Category: God’s Love

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Lord, It’s Morning!

Listen…No stop right now and listen for 10 seconds.

If you’re anything like me your morning starts with the sound of the coffee pot, the hum of the computer fan and a myriad of other noises all competing for your attention. I am blessed to live in rural Arizona where there are no sounds of traffic, sirens, planes or other such noises, just the birds and the coyotes. When we lived in Montana I would hear the momma cows calling to their calves and the horses nickering as they waited for morning feed. But it hasn’t always been that way.

I know what it’s like to wake to the alarm clock. Have kids that need to get up, be fed and taken to school on my way to the office in the busy traffic. Radios playing, tv spilling the morning news, emails to read, FB to check in on – so much noise. It can be deafening.

When you stopped to listen did you hear the voice of God?

I wake up each morning and say “I love you Father, I love you Jesus, I love you Holy Spirit” and then I can hear that inner voice say “We love you too”. WOW!!

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

We spend so much time looking for the big, the spectacular, the miraculous and we miss the simple, still, small voice of God trying to lead us and give us insight. How many times have we said, “I knew I shouldn’t have done that” or “It just dawned on me” or “I was just thinking about that very thing” and we don’t realize that God is trying to get through to us?

When David, the anointed king, was running from Saul in desert he continually inquired of the Lord. Should I go or stay? Should I attack or refrain? The Bible tells us that David was a man “after God’s own heart”. He wanted to be led by God in all he did. He knew that his well-being was entirely in God’s hands.

“I will call to God for help, and the Lord will save me. 17 I speak to God morning, noon, and night. I tell him what upsets me, and he listens to me! 18 I have fought in many battles, but he has always rescued me and brought me back safely.” Psalm 55:16-18 ERV

The most important thing we’ll hear each morning, if we listen, will be the still, small voice of the Lord. Sssssh – just listen!

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Step by Step

The other morning Dave and I were out on our walk and another couple we see quite frequently were also walking. We stopped long enough to say our “good mornings” and she asked if we keep track of how far we have walked. I told her I knew each days’ walking but I wasn’t sure about so far this year.

This morning I decided to find out. I went to the fit bit app and checked it out. I was surprised by what I found; so far this year we have walked 236 miles. Now, if you’re a runner or a workout enthusiast this is far from extraordinary but to this 67 year old great grandmother it is a goodly distance.

But how did it happen? I never could have accomplished this in a week or even a month but over time it adds up. One step at a time; step by step.

And that’s how it is with our Christian walk. It’s step by step. We don’t start out spending hours each day reading the Bible or praying. We don’t conquer fear in one single situation or learn to control our temper with one confrontation. No, it’s step by step.

“Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen.” II Peter 3:18 CEV

We grow in our understanding of God’s grace and love on a daily basis. When we take time to think about just those two amazing characteristics of our heavenly Father it’s mind boggling. Questions arise: How could He love and forgive me the way He does? Does He never get tired of me and the amount of times I fail? Will I ever exhaust His grace?

Our heavenly Father is the Father of all fathers. Does an earthly parent get tired of helping their child learn to walk? Do they ever just throw up their hands and say “forget it, they’ll never learn”? No! They are there to help, to steady, to encourage until walking is mastered and then it’s on to the next skill that needs to be learned.

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NLT

Follow Him! Step by Step – walk with Jesus through the pages of the Bible. Watch Jesus relate to a dishonest tax collector, a prostitute, a man eaten up with leprosy and the easily distracted disciples. It’s here we gain understanding of the love that Jesus freely gives to all of us and it’s here we grow in grace, receiving blessings from the Lord that we don’t deserve and can’t earn.

“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:17-19 NLT

Yes, our Christian walk is a growing process. We grow in our understanding of God’s love, His grace and so our faith grows too. Day by day and step by step.

Enjoy the journey!

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GPS to the Rescue

On one of our trips to Iowa one summer Dave asked me to direct him through Des Moines. We had been there the summer before and knew if we took one road it would take us right down through town. We had been told that there was a way to circumvent that and it was my job to make sure we were on that road.

I hate pressure like that – we have always teased that Dave should have been a professional navigator. He loves maps, looks at them for fun. Me, on the other hand, not so much. I can read maps if I have too but I need plenty of time, no spur of the moment decisions for me. And then there’s the additional pressure of getting it wrong and having to backtrack while hearing “I thought you said this was the right way”. Yep, I hate that.

Well, we got around Des Moines successfully and didn’t end up downtown. He did question me a couple of times but I was looking at the computer screen and following the direction that I was given. Thank God for GPS.

Have you ever been lost and not sure how to find your way? Did you use GPS?

For those of us who have been lost in life I have good news. There is a GPS system that you can rely on completely. It doesn’t need to be updated for the newly developed roads and it won’t drain the battery on your phone or lose connection. It’s always right on and the voice that dictates the proper directions is soothing and never intrusive.

GPS – GOD’S PLAN of SALVATION

We all start out lost; not having any direction in our lives – badly in need of the only perfect solution. GPS (God’s Plan of Salvation).

“Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.” John 14:6

Anyone can have this GPS. It won’t cost you a thing because Jesus already paid the price for you.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” Acts 2:21

The only installation instruction required is that you ask and you will receive.

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37

It is so wonderful to know that many of those reading this have received this GPS. It’s being used around the world by millions. But there are some who still haven’t applied it to daily use. Maybe they think it’s too expensive, it will cost too much. However, it’s been purchased for them, the price has been paid and now everyone can have it free of charge. God the Father is waiting with open arms to give it to all.

“Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world’s people.” I John 2:2

“They said to him, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all who live in your house.” Acts 16:30-31

With this GPS, God’s Plan of Salvation we’ll always be the right road!

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Joy & Laughter

“A cheerful heart is good medicine,  but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Proverbs 17:22 NLT

Some people in our nation have spent the last six to eight weeks shut up, living in fear. Now, some of those same people are frustrated, angry and striking out. Heart and determination have given way to disillusionment and mistrust.

It’s time for us to focus on what’s good, pure, honest, and lovely. Our family and our friends need our strength and our joy.

“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy the good food and sweet drinks. Give some food and drinks to those who didn’t prepare any food. Today is a special day to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy of the Lord will make you strong.” Nehemiah 8:10 ERV

A true and honest joy gives strength to our bodies and our emotions. Find something to laugh about, do silly things. If you have children old enough to participate, tell everyone that tonight’s dinner conversation has to be only words that begin with the letter “r”, or whatever letter you choose. Before long everyone will be laughing.

Find an old comedy on Netflix, Prime or whatever streaming source you have. The sillier the better – Carol Burnett, Jonathan Winters, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. If you’re not old enough to know who these people are do a search on them.

Marvel in the small things. We spent a good deal of time this weekend watching two little wrens fly back and forth feeding their young, who are in a nest on our back patio. They were tireless in their efforts to provide for their babies. Look for shapes in the clouds. Go for a walk and count all the different kinds of flowers you find. Have a water fight!

Do something to bring joy and amazement into your life.

“61 The Spirit of the Lord God  has taken control of me! The Lord has chosen and sent me to tell the oppressed the good news, to heal the brokenhearted, and to announce freedom for prisoners and captives. 2 This is the year when the Lord God will show kindness to us and punish our enemies. The Lord has sent me to comfort those who mourn,3 especially in Jerusalem. He sent me to give them flowers in place of their sorrow, olive oil in place of tears, and joyous praise in place of broken hearts. They will be called  “Trees of Justice,” planted by the Lord to honor his name. 4 Then they will rebuild cities that have been in ruins for many generations.” Isaiah 61:1-4 ERV

There’s a header on these verses which reads “The Good News of Victory”. These words were spoken about the coming of Jesus nearly four hundred years before He was born. Now that Jesus has come He has brought us freedom, peace, kindness, comfort, joy and restoration for what was ruined.

Sounds like a good word for what we’ve been experiencing.

Let the peace of God and joy in the Lord be our guiding force and then let’s share it generously with all we meet!

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The Treasure Hunt

When we lived in Montana there was an old ghost town only a few miles up the road. It was always an adventure to visit there and learn about the early mining history of our state. We could walk through the buildings, down the streets and even visit the cemetery. Thousands of people had lived there during the gold strike and then almost over night the gold played out and a new strike was found about seventy miles away in Virginia City. Off the residents went in search of riches.

During the summer, visitors to Bannack are welcome to try their hand at prospecting using a gold pan and some dirt from the nearby, gold enriched, Grasshopper Creek. Gold panning is fun but it’s hard work too. For the diligent there is the possibly of finding a nugget or two and at the very least a few flakes.

The mound of dirt that’s brought in doesn’t look like much – just regular old dirt. Add some to your pan and the treasure hunt begins. Sloshing and swirling of water, removing the larger rocks, more washing, but more gently now. The black dirt settles in the bottom of the pan, a little more water, swirl it gently and there in the bottom of the pan garnets, rubies and even gold appears.

Prospecting is nothing more than looking for something valuable among the common. I know of no better prospector than the Lord.

“Jesus told the people another story: What will a woman do if she has ten silver coins and loses one of them? Won’t she light a lamp, sweep the floor, and look carefully until she finds it? 9 Then she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, “Let’s celebrate! I’ve found the coin I lost.” 10 Jesus said, “In the same way God’s angels are happy when even one person turns to him.” Luke 15:8-10 CEV

He searches for us. Digging through the dirt, He washes away what is worthless to reveal our true value. We are precious to Him! We are his treasure.

Our heavenly Father came looking for us when we were at our worst. Once again I am overwhelmed by the Father’s love for us! He has covered our lives with His unconditional love and forgiveness.

“Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful.

9 But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life’s blood, we will also be kept safe from God’s anger. 10 Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by his Son’s life. 11 And in addition to everything else, we are happy because God sent our Lord Jesus Christ to make peace with us.” Romans 5:6-11 CEV

Because of His love and the sacrifice of Jesus we are at peace with God and precious in His sight.

“He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them. 14 He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to him.” Psalm 72:13-14 NLT

We are precious to the Father. We are His treasure!

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Are You Thirsty?

A number of years ago we lived in the panhandle of Idaho. We had one particular summer that was very dry. The catch ponds were drying up and the springs were only a trickle.

One afternoon the dogs put us on alert and when we looked out our windows, this is what we saw. A cow moose had wandered into our yard with her twins in search of water. Our sprinklers were running and they provided the much needed water that she was seeking. After they drank their fill, they rested in the shade of the tall pines. At first she was very cautious, looking about after every sip and then as her calves rested quietly, she found rest herself.

Have you been that thirsty, thirsty for God? Thirsty enough to “search” outside your comfort zone? To be willing to leave the familiar way of doing things and to find the answers you need in God’s word?

God asked Abraham to leave his family and his homeland. His descendants were the originators of the Jewish race. Ruth left all and followed after Naomi to a new land where God blessed her with a husband and a child. Christ was in their line of descendants. Peter left his fishing nets to follow Christ. Paul gave up his prestige as a Pharisee to follow Jesus and preach His word.

“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Psalm 42:1-2 ERV

When we seek God, we will find Him and we will find that He fills our lives with so much more than we ever dreamed possible.

“Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me. 14 I will let you find me.” This message is from the LORD.” Jeremiah 29:12-13 ERV

Jesus ministered to a crowd on a hillside one day and he told them. ““Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. 8 Yes, whoever continues to ask will receive. Whoever continues to look will find. And whoever continues to knock will have the door opened for them. 9 “Do any of you have a son? If he asked for bread, would you give him a rock? 10 Or if he asked for a fish, would you give him a snake? Of course not! 11 You people are so bad, but you still know how to give good things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father will give good things to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:7-11 ERV

God is loving, kind and gracious and when we seek Him we will find that to be true. He put all of our punishment and judgement on Jesus so that we could have a wonderful relationship with Him.

“When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! 18 All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between himself and us. And God gave us the work of bringing people into peace with him. 19 I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people.” II Corinthians 5:17-19. ERV

Someone needs to know today that God isn’t mad at you! He loves you and if you seek Him, you will find Him waiting with arms of love open wide. Seek for Him like that momma moose who came to our yard seeking water.

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We’re Champions

We all want to feel special. We want to know there is something about us that “entitles” us to the little extras. A bigger piece of pie, an extra scoop of ice cream, more money per hour at work, the bigger bouquet, the nicer car, the corner office and the list goes on.

However, I’ve never been one to win the trophy buckle, to graduate valedictorian, be promoted to executive team or even win the state championship. But there is one thing I’ve done that puts me in the top group every time!

This trophy buckle pictured here is my husband Dave’s. When we were preaching on working ranches and at youth rodeos he wore it all the time. We wanted all who came to realize that when we have Christ as our Savior we are all champions. The first step is to kneel at the cross.

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. ” John 3:16 ERV

Yes, I’m a member of the world – I’m an everyone! That makes me a recipient of the Father’s love and a participant in life eternal.

“Training your body helps you in some ways. But devotion to God helps you in every way. It brings you blessings in this life and in the future life too. 9 Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: 10 We hope in the living God, the Savior of all people. In particular, he is the Savior of all those who believe in him. This is why we work and struggle. 11 Command and teach these things.” I Timothy 4:8-11 CEV

Father God provides salvation for ALL but He’s given us a part to play. We must BELIEVE that Jesus provided our salvation as a free gift.

If I came to your house with a big box wrapped in beautiful paper and tied up with a gorgeous ribbon and I had put your name on the box, would that present be yours? Well of course it would!

If you took that present and set it on the dining room table and looked at it, each day, admiring how pretty it was and how nice it was of me to bring it, would it benefit you? No, not really. It’s not until you open the gift, fully accept it, that it truly becomes yours and is a benefit to you.

Many people have seen the gift the Father brought them; the gift of forgiveness and restoration but for what ever reason have failed to open it and appropriate it for themselves.

“My dear children, I write this letter to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone sins, we have Jesus Christ to help us. He always did what was right, so he is able to defend us before God the Father. 2 Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too.” I John 2:1-2 CEV

“no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13 All who call out to the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13 CEV

So you see if you are a whosoever, an everyone, an “all people”, the gift is yours! Accept it and take advantage of what is being given – it definitely makes you a winner!

Christ has made us champions – we are victorious!

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Awful or Awe-filled

Just a week or so ago I was reading a post that went into great detail, listing all the things around the world that are awful. That word caught my attention, awful. But, in times like these we need to change our focus from the awful to the awe-filled.

Did you see last night’s sunset? Did you take time to watch a bird building a nest or the ant moving a crumb across the rocky ground? Did you watch your child sleeping peacefully or feel the tender touch of your loved one’s hand?

These things are awe-filled moments!

There is so much in life which inspires and encourages. We just have to look for it. God has positioned the wonders of the universe so that we have a sense of just how awesome He is.

“The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done.
2 Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next. 3 They don’t speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice. 4 Yet their message reaches all the earth,  and it travels around the world.” Psalm 19:1-4 CEV

“No one can stare at the sun after a breeze has blown the clouds from the sky. 22 Yet the glorious splendor of God All-Powerful is brighter by far. 23 God cannot be seen— but his power is great, and he is always fair.” Job 37:21-23 CEV

Our loving, heavenly Father wants us to be constantly aware that He is here and always ready to comfort and to guide. He doesn’t leave us to flounder on our own. He replaces what is awful with what is the awe-filled revelation of His presence.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you. So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord Yah* you have a place of safety forever.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV *Yah means mighty rock

Some years back I was sitting in a small community church. The song leader said that he would take requests from those in attendance. A sweet, unpretentious man raised his hand to make a request. Donald had been living on the streets; alcohol and drugs had stolen his family, his job and self-esteem. But one day someone introduced him to Jesus and his life changed. He was so aware of the Father’s loving presence. He said, “I hope we can sing ‘Our God is an Awesome God’. I don’t really know the tune very well but I do know that God is really awesome and that He loves me”. His matter-of-fact statement brought tears to my eyes.

We can look at the awful or we can seek our Awesome God and have each day filled with awe!

“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands.” Daniel 9:4 NLT

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Life’s Building Blocks

Our four year-old grandson loves making things with blocks. He has Lego’s, Magnetic blocks, wood blocks, Mario Maze blocks. He loves to build and has a great imagination. He gets frustrated when things fall over.

Me too.

I hate when I’ve worked hard on something and then see it crumble and fall. Not that I still play with blocks but…I’ve seen work projects crash, relationships tumble, financial investments end up in a pile and life’s moments scattered. Generally, there is one common factor to these failures; they weren’t built on a solid foundation.

Life, like building blocks, needs a wide and solid base.

I have four Bible verses that have been the foundation of my daily walk for the last twenty some years. In some way or another, each day I remind myself of my foundation in the Scripture.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

“But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:6 CEV

“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 4:16 CEV

“Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love never fails!” I Corinthians 13:4-8 CEV

So here’s the progression of thought. God never lies. I am convinced that the Bible is true. God’s promises can’t be broken. He tells me to seek Him out in every situation and when I do He rewards me by providing the help and strength I need. Love is the source of my firm foundation – God’s love for me, my love for Him and my love for others. Love will never fail!

My decisions, actions and reactions need to be grounded in the knowledge of God’s amazing love for me. His character is love and He shares that with me so that I can walk in faith and please Him. I should never put faith in my own works or abilities but always in His! Then and only then is my life truly successful!

“Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 ERV

Let’s build our lives on a solid foundation. The Word of God is a foundation which cannot be shaken.

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Look for the Signs

We live in a rural area; one where coyotes and javelina forage at night. Rarely do we see them during the day but we hear them at night – sometimes in the lot next door or across the street. We see the tracks of the javelina in the morning and before the fence went in, those tracks would be in our backyard.

The javelina eat our cactus and other desert foliage. The coyotes are on the prowl looking for some small rodent to prey upon. We are alerted to their presence by the barking of the neighborhood dogs. Their barking is constant and loud. They sense a danger and are trying to warn us.

It’s annoying when we are awaken from a sound sleep and even more so when we aren’t able to get back to sleep…

Why is it we get annoyed by warnings?

Right now, we are bombarded with warnings. Wash your hands, wear a mask, stay at least six feet apart. But before all this there were signs everywhere. At Disneyland we are told if we have heart problems, are pregnant, under a certain height, etc. we can’t ride certain rides. There are railroad crossing signs, the icy road sign, the do not touch wet paint or slippery when wet signs, the speed limit postings; we have an aversion to all of these and think they apply to others and not to us. So we go blissfully on our way ignoring the warnings and most of the time suffer no consequences. We will master our own universe!

Some people feel the same way about reading the Bible or attending church because they say it cramps their style. It’s just a bunch of rules. Following Jesus is never about rules, it’s relationship!

I may ignore warnings from people I don’t know but if Dave calls me and tells me to stay off the road because there’s a storm headed my way or to stay away from the wood pile because there’s a snake under it, I heed his warning. He loves me and I know he is concerned for my welfare.

When Jesus gave warnings and instructions throughout His ministry He wasn’t being mean. He was showing how much He loves us.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest. 11 I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep.” John 10:10-11 CEV

Paul gives us instruction for living in a way that will keep our blood pressure down, help our heart stay healthy and will please God.

“Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. 32 Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. 2 Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God.” Ephesians 4:31-5:2 CEV

As we go through our day let’s pay attention to the warnings around us and not ignore them.

God has a wonderful life designed just for us and He wants us to be safe!

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