Finding Grace #238

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 a little smoother than last! It was still somewhat stressful, but I’m grateful a friend stopped to pray for me. I tried to get more sleep, too.

Lydia had a fun week. She continues to enjoy school and daycare. Also, on Wednesday night, a friend offered to take Lydia to church with her family, so I could have a little extra time at home. I picked her up afterward, but it was very helpful!

Work continues to be busy, but I am enjoying what I do. It was fun to grade some assignments this week, though it can be difficult at times to assess someone else’s learning! Nonetheless, I feel privileged to work both with Veterans and college students.

Yesterday evening, I mowed the lawn, hopefully for the last time this season. I had to run and get gas beforehand, so it was a last minute choice. I mowed as fast as I could and finished just before it got too dark. The street lights came on, so that really helped! 😉

This weekend, I have some more assignments to grade and prepare. I have a couple of projects to continue working on, too. I’m trying to find a good balance!

Tonight, some friends are coming over. It will be the first time we have been together since March! I am looking forward to catching up!

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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)!

Taming the Tongue

When my siblings and I were little, whenever we were mean to each other, our parents would make us apologize, ask for forgiveness, and then give each other a hug.

Did your parents do the same with you?

I practice something similar with Lydia, but since she is my only child, we often do this together. Yes, I have to model it if I want her to understand what to do!

Lydia also keeps me accountable in other ways, such as when I am driving.

“Grrr! Nice turn signal, Buddy!” Or, I may say some other variation of that. 😉

Then, Lydia will tell me, “Mom, you know they can’t hear you.”

“Thanks, Lydia. I’m just frustrated. They are driving really slow and not using their signals.” Or, maybe they pulled out in front of me, cutting me off. You get the idea.

Sometimes, I honk at the other car, too, though that doesn’t happen as often!

Recently, someone cut across traffic into my lane without any signals, and then moved slowly ahead. But, then I heard Lydia’s gentle reminder and calmed down. We were safe and… maybe they were lost. I took the cue to enjoy the slower pace and pray.

Soon this thought entered my mind: What if someday in Heaven, we each have to track down every person we hurt or offended… then apologize and ask them to forgive us?!

That includes every word, thought, or action. Even if they were unaware of what happened. That would cover yelling at other drivers, gossiping about other people, our written words, or even turning the odds in our favor instead of benefitting someone else.

Imagine walking up to someone and saying, “Um, you don’t know me, but I owe you an apology. I’m sorry I said those things about you…”

I’m sure several people would be “eating crow!”

Our words are so important. They have creative or destructive power.

This week, I fielded a crazy trolling comment on social media. The person didn’t really want to discuss or learn anyting. He just wanted to spout off angry sentiments that had nothing to do with my original, encouraging post.

The man kept implying that my life is all ‘hearts and flowers,’ as if I don’t have much depth or the experience to understand all he was talking about. Ironically, he said, “I might hurt your feelings, but…” not even realizing that he was justifying his own hurtful actions.

Yet, instead of becoming offended or escalating the issues, I simply diffused them. I knew it was useless to chat with a complete stranger online. The best thing I could do was pray for him. Plus, I was conscious of the impact of my words, even if he was not!

To be clear, I have not read anything in the Bible that says we will someday have to apologize to one another for our hurtful or careless words. Not that we shouldn’t apologize, rather because of Jesus’ death and blood, we are forgiven and God doesn’t punish us.

However, Proverbs 18:21 does point out that Death and Life are in the power of the tongue. We are accountable to God, and He will reward us for every good deed someday. So, I want my focus to be on doing things that honor Him.

Today, let’s pick our battles. Know when to speak up and when to remain silent. We don’t need to have the last word, but we can always choose to be godly. Let’s tame our tongues!

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God, You are so gracious. Thanks for Your forgiveness even before we blow it. Put a guard over our mouths and help us tame our tongues. May all we say and do bring You glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Have you been building others up or tearing them down with your words?

Tasks: Read James 3:1-12. Pray about your words and repent/apologize if needed.

Come Hell or High Water

Lately, I have seen several 2020 memes with the same theme.

For example: If 2020 were a slide, it would look  like a little boy sliding down a cheese grater. Or, If 2020 were a type of candy, it would be black licorice.  There are people that enjoy black licorice, but you get the idea. 🙂

This year has shown us all how unpredictable life can be. It has brought heartache and death, but it also has helped many people reprioritize family, friends, and health, perhaps shifting them to more balance and a slower pace.

Of course, each person has had different circumstances and reactions. For me, 2020 has been helpful to lay aside other people’s random expectations and focus on personal projects and goals. Spending extra time with Lydia has also been wonderful.

One day last week, I was late to pick up Lydia because I had stayed an extra 2+ hours at work unexpectedly. It turned out well, but I wondered if she would be worried about me.

Since I am Lydia’s only parent, she occasionally worries that something might happen to me, too. (I appreciate your prayers for her little heart.) Over time, she has learned to work through her emotions, and she coached herself this time without any issues.

When I arrived at daycare, Lydia asked what took me so long, but wasn’t too rattled, thankfully. Still, in my mind’s I heard myself saying, “I will never forget to come for you. Come Hell or high water, I will be there!” Of course, Mama Bear didn’t actually say this, but it did make me think of a Bible verse I recently read again.

Interestingly, the idiom “Come Hell or high water,” has been around for over one hundred years. But God already beat us to this concept thousands of years ago! Yes, He has been with us through Hell and high water. Of course, Jesus stormed the gates of Hell and conquered Death. Here are a few other examples, too:

The Lord shut the Ark door for Noah, his family, and the animals before the Flood.

God provided a burnt offering for Abraham and Isaac.

God parted the Red Sea and, years later, the Jordan River.

He walked in a fiery furnace with three young Israelite men.

Jesus walked on water and calmed a couple of storms on the Sea of Galilee.

I don’t know how He will come through for you, specifically, this week. But, I know He cares and He will do whatever it takes. He is for you and not against you!

God created fire, Hell, water, and well, everything else. He is still on His throne and remains in full control. Nothing is impossible for Him. He loves a good breakthrough!

This year has certainly been wild, but we can trust that God will keep His Word. He has been with us through it all, and nothing, neither Hell nor high water nor anything else will keep us from His love (Romans 8:38).

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Heavenly Father, thanks for being so faithful. You have proven Yourself over and over, in Hell and in high water! Thanks for being with us. May we trust You in every challenge. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you ever thought about God being with us in Hell or high water? How does that knowledge make you feel today?

Tasks: Read some of the highlighted Scriptures and see how God came through for those in the stories. Trust Him with your story today.

 

Finding Grace #235

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 was a jam-packed week! On Sunday, we hung out with an African friend, and she made food from her homeland of Ghana. It was soooo yummy!

Monday was loaded with activity! Work was busy at the VA, and then Lydia had a class in the evening. I also bought some treats for a coworker’s birthday. All of these things went well, but I had so much on my mind in terms of details and such. I stayed up late and got up early all week long trying to stay on top of everything.

The rest of the week was full with nonstop activities and many details to remember. Most everything was fulfilling and purposeful, but there was just so much going on. It was a little stressful at times! On Wednesday, I stayed a couple extra hours at work to care for a Veteran. It, too, was a very good experience; it was just unexpected to stay so late. 

On Thursday, Lydia started school (hybrid model)! She was confident in her new shoes and did not seem to nervous. She said her class washed their hands more than she thought they would: every hour, coming and going, eating, and transitioning to other activities. I hope it is a good experience overall; she did not complain too much about her mask.

On Friday, I taught my nutrition class again! I am really enjoying it, and I am learning more technology skills. I appreciate being able to come and go, and organize and teach how I want. It is a fun experience for me, and I am really grateful to be there! Also, on Friday afternoon, I picked up a few hours at the VA to help cover while others had the day off. It was good because I was able to get caught up on some of my tasks after a busy week!

Today, I enjoyed sleeping in after a long week. I made some rice krispy treats with Lydia and watched a movie while working on a project. A nice way to relax!

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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)!

The Same Power

Some weeks are smooth sailing, while others feel chaotic right from the start. Usually, most things go well enough, but there are days when it is difficult to stay on top of everything. This started out as one of those weeks! 🙂

I usually prefer to have at least a basic idea of what needs done when, but this week, I feel like I am still catching up. Periodically I have the nagging sense that I am forgetting something. I probably just need more sleep!

On Monday, I received three emails from students in my nutrition class, while at my other job. They were confused about what needed to be done. The students had misread the syllabus, so there was no real problem, but it was something I needed to address sooner rather than later.

Then, after work and daycare, I picked Lydia up. We made it home and were preparing for dinner before we needed to leave for an evening activity. We had enough time, so I decided to get a head start on the birthday treat I was going to make for someone at work.

That’s when I questioned if the treat I had planned was a good idea afterall. This person has a food allergy, and even though I planned ahead, I decided to buy something instead just to be safe. So, Lydia and I raced across town to visit a special bakery to by some allergen-friendly cookies before they closed. We just made it!

We had just enough time at home for a quick supper before the evening activity, a class for Lydia. She had a great time and was super chatty afterward. She wanted to play a game with me and kept on talking. She shared her heart on several topics indeed!

While I was listening to Lydia recap her day, I realized if I hadn’t bought the special cookies, I would have missed the quality time with her. She was so excited after her class, and it felt like a priceless opportunity. Someday, that may change, so I am soaking them up!

All of Monday’s events felt stressful at first glance. I really was just focused on getting through the next couple of days. But, when my plans failed, God reminded me His ways are better. He even gave me time with Lydia in the evening that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Tuesday also turned out differently than planned, but this time, I just rolled with it. I prayed for God’s help, and He blessed my day. I didn’t accomplish everything on my list, but I did my best and had peace about it. His grace is sufficient!

18 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”– Ephesians 1:18-23, NIV

I’m so glad we don’t have do life solo or in our own strength. Our success in life does not depend entirely upon what us! Sure, we each have to do our part, but we can rely on Almighty God. He is the One we live for, and His Spirit is ready to helps us. (Zechariah 4:6)

If you belong to God, you have full access to God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit… the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us. Don’t forget it!

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God, thanks for all You do for me. Thanks for the gentle reminders that I should depend on Your strength alone. I choose to rely on Your Power, Lord, which far exceeds any of my problems. Help me persevere and walk victoriously with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How is your week going so far? Are you operating in your own efforts and resources or are you relying on and asking God for His limitless strength and grace?

Tasks: Listen to this song, by Jeremy Camp, and memorize Romans 8:11.

Prayer Precedes Breakthrough

When I think of this next season and semester, I am both excited for the opportunities ahead and a little nervous about how it will all play out. There are so many factors, even under normal circumstances. We have Lydia’s school and my two (part-time) positions, plus social activities and other things. Not to mention Covid-19.

Overall, Lydia and I are just going with it. We will do our best and trust God with the rest. He is with us and for us! We will get through it all with His help.

Prayer is a vital component of staying close to Jesus, and it is also a way to bless others and join God in His work. I certainly am praying for us this semester, but I am also praying for others. I pray for family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone who comes to mind!

When I am driving, I also praise God for all kinds of things I see on my way to wherever I am going. I thank Him for the beautiful day, the lovely trees, colorful flowers, little rabbits, or squirrels, and the sound of birds chirping. It helps me feel His presence.

I pray for random people who look like they need some encouragement, too. I hope others do the same for me. We all need uplifting prayer!

Generally, prayer is the first step, and it needs to be followed-up by action. But sometimes, it is the best we can do in the moment. Loving someone through prayer still invites God to work in their situation.

Once, I saw a lady in a motorized wheel chair who was crossing the street in bad weather. I prayed God would keep her safe and help her feel His love that day.

Recently, Lydia and I saw a man riding his bike. He was riding with an artificial arm, which was quite a feat, but perhaps a little difficult to use. We had a whole discussion about how brave he must be to not give up activities he enjoys just because it is difficult. We prayed for God’s protection in traffic and that he wouldn’t lose his balance or fall.

I have prayed at Target for moms of crying young kids to persevere. I often say a quick prayer for my patients (before they arrive or after they leave). I also pray for people from other cultures or lifestyles different than mine; I want them to feel loved and welcomed.

Even though I don’t know these people I pray for, it is always a good reminder that each person carries great worth. Praying for strangers gets me out of my own little bubble and helps me stay thankful. In many ways, prayer keeps me from being prideful.

Prayer changes us and our environment. Prayer precedes breakthrough.

As we enter this uncertain season, let’s be in prayer for all those around us, whether we know them or not. Sure, we can pray for our own concerns, but perhaps by praying for strangers, we will see our own challenges through another perspective.

And who knows? You may just spread God’s grace and goodness everywhere you go!!

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God, thanks for letting us partner with You in prayer! Give us wisdom and strength as we go through this next season. Help us spread Your love, goodness, and grace to all we come in contact with. Help us be Your Hands and Feet. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you ready for this upcoming season? How can I pray for you?

Tasks: Whether you walk or drive to work, school, or even the grocery store, keep your eyes open for anyone who needs help or prayer. Pray for them, yes, but don’t forget to offer practical support if you can!

Build Your Life

This year, I have been listening to the One Year Chronological Bible on my phone. I highly recommend the accompanying Bible Study Guide and Daily Reflections linked above. (I’m not an affiliate, I just find these resources helpful!)

I also have the same version of this Bible in paperback, which has been restructured (not rewritten!) as if it all happened in order. It is a fun way to ‘read’ the Bible and helps bring a different perspective!

Overall, I enjoy hearing God’s love come through, but at times, it is a little heartbreaking! In the books of Isaiah and 2 Kings, God keeps calling out to His people, Israel, and they keep refusing to listen. How sad!

God kept giving His people chances to put away their idols and change their ways. But, they continually ignored Him, eventually going into captivity in a foreign land (Babylon) as punishment. God sent His judgment, but not before He promised to rescue His people and bring them back to Jerusalem.

To me, this sounds a little familiar to our present day situation… We may not be in literal captivity, but we do have several restrictions (or recommendations) in place right now. Perhaps God is using this time to reach us at a deeper level.

Are we listening? Are we turning our hearts toward Jesus or doing our own thing?

For me, it is clear we need to have God, our Rock, as our firm foundation. We cannot build our lives upon the idols of self-sufficiency and false humility. We cannot brag about how well we are doing when it’s only possible because of God’s grace. Similarly, we cannot say we love God and then show disregard for those He created.

You can see how far that’s gotten us lately!

Every day, we have a new chance to build our lives. We can be wise and build with intention, planning for the rough times ahead. Or, we can be foolish, building passively “as things come up” or just waiting for things to change. Are you building a strong foundation or shifting sand? It’s not too late.

Every day, God gives us a new opportunity to walk with Him. We cannot go wrong with Jesus Christ as our firm foundation. It’s not that it’s always rosy, but He helps us navigate the thorns and smell the flowers. 😉

When we invite Him to help us, He leads us through each difficulty and sets us up for success.

God sees every hair on our heads. How comforting it is to know He cares about each detail of our lives, no matter how big or small. He loves us so much.

If God brings us to a challenging situation, we can pray, and then trust He will cover us with His grace and mercy. We don’t have to be afraid or try to figure it all out on our own!

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God, thanks for being our anchor and our firm foundation. Thanks for holding us secure amid life’s storms and trials. Please strengthen us for this next season and help us trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How do you know your foundation is secure? Should you wait for it to be shaken and crack or do you do routine maintenance?

Tasks: Listen to this song, “Build My Life,” by Pat Barrett.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to know where you stand with Jesus Christ. If you want to be with Him for eternity and need His help to live life fully now, pray this prayer:

Dear Lord, I admit that I am a sinner and have done many things that don’t please you. I have lived my life for myself only. I am sorry, and I repent. I ask you to forgive me.

Jesus, I believe you died on the cross for me, to save me. You did what I could not do for myself. I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life; I give it to you. From this day forward, help me to live every day for you and in a way that pleases you.

I love you, Lord, and I thank you that I will spend all eternity with you. Amen.

Grace Without Bounds

Over the last few months, my family has been enjoying weekly Zoom chats. Thanks to COVID, we’ve grown even closer despite now living in three different time zones!

We sometimes laugh at how odd it is to have my brother and sister-in-law getting ready for dinner and my parents getting ready for bed. It can be hot in Arizona, mild in North Dakota, and raining in Florida (or any other crazy combination). We can all have completely different experiences that day, yet chat online at the same time!

It’s even more mind-boggling that God sees all of us simultaneously. He is not bound by our time zones, location, or weather. He sees each of us and all of us together.

In His perfect time, God tends to each of our needs. He is never late!

The sun never sets on His lovingkindness.

Of course, none of us knows what this next season will bring, but we can rest assured that God does. Trust Him! He is faithful and will never let you down!

God never gets tired and never slumbers (Psalm 121:4). He watches over us each moment with Fatherly love. He protects us and provides for us.

His grace covers everything we do.

God comforts us and gives us peace.

He prepares the path before us and empowers us to move ahead.

Maybe you are pressed for time or have to make big decisions today. You may feel stretched thin, but remember, God does not have the same restrictions or limits. He sees you and knows exactly what you need.

Call out to Jesus when you need help. His grace knows no bounds.

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God, thanks for Your perfect love and peace. Thanks for taking care of us and giving us abundant grace. Please direct us and help us walk the path before us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: God is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. Which of these attributes of His is most awe inspiring to you? How can you praise Him today?

Tasks: Thank God for the ways He blesses you today. Let Him direct your path with His perfect timing. Be on the lookout for His grace!

Finding Grace #229

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 was a heavy and emotional week. A friend’s brother back home died unexpectedly, and many hearts were broken. It is a sad and difficult situation, and I hope the community can pull together and support my friend’s family. It will be a long road to healing.

I made some good progress on several projects this week, but I also realized how much more I have to do on all of them! It’s all good, though. I am grateful to have so many ‘outlets’ that bring joy. Lydia telling me she is proud of me is icing on the cake!

Yesterday, I had three enriching conversations with people. I felt excited and fulfilled to talk with people who ‘get’ me. Altogether, I spent nearly five hours on the phone! On two calls, I walked around the house and got well over 10,000 steps!

Today, I worked on my projects more, mowed, and spent quality time with Lydia. The next two weeks are fairly full, so I am trying to get things done ahead of time. I am trying to make plans, while also trying to relax!

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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)!

A Short List

Well, this has been a full week so far. On Monday, I received some awful news that a friend’s brother died in his sleep. A husband and father of two. A beloved son, brother, and friend to many. It was completely unexpected, and it certainly rocked the small community where I grew up. This hit home for many reasons, besides the fact that he was about Dave’s age.

Sadly, this is not the first young man I grew up with, who has suddenly passed away in my peer group or hometown. My dear friend and classmate, Seth, died when we were in high school. In college, my cousin, Nick, died, as well as another friend, Wes. More recently, these premature deaths included another classmate, Clint, and another friend, Ryan, among others. And now, Nathan. All different circumstances, but tragic nonetheless.

I explained a little of my heartache to Lydia, but there is so much she does not yet understand. Even though Dave died when she was little, she doesn’t remember him. She doesn’t feel the anguish I have felt over the years, especially as death steals away those we know and love. Of course, she feels a different pain than I do.

Still, this week has had many silver linings. Celebrating life with Lydia on a fancy dress-up day at daycare. My brother’s birthday. Progress on a couple projects. Cheering a friend on a difficult path. Talking with my family and remembering the brevity of life.

If you are still alive, God has given you much grace and much mercy. I hope you will acknowledge His deep love for you today. Reach out to Him; He is right there with you.

Through several texts, my family had a side conversation about grace and forgiveness, and I was reminded to keep ‘a short list’ with others. We never know when our time is up.

When I think about my interactions with others, I think about how I want to be remembered. What will people say about me when I die? Will it be positive or mixed? Did I focus on what really matters? That is, loving God and loving people.

Furthermore, if my actions today set the stage for how I will be remembered, what should I be doing differently? I want to live my life fully with no regrets, doing all God has for me to do before He calls me HOME. Hopefully, many decades from now!

My ‘short list’ includes extending grace and forgiveness to others; telling my family and close friends how much I love them; encouraging people; staying present with Jesus; and telling others by telling others how He changed my life. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, so do the most important things today!

Indeed, life is so short, and in our current circumstances every situation seems full of drama and uncertainty. This year has been loaded, for sure. It can be scary at times, but, we do not have to fear death or anything else!

We will never have all the answers for why bad things happen. There are so many variables, and the rain falls on us all. The best thing you can do is to let Jesus be your PEACE. He’s got this.

When I meet Jesus face to face, I will give an account about how I lived my life. None of my good works will make a difference for whether or not I get into Heaven. The only thing that matters is if I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior on Earth.

The good things I do will be rewarded, yes, but only if I know Jesus first! We can never be good enough on our own. So, it boils down to this: Knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior.

I am thankful that everything that really matters is secure in Jesus. He comforts us in the midst of tragedies and redeems our pain. Death does not get the final word!

God is Our Rock and Our Refuge. Everything we need is in Him!

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God, thank You for the gift of Life. Please comfort those who are facing grief and loss today. Continue to walk with them and draw them near to You. Pour out Your love on them, Jesus. In Your Name, Amen

Questions: What is on your ‘short list’ in life? How do you want people to remember you? What are you doing differently as a result? (if anything)

Tasks: Call or send a card (or if appropriate, show up!) to comfort those who are struggling right now. This could include grief, loss, physical health, mental health, or other COVID related issues. Be the hands and feet of Jesus!