Category: Faithfulness

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No One Like You!

Who is like our God?

No one – there is no one like You. Those are the words that kept running through my mind in worship this morning – There is no one like You!!!

Amazing love, You gave Your life for me…there is none like You!

Amazing grace, You forgave all my sins…there is none like You!

Amazing joy, You put a new song in my heart…there is none like You!

Amazing relationship, You adopted me…there is none like You!

Amazing transformation, You made me a new creature in Christ…there is none like You!!

“O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” I Chronicles 17:20 KJV

“LORD God All-Powerful, there is no one like you. You are strong, LORD, and always faithful.” Psalm 89:8 ERV

“Remember what happened long ago. Remember, I am God and there is no other God. There is no other like me.” Isaiah 46:9 ERV

Oh Lord, we worship you this morning. Your word is our source of life and strength. You keep your word and your word directs us in relationship with you! How we praise You! You alone are worthy of all praise!

“You will do all these wonderful things because you said you would do them and because you want to do them. And you decided to let me know about all these things. 22 Lord GOD, this is why you are so great! There is no one like you. There is no god except you! We know that because of what we ourselves have heard about what you did.” II Samuel 7:21-22 ERV

There is no one like You! Amen and Amen.

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Too Soon

In my prayer time this morning I was talking with the Lord about having better clarity – seeing things the way He sees them. Understanding people from His perspective. It was then I remembered these verses:

“Show me your faithful love this morning. I trust in you. Show me what I should do.
    I put my life in your hands! 9 Lord, I come to you for protection. Save me from my enemies.
10 Show me what you want me to do. You are my God. Let your good Spirit lead me over level ground. 11 Lord, let me live so that people will praise your name. Show me how good you are and save me from my trouble. 12 Show me your love and defeat my enemies.” Psalm 143:8-12 ERV

Show me Lord, how I can be more like You.

Sounds like a good prayer doesn’t it? And it is but it doesn’t end there. I almost closed my Bible there and went back to my prayer for clarity and understanding but I felt the Lord leading me to read on, so I did.

I turned to Proverbs, the book of wisdom. Proverbs has 31 chapters, one for each day of the month and so I turned to chapter 2 since today is January 2nd.

“ Listen to wisdom, and do your best to understand. 3 Ask for good judgment. Cry out for understanding. 4 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.

11 Planning ahead will protect you, and understanding will guard you. 12 These will keep you from following the wrong path and will protect you from those who have evil plans.” Proverbs 2:2-12 ERV

I almost closed my Bible too soon. If I hadn’t read on, I would have missed God’s instruction on wisdom and understanding. I would have missed the answer to my morning prayer.

Kind of like spiritual GPS. We have a desired destination but if we don’t follow the instructions, we will probably get lost.

“Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.” Jeremiah 33:3 CEV

When we ask the Lord for direction and instruction it’s always best to listen for His answer. Don’t quit too soon!

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My Favorite Present

Do you remember being a kid and going out to play with your friends the days following Christmas?

Some kids had new bikes, others had skateboards, some had new dolls or kitchen sets, and some had new shotguns. Most everyone was excited to “show off” what they had. But some didn’t say much – finances at home had been tight and their Christmas presents were new socks or a jacket, a couple pair of new jeans or sneakers. Some gifts brought joy and others an element of embarrassment. I remember both of those kinds of Christmases.

This morning the verses that came to mind were verses on singing. Nothing to be ashamed of here.

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness!  Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:1-3 ESV

The gift of God’s presence is one of the greatest presents ever, His presence is our present!

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV

He is our Shepherd. He leads us, He guides us, He causes us to rest, He protects us!

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He makes me lie down in green pastures.
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 23:1-4 ESV

The “presence”, presents, of God are something to sing about. As His children we have bragging rights directed at our Father’s goodness.

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:1-3 ESV

Because Jesus came, we have the message of the Father’s love. Because Jesus died, we receive forgiveness of sin and we are welcome in the Father’s presence

“ Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25 CEV

Jesus made us a present to the Father and in turn, the Father gave us His presence. My favorite present!

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The Last Week

Are you feeling frantic or rested? It’s the last week of the year.

Maybe you feel you haven’t measured up or you haven’t completed the projects you had scheduled. It could be you are just the opposite and resting in the glow of spending Christmas with family and friends.

It’s the last week of the year 2025. How is that thought affecting your outlook toward 2026? Let’s consider this:

“Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown us in allowing us to be called “children of God”—and that is not just what we are called, but what we are. Our heredity on the Godward side is no mere figure of speech—which explains why the world will no more recognise us than it recognised Christ. 2 Oh, dear children of mine (forgive the affection of an old man!), have you realised it? Here and now we are God’s children. We don’t know what we shall become in the future. We only know that, if reality were to break through, we should reflect his likeness, for we should see him as he really is!” I John 3:1-2 Phillips

Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown us! In our successes and in our failures, His love does not change. One year ends and another begins but our relationship with Him is established in eternity.

“Children of God” is not just who we are called but it is who we ARE!

“My sheep know my voice, and I know them. They follow me, 28 and I give them eternal life, so that they will never be lost. No one can snatch them out of my hand. 29  My Father gave them to me, and he is greater than all others. No one can snatch them from his hands, 30 and I am one with the Father.” John 10:27-30 CEV

I recently heard someone say “I hope that the good I have done will be enough”. Our relationship with the Lord has never been based on the good we have done, nor will it ever be that way. Our relationship, our right standing, with God is based solely on the good that Jesus has done. It’s His sacrifice, His goodness that makes us right with God.

There’s a song that we sing that brings me to tears every time. The lyrics are the words of my heart, “Reckless Love of God” by Cory Asbury.

“Before I spoke a word, you were singing over me
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, you breathe your life in me
You have been so, so good to me

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, you give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah

When I was your foe, still your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, you paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me

And oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, you give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God,”

The last week of the year – God’s love never changes. It carried us through 2025 and it will be our strength, our hope and our peace in 2026. Never underestimate the precious love of God!

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Consistency & Reflection

Our Christmas celebration started a week ago.

We went with our youngest daughter’s family to an Ostrich Farm where the kids, and the adults, were able to feed and interact with the animals. A memory maker for sure. Then Tuesday the oldest daughter and her family, married grandkids and great grands, came to spend time with us at our home. Food and fun! More memories.

Christmas Eve day we all met at our oldest daughter’s for Christmas brunch, family time and gift exchange for the littles family members. The only one we were missing was our son. We had planned to FaceTime him in for the reading of the Christmas story and the opening of presents. But much to our surprise, he was able to take some vacation time at the last minute and arrived unannounced. It was a wonderful Christmas – definitely a memory maker.

What a wonderful gift from the Lord – memory!

All through the Old Testament the Lord created memory making experiences. The rainbow after the flood, the Red Sea opening, manna from heaven, the walls of Jericho falling down, David killing Goliath, right up to a baby being heralded by angels and born in a stable and laid in a manger.

“Teach them to your children. Talk about them all the time—whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. 20 Write them on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.” Deuteronomy 11:19-20 CEV

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

“ Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

Memory makers! God’s faithfulness, His protection, His provision, His deliverance!

As we head into 2026 – take time to remember. Reflect on the past and know that God is faithful and consistent in your future.

“With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been. 3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4 and protects us from death.
His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. 5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagles” Psalm 103:2-5 CEV

Reflect on His goodness – remember His unconditional love – know that He is consistent, He never changes!

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Running Over

A home filled with laughter, new friends, good food and an abundance of love!

It’s not what’s under the tree that gives us reason to celebrate but what’s in our hearts! The joy of Christmas doesn’t have to end the day after – even when the home is quiet and things seem to be back to “normal” the joy that fills our hearts should carry on.

“You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch.You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life,and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23:5-6 CEV

My cup runneth over…God has been so good to me. He saw me for who I was and He loved me in spite of my shortcomings and my faults. He sees me now through His eyes of grace and His desire is for my good.

He has placed all I need before me and He has promised to go with me on this journey. He will provide – He won’t abandon me. His desire is for me to become all that He has designed me to be.

“ The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP

That which runs over isn’t wasted because God isn’t wasteful. But the overflow can be given out to others.

Let today be the start of your overflow – where there was drought in your life; let there be a cup running over.

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Home for Christmas

Those song lyrics, “I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me…I’ll be home for Christmas if only in my dreams”, bring a sense of nostalgia and longing to our hearts.

Remembering Christmases as a child or as a parent with young children around the Christmas tree. But, whatever the memory it was home.

Not so for Jesus.

Jesus came from heaven to earth; He left his home and came to ours to bring us abundant gifts.

“Praise be to God for giving us through Christ every possible spiritual benefit as citizens of Heaven! For consider what he has done—before the foundation of the world he chose us to become, in Christ, his holy and blameless children living within his constant care. He planned, in his purpose of love, that we should be adopted as his own children through Jesus Christ—that we might learn to praise that glorious generosity of his which has made us welcome in the everlasting love he bears towards the Son.” Ephesians 1:3-6

God the Father sent his Son to bring the gift of eternal life to all of us. By accepting this gift so freely given we are adopted into God’s family and He lavishes the same love and care that He has for Jesus on us. Marvelous grace!

He came to make His home with us. I always want to make Him feel welcome – my heart is His home.

“Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them.” John 14:23 CEV

I will make Him the center focus of all I do. He will be the honored guest!

He has adopted me and given me the right to call Him “Abba Father” as Paul says in Romans. Abba Father is an endearing term like “daddy” or “papa”, a term of great love and affection spoken by a child with a wonderful relationship with their father. What more could a Father ask for but the love of His child.

Be home for Christmas with the Father, His arms are open wide!

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Building Relationships – Building Snowmen

I know this might sound really strange, especially to those of you who have young children or grandchildren, but I’ve only seen the movie Frozen once. Yes, just once.

However, the words to one of the songs from that movie have made an impact on me.

“Do you want to build a snowman?

Come on, let’s go and play!

I never see you anymore

Come out the door

It’s like you’ve gone away

We used to be best buddies

And now we’re not

I wish you would tell me why!

Do you want to build a snowman?

It doesn’t have to be a snowman

Ok, bye.”

We need to be aware of people who are hurting. For whatever reason the holidays seem to accentuate feelings of loneliness. I know, I’ve been there. But there’s really only one answer to a lonely heart.

It’s not a good therapist, it’s not a new love, it’s not change of scenery or job, or a puppy or food or alcohol. It’s not even building a snowman. It’s finding personal relationship with the One who loves you unconditionally.

“Praise the Lord because he is good. Sing praises to our God. It is good and pleasant to praise him…3 He heals their broken hearts and bandages their wounds.” Psalm 147: 1 & 3 ERV

Jesus is here to provide the comfort and consolation we so desperately need.

“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29 Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. 30 This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 CEV

Sometimes hurting people hide behind big smiles and laughter, some hide behind rude and obnoxious behavior and others just hide.

I’m asking you today to look for hurting people – ask them to come build a snowman…or share a cup of coffee, a cinnamon roll…share your time, your love, your forgiveness and compassion.

By so doing you will have shared Jesus and He is the one who heals the broken hearted!

“‘When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, 36 and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.’

37 Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, ‘When did we give you something to eat or drink?…

40 The king will answer, ‘Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.'” Matthew 25:35-40 CEV

Do you want to build a snowman? It’s a good way to build relationships.

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Ever Present – Ever Faithful

“The virgin will be pregnant and will give birth to a son. They will name him Immanuel.”(Immanuel means “God with us.”) Matthew 1:23

” 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

God with us – in the car going to work; in the kitchen baking cookies; helping our kids with their homework; Christmas shopping; sitting beside the bed of a sick friend; sitting alone looking at the checkbook and the bills that need to be paid.

God with us – His purpose in coming was to be “with us”. In fact, Hebrews 13:5 tells us that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us.

We are also told that He promises to provide all our needs, heals all our diseases and forgives all our sins. Psalm 103

He always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus. II Corinthians 2:14

Can’t say that’s the way it’s always been in my life but I can say that when I realized that “God with us” it has certainly changed the outcome for the better – the best.

When we focus on all “we” have to do and how it’s “All” up to us, we become self absorbed. We make a very small package. But when we realize, truly realize, that God’s purpose is to “Be with us”, when we unwrap the present of His presence in our daily lives our world changes dramatically.

” What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? 32 God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else?” Romans 8:31-32 CEV

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

God’s present to us is His presence today. It fills us with joy!

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Seek for What’s Lost

Have you ever lost anything?

Maybe it’s your car keys, glasses, a special dish, jewelry, a family heirloom, money, a child! Each one of these items probably brought a different reaction in your thinking – a smile when thinking of losing your keys or glasses, a sense of gratitude at finding an heirloom or something of monetary value but an absolutely overwhelming peace and relief at finding a child!

When Kaci, our youngest daughter, was in pre-school they went on a field trip to Sea World in San Diego. I went along as one of the parent helpers. Another parent helper was my friend Theresa. She had 2 children in the preschool but she also had 2 other little ones that were younger than that. We had a wonderful day – the kids had a ball. All was well!

It was getting time to leave and each parent was responsible to see that their group had gone to the bathroom and had all their belongings before we started on the hour’s drive north to the school. Suddenly, there was a frantic movement in one of the other groups. It was Theresa’s. The twins were gone! They had just been there at the fountain with all the others and now they were gone. We got all our kids to sit down out of the way of foot traffic, left a couple of parents with the group and began searching, praying and searching, for Luke and Lizzie. It seemed like hours but was really only about 15 minutes and they had been found! Relief, tears, joy, peace!!

I was reminded of this story this morning as I thought of a verse in Luke 19. Jesus was walking through town and Zacchaeus had climbed a tree to get a look at this man that everyone was talking about. Jesus spotted him and called him down from the tree. Then Jesus said that he wanted to go to Zacchaeus’ home.

The Pharisees, the religious rulers of the day, were critical of Jesus for associating with “such a low life”, my paraphrase of Zacchaeus’ character. You see, Zacch worked for the IRS and had just been in hearings in front of the Senate committee for misappropriating funds and lying about how much taxes the folks owed. Oh, wait – no that’s another story. But by his own admission, Zacchaeus had taken money wrongfully from the citizens. The Pharisees felt justified with their criticism of Jesus and Zacchaeus.

Now hear Jesus words:

” For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 ESV

He, Jesus, came to seek and to save the lost! That’s the reason He came on that Christmas morning.

With the same singleness of purpose that we searched for Luke & Lizzie, Jesus “just happened” to walk down a road by a big tree – He just happened to look up and call to a man that others would ignore. Zacchaeus went to see Jesus, but Jesus was seeking to touch and save Zacchaeus.

I want to ask a personal question. If we lived in Jesus’ time and saw Him hanging out with the IRS agents, hookers, liars, politicians, etc. would we be critical of Him for making association with people of such low degree? Or would we realize that He was on a mission from the Father to find and save a lost child?

May the love of God flow through us today and allow the Father to use us to seek out, befriend and find the lost!

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