Category: Faithfulness

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Look to the Hills

This morning I’ve been praying for you!

I was out watering my plants, feeding the birds and taking in my view of the mountains. Enjoying all that the Lord has made.

As I sit here this morning praying for family and friends I am so glad that God knows where you are and what you are facing. I pray for those who are traveling around the country and across the world. Some are driving and others flying so I pray for your safety and the vehicles that will be transporting them.

Others of you are living in distant places and I don’t really know what is transpiring in your life on a daily basis and if there are any monumental obstacles you may be facing but He does!

We’ll be celebrating Father’s Day tomorrow and we have the most wonderful, caring, loving Father to honor! James, the apostle, writes that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father.

The things He gives are meant to bless and prosper us – spirit, soul and body. What He gives doesn’t break, become outdated or need repair. He gives strength to the weak, healing to the broken hearted, peace to those who fear, rest to the weary, comfort to the lonely, joy to those who mourn, salvation to the lost and love to the abandoned!

“I look up to the hills, but where will my help really come from? 2 My help will come from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep. 4 Israel’s Protector does not get tired. He never sleeps. 5 The Lord is your Protector. The Lord stands by your side, shading and protecting you. 6 The sun cannot harm you during the day, and the moon cannot harm you at night.7 The Lord will protect you from every danger. He will protect your soul. 8 The Lord will protect you as you come and go, both now and forever!” Psalm 121 ERV

Look to the Hills…why?

“Every animal in the forest belongs to me, and so do the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds in the mountains, and every wild creature is in my care.” Psalm 50:10-11 CEV

If our Father cares for the cattle on a thousand hills and all the birds in the mountains then I am confident that He cares for and protects each one of you.

“ Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth much more than birds?” Matthew 6:26 CEV

Thank you Father for covering my loved ones with your love, peace, and grace!

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From Earth to Heaven

There will be many Father’s Day greetings posted in the next few days. This one will be a little different. Join me in sending a Father’s Day greeting to our heavenly Father.

Our heavenly Father is beyond description! His works are marvelous and His love is never ending!!

When I was younger I loved to sing and spent countless hours practicing and memorizing song lyrics. Looking at the morning sky my heart and my head are filled with melody.

” My Father is omnipotent, and that you can´t deny;

A God of might and miracles, ´tis written in the sky.

CHORUS:

It took a miracle to put the stars in place;

It took a miracle to hang the world in space.

But when he saved my soul,

Cleansed and made me whole,

It took a miracle of love and grace.” John W. Peterson

I see my Father’s presence all around me. It’s in the song of the birds, in the beauty of a sunset or a sunrise; it’s in the refreshing of the rain and the colors of the blooms. His love is wrapped in every smile and hug, and His mercy is shown through every act of forgiveness.

I marvel that He cut the canyons and prepared the landscapes for my enjoyment. He knew I would love the panoramic vistas He set before me. He gave me the desert, the mountains and the oceans for my playground.

How I love that He chose me, He adopted me and gave me the privilege to call him Papa Father.

I love that there is nothing in my life that keeps Him from loving me. He knows my past, my present and my future. He knows my successes and my darkest moments. His love is unconditional, each day brings new mercy and His forgiveness is complete. Once for all.

“14 The true children of God are those who let God’s Spirit lead them. 15 The Spirit that we received is not a spirit that makes us slaves again and causes us to fear. The Spirit that we have makes us God’s chosen children. And with that Spirit we cry out, “ Abba,Father.” 16 And the Spirit himself speaks to our spirits and makes us sure that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:14-17 ERV

“ So we are made holy because Christ obeyed God and offered himself once for all.” Hebrews 10:10 CEV

 “We know that death no longer has any power over Christ. He died and was raised to life, never again to die. 10 When Christ died, he died for sin once and for all. But now he is alive, and he lives only for God. 11 In the same way, you must think of yourselves as dead to the power of sin. But Christ Jesus has given life to you, and you live for God.” Romans 6:9-11 CEV

From earth to heaven, I lift up my hands in praise of You. Thank you, Papa, for your amazing love. Thank you for adopting me. Thank you. Happy Father’s Day.

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Foundation of Wisdom

I thank the Lord for my dad. He was a wise man, and I learned many valuable life lessons from him. He left school when he was in the 7th grade to help provide for his family, so his wisdom didn’t come from his education; it came from his experiences and his love of God’s word.

King Solomon, the world’s wisest man, wrote an entire book on wisdom, the book of Proverbs. And he set the premise in the very first chapter.

“These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. 2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. 3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. 4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young...7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:1-7 NLT

The word “fear” in verse 7 can also be translated as reverent worship, awe of greatness, and respect. Our foundation for wisdom comes when we reverence and respect God’s word.

I read a quote that went something like this, the foundation of wisdom is knowing how to tell that you are totally clueless, lost and in need of assistance. That pretty much sums up our need for God and His direction.

This teaching on wisdom came as I meditated on Psalm 111 this morning all the while making a correlation with yesterday’s words from Paul, telling us that we are God’s inheritance and that Christ fills those of us who trust in Him.

If we truly believe that we are wise.

“Praise the Lord!
I thank the Lord with all my heart
    in the assembly of his good people.
2 The Lord does wonderful things,
    more than anyone could ask for.
3 The things he does are great and glorious!
    There is no end to his goodness.
4 He does amazing things so that we will remember
    that the Lord is kind and merciful.
5 He gives food to his followers.
    He remembers his agreement forever.
6 He has shown his people how powerful he is
    by giving them the land of other nations.
7 Everything he does is good and fair.
    All his commands can be trusted.
8 His commands will continue forever.
    They must be done with truth and honesty.
9 He rescued his people and made his agreement with them forever.
    His name is awesome and holy.
10 Wisdom begins with fear and respect for the Lord.
    Those who obey him are very wise.
    Praises will be sung to him forever.” Psalm 111 ERV

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

As parents and grandparents, we are not limited by our education or lack thereof. We can receive wisdom and share it with those we love by teaching them a love for God’s word and a respect for the Lord.

That is the foundation of wisdom.

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Restore My Soul

For the last hour I have been reading verses of hurt, hope and healing.

Yesterday, I shared “Good Thoughts”. We especially need those good thoughts of God’s word to get us through the hard days.

“Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I tell myself, ‘Wait for God’s help! You will again have a chance to praise him, your God, the one who will save you.’” Psalm 43:5 ERV

Thoughts come rushing in and many times they bring fear and anxiety with them. That’s when we have to take them captive – lock them away like some hardened criminal. Cast them out like rotten and decaying food that is thrown into the dumpster.

“ We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. 4 The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, 5 and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 ERV

Our heavenly Father’s plan is for our healing and our restoration.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me. The Lord has chosen me to tell good news to the poor and to comfort those who are sad. He sent me to tell the captives and prisoners that they have been set free. 2 He sent me to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness, when our God will also punish evil people. He has sent me to comfort those who are sad, 3 those in Zion who mourn. I will take away the ashes on their head, and I will give them a crown. I will take away their sadness, and I will give them the oil of happiness. I will take away their sorrow, and I will give them celebration clothes. He sent me to name them ‘Good Trees’ and ‘The Lord’s Wonderful Plant.’” Isaiah 61:1-3 ERV

This is the very message that Jesus said He came to deliver to all who were on the earth. God’s message of comfort and hope.

“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. 2 He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. 3 He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good. 4 Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4 ERV

In the dark times – as dark as death, we are not alone. He is always with us! He will always be our comfort and our guide. He is our Shepherd, our Good Shepherd.

These verses are not just words on a page. They are the living Word of God. They are filled with all the power of God Himself. Let me leave you with this:

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLT

To those who are weary, listen to the Lord’s leading. Lay down in green pastures and let Him restore your soul!

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Walk & Talk

When I lived in Montana we were about 15 miles from town on a dirt road with four neighbors. We were the last house and we had acres, no, miles to walk in.

My friend, who lived about a quarter of a mile away and I would do what we called “Walk & Talk”. We didn’t get together every day but when we did we would walk about 3 miles and spend the time talking about the things on our heart. It was a wonderful time.

Those times with her came from my times of walking with the Lord and talking to Him. It was good exercise but it was even better for spiritual strengthening.

God wants to involved in our daily lives.

It’s so amazing that God, the creator of the universe, would want to come each evening and just talk with Adam and Eve in the garden. He was their friend and wanted to hear about their day. He desires the same friendship with us.

Let Him direct your steps today and be involved in your day’s details. God bless you!

“The Lord shows us how we should live,
    and he is pleased when he sees people living that way.
24 If they stumble, they will not fall,
    because the Lord reaches out to steady them.
25 I was young, and now I am old,
    but I have never seen good people left with no one to help them;
    I have never seen their children begging for food.
26 They are kind and generous,
    and their children are a blessing.
27 Stop doing anything evil and do good,
    and you will always have a place to live.
28 The Lord loves what is right,
    and he will never leave his followers without help.
He will always protect them,
    but he will destroy the families of the wicked.
29 Good people will get the land God promised
    and will live on it forever.
30 Those who do what is right give good advice.
    Their decisions are always fair.
31 They have learned God’s teachings,
    and they will never stop living right.” Psalm 37:23-31 ERV

Now that we are in Arizona and it gets hotter than blazes on some days it’s hard to get out for a walk and talk so, I have devised a new activity. It’s called the “Sit n Sip”. The premise is the same – spending quiet time with the Lord with no distractions.

Whether you Sit n Sip or Walk n Talk, the Father is always available and always willing to meet with us!

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The Father’s Love

I was thinking about this this morning. Who taught you to brush your teeth and hold a fork and a spoon? Who taught you to eat good things, to button your shirt and tie your shoes? What about looking both ways before crossing the street or how to ride a bike?

One of my kids asked me once, “Mom how long are you going to tell me to brush my teeth every night?” My answer, “Until you brush your teeth every night without being told.”

Discipline or correction isn’t a bad thing. It’s necessary to develop in the essentials of life. That’s what parents do – they correct their children so they will learn to do things right and they help them learn discipline so they will stick with it when things get hard.

“for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, just as a father, the son he delights in.13 Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold.” Proverbs 3:12-14

You know our heavenly Father does the same. His word will bring us discipline and correction. He sent the Holy Spirit to be our teacher and to guide us into all truth. And when we learn we develop wisdom and acquire understanding.

“The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him…Jesus became wise, and he grew strong. God was pleased with him and so were the people. Luke 2:40 & 52

It was important that Jesus, in his human body, gain wisdom and disciple in order for Him to accomplish what his Father had sent Him to do. He did what He learned from his Father.

“28 So Jesus said to them, ‘When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own. But just as the Father taught Me, I say these things. 29 The One who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.’ 30 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 8:28-32

Jesus said that by doing what the Father taught, it pleased the Father. If we follow His (Jesus) example we will find true freedom. He also said in John 6:63 that the words I speak unto you are spirit and life.

” Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that he lets us be called his children, as we truly are. But since the people of this world did not know who Christ is, they don’t know who we are” I John 3:1 CEV

God’s instruction, his correction, and his commitment to discipline are to bring us life, truth and freedom. The next time you tie your shoes and brush your teeth, thank God for parents who loved you and corrected you and helped mold you into the person you are today.

And the next time you love with your heart and give to help others, thank God that He loved you enough to mold you into His character and give you life.

The Father’s love is worth more than silver or gold!

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Through the Father’s Eyes

Have you ever fallen into the trap of defending yourself? You’ve been misjudged or maligned and you step up quickly in your own defense? Me too! Not a good place to be. But there is something in all of us that desires to be well thought of.

The only opinion we should care about is the Lord’s. In His eyes we are loved unconditionally and He holds us in a place of high regard, He holds us in His heart.

We should not care about man’s opinion, it will distract us from doing what God has called us to do.

“Think of us as servants of Christ who have been given the work of explaining God’s mysterious ways. 2 And since our first duty is to be faithful to the one we work for, 3 it doesn’t matter to me if I am judged by you or even by a court of law. In fact, I don’t judge myself. 4 I don’t know of anything against me, but that doesn’t prove that I am right. The Lord is my judge. 5 So don’t judge anyone until the Lord returns. He will show what is hidden in the dark and what is in everyone’s heart. Then God will be the one who praises each of us.” I Corinthians 4:1-5 CEV

We simply need to be faithful and let the Lord be the judge. Paul was a living example of being judged falsely and still being faithful to his calling. He was beaten, imprisoned, stoned many times and he just kept on preaching.

“So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. 32 He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things. 33 Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one who makes them right. 34 Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died for us, but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us.” Romans 8:31-34 ERV

Don’t be derailed by the opinions of others. Keep looking at the Father and you’ll stay on track!

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Pulled to Safety

I just wanted to share this Psalm with you as a way of following up on yesterday’s blog.

There are so many who feel helpless and without hope because of the situations they are in. They don’t have that rock solid foundation that I was talking about. If you know someone like that – wondering what to do, where to go, how to manage, I pray you will share these Scriptures with them.

God knows, He cares, He’s here with the answer.

“I patiently waited, Lord,
    for you to hear my prayer.
You listened 2 and pulled me
from a lonely pit
    full of mud and mire.
You let me stand on a rock
    with my feet firm,
3 and you gave me a new song,
    a song of praise to you.
Many will see this,
and they will honor and trust
    you, the Lord God.

4 You bless all of those
    who trust you, Lord,
and refuse to worship idols
    or follow false gods.
5 You, Lord God, have done
    many wonderful things,
and you have planned
    marvelous things for us.
No one is like you!
I would never be able to tell
    all you have done.

6 Sacrifices and offerings
    are not what please you;
gifts and payment for sin
    are not what you demand.
But you made me willing
    to listen and obey.
7 And so, I said, “I am here
    to do what is written
about me in the book,
    where it says,
8 ‘I enjoy pleasing you.
    Your Law is in my heart.’ ”

9 When your people worshiped,
you know I told them,
    “Our Lord always helps!”
10 When all your people met,
    I did not keep silent.
I said, “Our Lord is kind.
He is faithful and caring,
    and he saves us.”

11 You, Lord, never fail
    to have pity on me;
your love and faithfulness
    always keep me secure.

12 I have more troubles
    than I can count.
My sins are all around me,
    and I can’t find my way.
My sins outnumber
the hairs on my head,
    and I feel weak.
13 Please show that you care
and come to my rescue.
    Hurry and help me!

14 Disgrace and confuse
    all who want me dead;
turn away and disgrace
    all who want to hurt me.
15 Embarrass and shame
everyone who says,
    “Just look at you now!”

16 Our Lord, let your worshipers
    rejoice and be glad.
They love you for saving them,
so let them always say,
    “The Lord is wonderful!”

17 I am poor and needy,
but, Lord God,
    you care about me,
and you come to my rescue.
    Please hurry and help.” Psalm 40 CEV

The Lord IS wonderful, He is great! I will magnify Him for He IS all I need!

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Following God’s Plan

Twelve years ago today, everything we owned was either in a U-Haul box van or in the back of the Excursion. We said goodbye to neighbors and friends and left Montana for our home in Arizona.

We felt like the children of Israel coming to the Promised Land. We had been marching in the wilderness for more years than we had cared to admit.

Trying to do things our way and not realizing what the Lord was directing us to do was frustrating to say the least. And all the time we “thought” we were following the Lord.

When good things would happen we would give Him glory and when times were tough we were praying and asking His direction. However, many times we would go with the thing that “seemed right” and logical instead of really waiting to see if that’s what He really wanted.

God was always faithful. His arms were always open wide and His love was always unconditional!

We can look back now and see how He did guide us even when we chose the path and how He brought us full circle to bring us Home!

Thank you Father for your faithfulness.

“You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. 2 I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. 3 Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. 4 As long as I live, I will pray to you. 5 I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet. 6 I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. 7 You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. 8 I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.” Psalm 63:1-8 CEV

“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” vs 8 KJV

I hear people talk about their “forever” homes. I felt I had a couple of those – once in Idaho, then in Montana and in Rio Rico. Each one felt like the place I would be for the rest of my life.

But God had a different plan. I’m so glad He did!

By moving on, our lives have been enriched by many of you reading this blog. People we would have never met or had a personal contact with. Never have I regretted leaving a place when the Lord was leading the way.

“ Abraham lived in the country that God promised to give him. He lived there like a visitor who did not belong. He did this because he had faith. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who also received the same promise from God. 10 Abraham was waiting for the city[a] that has real foundations. He was waiting for the city that is planned and built by God.” Hebrews 11:9-10 ERV

To quote the words of a song – “This world is not my home”. Just waiting for the city whose ruler and builder is God. The rest of this is temporary, so we live with a heavenly purpose and destiny.

While we are content to be here and doing what the Lord desires, placing greater value on heavenly things will cause us to avoid greed and jealousy.

Following hard after the Lord – the only way!

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Amazing Love

Each morning I try to take time to focus on the unconditional love of the Father. As I follow that path, my thoughts are overwhelmed with His goodness and grace.

“ I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. 18 And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. 20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. 21 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen. ” Ephesians 3:17-21 ERV

This was the Apostle Paul’s prayer, written thousands of years ago, and it is still a life-impacting, life-empowering, life-changing prayer for all who read it and take it to heart.

There’s an old hymn, written by John Wesley who was a great preacher. He marveled at the amazing love of God.

“And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?

Refrain:
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!”

These words were written in the 1700’s and repeated in a more modern song which was written by a current Christian artist, Chris Tomlin.

“I’m forgiven because You were forsaken,
I’m accepted, You were condemned.
I am alive and well, Your sprit is within me,
Because You died and rose again.
(Repeat x2)

[Chorus:]
Amazing love,
How can it be?
That You, my King would die for me?
Amazing love,
I know it’s true.
It’s my joy to honour You,
In all I do, I honour You.”

Sometimes all I can do is sit silently and let my heart sing in worship of my Lord and Savior. Never has He forsaken me, never have I been abandoned, never has He lied to me.

““The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor. He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. He sent me to free those who have been treated badly 19  and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.”

Always forgiven, always accepted, always loved. AMAZING LOVE!

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