In the Storm

Peace. Simply put: to be at rest. Some see it as the absence of confict but I want to show you that we can be at peace in the midst of a storm.

I’ve been reading in Luke for over a month now but the last few days I have been reading about the final days of Jesus life. He was celebrating the Feast of the Passover with his disciples. He told them that the broken bread and the wine represented what was about to happen to Him. He told them He would be betrayed.

Do you know their reaction? They began arguing about which one of them would do such a thing and then they began to argue about which one of them was the most important to Jesus.

Oh, my goodness!!! If I had been Jesus I would have left them all. But instead, Jesus began telling them that He was praying for them and gave them instruction on how to live once he was gone.

He took them to the garden where He went to pray. He told them they needed to pray so that they could remain strong. Jesus then withdrew, going a little farther and prayed for Himself. He knew what was about to happen.

In His humanity, He didn’t want to face the cross and the horrible death of crucifixion but in His divinity, He knew he was the only one who could be the sinless sacrifice. Only He could be the one to redeem us all and reconcile us to the Father.

“He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” I John 2:2 NLT

He went through great conflict and turmoil in battling His mind and emotions but came to peace, He was resolved in His spirit!

When Judas betrayed Him with a kiss there was no ridicule or retaliation, when the soldiers were placing him under arrest there was no fight. He was at peace!

Jesus was living the words He spoke to the disciples hours earlier.

“I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” John 14:27 ERV

The Apostle Paul tells us this:

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

Are you in the middle of a storm today – do you feel like you’re about to be crucified? Perhaps you’ve received an adverse medical report or it could be your company is planning massive layoffs and your future is uncertain. Whatever you are facing rely on the kind of peace that only God can give.

In the midst of the storm, don’t be troubled, don’t be afraid; let the peace of God control the way you think and feel.

Heading Home

I want to tell you a story this morning about a rancher I know and his sons. The youngest son was tired of all the hard work, long hours and responsibility so he left for a more relaxing, fulfilling life in town.

No more getting up at 3 am during calving season; no more doctoring in the rain; no more busted fences to mend and no more eating dust on long, hot days.

His life in town was heavenly. Nice apartment, new car, boots that didn’t have manure plastered on them and a new Stetson that wasn’t sweat ringed or rain blotched. Yes. Life was good.

It didn’t take him long to make new friends and put ranch life behind him. Steak houses and clubs at night, a life of leisure. It was a constant party. Wine, women and song. Over the next few months things were going just as he had planned.

But then one day he got his Visa bill and he was shocked. The “good life” was costing him plenty. He went to make a withdrawal at the ATM and found his withdrawal limit had been reduced. The proverbial well was running dry.

He was behind on the rent and had received an eviction notice. He sold his car but that money didn’t last long. He had to get out and look for a job but what? His pay checks went for cheap wine, he overslept and missed his shifts so he was fired. He found himself on the streets – really! A street person.

Wasted, used up, cold and alone!

Putting pride aside he started for home. Hitch hiking and walking he finally made it. He was only 200-300 miles away but it took over a week to get there; begging for food along the way.

The whole way home he rehearsed his story. What he would tell his dad and how he would ask for a job, the job of a hired hand.

He turned off the main road and headed up the 1/2 mile drive to the house. While he was still a long way from the front gate he saw someone come out and start up the lane.

Now that person was running! Really running. It was his dad and he was calling his son’s name. As they met, tears were streaming down both their cheeks. The father hugged and kissed his son and the son tried to get out his request to be a hired man – just a worker, no special privileges but the Father was talking excitedly.

Ok by now you’re probably saying this is all just make believe but no…no, it’s not. This is exactly what the Father has done and will continue to do for each and everyone of us who go our own way, wanting to do our own thing without His oversight and restrictions and then come home!

He’s waiting…waiting and watching for you and I and He comes running to meet us and to lavish us with His love!

You’ve not gone too far or done too much that the Father won’t love and welcome you home!

“When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’ We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time.” Luke 15:20-24 MSG

Welcome Home!

When We Stumble

Recently our oldest daughter and son-in-law climbed Picacho Peak. It’s not an easy climb. It’s rocky and steep and there are areas where cables are necessary to aide you across the mountainside.

She told me at times her ankles and legs felt like jelly. She stumbled, she had scrapes and bruises and a gash in her shin but they made the climb. They reached the top!

There are times when we all stumble, it’s not a condition reserved only for those who climb. It’s easy to become discouraged and want to quit, our emotional legs get weary and shaky. We push forward, sometimes in weakness and pain.

 There is One Who can keep you from falling and can bring you before Himself free from all sin. He can give you great joy as you stand before Him in His shining-greatness. 25 He is the only God. He is the One Who saves from the punishment of sin through Jesus Christ our Lord. May He have shining-greatness and honor and power and the right to do all things. He had this before the world began, He has it now, and He will have this forever. Let it be so.” Jude 24,25 NLV

Christ is the one who promises to be our strength and our support. He is “an ever-present help in time of trouble”.

Christians fail. We get weary, angry, depressed but by His strength we go on.

“The steps of a good man are led by the Lord. And He is happy in his way. 24 When he falls, he will not be thrown down, because the Lord holds his hand. 25 I have been young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the man who is right with God left alone, or his children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:23-25 NLV

King David had many victories in his life but he also had failures, times of stumbling. The Apostle Paul was known for his persecution and imprisonment of Christians, he stumbled and then the Lord used him to write over half of the New Testament.

“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Romans 3:22-24 NLT

Maybe you feel like you failed, you’ve stumbled and fallen, you have bruises and scrapes. It’s hard to get up.

“And he became their Savior. In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.” Isaiah 63:8-10 NLT

When we stumble let the Lord rescue us, lift us up and carry us forward!

Living on Purpose

Did you wake up this morning and establish a purpose for your day or will you just “wing it”? Taking each day and giving it purpose is a rewarding way to live, even on those days when you seem to have no agenda at all.

This morning I would like to give you a few verses that came to mind as I was praying and hope that one of two of them will strike a chord with you. God’s word has a way of bringing direction even to the most common of days.

“This is what I command you: Love each other as I have loved you. ” John 15:12 ERV

“Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV

“It is good for people to be kind and generous and to be fair in business.” Psalm 112:5 ERV

 I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus!” Philippians 4:19 CEV

“Obeying your instructions brings as much happiness as being rich.” Psalm 119:14 CEV

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 CEV

Now, I ask you to please take the time to read those verses over again. Let one or two stick with you throughout the day.

I hope you find yourself drawing from God’s word today – I promise, it will give your day purpose!

Locked Out?

Each morning when I open my laptop this phrase appears on the screen, “Have you forgotten your password?”.

No.

I sign in and have access to all my information, unless like the other morning there has been a system update and some of my information has been relocated. But I digress. I’m sure many of you are like me and have written your passwords in a book and placed them in a secure place, just in case I do forget one of them. Better yet are the “secure” password vaults that remember them for you and at prompting populate the correct password for that sign-in.

I can remember a time when there were no passwords required. In fact, there were no computers. That seems like a very long time ago. But why all this talk about passwords this morning?

Well, in my prayer time I was thanking the Father that I can come into His presence freely – no password, no engraved invitation or secret access code.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” Psalm 100:4-5 NLT

It’s as simple as that – we enter His presence with thanksgiving! The love of God continues forever and He is faithful to each and every generation.

Sometimes we might feel unworthy and needy but He says come in, we have access!

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT

There have been times when I felt I was far from the Lord and was struggling to find my way. His instruction filled my heart.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you. And I will show you great and wonderful things which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

There is never a time when the Father is too busy or unavailable to us. The Apostle Paul gave us this instruction.

“Never stop praying.” I Thessalonians 5:17 NLV

In Jesus’ final hours before He was tried, convicted and crucified He went to the garden to pray. He asked Peter and the others to join Him in prayer. He knew he was facing the most horrendous event of His life, so He prayed.

“Then he went back to his followers and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, ‘Could you men not stay awake with me for one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. Your spirit wants to do what is right, but your body is weak.’” Matthew 26:40-41 ERV

Ready access – open communication. The Father knows we are weak, in need of His help that’s why He tells us to come. His plan for us is good and He will not abandon or desert us.

“Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:12-13 ERV

When we have an open heart seeking the Father we will never be locked out of His presence!

New Thinking

Do you remember a couple of weeks ago when I shared the story of Mary and Martha with you? Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the “one thing” that was most important, listening to His teaching.

Each word that Jesus spoke, each word that was recorded, each word that is written in the Bible is for our instruction and benefit.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” II Timothy 3:16 NLT

Jesus was teaching a large group of disciples and He told them that He was the bread of life. They thought Jesus was teaching cannibalism and instead of asking Him to explain further they got offended and walked away. Jesus asked His apostles if they were going to leave as well.

 The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life…66 At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. 67 Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” 68 Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:63-69 NLT

It would be easy to criticize those that walked away if it weren’t for one thing. I too have been offended at times by things I read in God’s word. Things like “judge not” or “how many times do I forgive, 70 x 7”. In my selfishness and hurt I have gone to the Scriptures to find justification for my actions and instead find correction – don’t gossip, forgive…again, be patient, love your enemies, be generous, don’t harbor grudges.

Sometimes we have to let God’s word simmer for a while. You know what I mean?

When I read a verse or a group of verses I don’t quite understand or that are pointing out an area of correction that I’m not quite willing to deal with, I let them sit in my heart and mind. I ask the Lord to give me understanding and insight and a desire to change. I want to be willing to let His word work the change in my heart that He desires.

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had…13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:3-5,13 NLT

Focus on one thing today – thinking like Jesus! I can guarantee life will be fuller and more rewarding than ever before; it won’t be easy but it will be worth it!

Loving the Quiet

A cool morning, a warm cup of coffee (or tea or hot chocolate), a cozy blanket and quiet! Truly an enjoyable way to start the day.

Alone with just the thoughts of my heart and there is peace!

Sad to say, I didn’t always enjoy being alone with just my thoughts. My heart would become anxious; I would want to turn on the tv or the radio – anything to block out the silence, anything not to focus on the unrest or even the distress that I felt churning in my spirit.

Maybe you’re like that. Not wanting to get up and be alone with yourself and with the Father. Wanting to get up and get going right away to keep yourself from pausing in the quiet of the morning.

King David wrote in the Psalms to “be still and KNOW that I AM God”. Know means to be intimately acquainted with, a deep personal knowledge or understanding.

“God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble. So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and the mountains fall into the center of the sea, and even if its waters go wild with storm and the mountains shake with its action.

There is a river whose waters make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High lives. God is in the center of her. She will not be moved. God will help her when the morning comes. The people made noise. The nations fell. He raised His voice and the earth melted. The Lord of All is with us. The God of Jacob is our strong place.

Come and see the works of the Lord. He has destroyed parts of the earth. He stops wars to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two. He burns the war-wagons with fire. 10 Be quiet and know that I am God. I will be honored among the nations. I will be honored in the earth. 11 The Lord of All is with us. The God of Jacob is our strong place.” Psalm 46 NLV

My mind told me I was unworthy; I was alone, I wouldn’t amount to anything. It pointed out all my failures and my shortcomings. I never measured up so why did I want a quiet time to reflect on all that was wrong with me?

God’s Word told me something different, “God is my safe place and my strength”. Reading and applying God’s word brought me peace.

“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

When I come to His throne, in the quiet of the morning, I find grace, mercy, kindness and help. I find Jesus!

Learn to love the quiet of being in the Father’s presence!

You Are Loved

I’ve been doing quite a bit of praying this morning for different friends and loved ones. These are people who the Lord put on my heart; people who have been hurt deeply by others, those would have been wounded and rejected, those who have felt the stabbing pain of ridicule and mocking.

As I prayed, I asked the Lord to heal their hurt and to reveal to them their value, their worth to Him, as their Father, and show them how to walk free of the pain, never to be held in bondage again to the hurts of the past.

Just a couple of days ago I was talking with a friend about the oppressing weight of unworthiness. Those feelings of not measuring up or being good enough can be crushing. I know. But I also know the peace that comes when we realize that we are accepted in Christ.

“He was hated and men would have nothing to do with Him, a man of sorrows and suffering, knowing sadness well. We hid, as it were, our faces from Him. He was hated, and we did not think well of Him.

For sure He took on Himself our troubles and carried our sorrows. Yet we thought of Him as being punished and hurt by God, and made to suffer. But He was hurt for our wrong-doing. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so we would have peace. He was beaten so we would be healed. All of us like sheep have gone the wrong way. Each of us has turned to his own way. And the Lord has put on Him the sin of us all.” Isaiah 53:3-6 NLV

This is what Jesus did for us! He took our sin, our sorrow, our rejection, our pain and carried it to the cross to be crucified there.

When He rose from the tomb, He left all of the above in the grave and He brought us a new life. His death and resurrection created a new way for us to live.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me to preach the Good News to poor people. He has sent Me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent Me to tell those who are being held that they can go free. He has sent Me to make the blind to see and to free those who are held because of trouble. 19 He sent Me to tell of the time when men can receive favor with the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19 NLV

Christ knew rejection and heart ache. He knew sorrow. His mission was and is to bring us healing and freedom.

“…the Father loves you. He loves you because you love Me and believe that I came from the Father.” John 16:27 NLV

 So we can say for sure, ‘The Lord is my Helper. I am not afraid of anything man can do to me.’” Hebrews 13:6 NLV

“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free for sure.” John 8:36 NLV

If you are one who has been hurt and rejected, I pray you will let Christ heal your broken heart and set you free. You are Loved!

Not A Fan of Change?

This morning I’m fighting frustration.

I don’t like it when things change with my computer. You get one of those messages “Update and Restart”. I did and left the computer sitting on my tabletop and went about the rest of my day. This morning when I opened it up, things were gone!

I refuse to let it spoil my day but I know eventually I will have to search for the missing information or try to recreate it and that is never a welcomed task.

But this I do know, God never changes! Thank you Father.

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 CEV

Every people throughout the Bible faced hardship and frustration. They faced physical enemies and divisive thoughts that warred against their faith and trust in God. But there has never been a time that Almighty God, our heavenly Father, has left us on our own.

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

And although Jesus never had to deal with computer issues, He dealt with reprogramming the thoughts of the human heart on a daily basis.

“But Jesus told them: You are always making yourselves look good, but God sees what is in your heart. The things that most people think are important are worthless as far as God is concerned.” Luke 16:15 CEV

Jesus longed to see people become less self-sufficient and more God-dependent. More of Him and less of me.

“I love you, Lord God, and you make me strong. You are my mighty rock, my fortress, my protector, the rock where I am safe, my shield, my powerful weapon, and my place of shelter…Your way is perfect, Lord, and your word is correct. You are a shield for those who run to you for help. 31 You alone are God!  Only you are a mighty rock. 32 You give me strength and guide me right. 33 You make my feet run as fast as those of a deer, and you help me stand on the mountains.” Psalm 18:1,2, 30-33 CEV

God has made Himself unchangeable. He is forgiving before we ask to be forgiven, He is patient when we choose our own way and not His. He is always loving.

“Descendants of Jacob, I am the Lord All-Powerful, and I never change.” Malachi 3:6 CEV

Now back to the small matter of my computer, I refuse to let those changes disrupt my peace and spoil my day. Eventually, I will get back what I can’t access at the moment.

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

Major circumstances or small frustrations, I will trust my God who never changes to keep me in His perfect peace!

Remember Me

For the last twenty years or so Dave and I have taken time at the beginning of the year to celebrate communion – just the two of us.

We take time, on purpose, to remember Christ’s sacrifice. We express gratitude for His love, healing, peace of mind, forgiveness and daily provision.

“Do this in remembrance of Me!”

As I’m writing this, I can see Jesus reclining around the table with His disciples at His final Passover dinner. The Passover celebration was a remembrance of the Father’s deliverance and power. When the Israelites left Egypt, they were ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Their bread was free from leaven, the spotless lamb was boiled and blood was applied to the doorposts and the header beam. This secured their safety when the death angel “passed over” the land.

I imagine that night with Jesus they were all in a celebratory mood. They were remembering God’s protection and provision as their ancestors left Egypt, headed for the land of promise.

 Then He brought Israel out with silver and gold. And there was not one weak person among their families. 38 Egypt was glad when they left. For they had become afraid of Israel. 39 He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light at night.” Psalm 107:37-39 NLV

Jesus was preparing them, as best He could, for the events that were about to occur. He needed them to be strong for each other. He wanted them to remember the miracles that they had seen and done. He wanted them to be free from fear!

“Then Jesus took bread and gave thanks and broke it in pieces. He gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you. Do this to remember Me.’ 20 In the same way, after they had finished the bread, He took the cup. He said, ‘This cup is My blood of the New Way of Worship which is given for you.'” Luke 22:19-20 NLV

He did something they really wouldn’t understand until after the resurrection. He presented Himself to His disciples as the spotless lamb of God. The bread and the cup had always been a reminder of God’s deliverance from physical abuse and slavery. But now Jesus made it personal. This is my body and my blood given for you. I AM your salvation and your deliverance – remember Me!

The actions of Jesus that night weren’t just for His disciples. The Apostle Paul said that they are for us as well. It is a time of remembrance of all Jesus has done to provide us with new life.

“When He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take this bread and eat it. This is My body which is broken for you. Do this to remember Me.’ 25 In the same way after supper, He took the cup. He said, ‘This cup is the New Way of Worship made between God and you by My blood. Whenever you drink it, do it to remember Me.'” I Corinthians 11:24-25 NLV

Communion isn’t just a religious rite or exercise. It is His promise to be our Savior, Lord, Healer, Provider, Giver of Life.

I hope you will set some time aside with your spouse or your family and “Do this in remembrance of Me”.