Author: Kristi Wilson

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Imperfect Mothers

This morning when I woke my mind was filled with some of the Bible’s most famous mothers; Eve, Mrs. Noah, Sarah, Rachel, Rebecca, Jochebed, Naomi, and Mary.

These ladies gave birth to Cain and Abel, Shem, Ham, Japheth, Isaac, Jacob, Esau, Joseph, Benjamin, Moses, Miriam, Aaron, Mahlon, Chilion, and Jesus.

They weren’t perfect mothers. One gave birth to a murderer, one helped her son steal his brother’s birthright and deceive his father, one we know nothing about, one persuaded her husband to have an affair which caused all kinds of trouble between the man’s two sons.

One gave birth to the children who would leave the Israelites from Egypt but her youngest son had to be given up and raised by another woman who adopted him and taught him the ways of false gods.

One mother moved with her husband and sons to a foreign nation where they lived as outcasts and when her husband and sons died in that country she lived to return to Israel alone, broken and bitter. Her consolation was a daughter-in-law who refused to leave her alone, Ruth.

And finally, we come to the mother of a perfect Son, Mary. But, Mary wasn’t a perfect mother either. Her son’s siblings had doubts as to His divinity and at times they thought He had really lost touch with reality.

All of these mothers were women with faults; women like we are today. They had worries and concerns for their children. Their daily life was taxing, it was hard. They made mistakes. However, God blessed them with children who would change the world.

God has given us the opportunity to raise world-changers. We don’t have to be perfect but we do need to be committed to pray. Even now, my children are 48, 46 and 37 and I pray for them daily.

“I, the Lord, will teach your children, and they will have real peace.” Isaiah 54:13 ERV

Each morning I say, “Thank you Lord for teaching my children today and giving them peace. Let them see that You love and care for them.”

Are they world-changers? Yes, they are! Do you know their names? Probably not, but they change the world of their friends and the people they associate with and help. They change the world of their families and God has been good to keep them safe even in dangerous professions.

Am I a perfect mother? Not hardly. I know the mistakes I have made and those are regrettable but God has assured me that I have been forgiven and I know my children have forgiven me too.

I want to encourage mothers, young and old, we have a calling from the Lord. Pray for your children to have hearts that are soft toward the things of God and never give up hope. Afterall, Moses was eighty years old before God called to him from a burning bush in the desert. There’s still time for Him to reach your child.

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV

Happy Mother’s Day!

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On The Rock

Yesterday I wrote about “Standing on the Promises”, a sure foundation, the Word of God, that won’t fail in the storms of life.

“So when God wanted to prove for certain his promise to his people could not be broken, he made a vow. 18 God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. 19  This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls…” Hebrews 6:17-19 CEV

This morning I woke up thinking of motherhood and how each of us ladies must hold firmly to the hope that God has given us for our children. How appropriate it is that Mary, the mother of Jesus, stood on God’s promises, in the midst of her storm .

“Then the angel told Mary, ‘Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, 31 and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was. 33 He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end.’ 34 Mary asked the angel, ‘How can this happen? I am not married!’ 35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come down to you, and God’s power will come over you. So your child will be called the holy Son of God. 36 Your relative Elizabeth is also going to have a son, even though she is old. No one thought she could ever have a baby, but in three months she will have a son. 37 Nothing is impossible for God!’ 38 Mary said, ‘I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.’ And the angel left her.” Luke 1:30-38 CEV

In Mary’s day, the law demanded if a woman was not a virgin when she was married that she could be stoned. Mary was very aware of this. She knew that by consenting to what the angel said, it could cost her life. It would certainly cost her the relationship she had with Joseph, the man she was engaged too and could cause her to be shunned by her family and friends.

Mary knew the prophecies of the coming Messiah and that he would be born to a virgin so she consented. She would stand on God’s word and become the mother of the Messiah.

A young girl who was willing to obey God’s leading; who gave up her reputation and the possibly of family and friends to stand on the Word of God, changed history as we know it. A young mother chose to be believe God’s promises for her child. She held fast to God’s Word and stood strong in a storm.

If God’s word was the sustaining force for Mary, it will be for us as well. Mom’s don’t give up on the promises of God for your children.

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Midnight…

Continuing with yesterday’s thoughts. We’ll be able to sing at midnight when we are grounded on a firm foundation. I shared these thoughts several years back but since Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever the truth of His word is too.

Even during our midnight hours, our times of crises, there’s light for our path. Just as the stars always shine, God’s love never fails.

“He lets the moon and the stars rule each night. God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:9 CEV

What keeps us grounded when life’s storms have our boat rocking? The storms will come – health, finances, accidents, death, divorce, family issues or physical storms (tornadoes, blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes). Where do we find peace and safety?

Peter was in a physical storm, and he learned that he would sink or walk based on one thing – the Word of God. Jesus said “Come” and on that one-word direction from the mouth of the Son of God, he walked.

If we are going to be grounded, we have to be standing on the word of God. It is the only sure and firm foundation.

“Grass dies and flowers fall, but the word of our God lasts forever.” Isaiah 40:8

” Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

“Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

Life’s midnight isn’t a time we see on a clock. Instead, it’s our darkest hours and quite often we find ourselves feeling alone but we never are.

“He decided how many stars there would be in the sky and gave each one a name. 5 Our Lord is great and powerful!  He understands everything.” Psalm 147:4-5 CEV

Before the astronomers named the stars, God already had. Before we were born, He already knew us and had a plan for our lives.

“Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything about me.” Psalm 139:16 CEV

There’s an old hymn that I love to sing, it was written in 1876 by Russell Carter. It’s a good one to remember during those midnight hours.

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,

through eternal ages let his praises ring;

glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,

standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:

Standing, standing,

standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;

standing, standing,

I’m standing on the promises of God.

2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail,

when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,

by the living Word of God I shall prevail,

standing on the promises of God.

(Refrain)

3. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,

bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,

overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,

standing on the promises of God.

(Refrain)

4. Standing on the promises I cannot fall,

listening every moment to the Spirit’s call,

resting in my Savior as my all in all,

standing on the promises of God.

(Refrain)

Stand on His Word – it will never fail! That’s our reason to sing.

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I Wonder…

if I could sing at midnight?

“We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go.” Proverbs 16:9 CEV

I’d like to tell you the story of a couple of fellows who let the Lord direct their plans.

They had been arrested for casting a devil out of a woman. Made a lot of folks mad and so they were beaten and thrown into the inner prison. They were chained in a dirty prison cell and they were in the dark. They knew they were being treated unfairly. They had plenty of reason to complain and bemoan their situation.

But instead of complaining they sang. Not quietly, they sang loud enough for the other prisoners to hear them. Singing at midnight in a dirty jail cell – what was there to sing about?

“Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death, will that separate us from his love?…37 But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. 38-39 Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love…” Romans 8:35-38 ERV

Paul wrote these words. It was Paul and Silas who were in that prison cell. He knew that he had complete victory through Christ and that nothing could separate him from God’s love!

And as they were singing, God brought victory in the form of an earthquake.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing songs to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was an earthquake so strong that it shook the foundation of the jail. All the doors of the jail opened, and the chains on all the prisoners fell off. 27 The jailer woke up and saw that the jail doors were open. He thought that the prisoners had already escaped, so he got his sword and was ready to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t hurt yourself! We are all here!’

29 The jailer told someone to bring a light. Then he ran inside and, shaking with fear, fell down in front of Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Men, what must I do to be saved?’ 31 They said to him, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all who live in your house.’” Acts 16:25-31 ERV

Paul and Silas were free but they didn’t escape. They stayed to share the Good News of God’s love with their jailer. When we trust God’s love and His direction, even a jail cell is an opportunity to tell about His goodness.

It’s possible you are in prison? Have you been badly mistreated and abused? Locked away and forgotten? Has sickness or poor health chained you to a wall? Has fear or financial ruin put you behind bars?

You’re not alone! God is right there with you – nothing will separate you from His love. Let that sink into your heart – it will cause you to sing at midnight and in singing praises to the Lord, your heart will come to a place of peace and the prison doors will open.

Rest well! God is bigger than your prison and He breaks every chain.

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Make Over – Made New

At one point or another you have probably seen at least one episode of a “Make Over” show on television.

You know the ones – the DIY shows where they completely remodel a home. Some of them make over the person; new haircut, makeup, weight loss and wardrobe. There have been times when I’ve thought it would be nice to have someone create a hairstyle just for me and/or help me find a wardrobe that minimizes the faults and accentuates the strengths.

That my friends is a makeover.

But what about making something new? A new home or a new car, one that no one else has lived in or driven. What’s even more special is when it’s not only new, but custom. The floorplan, cabinetry, countertops, windows, room size, and the view have all been designed specifically for you. No room for complaint – it’s new.

Our Christian lives are like that, made new!

“ Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.” II Corinthians 5:17 CEV

Everything is new.

“Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. 32  Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. 5 Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. 2  Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God.” Ephesians 4:31-5:2 CEV

We are to have the same character as our heavenly Father. We are new in Him. He has placed His nature in us. For a long time, I didn’t see myself as new in Christ; at best, I saw myself as remodeled and truth be told, I saw the remodel as incomplete. Still struggling and dealing with old issues that would never really be fixed this side of heaven.

“Christ died, and we have been joined with him by dying too. So we will also be joined with him by rising from death as he did. 6 We know that our old life was put to death on the cross with Christ. This happened so that our sinful selves would have no power over us. Then we would not be slaves to sin. 7 Anyone who has died is made free from sin’s control.

8 If we died with Christ, we know that we will also live with him. 9 Christ was raised from death. And we know that he cannot die again. Death has no power over him now. 10 Yes, when Christ died, he died to defeat the power of sin one time—enough for all time. He now has a new life, and his new life is with God. 11 In the same way, you should see yourselves as being dead to the power of sin and alive for God through Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:5-11 ERV

Dead to sin and alive for God!

Made new!

Dead to the power of sin – dead to temper, lying, a critical spirit, gossip, self-pity. Dead.

“ But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.” Romans 3:24 CEV

A makeover is something we try to do, made new is something only God can do. I like His way better!

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What’s That Annoying Sound?

Roaring lion or barking Chihuahua, which one is the devil dressed like today?

“6 Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. 7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him. 8 Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.” I Peter 5:6-8 CEV

Satan comes as a roaring lion. He isn’t a lion but he does a good job imitating one. He roars and the intense sound can shake us to our core. His roar sounds different to all of us. To some the roar is cancer, to others it’s divorce or financial devastation. It can be death of a loved one or loss of a job. That awful roar is intended to paralyze us with fear.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV

Roaring Lion conquered but now for the Chihuahua.

Years ago, we were holding a Camp Meeting at a ranch in Northern Arizona. When we arrived at the ranch, our friends weren’t home and we were greeted by their little dog that lived under the porch. He came out with the most ferocious bark he could muster. As I took a step toward him, he ran back under the porch.

This was a scene that repeated itself a number of times over the next 20 minutes. Finally, frustrated I scolded him and told him to hush. He ran back and stayed under the porch until his owners came.

I heard the Holy Spirit speak to my heart. He said, you know that little dog is a good example of the devil. He’ll yip and bark and annoy but he can’t win. The victory has been given to you through Christ Jesus! Don’t let him distract you from what you were called to do.

Annoying little distractions.

Currently, we are doing some site improvements and we have a list of things that need to be done. The list seems endless and there is an order, some things can’t be done ahead of others.

Yap, yap, yap. I hear that little Chihuahua of distractions barking and trying to frustrate Dave and me.

This morning I’m stomping my foot and sending the adversary running. God knows every detail and step that we need to take and I’m not going to be distracted, worried or frustrated by the enemy’s yapping!

“I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

Listen. The roaring and yapping have stopped. What you hear now is the sound of victory!

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It’s Ok to Rest

Yesterday was a full day. Early in the morning we secured everything in the RV and moved from one site to another.

Those of you who are familiar with RV life know that means everything has to be moved off countertops, closets secured, cabinets tightly closed, anything that will move or can fall during tow is in a secure position.

We weren’t moving very far, less than half a mile but still most everything had to be prepared like we were moving three hundred miles. So, around the corner we went, pulled into our new site and then had to reverse the process from an hour before.

Of course, that kind of moving reveals things that haven’t been thoroughly cleaned for a while. I pulled at the rags and cleaners and gave everything a good once over before putting things back in their proper place.

Dave was just as busy on the outside as I was on the inside. When we were done we were tired, but a good tired.

This morning I slept in longer than expected. I woke up foggy headed and sore. As is my normal routine, I had my morning coffee and prayer time and then began making a list of things to do today. That’s when the Lord stopped me.

“By the seventh day God had finished his work, and so he rested. 3 God blessed the seventh day and made it special, because on that day he rested from his work.” Genesis 2:2-3 CEV

It’s ok to rest!

I just about cried. It was as if He was telling me rest is a good thing and I should do it.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd.  I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3  and you refresh my life.” Psalm 23:1-3 CEV

I’m not writing this morning to have you feel sorry for me instead I want you to realize that those of you who have been pushing hard to get things done that it’s ok, and much needed, to rest. It’s important that we work with diligence but it’s just as important that we take time to be restored.

” If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29  Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.” Matthew 11:28-29 CEV

Father, this morning, I come to you on behalf of all those who are weary and unrested. Restore their bodies, their minds and their emotions. Give them peace, joy and strength. Let them find rest in the cool, green pastures of Your provision. In Jesus name, Amen.

Join me – I’ll be resting today and it’s ok.

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Happy Sunday!

We should start each day with Good News. We all need encouragement to look at the bright side of life, so I want to share a couple of favorite Scriptures of mine.

“God saved us and chose us
    to be his holy people.
We did nothing
    to deserve this,
but God planned it
    because he is so kind.
Even before time began
God planned for Christ Jesus
    to show kindness to us.

10 Now Christ Jesus has come
to offer us God’s gift
    of undeserved grace.
Christ our Savior defeated death
and brought us
    the good news.
It shines like a light
and offers life
    that never ends.” II Timothy 1:9-10 CEV

God’s plan has always been to show us kindness and grace!

“9 The Lord won’t always be angry
    and point out our sins;
10 he doesn’t punish us
    as our sins deserve.

11 How great is God’s love for all
    who worship him?
Greater than the distance
    between heaven and earth!
12 How far has the Lord taken
    our sins from us?
Farther than the distance
    from east to west!

13 Just as parents are kind
    to their children,
the Lord is kind
    to all who worship him,
14 because he knows
    we are made of dust.
15 We humans are like grass
or wild flowers
    that quickly bloom.
16 But a scorching wind blows,
and they quickly wither
    to be forever forgotten.

17 The Lord is always kind
    to those who worship him,
and he keeps his promises
to their descendants” Psalm 103:9-17 CEV

Our Father is a kind promise keeper, who forgets our sins and loves us unconditionally!

As an old cowboy preacher friend used to say, “Enough said. That will preach.”

Have a happy Sunday!

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Stand Strong

This morning I’ve been thinking about the course of events that brought Dave and I back to Arizona in 2014. We moved away in 1989. It was a long journey to faraway places like California, Washington, Idaho and Montana but eventually, we ended up back in my home state, Arizona.

Each place we called home, we made friends, and the Lord was faithful to always provide and care for us. However, there was a longing to move on and as the Lord opened the doors, we did just that. In 2014 we moved back to Arizona; we were home!

I have identified with Abraham on more than one occasion. God called him to leave his family and travel to an unknown land. He lived in a tent, not a permanent dwelling. He moved quite a bit. A famine took him to Egypt and a prosperous, growing herd of cattle caused him to relocate and allot part of his land to his nephew.

“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. 9 And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise.” Hebrews 11:8-9 NLT

All the while, Abraham and his wife, Sarah, had no children. At age 75 God made Abraham a promise that he would be father to many nations. Abraham clung to that promise. You know the story; it wasn’t until Abraham was 100 years old that he was blessed with the birth of his son Isaac.

“It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. 12 And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them.” Hebrews 11:11-12 NLT

“He never doubted that God would do what he promised. He never stopped believing. In fact, he grew stronger in his faith and just praised God. 21 Abraham felt sure that God was able to do what he promised.” Romans 4:20-21 ERV

Abraham never doubted God, he never stopped believing and he felt sure that God was able to do what He promised. Sarah had her moments of doubt, but God reassured her that He was faithful.

I too had doubts and wondered what God’s purpose and plan was for me and my family. That’s when I learned to get up every morning and thank the Father for His faithfulness and abiding presence. I haven’t had to wait 25 years, like Abraham, to see a promise of God come to pass but I have waited 8 years.

What promise has God made you? Are you having to wait on it? Don’t give up, don’t give in. Never stop believing.

Stand Strong!

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Home

A year and a half ago Dave and I made a decision to sell our sticks-n-bricks house and move to full-time RV living. It was a big change!

Family keepsakes were distributed, garage sales were held, downsizing became a by-word. We often look around our much smaller space and talk of how happy we are we made that decision.

Home.

It’s not the possessions inside but the love and the memories of those who share it with you.

Home.

That word is a word of comfort. This place is beautiful and peaceful and it’s good to be home. We love it here – other places are nice, pleasant and welcoming but they just aren’t home.

Reminds me of the old song we used to sing, “This world is not my home, I’m just passing through.”

This morning as I was reading and thinking of home, I felt the Lord ask me if I feel that same sense of comfort and peace, the feeling of home, when I spend time in His word and in communion with Him.

You know I do!

Sometimes He points out things that need to be done, not the dishes in the sink or the laundry and even the floors that need to be swept. He points out the things I need to work on and I’m ok with that. He just wants me to enjoy all He has for me.

This Psalm took on a new light this morning. This is where my heart calls home.

“Lord All-Powerful, the place where you live is so beautiful! 2 Lord, I cannot wait to enter your Temple. I am so excited! Every part of me cries out to be with the Living God.

3 Lord All-Powerful, my King, my God, even the birds have found a home in your Temple. They make their nests near your altar, and there they have their babies. 4 Great blessings belong to those who live at your Temple! They continue to praise you. Selah

5 Great blessings belong to those who depend on you for strength! Their heart’s desire is to make the trip to your Temple. 6 They travel through Baca Valley, God has made into a place of springs. Autumn rains form pools of water there. 7 The people travel from town to town on their way to Zion, where they will meet with God.

8 Lord God All-Powerful, listen to my prayer. God of Jacob, listen to me. Selah

9 God, watch over the king, our protector. Be kind to him, the one you have chosen.

10 One day in your Temple is better than a thousand days anywhere else. Serving as a guard at the gate of my God’s house is better than living in the homes of the wicked.

11 The Lord God is our protector and glorious king. He blesses us with kindness and honor.

The Lord freely gives every good thing to those who do what is right. 12 Lord All-Powerful,

great blessings belong to those who trust in you!” Psalm 84 ERV

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