Category: Encouragement

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Amazing Love

Each morning I try to take time to focus on the unconditional love of the Father. As I follow that path, my thoughts are overwhelmed with His goodness and grace.

“ I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. 18 And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. 19 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. 21 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen. ” Ephesians 3:17-21 ERV

This was the Apostle Paul’s prayer, written thousands of years ago, and it is still a life-impacting, life-empowering, life-changing prayer for all who read it and take it to heart.

There’s an old hymn, written by John Wesley who was a great preacher. He marveled at the amazing love of God.

“And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?

Refrain:
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!”

These words were written in the 1700’s and repeated in a more modern song which was written by a current Christian artist, Chris Tomlin.

“I’m forgiven because You were forsaken,
I’m accepted, You were condemned.
I am alive and well, Your sprit is within me,
Because You died and rose again.
(Repeat x2)

[Chorus:]
Amazing love,
How can it be?
That You, my King would die for me?
Amazing love,
I know it’s true.
It’s my joy to honour You,
In all I do, I honour You.”

Sometimes all I can do is sit silently and let my heart sing in worship of my Lord and Savior. Never has He forsaken me, never have I been abandoned, never has He lied to me.

““The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor. He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. He sent me to free those who have been treated badly 19  and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.”

Always forgiven, always accepted, always loved. AMAZING LOVE!

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Not On the Menu

Dave and I will be heading to the mountains with friends in a couple of weeks and the guys are looking forward to some fishing.

I remember when I’d go fishing with my dad, I have fun digging through the worm can to find a big, fat, juicy worm and then put it on the hook. I just knew I was bound to catch a big fish…and most of the time I did.

Do you know the devil has a can of big, fat, juicy worms he uses to try and catch us? His bait has names like condemnation, fear, bitterness, jealousy, low self-esteem, guilt, greed, depression and he tries to catch us on his hook.

As a kid, I’m sure you all said this little chant once or twice. “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, guess I’ll go eat worms. Big fat juicy ones, little tiny scrawny ones, oh, how they do squirm.”

Ya, I know kids stuff right? Not so much – that feeling is all too prevalent in adults as well but we just don’t sing the chant.

That feeling that I’m all alone and that nobody really understands me or loves! It can be overwhelming. We’ve all had people let us down, turn against us or just ignore us as if we don’t exist.

But! There is One who promises to never leave us or forsake us.

I love Hebrews 13:5b. “God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never run away from you.” Now that’s good news but let me give it to you from the Amplified version.

“for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5b-6

Now read that again. The Amplified version gives us the depth of the meaning of the words the way they were written in the original language.

This is how God feels about us – He’s there for us. He will not leave me!!!! His love never fails. This ties into what we read yesterday. Nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God.

When the devil tries to entice us with his bait, we do what God’s word says.

“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 10:4-5 ERV

Don’t take the bait – it’s not on God’s menu.

Be blessed today because God loves us, and nothing can compare to that!!

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Nothing – Absolutely Nothing

Do you have “one special someone” in your life?

The one who knows your deepest secrets, your biggest fears, your worst failures and loves you still? That one who has been behind you for every success, cheering you on, encouraging you, applauding you, being there at the trophy ceremony to celebrate your victories?

That someone who will never leave and who will always support through thick or thin, good times or bad, that One is none other than our loving heavenly Father.

He loved you before you were born. He loved you when no one else knew your name. He loved you when you failed and disappointed Him and He loved you when you reached the pinnacle of success!

He can do no other. He IS love! He had His Son die for us. That’s who He is and what He does. It’s absolutely amazing to be in relationship with Him!!!!

“But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:8 CEV

“So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us.” Romans 8:31 CEV

God isn’t waiting for us to fail so He can humiliate us or punish us for what we do wrong. He’s always with us – loving us, encouraging us to try, helping us to grow.

If you’ve ever battled with being “good enough” like I have and then come to a realization that there’s nothing that I can do to make God love me less and there is nothing I can do to make God love me more than you know what a wonderful joy (doesn’t even describe) it is to wake up each morning and say, “Father I love you. Jesus, I love you. Holy Spirit, I love you. And then to hear them say back, “We love you too!”

“Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died for us, but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us. 35 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? 36 As the Scriptures say, ‘For you we are in danger of death all the time. People think we are worth no more than sheep to be killed.’

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—not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us—nothing in the whole created world—will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:34-39 CEV

Now that’s a good way to start an ABSOLUTELY wonderful day!!!

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I Miss My Garden

When Dave and I downsized to our tiny home we embraced the adventure. It has been wonderful to be less encumbered with a house and property that needed maintenance and upkeep.

Cleaning that used to consume hours each week has been condensed to minutes. But there is one thing I miss – my garden!

Around this time of year, I would already be out staking up the tomatoes and the pepper plants. The bulbs in my flowerpots had already come to full bloom. Dead heading geraniums and petunias was a special type of quiet time – just me and the Lord.

Imagine my delight when I read these verses this morning.

“Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. 17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:16-18 CEV

Ahh, seeds of peace. I don’t need potting soil for those. Just a tender heart toward God.

 “Again Jesus said: God’s kingdom is like what happens when a farmer scatters seed in a field. 27 The farmer sleeps at night and is up and around during the day. Yet the seeds keep sprouting and growing, and he doesn’t understand how. 28 It is the ground that makes the seeds sprout and grow into plants that produce grain. 29  Then when harvest season comes and the grain is ripe, the farmer cuts it with a sickle.

30 Finally, Jesus said: What is God’s kingdom like? What story can I use to explain it? 31 It is like what happens when a mustard seed is planted in the ground. It is the smallest seed in all the world. 32 But once it is planted, it grows larger than any garden plant. It even puts out branches that are big enough for birds to nest in its shade.” Mark 4:26-32 CEV

Right before these two examples Jesus told the people that a man went out and sowed some seeds, but the seeds were the word of God. Yesterday’s blog was about a seed of faith, today’s is about a seed of peace.

Putting God’s word into our hearts each day is like planting a garden. We need to keep it watered and pull out the weeds of bitterness, unbelief, worry and distraction. When we do we will gather a bountiful harvest.

“But they start worrying about the needs of this life. They are fooled by the desire to get rich and to have all kinds of other things. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything. 20 The seeds that fell on good ground are the people who hear and welcome the message. They produce 30 or 60 or even 100 times as much as was planted.” Mark 4:19-20 CEV

One of the keys to a good garden is good soil. Each day I pray that my heart is prepared to hear and plant God’s word.

I do miss my garden but I have come to realize that my heart is the garden God wants me to tend!

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Growing a Tree of Faith

It seems that about every 2 or 3 years the Lord has me do a teaching or two on faith and unbelief.

I often hear folks say, “I wish I had more faith or I wish my faith was bigger or stronger”. This morning I would like to share a couple of thoughts on “Faith” and “Unbelief”. Imagine you are holding a coin in your hand right now. One side of the coin is faith and one side is unbelief. The outcome in the situations of your life are directly affected by the side of the coin that you are looking at.

There are many Scriptures when Jesus addressed “Unbelief” in the hearts and minds of those that he was ministering too.

In Matthew 13 it says that Jesus couldn’t do any mighty works in his own hometown because of their unbelief. In Mark 9 the man who had a demon possessed son brought him to Jesus for healing. Jesus answered if thou canst believe all things are possible to him that believeth and the father responded Lord, I believe – help thou my unbelief. After Jesus set the boy free his disciples came and asked:

“‘Why could not we cast him out?’ 20 And Jesus said unto them, ‘Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.'” Matthew 17:19-21 KJV

Jesus didn’t say that it was because of their “little” faith or even lack of faith but because of unbelief. He then goes on to say that with faith as little as a grain of mustard seed, nothing would be impossible to them. And as a side note when Jesus said “this kind” goes not out but by prayer and fasting, He was talking about the unbelief.

Faith simply put is our belief that God not only can do but will do those things that He has promised.

When we give our life to Christ and are born again, we are given faith as a part of our new nature. Romans 12 says that God has given us “the” measure of faith and then in Galatians 5, Paul tells us again that faith is a fruit of the Spirit.

We can all agree it takes faith to get saved. “For by grace are ye saved through faith”.

Faith, believing that God will do what He says He will do, and grace, God giving us what we don’t deserve and can’t earn on our own. This was the time in our life that our faith in God was the smallest and yet it was enough to create the greatest miracle – salvation.

So now, what situation has you focused on unbelief. Go to God’s word, find His answer, feed your faith (Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God) and it will cause your unbelief to shrink.

“But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:6 CEV

Focus on faith and let unbelief die. “Mustard seed” faith is more than enough to move mountains.

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Still Standing

I was thinking this morning. What keeps you grounded when life’s storms have your boat rocking? …hmmmm and the storms will come – health, finances, accidents, death, divorce, family issues or physical storms (tornadoes, blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes). Where do you 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

“ That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.” Ephesians 6:13 ERV

There’s an old hymn that I love to sing, it was written in 1876 by Russell Carter.

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. When the battles are over we will still be standing!

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The Value of Wisdom

I love reading the book of Proverbs. The insights that Solomon has written are invaluable and timeless.

He was a young man when his father, David, died and he became king of Israel. The Lord told him to ask for whatever he would like, and God would give it to him.

“Lord my God, you have made me the king in my father’s place, but I am like a small child. I don’t have the wisdom I need to do what I must do. 8 I am your servant here among your chosen people. There are so many that they cannot be counted. 9 So I ask you to give me the wisdom to rule and judge them well and to help me know the difference between right and wrong. Without such great wisdom, it would be impossible to rule this great nation.”

10 The Lord was happy that Solomon asked for wisdom. 11 So God said to him, “You did not ask for long life and riches for yourself. You did not ask for the death of your enemies. You asked for the wisdom to listen and make the right decisions. 12 So I will give you what you asked for. I will make you wise and intelligent. I will make you wiser than anyone who ever lived or ever will live. 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for. You will have riches and honor all your life. There will be no other king in the world as great as you.” I Kings 3:7-13 ERV

After this, the nations of the world would send their leaders to Solomon seeking his answers to their questions. He was renowned for his wisdom and with wisdom came wealth and peace.

The book of Proverbs gives instruction for the youth and the aged. There is no limitation as to who can benefit from wisdom.

“Those who find wisdom are fortunate; they will be blessed when they gain understanding. 14 Profit that comes from wisdom is better than silver and even the finest gold. 15 Wisdom is worth more than fine jewels. Nothing you desire has more value.

16 With her right hand, Wisdom offers long life—with the other hand, riches and honor. 17 Wisdom will lead you to a life of joy and peace. 18 Wisdom is like a life-giving tree to those who hold on to her; she is a blessing to those who keep her close.

19 With wisdom and understanding, the Lord created the earth and sky. 20 With his knowledge, he made the oceans and the clouds that produce rain.

21 My son, don’t ever let wisdom out of your sight. Hold on to wisdom and careful planning. 22 They will bring you a long life filled with honor. 23 As you go through life, you will always be safe and never fall. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you rest, your sleep will be peaceful. 25 You have no reason to fear a sudden disaster or the destruction that comes to the wicked. 26 You can trust the Lord to protect you. He will not let you fall into harm.” Proverbs 3:13-26 ERV

The book of Proverbs has thirty-one chapters. I like to read one chapter each day and then ask the Lord for wisdom for the day. The book of James tells us when we ask for wisdom the Lord gives it freely.

We can add value to our lives each day when we seek God’s wisdom!

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Bringing Life Into Focus

How many of you started wearing glasses when you were a kid? I was one of those kids. My mom took me to the optometrist when I was in sixth grade.

My teacher told her I seemed to be having trouble seeing the blackboard and then Mom noticed that I was leaning in, close to my music books on the piano when I sat down to practice. Sure enough, I was nearsighted.

Going to school on the first day with glasses was embarrassing. My lenses were thick and the frames were anything but stylish. I was now a nerd.

But there was no denying that I could see better. In fact, it was amazing! I could see across a room without squinting to make things come into focus.

This morning I was reading some verses that prompted the memory I just shared.

“I pray that God will be kind to you and will let you live in perfect peace! May you keep learning more and more about God and our Lord Jesus. 3 We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.

5 Do your best to improve your faith by adding goodness, understanding, 6 self-control, patience, devotion to God, 7 concern for others, and love. 8 If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful. 9 But if you don’t grow, you are like someone who is nearsighted or blind, and you have forgotten that your past sins are forgiven.

10 My friends, you must do all you can to show God has really chosen and selected you. If you keep on doing this, you won’t stumble and fall.” II Peter 1:2-10 CEV

Those words – “if you don’t grow, you are like someone who is nearsighted or blind”, jumped off the page. For years I wasn’t just nearsighted physically but also spiritually.

I knew that God wanted to forgive my sins, but little did I know that He wanted me to be living a life where I wouldn’t stumble or fall. He had given me great and precious promises and I didn’t see it.

Those promises are filled with victory and power, peace and joy, love and forgiveness. Now, the blurriness is gone. God’s promises have come into focus and I see with clarity what He has given me.

“Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5 No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:4-5 CEV

Maybe it’s time for a check-up. We can all use a spiritual adjustment in bringing life into focus based on the promises of God’s word.

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Storm Warning

Have you ever been in a storm? I mean a real storm! An “all hope is lost” time in your life? That’s what I was reading about this morning.

The Apostle Paul is prisoner on a ship headed for Italy. He had told the captain that they should stay where they were because the seas would be rough. However, things appeared calm and since is was late in the sailing season the captain didn’t want to lose any more time and they set sail.

But, the weather started getting rough…you know how it goes.

“But then a very strong wind called the “Northeaster” came from across the island. 15 This wind took the ship and carried it away. The ship could not sail against the wind, so we stopped trying and let the wind blow us…20 For many days we could not see the sun or the stars. The storm was very bad. We lost all hope of staying alive—we thought we would die.” Acts 27:14- 20 ERV

I have never been in a ship on rough seas and for that I am grateful but I’ve been in tornado warnings, monsoons, blizzards, etc. Some other storms that caused me to lose hope -storms of financial devastation, betrayal, fractured relationships. Not every storm has high winds, boisterous seas or floods of destruction.

Listen to what Paul said.

“21 The men did not eat for a long time. Then one day Paul stood up before them and said, ‘Men, I told you not to leave Crete. You should have listened to me. Then you would not have all this trouble and loss. 22 But now I tell you to be happy. None of you will die, but the ship will be lost. 23 Last night an angel came to me from God—the God I worship and belong to. 24 The angel said, ‘Paul, don’t be afraid! You must stand before Caesar. And God has given you this promise: He will save the lives of all those sailing with you.’ 25 So men, there is nothing to worry about. I trust God, and I am sure everything will happen just as his angel told me. 26 But we will crash on an island.” Acts 27:21-26 ERV

How can this be good news? First he started with I told you so and ended with we are going to crash…but be happy because none of you will die! They had been in this storm for 14 days. How long had you been in your storm? 14 years? Be encouraged although the things around you may be destroyed; don’t worry you won’t die.

Remember our verses from yesterday?

“ So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. 25 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 AMPC

When we know a storm is coming, we can prepare. We can build with God’s word, prayer, and trust in God’s faithfulness.

Now look back at Paul.

“Just before dawn Paul began persuading all the people to eat something. He said, ‘For the past two weeks you have been waiting and watching. You have not eaten for 14 days. 34 Now I beg you to eat something. You need it to stay alive. None of you will lose even one hair off your heads.” Acts 27:33-34 ERV

Let me paraphrase what Paul said. Don’t worry, trust God and let’s eat and live.

Let God guide you through the storm. Stop worrying, trust Him and live! Remember what Jesus said to another storm – “Peace, be still” and the winds ceased.

Praise God today for getting you through!

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Shake Down Cruise in the Desert

Yes, you read that right.

Last summer Dave and I purchased a Jeep and for the past seven months we have been equipping it with all the equipment and gear we need for overlanding. Winches, roof top tent, lift kit, bigger tires, recover boards, camp kitchen, solar generator, refrigerator, etc. You get the picture. We were prepared and ready to go.

And that’s where we’ve been for the last four days – out at the desert lake. We had a marvelous time. We learned so much about our equipment and ourselves. Who says “old people can’t do this”?

This image is of our last night’s sunset. What a wonderful time!

We also learned that some of the items we brought were unnecessary and some of them were ill-suited. Those will be left at home next time and new items will replace them. We found the tent was sturdy and stable even in some pretty heavy wind.

We worked together; we walked, talked, read our books, cooked together and spoke of the future, wondering what else God has in store. It was an amazing time and we are looking forward to our next adventure.

A shaken down cruise is it a lot like living the Word of God.

You have the equipment – your Bible, a good commentary, a heart touching message on the subject. Now, you need to get out in the field or the desert and put it into practice. The equipment does you no good left in the box or packed neatly in the back of the Jeep.

It needs to be used.

There are four verses that are the basis for my daily walk. They are my basic equipment for living.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

“… for whatever is not from faith is sin.” Romans 14:22-23 NKJV

“ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” Galatians 5:6 NKJV

“Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love never fails!” I Corinthians 13:4-8 CEV

Let’s put this equipment to work.

I want to please God the Father each and every day so I must have faith. Whatever I do that is not done in faith is sin; in order for faith to truly work it must have love as its foundation. To have effective faith I must be walking in love and love is kind, patient, unselfish, not rude or jealous, boastful or proud. Love assumes the best and is supportive, loyal and trusting – it never fails.

My decisions, actions and reactions need to be based on knowing God’s amazing love for me; His character is love and He shares that with me so that I can walk in faith and please Him. Never faith in my own works or abilities but always in His! Then and only then is my day truly successful!

Shakedown cruise complete, equipment tested. Walk in faith and please the Father today!

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