Category: Faith

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First Words

This little one is our youngest great granddaughter. She’s about 16 months old.

Our daughter was on a facetime call and was trying to get her to say “Grama”. After much coaxing, she said those precious words. It was clear as a bell. They melted our daughter’s heart.

Do you remember hearing “first” words? Mama , dada – how about those precious three words “I love you”?

Stop and reflect for just a moment – go back and relive that joy and excitement. The thrill that came with those special moments.

Now, let me ask a simple question. What are the first words that come to mind when you open your eyes in the morning? First words are important, they can set the tone for our whole day.

For the past twenty plus years I have trained myself to commit those first moments of the day to saying, “Father, I love you. Jesus, I love you. Holy Spirit, I love you. Thank you for loving me”. Sadly, I allowed my first words for many years to express worry, frustration, regret and complaining.

I like focusing on God’s love much better than any of those other things.

“ Every tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. You won’t find figs on thorny weeds. And you can’t pick grapes from thornbushes! 45 Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.” Luke 6:44-45 ERV

Our spoken words have power. Power to encourage or to destroy. Power to heal or to wound. Solomon wrote in Proverbs that life and death are in the power of the tongue.

“Your words can be as satisfying as fruit, as pleasing as the food that fills your stomach. 21 The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.” Proverbs 18:20-21 ERV

Words of love are precious. They are like good food, satisfying to the soul. They come from the heart.

“Wise people always think before they speak, so what they say is worth listening to. 24 Kind words are like honey; they are easy to accept and good for your health.” Proverbs 16:23-24 ERV

Kind words are therapeutic. They bring healing.

The Apostle Paul’s letters are filled with instruction for daily living. He told us we should imitate God the way a small child imitates their parents. He gave us this instruction about our words.

“ Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:17 ERV

Honestly, I’m still working on that verse. Not everything I say or do brings honor to the Lord but I’m working on it. I want my heart and my words to give honor and glory to God. I know you do too.

May the first words we utter be words of love, words of healing, words of life.

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Confidently Follow into 2026

Some mistake confidence for arrogance. When our confidence is in the Lord that is the farthest thing from the truth.

Our confidence is in Him and not in ourselves. We know only too well our weaknesses and failures and so does He but He provides us with forgiveness and a new hope for our future.

Confidence!

The year behind us should be just that – behind. Now it’s time to look forward with full assurance that He is faithful and will lead us to greater things.

“So let’s come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let’s keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water. 23 We must hold tightly to the hope that we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us. 24 We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things.” Hebrews 10:22-24 CEV

Life can be discouraging and that is why it’s necessary that our confidence is based on our faith in God.

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.” Hebrews 10:35 KJV

or

“So don’t lose the courage that you had in the past. Your courage will be rewarded richly.” Hebrews 10:35 ERV

Don’t give up – be courageous. Be confident.

“Without faith no one can please God. Whoever comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who sincerely try to find him.” Hebrews 11:6 ERV

I know what it’s like to venture out into unknown territory. Leaving everything behind and moving to a new place. Saying good-bye to family and friends and going where I know no one. I would have lost all courage – my confidence did wane – BUT GOD was and is faithful and trustworthy.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28 ESV

“He leads me beside still waters. 3  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:2-4 ESV

Confidence!

Seek God! When we place our faith and trust in Him, we can be confident that He will reward us and lead us to green pastures.

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Then Jesus Came

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us – how thankful I am that Jesus became flesh and brought life and salvation to all the world.

What “word” took on the form of flesh? The word that God spoke through Isaiah.

“So the Lord Himself will give you a special thing to see: A young woman, who has never had a man, will give birth to a son. She will give Him the name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:17 NLV

Just like the word that God spoke when He said “light be” and there was light, He said “the virgin shall give birth to a Son” and she did.

“For God can do all things.” 38 Then Mary said, ‘I am willing to be used of the Lord. Let it happen to me as you have said.’” Luke 1:37-38 NLV

So, when the Word says “as many as received Him He gave the power to become the sons of God” we can put our faith in His Word. That’s why Jesus came.

The power of the Word, Jesus, to change lives is still active and available today!

“The Word (Christ) was in the beginning. The Word was with God. The Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 He made all things. Nothing was made without Him making it. 4 Life began by Him. His Life was the Light for men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness. The darkness has never been able to put out the Light…9 This true Light, coming into the world, gives light to every man. 10 He came into the world. The world was made by Him, but it did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, but His own did not receive Him. 12 He gave the right and the power to become children of God to those who received Him. He gave this to those who put their trust in His name. 13 These children of God were not born of blood and of flesh and of man’s desires, but they were born of God. 14 Christ became human flesh and lived among us. We saw His shining-greatness. This greatness is given only to a much-loved Son from His Father. He was full of loving-favor and truth.” John 1:1-5, 9-14 NLV

The world sees the shining brightness of the sun which God created each day – a sign of His power and greatness.

The world also saw the shining greatness of God through the life of Jesus. Those of us who are called the sons of God are carriers of this light to our world. It’s important that we let the world know the Word was spoken and then Jesus came.

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Better than Anticipated

I know everyone reading this has probably ordered something on-line, sight unseen. When the package arrived there was an anticipation of what the contents would be like. Was it better than anticipated or was it disappointing?

I wrote these words in my prayer journal this morning, “better than anticipated, Lord, You do not disappoint”.

From those words of heartfelt appreciation this verse came to mind.

“Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 ERV

Four hundred years before Christ was born Isaiah the prophet wrote these words.

“But the Lord will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 CEV

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 CEV

For hundreds of years the nation of Israel anticipated the Child who was to be born. This was a promise from God and He was coming sight unseen. There was no estimated delivery date, no Amazon tracking that said “you package is 10 stops away”.

But there was a growing excitement. There was faith in God’s promise, hope for the Messiah.

“…The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11 Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” Luke 2:9-12 CEV

Delivery of the package! A gift that changed the world.

Not a dictator with a strict list of rules. Not a tyrant but a Savior. Not a thief but a Shepherd.

“ I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will be able to come in and go out. They will find everything they need. 10 A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good. 11 “I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11 ERV

This gift, this life, that we celebrate at Christmas came sight unseen, but He does not disappoint. He came bringing abundant life to all who receive Him.

Yes, He’s much better than anticipated!

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A Worry-Free Life

It doesn’t sound possible, does it? I mean I can’t just go through life with my head in the clouds, it would be irresponsible not to worry, wouldn’t it?

As I was reading this morning, I felt the Lord wanted me to remind you of a wonderful gift He has given to each of us. The gift of peace – not worry.

“Many thousands of people came together…Jesus said to his followers, ‘So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat or what you will wear. 23 Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 24 Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in houses or barns, but God feeds them. And you are worth much more than crows. 25 None of you can add any time to your life by worrying about it. 26 And if you can’t do the little things, why worry about the big things?’…29 ‘So don’t always think about what you will eat or what you will drink. Don’t worry about it. 30 That’s what all those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. But your Father knows that you need these things. 31 What you should be thinking about is God’s kingdom. Then he will give you all these other things you need. 32 ‘Don’t fear, little flock. Your Father wants to share his kingdom with you. ‘” Luke 12:1, 22-31 ERV

Jesus’ instruction is two-fold. Don’t think or worry about all the things you think you need, instead, think about God’s kingdom, He wants to share it with you!

Freedom from worry comes from thinking on the things of God. He has provided all we need. King Solomon put it this way:

“ Look for wisdom like silver. Search for it like hidden treasure. 5 If you do this, you will understand what it means to respect the Lord, and you will come to know God.

6 The Lord is the source of wisdom; knowledge and understanding come from his mouth. 7 He gives good advice to honest people and shields those who do what is right. 8 He makes sure that people are treated fairly. He watches over his loyal followers. 9 If you listen to him, you will understand what is just and fair and how to do what is right. 10 You will gain wisdom, and knowledge will bring you joy.” Proverbs 2:4-10 ERV

God-given wisdom is a gift. This gift gives us understanding of God and causes us to know Him. Wisdom, knowledge, joy, freedom from fear is like a hidden treasure and so much more valuable than silver.

For the last number of years the Lord has instructed me to take the month of December to remind my readers of the precious gifts He has given us.

Focus today on the gift of wisdom, seek God’s way of doing things and be worry-free. Your Father says, “don’t worry about the things you need to live“.

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Like A Child

I love it when the Lord uses my grandchildren to remind me of His faithfulness.

Our grandson had his tonsils and adenoids removed on Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday morning, I woke to find a message from his younger sister. It read: “Please prey for Sam he don’t feel good”.

It made me chuckle, I stopped and prayed. I felt blessed to know that my grandchildren, younger and older, know that they can ask me to pray for them when there are things in life that don’t make them feel so good.

“Some people brought their small children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them to bless them. But when the followers saw this, they told the people not to do this. 16 But Jesus called the little children to him and said to his followers, ‘Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these little children. 17 The truth is, you must accept God’s kingdom like a little child accepts things, or you will never enter it.‘” Luke 18:15-17 ERV

What a blessing – childlike faith!

Children have a simple faith. They trust us because they know we love them and we wouldn’t intentionally let anything harm them. We teach them about Jesus so they can trust His love and know that they are never alone. Their first response becomes we need to pray.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:7-11 NLT

Our heavenly Father is much more faithful in providing for us and our children than we will ever be. I recently found this quote on teaching our children (and grandchildren) to pray. “Teaching children to pray is a wonderful way to introduce them to a lifelong conversation with God.”

“Remember these commands I give you. Keep them in your hearts. Write them down… 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.

22 “Be careful to obey every command I have told you to follow: Love the Lord your God, follow all his ways, and be faithful to him.” Deuteronomy 11:18-22 ERV

Childlike faith.

If God makes a promise, He will not lie! We can trust Him. Now that’s something to be thankful for!!

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Lift Up Your Head

Being a Christian doesn’t mean we are free from disappointment and heart ache. We are faced with the same challenges and problems as everyone else in the world. We experience relationships that fail; physical sickness and disease; death of loved ones; financial lack; political and social attack and unrest; and family crises.

What makes the difference in our lives is our faith and trust in a loving heavenly Father who is able to come to our aide in every situation. We don’t live with our heads in the sand but we do live with our hearts in HIS hand!

Let me remind you of what Jesus said.

“The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (the Messiah), Because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent Me to announce release (pardon, forgiveness) to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed (downtrodden, bruised, crushed by tragedy), 19 to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the favor of God abound greatly].’” Luke 4:17-19 AMP

This was the reason Jesus came and He didn’t just talk the talk, He walked the walk. So did His disciples.

“Jesus answered, ‘Go and tell John what you have heard and seen. 5 The blind are now able to see, and the lame can walk. People with leprosy are being healed, and the deaf can hear. The dead are raised to life, and the poor are hearing the good news. 6 God will bless everyone who doesn’t reject me because of what I do.” Matthew 11:4-6 CEV

His purpose is the same today as it was then!

When we are feeling overwhelmed we don’t have to fall into the same pit of despair as others around us. We can lift up our heads (a sign of hope) and go to the One who comforts, heals and sets right.

“Hear my cry, O God; Listen to my prayer. 2 From the end of the earth I call to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and weak; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I [a rock that is too high to reach without Your help]. 3 For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me, A strong tower against the enemy.” Psalm 61:1-3 AMP

” We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. 15 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 kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV

Lift your head, look up. Come find help today!

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In The Light

Last year Dave bought this great flashlight.

We can sit on our porch and see clearly into the desert across the road. The light beam can be focused on one spot, or it can cast a broader light. It’s so helpful in seeing those things that create the crunching sounds in the underbrush.

Not sure why that came to mind, but I know enough when I have an abstract idea like this to stop and listen to what the Lord is saying to my heart.

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:105 ERV

There it is – this is what the Lord wanted me to dwell on.

Just like that flashlight with its bright beam the Lord’s word gives light to our path and guides our steps. And with both the natural and the spiritual light there are shadows; however, we don’t need to fear what might be hiding there.

“ Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. ” Psalm 23:4 NLV

When we follow the path the Lord has for us there is no need to be afraid of the shadows. He will lead us and He will protect us on this journey.

“ Later, Jesus talked to the people again. He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never live in darkness. They will have the light that gives life.’” John8:12 ERV

It’s interesting to see how these verses tie together. The Psalms say the Word is a lamp and a light. Jesus is called the “Word made flesh” in John 1:1-2 and then Jesus, himself, said “I am the light of the world”.

When people ask why I put so much time reading the Bible and studying God’s word the answer is simple. “These are the words of life”.

“Teach children in a way that fits their needs, and even when they are old, they will not leave the right path.” Proverbs 22:6 ERV

“ So listen, my son, and be wise. Always be careful to follow the right path.” Proverbs 23:19 ERV

There may be rough spots along the path; there even may be danger but we have His promise to be with us. In fact, the Bible tells us He will never leave us or abandon us.

Walk in the light of God’s word. It’s the right path to follow!

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Coffee is Good – Jesus is Better

Each morning, I wake up I praise the Lord for His faithfulness and love!

Admittedly some mornings I would like to stay in bed a little longer and some mornings I do just that. But there isn’t a day that I don’t thank Him for the many blessings I have received and the courage and confidence that I have in His love.

I have some dear close friends with whom I share my heart, but none is sweeter than the friend I have in Jesus. Those words are some that I read in Psalm 144 this morning.

“I praise you, Lord! You are my mighty rock, and you teach me how to fight my battles.
2 You are my friend, my fortress, where I am safe. You are my shield, and you made me the ruler of our people.” Psalm 144:1-2 CEV

“ Praise the Lord! He is my Rock. He prepares me for war. He trains me for battle.
2 He loves me and protects me. He is my safe place high on the mountain. He rescues me. He is my shield. I trust in him. He helps me rule my people.” Psalm 144:1-2 ERV

Two translations of the same verse. One is written in the first person – I praise you Lord and the other is written in the third person – Me telling you what God has done for me. Both convey the same message of God’s love and protection, but I was drawn to the CEV writing because that’s how I feel about the Lord – “You are my friend”.

We have many praise and worship songs that were written in the last twenty years, more contemporary music styles yet one old hymn that I dearly love is “What A Friend” we have in Jesus. This song was written in 1855, the words still ring true in my heart.

“What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!

2 Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!

3 Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge–
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.”

Imagine the heart of the man that penned these words. Had he known lack of peace, trials, temptations, betrayal, weakness, discouragement and sorrow? He knew there was one place to find solace and comfort, “What a Friend we have in Jesus, take it to the Lord in prayer”.

Coffee is a good way to start the day but spending time with Jesus is better! Take it to the Lord in prayer!!

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Redeemed – At the Cross

Dave and I try to find something uplifting or humorous to watch before going to bed.

Last night we listened to several videos which featured “Jelly Roll”. For those of you from my generation who may find it hard to look at someone who is tatted like Jelly Roll and not be critical, let me say what the Lord told Samuel:

“When they had come, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, ‘For sure he is the Lord’s chosen one who is standing before Him.”’7 But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at the way he looks on the outside or how tall he is, because I have not chosen him. For the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. A man looks at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.‘” I Samuel 16:6-7 NLV

This man has a message of hope and redemption in Jesus Christ. It’s a message of praise.

We all need to come to the realization of what our Savior, Jesus Christ, did for us on the cross. We each have had our heartaches and pain. Not one of us has lived a life free of disappointment. Not even Jesus.

In our darkest moments the Father is there. In our deepest pain He reaches out to lift us up. In our most debilitating trial, He redeems our life. He gives us beauty for ashes, joy in the morning and peace in the storm.

“But now the Lord Who made you, O Jacob, and He Who made you, O Israel, says, “Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine! 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The fire will not destroy you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, Who saves you. ” Isaiah 43:1-3 NLV

Raise your hands in worship to the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who covered our sin at the cross and the Father who gave His Son to pay the price for our sin!

Listen to this and then listen again. We’ve been “Redeemed – at the Cross“.

Now lift up your hands and praise Him again and again!

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