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Just Before Dawn

You all know that I enjoy being up to the welcome the dawn. It’s a wonderful time of the day!

However, in the “olden days” as I called them as a kid, the hour before dawn’s early light could be the most dangerous time of day. For two warring nations the battle plans were being made, soldiers were maneuvering into position and the fighting would ensue at dawn.

It was the job of the night watchman to keep a sharp eye so that he could detect any movement and alert the commanders. He certainly didn’t want to be caught sleeping on watch. Lives would be lost and nations could crumble if the watchman wasn’t alert.

There was great relief when the sun rose and things could be seen clearly. Then the watchman was relieved from his duties and he could rest. That’s the picture this Psalm is painting.

“Lord, I am in deep trouble, so I am calling to you for help. 2 My Lord, listen to me. Listen to my cry for help. 3 Lord, if you punished people for all their sins, no one would be left alive.
4 But you forgive people, so they fear and respect you. 5 I am waiting for the Lord to help me. My soul waits for him. I trust what he says. 6 I am waiting for my Lord, like a guard waiting and waiting for the morning to come. 7 Israel, trust in the Lord. Lord is the one who is faithful and true. He saves us again and again, 8  and he is the one who will save the people of Israel from all their sins.” Psalm 130 ERV

The writer of the Psalm sees sin as an enemy that will attack and destroy. He is trusting there will be help to defeat the enemy. He’s watching and waiting for the morning when he knows he will see that help has arrived and he is saved, forgiven, of the sin that destroys!

Amen and Amen!

Maybe you feel like you are about to be overrun by the enemies in your life. Does it seem like a long dark night with no help in sight? Keep watching – the day will be dawning and when it does you will see that the Lord is there to save you, again.

“The Lord’s kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. 23 The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23 CEV

Put your trust in Him. His mercies are new every morning, great is the faithfulness of our God!

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Learning to Trust

When our youngest daughter was in first grade, we adopted a sweet Australian Shepherd named Bear. He had been badly abused. He had trust issues to say the least.

We were given the name of a good trainer and once a week I took him to class. It didn’t take long for him and me to learn to work together. The commands of sit and stay were some of the first we worked on. He needed to know that when I gave those commands he could TRUST that I wasn’t going to leave him or beat him.

Presently I feel like I’m in a sit stay stage of life. I go through these training times periodically.

I have things to do, places to go, people to meet and minister too and God is saying “Sit Still”. I have learned in the past and am learning again that it’s just as important to be obedient to that command as it is to “love thy neighbor” or “pray without ceasing”.

If you know me at all you know I always have a list – things need to be done! I don’t do SIT – STAY very well. Years ago I read a book by Tim Hansel, “When I Relax I Feel Guilty”, that describes me to a tea. Retirement isn’t easy for a “list person”. I had a very dear friend tell me that it’s just as important to wait as it is to march forward. The key is being obedient to what God is saying and when He’s saying it.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” 11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 NLT

The children of Israel had a tangible, visible sign that they followed. The Lord placed a cloud over the Tabernacle and when it moved they moved; and when it stayed they stayed.

“Sometimes the cloud was over the Holy Tent for only a few days. So the people obeyed the LORD’s command—they followed the cloud when it moved… 22 If the cloud stayed over the Holy Tent for two days, a month, or a year, the people stayed at that place. They did not leave until the cloud moved…They camped when the LORD told them to, and they moved when he told them to…” Number 9:21-23 ERV

Obedience! That’s the key. We say “Lord, speak to me and I’ll do whatever you tell me to do.” And then He speaks something so simple as to stay – rest and we sit for 15 minutes and then want to get up and get back to our normal routine. It’s hard to rest!

God’s way of doing things is generally contrary to the natural way. He told Joshua to march around a city and they would capture it – Jesus told us to achieve greatness we must strive to be a servant. Paul said when I am weak then am I strong. See – these things seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum, but that’s God’s way.

“My soul, relax! The LORD is caring for you.” Psalm 116:7 ERV

I’m learning to rest AGAIN. Yes, Lord I will sit and stay, trusting You!


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What Am I Missing?

For years I have had a wonderful fascination with clouds. I’m not sure when it began or why, but I know I have taken hundreds, if not thousands, of photos with nothing but clouds.

When we left the Big Sky Country of Montana and moved back to Arizona eight years ago, I was concerned that I wouldn’t have a view where I could enjoy the clouds. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the path of my morning walk took me to wide open space with an unrestricted view of the sky.

Those of you who were following my blog last summer were the beneficiary of my mountain views and the wonderful cloud formations that I enjoyed nearly every day. Last night coming home from a day’s Good Samaritan outing, I was greeted by this sight as we rounded the bend and started to drop down into our little hidden valley.

That cloud spoke volumes to my heart! It was welcoming me home, but it was also a vivid reminder of the Father’s hand of protection.

“21 The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. 22 And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.” Exodus 13:21-22 NLT

When the Israelites left Egypt, the Bible tells us the Lord guided them with a cloud by day and fire by night. This cloud shaded them from the scorching sun and the fire pillar kept them warm at night. The cloud also rested between them and their pursuers when they crossed the Red Sea.

Protection and direction.

My thoughts center on that when I see a cloud of this magnitude. I’m captured by the greatness of our God who promises to be our shield and our defense. I don’t like cloudless skies.

The Bible tells us about another cloud – a cloud we should all be looking for.

“16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.” I Thessalonians 4:16-18 NLT

When the Lord returns to gather the believers and take them to heaven, He will come in the clouds! Dave used to tease me and tell me that I would probably be photographing clouds on the day of the Lord’s return. I really can’t imagine anything more wonderful!

As I stare at those cloud filled skies my heart is at peace, I am comforted by a sense of my Father’s presence. Where are you leading me today? I don’t want to miss out on anything you have planned for me.

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Jump Start

Well, this morning it happened. I opened my computer and I had a dead battery. It booted up and immediately shut down. I had to take and plug it in for a while to get it recharged.

Maybe you’re feeling like that – you need to be re-charged! It happens to all of us from time to time and the best way to energize can be found in Scripture.

“This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Jeremiah 8:10 NLT

Start your day thanking the Lord for the many blessings He has given you. Can’t think of any – you have a roof over your head, a computer in your lap or a phone in your hand, there’s probably food in the kitchen and clothes in the closet. Hopefully you have heat on this winter’s morning and some mode of transportation outside. You have people who love you, if you say no to that, let me remind you that I love you and Jesus loves you so that makes you special.

Recharge that battery a little more.

“The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.” Psalm 19:8 NLT

God’s word is a source of joy and strength.

“Praise the Lord!  For he has heard my cry for mercy. 7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. 8 The Lord gives his people strength. He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.” Psalm 28:6-8 NLT

Well, now that I’ve gotten you started, take a little more time and find some more joyful recharging. Open your Bible app and search out the Scriptures or pick up that Bible that’s on the table beside you and read of God’s unfailing goodness.

No better way to start your day!

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Beauty & Goodness

I just felt I needed to share with you about the goodness of the Lord and the beauty He brings to our lives.

We’re surrounded by so much that is the opposite. Sometimes we get distracted and lose hope.

Last night while putting one of our grandchildren to bed we had this conversation. “Sometimes the devil gives me bad thoughts and I can’t sleep.” We prayed for peaceful sleep and told the devil he couldn’t bother him in the night.

A little while later he called out and said he couldn’t sleep. He was bothered by bad (he means scarey) thoughts. I went in and asked him, “Who’s bigger? Who’s stronger? God or the devil? Every time God and the devil fight, God wins and God is here to fight for you”.

Simple, childlike trust. He went to sleep and slept peacefully through the night. Sometimes we adults forget that the battle isn’t ours, it’s the Lord’s and He has already won. Our job is to trust Him and not feel we have to do it on our own.

“Give honor and praise to the Lord, whose power and beauty fill his holy temple.” 7 Tell everyone of every nation, ‘Praise the glorious power of the Lord.8 He is wonderful! Praise him and bring an offering into his temple.'” Psalm 96:6-8 CEV

God, our Father, fills our lives with beauty and power. He does not leave us helpless. His goodness follows us all the days of our lives.

“The dry desert will rejoice. The desert will be glad and blossom. 2 It will be covered with flowers and dance with joy. It will be as beautiful as the forest of Lebanon, the hill of Carmel, and the Sharon Valley. This will happen because all people will see the Glory of the Lord. They will see the beauty of our God.

3 Make the weak arms strong again. Strengthen the weak knees. 4 People are afraid and confused. Say to them, ‘Be strong! Don’t be afraid!’ Look, your God will come and punish your enemies. He will come and give you your reward. He will save you.” Isaiah 35:1-4 ERV

We have God’s promise of His goodness all the days of life here on earth and when this life is over we have the promise of living in His house, in His presence.

“For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.” Psalm 23:6 NLV

We used to have a saying, “God is good all the time, all the time God is good”. He is! There is no God like our God, the creator of the heaven and the earth.

“How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. 20 You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them.
You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues.” Psalm 31:19-20 NLT

Take a look at the beauty around you, your Father created that for you to enjoy. It is to be a reminder of His goodness and power!

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No Need To Update

Does change bother you? I have to admit some changes bother me. Some I find exciting and completely embrace, like our decision to sell the house, downsize and move into the RV fulltime. I am loving that!

However, I don’t like it when my favorite stores do a “reset” and move the things I’m looking for. I’m also not so crazy about updating my computer systems and finding new internet service. Those things really annoy me…just sayin’.

Three days ago, we changed our internet service provider. It didn’t work the way it was supposed to, and our frustration level increased. Two days ago, my computer said I needed to do a system update. I try to avoid those whenever possible but since it had to be done, I clicked on the button and let it do its thing.

Yesterday with the internet still not working correctly and with a new layout on my screen (because of the update), I was almost at wit’s end. Now I know those of you who are computer savvy will find this trivial and wonder why it bothered me so. But, it did.

I made a call to the internet company. The tech made some corrections while I was on the phone and everything is working properly. After doing my regular work with my laptop yesterday I am more comfortable with the changes this morning. Aww, I’m breathing easier.

However, there is one thing that will never change. No update needed. No tech support to make adjustments.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 ERV

“Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:17 ERV

There is such assurance and comfort in knowing that the Father will always be the same. God’s word will not change or lose its power and effectiveness. He isn’t old-fashioned or outdated; He is always current. He is eternal.

“The whole world, earth and sky, will be destroyed, but my words will last forever.” Matthew 24:35 ERV

“I am the Lord, and I don’t change.” Malachi 3:6 ERV

God will always hate sin but He will always love the sinner. His lovingkindness will last forever. He will always be compassionate and forgiving. He will always answer when we call. He will always extend mercy to us who come to Him and provide help when we are in need!

“Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

God never changes. What changes is our understanding of Him, we gain depth in our relationship with Him.

He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. He is always the same!

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What’s Wrong Here?

I enjoy doing brain teaser puzzles and games, Word Search, Hidden Objects, Picture Differences, What’s Wrong. I think they help keep my mind and observation skills sharper.

The “what’s missing”, Picture Differences, puzzles can be the most challenging to me.

The other afternoon I was watching a news program and I saw it as a real life what’s-wrong here challenge. People were rude, uncaring, selfish, threatening, angry, and mean spirited. The commentator was expressing their disbelief over the rampant decline in this particular geographic location.

Buildings were being vandalized, garbage filled the streets, and the crime rate was higher than it had ever been. What’s wrong here?

I couldn’t help but wonder…

  • Thou shalt not kill
  • Thou shalt not steal
  • Thou shalt not bear false witness
  • Thou shalt not covet
  • Honor thy father and mother

For years some of the more liberal thinkers of our land have expressed the sentiment that the Bible and godly living is antiquated and too restrictive, so they fought to remove its influence and now, I believer, we are dealing with the consequences.

“People who are ruled by their desires think only of themselves. Everyone who is ruled by the Holy Spirit thinks about spiritual things. 6 If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6 CEV

A line from one of my favorite cowboy movies goes like this: “Huey, actions have con – see – quences”.

That is so true! If our actions are God-directed we will have life and peace.

“But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their sinful self. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do. 25 We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.” Galatians 5:19-25 ERV

“There is no law against these kinds of things”. There are a lot of laws to control wrong behavior, but God makes changes in our hearts that don’t need to be legislated.

I have been challenged by God’s word, challenged to live more intentional. To allow my life to make good consequences. The world around us doesn’t need more laws; it needs lives that are intentionally focused on Christ and His love.

Lives like that bring life and peace!

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Seeing Clearly

I have a thing for clean windows. We do a lot of driving and I’m always wanting to get a good picture but if the windshield or the side windows are spotted it ruins the shot.

I realize that I come by this naturally. As a child, my dad was always cleaning windows. After we were married, Dave & I would go to visit my folks and as we were in the car ready to drive away, Daddy would stop us and clean the windshield. It didn’t matter that we were heading to the gas station and would do it there. We couldn’t leave with a dirty window.

Not only did my earthly father give me a desire for clear vision but my heavenly Father has as well.

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, and I made plans like a child. When I became a man, I stopped those childish ways. 12 It is the same with us. Now we see God as if we are looking at a reflection in a mirror. But then, in the future, we will see him right before our eyes. Now I know only a part, but at that time I will know fully, as God has known me. 13 So these three things continue: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:11-13 ERV

One translation says, “we see as in a cloudy mirror”. The Apostle Paul draws a comparison between our thinking like children and the way we see God. We don’t have full understanding of things when we are children, nor do we have a full understanding of God’s love and His plan for us.

Our limited understanding is like looking through a dirty glass – we just can’t see clearly but we will someday.

Our hope, in God and His word, is what feeds our faith to believe that God can do all things and that He will! Why? Because of His great love for us. Gaining knowledge of God’s love is like cleaning the windows, we get a clearer picture of who God is.

“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.” Romans 5:8-10 CEV

Do you see it a little clearer now?

God’s love made provision for our forgiveness; but there’s more to God’s love than that. God’s love grants us peace and friendship with Him. The more we walk in relationship with Him, the clearer our vision becomes.

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Good Winter Advice

Years ago, we moved from California to Washington State for work. We arrived the first week of November. Thanksgiving week we had a “100-year” snowfall. My, oh my!

To this point I had lived in the warmth of Arizona and the milder climate of southern California. I didn’t know how to live in snow. The first weeks we were there required an investment of time and money as we sought out the proper winter clothing; coats, boots, gloves, hats, long johns.

We knew the snow fall was heavier than normal when the church called to cancel services. The guys had to hoist the snow blower up on the roof of the carport for snow removal so it wouldn’t collapse. Not something this desert girl was accustomed to at all.

We seemed to be adjusting well, even walked Kaci to school in the mornings. Everyone was walking – they took it all in stride. One morning my sister-in-law asked me to join her and a friend on a morning walk before breakfast.

Sure.

It was now the first week in February. I felt I was getting the hang of this “winter” routine quite well. We were almost home when I slipped on the ice. My feet went out from under me, and I did what came naturally, but it was the wrong thing. I reached out to brace my fall and broke my right wrist.

X-rays, surgery, a night in the hospital and over five months in a cast. I celebrated my 40th birthday, in July, in a pretty purple cast from my wrist to my elbow.

So, what’s all this got to do with our morning Bible study? Plenty!

Remember a couple days ago the verse I shared with you from Hosea? “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge”. Well, this morning I was reminded of a verse I found several years after that slip and felt impressed to share it this morning with all of you.

“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where will my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your feet go out from under you. He Who watches over you will not sleep. 4 Listen, He Who watches over Israel will not close his eyes or sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your safe cover at your right hand. 6 The sun will not hurt you during the day and the moon will not hurt you during the night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all that is sinful. He will watch over your soul. 8 The Lord will watch over your coming and going, now and forever.” Psalm 121 NLV

The Bible is practical – very practical. When I found this verse I began to pray it. I now had knowledge of God’s promise and I was putting it in to practice. Now, in 68 years I have had only two broken bones and I thank God for that every day.

Many of you live in cold climate, where the ground will be snow covered for a few more months. I suggest that you add this verse to those you rely on each day.

“Father, protect my readers. Keep them from harm. Don’t let their feet go out from under them. In Jesus name, amen”.

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No More Excuses

I know I need to but…

Excuses – none of us like excuses. As parents we have heard our children give us a 1000 reasons why they couldn’t or didn’t do what they were told. As co-workers we hear the reasons and excuses on why something wasn’t their responsibility or in their job description.

We have a large segment of our society that won’t take or accept responsibility for their own actions but are quick to justify or excuse their actions.

It’s frustrating to say the least!

Now imagine you are God. How many times each minute do you hear excuses. The devil made me do it was the first excuse ever; I’m not qualified, I’m not talented, I’m too busy…on and on it goes. I was reminded of Moses this morning – making excuses.

“Moses asked the Lord, ‘Suppose everyone refuses to listen to my message, and no one believes that you really appeared to me?'” Exodus 4:1 CEV

And the Lord provided him with signs and an answer.

Then”Moses replied, “I have never been a good speaker. I wasn’t one before you spoke to me, and I’m not one now. I am slow at speaking, and I can never think of what to say.” Exodus 4:10 CEV

The Lord provided him with an additional answer.

Resistance, excuse #3. “Moses begged, ‘Lord, please send someone else to do it.’” Exodus 4:13 CEV

At this point the Lord is angered. He isn’t mad like we get mad but He was angered by Moses’ resistance to obeying what he has been asked to do. It’s as if Moses were saying, I know it’s you Lord but that’s just not enough.

Have you ever said something like that to the Lord? Me neither – ya, right! The Lord has given us His promise to never leave us or forsake us and He’s given us the Holy Spirit to be our strength and our guide, what more do we need? He’s even given us His Word filled with examples of His faithfulness to people in the past.

The Lord will listen to our fears, our concerns and our excuses but He will remind us that He has called us; He won’t give up on us.

“Aaron will speak to the people for you, and you will be like me, telling Aaron what to say. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will tell each of you what to do. 17 Now take this walking stick and use it to perform miracles.” Exodus 4:16-17 CEV

No more excuses – time to go and do what we are called to do knowing that the Lord’s power and promises won’t fail!

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