Category: Encouragement

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Lift Up Your Head

In yesterday’s blog we talked about the God of the second chance. I had one reader comment that she was glad He is also the God of the third chance as well. How very true!

In fact, our God provides us with infinite mercy and grace. He never runs out of compassion and so His forgiveness extends for the sum of our days. He will never wake up one morning and say enough is enough. His love never fails and never ends.

Now that’s good news!

Have you ever seen a person who feels defeated? The signs are pretty evident; head down, shoulders drooped and they find it hard to look anyone in the eye. They are discouraged; hope seems to be destroyed. They maybe ashamed or feel they are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. It’s a horrible place to be.

Maybe you’ve been there. I know I have. Many in the Bible had been there too. Peter is the first one to come to mind. He had served side by side with Jesus for three years. He was the Lord’s biggest defender when the crowds would criticize. He was impetuous, quick to respond (sometimes without thinking) and he was determined to be the Lord’s right hand man.

But one night around a fire, when confronted by a young servant girl he denied even knowing Jesus. That was a cowardly act but it didn’t end there. In the span of a few hours he had voiced his denial two more times. After the third Jesus looked at him but never said a word. Peter was heartbroken. Ashamed. I’m sure Peter left head down and ashamed.

Perhaps you can relate. There are things in all our lives that we are ashamed of and don’t want anyone to know.

Yet, after Jesus’ resurrection he came to Peter, meeting him on the sea shore and Jesus asked Peter to profess his love. Nothing was said about the denial. Jesus lifted the shame and told Peter he wanted him to be a shepherd to “new lambs”, the new believers, who would follow Christ.

A few weeks later we find Peter preaching to the crowds. Head lifted, shoulders back, standing tall and boldly proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah. Even when he was beaten and thrown into prison he did not falter. A complete transformation.

The Lord doesn’t want us going about with our heads down. He wants us to be like Peter. He wants us to be dependent on Him and drawing from His strength.

“Many are saying of me, “There is no help for him in God.” 3 But You, O Lord, are a covering around me, my shining-greatness, and the One Who lifts my head. 4 I was crying to the Lord with my voice. And He answered me from His holy mountain.” Psalm 3:2-4 NLV

If your head is bowed in shame, pray! Ask for forgiveness and receive the Father’s mercy and grace. After you say Amen, lift your head and stand tall.

“Now that we have been made right with God by putting our trust in Him, we have peace with Him. It is because of what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us. 2 By putting our trust in God, He has given us His loving-favor and has received us. We are happy for the hope we have of sharing the shining-greatness of God.” Romans 5:1-2 NLV

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Pray About Everything

I had the sweetest experience a few days back while I was at the post office. Yes, the post office.

I had gone in to mail a book to a friend, little did I know this was one of those divine appointments. I was being set-up by the Father.

This one particular clerk at the post office always has a smile on her face and she greets everyone with a “good morning mi hija” or “good morning mi hijo”. If you’re not familiar with the terms, they are terms of affection which mean good morning my daughter or my son.

Well…I handed her my package and she gave me the amount that was owed. I pulled three one dollar bills from my wallet and handed them to her. Her response was what made that meeting a “God meeting”. She said, “You are an answer to my prayers”. The dialogue went like this:

“Really”

“Oh yes. I only had three one dollar bills left in my drawer and I told God I needed more.”

“I like being the answer to someone’s prayers. That makes me feel good. I have more ones in my wallet. Would you like to have them also?”

“Please”. and with that I gave her another fifteen one dollar bills. As I was leaving she said, “I’m serious, you are an answer to my prayers. Some people think that’s silly but I really believe I can tell God what I need and He will give me the answer. Today it was you”.

“That’s not silly at all. I believe that way too. I’m so glad you told me I was the answer to your prayer. God is so good!”

Was this something big or miraculous? No. Could anyone have been used to bring this sweet clerk more one dollar bills? Yes. However, I was the one who got to be the answer to her prayer that day and I will have a connection with her in the future.

There are not big and small requests for our Father. Just His children bringing Him the needs of their lives. One day it’s the need for more bills in the till and the next it may be a healing of cancer. Whatever it is, we can be assured that our Father is listening and He is always there to provide the answer.

“Always be full of joy. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t stop the work of the Holy Spirit.” I Thessalonians 5:16-19 ERV

What is on your heart today? Hand it over to the Lord in prayer and then be thankful.

“Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful.” Proverbs 16:3 ERV

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Making A Way

I recently had a conversation with a friend who said “I know God is going to work things out, I just don’t see how”. I have been there so many times…more times than I am comfortable with but each one of those situations has bolstered my faith when the next circumstance comes.

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

“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.

Noah had no idea how long he would be in the ark. David collected five stones for his sling; he didn’t know the first one would kill the giant. Joseph served thirteen years as a slave in Egypt before he was promoted. Paul was stoned, shipwrecked, beaten and imprisoned, but he said those were light afflictions and that God’s grace was sufficient in every situation.

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” I Corinthians 10:13 NLT

In Sunday’s worship service we sang the song “Way Maker”. The lyrics in that song that mean the most to me are these: “Even when I don’t see it, You’re working, Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working, You never stop, You never stop working, You never stop, You never stop working”.

God never stops working – He makes a way for us. God will lead us into victory. Thank Him for all the good and perfect gifts that He has provided.

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ…” II Corinthians 2:14

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The Words of a Song

For the last week or so I have been working on remodeling our 5th wheel camping trailer. It needs a face lift and so Dave and I began changing its image. He works outside while I work inside.

The walls needed to be washed, windows taped off, doing the cut work took the most time. Painting around windows, close to the ceiling and then the floor. Keeping the paint on the walls and no place else, it was slow going but at day’s end yesterday we found that we are almost finished.

We still need to find a fabric for the new curtains and the furniture needs to be placed but we are all but done.

The first few days I found some old CD’s and kept myself company with songs by Trace Atkins, Tracy Byrd, Mark Wills, Michael Peterson and James Bonamy. Most of the time I would restart the CD and go through it at least one more time. The songs kept my mind occupied as I sang along.

After a few days I noticed that I was waking up in the night with the melody of those songs running through my mind. As we all know the lyrics in most country songs is not that uplifting and it seemed that those were the words I was hearing in my sleep. Not good.

Time to switch music. Still wanting to listen to some of my favorite country artists but now I was reaching for their Gospel albums. Alan Jackson, Randy Travis and the Forester Sisters were playing loud and I was singing along.

Our youngest daughter called yesterday while I was painting close to the ceiling so I put her on speaker phone. She could hear the music but not the words and then Alan Jackson started singing “How Great Thou Art” and she said “oh, I recognize that one”. Those words are the ones I want stuck in my mind – words that tell of the goodness of God and His great faithfulness.

Everyone probably has a favorite song. One that reminds them of a special time and a special person. You’re probably thinking of yours right now. I have a few but the ones that mean the most and bring tears to my eyes are the ones whose lyrics came to mind when I was going through particularly tough times and with the words came the peace of God.

“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:3 NLT

“Lord, we lift you up with our songs of praise. We sing and play songs about your power!” Psalm 21:13 ERV

God has promised to give us festive praise instead of despair. He fills our heart with song when we trust Him and allow Him to guide us through life. Even painting ceilings can be a time of praise.

Let God fill your heart with the words of a song.

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When You’re In Trouble…

Everyone of us will face trouble. No one is exempt. What a great thought to start your day, right?

I have good news!

No matter the circumstance, no matter the obstacle God has the answer. For years, I have reminded myself that there is no problem too little to take to the Lord. After all, what is a monumental problem to us is really quite small when compared to His ability.

“God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble. 2 So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and the mountains fall into the center of the sea, 3 and even if its waters go wild with storm and the mountains shake with its action.” Psalm 46:1-2 NLV

What could we possibly bring to God that would cause Him to say, “Oh my, I didn’t think of that. I really don’t know what to do”? There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that is too large for our Him either.

“Lord God, with your great power you made the earth and the sky. There is nothing too hard for you to do.” Jeremiah 32:17 ERV

We should come to the Lord like a child approaches a loving parent. When we seek His help He will provide it. He won’t abandon us or tell us to go away and handle it on our own.

Sickness – financial hardship – physical danger – loss of employment or business – even death. None of these circumstances are bigger than our God or His love for us.

“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains. 15 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 16 For he broke down their prison gates of bronze; he cut apart their bars of iron. 17 Some were fools; they rebelled  and suffered for their sins. 18 They couldn’t stand the thought of food,  and they were knocking on death’s door. 19 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death. 21 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.” Psalm 107:13-21 NLV

I have great faith in those verses, verse twenty has been one I have depended on for years. “He sent out his word and healed them”. God’s word is the place we find help. It tells us He will never abandon us or desert us. The truth of God’s word is unbreakable and unshakeable. It will stand forever.

So if you find yourself tapping out an S-O-S today or picking up the phone to dial 9-1-1 you can get all the help you need by making this call:

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’” Jeremiah 33:2-3 MSG

Make the call. God is waiting to answer.

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Fearful or Fearless

Let’s do a little word study this morning. I hope it will set the course of your day. First, we need to describe the word “fear”. I know we have all experienced it at one time or another, perhaps you are in situation now that causes you to fear.

Fear is “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat”.

Years ago I heard this definition of fear and I have used it ever since. Fear is the opposite of faith. Faith is placing our belief and trust in what God will do and fear takes God out of the equation.

Our title words “fearful” or “fearless” are adjectives used to describe our outlook on life. If we allow ourselves to focus on adverse situations and circumstances our hearts can become filled with fear, fearful. But if we allow ourselves to be focused on God’s protection, provision and promises our hearts will be void of fear, fearless.

Jesus came to bring peace and not fear to our lives.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. 32 So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” Luke 12:31-32 NLT

Every situation that Jesus found himself in He dispelled fear and replaced it with faith in what God could do. Remember when the disciples were in a raging storm on the sea. Jesus’ words were “Fear not. Peace be still”. Even the angels spoke against fear when they appeared to the shepherds.

“The angel of the Lord came to them. The shining-greatness of the Lord shone around them. They were very much afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people.” Luke 2:9-10 NLV

The prophecy that Isaiah gave regarding Jesus birth told of the good things that Jesus would bring to earth.

“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

Jesus came to teach, bring the power of God to earth and to bring peace. Does that mean everything will go well and there will be no problems to face? No, but it does mean that we can live free from fear, fearless but placing our hope and trust in God.

I think the reason Jesus used the phrase fear not little flock is because sheep, especially lambs, are very timid. Every noise and new situation causes them stress. What calms their fears is the presence of the Shepherd and the sound of his voice.

We can hear God’s voice by reading His word. The Bible is God speaking to us and when we read His word we can sense His presence. He is always near.

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

Do I ever find myself becoming fearful? Yes, and when I do I remind myself of God’s promises. I keep my thoughts focused in His Word and it brings peace.

I pray that you will have a fear-less day. Remember little flock, your Father will provide and protect you.

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Wisdom for Each Day

I don’t spend a lot of time in the book of Ecclesiastes, I should probably do a study of the book someday. It was written by King Solomon and he recorded his search for the meaning of life. Now Solomon was blessed with God-given wisdom. People came from all over the world to hear his teachings. Yet, this book can leave the reader perplexed and undone unless you read all the way to the end.

“Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. 10 The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly…13 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” Ecclesiastes 12:9-13 NLT

His conclusion to the whole books was to “Fear God and obey his commands”. Fear doesn’t mean to be afraid but it does mean to reference, respect, and hold in high esteem. When we have that kind of respect for the Lord we will depend on His Word for guidance and instruction. We will trust His insights and follow His commands.

It would be foolish to seek the advise of an expert and then ignore it and attempt to handle things on our own. That is an exercise in futility. There are many “so-called experts” expounding their ideas and conclusions and yet we are without answers. God’s Word is the only place that we will find the answers we are seeking.

Two things are going through my heart this morning – many are dealing with weariness – so much has been going on in our lives recently and we are weary. Look up!

The second thing is this. In our weariness cry out to God. We need the Father’s direction and deliverance. King David knew weariness. He was running from his son, Absalom, who was trying to kill him.

“But you, Lord, protect me. You bring me honor; you give me hope. 4 I will pray to the Lord,
and he will answer me from his holy mountain. Selah 5 I can lie down to rest and know that I will wake up, because the Lord covers and protects me. 6 So I will not be afraid of my enemies, even if thousands of them surround me. 7 Lord, get up! My God, come rescue me!
If you hit my enemies on the cheek, you will break all their teeth. 8 Lord, the victory is yours!
You are so good to your people. Selah” Psalm 3:3-8 ERV

King David knew he could find help and rest in God. All his life his focus has been on honoring God and His word. At one point he said that God’s word had made him wiser than all his teachers (the experts).

If you’re weary, look up. Trust God to direct and get involved, obey His Word. He is the expert on life.

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Commitment

When our kids were little we lived in a small farming town west of Phoenix called Peoria. Now those of you who are familiar with the Phoenix area realize that Peoria is no longer the sleepy little farming town it once was.

But then, the fields around our subdivision were prosperous with crops of alfalfa, cotton, and vegetables. It was not uncommon to see tractors and farm equipment driving through town on the way to their next field. But what was most fun was getting our vegetables from the fields and then visiting the dairy and the chicken farm.

Fresh milk, fresh eggs and fresh vegetables. Nothing like it!

When our kids became school age I was amazed to learn that many of their classmates didn’t know where their food came from. It seemed almost shocking. It was great when one of the parents invited the class for a field trip to their dairy. Seeing those children’s faces (and some of the mom’s) in the milking barn made me chuckle.

This morning I’d like to tell you a little story about a farmer. Farmer Jones was a wonderful farmer and all his animals loved him. He took such good care of them. One day the chicken said, we should do something special for Farmer Jones. All the animals agreed so they thought and thought – what could they do that would be special.

The chicken spoke up again – “I know we can make breakfast for Farmer Jones on Friday.” Yes, yes – that’s what we’ll do all the animals agreed. All but one. “What’s the matter”, asked the chicken? “The cow will give milk, I will give some eggs and you can provide the bacon.” The pig looked long and hard at the chicken and then said, “Breakfast only requires your participation but for me it’s a total commitment.”

It seems that these days people have a problem with “total commitment”. Get a job, it doesn’t work out, get another one; same with marriage. Things don’t work out, it’s not working for me, I’m not happy – move on. Contracts almost always have a loop hole or escape clause. There’s got to be a way out.

The same was true in Jesus’ day too. When people saw the miracles that Jesus did they were drawn to Him, and rightfully so. However, the crowds started to wane when His teaching included words like love your enemies and if you follow me you will face persecution, deny yourself.

Jesus called his followers to be disciples.

We get the word discipline from the word disciple – a pupil; a learner. There are many who believe in Jesus as Savior but not all are disciples. They are willing to express a relationship with the Lord and even make a few changes to their lives but they don’t want it to impact everything they do.

“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

What does it take to be a disciple or a learner of Christ? If we desire to be truly free, it requires that we spend time learning from Christ and His word. Following His example.

“As He was saying these things, many believed in Him. 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:30-32 ERV

Let’s go back to the story of our farmer’s breakfast. For years I was a willing participant. I was glad to provide what I could, when it was convenient but I lacked full commitment. The Lord patiently loved me. He was teaching me, correcting me, never giving up on me. (I am so grateful for that.)

Let me encourage you to be more than a participant. Become a disciple, be committed, draw close to Christ.

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A Godly Heritage

My mother celebrated her ninety-seventh birthday yesterday! Yes, that is correct – 97. We had the joy of being with her, my sister, brother-in-law, niece, daughter and son-in-law as we celebrated her life. A few close friends dropped by to say hello and to wish her well. For the past few weeks her mailbox was filled with cards from friends, family and acquaintances. As of yesterday the total birthday cards received came to 110. She was overwhelmed by the expressions of love.

Mom talks a lot about leaving this earth and going home to heaven. It’s something she is looking forward too with much joy. She feels she’s been here long enough and is awaiting her departure with great anticipation. But while she’s here she continues to pray for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren on a daily basis.

She tells her friends and the few people she is still able to interact with about her love for Jesus and how good God is. She always tries to have some sort of devotional book on hand to give to someone who needs to know about Jesus.

I know how blessed I am to have such a godly heritage. She and my dad both loved the Lord and brought my brother, sister and I up to love Him too.

“Remember these commands I give you. Keep them in your hearts. Write them down and tie them on your hands and wear them on your foreheads as a way to remember my laws. 19 Teach these laws to your children. Talk about these things when you sit in your houses, when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. 20 Write these commands on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. 21 Then both you and your children will live a long time in the land that the Lord promised to give to your ancestors. You will live there as long as the skies are above the earth.” Deuteronomy 11:18-21 ERV

At this point, each time we say good-bye and leave we understand that it may be the last time we see Mom alive on this earth. It is a bitter-sweet experience. Mom says we are to have a party and not be sad because she will finally be home. My daughter text me yesterday after she left and said “the good-byes are so hard”. To which I replied “Then just tell her ‘see you later’ because you know she’ll be waiting to see you when you get to heaven”.

Mom never had great monetary riches, she never had a plaque or monument placed in her honor, she never traveled world-wide or excelled to great heights – not by the world’s standards. However, her life has been filled to overflowing. Her home was always open, her table fed whoever was hungry, she shared love and friendship and loved the Lord.

A life well lived! I am very blessed to have such a godly heritage. As Mom said yesterday “I never knew so many people were watching what I did and that it effected them the way it did”.

That’s true. We don’t know whose watching so let’s live each day in a way that can change lives and point people to Jesus.

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Wounded

This last weekend our oldest daughter, her husband and two pups came for a visit. We didn’t realize it until Sunday morning but one of the pups got a little to up-close and personal with one of the cactus in our backyard.

When we were driving back to their home on Sunday morning I noticed what I thought was a skin tag on his bottom lip. He didn’t want me to touch it. Our daughter was able to pluck it off and when she did, it began to bleed and drain. It was then we discovered that it was caused by a cactus needle. When it stopped bleeding the irritation and the infection were gone.

Isn’t that the way it is with us sometimes?

We just go along with our every day routine and somewhere along the way we get wounded. Something is said or done or not done that we thought should be and emotionally and/or physically we get pricked. A wound is made and if left alone will fester and become sensitive.

“But deal well with me, O Sovereign Lord, for the sake of your own reputation! Rescue me
 because you are so faithful and good. 22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is full of pain.” Psalm 109:21-22 NLT

The phrase “my heart is full of pain” is also quoted as “my heart is wounded” in another translation. All through the Scripture we are told that Jesus will heal the brokenhearted or that the Lord will comfort those with broken hearts.

A wound has to be cleansed to heal. It has to be opened, washed and any foreign bodies removed. Things like bitterness, self-pity, anger – these cause an infection in our soul. Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive someone for the offenses they caused. Jesus said seventy times seven. 490! Jesus made forgiveness His final act – on the cross He had been physically and emotionally wounded; His final words were for all of us “Father, forgive them”.

“He heals those who have a broken heart. He heals their sorrows.” Psalm 147:3 NLV

God is the faithful physician. He knows how to bring cleansing; He alone can stop the hurt. We all have experienced soul wounding, some to a greater degree than others. Even the smallest prick can cause anguish. When we come to Him with our wounds the Lord covers us with His healing. Forgiveness is the ointment that cleanses.

Shortly after the wound to Bowie’s lip was open he was running around as if nothing had happened. The pain was gone. I pray that any wounds you have experienced will also be healed quickly.

“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

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