​29 June 2017
Path on a Path
Psalm 138:8
The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.

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These words are comforting and, of course, can be applied to our personal lives. We like knowing that God has carefully made each one of us and has personally tailored a life for us to live fully. But, I think it’s important to remember that even though our paths might not be the same, those paths are on the same Path. God’s path leads to eternal life and fellowship with our Lord and Savior forever.

Clinging to passages such this one when our private world gets rocked is comforting, but the truth of these words are actually about our hearts not our circumstances. Some things won’t be fixed this side of heaven, and that’s ok because all Believers have real hope in a real promise that the path that we are on by following Jesus absolutely leads to heaven.

 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

My daily personal path that I’m on doesn’t save me. I think David is acknowledging that God’s “plans for my life” are regarding his ultimate Plan for all the people who love and trust him. And that is simply this: Everyone who believes in his Son, Jesus, will be saved (see Romans 3:22).  And he is assuring us that our individual path is on a path that leads us on into the Path of his presence!
          
Dear God,
Thank you for paying attention to me and for meeting my real need, and that is not my circumstances but my heart. I’m so glad that nothing can thwart what you have ultimately intended for me and for all who love and trust you. Thank you for your generous grace and love. I love you and thank you and pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

​26 June 2017
Get Free
Leviticus 19:18
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Grudges are unbecoming for members of the Family of God because God doesn’t hold grudges against us. Therefore, we have no business holding grudges against others.
Even though this is an Old Testament passage, the NT confirms this truth in Romans 12. Here is the list of appropriate behavior for a Child of God, and holding grudges is nowhere to be found.
* Be sincere
* Hate what is evil
* Cling to what is good
* Be devoted to each other in love
* Honor others above myself
* Possess spiritual integrity
* Serve God
* Hope joyfully, wait patiently, pray faithfully
* Share with fellow Believers in need & be hospitable
* Bless those who are mean and do not curse them
* Be sensitive to what others are experiencing
* Live in harmony
* Don’t be proud or conceited or too important to associate with certain people
* Do what is right
* Aim to live peacefully with everyone
* Don’t take revenge
* Don’t repay evil with evil, but overcome evil with good
(See Romans 12:10-21)

I enjoyed the freedom of growing up in a home where these idyllic behaviors were pursued and encouraged. I can’t related to my adult girlfriends whose parents or siblings won’t talk to them or treat them kindly because of misunderstandings that are decades old. I love that in my home apologies were accepted and honored. I never had to re-apologize for single infractions or try to make up for my sins over and over with no end in sight. My family just accepts me and chooses to absorb the cost of forgiveness. There are no eggshells to walk on or sore subjects to avoid when we get together.

Grudges are the worst; they keep both parties in prison as one can’t break free and the other can’t break out. It is the most loving thing in the world to free your loved ones from them just like Jesus did for us all.
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Dear God,
Thank you for my parents and for my family giving me a glimpse into the wonderful economy of your Kingdom and for giving my husband and me a wonderful godly pursuit to replicate in our own home. Thank you for the people who love me with all my quirks and rough edges. Thank you for how you treat me too, and help me to always have the desire to treat others in kind (even the real stinkers!). I love you so much and thank you for your ways because they are delightful and good for my heart. And I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

​23 June 2017
A Real Energy Boost
Isaiah 40:31
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

I was reading articles this morning about how to boost energy. Various “experts” all make their various claims like avoid certain lectins in the diet and increase intake of polyphenols. I’d have to do a lot of experimenting on myself to see if these ideas work. The “experts” are hard to trust because they are also all trying to sell a product, pill, tonic or book. The simple fact is one that we all know –  once a body stops growing it starts decaying, and with that will come fatigue no matter “fit” we try to be and no matter how many dietary supplements we ingest. Bottom line: Our bodies are disintegrating vessels, and disintegrating vessels get pooped.

I’ve always appreciated the truth from Philippians 4:6-7...

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And from my own personal experience, I have found these words not only to be comforting but also true. When my husband was hospitalized with a life threatening illness, I truly found this passage to be truly true. I actually did experience peace in my heart and mind as I trusted Him during scary circumstances. But this passage only address my heart and mind and makes no promises for my physical well being & I did experience some out of the ordinary  tummy issues during this ordeal.

But look at what Isaiah 40 promises! New strength! Not new health. New STRENGTH! Strength is better than health because it isn’t dependent upon health or disease or any other circumstances. The Apostle Paul confided to us that he suffered from a chronic physical ailment in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10...

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Asking God to sustain me is my best bet for strength, energy & effectiveness.

My dad’s close friend, Mel, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer almost 2 years ago. Pancreatic cancer is a quick death sentences for anyone especially an elderly, diabetic man. But my dad and his Monday morning prayer buddies committed to praying for God to sustain Mel. They honestly didn’t pray for his healing or for remission or anything like that at all. They prayed simply for God to extend his life, and He has. Mel has been given “new strength” that did not come from human intervention, yet he still has cancer.

Only God can do that. If we put all our hope in the latest acknowledged antioxidants and superfoods, we will only be gaining a finite amount of human strength and still be susceptible to disease because we still will be living in decaying vessels. We need God’s sustaining power because it is not ever dependent upon our physical health, surroundings or circumstances.

Dear God,
Thank you that you give the rundown, ordinary housewife new energy and new strength. Thank you for sustaining Mel and allowing him to thrive even though he has not been healed. Thank you for giving me energy regardless of my circumstances same as you guard my heart and mind regardless of my circumstances. These truths show how big you are! You truly are confined by nothing! Help me always remember and be thankful that you truly are my only source for a rich, full life. I love you and thank you and pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

Disclaimer: Some people are going to read this and send me health information. Please do not. I am not advocating any reckless living. If certain foods, supplements or exercise regimen make you feel great, then do it. But let’s give credit where credit is due. Like in Mel’s case – how is he alive and well in a situation where no regimen of any kind will cure his condition?  I’m just pointing out  that if we think a rich, full life is based on what we do, our lifestyle and nutrition choices, we will be disappointed. Those are purely finite solutions based on human effort. I believe that only God can sustain us independently of all physical circumstances. And he is willing and able to do so for all who put their trust in him.

​21 June 2017
Home Sweet Home
Psalm 91:1
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I live in an adorable little house surrounded by all my favorite things and favorite people. I feel really good when I’m home – secure, confident, happy and comfortable. And when I’m out, I’m excited to return. Especially after a long trip or just a long day... There’s no place like home!

Living in the shelter of the Most High is an illustration. There, of course, isn’t a physical structure that Believers visit to proverbially “get away from it all.” God’s “shelter” is where I live just like I live in my sweet house. It’s home base not another place. I don’t live my life and then spend time in God’s shelter (that is his presence and his Word). The shelter of the Most High is where I build my life, and I want to let everything happen there because I don’t just want to sometimes and occasionally be with him and then get back to my life. He IS my life! And living by his precepts, living within his boundaries is actually a place of rest just as described in this passage. It isn’t restricting. It’s freeing and refreshing, safe and reviving just like (and actually better than) home sweet home.

Dear God,
Thank you for being the place I need. Thank you for providing for me and for protecting me and for giving me wisdom and joy living within your boundaries. Your ways are pleasant and good, and I’m so glad you share them with me. I love you and thank you and pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

17 June 2017
Loud Singing
Psalm 68:4
 Sing praises to God and to his name!
    Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.
His name is the Lord—       
    rejoice in his presence!

This sounds like really weird instructions, but it’s really just a description of the result of a particular lifestyle. Think about teenage girls who hear their favorite song come on the radio and go bonkers. There is something or some event tied to that song that makes them want to sing loudly and be happy. Little kids do the same thing as they make up songs about their birthday or Christmas coming soon and sing about it over and over as they play. And plenty of adults get their karaoke on while frequenting bars; drinking makes them happy, so they sing.
 
Sing loud praises to him... People who know God and know what he as done are thrilled about it.  And natural human responses dictate some loud singing from happy people.

Dear God,
Remind me to be a happy person today. You have done so much – worthy of my excitement – more exciting than unexpectedly hearing my favorite song on the radio. Help me get over myself and focus more on the fact that you know me! You are GOD, Creator of All Things, and you know ME! Thank you for another day, for good health, for your provision, for your forgiveness and love, and for the wonderful people you’ve placed in my home that is the reason I am singing loudly in my head right now so I won’t wake them up. I love you, I love you so much, I am so thankful, and I pray in your Son’s name according to your good will. Amen.

​PS -- I love this song!
    

​15 June 2017
Not a Theory
Proverbs 23:24
The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.

It isn’t magical or lucky to have wise children. There is only one way to get wisdom:  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10) So, children who honor God and know Jesus will be different than other children.

Last night at church, Pastor Dean was sharing about how the Holy Spirit is required to explain Spiritual truths (See 1 Corinthians 2:13). That’s why our unsaved friends don’t understand what we’re talking about. He gave a personal example of how he remembers the Bible making no sense to him before he became a Believer at 30 years old. It is wonderful that the Holy Spirit lives in us and begins to teach and explain God’s Word to us the moment we believe, and what used to make no sense to him began making perfect sense. I think it’s additionally wonderful that there is no age requirement to this phenomena.

My personal experience is that the Bible has always made sense to me, because my experience is also that I became a Believer at the very young age of four. My parents taught us about Jesus, and I became a Believer of my own volition not out of culture or tradition. And the proof is that the things in the Bible never sounded like nonsense to me. Furthermore, as a child, I was able to bring my parents joy just like this proverb expresses. When people (of any age) voluntarily live to please Jesus, it affects all of their relationships.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (Colossians 3:23)

There is only one way to gain wisdom. Therefore, it would be counterproductive for parents not to teach their children about God and his love, goodness, forgiveness, and grace. Children who know Jesus are wise and their parents are happy. This is not a theory. It was true for me growing up, it is true for my family now, and it will be true for our kids’ families too!
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Dear God,
This study this morning is not personal boasting but boasting about how your Word does exactly what it says, and I am so thankful! It is absolutely the best thing to know you from the earliest age possible, to be discipled, loved, and encouraged in the faith, and to experience a relationship with Jesus. Thank you that your promises are true and your plan for families is pleasant. I love you and thank you and pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
    

​12 June 2017
Night and Day
Psalm 19:1-2
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies announce what his hands have made. Day after day they tell the story; night after night they tell it again.

Day after day... Some amazing or historical events get cloudy over time. As firsthand witnesses die out and history books get “updated,” some things will wind up misrepresented or forgotten for future generations. But God put his signature on creation itself testifying to his power and presence since the beginning of time.

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. (Romans 1:20)

The sun, moon & stars faithfully show up every day and night to express the news of God’s faithfulness and consistency. He is reliable and sure like night and day. He does not change, and he can always be seen by all!

Dear God,
Thank you. There is no one like you. You are great and amazing, and I love you very much. I love how you have made your invisible qualities evident to us through what you have created. I love your creativity and faithfulness, and I love spending time with you this morning looking out my window and seeing the beautiful sky you have made to get my attention. So I thank you and praise you and pray to you in Jesus’ name, amen.

​7 June 2017
A Perfect Explanation
Psalm 90:2,4
Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God. For you, a thousand years are as a passing day, as brief as a few night hours.

Evolutionists won’t like this post today about God being our Creator, but honestly, not all evolutionists are happy  about their own stance as they have evolved it over the years in order for it to make sense. Life is too intricate, intelligent and detailed to be a product of time, pressure, and chance.

Currently on Sunday mornings at church, Pastor Dean is teaching through the book of Colossians. Colossians 1:15-17 offers fabulous insight as to how the world really operates. The world and all its atoms are held together by a Person...

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. (Colossians 1:15-17)

Hebrews 1:3 also talks about how God runs the world...
The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.

This certainly doesn’t sound very science-y but neither does science. For example, scientists admit that they do not know what holds atoms together (I learned that during my public school experience; no need for a footnote). Like Pastor Dean explained really well, “Just because scientists have named everything doesn’t mean they can explain everything.” That made a lot of sense to me. Just because something is labeled doesn’t mean it’s completely understood.

Sir Isaac Newton said, “Atheism is so senseless. When I look at the solar system, I see the earth at the right distance from the sun to receive the proper amounts of heat and light. This did not happen by chance.” He’s right. If the world evolved and is evolving (changed and is changing) then we’d all be dead not thriving. Only God has rules that do not change. We have seasons resulting from a perfectly tilted axis, the sun doesn’t burn us because it’s perfectly distanced from the earth, and gravity works every single day because our Creator on the job. (click here for Pastor Dean’s entire message)

Everything was created through him and for him... God not only created everything, he also gives us our purpose... We were created to be with him! “Scientific” explanations, on the other hand, neither explains everything nor gives our lives purpose.

Dear God,
It makes perfect sense to me that you hold all things together. I like knowing that you are doing that. The intricacies of nature prove just how incredibly powerful and intelligent you are – way beyond any human understanding. And my favorite part is that you did all these things for us to see you, find you, and have relationship with you. You are trustworthy and good and I love you and thank you for these truths expressed in your Word, and I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

6 June 2017
The Value of Space
Ephesians 3:17-19
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

I read an article online the other day about how the experts recommend ways for us to de-clutter our homes. It said that people are hesitant to get rid of old stuff because of the memories associated with these items. I can relate. I have a hard time getting rid of my kids’ stuff because being a wife and mom is my most favorite thing. But if I save every single item from their childhood, there’s no literal space for us to enjoy what is to come next. The article included one expert who gives the reason behind getting rid of things we don’t need. She says that it’s because we need to “value our space as much as we value our stuff.” We need to have the room in our homes to do the things we love... “it’s what we do, not what we own, that makes life memorable and meaningful.” (Francine Jay)

When I think of how Jesus has decided to reside in my heart, it’s not a silly question to ask myself if there’s even room for him in there. I can just as easily hold on to stuff that I trust, grudges I nurse, and ways I like things to be just as naturally as I hold on to my mementos and keepsakes. But it’s not just evil clutter either; I can hang on to my yesterdays because they were so comfortable and good so much so that I could miss out on current and future opportunities to explore even further the width, length, height, and depth of God’s loving plans for me.

Although I am truly thankful for all the stuff God has given me, I must not let material things take up all the space of my heart. I must not live like I’m afraid to lose or let go of physical things I have because those are just things. Things have no eternal significance. Space is what is necessary for experience, and there’s no room for wider, longer, higher, and deeper experiences with the One who dwells in there if the whole area is filled up with my stuff.

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. (Matthew 6:19-21)

Dear Lord Jesus,
You know I’m a pack rat. You know I have trouble letting go like I’m going to lose the memory or the blessing associated with a specific item. But you are so much bigger than my little finite capacity to live and experience. Thank you that you do not intend for me to live with the high pressure of holding on to what is important or losing it forever. The reality is that you keep all the things I really need safe in your care and bring me what I truly need every day. There’s no reason for me to be a pack rat. Help me to clean out my heart daily so there is room for you to move. I love you and thank you and pray in your name, amen.

​5 June 2017
A Word of Encouragement
1 Thessalonians 5:11
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Ever watch the audition episodes of American Idol? The producers always  made sure to air the worst singers. The ratings for the show were high because all the viewers were stunned at the surprise the horrible singers have when they are not given a ticket to Hollywood. Even their family members would curse Simon on camera for not recognizing their loved one’s “talent.” These “singers,” who were just awful, had never heard that they were awful, they were “encouraged” to keep singing, and that did not do them any favors.

I am not saying this passage from 1 Thessalonians means for us to go around bursting bubbles and offering blunt Simon Cowell style criticism to everyone, even though those contestants really needed someone to have done that for them to avoid public humiliation. This scripture is telling us that the kind of encouraging we do for one another is for the purpose to “build them up” –  to give them strength, to help them be successful, and to be beneficial for them. Indulgence and flattery is not helpful, productive, godly encouragement.

Romans 15 describes the benefits of the kind of encouragement that does not ever lead to disappointment...
We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.  We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Believers can always be prepared to give the best encouragement to others by reading Bible verses daily in the event there is an opportunity to share those words with someone today, for God’s Word is real encouragement that builds others up and tears no one down.

Dear God,
Thank you for your Word encouraging my heart this morning. And I can’t thank you enough for the people you bring into my life to encourage me with your Word. Thank you for my mom, Paula, Deborah, Carla, and Melissa encouraging me daily with prayers, hugs, love, and scripture. It has been so good for my heart, and I pray that you would bless these dear ladies today. I love you and thank you and pray in Jesus’ name, amen.