Category: Encouragement

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Super Hero Christians

Have you noticed that there are more super heroes than there used to be? When I was a kid we had Superman, Batman, Mighty Mouse and Underdog.

Oh yes the Marvel Comics had their super heroes but it wasn’t something I knew much about. I never aspired to be a super hero. If I read comics it was Archie, Blondie, Porky Pig, or Bugs Bunny.

Did you know there were those who considered themselves “super” men in Jesus day too? They called themselves Pharisees, Sadducees and Rulers of the Temple.

These were the folks who went around correcting every one for the tiniest of infractions of the Law. They followed Jesus, constantly trying to catch Him doing something wrong, so that they could condemn Him and disperse His followers. This is what Jesus said about their super pious and religious ways.

“You Pharisees and teachers are show-offs, and you’re in for trouble! You give God a tenth of the spices from your garden, such as mint, dill, and cumin. Yet you neglect the more important matters of the Law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. These are the important things you should have done, though you should not have left the others undone either.” Matthew 23:23 CEV

They criticized Jesus for eating dinner with common people (sinners) and for healing the crippled and the blind. His kindness to a prostitute and a tax collector was despised and ridiculed. His followers were common place; men who owned fishing businesses. The only one of any real stature in society was Luke the physician.

Sad to say, there are still many who think they should be awarded some superior status and  even have letters sewn to their chest and don a cape. There letters might be SSC, Super Spiritual Christian. However, they would meet with the same message from Christ that the rich man, Simon, was given when he invited Jesus to dinner.

Simon invited Him with ulterior motives. He and his associates were always trying to trip Jesus up. A woman of questionable reputation came into the house and she poured expensive perfume on Jesus. The dinner guests began to whisper demeaning words.

“Jesus said to the Pharisee, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

“Teacher, what is it?” Simon replied.

41 Jesus told him, “Two people were in debt to a moneylender. One of them owed him five hundred silver coins, and the other owed him fifty. 42 Since neither of them could pay him back, the moneylender said that they didn’t have to pay him anything. Which one of them will like him more?”

43 Simon answered, “I suppose it would be the one who had owed more and didn’t have to pay it back.”

“You are right,” Jesus said.

44 He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Have you noticed this woman? When I came into your home, you didn’t give me any water so I could wash my feet. But she has washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You didn’t even pour olive oil on my head, but she has poured expensive perfume on my feet. 47 So I tell you that all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love. But anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love.”

48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:40-48 CEV

We are called to be like Christ not like the Pharisees. Our hearts should be filled with compassion, understanding, love and grace. People don’t need to be condemned for what they’ve done wrong. We all know, full well, when and where we have failed. We have been forgiven much!

Ours is a mission of forgiveness. We are called to walk in love; to treat one another kindly; to encourage and build up; to strengthen and support. We must live “graceful” lives; lives full of grace showing others that we understand it is only by God’s Grace that we have been forgiven.

“God raised us up from death when He raised up Christ Jesus. He has given us a place with Christ in the heavens. 7 He did this to show us through all the time to come the great riches of His loving-favor. He has shown us His kindness (grace)  through Christ Jesus.

8 For by His loving-favor (grace) you have been saved from the punishment of sin through faith. It is not by anything you have done. It is a gift of God. 9 It is not given to you because you worked for it. If you could work for it, you would be proud. 10 We are His work. He has made us to belong to Christ Jesus so we can work for Him. He planned that we should do this.” Ephesians 2:6-10 NLV

If we are to wear any banner on our chest instead of it declaring us to be super heroes I think it would be best that we make it “GG” for God’s Grace!

We will encounter folks each day who have met a religious super saint and have been condemned. Let’s bee a grace giver; let them be changed by God’s love.

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Life’s Lessons Lived Well

Kids all across the country are getting ready to return to school and some already have.

Over 30 years ago, a book written by Robert Fulgham brought attention to the simplicity of doing things right. It was called “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten“.

We did learn some very important lessons in our early years of education. The importance of listening, sharing, co-operating, washing our hands, saying please and thank you, were just some of these valuable lessons.

Our parents taught us other truths in our early years that molded us and were very beneficial. It’s amazing how many things we do as adults that we were taught as children. We no longer do them because we fear that we may get a whippin’ or because “mom” is still standing there telling us every time but we do them because we know their right.

Look both ways before crossing a street
Brush your teeth before going to bed
Don’t run with scissors
Don’t talk with your mouth full
Chew with your mouth closed
Don’t tattle
Wash your hands after you’ve gone to the bathroom
Say, “Yes Ma’am” “Yes, Sir”
Don’t punch your sister
Pick up your clothes
Feed the dog

All of these things are simple and right but we had to be taught them and now that we do them we are better for it.

You know the same is true with Scripture.

“But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”Joshua 1:7-9 ERV

Joshua was taking over for Moses, leading over a million Israelites into the Promised Land. Big shoes to fill – he needed wisdom and courage. This was his instruction from the Lord…remember what you were taught, you will be successful!

Jesus said the core teaching of the Bible, all that Moses and the other prophets said, was found in this instruction.

“36 “Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus answered:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 38 This is the first and most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” 40 All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 23:36-40 CEV

When we love the Lord with all our heart we will naturally and supernaturally love others as well. We learn from His example of love, unconditional love, and we give. We give our time, our possessions, our acceptance, we give our very lives if necessary.

A little nugget that jumped off the page of my Bible this morning was from Psalms.

“Help me to guard my words whenever I say something.” Psalm 141:3 CEV

One of the most loving things we can do is to watch our words. Words can encourage or they can destroy. They can compliment or  criticize. Remember the little childhood chant, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me”?

But words can hurt – they can devastate. Another one of Mother’s Rules was “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t saying anything at all”. I know that’s what this verse it is telling me.  My words should be kind and loving.

I don’t know which teaching from God’s Word  you’ll be living today but whatever it is, love well!

 

 

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Me & Winnie the Pooh

You may know that I really like Winnie the Pooh. For years I have felt that the people I meet could be characterized by one of the beloved animals in those stories.

Sitting here this morning in my prayer time my mind went to the main character, Pooh. I think Pooh is a good example of a dedicated Christian.

Pooh is always helping. When Piglet is scared he helps calm his fears, when Rabbit is working too hard to achieve and becomes stressed Pooh helps him see the value of rest. When Eeyore is overcome by depression and loneliness Pooh always is there to cheer him up. When Tiggerrr offends others by being too focused on fun and hurts feelings or causes damage Pooh is there to point out his good heart and desire to do what’s right. And when Owl drones on with instruction and philosophy Pooh listens respectfully and appreciates his wisdom.

How much better it would be if we were a bit more like that. Not that we should be like Pooh, but we should be like Jesus!

Jesus looked for the best in everyone; spoke the truth with love, encouraged the broken hearted, corrected the misguided and disobedient and calmed the fears of those who were anxious.

Jesus lived the Scripture. “Man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Lord I want to look on the heart of people today! I want to be there to help when needed and not to judge.

“If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord’s followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves. 2 We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them. 3 Even Christ did not try to please himself. But as the Scriptures say, “The people who insulted you also insulted me.” 4 And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope. 5 God is the one who makes us patient and cheerful. I pray that he will help you live at peace with each other, as you follow Christ. 6 Then all of you together will praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Honor God by accepting each other, as Christ has accepted you. 8 I tell you that Christ came as a servant of the Jews to show that God has kept the promises he made to their famous ancestors. Christ also came, 9 so that the Gentiles would praise God for being kind to them…13 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.” Romans 15:1-13 CEV

Letting God live His life through us can be challenging but the rewards are so great!  Encouraging, teaching, being patient, living in peace and hope; these are all things that Father wants for us. He’s also given us the opportunity to provide these for others.

A quote from Winnie the Pooh puts it this way.

“Love is taking a few steps backward maybe even more… to give way to the happiness of the person you love.”

Look for opportunities for give unconditional love; you’ll be richly rewarded!

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A Refreshing Glass of Cold Water

Here in the desert it is hot! I mean really hot, 116 degrees hot!!

Nothing cuts your thirst on one of these extremely hot days like a cold glass of water. Nothing!

So when the Bible talks to us about being rewarded for giving a cup of water to someone I know how valuable a gesture like that can be!

Today I want to talk to you about little kindnesses like these. In the Bible we see time and again where the Scriptures say “He was moved with compassion” or “His loving kindness”.

Loving-kindness in action is when the waitress brings us the wrong meal and we don’t go off on her but instead we are kind in our words and sincere in our appreciation for her hard work.

It’s when we show patience at the grocery store with the cashier when she has just been cussed out by the client before. Or when our child hasn’t cleaned up the yard or taken out the trash like we’ve told them and we find out  they were wounded by a friend or embarrassed by a teacher and they were just too distracted to get it done.

All of these are practical examples of loving kindness. Recently I had two people tell me how much what I had done for them meant to them. Truthfully, I really didn’t feel I had done anything special – nothing big, nothing grand. I had just come along side when they were feeling overwhelmed and helped out. No biggee…but it was to them.

Jesus says giving cups of  water is something that will be rewarded!

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me. And anyone who welcomes me also welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who welcomes a prophet, just because that person is a prophet, will be given the same reward as a prophet. Anyone who welcomes a good person, just because that person is good, will be given the same reward as a good person. 42 And anyone who gives one of my most humble followers a cup of cool water, just because that person is my follower, will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:40-42 CEV

Now I know some will look at these verses and focus on the reward but I really think what Jesus is trying to get us to see is that nothing, no matter how small, goes unnoticed to the Father when we are reaching out in love. Extending loving-kindness to those around us is an example of the Christ that lives in us.

A few years back I spent about a week in the hospital. When I came home I wasn’t able to do much for another week or so. Some sweet ladies brought me cups of cool water. One neighbor came over each morning to take our dog for a walk and she did my ironing. Another neighbor cooked enough extra each night for Dave to enjoy a nice dinner; she did my laundry and grocery shopping. These acts of love were priceless!

“Are you strong because you belong to Christ? Does His love comfort you? Do you have joy by being as one in sharing the Holy Spirit? Do you have loving-kindness and pity for each other? 2 Then give me true joy by thinking the same thoughts. Keep having the same love. Be as one in thoughts and actions. 3 Nothing should be done because of pride or thinking about yourself. Think of other people as more important than yourself. ” Philippians 2:1-3 NLV

I’m asking the Father to make me more aware of those that need a cup of cold water today. I want the world to see my Father through me!

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A Time to Celebrate

Happy Anniversary everyone! Yes, we are celebrating the 1st Anniversary of the morning blog.

I’ve been sharing for years on Facebook but it wasn’t until mid-July last year that a dear friend, Tom, set up this blog for me. I hope you have been encouraged by God’s Word as you joined me during the past year.

The other day I was watching a television show and one of the characters made a comment about her grandmother. She said, “Gran faces crises in such a quiet way. She just prays. I can’t sit and do nothing like she does. I have to act.”

I’ve been mulling that over and I’m sure that many people feel that way. They think that praying is an inactive, passive way of handling life’s challenges.

Far from it!

What an appropriate Scripture was part of my reading this morning. It’s filled with action.

“Give thanks to the Lord and call out to him! Tell the nations what he has done!
2 Sing to him; sing praises to him. Tell about the amazing things he has done.
3 Be proud of his holy name. You followers of the Lord, be happy!
4 Depend on the Lord for strength. Always go to him for help.
5 Remember the amazing things he has done. Remember his miracles and his fair decisions.” Psalm 105:1-5 ERV

Look at all those action words; Give, Call, Tell, Sing, Be Proud, Be Happy, Depend, Go, Remember.  Far from a passive life.

There have been times when people have asked me to pray about something specific. A thing that they thought was completely overwhelming. We would pray and they would see the answer powerfully. Then a few weeks later they would be call in a panic and ask me to pray  about another crisis, as if they had completely forgotten about the way the Lord had provided the last time.

We need to continually remind ourselves of all the amazing things that God has done in us, through us and for us. This will not only encourage us when we face the next challenge, big or small, but it will also be a reminder to those around us of the goodness of our Father.

“My soul, praise the Lord! Every part of me, praise his holy name!
2 My soul, praise the Lord and never forget how kind he is!
3 He forgives all our sins and heals all our sicknesses.
4 He saves us from the grave, and he gives us love and compassion.
5 He gives us plenty of good things. He makes us young again, like an eagle that grows new feathers.” Psalm 103:1-5 ERV

The psalmist David talks to his “soul” in this Psalm. Our soul is our very core; the heart of our emotions and stability. How important it is that we follow David’s instruction to never forget.

I think that’s one of the reasons I love the early morning so much. It gives me time to remember and to rehearse what the Lord has done in the past, strengthening me to face this day and all that it has. Part of that reminiscing is prompted by the birds that rise before dawn – quail, dove, hummingbirds, sparrows, finches, meadowlarks, whippoorwills. The first thing they do every morning is sing!

Jesus told us that the Father loves and cares for the birds but we mean so much more to Him than they do. So shouldn’t we start our day like them, singing?

“So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are? 27 You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it… “Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:25-33 ERV

During the last year I hope you have been stimulated in your faith; trusting the Lord more today than you did last year at this time.

Join me in having a piece of cake, singing to the Lord, remembering His goodness from the past and praising Him for the year ahead.

God bless you all.

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A Blank Page

Each morning is a blank page and our words and actions are the ink.

How will we fill it?

We have become so accustomed to the advancements of the computer than some have forgotten what it was like before we had a delete button. If we made a mistake with our writing our only choices were to cross out the mistake or get a clean sheet and start over.

I remember how long it took me to write my term paper when I was a Senior in High School. Painstakingly working on the final paper, making sure every word was spelled correctly and the punctuation was right. It had to be perfect…

I am so thankful that the Lord makes allowances for our mistakes. In fact, with each sunrise He gives us new mercy for the day.

“The Lord’s kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. 23 The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. 24 Deep in my heart I say, “The Lord is all I need;  I can depend on him!” Lamentations 3:22-24 CEV

Since the Lord is faithful to us, we should extend the same mercy to those around us. We are not only filling our own page but we will be writing on the page of others.

” Intelligent people choose their words carefully. Those who know what they are doing remain calm. 28 Silent fools seem wise. They say nothing and appear to be smart.” Proverbs 17:27-28 ERV

Today we have the opportunity to add value to our life and those around us.

“Saying the right thing at the right time is like a golden apple in a silver setting. 12 Wise advice to a listening ear is like gold earrings or fine jewelry.” Proverbs 25:11-12

We have probably all seen images of redacted government reports,  the ones where the pages are filled with blacked out information and comments. We don’t want our life’s pages looking like that. Instead we fill our pages with kindness.

“Share with God’s people who need help. Look for people who need help and welcome them into your homes.

14 Wish only good for those who treat you badly. Ask God to bless them, not curse them. 15 When others are happy, you should be happy with them. And when others are sad, you should be sad too. 16 Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else.

17 If someone does you wrong, don’t try to pay them back by hurting them. Try to do what everyone thinks is right. 18 Do the best you can to live in peace with everyone.” Romans 12:13-118 CEV

Let’s choose our words wisely today and if we aren’t sure what to say, say nothing at all.

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A Love Letter for All Time

I quite often refer to God’s Word as His love letter to us. A love letter for all time!

I have saved a box of love letters from Dave. When we were dating he lived in California and I was here in Arizona. Every few years I take them out and read them. They remind me of how this wonderful life begin.

This morning I was reading back through some devotional thoughts I shared on Facebook about 5 years ago. We were back in Iowa and little did I know that the day after writing this I would be in the hospital fighting my most painful battle. It was important for me to read this and see where my heart was that day.

and so it goes…

Each day I am thankful that God has allowed me to share His word with you. I don’t know where I would be without the Father’s love or His wonderful love letter, His Word! In fact, I don’t even want to think about what my life would be without Him.

God’s Word has brought  forgiveness of sins, health to my body, peace to my soul, healing for my children, enrichment to my marriage, wisdom when my human intellect was lacking, protection in physical and emotional storms and safety in the face of danger. God’s promises have let me know that He would always supply and He always has. But I do have to tell you, it hasn’t always been this way. I lived a defeated life for a long time until I saw in God’s word that He had made provision for more than eternal life and that He wanted me to live victoriously while I was here on earth.

All of God’s promises are the same. His Word is for everyone but we don’t all see the same results. Why? We must appropriate what God has given us; simply put we must believe it regardless of how we feel or what circumstances tell us we should believe.

There have been days that I wake up and don’t feel very saved; my salvation isn’t founded on my feelings, it’s based on God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice. There are days that I wake up and may not feel healed but I am because it’s based on God’s promise and Jesus’ sacrifice.

The circumstances told Jesus and his disciples there wasn’t enough lunch to feed 5000 men with five loaves and two fish but the blessing of God flowed and there was more than enough.

The circumstances said to the apostles all hope was gone and they should hide after the crucifixion but the power of God was released through His Word and resurrection came! The medical world said nothing could be done for the woman with the issue of blood but just one touch brought healing to her body. Yes, the word of God changes our circumstances when we believe; it’s called faith! Not faith in ourselves, but faith in God’s unchanging, unfailing love.

Let the words of David’s Psalm be real in your life today.

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. 2 I say to the LORD, “You are my place of safety, my fortress, My God, I trust in you.” 3 God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases.
4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield. 5 You will have nothing to fear at night and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day. 6 You will have no fear of diseases that come in the dark or terrible suffering that comes at noon.
7 A thousand people may fall dead at your side or ten thousand right beside you, but nothing bad will happen to you! 8 All you will have to do is watch, and you will see that the wicked are punished. 9 You trust in the LORD for protection. You have made God Most High your place of safety. 10 So nothing bad will happen to you. No diseases will come near your home.
11 He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. 12 Their hands will catch you so that you will not hit your foot on a rock. 13 You will have power to trample on lions and poisonous snakes. 14 The Lord says, “If someone trusts me, I will save them. I will protect my followers who call to me for help.
15 When my followers call to me, I will answer them. I will be with them when they are in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. 16 I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.” Psalm 91 ERV

These are the words that I had going through my heart laying in the back of the ambulance. These are the words I focused on in the emergency room and these are the words that gave me strength and brought me home safely.

These words were my love letter from the Father and I placed my confidence in Him.

What are circumstances telling you? Are they demanding you give up and quit? Do they say you’ll never recover?

Read your circumstances the words of love that you have on your end table or in your computer. Read them God’s promises – they never fail.

The Bible truly is a love letter for all time!

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About To Sink

Think about this. You’re an experienced fisherman and you know how to handle yourself on the sea. You know the capability of your boat, the right tack to take through rough waters and how to use the wind to your advantage.

But tonight a storm comes up, one you didn’t see coming. No problem, you’re experienced, probably one of the best seamen around. However, you’re tired.

You’ve spent all day at a conference, an open air meeting,  you’ve heard some things that could be life changing. Things you don’t want to forget and want to use daily to change the way you’ve been thinking and handling things.

But this storm…you’ve got to weather this storm, get some rest and then you’ll start applying what you learned tomorrow.

The weather started getting rough, the ship was being tossed (no, not Gilligan’s Island) and you’re taking on water. Everyone on board is doing what you tell them to do, they are all working together, except for that one guy who’s sleeping in the back of the boat.

That’s right. I said sleeping. He was the main speaker at the conference today and so I guess he must be exhausted but how can he sleep? The boat is filling with water, he’s getting wet and being tossed from side to side but still he sleeps. Doesn’t he care that you’re about to go under?!?!?!

Jesus! wake up. Don’t you care that we are about to sink?

“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 4:38-39 CEV

Jesus was at peace and didn’t let the storm affect him. He was trusting God’s Word.

“Because you have made the Lord your safe place, and the Most High the place where you live, 10 nothing will hurt you. No trouble will come near your tent. 11 For He will tell His angels to care for you and keep you in all your ways. ” Psalm 91:9-11 NLV

There are so many verses like this where God promises to be our protection and provision. Jesus knew He could trust God to be his protection. He wanted his disciples to have that same confidence.

“Jesus asked his disciples, “Why were you afraid? Don’t you have any faith?” Mark 4:40 CEV

He had been teaching earlier that day and told them that the Word is like seed and if you plant it, it will grow and bear fruit. But it has to be protected.

When they got in the ship, Jesus said to them, let us go to the other side. He didn’t say let’s go 1/2 way across and sink. Now here’s the kicker – handling our problems and applying “the Word” tomorrow when things are better and I can really meditate on it could be disastrous.

“The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. 19 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. ” Mark 4:18-19 CEV

Jesus had sown the Word earlier in the day. He said,  “Let’s go to the other side”. Then thorns or the cares of this life, in the form of a storm, came immediately to choke the Word out. Jesus could sleep because He was care free. Peter and the others were panicked because they were care (worry) full.

What is causing you to be care full today? Find out what God’s word has to say about it,  remove the thorns.

Go to the other side in victory!

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Steps Away

Dave and I were up early this morning, 3:15, to be exact. We had a plane to catch.

 

For the last week we have been with friends in West Glacier, MT. They purchased a cabin that needed some renovating and so we were asked to  help with the projects. We worked very hard but had a wonderful time.

When we all got tired, and we did, the thing that kept us on track was the vision that they have for their property. You see they call their cabin, Steps Away. Yes, it’s Steps Away from the entrance to Glacier Park and steps away from the Village of West Glacier with a rafting company, restaurant, bar, gift shop, post office, ice cream parlor and other fun places.

Our friends plan to offer Steps Away as a home for vacation rental, family reunions, gatherings of friends and they want it to be as comfortable as possible. We were so glad to help.

As we were driving to the airport this morning I was struck with the similarity of getting the cabin guest-friendly and our walk with the Lord. Our friends have a vision for the cabin’s appearance; it has a destiny. But to arrive at that destiny there is work involved. Exhausting work on some days, all culminating with a wonderful end.

You and I also have a destiny. We are being renewed in the image of Christ. Some days the renovations can be exhausting but we keep our focus on the result and move forward.

“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.”   Psalm 37:23  NLV

Three Bible personalities came to mind as I thought about our steps being ordered by the Lord. The first is Joseph.

As a young man he had dreams of his God-given destiny. He saw that his father and brothers would be bowing down in reverence to him. As the youngest son this was completely out of character. The oldest son was the one who received honor in the family.

Joseph’s journey to his destiny had his brothers selling him into slavery; serving as a household servant to a wealthy man whose wife tried to seduce him; being imprisoned because of a lie and finally making it to the pharaoh’s court where he was promoted to 2nd in authority. During a time of famine Joseph saw his destiny fulfilled.

God used him to develop a food storage plan that kept all of Egypt and their surrounding neighbors from starving. When his brothers came to him to buy grain, they bowed down at his feet in humble reverence. 

Then there was Mary, the mother of Jesus. She knew her destiny was to birth the promised Messiah. As a young girl this was a hard road to walk. She faced ridicule and criticism from family and friends. Even Joseph dealt with the thought of divorce.

Once the Messiah was born there were diapers to change, possibly colic and sleepless nights. She was his teacher; teaching him to walk and talk. Responsible for his safety and upbringing knowing full well that she had been given the responsibility of raising God’s son.  Some of her steps were hard ones to take, exhausting, but well worth taking to fulfill her destiny.

“You have also given me the covering that saves me. Your right hand holds me up. And Your care has made me great. 36 You make the road wide for my steps, and my feet have not tripped.”  Psalm 18:35-36 NLV

The final Bible character who walked the road to their destiny is Jesus. He was just steps away from His destiny but first he had to leave heaven, be born as a baby, grow into a man and begin His ministry. He had brothers and sisters to help at home, after all He was the oldest son.

He was despised, hated by the Jewish leaders but loved by those who needed healing and consolation. His steps took Him to weddings, funerals, church functions, outdoor meetings. He went places and did things that Jews in good standing didn’t. His steps lead down a rocky road that culminated in his crucifixion.

However, His destiny wasn’t fulfilled until He rose from the dead. His steps took him from heaven and  back.

Look at where you are now. Can you identify with the rough and rocky road? Don’t quit! You are just steps away from reaching your destiny. Each hardship is bringing you closer to who and where God has called you to serve. Take some advice from the Apostle Peter.

“What good is it if, when you are beaten for doing something wrong, you do not try to get out of it? But if you are beaten when you have done what is right, and do not try to get out of it, God is pleased. 21 These things are all a part of the Christian life to which you have been called. Christ suffered for us. This shows us we are to follow in His steps. 22 He never sinned. No lie or bad talk ever came from His lips.” I Peter 2:20-22 NLV

Don’t get tired during the renovation process. Don’t give in to weariness.

I’ll leave you with this final thought.

“ Do not let yourselves get tired of doing good. If we do not give up, we will get what is coming to us at the right time. 10 Because of this, we should do good to everyone. For sure, we should do good to those who belong to Christ.” Galatians 6:9-10 NLV

(Started this in the Kalispell airport and posted it from Salt Lake City. We’ll be home soon!)

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Some Things Can Be Scary

We’ll be celebrating our Independence Day very soon. It’s always been a favorite of mine. I love the fireworks!

However, for those of us with pets at home it can be a scary time. When I worked for a vet we would be inundated with calls the week prior to the 4th from concerned pet owners who were wondering what they could give their pets to help them through the night’s festivities.

I remember a time when we were in Iowa for the summer and how Glory reacted. It was a nice display – I had a perfect spot from the porch of our RV. But Glory, our Australian Shepherd, was not getting the same enjoyment I was. Although the noise was slightly bothersome, it was the bright flashes of light that bothered her the most so we finished watching from inside, through the window. As long as she sat in my lap and I was patting her she was ok. She didn’t realize that nothing would harm her and that soon, very soon, it would all be over. Her perspective was skewed but she knew she would be ok because I would protect her.

It made me think of how unfounded my fears have been. Most things are only loud noises and flashing lights when put in perspective with God’s word and His goodness, grace, mercy and power. In a few short days I will be celebrating my 65th birthday. The years have flown and I feel the best is still ahead – the best years with my husband, my children, grandchildren, my friends, and my God!

There’s an old song – The Longer I Serve Him the Sweeter He Grows!

Yes, I can say God is always faithful! Always! Me, on the other hand, I can use some work.

So many times I thought I knew best and have the perfect plan. I got out into a place of loud booming noises and flashes of light that frightened me. I was sure I would be destroyed. Then I would feel God’s reassuring hand and hear His voice telling me it would be ok, “I’m here”. I would cuddle in to Him and yes, it was soon over and I was ok.

Moses gave this instruction to the Israelites and to Joshua right before they crossed over the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Moses told them that he wouldn’t be going with them; he had led them for 40 years and now it was time for someone new to take charge. They were to follow Joshua.

“Be brave and strong! Don’t be afraid of the nations on the other side of the Jordan. The Lord your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you. 7 Then Moses called Joshua up in front of the crowd and said:

Joshua, be brave and strong as you lead these people into their land. The Lord made a promise long ago to Israel’s ancestors that this land would someday belong to Israel. That time has now come, and you must divide up the land among the people. 8 The Lord will lead you into the land. He will always be with you and help you, so don’t ever be afraid of your enemies.” Deuteronomy 31:6-8 CEV

In one translation these verses say have “good courage”. Good courage is God based. It will drive out fear. John wrote that perfect love casts out fear. When we are secure in God’s love for us, knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us, we will also be strong with “good” courage, even in the face of fierce battles and opponents that are big as giants.

In these three short verses, Moses tells the people and Joshua twice that God will ALWAYS be at their side. He will NEVER abandon them. Don’t be afraid of your enemies.

We all need to be reminded of this.

I don’t know what loud noises and flashing lights you are facing today. Let the Lord lead, have “good courage”. Hear His voice telling you He’s there and you can trust Him to protect you.

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