Tag: TrustInTheLord

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Good Courage

None of us know what this year of 2025 has in store. There will be challenges, I’m sure of that. There will also be great blessings, I am also sure of that.

“ Praise the Lord because he is good! His faithful love will last forever!” Psalm 118:1 ERV

“Tell the Lord how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful.” Psalm 118:1 CEV

Same verse, different translations but the meaning is clear. We are to be thankful because God is always good; His love lasts forever.

So many times throughout the Bible God gives this instruction. Fear not – and it’s often followed by these words, “Be of good courage”.

Good courage. This is courage in God’s ability and not in our own. When we are trusting in His goodness we can face any situation with courage. This is the instruction Joshua received from Moses shortly before Moses died. Joshua had been selected as his successor in leading the Israelites into the promised land.

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

7 Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it.” Deuteronomy 31:6-7 NKJV

Be strong – in faith. Knowing God’s word gives us that strength. We can trust Him, knowing He will keep His word. God doesn’t lie.

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

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would 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 your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV (written by King David)

Both of these men faced some of life’s biggest obstacles and greatest challenges. God promised them His goodness and His strength. The promise made in Deuteronomy is used in Hebrews also.

“ Keep your lives free from the love of money. Be happy with what you have. God has said, “I will never leave you or let you be alone.” Hebrews 13:5 NLV

We have a tendency to look at the financial economy of our lives instead of the spiritual. The writer of Hebrews wanted us to see that instead of putting our confidence in money we should be placing it in the One who has promised to never leave us or abandon us.

“ Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. 33 But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 7:31-33 CEV

Now that’s good courage!

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Like A Child

Several weeks ago, our oldest granddaughter started a family text page. She wanted to send pictures of their daughters to all of us at the same time. I love that!

We get pictures of our four-year-old and our 3-month-old great granddaughters. It’s wonderful. Often the pictures show the girls with their parents holding them or playing with them. We can almost hear the giggles as we see the smiles.

The girls are content. They are happy. They trust mom and dad. This is the picture that came to mind as I read these verses in Psalms this morning.

“I am not conceited, Lord, and I don’t waste my time on impossible schemes. 2 But I have learned to feel safe and satisfied, like a young child in its mother’s arms. 3 People of Israel, you must trust the Lord now and forever.” Psalm 131 CEV

Oh my. Three short verses but so much wisdom.

Don’t waste time on impossible schemes. Yes, I’ve done that regretfully. Thinking surely this time I have the right idea or am following the right lead, ignoring the uneasiness in the pit of my stomach and moving forward without asking the Lord for direction. Been there, done that, don’t recommend it at all.

Feel safe and satisfied, like a young child. Those images we have been receiving picture this perfectly. Contentment, safety, security, peace and joy. Safe in my Father’s arms. I remember holding one of our granddaughters as I visited with her mom. She was squirming, trying to snuggle in, fighting sleep. And then there was a deep sigh, her body relaxed and rest came. Safe and satisfied. That’s how the Father wants us to be – dependent on Him.

Trust the Lord now and forever. When we trust the Lord, it isn’t a momentary thing. It’s a lifetime experience. These words were written by King David. The young boy who fought the giant and won. The king who ruled Israel. He made mistakes, many of them are recorded in the Bible for us. He’s also the one who wrote Psalm 23, “the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”. Those words came from a heart filled with trust.

As we start this New Year, I hear the Lord telling me to trust! “Like a child, Father I come to sit safely in Your arms, allowing You to lead and direct the concerns and challenges of my life. I trust You!”

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Preparing for the Journey

It’s chilly this morning. I have the heater on, a hot cup of coffee at my side and I’m wrapped in my comfy fleece blanket. It’s a cozy way to start the day.

That being said, my thoughts turned to Mary. I know there are differing opinions on the time of year when Christ was actually born but Mary’s preparation would still be the same. The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was approximately 100 miles. Traveling by foot, aided by a donkey, the trip would have taken several days.

“ So Joseph had to leave Nazareth in Galilee and go to Bethlehem in Judea. Long ago Bethlehem had been King David’s hometown, and Joseph went there because he was from David’s family.

5 Mary was engaged to Joseph and traveled with him to Bethlehem. She was soon going to have a baby,” Luke 2:4-5 CEV

Preparations had to be made before embarking on such a journey. There was bedding to gather and pack, food to prepare, clothing for the baby and personal hygiene items. Much thought had to be put into these preparations.

How many days would they stay? What would be their immediate needs when the baby was born? Where would they sleep? How would they prepare for the customary presentation of a new child to the priests?

So much to consider.

I did just a little Biblical research to see what type of food they might take for the journey. I found this in the Old Testament. It seems these foods were common when traveling.

” …brought food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen, abundant supplies of flour, cakes of figs and raisins, wine, [olive] oil, oxen, and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.” I Chronicles 12:40 CEV

Bread, raisin cakes, wine, oil and roasted meat. Mary had a lot to do. Was she weary at the end of the day, even hormonal? Did she question if she should even be going on this trip? Did she remember the angel’s words, “You have been chosen by God”? Did she remember the words of the psalmist?

“Our Lord, you keep your word and do everything you say. 14 When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. 15 Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right,
you provide them with food. 16 By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live. 17 Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, 18 and you are near to everyone
whose prayers are sincere.” Psalm 145:13-18

Instead of being overwhelmed I believe Mary continued to trust God and take Him at his word. She was carrying the Messiah, the Savior of the world, and God would provide all she needed.

When we are overwhelmed, anxious because of all that needs to be done, worried about the unknown, we can trust the Lord. “Everything you do is kind and thoughtful”.

Preparing for this journey called life – not knowing what the days ahead hold, we can have confidence to know that Immanuel, God with us, has not left us to travel the road alone!

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Hard Decisions

I’d like to pose a question. What would you do if your fiancé came to you and told you she was pregnant, and you knew it wasn’t your child?

This is the dilemma Joseph faced.

In Jewish society of that day this was a man’s worst nightmare. To continue with the marriage plans was societal death. To separate himself from her was emotional heartache. What to do?

“The birth of Jesus Christ was like this: Mary His mother had been promised in marriage to Joseph. Before they were married, it was learned that she was to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph was her promised husband. He was a good man and did not want to make it hard for Mary in front of people. He thought it would be good to break the promised marriage without people knowing it. 20 While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She is to become a mother by the Holy Spirit. 21 A Son will be born to her. You will give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from the punishment of their sins.”

22 This happened as the Lord said it would happen through the early preacher. 23 He said, “The young woman, who has never had a man, will give birth to a Son. They will give Him the name Immanuel. This means God with us.” 24 Joseph awoke from his sleep. He did what the angel of the Lord told him to do. He took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have her, as a husband has a wife, until she gave birth to a Son. Joseph gave Him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25 NLV

A good man.

One other translation describes Joseph like this: “kind man,” or “man who always did the right thing.”

This had to be weighing heavily on his mind. I’m sure he had asked himself the question, “What am I going to do?” Did he seek the counsel of his own father or his closest friend? We don’t know. What we do know is that God sent his ministering angel to guide Joseph in this life-altering decision.

Mary was the mother of Jesus, but God didn’t abandon her in her hour of greatest need. No, He prepared the heart of Joseph to join in this advent-ure with her. It was important that they raise Jesus together. Teaching Him to love the Lord His God with all His heart, soul, mind and strength.

” That’s why a man will leave his own father and mother. He marries a woman, and the two of them become like one person.” Genesis 2:24 CEV

Taking Mary as his wife and raising Jesus as his own son would not be an easy course. His business was probably boycotted because of the impropriety of their situation. There would be whispers and lost friendships, the critical stares as they walk the streets of their town.

Hard decisions to make? Let the words of the prophet Isaiah be your guide.

“So you will go out from there with joy. You will be led out in peace.” Isaiah 55:12 ERV

Just like Joseph who was wondering what he should do, let God guide you with peace. A life with Christ isn’t always an easy one; it will be challenging. However, nothing will be more rewarding than following His plan.

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A Sincere Question

Today we look at another person in the Christmas story who had a question to ask, Mary.

Setting the scene, Mary is a young girl, probably early teens, who was about her normal daily routine. When…

“ Six months after Elizabeth knew she was to become a mother, Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth. Nazareth was a town in the country of Galilee. 27 He went to a woman who had never had a man. Her name was Mary. She was promised in marriage to a man named Joseph. Joseph was of the family of David. 28 The angel came to her and said, “You are honored very much. You are a favored woman. The Lord is with you. *You are chosen from among many women.”

29 When she saw the angel, she was troubled at his words. She thought about what had been said. 30 The angel said to her, “Mary, do not be afraid. You have found favor with God. 31 See! You are to become a mother and have a Son. You are to give Him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the place where His early father David sat. 33 He will be King over the family of Jacob forever and His nation will have no end.”

34 Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen? I have never had a man.” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you. The power of the Most High will cover you. The holy Child you give birth to will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:26-35 NLV

There’s the question. “How will this happen?”

Very similar to the question Zacharias asked but with a world of difference. It was a matter of the heart. His question was one of unbelief, but her question was one of sincerity. She wanted to please God. She had kept His promises, she had kept herself pure.

When the angel answered her question her response was as pure as her question.

“ For God can do all things.” 38Then Mary said, “I am willing to be used of the Lord. Let it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel went away from her.” Luke 1:38 NLV

Her mind must have been racing once the angel left. More questions. How do I tell my parents, my fiancé, my friends? Will they believe me? Our customs say that the town religious leaders could have me stoned. I could be banned from my parents’ home. Joseph could be ridiculed by the town!

But her resolve remained strong – I am willing to be used by God.

Have you ever had a situation where you knew God was calling you to do something that the people who were close to you probably wouldn’t understand? You could lose friends, family and your reputation.

When questions arise remember this, “God can do all things”. He won’t abandon or fail you. When you follow His lead, you will never be deserted.

Ask your sincere questions and then say I am willing. It will be the most amazing adventure of your life.

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The Questions

If you’ve ever started out on a major adventure you know there are questions, lots of questions.

The circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ were no different. The next couple of days we are going to look at a few of those.

Our first question comes from Zacharias, the father of the baby who would grow to be John the Baptist.

It was a normal day at work in the Temple. He was going about his priestly duties of burning incense with the daily offerings when an angel appeared to him.

“ Zacharias was doing his work as a religious leader for God. 9 The religious leaders were given certain kinds of work to do. Zacharias was chosen to go to the house of God to burn special perfume. ” Luke 1:8-9 NLV

Just another regular day at the office until the angel appeared.

“Zacharias, do not be afraid. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to a son. You are to name him John. 14 You will be glad and have much joy.” vs 13-14 NLV

Since both he and Elizabeth were very old, (his words not mine), and had never conceived, Zacharias questioned the angel.

“ Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I know this for sure? I am old and my wife is old also.” 19 The angel said to him, “My name is Gabriel. I stand near God. He sent me to talk to you and bring to you this good news. 20 See! You will not be able to talk until the day this happens. It is because you did not believe my words. What I said will happen at the right time.” vs 18-20 NLV

It wasn’t the question that bothered the angel, it was the unbelief that the question was wrapped in. Here was a priest, a man of God, who knew the prophesy that Isaiah spoke over 400 years before about a man who would precede the Messiah, preparing the way for the Messiah’s ministry and he doubted God’s messenger.

Please note that the doubting, the unbelief, didn’t stop the message or the miracle that the angel came to deliver. God sent Gabriel to deliver good news and he did.

Zacharias had to watch the miracle unfold in silence. Do you think that was too harsh a consequence for him to endure? King Solomon said this about the words we speak.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 NLV

God’s word is powerful. It changes circumstances, brings miracles, creates worlds, and gives new life. Zacharias got to be part of the adventure that was unfolding, he just needed to experience it in silence.

God doesn’t mind our questions, in fact, He tells us to come to Him and ask. But when we ask, we should always ask in faith.

Tomorrow we will look at a similar question to the one Zacharias asked but it was asked in faith.

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428 – The Unexpected

Yesterday was an adventure – truly in every sense of the word it was an adventure.

We had been planning a “Christmas Tree Cutting” outing with our oldest daughter and son-in-love for several months. This was something we did quite often when the kids were younger but the last time the four of us had been together cutting a tree was in 1994. 30 years ago, way too long.

As my daughter said, this was Christmas tree cutting without the down coats, snow boots, gloves and caps. We could have gone in t-shirts, and it would have been just fine. Started like all road trips should, with donuts.

A ninety-minute drive and hearts were merry and light. We headed to a location that none of us had ever been to before. We had a map, although it was not very useful, that was to lead us to the cutting areas. Finally, we found a road that was clearly marked on the map and set out to find the best Christmas tree ever.

Wrong!

We were on a dusty, rocky, bumpy, (did I say rocky), forest service road. We stopped once to get off the trail and look for a tree in the more wooded areas but there were none to be found. Back in the truck and on the road AGAIN. Our moods were far from jovial. We had no cell service so we could not determine how much longer we would be on this “wonderful adventure”.

Making it back to the highway, finally, we stopped for lunch. Our conversation was guarded. We were all thinking we should just go home. This was a bad idea. But our spirits lifted, and we decided to ask the waiter at the pie shop if he knew where we could cut a Christmas tree. He said he would find out. He came back and said, “you go up the road here and take forest service road 428”. We didn’t even let him finish, we all laughed. That’s where we just were!

That laughter was like taking a spoonful of much needed medicine.

“ Happiness is good medicine, but sorrow is a disease.” Proverbs 17:22 ERV

What could have been a ruined trip now returned to the fun adventure we had hoped for.

Back in the truck and down the road we went. Let’s take one more side road before we head down the hill for home. We turned off at a road that went past several campgrounds and would loop around to the highway. Eyes peeled for any side road that might have trees…and there it was.

We found several trees that would do but the two we cut were the best. Not perfect, but good. As we got them back to the truck I looked down and saw a rusty old horseshoe on the ground. Our daughter took it home with her. It was the perfect ending to a rocky start.

“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. ” II Corinthians 4:8 ERV

I know this may seem like a silly and insignificant story but to the four of us it will be something we will always remember – our time on Road 428.

Whatever you face, simple or complex, don’t give up!

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Smile on Me

Well, not that I’ve gotten your attention with that silly smiling horse let me explain the thoughts that came to me this morning.

Yesterday I explained to you that my life “in a nutshell” is a love for God’s word and the practical direction it gives me for daily life. Decisions are easier when I trust God to lead me with peace. Worries are less as I roll the cares of life over on the Father. Fear dissipates as I know that He has promised to never leave me or abandon me, even in the valley of the shadow of death.

My future is secure because I know that for me to live is Christ but to die is gain as I join my heavenly Father in heaven.

His word brings me joy, strength, forgiveness, grace, mercy and provides for all my earthly and heavenly needs.

And then this morning, I found this verse, that I know I have read 100’s of times before but it jumped off the page and into my heart.

“ Smile on me, your servant, and teach me your laws.” Psalm 119:35 CEV

But chapter 119 of Psalms, the longest chapter in the Bible, highlights a love of God’s word and the benefits of reading and obeying it in 176 verses. It really is my theme chapter.

“Your teachings are wonderful, and I respect them all. 130 Understanding your word brings light to the minds of ordinary people. 131 I honestly want to know everything you teach.
132 Think about me and be kind, just as you are to everyone who loves your name. 133 Keep your promise and don’t let me stumble or let sin control my life. 134 Protect me from abuse, so I can obey your laws. 135 Smile on me, your servant, and teach me your laws. 136 When anyone disobeys you, my eyes overflow with tears. 137 Our Lord, you always do right, and your decisions are fair. 138 All your teachings are true and trustworthy. 139 It upsets me greatly when my enemies neglect your teachings. 140 Your word to me, your servant, is like pure gold; I treasure what you say. 141 Everyone calls me a nobody, but I remember your laws. 142 You will always do right, and your teachings are true. 143 I am in deep distress, but I love your teachings. 144 Your rules are always fair. Help me to understand them and live.” Psalm 119:129-144 CEV

For those who think the Bible is just “the good book” but don’t really take the time to read it I encourage them to pray this short prayer. “Lord, I want Your Bible to come alive for me. I want to learn from you. Teach me Your Ways. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

That honest, simple, heart-felt prayer will be the beginning of a wonderful adventure discovering the personal message from God to you. Then you will see why the psalmist says “Your word to me, your servant, is like pure gold; I treasure what you say. “

Remember this:

“Then we will never turn away. Put new life into us, and we will worship you. 19 Lord God All-Powerful, make us strong again! Smile on us and save us.” Psalm 80:18-19 CEV

I can see the Father smiling on us now.

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Grateful for Growth

A few weeks ago, I planted four large flowerpots at the front of our offices with petunias. I love gardening and these flowers have such bright colors. They make me smile.

Now each morning before I go inside, I stop at each pot and “dead head” the blooms. They need to be pruned so that new buds can continue to produce. They are an example of daily living to me.

“ Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. He also trims every branch that produces fruit to prepare it to produce even more. 3 You have already been prepared to produce more fruit by the teaching I have given you. 4Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you. No branch can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. It is the same with you. You cannot produce fruit alone. You must stay joined to me.

5 “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything. 6 If you don’t stay joined to me, you will be like a branch that has been thrown out and has dried up. All the dead branches like that are gathered up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 Stay joined together with me, and follow my teachings. If you do this, you can ask for anything you want, and it will be given to you. 8 Show that you are my followers by producing much fruit. This will bring honor to my Father.”

9 “I have loved you as the Father has loved me. Now continue in my love. 10 I have obeyed my Father’s commands, and he continues to love me. In the same way, if you obey my commands, I will continue to love you. 11 I have told you these things so that you can have the true happiness that I have. I want you to be completely happy. 12 This is what I command you: Love each other as I have loved you. ” John 15: 1-12 ERV

Do you see how many times in these few verses Jesus repeats “stay joined to me”? Go back and read it again and let it sink in.

Stay Joined to Me!

When we are joined to Him, we produce beautiful blossoms just like on the petunias. Our fruit, love for one another, brings beauty into the world and brings joy into our lives. There are things that need to be pruned so that we continue to grow in a healthy way.

Stay Joined to Me!

Jesus isn’t separating from us. In fact, we have His promise in Hebrews that He will NEVER, no, NEVER leave us or abandon us.

“Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say,

‘The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:5-6 AMP

We don’t have to be greedy and selfish when we are joined to Him. The vine supplies all we need for a good and healthy and prosperous life.

Never under any circumstances will He desert, abandon, forsake or let us down! Never!

What does your day have in store? There may be a little pruning but it’s for our benefit.

Stay Joined to Him because He’ll never let us down and we can say the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

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Living Free

Last night as I was falling off to sleep a memory came to mind. I knew I would share it with you this morning.

Many years ago, I read a book by a man who built his business on honesty and integrity, even when it cost him financially. Once he gave his word he kept it, even though it might affect his bottom line.

He became very successful and was known for his philanthropy. He wasn’t given to worry; he lived a life of faith. When asked how he avoided the worry that consumes so many he told of his worry box.

He had a box on his desk and when something was worrisome, he would pray over it, write down on paper and put it in the box. Once a week he would open the box and remove the items that had been resolved and leave any others there. He refused to worry; he chose to trust. Worry never solved anything.

“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. 34 So don’t worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries.” Matthew 6:33-34 ERV

When I searched for an image to use with this blog, I found there is a whole cottage industry out there now making worry boxes. That says a lot about our society. So many caught up in the cares of life. The world needs a worry box – God has given us one.

“All you people who are thirsty, come! Here is water for you to drink. Don’t worry if you have no money. Come, eat and drink until you are full! You don’t need money. The milk and wine are free. 2 Why waste your money on something that is not real food? Why should you work for something that does not really satisfy you? Listen closely to me and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the food that satisfies your soul. 3 Listen closely to what I say. Listen to me so that you will live. I will make an agreement with you that will last forever. It will be an agreement you can trust, like the one I made with David— a promise to love him and be loyal to him forever.” Isaiah 55:1-3 ERV

The Lord’s promise to love and provide is more than enough for any worry we can put in a box. He is more than able to handle any situation that we face, the key is to trust Him and let Him handle it.

I am so thankful for God’s wonderful promises. I can reply on Him. God’s got this!

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