Month: January 2022

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

After praying and asking the Lord what message to write this week, I picked up one of my journals and read a prayer I had written a year ago on January 1^st:

“Lord, I want this year to be one of growing closer and more in love with You, to be more of a worshiper, to reflect you to others.  I want to be more compassionate, more generous, more loving. This morning I was looking at the snow globe lantern Dave gave me for Christmas.  When the battery is turned off, it’s still pretty.  But when I turn it on, it glows and sparkles and swirls with colorful glitter.  I noticed the beautiful reflection on a mug close by. That reminded me that as I walk daily with Jesus, with the Holy Spirit in me, I am to be a reflection of His glory.  It’s like the sun and the moon – the moon shines but has no light of its own.  It is a reflection of the light from the sun.  I am to be a reflection of the Son, the light of the world.  Let His light shine through me so that others will see and be drawn to Him, the Son-light!”

As I was beginning to write this message today, I had a candle burning on the table next to me.  I love the warm glow and the fragrance, and I was reminded of the friend who gave it to me as a gift.  In John 8:12 Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Matthew 5:14-16 tells us that “You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

I started thinking about how our good works can reflect Jesus, and I remembered Ephesians 2:10:  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. It is clear from verse 9 that we are not saved by good works, we are saved by faith.  But our good works should reflect the character of Jesus so that others will be drawn to Him.

As I follow Jesus, I want to remember that everything I do is to be done as unto Him, through His Spirit in me. He is the one to receive the glory.  For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  To Him be the glory forever (Romans 11:36).

PERSONAL REFLECTION

How are you challenged to let your light shine? 

What has God called you to do for Him?

What gifts has He given you that cause His light to be reflected through you to others?

How does God receive the glory for the good works you do?

Be doers of the Word, not merely hearers.

James 1:22

A hearing test this week confirmed my suspicions — I need hearing aids.  It’s no surprise, but I’ve been putting it off for a while.  I don’t want to admit that I’m getting older and I can’t hear as well as I used to.

But it made me start thinking about “spiritual hearing.”  We have a God who speaks to us! Hebrews 1:1 reminds us that in the past, God spoke to the people of Israel through prophets.  Now He speaks to us through His own Son, Jesus, who is the Word of God.  And He speaks to us through the written word, the Bible.  He speaks through the Holy Spirit who is the “still small voice saying, This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21). 

How do we hear God speaking to us?  What is necessary for us to be able to hear God’s voice?  If we belong to Him through faith in Jesus and have surrendered our lives to Him, we have the ability to hear Him. John 10:27 tells us: My sheep hear my voice.  I know them, and they follow me. We are His sheep!

In any relationship, it is important to spend time with the person, talking and listening, sharing our thoughts, getting to know each other.  So true in our relationship with God! We need to set aside time to be with Him. It helps to find a time and a place where we can be alone, without distractions. He calls us to “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).  It’s often easier to just do all the talking, telling God about all my needs and the needs of others.  But I am learning the importance of asking Him to quiet my heart and mind of all other distractions and help me just to listen.  I saw an interesting quote recently:  “SILENT AND LISTEN have all the same letters.”

The book Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henderson challenges us to “seek God’s face before we seek His hand” – to focus on God Himself and worship Him for who He is and what He has done before we bring our requests.  He reminds us that God already knows everything that is going on in our lives.  Starting with worship has changed my prayer life! 

Not only are we able to hear God speaking to us, but He hears us when we talk to Him!  My women’s Bible study focused on Psalm 40 the last couple of weeks. Verse 1 tells us He “inclines” His ear to us or “turns” to us and hears our cry.  The picture that comes to my mind is the Lord actually leaning in close to us, paying attention to us when we’re talking to Him.  He’s with us always.  Psalm 121:1 promises that our God will never slumber nor sleep.  He watches over us at all times.

The book of Revelation repeats many times this phrase: “He who has ears, let him hear.”  James 1:22 commands us not just to hear but to obey – to “be doers of the Word, not merely hearers.” I don’t want to be spiritually “hard of hearing.”  Instead, I want to have a “heart of hearing.” My prayer is for a heart that is tuned to hear God’s voice.  I want to grow more deeply in love with Him and be willing to follow wherever He leads.  I want to have a heart that trusts Him for whatever He has planned. 

PERSONAL REFLECTION

How is your “spiritual hearing?”  Can you hear God calling you to an even deeper love relationship?  How will you respond?

Are you listening for God’s voice? What has He said to you today? Are you willing to obey?

Is time alone with God a priority in your life? We can ask God to change our heart to give us that desire.

How could you adjust your schedule to make time with Him a priority?

Cease striving and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

What symptoms do you experience when you are “striving?” At times, I feel anxious, unsettled, lack of peace, burdened instead of joyful. Even when I am doing what I know for sure it’s what God has called me to do! For many years I have been leading weekly Bible studies and writing my own lessons.  And more recently I have been writing weekly devotional messages to post on my website.  When there is a deadline coming up, I can begin to feel anxious if I haven’t completed the writing. There are times when I feel like I am not doing enough, or there’s more I could (or should) be doing. 

Feeling anxious or burdened is evidence that I am not fully trusting God to provide what I need to accomplish what He has asked me to do.  I am trying to figure things out on my own, trying to make something happen without depending completely on Him.  When these anxious feelings arise, I need to remind myself of God’s personal invitation:

Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened (heavy-laden) and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Notice the word “rest” is used twice in this verse!)

Rest is what God desires for us to experience, even in the midst of the work He has designed and equipped us for. I want to joyfully accept His invitation!

What is the connection between “being still” and “knowing that He is God” in Psalm 46:10? The Greek word “cease striving” or “be still” means to relax; to become limp; to leave alone.  The Greek word for “know” means to learn; perceive; discern; experience; know relationally and experientially.  It is the same Greek word used in Psalm 139:4 describing how God knows us: “You have searched me and known me.  You know when I sit down and when I rise up.  You are intimately acquainted with all my ways, even before a word is on my tongue, Lord, you know it all.”

The Lord sees our hearts.  He sees when we are doing “good things” with the wrong attitude.  I often am reminded of Jesus’ words to Martha in Luke 10:38-42.  She was complaining that Mary was just sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to Him and not helping with all the preparations of a meal for Jesus and His disciples.  The Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” 

What do we know about God that we can trust to give us “rest” instead of our “striving?”

Psalm 23:1-2 The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in need.  He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

Jeremiah 29:11 He knows the plans He has for me.

Hebrews 13:5 He will never leave me nor forsake me.

Luke 1:37 Nothing is impossible for God.

Ephesians 3:20 He is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.

When I am feeling anxious or burdened, I need to stop and ask God for a change of heart.  I need to respond to His call to “Come to Him and find rest for my soul.”  Instead of striving, He calls us to abide in Him and rest — trusting, listening, surrendering, waiting patiently, depending on Him completely for what He wants to accomplish in us and through us.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

What circumstances in your life cause you to feel anxious, unsettled, lack of peace, or burdened?

Which of these Scriptures speaks to your heart to restore your rest in the midst of the circumstances?

So often in the Psalms we are reminded to cry out to God with our needs.  His Word assures us that He hears our cry, and He answers us.

Consider writing a prayer to God expressing your feelings and your response to Him.

He will not allow your foot to slip.

Psalm 121:3

 Ray was 65 years old.  He was ready to attempt his first steps since the stroke seven months earlier had left him confined to a wheelchair.  He was in a physical therapy session where I was volunteering as the aide.  I could see the fear in Ray’s eyes.  It was nearly his turn, and I was waiting with him, encouraging him.  “Please don’t be afraid, Ray.  We’ll be right here, and I promise we will not let you fall.” The physical therapist said it was time. 

                The plan was to “walk” between the parallel bars with the assistance of the physical therapist and me as the aide.  Since Ray had no voluntary control of his left leg, it had to be lifted for him and placed ahead of his right leg.  That’s what I was able to do for him during that session.  With much pain and intense concentration, Ray would then raise his right leg and take a step.  That was the procedure until he reached the end of the parallel bars.  The whole time, he was being physically held up by the therapist as Ray balanced himself holding onto the bars.  It was slow and laborious, and he was completely exhausted at the end of the trip.

                During the next session later in the week, it was my turn to hold Ray and keep him from falling as he repeated the journey.  It was just as painful and just as exhausting for him, but this time he was able to complete a round trip, twice as long as two days earlier!  We were so proud of him and delighted with his progress!  We all congratulated him and rejoiced in his success that day.

                I personally identify with Ray’s painful steps of learning to walk again – not physically, but emotionally and spiritually.  It has been many years now, but it was a lesson I will never forget. After several months of walking away from the Lord, and walking away from my marriage, God mercifully called me back.  And my husband mercifully agreed that I could come home and we would work on our broken marriage.  Through many difficult and painful months of counseling, our marriage was restored. 

It reminds me of Ray. As he took his first “steps,” there is no way that he could have taken even one of them by himself.  He needed someone to hold him up and even to lift one foot in front of the other for him.  God gave me the understanding that my steps of healing were the same.  He knows I couldn’t have taken even the first step to return home without Him holding me up and giving me the strength to do it.  The same was true for each painful step that followed. 

I understand now how delighted God is with our small steps of faith as we walk with Him in our life journey.   He understands the pain we experience when we falter.  I experience His delight in my trust as I walk with Him now each day. I am encouraged to continue on the path He has chosen for me, trusting fully in each next step.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

How would you describe your journey with the Lord? 

Can you identify with the need to be held up by Him, unsure of each next step in front of you?

Here are some Scriptures that I find helpful:

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.”

Isaiah 41:10

Do not fear, for I am with you.  Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you; surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. 

Jude 1:24-25

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy…

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord Who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

As we enter the New Year, I’m sure 2021 is a year we will never forget.  No one has escaped the impact of the pandemic which has altered our lives in so many ways.  And we’ve read about the unprecedented devastation of fires and tornados, drought and floods in our own country and around the world.  But in the midst of all of this, I am reminded to lift my eyes to the Lord. and not become overwhelmed by all the changes we are experiencing.  I pray that you will be encouraged to do the same.

Psalm 121 is one of the songs the people of Israel would sing as they made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem three times each year to celebrate what God had done for them.  They celebrated the feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles.  As they came near to Jerusalem from distant parts of the land, they would “lift their eyes” and see Mount Zion where Jerusalem was located, the place where the temple was built for God’s dwelling place on earth.  As they journeyed and sang, they would be reminded of their God who brought them out of slavery in Egypt and brought them to the land He had promised their ancestor Abraham so long ago.

The psalmist begins with his declaration of looking to God. He then asks the question, “Where does my help come from?”  And the answer is in verse 2:  My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He could have just said, “My help comes from the Lord.”  But the added phrase “who made heaven and earth” reminds us of the Lord’s amazing power. He is the Creator of all things! His power is unlimited!

As followers of Jesus, we have a choice.  When everything around us seems hopeless and totally out of control, in the midst of fear, devastation, the changes in the world all around us, we may be tempted to give in to fear and despair.  Or we can choose to lift our eyes to the Lord in these dark days. God has not changed.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  He is still in sovereign control of the earth He created! He knows everything that we are going through at every moment.  That is what I want to remember in this changing world. 

As I was preparing to write this devotional, I thought about what Peter experienced.  You probably know the story from Matthew 14:22-33.  After the miracle of feeding the 5,000, Jesus had sent the disciples to the other side of the lake in a boat.  Before they reached the other side, Jesus came to them walking on the water!  The disciples were terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost.  Jesus said, “It is I; do not be afraid.”  Peter said, “If it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”  Jesus said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.  Until he took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on the wind and waves surrounding him.  That’s when he began to sink.  He cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!”  Jesus immediately stretched out His hand and took hold of Peter.

Jesus hears us when we call out to Him.  His Word is full of promises that we can cling to when we feel like we are sinking.  One of the best ways to “lift our eyes” to the Lord is to call out to Him for help.  Get to know Him through His Word.  Here are just a few of the Scriptures I choose to focus on: 

Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 62:1-2 My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him comes my salvation.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.

Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

I love the song by Bebo Norman called “I Will Lift My Eyes.”  You can listen to it on YouTube, but here is the refrain that is repeated several times:

I will lift my eyes to the Maker Of the mountains I can’t climb

I will lift my eyes to the Calmer Of the oceans raging wild

I will lift my eyes to the Healer Of the hurt I hold inside

I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

In this New Year, instead of dwelling on all the negative issues surrounding us, let’s remember to celebrate who God is and remember what He has done. Instead of fear and despair, we can live in trust and dependence on our sovereign God who loves us and is in complete control of our lives.

Let’s look for ways to encourage others who are struggling in these fearful and changing times.

What is your best way of lifting your eyes to the Lord when you are surrounded by the “wind and waves” like Peter was? I encourage you to make a list of Scriptures that you can turn to often to be reminded of God’s love and His promises to you.  It helps to write them out on a notecard and keep them handy!

We need to stay connected with other followers of Jesus in order to be encouraged and to encourage others.  Do you have a friend or group of friends to help you stay strong when you are facing difficult situations in your life?  If not, ask God to bring someone into your life for that kind of relationship.

Consider writing a prayer to God declaring your trust in His promises and His faithfulness.