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Every Day Promises

Knowing that God is in control and that He is working things out even/especially when you can’t see what’s going on is a great place of peace and comfort.

I’ve been asked why I post this blog every day. My answer is simple; God is an everyday God and His promises are for each day. The people He used in the Bible were everyday people, with ordinary occupations and real-life problems. They had discouragement, disasters, and disappointments.

“Every day, you are kind, and at night you give me a song as my prayer to you, the God of my life…11 Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you, Lord! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God.” Psalm 42:9-11 CEV

Even in the most discouraging times, they trusted God and they rejoiced in God when they saw the victory. It was an everyday walk.

I want you to know there isn’t a day or even a moment when the Almighty God isn’t with you and He wants you aware of His presence and His power. He’s your Father and He loves you unconditionally.

He delivered Noah in the flood, David from Goliath, Daniel from the lions, Joseph in Egypt, Paul in prison, the thief on the cross and He won’t quit with you!

“12 Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life. God promised this to all people who love him. 13 Whenever you feel tempted to do something bad, you should not say, “God is tempting me.” Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone. 14 You are tempted by the evil things you want. Your own desire leads you away and traps you. 15 Your desire grows inside you until it results in sin. Then the sin grows bigger and bigger and finally ends in death.

16 My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be fooled about this. 17 Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:12-18 ERV

Sometimes we get things backwards. Sometimes we say God is testing me or putting me through this trial to see what I’m made of. God doesn’t do that. When the trials, tests and temptations come, they come from our own making or the influence of Satan in the world. God steps in to give us the strength to win the battle.

Let God lead you into victory today and thank Him for all the good and perfect gifts that He has provided.

“The Lord is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me.” Psalm 118:6 CEV

I’m still camped out in Psalm 23. I’m learning to sit at the table the Lord has prepared for me, even in the presence of my enemies. The key to peace is keeping focused on Him.

He promises me and you, that He will never leave or abandon us!

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Seek His Face

I’ve been looking at the reactions of the people that encountered Jesus as I read through the book of John.

Some are moved by what Jesus did and others by what Jesus said. I asked myself, which one am I? Do I need to see a miracle to have my faith bolstered or am I willing to let my life be changed by the simplicity of His word?

Remember the Samaritan woman? Her life and the life of her town were changed by the words of Jesus.

” Many of the Samaritan people in that town believed in Jesus. They believed because of what the woman had told them about him. She had told them, ‘He told me everything I have ever done.’ 40 The Samaritans went to Jesus. They begged him to stay with them. So he stayed there two days. 41 Many more people became believers because of the things he said.

42 The people said to the woman, ‘First we believed in Jesus because of what you told us. But now we believe because we heard him ourselves. We know now that he really is the one who will save the world.’” John 4:39-42 ERV

And then there was the man at the pool who had been lame – His life was changed by the words “take up your bed and walk”.

Look at this example in John 6. These folks had followed Jesus and He had his disciples feed them with a boy’s lunch.

“So they gathered up the pieces that were left. The people had started eating with only five loaves of barley bread. But the followers filled twelve large baskets with the pieces of food that were left. 14 The people saw this miraculous sign that Jesus did and said, ‘He must be the Prophet who is coming into the world.’ 15 Jesus knew that the people planned to come get him and make him their king. So he left and went into the hills alone.” John 6:13-15 ERV

It wasn’t the words that Jesus spoke that changed the people; they wanted to see more signs. He had filled their bellies but they hadn’t let Him fill their hearts.

As a loving parent or grandparent we like to provide for the needs of our children and grandchildren but we don’t want that to be the motive for the attention they give us.

I will ask you a question that needs to be asked and answered on a continual basis.

Here’s the question.

What is more important to me, seeking the hand of God (his provisions) or seeking His face (relationship)?

The amazing thing is that when we seek His face, we will be blessed by His promises and provision.

In my lifetime I have seen some real miracles. But what has made more of an impact than the miracles is the daily relationship that I have with the Lord.

“O Lord, listen to my cry. Show loving-kindness to me and answer me. 8 You have said, ‘Look for My face.‘ My heart said to You, ‘O Lord, Your face will I look for.‘” Psalm 27:7-8 NLV

Meet with the Father face to face today. It will change your life!

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Life in Christ is Real

It’s hard for me to put in words what’s on my heart this morning. It’s so much a part of me, in fact, it’s my very purpose, it’s all consuming.

I wrote in my journal this morning. “Father, you’re love amazes me! I am beyond words – overwhelmed by your love and peace. I want everyone to experience what You and I share. It isn’t a preaching – it’s real life in Christ!”

“ Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else.

4-5 But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much he made us alive with Christ, and God’s gift of undeserved grace is what saves you. 6 God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. 7 God did this so in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. 8 You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. 9 It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. 10 God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. This is why he sent Christ to make us what we are.” Ephesians 2:3-10 CEV

God isn’t wanting us to live the life He planned for us because He is a dictator and He certainly doesn’t want a horde of religious robots.

He has planned an abundant and full life for us; one where we experience the abundance of his love, his provision, his mercy, his grace and his peace.

“ A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully.” John 10:10 CEV

Our heavenly Father wants us waking up every morning thanking Him for the miracles of the day before and looking forward to walking in constant communication with Him in the day that is ahead.

He is our loving Father! He shows compassion and forgiveness without hesitation.

“So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. 10 God will accept you and save you, if you truly believe this and tell it to others.

11  The Scriptures say no one who has faith will be disappointed, 12 no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13  All who call out to the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-12 CEV

This is real life in Christ. Knowing that the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross paid for our sins – all of them and it gave us a brand new life, free from guilt.

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.” II Corinthians 5:17-19 CEV

This life in Christ is real!

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Words of Life

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me! Where did that ever come from – it sure wasn’t the Bible!

I remember hearing that and saying that when I was a child but it’s far from the truth. Words can hurt or they can heal. Words can bring life or death, it’s up to us to decide.

Not every bad or dirty word is a cuss word. Words of criticism, gossip, ridicule, slander, embarrassment are all “bad’ words. Words that twist the truth to make me look better or less responsible for a wrong doing are “bad” words. Blaming someone else for my mistakes or faults are bad words.

“When you talk, don’t say anything bad. But say the good things that people need—whatever will help them grow stronger. Then what you say will be a blessing to those who hear you.” Ephesians 4:29 ERV

Disagreeing with someone or correcting them aren’t bad words unless they are meant to hurt or ridicule.

“Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. 17 The Scriptures train God’s servants to do all kinds of good deeds.” II Timothy 3:16-17 CEV

God’s words are useful and good. They instruct us, they encourage us and they correct us. The words we speak should be the same.

Have you been saying bad words? Have relationships been broken? Have you been hurt by words? Words hurt but words can also heal.

“By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction. 21 You should praise the Lord for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.” Psalm 107:20-21 CEV

“Your words can be as satisfying as fruit, as pleasing as the food that fills your stomach.21 The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.” Proverbs 18:20-21 ERV

I need to remind myself daily to speak words of blessing and words of life! When I do, I show that I am learning from my Father!

Let your words be sweet and honest. Let them bring life. Have a wonderful weekend!

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Reflect the Light

The last couple of evenings Dave and I have sat on the patio enjoying the cool evenings! It has been wonderful to smell the fresh air, see our surroundings turn slowly from night into day and rest in all that God has done and is doing in our lives.

As the sun was setting, I was reminded once again to reflect the light. The light of God’s love.

And the greatest of these is love! God’s love for us is beyond amazing. Jesus said to us that the greatest commandment was to love the Father and then love our neighbors.

“… So the Pharisees had a meeting. 35 Then one of them, an expert in the Law of Moses, asked Jesus a question to test him. 36 He said, ‘Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?’

37 Jesus answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and most important command. 39 And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ 40 All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands… None of the Pharisees could answer Jesus’ question. And after that day, no one was brave enough to ask him any more questions.” Matthew 22:34-46 CEV

The Pharisees were trying to test and even trick Jesus into a wrong answer; they were looking for something that would discredit him to his followers and better yet, something that would give them reason to prosecute him and silence him in public.

What Jesus did with his answer was discredit the Pharisees.

By giving the answer that He did, Jesus proved that their heart’s motive was anything but love. If they weren’t walking in love toward Him, their neighbor, they weren’t keeping the greatest commandment. He went on to correct them in their thinking about the Messiah as well. No wonder they decided not to ask Him anymore questions.

The Pharisees had all the outward trappings of religion and righteousness but their hearts were wrong. It was a self-righteousness and it was religion instead of relationship. Jesus was talking about a living relationship with the Father. As we spent time loving the Father we will reflect His love to others.

The moon has no light source in itself but it reflects the light of the sun. In the same way, as we spend time absorbing the Father’s love we will reflect that love to others. We can’t give what we don’t have – so as we receive more and more love from the Father we are able to love others more.

“Stay joined together with me, and follow my teachings. If you do this, you can ask for anything you want, and it will be given to you. 8 Show that you are my followers by producing much fruit. This will bring honor to my Father. 9 ‘I have loved you as the Father has loved me. Now continue in my love.'” John 15:7-9 ERV

The fruit we produce is love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness and self control. There is no law against this kind of fruit; in fact, it fulfills the law.

Father, I desire to love You with all that I am and then to reflect Your light, Your love to those around me today.

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Technically It’s Morning

So many thoughts have been racing through my head I had to get up. I know chaotic dreams that interrupt my sleep are not from the Lord, so it was time to get up and take every thought captive.

“ We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. 4 The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, 5 and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 ERV

Technically, it’s morning!

I’ve been up since 1 a.m. but so has my Father. He doesn’t mind that I call in the middle of the night or the wee hours of the morning. It doesn’t wake Him and He’s always waiting to give advice and restore my peace.

“He will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep. 4 Israel’s Protector does not get tired. He never sleeps. 5 The Lord is your Protector. The Lord stands by your side, shading and protecting you.” Psalm 121:3-5 ERV

I’ve prayed…we’ve talked…my heart is lighter and at peace.

Yesterday morning I woke with the lyrics “joyful, joyful, we adore thee”. This morning it was different. The enemy was trying to steal my joy. Instead of fretting, I did the same thing I had done yesterday. I sang, but with different lyrics –

” In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
Give me Jesus.

Refrain:
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You may have all the rest,
Give me Jesus.”

Technically, it’s morning and since it’s morning, I just want to be immersed in the presence of Jesus. Now, I’m going to lay down, covered with my cozy blanket, listen to the rain and sleep in peace.

“When I go to bed, I sleep in peace, because, Lord, you keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 ERV

In a few hours I will wake again with a song in my heart but it’s already been a good day because technically, it’s morning.

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Fill Your Day With Praise

Dave and I like to watch flashmob videos on YouTube. Last night, right before we went to bed, we watched one of my favorites.

It starts with one man in a tuxedo, standing in the middle of a city square. When a little girl puts some coins in a hat on the ground, he begins to play his stand-up bass. In just a few minutes, he’s joined by more musicians and finally a choir.

They were playing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”. Not only is it a beautiful melody but my heart began to sing the lyrics which were written by Henry van Dyke in 1907.

“Joyful, joyful, we adore You
God of glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You
Op’ning to the sun above

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

All Your works with joy surround You
Earth and heav’n reflect Your rays
Stars and angels sing around You
Center of unbroken praise

Field and forest, vale and mountain
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Praising You eternally!”

What a wonderful way to fall asleep and wake again. Praising the Lord with all my heart!

“Praise the Lord, O my soul. And all that is within me, praise His holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, O my soul. And forget none of His acts of kindness. 3 He forgives all my sins. He heals all my diseases. 4 He saves my life from the grave. He crowns me with loving-kindness and pity. 5 He fills my years with good things and I am made young again like the eagle…19 The Lord has set up His throne in the heavens. And His holy nation rules over all. 20 Praise the Lord, you powerful angels of His who do what He says, obeying His voice as He speaks! 21 Praise the Lord, all you armies of His who work for Him and do what pleases Him. 22 Praise the Lord, all His works in all places under His rule. Praise the Lord, O my soul! Psalm 103 NLV

For a few brief moments in that city square it was if the whole earth was praising the Lord. The orchestra, the choir and those listening were caught up in one special moment of praise, whether they realized it or not.

Praise is our opportunity to recount the many wonderful things the Lord has done for us.

“Your thoughts are of great worth to me, O God. How many there are! 18 If I could number them, there would be more than the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.” Psalm 139:17-18 NLV

We are always a part of God’s thoughts. From the beginning of creation, we were part of His plan.

Our Good Shepherd leads us, guides us, brings us to a place of rest and protection. He is with us always and when life on earth is over, eternal life with Him in heaven will begin!

Let that fill your day with praise!

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“Walk” in Obedience

Have you ever been crippled? Maybe you’ve broken an ankle, a leg or had foot surgery. Perhaps you had a crippling fear that weakened you; possibly you were an emotional cripple or even financially unable to move.

Most of us have been crippled at one point or another. Imagine now that this wasn’t something you could get over and the longer you lived with limitation it began to steal away your hope.

That describes the man Jesus met by the pool side. He had been a cripple for thirty-eight years. 38 years! Thirty-eight years he waited for his miracle and quite frankly I think he had lost hope.

“Many sick people were lying on the porches beside the pool. Some of them were blind, some were crippled, and some were paralyzed. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for 38 years. 6 Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been sick for a very long time. So he asked him, ‘Do you want to be well?’ 7 The sick man answered, ‘Sir, there is no one to help me get into the water when it starts moving. I try to be the first one into the water. But when I try, someone else always goes in before I can.’” John 5:3-7 ERV

Do you hear him? “Nobody will help me, there’s nothing I can do about my situation, I’m stuck!”

“Then Jesus said, ‘Stand up! Pick up your mat and walk.’ 9 Immediately the man was well. He picked up his mat and started walking.” John 5:8-9 ERV

The man thought there was no help but the power of the Word of God spoken over our lives is life changing.

“ With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 ERV

I’m sure this man sensed the power in Jesus’ words. This was no ordinary man, these were not empty words. They brought hope and hope brought action; this man went from a cripple to a person of determination and strength.

This isn’t just a nice story of healing that happened in the Bible long ago, it is an example to us for today. We have an open invitation to come to God’s throne and when we come, we find the help we need.

“16 Jesus was doing all this on the Sabbath day. So these Jews began trying to make him stop. 17 But he said to them, ‘My Father never stops working, and so I work too.’…19 But Jesus answered, ‘I assure you that the Son can do nothing alone. He does only what he sees his Father doing. The Son does the same things that the Father does.‘” John 5:16-19 ERV

Our Father never stops working! He is still working today and the things He does, He does because He loves us.

“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of.” Ephesians 3:19-20 ERV

Our part is to walk in obedience.

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Don’t Be Afraid in the Darkness

I feel this is the message of Psalm 23. Yes, I am still in Psalm 23.

Do you have a loved one, a dear friend, that maybe you haven’t seen in ages and then you get together and catch up on all that has been going on in your life and theirs?

That’s where I have been the past several days by camping out in Psalm 23 with my dear friend, Jesus.

I’ve heard the Shepherd say, “Come lay down in the pasture. Get a cool and refreshing drink. Sleep, rest. Be still. I am filling your life with goodness, up to the very rim and more – I’m running your cup of life over with My love”.

Then my heart has said, “Lord, there are dangerous things happening all around me. Hurtful, heartbreaking situations, physical dangers and emotional unrest”. Then comes this reminder.

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalm 23:4-5 NLT

King David, before he was king, was a shepherd. He cared for his sheep, and he let his experiences be life lessons to teach him about the loving care of the Good Shepherd.

The Lord knows a lot about dangerous and frightening situations. Just ask Noah (the ark builder), David (the giant slayer), Daniel (the lion tamer), Peter (the water walker), Paul (the shipwreck survivor) and oh yes, Jonah (the fish bait).

These were all everyday people – there was nothing special about them except their willingness to obey God.

“ I pray that God will open your minds to see his truth. Then you will know the hope that he has chosen us to have. You will know that the blessings God has promised his holy people are rich and glorious. 19 And you will know that God’s power is very great for us who believe. It is the same as the mighty power 20 he used to raise Christ from death and put him at his right side in the heavenly places. ” Ephesians 1:18-20 ERV

The last few weeks I have had several people very close to me face some pretty tough stuff. As I was praying for each of them the Lord kept bringing me back these verses in Psalms and Ephesians.

In the darkest valley, don’t be afraid. Know the blessings God has for you. Know the mighty power of God.

“I, I am the one who wipes away all your sins. I do this to please myself. I will not remember your sins. 26 But you should remember me. Let’s meet together and decide what is right.” Isaiah 43:25-26 ERV

The Lord wants us to meet with Him, in the quiet places, away from the distractions where we can remember His power, His strength, His unfailing love. He wants us to be worry-free, completely trusting Him and filled with joy because His love never fails.

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Time for a Cuddle

Here I am – back in my quiet place. You know the one – the one in green pastures beside still waters!

“Be still, and know that I am God:” Psalm 46:10 That’s what I am hearing this morning.

Be still! I remember when our youngest daughter, Kaci, was just around a year old. She awaken in the middle of the night and I got up with her and took her to the living room to rock her. She shared the bedroom with her sister and I didn’t want to wake her too.

When I got to the living room I sat down on the couch and began to rock back and forth, thinking the rocking motion would lull her back to sleep. She really wanted none of that. She began to lean her body in the direction of the family room and kitchen. (You know that kind of lean, the one little kids have when they want you to take them somewhere, their body language before they can talk.) I told her softly that there really wasn’t anything in there and she just needed to cuddle in and sleep. Her body continued leaning so I got up, with her in my arms and walked into the family room, then to the kitchen, through the dining room and back to the living room – all the while being led by the leaning of a child.

Once back in the living room we sat down on the couch again. As I began the rocking motion that I had tried to comfort her with just minutes before, she settled in and went to sleep. I looked at her smiled and thought, “This is where we started, why couldn’t have we done this the first time?”

With that I heard the Lord minister to me; “How many times do I take you somewhere and you only insist on leaning/leading to another place? I patiently give in to your will and then we go full circle and end up back where I had you at the start. I take you back and there you find peace.”

Wow! Lord what a graphic lesson. There have been times when I thought I knew best – I thought I want to be any place but here and so I good from place to place, room to room and come back to find “Be still and know that I am God!”

This doesn’t mean we take a fatalistic approach and just give up on our dreams and desires. What it does mean is that we can trust God with our dreams and let Him bring them to pass.

Thanking God today for His mercy – for allowing me to come back to the place of peace where I can “Be Still and Know that He is God!”

Just cuddle into the Father’s arms and find rest!

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