Category: Wisdom

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 Apologetics, Books and Movies I Like, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

Book Review: Is God a Moral Monster?

On Monday night, my monthly church book club met to discuss the book, “Is God a Moral Monster?” by Paul Copan. Many of the ladies did not quite finish the book, but we had good discussion anyway. The book proved a little more difficult to get through, and that’s why I finished by listening to it on Audible! Nonetheless, it was a joy to meet together and talk about the book, God’s goodness, and how people perceive Him.

YHWH in the Old Testament seems harsh and some people cannot reconcile that to Jesus who was ‘meek and mild.’ But, YHWH and Jesus are both God. Jesus was gentle and lowly at heart, but He also showed His wrath at times. Sometimes we forget that he flipped the money changer tables in the Temple! Even more, Jesus constantly referred to the Old Testament, which was their only Bible, and He is called the Word itself. He referred to or quoted parts of Genesis, Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Psalms, among others.

The book covers many hard topics in the Old Testament, that to our modern, Western mindset do not make much sense. The story of Abraham and Isaac seems abhorrent at first glance, but we miss that Abraham told his servants that both he and Isaac would be back. He trusted God, even when he didn’t understand.

Also, there is a common thought that Joshua killed all the Canaanites including innocent women and children. Yet, we see many of the Canaanites later still living in the land. We don’t know all the details of what happened, but there was likely some hyperbole involved, which was common to the era. Another reminder in the book is that God waited 400+ years to serve justice to the people of Canaan, and He did not reject anyone who wanted to come to Him (ex. Rahab in Jericho).

Reading about slavery in the Old Testament, we think of the horrors of American slavery, not a type of indentured servitude where every debt was canceled in the seventh year. Also, there’s a tendency to read about women and assume they are being mistreated because we do not understand how bad the other nations were to their slaves and women. Israel’s system was a significant upgrade for the time! Israelite men had to abide by rules of war, marriage, sanctity of life, etc. They were not allowed to rape and pillage like warriors in other nations. The system was not perfect, but it was sufficient for a certain time, place, and people.

Similarly, the kosher diet also was a specific way to set God’s people apart from the other nations. Of course, Israel was not “Chosen” because they were amazing, but because God keeps His promises (Deuteronomy 7). They were to show the nations what it means to follow YHWH and live for Him. They were to be an example for others to follow, and when they were not, God punished them. They were blessed to be a blessing and bring salvation (Jesus!) to the world.

The book reminds us that God’s original plan was laid out in the beginning of Genesis. And almost immediately, we ruined it. So, when He gives the law through Moses, it is a bridge, a stepping stone. The Israelites were so like the Egyptians that He had to retrain them to be His people. And still, they often failed miserably. (Israel is “all of us.”)

The Old Testament is descriptive, not always prescriptive or instructive. Not everything we read in the Old Testament is a recommendation or applies to us today (the Ten Commandments do!). Remember, the Law was a bridge to the New Covenant. That said, there is great value in reading about the ancient people and God’s faithfulness.

So, bottom line, God is not a moral monster. He is a Father who is slow to anger and rich in love (Psalm 103). His heart is righteous and pure, full of love and grace. The book content was very thorough and will continue to be a good resource. While it might be somewhat technical, I recommend it!

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God, You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thanks that Your heart for Your people is good! Help us reflect Your goodness to a world in need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you ever looked into the customs, culture, politics, worldview, or social structure of the Ancient Near East? How might that increase your understanding of the Old Testament?

Task: Next time you are reading a difficult passage of the Bible, take some time to figure out the culture. There are major differences between the Ancient Near East and our modern Western culture!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Miscellaneous, Personality, Wisdom

Talking to Myself

Confession: I tend to run imaginary conversations between myself and people I know. Do you do that, sort of play both sides of a conversation?! I believe it is called self-talk and is part of emotional regulation. I may replay a funny scenario or practice a speech. If I am upset, I may think I am right and the other person is wrong… and tell them all the reasons why. LOL, that may be the only time I win the argument!

Lately, though, I have had more angry conversations (in my mind) with people who annoy me or who are far from Jesus. One person I know is making poor life decisions without considering the consequences; one has a hard heart towards Jesus; and another is basically a zealous conspiracy theorist. In real life, I try to separate myself from them when I can since they are difficult to be around. But, in my imagination, I can “give them a piece of my mind” and tell them “everything they are doing wrong.” Yikes!

Maybe I am just weird, but I think it is fairly healthy to ‘hash it out’ in my mind’s eye. This saves me from not ruining the actual relationship or saying something I can’t take back. And maybe, on some level, it helps me rehearse better things to say if I ever have the chance. Though, at this point, it is probably better if I stay silent!

Still, I have to constantly check my heart and hold it up against God’s holiness. In doing so, I see my negativity and sin is no better than the others’ around me. Thus, I have had to catch myself and turn all these emotions over to the Lord. I have asked Him to forgive me my critical spirit, poor attitude, judgmental thoughts, and overall pride. I greatly need God’s mercy and grace and want to extend them to others.

I have also had a lot of worship songs on repeat in my heart and mind. “Change my heart, O God” is one of them. When I open my heart to the Lord, I am fully aware of how I fall short of His glory. I could feel like a failure but there is no condemnation for those of us who know Jesus personally. He even died for all the ugly stuff evident when I “talk to myself.”

As I draw closer to the Lord, He refines me and changes me to be more like Him. He shows me when to be silent and when to speak. Jesus is the ultimate Judge and His timing is best. While He does the heavy work, I also have the responsibility to pray, fast, set a good example, and put forth His perfect agenda and Truth.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” I must prioritize Jesus ways, and not let myself get in the way.

Indeed, we must let the Lord work in our hearts and minds, if we are to honor Him in all we do and lead with love. While I’ll still probably keep talking to myself, I want to make sure to talk to the matchless God of the Universe about these things, too. He loves me and fully understands my concerns. But I need to stay in step with Him and trust Him!

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Heavenly Father, I’m sorry for my poor attitude. Thanks for your forgiveness and for changing me from the inside out. Don’t let me miss out on all the good things You have in store for me! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How do you handle ugly emotions toward others or about life in general? What is your next step after reading this today?

Task: Next time you notice you have a bad attitude, stop and check it. Bring it to Jesus and humbly submit it to Him. Let Him show you what to do about it! Also, don’t overlook the power of prayer and fasting for these difficult issues.

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Pivot, Wisdom

Don’t Let the Fire Die

Last week, I talked about identifying apathy, which is the complete lack of emotion or desire. This week, I wanted to go a little further and review some ways to combat it or address it before it becomes an issue. Just like we might fan the flame on a campfire to prevent it from burning out, we can stoke ourselves to keep our love for God and others strong.

First, we must be honest with ourselves and God on how we are feeling. If we are creeping closer to apathy, we must acknowledge it. You can’t defeat what you can’t define. We can pray about our attitudes and take steps to deal with them in advance. Check your “why” and your motivation. Consider if there is sin or unforgiveness in your life. We are naturally selfish, so embrace the discomfort in order to figure it out.

Personally, I periodically have to remind myself that this is God’s Kingdom, not mine. Therefore, HIS will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven… Sooner or later, I accept that I am not in control and never will be. I remember that I can choose to get on board with what God wants me to do (and thrive), or I can choose to grumble, resist, drag my feet, and miss out on the blessing and joyful reward. Tough love!

Next, we can lean into self-care to shore up any area in which we are overextending ourselves. We cannot pour from an empty cup, and knowing about the seven types of rest can be a first step in feeling replenished. Sleep, gentle movement, proper nutrition, and taking a break from social media bring welcome renewal. Seeking professional support may be warranted here to process, plan, and reset boundaries. There is no shame in asking for help!

Learning to say “no” to the wrong things is a must! Once we do, we have the opportunity to say “yes” to the task(s) God has specifically for us. Sometimes, we just need to fill a gap or need, but if we never do anything that is personally fulfilling or part of our God-given call, then we will just circle back to burnout and be worse off than before.

We can also remember a grateful heart is a happy heart. Gratitude and serving others in practical ways can be a powerful combination to beat apathy. When we serve with the right priorities, God is glorified, we find our purpose and connect with others, and our problems come into perspective.

Finally, to prevent apathy and keep the fire going strong, try something new! This helps us get out of a rut when our routine feels boring. Maybe it is going on a trip or buying a nifty gadget, but don’t overlook all that we can do for free! Take a nature walk or find a different way home. Go to your local library to check out a book on an interesting topic or experiment in the kitchen for supper. Do an art project or listen to music. Find something that brings you joy!

Ultimately, our spiritual life is a vital part of who we are. We have value just as we are, and the Holy Spirit is the source of our spiritual fire. Thankfully, we don’t have to figure it all out or get our ducks in a row for God to love us or help us. He has everything we need, as we seek His Kingdom first. So, we can be kind to ourselves and come to Jesus!!

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Heavenly Father, all power and glory and dominion belong to You! Soften our hearts and  give us fresh fire. Help us see the bigger picture and all that is at stake if we remain blasé. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How do you keep your spiritual fire stoked? What other ideas do you implement when apathy creeps in?

Task: Read about the lukewarm and ineffective church in Laodicea. They received a direct warning from Jesus in Heaven. Confess your apathy and ambivalence to the Lord. Use any tears and frustration as fuel to bring you back to where He wants you to be.

 

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Wisdom

Finding Grace #548

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 pretty good week, a mix of slower days with some important decisions!

Work was busy but fun. I brought some no bake cookies for a coworker’s birthday treat. I even took a few walks with my coworkers in between patients. I made sure to take them through the healing garden to count the Monarch butterflies. I introduced four of my coworkers to them this week, and at one point, we counted fifteen!

Lydia had a good week of school and likes her classes. She is learning to balance the block scheduling with one easier day and one that is more difficult. So far, the homework has been manageable.

This week, Lydia and I had to work through a situation where she disobeyed me. What she did was not the end of the world. However, I wanted to make sure she realized that sin always comes to light in the end. If we hide it, it will fester and then likely become a bigger issue when the truth comes out. Typically, Lydia doesn’t need me to discipline her much since she has a sensitive conscience and usually autocorrects. In this situation, she had already ‘fixed’ the problem, but failed to mention it to me in a timely manner… So, I enforced some real world consequences, and I hope she learned a lesson she won’t soon forget. We ended on a good note, and I am grateful for God’s help in parenting!

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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 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 Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, MARPE/Orthodontics, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

Cheers to Another Year!

Today, I am celebrating another trip around the sun!! I am really grateful for all the ways God blessed me over the last year! Last summer, I sensed that He had something special for me. Soon I recalled that I was about three years old when I decided to follow Jesus… So, essentially, this was my fortieth year of walking with Him!

Here’s a quick recap of some of the highlights:

Last Fall, I finally had some landscaping done! It took me years to get around to it (to have the money, set it up, and make the decisions). But the Lord helped me follow through. No, I have not added any plants yet, lol. But, truthfully, I just love how the rocks look, and so the plants are not my top priority right now!

From September to May, I completed two semesters of leadership training at my church. This was a comprehensive class where we met once a month for teaching and did some online coursework. It covered many important topics and gave me more confidence in sharing my faith. I am excited to see what God has in store for me next!

After years of avoiding it, I made the decision to widen my palate and start orthodontics in January! I will get the metal MARPE device out in the next couple of months and then finish with more aligners. I am still hoping to avoid double jaw surgery, but I am happy with my progress so far!

In March, I went full-time at the VA, after years of being classified as part-time! I am grateful for all the ways God has provided for us since Dave died in 2013. He continues to be a wonderful Provider. Somehow His math always works out!

In May, Lydia and I flew to Chicago to see family and attend a barefoot shoe expo. Spending time with my sister was just what I needed! We hadn’t had that much time together – just the two of us – in many years! It was a fun trip and helped us get through the thirteen-year mark of Dave’s death. The Lord has been so faithful!

I have continued my journey to relieve pain and tension in my neck, shoulders, back, and hips. I’ve changed my workouts, practiced mobility exercises, gone to the chiropractor, prioritized sleep and rest, and said ‘no’ to better manage stress.  I can’t take good care of others if I don’t take care of myself! One specific praise is that in June the Lord healed my neck on the spot at a prayer event. I was surprised but gladly received His personalized gift.

I joined a book club at church, and it has been such a joy. Books + deep conversations about faith + friends = a few of my favorite things! Pretty much any book or genre is fair game. So far, we’ve read Murder, Motherhood, and Miraculous Grace by Debra Moerke, and also Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi. Our current book, The Winning of Lady Wisdom, is by a North Dakota author, Sarah Dixon Young!

Over the last few months, Lydia and I have visited with several Caterpillar families. It’s really special when we meet up with friends who actually knew Dave when he was at his best. I appreciate how these dear ‘CAT guys’ still reach out to connect with us. Thank You, Jesus!

This year, I have greatly enjoyed watching Lydia grow in confidence and faith. She got her driver’s permit last fall, and it’s been fun watching her learn the rules of the road and put them into practice. I can’t believe she will start Freshman year in a couple of weeks! I’m extremely grateful for how God has gotten us to this point!

Finally, I’ve seen how God continues to use my story to help others. I have had the opportunity to share my book and, in some cases, to get together for coffee to encourage people: widows, moms, etc. After all, the highlights above don’t overlook the real struggles and sacrifices of the last year, but God’s goodness and grace triumph over them.

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Heavenly Father, thanks for Your faithfulness in my life. It is a privilege to walk with You every day and move Your heart. May I never take it for granted! Help me continue to be a blessing to others so they may know You, too. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: As you reflect on the past year of your life, where do you see God’s faithfulness? Have you thanked Him for all He has done for you, or are you focused only on the lack?

Task: If you’ve read this far, the yellow roses in the picture were sent to me at work yesterday!! It was a timely reminder that God sees me – and it felt like a capstone to finish off an amazing year. My kind, generous friend was simply obeying what God told him to do, and we had a good chat about all that He is doing in our lives. We don’t always know the outcome of our obedience, but as Dr. Charles Stanley always said, “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”

Posted on in Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

No Need to Earn Status

I came across an advertisement recently that said collecting points in their membership program was “a new way to earn status.” Of course, a purchase was required! The more money spent, the faster you earned rewards. Naturally…

As soon as I heard that, I was indignant. I told Lydia, “That is not right! There’s no need to earn ‘status!’ We already have it in Jesus!”

As I thought about it more, I grew more annoyed. The world wants us to obsess about earning and achieving. The implication is that there is always something else to work towards. But, praise God, Jesus already accomplished all that needs to be done!

Our part is to believe that Jesus is Lord, agree with Him that we need to be saved, and place our full trust in Him (that His sacrificial death and Resurrection are enough). That is all that He requires. Straightforward faith with nothing added to it.

Here are some Bible verses about our identity in Christ. That is all that matters!

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
  • Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
  • Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
  • Colossians 3:3 – “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God”
  • 1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
  • John 1:12 – “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” affirms adoption into God’s family and the privileges of being His child.
  • Romans 8:16-17 – “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children… Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”
  • 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

We are transformed in Christ, leaving behind the old self and embracing a renewed life in Him. We live by faith in Jesus and are intentionally designed for purpose and good works. The Holy Spirit empowers us, and we reflect His glory with our attitudes and actions. We are adopted into God’s family, and our full inheritance is found in Jesus. We are beloved, called, and redeemed. All we have and all we need is in Him!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for choosing us and caring for us. You do all things well. Help us remember the high calling You have on our lives. May we glorify You in all we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: If we are constantly worrying about getting ahead, what does that say about our faith in God’s provision?! Which verse above speaks to you the most?

Task: Print the verses above and place them on your bathroom mirror or on your vehicle’s dashboard… or somewhere you will see them often. Let the Lord renew your mind and help you understand all He has for you!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

Riding Around the Neighborhood

For the last several weeks, the roads in my neighborhood have been under construction. It started with reconfiguring some drainage tiles and sewer upgrades. That included busting up part of my yard and sidewalks. Technically, those parts belong to the city, but it was still a little surprising.

It took a month or so to finish that initial project. One of my boulevard trees (technically the city’s) was also damaged, and it has taken even longer to report and hear back about the tree. I think it will be okay, but I wanted it documented in case it struggles next year!

The next phase of the project was to resurface the roads. This has needed to be done since I moved here in 2010. I don’t know what has taken so long, but I am looking forward to having a smooth road instead of a lot of bumps and dips!

On Monday morning, the machines started laying asphalt on my street. There were impassable orange cones in front of my house blocking the quickest way out, so I had to go the other way. No problem.

But, on my way home, things quickly turned strange! I attempted to drive through the neighborhood in reverse from my morning route. It was blocked by more orange cones. So, I went the opposite way, but my street was closed, too. I tried two other streets, but they also were impassable. Finally, I tried one last road, thinking this might be it. NOPE. I could not get through there, either!

Literally, every street I could possibly use to get to my house was blocked. Did I miss a memo?! I considered parking on one of these roads, or maybe at the middle school. But, as I thought about it, I noticed a man on a resurfacing machine pass in front of me. I parked in the middle of the road and ran toward him as he rolled away. I raced ahead of him and waved around like a fool. 😉

He stopped to listen while I “yell-asked” him how I was supposed to get home. He spent a minute backing up to park and then got out to talk with me where it was quieter. I explained the situation, and he kindly said he could move a couple of cones as long as I stuck to the opposite side of the street. I thanked him and soon pulled into my driveway.

Later, I was thinking about how funny it was, and then sadly, it struck me how many people go round and round in life and don’t know how to get Home. We foolishly think we know best but often find ourselves lost and alone. But the Lord is good, leading us and directing our steps.

Every day, sometimes every hour, we must stop what we are doing and turn to Jesus. He is both the Way and the Door. No one comes to the Father except through Him. Connect with Him and hold fast to Him, for He loves you dearly!

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God, thanks for leading us on the path Home. May we have eyes to see what you are doing and a heart to understand. Help us walk in step with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: How are you navigating the summer road construction where you live?!

Task: Whatever path you are on today, stop and check in with Jesus. Make sure He is leading, and you are following!