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When We Stumble

Recently our oldest daughter and son-in-law climbed Picacho Peak. It’s not an easy climb. It’s rocky and steep and there are areas where cables are necessary to aide you across the mountainside.

She told me at times her ankles and legs felt like jelly. She stumbled, she had scrapes and bruises and a gash in her shin but they made the climb. They reached the top!

There are times when we all stumble, it’s not a condition reserved only for those who climb. It’s easy to become discouraged and want to quit, our emotional legs get weary and shaky. We push forward, sometimes in weakness and pain.

“ There is One Who can keep you from falling and can bring you before Himself free from all sin. He can give you great joy as you stand before Him in His shining-greatness. 25 He is the only God. He is the One Who saves from the punishment of sin through Jesus Christ our Lord. May He have shining-greatness and honor and power and the right to do all things. He had this before the world began, He has it now, and He will have this forever. Let it be so.” Jude 24,25 NLV

Christ is the one who promises to be our strength and our support. He is “an ever-present help in time of trouble”.

Christians fail. We get weary, angry, depressed but by His strength we go on.

“The steps of a good man are led by the Lord. And He is happy in his way. 24 When he falls, he will not be thrown down, because the Lord holds his hand. 25 I have been young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the man who is right with God left alone, or his children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:23-25 NLV

King David had many victories in his life but he also had failures, times of stumbling. The Apostle Paul was known for his persecution and imprisonment of Christians, he stumbled and then the Lord used him to write over half of the New Testament.

“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Romans 3:22-24 NLT

Maybe you feel like you failed, you’ve stumbled and fallen, you have bruises and scrapes. It’s hard to get up.

“And he became their Savior. 9 In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.” Isaiah 63:8-10 NLT

When we stumble let the Lord rescue us, lift us up and carry us forward!

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Everlasting Father

I remember a time when I was about 6 or 7, I had gone to the grocery store with my Dad. Some how we lost sight of each other. I remember starting in the first aisle, and searching each row for my Dad. When I completed that search I went to the meat department and looked for him there. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, I went to the check out at the front of the store and with tears streaming down my face I told her I was lost and couldn’t find my Dad. She got on the intercom and said, “We are looking for Kristi’s dad. You are lost but if you come to the front register, she will find you”.

I was so glad to see him come around the corner of an aisle and head to the register. I was flooded with relief.

“ For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

Or as stated in another version, Everlasting Father.

That experience was one of the first times I had a living example of my heavenly Father’s love. My Dad scooped me up, wiped my tears and gave me a big hug. I was lost but he found me!

That’s exactly how our heavenly Father treats each of us. He searches for each one of us; we are precious to Him, He scoops us up in loving arms, wipes our tears and calms our fears.

Maybe you’re like me. For a long time, I didn’t feel as if I was valuable enough to have anyone search for me. One day, I sat and read the story of the prodigal son. It was a story I had heard in Sunday School for years but it really hadn’t made an impact on me. However, this day I was sitting at my office desk, looking out the window, waiting for Dave to come home and when I read it I was overwhelmed by the Father’s love.

I could see in the mind’s eye of my imagination, the Father staring out the window and waiting for His child to come home. The Father came down the road to welcome the prodigal. As the face came in focus, it was mine! I could feel the Father’s embrace and hear Him say welcome home my dear child.

“‘… While he was yet a long way off, his father saw him. The father was full of loving-pity for him. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him…22 But the father said to the workmen he owned, ‘Hurry! Get the best coat and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet…24 For my son was dead and now he is alive again. He was lost and now he is found. Let us eat and have a good time.’” Luke 15:20-24 NLV

The story of Christmas is the story of the everlasting Father, searching for us, welcoming us home and wrapping us in His forgiveness. We were lost and now we’ve been found!

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What About Tomorrow?

Dave and I are planners – yes, it’s a blessing and a curse. We make “lists”; first in our heads, then in our conversation and finally we put them down on paper.

We only have a couple more weeks on the mountain. We’ve loved our time here and would really hate to leave except that the cooler temperatures are reminding us it’s going to get cold. After living in Montana where it could get to 25-35 below zero, we have decided we don’t like being cold.

So, thinking ahead to what’s next once we leave our mountain home, we have begun to organize our thoughts and our priorities. It’s a common question amongst camp hosts – where will you go and what will you do when you leave here.

The last few nights we have been sitting by the fire talking, organizing, making our list and to be honest, there is an anxiousness that has started to creep in. Almost a worry about some things. That’s where we were a few nights ago. That angst needed to be banished – it’s not from God, we know that. God’s plans bring peace!

“But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. 34 Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.” Matthew 6:33-34 CEV

When we are trusting God with our tomorrows we can leave worry behind. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that our Father isn’t capable of handling. Not one thing that will arise in our lives with catch Him by surprise!

“Look how the wild flowers grow! They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of these flowers. 28 God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. Won’t he do even more for you? You have such little faith! 29 Don’t keep worrying about having something to eat or drink. 30 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father knows what you need.” Luke 12:27-30 CEV

There’s an old song I used to sing, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”, that’s been running through my head lately. It brings me back to that place of peace that I know the Lord has designed for me.

“I don’t know about tomorrow
I just live for day to day
I don’t borrow from the sunshine
For it’s skies may turn to gray

I don’t worry o’er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today I’ll walk beside Him
For He knows what lies ahead

Many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand”

I’m writing this to myself today and if it ministers to you I’m glad!

“The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm. 4 So always trust the Lord
because he is forever our mighty rock” Isaiah 26:3-4 CEV

Lord, I give you my today and my tomorrow. I’ll hold Your hand and walk in Your peace!

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Out In the Open

For the last several weeks it has been hunting season on the mountain. Deer, turkey, bear, antelope, mountain lion, elk and now duck. This is an area with an abundance of game.

For several days we traveled the road to town. It is so enjoyable because we would always see game in the open meadows or amongst the trees along the roadside. But about a week ago we noticed that the meadows were empty. It was hunting season and wildlife was scarce.

But two days ago they were back! The danger was gone and they felt safe to come out in the open.

I’m going to miss not being on the mountain! I’ve been reminded of so many of God’s truths in the last four months. These antelope brought another truth to mind. They retreated, they hid in the underbrush of the pine thickets during hunting season – they made it hard for their adversaries to find them.

In the Old Testament we find Scripture telling us that God is our hiding place. He protects us from our enemies.

” Show your wonderful love. Your mighty arm protects those who run to you for safety from their enemies. 8 Protect me as you would your very own eyes; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 17:7-8 CEV

They hid instead of coming face-to-face with the enemy. But in the New Testament, we believers are instructed to “be bold”, unafraid, courageous as we face the enemy. Jesus told his disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the presence of the Holy Spirit who would fill them with power to be witnesses.

And that they did!

They went from hiding in the days after Christ’s crucifixion to standing boldly in front of the crowds and proclaiming the resurrection and new life in Christ. Their adversaries had them beaten and imprisoned. They were maligned and persecuted. Their response, they prayed for more boldness.

“Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message. 30 Show your mighty power, as we heal people and work miracles and wonders in the name of your holy Servant Jesus. 31 After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God’s message.” Acts 4:29-31 CEV

Our reaction should be the same. When we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we have the power of God defending us. There is no reason to hide. Ours is not a defensive battle against our enemy, we are on the offensive – taking ground – enacting the victory!

“Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. 12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. 13 So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:10-14 CEV

We stand at the start of the battle and we will still be standing, victorious, when the battle is over!

Come out in the open and let the power of God bring us to victory!

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Redemption

Sometimes we, Christians, use words the rest of the world doesn’t really understand. I think redemption is one of those. Redemption, in its simplest terms, means to buy back; to purchase something that had originally been yours and had been lost.

That’s exactly what happened to the human race.  God had created man in His image and His desire was to have a loving relationship with us. Adam disobeyed God and that relationship was broken. Sin entered and the communion between God and mankind was interrupted. But the good news is God immediately put a plan into motion that would restore the relationship which had been lost – redemption.

“ Adam disobeyed God and caused many others to be sinners. But Jesus obeyed him and will make many people acceptable to God.” Romans 5:19 CEV

We discussed yesterday how precious and valuable we are to the Father. He would go to any length, and He did, to see that we were redeemed. His love for us is unconditional and His grace is unfathomable. He sees us with a pure and loving heart.

“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.” Romans 5:7-9 CEV

I was once again overwhelmed by the absolute love of God in my morning reading. The Apostle Paul had such a grasp on God’s love and grace that he included the message of the good news, the Gospel, in everyone of his letters. 

He was a man who knew the Scriptures. He was devout in his religious commitment, but he was misguided in his actions. He pursued the Christians, he had them arrested, imprisoned and persecuted. He even had a place at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. God changed his heart, and his life was changed. He was redeemed and that became his message.

“[The Father] has delivered and  drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 AMP

The Father saw each and everyone of us down through time and He loved us. He put the plan of redemption in place. Christ willing gave His life to pay the price of our sins and that dear friend is the price that purchased our redemption.

“ Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified);” Galatians 3:13 AMP

We have been redeemed!

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Learning By Repetition

This morning I began thinking about how many things in my life I have learned through repetition.

Some of the first were walking and talking. I learned the notes on my piano by practicing my scales, over and over again. I became skilled in shifting a manual transmission but not on my first drive, it was through repetition.

The first time I tried to french braid my daughter’s long hair it was a disaster. I brushed it out and put her hair in a pony tail. My first attempt at cinnamon rolls was so bad that I called them cinnamon crackers.

With repetition comes increased skill. This week I have been increasing my skill in patience. Patience in learning new things, patience with weak internet signals and patience with others.

I really thought I was a pretty patient person but this week I found there were still some really rough edges that needed to be refined. I am so thankful that the Father is always patient with me even when I’m not.

The Lord has shown me that I need to be more understanding and less frustrated with things beyond my control. It’s my responsibility to maintain a good attitude in everything. Everything!

“Since the day we heard these things about you, we have continued praying for you. This is what we pray:

that God will make you completely sure of what he wants by giving you all the wisdom and spiritual understanding you need; 10 that this will help you live in a way that brings honor to the Lord and pleases him in every way; that your life will produce good works of every kind and that you will grow in your knowledge of God; 11 that God will strengthen you with his own great power, so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come. Then you will be happy 12 and give thanks to the Father. He has made you able to have what he has promised to give all his holy people, who live in the light.” Colossians 1:9-12 ERV

Patient and not give up!

I won’t give up! I won’t give up as I learn patience. I will let the Lord work through me and not become condemned when I am impatient. I will be patient with myself as I learn patience because He is always patient with me.

If you’re still learning patience like I am be thankful that the Lord is always patient, loving and kind!

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A Father’s Love

This weekend we celebrate Fathers. The men who have influenced our lives and shared their strengths, wisdom and love.

For a moment I want you to take a moment to pray for those men who wanted to be fathers but never were; those who were fathers but the life of their child was cut short; men who have regrets and wished they had been better fathers and are now estranged from their child.

We all know some of these men and although they may not admit it, they are feeling the hurt of this weekend when there will be so many camping trips, bar-b-ques and cards of loving sentiment that they won’t enjoy.

Take this time to encourage them, invite them to be a part of your family and lift them up in prayer.

Our heavenly Father is the perfect example to us all.

He has kids who have walked away from their relationship with Him. He had a Son who was brutally murdered. He has a goodly number of kids who only call or come to visit when they need something. His heart longs to hear the words “Father, I just called to tell you I love you”!

“I pray that God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will give peace and love with faith to all the brothers and sisters there. 24 God’s grace to all of you who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love that never ends.” Ephesians 6:23-24 ERV

There are those who may also wish they had a loving father but never did. Your heavenly Father has not left you out. You are precious and dear to Him.

“God, who lives in his holy palace, is a father to orphans, and he takes care of widows.” Psalm 68:5 ERV

Let the Father’s love bring you joy and then share it with those around you.

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Count Your Blessings

Welcome 2021! A new day. A new year.

None of us know what the year will bring but we can all know the One who has designed each day. I encourage you to start each morning by writing down a couple blessings from the day before.

Start a blessing journal and count your blessings.

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! 18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!” Psalm 139:17-18 NLT

Take a minute and read those verses again.

The quantity of God’s thoughts about us are so vast that they cannot be numbered! We are always in His thoughts and on His heart. I know I shared those verses with you a few days ago but since that time I have been so mindful of those words, “I can’t even count them”.

If our heavenly Father had a blessing journal our names would be recorded there. Maybe it would say something like this “Betty thanked me for the sunrise”, “Lon marvelled at My sunset”. “I love those kids of mine, they mean all the world to me”. I just know He must think these thoughts and so many more. More than we can count.

If He’s always thinking about us shouldn’t we be focused on Him as well? Maybe the first entry in our 2021 Blessing Journal should be God has precious thoughts about me, so many thoughts that they can’t be numbered. After that add one or two other things that bless you.

When we write things down it has a way of establishing them in our memory. It’s also helpful, on those days that have been particularly hard , to go back and reread them. This is a way to encourage ourselves. These are daily reminders of God’s love and provision.

The last week while we’ve been camping I have taken hundreds of pictures. Once I get home I will upload them to my computer and when I edit them I will relive the moment I took them. The beauty, the solitude, the peace and the gratitude.

That’s how it is with the word pictures we paint. They allow us to relive the moment.

I pray that your 2021 will be your most amazing year yet. Wake each day knowing that God Almighty loves you and has a wonderful day planned for you specifically. You are always in His thoughts.

As you count your blessings it will be a Happy New Year!

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Looking For Love

Yesterday our family plans for Thanksgiving changed dramatically! We learned that some of those we hold dear won’t be able to come. Many of you are just like us and are finding that your Thanksgiving table will have empty chairs and your homes will have fewer loved ones sleeping under your roofs.

It’s so disappointing.

With that news centered in my heart I came to my chair and prayed for our family and those of you that will be missing loved ones this year. I felt the Lord’s love wrap around me and His peace settle in. I am content in His presence.

“I pray that because of the riches of His shining-greatness, He will make you strong with power in your hearts through the Holy Spirit. 17 I pray that Christ may live in your hearts by faith. I pray that you will be filled with love. 18 I pray that you will be able to understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep His love is. 19 I pray that you will know the love of Christ. His love goes beyond anything we can understand. I pray that you will be filled with God Himself.” Ephesians 3:16-19 NLV

The photo for this morning’s blog was taken about eight years ago at our home in Montana. It was a particularly hard day for me. I was dealing with loneliness and my heart was aching. Dave was gone and it was up to me to check the fences to make sure none of them had gone down because of the previous night’s snow.

As I walked along the road I was telling the Lord of my hurt and disappointment. With tears in my eyes I looked up and saw this obvious expression of God’s love. There, twisted into the barbed wire fence, was a heart with the snow glistening like diamonds behind it. It was just for me – a sign of my Father’s love and presence.

That morning I found an expression of love in a pasture fence. I’m wondering what I will find today.

The Apostle Paul prayed that we would have strong hearts and that we would know the depth of our Father’s love. Just when I think I couldn’t experience any greater depth of His love I find that it goes even deeper.

Since God is love and there is no beginning or end to Him, there is also no beginning or end to His love. He loves us – of that I am certain!

May I encourage you today to Look for Love. You will find it. It will be coming from the Father’s heart.

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Mending Fences

A number of years ago, I had the privilege to preach the funeral of a dear friend. This old cowboy had lived a good life but not always a godly life. In fact, it wasn’t until a couple years before he died that I had the opportunity to lead him to Jesus. How special it was to know that God’s love had touched this man’s life and that he accepted Jesus as his Savior.

Dave and I made the trip from Montana to Nebraska for the celebration of his life. I remember asking him just a few days before he died if he was ready to see Jesus and he responded with a resounding “Yes, I just didn’t think it would be this soon.”

When we arrived, we stopped at the mortuary to meet his family. His favorite saddle was positioned at the end of the casket and tied to the saddle was a pair of fencin’ pliers. It made me wonder, how many times he must have used those as he rode fence and checked on the cattle.

How many times have I needed a pair of spiritual fencin’ pliers? How many times have I needed to have the lines around me pulled tight and secured once again to a strong post? How many times have I tried to grab a loose strand of wire with my hands and been stuck on the barbs?

“These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours. 19 This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe.” Hebrews 6:18-19

To me, hope is like a pair of fencin’ pliers. A good fence keeps out predators, the fence provides safety. We need to hold tightly to the hope that God gives us in His Word. The hope that His Word brings keeps us secure and safe.

One thing I remarked on at Derald’s funeral was that there was no need for mending fences in heaven. The work is done. All pastures are safe, nothing harmful will break through. Those of us that remain here are the ones who have the responsibility to watch for downed fences and broken wires. We can help keep others safe by sharing God’s word and our faith in His promises.

God can’t lie. Trust His Word, He will keep us safe and sure.

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