Category: Encouragement

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It’s The Beginning

A New Year, a blank slate, a clean page, a new horizon, a fresh start. How many more clichés can I come up with? You get the point.

Will this year start any differently than those in the past? High expectations are easily replaced by disappointment unless the beginning has a solid foundation.

I used this verse yesterday but it’s the only way I know to start something new, with God!

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 KJV

“In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God.” John 1:1 CEV

The best way to start this new year is to have God in our beginning! God the Father and His creative power is here to fill our beginning. God the Son, Jesus, the Word, is here as our example of what life is like when we depend upon the Father.

Oh and one more verse.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 KJV

God the Holy Spirit has come to remind us of what the Word says about our relationship with the Father, and this will bring us peace! What a great way to begin this year and it’s a great way to walk through each day!

Happy New Year!

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Year End

Good morning!

Today I slept in. I think the activities of the last week and the two days of travel caught up with me and my body needed the extra rest. But now that I’m awake, I’m ready to go. Sitting here with coffee in hand I’m thinking about the year of 2023.

There were some great moments of joy and excitement, unexpected blessings, times of peace. Some once-in-a-lifetime moments. There were also some days of heartache and loss, times when we needed to comfort and encourage, times when we needed comfort.

How will our year end?

If we trust in the Lord it should end the way it started – with expectancy.

“Christ has made us a holy nation of religious leaders who can go to His God and Father. He is the One to receive honor and power forever! Let it be so. 7 See! He is coming in the clouds. Every eye will see Him. Even the men who killed Him will see Him. All the people on the earth will cry out in sorrow because of Him. Yes, let it be so. 8 The Lord God says, ‘I am the First and the Last, the beginning and the end of all things. I am the All-powerful One Who was and Who is and Who is to come.'” Revelation 1:6-8 NLV

Our Father has been here from the very beginning, He always was and has always been.

“In the beginning God made from nothing the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 NLV

In the beginning God!

“ I am the First and the Last. I am the beginning and the end. ” Revelation 22:13 NLV

At the end of all things is God!

It is my goal each day to encourage you in your walk with the Lord. I want you to know that God desires to be a part of everything you do – the mundane and the marvelous. He wants to be your first thought in the morning and your final thought each night.

His love, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness are limitless. The character of God has no end.

As this year ends celebrate! Celebrate the goodness of God. As the new year begins celebrate. Celebrate the faithfulness of your loving heavenly Father and thank Him for the marvelous plans He has for you!.

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Windy Roads

One thing Dave and I always had to consider when we traveled in the northwest was the snow-covered mountain roads. It made winter travel dangerous at times and always required the upmost caution.

When we lived in Montana, we had at least three mountain passes that needed to be navigated on our way to visit family. With a covering of prayer and Dave’s excellent driving skills we always arrived safely, although somewhat stressed.

Our drive home this week was much less stressful. The roads were dry, crowded but dry. I like the straight dry roads of the desert. I guess that’s why these verses have such meaning to me.

“A voice is calling, ‘Make the way ready for the Lord in the desert. Make the road in the desert straight for our God. 4 Every valley will be lifted up and every mountain and hill will be brought down. The turns in the road will be made straight and the bad places will be made smooth. 5 Then the shining-greatness of the Lord will be seen. All flesh together will see it, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’” Isaiah 40:3-5 NLV

These words were written about the coming of Christ over 400 years before he was born.

“ In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the desert in the country of Judea. 2 He said, ‘Be sorry for your sins and turn from them! The holy nation of heaven is near.’ 3 The early preacher Isaiah spoke of this man. He said, ‘Listen! His voice calls out in the desert! ‘Make the way ready for the Lord. Make the road straight for Him!’” Matthew 3:1-4 NLV

John the Baptist was chosen by God to deliver the message of repentance to the Jews prior to Jesus’ public ministry. He brought a message of hope.

Some of you may need that same message. Do you ever feel like you’re on a long crooked, treacherous road? Lots of twists and turns, ups and downs.

Jesus came to change the world, your world and my world. The tangled switchbacks of life become straight as we put our trust in Him. We don’t have to ride the emotional roller coaster of mountain top to valley and up again. He has come to give us peace. Christ came to make our rough places smooth. Remember, He is the One who spoke to the wind and the waves and commanded “Peace, be still”.

It may seem like you have been skidding out of control on an ice-covered road. Call out, like the words of the song, Jesus take the wheel!

“Let us go with complete trust to the throne of God. We will receive His loving-kindness and have His loving-favor to help us whenever we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 NLV

The power of God in our lives will make crooked places straight, rough places smooth; turn struggles into strength and battles into triumph.

Keep your eyes on Him who ALWAYS causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus.

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Home Again!

We spent Tuesday and Wednesday on the road, driving home. Outside of a couple of construction zones and a few spots of congested traffic the drive was uneventful, just the kind we like.

I have no idea how many thousands of miles we have traveled over the years. God’s hand of protection has guided us. Protection. A gift that I never take for granted.

I was reminded of another gift that God has blessed us with when I was reading this morning, The gift of righteousness. Simply put, righteousness means right-standing or acceptable.

“There is a lot of difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gift. That one sin led to punishment. But God’s gift made it possible for us to be acceptable to him, even though we have sinned many times. 17 Death ruled like a king because Adam had sinned. But that cannot compare with what Jesus Christ has done. God has treated us with undeserved grace, and he has accepted us because of Jesus. And so we will live and rule like kings.

18  Everyone was going to be punished because Adam sinned. But because of the good thing that Christ has done, God accepts us and gives us the gift of life. 19 Adam disobeyed God and caused many others to be sinners. But Jesus obeyed him and will make many people acceptable to God.” Romans 5:16-19 CEV

God’s gift of right-standing isn’t seasonal; it’s a gift 24-7-365. Every day, all year long. Right-standing with God has been granted and as the verse says, “made it possible for us to be acceptable to him, even though we have sinned many times.”

The reason Christ came was to pay the price for our sins. Something we were and are unable to do on our own.

“ When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! 18 All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between himself and us. And God gave us the work of bringing people into peace with him. 19 I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people. 20 So we have been sent to speak for Christ. It is like God is calling to people through us. We speak for Christ when we beg you to be at peace with God. 21 Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could be right with God.” II Corinthians 5:17-21 ERV

This was God’s plan from the beginning; He wanted us to be a part of His family and to live with Him in His home. The gift of right standing with God is like coming home!

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Christmas Eve

The family has all arrived; four of us came by plane, nine by car and three live here. Thank God for modern conveniences. Mary and Joseph didn’t have those.

It’s only been about the last 15 or 20 years that I have begun to see what that trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was really like for them. 155 kilometers or approximately 96 miles. This trip would have taken many days, walking and riding a donkey.

“So Joseph left Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and went to the town of Bethlehem in Judea. It was known as the town of David. Joseph went there because he was from the family of David. 5 Joseph registered with Mary because she was engaged to marry him. (She was now pregnant.) 6 While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby. 7 She gave birth to her first son. She wrapped him up well and laid him in a box where cattle are fed. She put him there because the guest room was full.” Luke 2:4-7

If they were able to keep a steady pace of 20 miles per day, it would have taken at least 5 days. Sleeping on the ground, cooking food over an open fire.

I do love to camp, sleeping in a tent – being around a campfire under the stars but breaking camp each morning and setting up again each evening would be a bit tedious and then add to that the discomfort of being nine months pregnant.

Dave and I used to travel a lot and it was always so nice to get to the hotel after twelve hours on the road, get something warm to eat and crawl into a nice bed. But when Mary and Joseph got to their destination their accommodations weren’t quite as welcoming.

Those of us who’ve had livestock know that even when we clean the stalls each day – removing the manure, putting down clean bedding- it still isn’t a place that we would like to give birth. Joseph was Mary’s birth coach and delivery team – he was the midwife! Just the two of them bringing God’s Son into this earthly home.

“Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that he lets us be called his children, as we truly are.” I John 3:1

God loved us so much that He sent His Son so that we could become His children. AMAZING!!

And what manner of love Mary and Joseph had for God and for each other to go through this difficult journey and less than “perfect” birthing experience. Still they glorified God and gave Him thanks for His wondrous gift.

Is your Christmas this year difficult, not exactly what you had planned?

When our hearts are open God can, and does, fill them with His wonderful love. He can and will fill the loneliness, ease the ache and give us a reason to be thankful. May you experience that love in a very special way.

From our home to yours, Merry Christmas Eve!

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Bah Humbug!

Do you have any Scrooge’s in your life? It just seems futile to try and keep those people happy or in a positive state of mind?

I mean, it seems some folks “have it all” and still they want to grumble and complain while others seem to have very little of the pleasures of life and are always smiling and encouraging others.

The difference between the two is their definition of rich.

Bob Cratchit worked in harsh conditions. Long hours, low pay and underappreciated but he went home every night to a family who loved him and he was rich. Ebenezer Scrooge was rich – he lived in a big home, counted his money often but lived unhappy and alone.

Rich – what does that word bring to mind? At this time of year, it can be used in several ways.

Our conversation was rich with laughter.

The fudge was rich.

The presence of family and friends is rich.

That’s a present fit for a king but it requires his riches to buy it.

Rich: 1. wealthy: owning a lot of money or expensive property 2. worth much: worth a great deal of money 3. costly and fine: made from or consisting of things of the highest quality.

What things in life make you feel rich?

Remember a couple of days ago when I used the verses from John 1 about the Word (Jesus) became flesh. Ok, so hold that thought for a moment and let’s look at Colossians.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 KJV

Let the word dwell in you richly or let’s put it this way. When Christ, who is the word, dwells in us we become rich in wisdom. Now there’s a novel concept, rich in wisdom. Wisdom is a commodity that money can’t buy but dwelling in the Word makes wisdom available.

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful. 16 Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:15-17 ERV

Now there are some gifts that we all desire – peace, thankfulness, wisdom. A relationship with Christ, the Word, brings the richness of these gifts to our lives.

God bless us everyone!

Merry Christ – mas!

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Peace Keeping

This morning I had a different start to my day. I’ve told you how much I enjoy waking up early, reading my Bible and having my prayer time in the quiet. The only noises I hear are the coffee brewing, the electric fireplace, and an occasional coyote.

Not this morning. I woke with a painful start. I had a charley horse in my right calf and my right foot was in a spasm. As I attempted to stand, another one hit my left thigh. At this point I was trying to maintain my balance; I didn’t want to fall over, and I didn’t want to wake Dave.

This was not the peaceful morning I had planned. That’s how it happens: peace-robbing, joy-stealing, stress-filled moments. Living in the peace of God is not a one-time decision, it is a daily lesson.

So, let’s go back a couple days to the reference I made on Jesus, Prince of Peace. In light of all that is going on in my world I definitely need the Prince of Peace.

Can you imagine being a shepherd, probably dosing off for the night when the entire night sky lit up? Talk about UFO’s – this was an invasion! No place to run, no place to hide and then came the message:

“That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. 9 All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. 10 But the angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. 12 You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.’

13 Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: 14 ‘Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.'” Luke 2:8-14 CEV

Don’t be afraid – Peace! This isn’t just a nice little story in a nice little book – these shepherds were real people, and they came face to face with talking angels. That would make the hair on the back of my neck stand up!

What is it you’re facing today – a bad medical report, a failing marriage, wayward children, financial failure, world unrest, the collapse of the future you had planned…or just some charley horses in the early morning hours.

Christmas is about a week away. There are still so many things to do; baking, shopping, gatherings, working, wrapping, traveling, resting. Deep breath, peace.

Then listen to what Jesus said

“I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:27 CEV

and then just a bit later

“‘I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!’” John 16:33 ERV

This morning, as you are looking out on your world, be still, recover and let the peace of God rule in your heart.

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With God

With God NOTHING is impossible!

Nothing…not your financial situation, not your health, not your kids or your spouse, your job, your safety, your peace of mind. Nothing!

These words were spoken to a young Jewish girl by an angel.

“Mary was confused by the angel’s words and wondered what they meant. 30 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 1:29-38 CEV

What could be more impossible than this – a young woman, who was a virgin, having a child? No situation in your life or mine could be more impossible than this. Truly!

How? God’s power and Mary’s agreement. If Mary hadn’t believed the angel’s message to her, he would have gone to someone else. But she accepted that NOTHING was impossible.

She believed, she conceived, and she received God’s promise.

The hard thing was walking it out. She had to tell her family, she had to tell Joseph and then she had to hear the whispers and the criticism that followed.

God has made us a promise that He will supply all that we need and He will give us the strength that we need in every situation. (Philippians 4:13, 19)

The Bible is filled with promises.

There was another woman who saw the power of God at work. She was old, I mean really old. Almost 90 and her reproductive system had never worked but God made a promise. Sarah saw God work.

” The Lord asked Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh? Does she doubt that she can have a child in her old age? 14 I am the Lord! There is nothing too difficult for me. I’ll come back next year at the time I promised, and Sarah will already have a son.'” Genesis 18:13-14 CEV

Compare your situation with Mary and Sarah. Whose need is bigger or more difficult to fix? God is the same – nothing, absolutely nothing, is too difficult or impossible for Him.

Time and time again I come back to my favorite verse. It is the foundation I stand on everyday.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

Christmas is a time for miracles. Get in God’s word, find His promise then stand knowing that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!

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The Gift of Peace

Last night I was joined by two friends and we prayed together for those who we know are lonely and experiencing loss.

Some of the ones we prayed for are facing their first Christmas without a spouse or another dear loved one. Some are dealing with depression and the effects of PTSD. Others feel devastated by a broken marriage or an extended illness – hopelessness rushes in like a storm surge on the shore.

This is why Jesus came – He came to bring peace on earth, goodwill to men.

“ And Isaiah says, “There will be One from the family of Jesse Who will be a leader over the people who are not Jews. Their hope will be in Him.” 13 Our hope comes from God. May He fill you with joy and peace because of your trust in Him. May your hope grow stronger by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:12-13 NLV

“For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

Prince of Peace – doesn’t that sound good? Peace – sweet peace, coming down from the from Father above, sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love. (words from a great old hymn)

When peace isn’t evident in our lives, it should be an immediate sign that we are living apart from God’s promises. A part of the message of the coming of Christ at Christmas is the Prince of Peace has come! Peace!!

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:14 KJV

Letting peace rule is a conscience decision – it doesn’t come automatically. It’s something we make a decision on. Our car doesn’t automatically go the speed limit, we determine the speed. We must make the decision to let the law of peace rule in our hearts by our dependence upon the Father and His Word.

As Prince, he has the authority to rule. He is sovereign of the realm. His is the authority we trust in. He has decreed that we can have peace of mind as we depend upon Him.

“Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. 7 The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLV

The peace of God is greater than worry, loneliness and fear. Let the Prince of Peace rule in your life this holiday season!

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Here Comes Calvary

When I was younger, I had a hard time spelling Cavalry and Calvary correctly. I would interchange the two and it certainly would make a difference in sentence comprehension.

However, as I have gotten older, I have, by experience, learned that they are not all that different. Both bring deliverance from the enemy.

Can you imagine what it was like to be Jesus? People live under the impression that since He was God in flesh that everything went well for Him. He was perfect, right? Yes, that’s true; He experienced everything that we do and He did it all without sin.

“Like a young plant or a root that sprouts in dry ground, the servant grew up obeying the LORD. He wasn’t some handsome king. Nothing about the way he looked made him attractive to us. 3 He was hated and rejected; his life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him. We despised him and said, ‘He is a nobody!’” Isaiah 53:2-3 CEV

Isaiah prophesied that He was common looking, unattractive and nothing special as far as physical traits. He wasn’t Charles Atlas; he wouldn’t have been the captain of the football team or even voted most likely to succeed. His own family and disciples didn’t understand Him.

One time He was holding a meeting, and his mother and brothers were outside and sent a message to him.

“While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Matthew 12:46-50 KJV

If they had truly believed Jesus was God’s Son, the Messiah, would they have interrupted his teaching? Or how about the disciples when they became upset with Jesus because the ship they were in was taking on water and about to sink?

“37 Suddenly a windstorm struck the lake. Waves started splashing into the boat, and it was about to sink. 38 Jesus was in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow, and he was asleep. His disciples woke him and said, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re about to drown?’ 39 Jesus got up and ordered the wind and the waves to be quiet. The wind stopped, and everything was calm.” Mark 4:37-39 CEV

If their faith had really been in Jesus as the Son of God, they would have approached it this way. “Hey, let’s wake Jesus up because He’ll have the answer to our problem. This storm isn’t a surprise to Him. He’ll know what to do.”

I find it encouraging that those who were closest to Jesus had to grow in faith to accept Him for who He said He was, who they knew Him to be. Just like us – when we cry out “Lord, don’t you care I’m about to go under; cancer is about to sink me, the waves of debt are flooding my boat, the storm of rebellious children or a typhoon with my mate is about to capsize me in this ocean? Don’t you care?”

Even when we come to Him in that kind of desperation and fear, He will speak to our storm and say “Peace, be still!” Then He takes time to teach us again – Come boldly to my throne and find help in your time of need. He expects us to accept, by faith, that help is on the way!

In the old Westerns you could always hear the Cavalry bugle before you saw the soldiers. The invitation to come boldly or “to call on me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things” is the sound of the bugle. It’s then our responsibility to “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day” (Exodus 14:13)

Let God be God in your life today. Don’t limit Him but what you see. Say like Mary, “with God all things are possible”!

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