 14:22-23 ERV

“ Very early the next morning, Jesus got up and went to a place where he could be alone and pray.” Mark 1:35 CEV

“But the news about Jesus spread more and more. Many people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 Jesus often went away to other places to be alone so that he could pray.” Luke 5:15-16 ERV

Jesus committed himself to prayer and there He found rest. He took time to be alone.

I enjoy doing those word search puzzles. So I am going to give you some letters and ask you to find the hidden word. You can only use each letter once. Here they are.  T-S-E-S-R-S.  What word did you find?

If you found the word STRESS, you can’t have rest. But if you chose the word REST you won’t have stress. Just saying!

Take a day and enjoy some time of rest.

Posted on

Elections Don’t Change God

Across the country I’m sure there were some who stayed up for late night election results. But that’s really not much different from what it has been for the last few elections.

I wrote this six years ago, the day after the elections then. Somehow I think it is very appropriate for today.

Based on last night’s election some feel they don’t have much to be thankful for this morning and some are elated. Some want to dance in the streets while others feel like punching something or someone. And others may have to wait days to know the final outcome in those races that are too close to call.

Now, more than ever, it’s time to let God’s word have final say. “In everything give thanks”, it doesn’t say “for” everything give thanks but in everything.

Not thankful for the circumstance or the situation but thankful because God is STILL in control. Read these words that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica.

“We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who will not work. Encourage those who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other and for all people.

16 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. 20 Don’t treat prophecy like something that is not important. 21 But test everything. Keep what is good, 22 and stay away from everything that is evil.

23 We pray that God himself, the God of peace, will make you pure—belonging only to him. We pray that your whole self—spirit, soul, and body—will be kept safe and be blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. 24 The one who chose you will do that for you. You can trust him.” I Thessalonians 5:14-24

As long as there are imperfect men and women running for office there will be imperfect people who will win those offices. There is One who knows the beginning from the end. He is the God of peace and we are instructed to never stop praying.

Here is one more instruction from Paul to us who are believers. This is an admonition, not just for the day after election, but it should be a daily responsibility.

“First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need. And give thanks. 2 You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him.” II Timothy 2:1-2 ERV

I love the last line of the chapter in Thessalonians.  “You can trust Him” and so I will!

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress