Category: Prayer

Posted on in Apologetics, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom

Preparing for Persecution

I woke up thinking about a solemn topic yesterday, Christian martyrdom. I have been praying and thinking about the several international cities in flames due to riots. These dangerous situations are mostly politically and religiously motivated, yet they are nothing new. Persecution and violence happen every year around the world. While American Christians are sometimes mocked, we generally are not hunted down and attacked!

John Bunyan, the Puritanical preacher who wrote Pilgrim’s Progress, was imprisoned for preaching God’s word without “permission” for about twelve years! In fact, most of his writings were done while he was locked up! Similarly, I was recently reminded of the 21 Coptic Christians beheaded for their faith by ISIS members in 2015. And, I often think of Christians being killed in Africa or the those imprisoned and tortured in the underground churches in Asia… not to mention those in the Middle East.

So, one of the first thoughts in my mind yesterday was this: If a gun or ax was held to my head and I was asked to deny my faith, what would my reaction be? I pray that I would stand firm for Jesus, but it is easy to cave into fear. It makes me a little sick to think about the possibility. Hopefully, it will never happen and I am not trying to be dramatic… But in any case, I like to visualize what I would do and work through it well in advance. As I read Revelation, monitor the news, and pray for our upcoming elections, I know now is the time to prepare.

Generally, my focus is to write about God’s abundant grace in my life and show how He is making lemonade from all the chaos life brings. But when push comes to shove, every moment and decision counts. How I use my time and words each day matters.

Do I scroll on social media or do I read about heroes of the faith? Do I yell at Lydia to do the dishes, or do I talk with her about godly priorities? Do I pray for what I want, or do I persevere in prayer for the persecuted brothers and sisters around the world?

Last week, I had a conversation about reading the Bible. It seemed the people I was talking with had known God for quite awhile but were relatively new to reading the Bible, or at least they were not very proficient. One person said she was content with one simple Bible verse on a plaque that she received as a gift years ago. She did not want to move past that one simple verse, so I challenged her to find similar verses in the Bible to give her better understanding! Read the history, read the Psalms, read the Gospels, read the epistles, just read!!

We cannot survive on random Bible verses. How can we expect to know God or stand in our faith when trials come? We must dig deeper to find Truth, as one day, our very lives might depend on it. As we spend time with God in the Bible, the Holy Spirit will teach us and help us grow in faith. And, He will bring those verses to mind when we need them.

Jesus is the soon returning King; knowing Him personally, through prayer and reading His Word is vital. That is the only way we won’t be deceived in the future. Presently, we also can speak up on important topics, be kind and generous to those who need it, and exercise our right to vote for God-honoring policies and freedoms. Imagine if American Christians would actually vote in each election!

Ultimately, I know I don’t have to worry. I must take each day as it comes but look toward for the future. While I can’t always plan ahead, I am not helpless. Jesus is my Victory! The best thing I can do is to stay close to Jesus, reading His word, pouring out my heart to Him, and listening for His Voice. He is faithful to care for me and all my concerns! He is my hiding place!

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God, thank You for being my Protector. Help me stand firm in my faith and represent You well. Give me wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: When trials come, how do you handle them? Do whine and complain about the difficulty, or do resolve to never give up? Do you back down and cower in fear, or do you boldly rise up and move forward with Jesus?

Task: Check out this website and pray for the persecuted Church around the world!

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer

Pampering and Peace

On Monday, I was off for Columbus Day. It is the only holiday of they year that I have off  from work, but Lydia does not have off from school. So it has become a day to pamper myself a bit!

I slept in since Lydia was actually at a Congress event in Bismarck. I ate a good breakfast, exercised, and went to the chiropractor. After that, I went home to work on some continuing education before going to get a massage. In the afternoon, I went to a friend’s house to help her move some items ahead of a major house renovation. We saved the heavy furniture for others to do!

About six weeks ago at church, I had asked for prayer for my hip. At the time, the chiropractor gave me some exercises for my hip flexors, muscles deep inside the area. But, they didn’t make much of a difference and I gave her the update on Monday. The pain is more on the outside of my hip and thigh.

With the new insights, my chiropractor explained my IT band and TFL are likely irritated and inflamed. This area has caused hip pain on and off since I was a teenager playing soccer. In college, I would run and have pain for a few days, as well. Over the years, I suppose I have just gotten used to it! Perhaps it is related to general tightness, but now that other areas are resolving, I am realizing that my hip is also due to be healed.

Yes, praise God, I have learned a lot about myself in the last three years: Just by changing to minimalist shoes, my body is moving better. I’ve had many physical improvements as a result. I am not willing to stay in pain if I can help it! Noticing more about my body gave me hope and a surge of bravery leading me through my MARPE journey.

Anyway, my chiropractor gave me a few exercises and tips to decrease the pain and inflammation. She encouraged heat, stretching, and continuing to work with the various tools I have. It felt really good to have a strategy, confirmation of all I have been doing. I explained this to my massage therapist who was also able to work on that left hip area and release some of the fascia. It is still sore but I hope to keep making progress with heat, fascia work, and gentle massage on my own. My massage therapist also encouraged me to do some more self-care techniques at home. I felt so supported by both ladies!

As it was, during my massage, I thought about my mom who would be celebrating her 70th birthday tomorrow. She had such horrible pain over the years, even though she pushed through it with grit and sheer determination. Mom was always learning, trying new things, and doing her best. I know she is cheering me on.

My motivation is to deal with these issues head-on because I want to prevent them from getting worse, leading to a poor outcome some day. This body is the only one I have, a temple of God, and I want to take care of it the best I can. Then, I can serve others more joyfully!

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God, thanks for Your rest, peace, grace, and healing. Help me take good care of myself and my body so I can continue serving others joyfully. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you ever go to the chiropractor for an adjustment or get a massage? What is your favorite way to pamper yourself?

Task: Take a few minutes to assess your physical body. Notice any aches or pains and how they may be hindering you from living a full life. Then, see what you can do about it. You personally working on your body is even better than a rehab specialist doing it for you!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, MARPE/Orthodontics, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Prayer

Kindness and Gratitude

I have a lot going on in my heart this week. Mostly gratitude, and a little exhaustion, but I am also in awe as I watch God move on my behalf.

Lydia was sick from Friday to Monday and I had to miss some work on those days. I was glad I could take time off and that my team could cover for me. She is feeling somewhat better now and has some medications which are helping her make it through the school day! Thanks, Lord, for taking good care of us both!

I haven’t been feeling the greatest over the last week either. Not one particular issue other than not sleeping well. I am mostly just feeling a little depleted. In part, I think it is related to subtle seasonal shifts. As the weather changes and the days get shorter, it takes a toll on our bodies! I have been trying to go to bed early and get up early do my normal routine. God has been faithful to infuse me with His strength and energy!

This is a busy time of year at work and school anyway. So, maybe I am just anticipating the craziness before it comes. Like I have said before, just adding one activity can throw off my routine… and this week there are several extras. They are all good things, but just add up. God, help me prioritize my time and show Your goodness to others.

On Saturday, when Lydia was sick and I was on-call, my coworker texted to check on Lydia and see if I needed help with work. I was able to take care of the patient, but that kindness meant a lot.

On Sunday, I took Lydia to the walk-in clinic and CVS for meds. I tried to get ahead for the week though I was tired, too. It is a challenge to relax when there is more that needs to be done. But, the Lord is good and faithful to help me!

Because I only worked half the day on Monday so I could be with Lydia, I was able to quickly mow the lawn knowing I wouldn’t be available the rest of the week. It was as if the Lord overrode my schedule and helped me make the best of the situation.

Yesterday, Lydia and I both had dentist appointments. Mine was a little surprising! With my MARPE, I have been extra diligent to Waterpik, brush, floss, etc. Still, the lady cleaning my teeth noticed some staining in back. She did not not let me feel embarrassed and assured me this was by no means the worse she’d ever seen. She did a very good job of removing the stains and recommend I avoid my colored mouthwash since one of the ingredients could be the culprit! She was kind, gracious, and professional. That stands out to me. I don’t love having people work in my mouth, but I hope I get her again next time!

Lately, I’ve been taking a few moments to assess how I am doing physically and emotionally. I am not sick, just not 100%, and I am trying to find little ways to rest and feel my best. This season is difficult, but I knew it would be. I’ve noticed that a little kindness and gratitude go a long way, and God is sustaining me. So, while my body is a little depleted, my heart is full.

Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Thank You, Jesus!

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God, thanks for taking such good care of me! When I am running low on energy, You are my strength and joy. When I need more time, You take care of my schedule. Help me do my best so You receive the glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: When you want to rest but still need to get things done, how do you handle the stress? Do you find it easy to rest in the Lord, or do you battle it out and struggle on your own?

Task: Review your to-do list and remove whatever is not needed today. Remember to pray and trust God, but also breathe, drink some water, stretch, and go to bed on time. Lean on the Lord, and He will sustain you!

Posted on in Apologetics, Fruit, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom

Don’t Let Your Love Grow Cold

A man once asked me, which is worse, ignorance or apathy? I told him, “I don’t know, and I don’t care.” (Get it?!) 😉

According to dictionary.com, apathy is defined as, the “absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.” Or, the “lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.”

Spiritual apathy is a risky place to be. I have found myself there from time to time. It’s good to be challenged, but prolonged unpredictability and discomfort can deplete us. And, with the state of the world, that is, crazy politics, controversial religious issues, and evil around every corner, it is easy to stop caring and focus instead on ourselves. But, we cannot let our love grow cold.

There are many things in our lives that can lead to spiritual apathy. Here are four.

First, apathy can be a byproduct of unconfessed sin or feelings of guilt. Sin and guilt can lead us to separate ourselves from God. We feel judged or condemned, and eventually may not care to draw near to God due to bitterness or resentment. He is holy, just and righteous, but also full of love, mercy and grace. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and selfishness, but He never shames us. Read Romans 5:1-11 and then ask for the forgiveness (available only through Jesus) and be reconciled to God!

Second, we grow apathetic when we compare ourselves with others. We notice our lack and see how it stacks up with someone else’s skills or abundance. Remember, we are all uniquely made and individually called. Ephesians 2:10 says that we are God’s masterpiece, and He created us for good works long before we ever came to be (my summary). He doesn’t make junk!

Third, we may be dealing with defeat, discouragement, or disappointment in God. Maybe He didn’t do what you thought He should and you feel let down. Well, I understand, but in my experience, the issue is that my faulty expectations of God do not match the actual reality of His sovereignty. He is in full control, even when we don’t like it or don’t understand.

As my dad says, “We don’t have to have all the answers to walk by faith.” So, rest assured, if the Father calls you His child, He will take care of you. Bring all your hurts, questions, and doubts to Jesus. He can handle them and give you peace, if you let Him!

And fourth, apathy can be related to exhaustion or burnout from doing too much. This may include saying yes to too many things, or saying yes to the wrong things. If you are “Still Trying To Run the Entire Solar System,” it’s no wonder you are dealing with STRESS. Indeed, exhaustion comes in several forms: spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, social, creative, and sensory. When your tank is empty, at least one of them needs to be addressed! Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith has some good resources on rest and restoration here. Let the Holy Spirit guide you to the giving your best yes.

Finally, we must guard against apathy and let the Lord replenish us. I will talk more about that next week, but for now, take some time to reflect on how well you are loving others. If you “just don’t care,” consider that a sign that you need to take a break and come to Jesus!

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Heavenly Father, thanks that we don’t have to be in control of our lives. Instead, we can rest in knowing You are sovereign and will lead us where we need to be. Help us wait on Your timing and stay in step with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How do you recognize apathy in your life? What has made you turn the corner toward caring again?

Task: Take this free quiz to help you identify where you need to rest.

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Quiet Confidence and Great Joy

When I was thinking of today’s blog post, I thought, “This is the calm before the storm.” Lydia starts high school this week, and I was thinking ahead about how crazy the school year can feel sometimes.

Beyond that, Lydia and I have already each committed to an extra activity outside work and school. For me, work is always a little bit of a wild card, so I anticipate that won’t slow down either.

Indeed, for the last three years or so, I have purposely held off on overcommitting to have margin and avoid feeling overwhelmed. I wanted to make sure I was available to help Lydia get through middle school.

Still, it struck me that school is not a storm to hunker down and get through. It is a normal part of life, and we are doing fairly well at the moment. Just as the Lord has been with us thus far, so He will be faithful still.

I am reminded of Isaiah 30:15 (NLT), in part, which says, “In quietness and confidence is your strength.” Now, the rest of that verse in context is pretty intense! It challenges the people of Judah: they did not listen to God’s prophets or turn their hearts to Him, so they deserved His punishment. It is a worthwhile verse to consider, but that’s not my focus here today!

Instead, I want to focus on that key part and also include a verse from Nehemiah 8:10. Quiet confidence, expectant hope, and great joy come from God’s Almighty strength. The word quiet makes me think of calmness, but also of sitting still, not trying to busybody my way through a challenge. Confidence in the Lord is trusting that He is enough and can accomplish what needs to be done. Joy comes from His steady presence amidst our trials. It is not about performance or perfection, but resting in the finished work of Jesus!

This school year, our strength and endurance will come from the Lord. I already know we will need His help to get through it. It would be foolish to think we can do it all on our own, or in our own strength. History shows… I need to prioritize coming to Jesus daily to get His input and help… resting in His finished work and His unspeakable joy.

Last night, we went to the back-to-school night at the High School. We spent almost two hours walking around the large school! Lydia is both excited and a little nervous. I reminded her the Lord is with her, and of Isaiah 26:3 (NIV), which states, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” Thankfully, we have both been there for a few of her previous school activities.

Lydia is looking forward to more extracurricular opportunities. She is quite capable, but I am encouraging her to pace herself! Though if she needs to learn a lesson about signing up for “too much,” I’d rather have it happen sooner rather than later. The stakes only go up from here!

So, if you think of us, we’d appreciate your prayers for a smooth transition. We know there will be some bumps along the way, but God is good. With quiet confidence and great joy, we can rest in His unfailing love and strength.

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Heavenly Father, thanks for this new season! Thanks for walking with us, guiding us, and protecting us. Help us to keep our eyes and hearts focused steadily on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What are you looking forward to this next season? What are you saying yes and no to right now?

Task: When signing up for a new activity or commitment, weigh out the decision before the Lord. If you have peace and a good attitude, it’s probably a good thing to do. If you feel dread or are doing it to please someone, it might be better to say no!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Fruit, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Prayer

Finding Grace #543

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This week was FULL of God’s grace! 

On Sunday, after church, we met some dear friends for coffee. We had fun catching up! Then, Lydia and I had a relaxing afternoon before family Zoom.

Work was very busy, finishing off a full month of patients, meetings, and so on. But I know I was right where I needed to be. I helped several patients who were really special. I enjoyed a potluck with my coworkers and helped solve some minor problems. I also finally got my full-time status officially approved. I have been working FT since March, but there were a few glitches, so I wasn’t getting paid properly. It’s all good now, and I will get some backpay. I am grateful my manager and supervisors are such great advocates for me!!

This week, I connected with a newly widowed, single mom. We texted and chatted on the phone, hoping to meet in person soon. She has a ten-year-old girl, and we have a lot of similarities in our stories. It made me think of my other friend, Amy, who was a godsend when Dave first died. I hope to be a good resource for her, with Jesus’ help and grace!

Lydia and I had several good mom-daughter moments. I am so proud of the decisions she is making, mostly on her own. She is learning to listen for the Lord and follow His voice. We had a lot of good laughs and some deep conversations. I am so grateful for her!

This week, we had a lot of prayers going up for various friends and family. I could sense God moving in and around me. There’s no better place to be! As a side note, I prayerfully postponed some upcoming plans, and immediately, God showed me He has better plans for me during that time. He is so good!

Today, we went to a small flower farm outside Moorhead. Then, we did some thrift shopping and dropped off a huge bag of puzzles for some friends at church. They were so surprised! Then, Lydia went to help a friend with a fundraiser, and I did some cooking at home. It was a great start to August, my birthday month!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Prayer

Finding Grace #540

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This week was full of activity but also full of God’s grace! We had a variety of activities each night. Some were planned, and some were spontaneous.

Work was wildly busy, which is about what I expected. I had a full schedule of planned patients, but I also needed to work on some projects and return some phone calls. It felt good to connect well with the Veterans and know God was helping me every step of the way.

On Monday, Lydia went to the county fair with friends. That night, I also had my monthly book club meeting. We had a great time discussing our book and sharing more about our lives! I have already started our next book!

On Tuesday, after work, Lydia had her third driving lesson. I prayed quite a bit because it was on the highway during a busy time. God came through for us, like He always does!

Wednesday night, I dropped off Lydia to watch a friend’s softball game. Then, I ran some errands. She got a ride home, which is good because I was deep into organizing around the house!

I mowed the lawn on Thursday, since the rest of the week would be hot. Lydia went to a sleepover with her friends, so I had the evening to myself otherwise!

Yesterday and today were a mix of organizing and relaxing. I ran some errands, did Saturday things, and watched a movie with Lydia. A good way to end a busy week!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Personality, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Parenting and Proverbs 3:5-6

The last several months have been great with Lydia. It is fun to see her spread her wings with her friends and make decisions apart from me. I have coached her through some challenges and at times bankrolled her, but it is good to see her thriving. And it has made me lean on the Lord even more!

Yesterday, Lydia had her third official driving lesson with her teacher! She has been doing well so far; however, I was a little nervous. You see, I had heard the teacher was taking Lydia on the highway for this lesson.

I have had Lydia driving on both I-29 and I-94 a handful of times, but not during Fargo’s “rush hour.” Obviously, the traffic is nothing like that in Chicago or Atlanta, but it can still be quite fast and busy. There are some crazy drivers at times!

So, over the last week, I had been praying that God would keep Lydia safe. After all, He loves Lydia even more than I do. And, when I saw it might rain, I asked my coworker, Natalie, to pray as well!

On Sunday, I took Lydia out for a quick highway lesson. We practiced merging onto the highway and exiting. I reminded her to be aware of her surroundings and to get up to speed as soon as she could. Then, yesterday, before I left for work, I coached Lydia to speak up if she was in over her head. She is typically pretty calm, but I wanted to remind her she had a voice.

I also reminded Lydia to have a snack before she walked to the school to meet the driving teacher. She admitted she was a little nervous, but I kept my own thoughts to myself! Now, I still deal with fear from time to time, but I am aware and working on giving it to God. I don’t want my fear or concerns to negatively influence Lydia.

All day, while Lydia waited to drive, I prayed during my work breaks. I had read Proverbs 3:5-6 that morning, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (ESV)

I tried not to worry or overthink it, while praying that the teacher would have wisdom and that Lydia would have confidence. The weather forecast predicted rain, but I asked God to hold it off.

And you know what? He did! Lydia did a great job, and traffic was backed up due to road construction, which helped people drive more slowly in those sections. Even the teacher was surprised that they spent more time sitting in traffic, even though it normally flows quickly. However, he told Lydia she did well and passed the lesson.

Lydia texted me on her walk home, and I heard thunder just as she made it into our yard. Less than a minute after she walked inside the door, the rain let loose. It poured on and off for the rest of the night, and I praised God for answering my prayers!

When we trust God with all our hearts, we acknowledge He is in control as we submit our plans, thoughts, and feelings to Him. We remember His love for us and rest in Him, as we let God work on our behalf and do for us what we cannot. Thanks, Lord Jesus!

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God, thanks so much for protecting Lydia yesterday. Our Victory is in You! Thanks for covering us with Your mercy and grace. You are so good and faithful, Lord. Help us trust You more and more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: How are you trusting God this week?

Task: As 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Prayer

Insurance and Assurance

Yesterday, I only worked a half day since I have to work four hours on Saturday (Juneteenth holiday weekend). We all take one holiday, so this one is mine!

I left work and met someone at church to discuss some ministry options. We are discussing where my skills and gifts might be most useful. I pulled out some old teaching materials so we can possibly revise them for a new opportunity. It will be fun to see how it turns out!

Then, I went to my insurance agent to review my coverage options. It has been on my mind for quite some time, and I finally decided to do something about it. I am glad I did. I met with a new person, and she was helpful, not pushy. I needed to update some of my policies, and it was good to review them.

I prayed for wisdom before I went, and I had peace when I left. I praised God afterward, saying, “Jesus, thanks for helping me with those policies, though You are my real insurance.”

One of the tasks I still need to complete is getting a new appraisal for some jewelry. I have Dave’s wedding ring, my wedding set, and an heirloom ring. It has been years since they were assessed, so I wanted to make sure they were on target.

I made a few calls and was able to take the rings to a local jewelry store. I walked in with the documents I had and had a good conversation with the team there. I’ll know more soon, and then send that information to the insurance company. I also decided to have the heirloom ring adjusted to my size so I can wear it more comfortably.

Before that, though, I made copies of the documents and reviewed the receipts. Dave was always so organized, and I smiled at all he bought me during our short time together. And while some of the items don’t need to be insured, it made me feel special all over again!

Of course, this also reminded me of how much God values me. We are made in His image (Genesis 1:27). We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Nothing on Earth can compare to the riches of His grace!

It is good to review insurance policies from time to time so you have enough coverage in case something bad happens. But Jesus is our main source of protection and provision. He covers us with His mercy and grace, in both the bad times and the good! In fact, he has a hedge of protection around those of us who belong to Him.

Romans 8:28, NIV, says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose since He only has good things in store for us. He is faithful and trustworthy. Thank You, Jesus!

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God, thanks for all the ways You take care of me. You are my everything and all I need. Help me rely solely on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: When was the last time you updated your insurance policies? Do you have peace of mind, or do you need to make some changes?

Task: If you have had a major life change or have not thought about insurance in a while, this is your reminder to take care of things! It is important to take advantage before it is potentially too late. Regardless, you can have full assurance by trusting in Jesus Christ. No matter what happens in this life, He has you covered!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Personality, Prayer, Wisdom

Priceless

I was reading in Acts 19 recently, which talks about the Apostle Paul in Ephesus. He spent a lot of time there and grew to know those believers well. Through an interesting series of events, the believers began to radically change how they lived. They threw away resources related to idol worship and sorcery, a value of “50,000 drachmas,” when one drachma was worth a day laborer’s wage.

At one point, the local silversmiths and tradesmen resented Paul’s influence on their businesses. So, they gathered a bunch of ruffians and sparked a riot. The local amphitheater, seating around 25,000 people, was full of arguing and confusion. Eventually, after two hours, they were dismissed by the city clerk. If they didn’t disperse, the Roman officials would come to enforce their rule.

The crowd never did lay their hands on Paul, but they did rough up some of his companions. After that, in Acts 20, Paul left Ephesus (modern Turkiye) for other towns to encourage more believers. What stuck with me, though, was the 50,000 drachmas…

I had Lydia help me try to wrap our minds around this. It could be 10 days’ worth of money for 5,000 people, or any other combination. The amount is worth around $6 million dollars in today’s value!

I imagine it would take several of my neighbors and me selling our modest homes together to raise that much cash. The Ephesian believers, at least at that point in time, had their priorities straight. You can read more about them in Ephesians and Revelation 2.

Jesus is greater and more worthy. Following Him is costly, but the rewards are priceless. He is our Lord and King, but He takes good care of us, too. Similarly, we buy good things for our children and sometimes bless them as God has blessed us.

On Saturday, I bought Lydia a brand-new viola. I rented for the last three years and had a store credit to put towards buying one for her. She had some concerns with her rental viola, showing she knows the difference between what is working and what is broken.

I knew it was a matter of time before I had to make a decision, since many high schoolers transition to their own instruments. With it being summer, our schedule is a little more open, and it’s a good time to get comfortable with a new instrument before school starts up again.

We spent two hours at the store, and Lydia tried out five violas! We took notes on each one, and she played each one a couple of times. The last one literally came alive when she played, and she was all smiles. Of course, it happened to be the most expensive!

Still, I learned so much and considered the cost as an investment in her. She has a good ear for music, and she understands things more intuitively than some of her peers. It seems that some students cannot discern the subtleties among notes, problems, instrument quality, and the like, but Lydia can.

Oddly, choosing the right viola felt like a personal test for me. I have faced times where spending a little more money was the wise thing to do, but I went back and forth over whether it was worth it (and if I was worth it). Can you relate?

For example, thirteen years ago, when I was buying my new Subaru, I was unsure whether paying extra for a better backup camera was worth it. In my grief, I wondered if I could get by on the lesser one. But, through prayer, reflection, and some wise advice, I made the better choice. Now, I use my car’s backup camera daily!

When I realized what God wanted me to do on Saturday, I welled up with gratitude. I have learned a lot about how much God values me. I wanted to emphasize that to Lydia, too. She is a priceless treasure and worth way more than the cost of the new viola!

The amount was close to what I expected and planned for, just a little stretch. And I know there will be days when Lydia does not want to practice. I told her that if she decides to quit later in high school, then I get to keep the viola for myself. I don’t have much musical talent, so the thought of me screeching on it is enough for Lydia to take me seriously!

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God, thanks for showing us how precious we are to You. You are worthy of all our praise and adoration. Help us reflect all Your goodness and give You all the glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How has God been stretching you lately? What stood out to you in the post above?

Task: Next time you are faced with a costly decision, think through what is really at stake and how you can trust God to make the best choice. Also, watch this insightful archaeology documentary on the seven churches of Revelation, including Ephesus (17 minutes in)!