Author: Sherrilyn Kaye Johnson

Even If…

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.

Daniel 3:17-18

A friend told me recently about a license plate she saw on a car as it stopped in front of her.  It read: “Even if.”  That has to be a reference to this Scripture in Daniel chapter 3 which tells of the three men who were threatened by King Nebuchadnezzar.  They would be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire if they refused to bow down and worship the golden image of the king.  Verses 17 and 18 above is their response to the king’s threat.  They knew that God was able to deliver them, but even if He did not, they refused to bow down and serve his gods or worship the image of King Nebuchadnezzar. 

Later, I told my daughter about the license plate, and she asked if I had heard the song by MercyMe with that title “Even if.” We went to YouTube and listened to it together.  That is the message I have received from the Lord this week, and I want to share the words with you.  I encourage you to find the song on YouTube and listen as you read these words.

Even If…

By MercyMe

They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I’m losing bad
I’ve stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it’ll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can’t

It’s easy to sing
When there’s nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I’m held to the flame
Like I am right now

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have, right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

You’ve been faithful, You’ve been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
‘Cause I know You’re able
I know You can

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

 PERSONAL REFLECTION

Are you personally in a “fiery furnace” of difficult life circumstances?  Or maybe you know someone who is suffering that could use these words of encouragement taken from Scripture. 

The words of this song “Jesus, I will cling to You come what may,” is my personal commitment to the Lord during this time of my husband’s undiagnosed illness.  I know God is sovereign over every cell of our bodies and every moment of our lives.  I know He has a plan for each life.  I know He is good, and I know He is faithful.  I know He is able to heal.  But even if He does not…  I will still believe and I will worship Him, no matter what.

Consider writing your own prayer to God for yourself or someone you know who needs God’s promise to be with us, no matter what.  Thank Him for His promises to be with us and never leave us.

I WILL TRUST YOU

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

On January 9th I posted a message about my husband’s sudden and unexpected declining health.  I shared quite a few verses of Scripture that God had used to remind me of His knowledge of the situation, His constant presence, and His promise to walk daily through this journey with us. 

            As I write this now in February, we are still going through the process of various doctor visits, medical testing, and physical therapy.  But still, we have no diagnosis or treatment plan.  In the midst of this “storm,” I’m so thankful to know God and the truth of His Word.  He daily reminds me of His presence through His Word, through the prayers of encouragement from dear family and friends, and through the words of songs.  He reminds me, “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God” (Isaiah 41:10).  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Here are just three of the messages God spoke to my heart to encourage me this week:

Quote from the devotional book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young on February 1

Follow Me one step at a time.  That is all I require of you…You see huge mountains looming, and you start wondering how you’re going to scale those heights.  … You tell Me how worried you are about the cliffs up ahead.  But you don’t know what will happen today, much less tomorrow.  Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading you away from those mountains.  There may be an easier way up the mountains than is visible from this distance.  If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for that strenuous climb.  Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My presence.  Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Me to open up the way before you.

Words from the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

Song by Lauren Daigle (You can listen to this beautiful song on YouTube.  I’m just printing the repeated refrain that I needed to hear when I woke up this morning.)

I Will Trust You

Lauren Daigle

When You don’t move the mountains
I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You

PERSONAL REFLECTION

What “storm” are you experiencing in your life?

Or maybe you have family members that you could encourage with these words.

Ask God to speak to your heart personally the message that will help you trust Him no matter what you are going through.  He is so faithful to His promises.

Jesus Never Changes

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today,  and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

(I’m reposting this message I wrote a couple of years ago. Currently, I am reading through the New Testament, and I am once again amazed as I see Jesus healing so many people in such different circumstances, and in so many different ways. He healed a leper, a blind man, a lame man, and a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for 12 years. He raised a child from the dead and cast out demons. He performed miracles of feeding multitudes with a few loaves of bread and a few fish. He calmed a storm at sea with His words. The list could go on!

But I’m encouraged once again by this truth that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever! I choose to trust Him in the current circumstances we are facing with my husband’s health. I know that nothing is impossible with God.)

This Scripture above (Hebrews 13:8) is easy to memorize and tuck away with lots of other verses about the character of Jesus.  We can easily take this truth for granted. But consider how different life would be if this verse were not true?  What if Jesus’ words are not always true?  What if His will or His standards changed from one generation to the next, or even one day to the next?

            My college freshman psychology instructor was an example of a changeable nature.  He told the class on the first day that he would often “role play” during his lectures, and we would never be able to tell if he actually believed what he said or not.  I never knew what to expect from him, and always had to be on guard, wondering what reaction I might get to an opinion I expressed in class. He gave us several assignments to do outside of class which he never mentioned again.  He promised on several occasions to bring a particular specimen into class for our observation but never brought it in.  It is extremely confusing and unsettling to deal with people like that.  Changeable people can never be trusted completely or counted on to keep their word.  You can never be sure what to expect or know for sure what is expected of you.

            Think about how different it is with Jesus.  What He promised in the past we can count on to be fulfilled.  What He expected in the past from His followers, He still expects today.  By studying His Word, we can know how He wants us to live – loving, trusting, obeying Him and following wherever He leads us.

            Think about the changes in society in recent decades.  The standards of morality change rapidly.  The unthinkable and unacceptable only a few decades ago became commonplace and accepted today.  And there are changes around the world in 2020 because of the Coronavirus pandemic.  Who could have predicted how so many lives would be forever changed because of this? 

             But Jesus never changes.  He hasn’t changed His moral code just because many consider the old standards outdated.  God revealed His perfect will in His Word, and His indwelling Holy Spirit guides and empowers us.  Following Jesus creates a firm foundation, stability, and security in life.   His Word is full of promises to those who follow Him.  He loves us, He will be with us always, He will provide, and He is sovereign over all, no matter what is going on in our personal life or in the world around us. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Have you known someone who was unpredictable and changeable? 

How did that person affect you?

How does the truth of Jesus’ unchanging nature affect you?  Think about what life would be like if that were not true.

What promise can you hold onto in this current time of worldwide change?

What can you personally choose to trust Him for in your life?

I Will Lift My Eyes

My eyes are continually toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.

Psalm 25:15

A funny thing happened in Bible study recently.  The assignment was to choose two Scriptures from a list of five in our workbook and memorize them during the week.  One of the choices was Psalm 25:14, but by “mistake” I wrote verse 15 (above) on my 3×5 card and memorized it.  When I quoted it during our study, several women seemed confused and asked which version of the Bible I was using because the verse didn’t sound anything like what they had memorized from verse 14.

            I called it a “mistake,” but it was verse 15 that God has used to speak to my heart every day since I memorized it.  I wrote recently about the new journey my husband and I are on since his sudden decline in health.  To see the decline would be so frightening to me without knowing the Lord and the truth of the promises in His Word.  I have a stack of 3×5 cards with verses from Scripture that I read often to remind myself of God’s promises. 

            God’s promises are my solid rock foundation, especially in these days of uncertainty.  This Psalm 25:15 reminds me to keep my eyes on the Lord.  I think often of Peter when he and the other disciples were in a boat during a storm at sea.  Matthew 14:22-33 tells the story:

They saw Jesus walking on the water and were terrified, thinking He was a ghost.  But Jesus immediately said to them, “Take courage; It is I.  Don’t be afraid.” Peter said, Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.”  Jesus said, “Come.”  Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.

Whatever “storm” we are facing, the enemy definitely wants us to be trapped in a net of fear.  What might happen if….?  So this is the reminder I need when I am tempted to wonder what the future holds:  Psalm 25:15 reminds me to “keep my eyes continually toward the Lord.”  He knows all about the storm.  He promises to be right there with us, and He is the One who calms the storm, no matter what the circumstances. 

            Here are a few more verses that encourage me this week:

Psalm 121:1  I will lift up my eyes to the mountains.  Where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heavens and earth.

Psalm 3:3 You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.  [And when He lifts my head, my eyes are able to see Him!]

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear for I am with you.  Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I encourage you to listen to the song on YouTube: “I Lift My Eyes” sung by Kristyn Getty.  It is a beautiful reminder to keep our eyes lifted to the Lord!

PERSONAL REFLECTION

What is the storm you are facing in your own life?  Or the life of someone close to you?

Write a prayer to God calling out to Him for help.

As He calls you to come to Him for help, how will you respond?

Which of these verses encourage your heart today?

God Searches for A Heart That Is Completely His

For the eyes of the Lord roam to and fro throughout the whole earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.

2 Chronicles 16:9a

I love this truth about the Lord – He actively searches for people whose hearts are completely tuned to Him so that He can “strongly support” them.  He has a plan and a purpose for each of our lives, but the question is “Am I seeking His plan and listening for His direction?”  Can I honestly say my heart is completely His, or am I choosing my own way and seeking my own desires? 

How can I be sure I’m following His will and not my own?  As followers of Jesus, we can be sure that if we truly seek His will, and commit to do whatever He wants, He will show us.  His guidance may come through a scripture, some other Christian source we read, the message from a sermon, conversations with other believers.  Just trust as you wait for His clear direction, and He will guide you in His time and in His way.

How sad it is to read in the Old Testament about men who “followed the Lord, did what was right in His sight, “but”… or “except”…

2 Chronicles 25:1-2  Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem… He did right in the sight of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart.

1 Kings 11:3-6 Solomon had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines, and his wives turned his heart away.  For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been….

1 Kings 11:9-10  Now the Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods; but he did not observe what the Lord had commanded.

1 Kings 15:5 …because David did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and did not deviate from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the case of Uriah the Hittite.

Sometimes I choose to follow my own desires instead of following the truth I know about God’s will.  I am so grateful God’s love and grace and mercy called me back to Himself.  His forgiveness is available, no matter how far we stray if we repent and turn back to Him.

These scriptures challenge me to think about my own life.  I desire for the Lord to look at me and see a heart completely devoted to Him, a heart willing to follow wherever He leads, no matter what.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Is there an area in your life that the Lord would say to you, “You are doing what is right except…”

I encourage you to spend time with the Lord and ask Him to search your heart and show you what He sees. 

Do you need to repent and turn back to follow Him with your whole heart?  He is so ready and willing to forgive!

Prepare for the Journey Without Fear

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.

Isaiah 41:10

In my women’s Bible study group, we are studying Priscilla Shirer’s book “Discerning the Voice of God.” She calls us to have a “posture of obedience,” a heart that is willing to say “Yes, Lord” to whatever He calls us to do, and wherever He leads.  We are encouraged to wait patiently, trusting and expecting God to lead in a clear direction.  She calls us to be “pray-pared” for the journey.  I love that!

This has been a timely truth to focus on for me personally.  My husband and I have begun an unexpected turn in our life journey.  A recent sudden and significant change in his health has occurred that has altered the pattern of our lives for this time.  So far, there is not a clear diagnosis or treatment.  And I am so aware that we are not alone.  I have talked to many friends and relatives who are also experiencing physical and emotional pain, the loss of a loved one, and other serious difficulties.

The lessons I have learned from my time in God’s Word have been such a valuable source of spiritual strength, comfort and encouragement.  I want to share some of the Scriptures that I have been reading often when I am tempted to give into the enemy’s temptation to be fearful or discouraged.  It is so easy to let my mind go to the place of “What if….?”  But then I remember the truth from God’s Word, and I focus on faith in God and His truth, instead of giving in to fear.

Here are just a few of the verses that are an encouragement to me:

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.  I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

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

Psalm 62:5-8 My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken.  On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.  Trust in Him at all times… Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.

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.

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 46:3-4  When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Which of these verses speak to your heart today?

I encourage you to print out this list or write verses on a 3×5 card that you can refer to often.  Remember the truth that God is with you and will never leave you! 

My prayer is that you will be encouraged by the truth of God’s Word when you are going through a difficult journey in your own life.  Please share God’s promises with others who are going through a difficult journey.

Life from the Spirit of God

Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day

2 Corinthians 4:16 (NLT)

It is a very familiar story, but before Christmas I was reading again in Luke 2: 26-35) about the angel coming to Mary to tell her that she would conceive in her womb and bear a son and name him Jesus.  Mary asked, “How can this be since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And the angel added this important statement: “For nothing will be impossible with God”

            Like so many of you, I’ve known this story since I was a child in Sunday School participating in Christmas programs and memorizing lots of Scripture. But as I’m studying about the Holy Spirit with my women’s group this season, I’m becoming more aware of the Holy Spirit and the promise of His indwelling presence in every believer who has received Jesus as Lord and Savior.  As I was thinking about the miraculous conception of Jesus in Mary’s womb, I started thinking of other aspects of life brought about by the Holy Spirit of God.

            Mary was not the first person to experience the miracle of new life by the Holy Spirit.  We read in Genesis 2:7 about God creating the first man, Adam.  “Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.” 

            But even before Adam, God’s Spirit was at work in the creation of the world.  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters” (Genesis 1:1-2).

            Before Jesus went to the cross to be sacrificed as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, He had a long conversation with His disciples.  He told them that He would be going back to the Father and that it was to their advantage that He would go away.  How shocking that would have been for the disciples to hear!  How could it possibly be better for Him to go away than to be with them in person as He had been for three years!  But Jesus told them, “If I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you, but if I go, I will send Him to you…“(John 16:7-15).  Jesus was speaking of the Holy Spirit.  And the promise continues in verses 16 and 17:  And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.”

It is the Holy Spirit who creates new spiritual birth in everyone who repents and is baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins.  We are born again by His Spirit.  He begins the work in us to transform us to be more like Jesus and promises to complete the work He began in us.

One other aspect I thought of God’s Spirit breathing life is found in 2 Timothy 3:16:  All Scripture is inspired by God.  The word “inspired” means “God-breathed.”  So we can trust God’s Word to be the truth He wants us to know about Himself, about why Jesus came, and the plans and promises He has for those who will receive Him as Lord and Savior.

            At the beginning of this New Year, I want to focus on the truth of the renewed spiritual life the Lord offers.  “Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day”

(2 Corinthians 4:16 (NLT). I want to remember to thank God daily for the new life He gives by His Spirit, and the promise of eternity with Him in heaven.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Consider writing your own prayer to God thanking Him for the new life you have because Jesus was willing to come to earth, was willing to die for your sins, and was raised again to life.  And now He offers you new spiritual birth by His indwelling Holy Spirit and the promise of eternal life in heaven.      

I’ve printed the words of this hymn as a prayer to God:

Breathe on me, Breath of God

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
fill me with life anew,
that I may love the way you love,
and do what you would do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
until my heart is pure,
until my will is one with yours,
to do and to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
so shall I never die,
but live with you the perfect life
for all eternity.

God Will Complete the Good Work He Began

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

I’m always encouraged by this verse when I think about the plans God has for my life.  God’s Word is clear that when we receive His gift of salvation through faith in Jesus, we begin a life-long journey of a personal relationship with Him.  His Holy Spirit comes to live in us.  As we grow in our knowledge of Him and surrender our lives to Him, He is doing a work of transforming us to be more like Jesus.  He began that good work in us and He will continue it until He takes us to heaven.  God’s Word is clear that God has a plan for each of our lives:

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

            In this Christmas season, we are reminded to focus our attention on the birth of Jesus and the plan God has for Him.  Jesus came to earth, born as a baby. He came to share the good news of God’s plan to save us from our sins.  That plan required Jesus to die on the cross as the perfect sinless Lamb of God to pay the penalty for the sins of the whole world.  Only those who receive that gift of salvation by faith will be forgiven and live with Him forever in heaven.

            God’s work was not completed through the birth of Jesus.  It wasn’t completed when He died on the cross and was resurrected three days later.  It wasn’t completed when He ascended back to heaven and asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit to live in all who believe in Him.  The part of God’s plan still to be fulfilled is when He will come back to reign forever as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  This was prophesied in Isaiah 45:23 and quoted in Philippians 2:10-11:  at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

            God is still at work drawing people to Himself for salvation through faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin.  He gives us a choice to receive Jesus as our Savior or to reject His offer of salvation.  For those who receive Him, we have the gift of His Holy Spirit living in us now, and the guarantee of spending eternity with Him. 

            I’m so thankful for the greatest gift that has ever been given – the gift of God’s unconditional love, the forgiveness of all my sins, His promise to be with me, and the promise that I will be with Him forever.  I’m thankful that He is at work in my life drawing me closer to Himself and encouraging others in their walk with Him.  Lord, help us to have hearts that are open to be more aware of Your presence and Your plan for our lives and be more willing to follow wherever You lead.  Thank You that You promise to complete the good work You began in us.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Set aside some time to remember the amazing gift of salvation that God has given us in His Son.  Consider writing your prayer of gratitude.

Do you know the plans He has for your life?  Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

We can be asking God for His plan for our lives and then depend on His Holy Spirit in us to lead us and accomplish His plan.

God Will Complete the Good Work He Began

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

I’m always encouraged by this verse when I think about the plans God has for my life.  God’s Word is clear that when we receive His gift of salvation through faith in Jesus, we begin a life-long journey of a personal relationship with Him.  His Holy Spirit comes to live in us.  As we grow in our knowledge of Him and surrender our lives to Him, He is doing a work of transforming us to be more like Jesus.  He began that good work in us and He will continue it until we He takes us to heaven.  God’s Word is clear that God has a plan for each of our lives:

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

            In this Christmas season, we are reminded to focus our attention on the birth of Jesus and the plan God has for Him.  Jesus came to earth, born as a baby. He came to share the good news of God’s plan to save us from our sins.  That plan required Jesus to die on the cross as the perfect sinless Lamb of God to pay the penalty for the sins of the whole world.  Only those who receive that gift of salvation by faith will be forgiven and live with Him forever in heaven.

            God’s work was not completed through the birth of Jesus.  It wasn’t completed when He died on the cross and was resurrected three days later.  It wasn’t completed when He ascended back to heaven and asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit to live in all who believe in Him.  The part of God’s plan still to be fulfilled is when He will come back to reign forever as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  This was prophesied in Isaiah 45:23 and quoted in Philippians 2:10-11:  at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

            God is still at work drawing people to Himself for salvation through faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin.  He gives us a choice to receive Jesus as our Savior or to reject His offer of salvation.  For those who receive Him, we have the gift of His Holy Spirit living in us now, and the guarantee of spending eternity with Him. 

            I’m so thankful for the greatest gift that has ever been given – the gift of God’s unconditional love, the forgiveness of all my sins, His promise to be with me, and the promise that I will be with Him forever.  I’m thankful that He is at work in my life drawing me closer to Himself and encouraging others in their walk with Him.  Lord, help us to have hearts that are open to be more aware of Your presence and Your plan for our lives and be more willing to follow wherever You lead. Thank You that You promise to complete the good work You began in us.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Set aside some time to remember the amazing gift of salvation that God has given us in His Son.  Consider writing your prayer of gratitude.

Do you know the plans He has for your life?  Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

We can be asking God for His plan for our lives and then depend on His Holy Spirit in us to lead us and accomplish His plan.

The Cost of Forgiveness

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16

I’ve mentioned before the Bible Read-Thru program our pastor introduced us to a few months ago.  In each reading, we’re encouraged to ask the questions “How does God reveal Himself?” and “How do I apply this to my own life?”  “How do I need to change?”

It’s been easy to see how God reveals Himself in Genesis as the Creator of all things. We learn how He chooses Abraham to be the father of many nations, His chosen people of Israel.  And we read in Exodus about His miraculous delivery of the Israelites from bondage as slaves in Egypt. The miraculous parting of the Red Sea, the provision of water in the wilderness, manna and quail for food.

Last week it was time to start Leviticus.  I have to admit I was tempted to skip this book.  (I wonder if I’m not the only one who might feel like that!)  I knew from reading it a long time ago that it was all about the instructions for sacrifices and offerings, what to eat and what not to eat, etc. But then I remembered that this book is as much a part of God’s Word as every other book, and it must have been included for a reason.  So, I prayed and asked God to show me what He wants me to see as I read.

In reading just the first 10 chapters so far, I began to see more clearly the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. As the people were instructed to regularly bring animals to be sacrificed as sin offerings, they would be reminded of their sins and the need for forgiveness from their holy God.

I am convicted by my casual attitude toward my own sin.  I like to focus on God’s grace and mercy to forgive when I simply confess my sin and receive His forgiveness.  1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  I’m convicted about how often I take that for granted!

I’m reminded now to stop think what my forgiveness cost God and His Son Jesus. We no longer have to bring animal sacrifices for our sin.  God was willing to sacrifice His own Son as the perfect Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world!  My sins!  Jesus was willing to offer Himself as that sacrifice.  Jesus said to His disciples as He was being arrested in the Garden, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26: 53).  Jesus willingly surrendered to the plan to be crucified – to shed His blood and die on the cross as the only sacrifice that could pay for the sins of the world.

So, as I continue reading Leviticus, I want to remember the ultimate cost that was paid for my forgiveness.  I want to be more deeply filled with gratitude that Jesus was willing to pay that price.  I see His love that made him willing to go to the cross so that all who believe in Him and receive Him as their Savior can live in a personal relationship with Him now, and throughout all eternity.

What does He ask of His followers now?  He wants us to live in loving obedience to Him and follow the plan He has for our life.  His Word is filled with His will for our lives and how He wants us to respond to Him with love and worship, with our whole heart, mind and soul (Matthew 22:37-39).

We see this in Romans 12:1-2:

Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Did you need the reminder (like I did) about what it cost God the Father and Jesus His Son to forgive your sins?

How will you respond to this truth?

You may want to write a prayer expressing your gratitude.

If you have never received Jesus as your Savior, you can ask Him right now.

All of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  Ask the Lord for a friend who believes in Him who can help you in this decision.

Count Your Blessings

Let all that I am praise the Lord;

may I never forget the good things he does for me.

Psalm 103:2 (NLT)

One of the women in my Bible study sent this to me, and I want to share it with all of you today. We have recently celebrated Thanksgiving and are entering the Christmas season.  This is an excellent reminder to all of us to be thankful for all that God has done for us. 

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

What are some areas in your life where you are focusing on difficulties that would keep you from receiving God’s blessing?

Consider making a list of blessings from each of the lines above.

As you remember what He has done for you, write a prayer of thanks to God.

Heart of Hearing

Be doers of the Word, not merely hearers.

James 1:22

My women’s Bible study is doing the Priscilla Shirer DVD/workbook study called Discerning the Voice of God. Priscilla shares truth about the Holy Spirit that I wish I had known when I first believed in Jesus many years ago. We are learning so much from this study! I highly recommend it!

As I was re-reading some of the messages I have posted on my website, I came across this one from nearly a year ago. So much of it encourages the same response to the truth that Priscilla shares in her study. I wanted to share it again as I reminder to myself and to all of you who will read this.

Heart of Hearing

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 to Him.  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?

God Will Do Something New

Behold, I am going to do something new.  Now it will spring up; Will you not be aware of it?  I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19

I was reading in a journal entry I had written a while ago, and it was such a great reminder to think back about what God has done that I was not expecting.  This is the prayer I wrote that morning:

“Lord, I want to make a covenant with you this morning to release my desire to know ahead of time what will happen in each of the areas I have prayed about.  I will just wait quietly, listening for Your “still small voice” saying ‘This is the way, walk in it.’”

You know the plans you have for me.  I love You, and I trust You.  Please continue the work You are doing in my heart.  You are the potter; I am the clay.  You are the vine; I am the branch.  You are the Shepherd; I am Your sheep.  I am open to whatever plans You have for me.”

Since I wrote those words, God has led me to create a website to begin publishing weekly devotionals.  That was never something that I had been planning to do!  I started with messages I had written a long time ago, and have continued writing new ideas that God brings to me as I read and study His Word and lead women’s Bible studies. The first devotional was published on my website on June 1, 2020.

The next new idea was to compile the devotionals and publish a book.  God prompted several friends to present this idea to me.  At first I said no, because that was something I’d never considered or had any interest in pursuing.  But once it was clear that this was God’s plan for me, I began with one step at a time.  At each step of the journey, I would have to call a friend for prayer and practical help with what to do next.  God provided everything in order to accomplish the printing of the first book of devotionals in March 2021.  And now I’ve just published a second book in October 2022.  I’m still surprised that I was able to do that!

If I’d known this ahead of time, I would have thought those things were impossible.  But because I have grown in my desire to hear God’s voice leading me, and because I believe He promises to provide what is necessary for us to accomplish what He asks us to do, I was willing to take the baby steps to get started.  He definitely convinced me that He was doing something new!  He has made that “roadway in the wilderness” when I didn’t have a clue what I was doing to start the journey.  And the “river in the desert” is His Holy Spirit living in me giving me the encouragement and wisdom for each step of the way.

I’m studying Priscilla Shirer’s “Discerning the Voice of God” with the women in my Bible study.  We just finished a section about the Holy Spirit, and the truth she shares is life-changing!  I wish I had known when I first received Jesus as my Savior that I had also been given the gift of the Holy Spirit living in me. 

I highly recommend this study if you feel you need to get to know the Holy Spirit and what God sent Him to do in our lives.  Another book that helped me is “Forgotten God” by Frances Chan. 

The Lord continues to increase my desire to spend time with Him each morning and throughout the day praying, reading His Word, and getting to know Him more.  The more I get to know Him, the more I want to know His will for my life and trust Him to accomplish it through me. 

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Do you feel that God is preparing to do something new in your life?  Is there a heart attitude that needs to change?  Is there a relationship that He wants to change?  A new ministry He is calling you to?

Are you willing to spend time listening for His voice with a willingness to follow wherever He leads?

Consider writing a prayer expressing your heart.  Maybe you need to begin by asking Him for a willing heart to listen and to obey.  Thank Him that He knows you and has a plan for Your life.  He will lead you clearly as He reveals His plan.

Support for the Battle-Weary

Moses’ hands were heavy…

Exodus 17:8-13

(I posted this message previously, but as I’m reading through Exodus again, I needed this reminder, and prayerfully it will encourage you too.)

After the people of Israel were set free from slavery in Egypt, Moses was leading them through the wilderness.  As they were being attacked by their enemies, the Amalekites, Moses came up with a battle plan:  Moses told Joshua to choose men to go out and fight.  Moses would station himself at the top of a hill with the staff of God in his hand.  Moses, Aaron, and Hur all went up to the top of the hill as the battle was going on down below.  When Moses held up his hand, the Israelites prevailed, but when he lowered his hands, Amalek prevailed. What happens next fascinates me, and I love the picture that it gives for our lives today.

 But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side and one on the other—so that his hands were steady until the sun set. So, Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

This is the picture that comes to my mind when God brings someone to my attention who is just worn out from battling the enemy.  I have been in that place myself where I was just too emotionally, physically, and spiritually tired to fight anymore, even to lift my own hands in prayer.  Can you identify with that?  God has given us a wonderful example to follow.  Sometimes we need to be the one to come alongside a brother or sister who is weak and tired and “support their hands.”  We need to prayerfully ask God what we can do to help that person.  What practical ways can we get involved? 

Perhaps more difficult than supporting someone else’s weak hands is admitting our own need to be supported.  Many of us like to be the ones to offer aid to others but find it very difficult to receive help ourselves. During the times when the battle is the fiercest, we really can’t fight by ourselves. We need to be willing to admit when we are worn out and need help.  God never meant for us to fight the battles alone.  He intends for us to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to strengthen the hands that are weak (Hebrews 12:12).

Notice that Aaron and Hur placed Moses on a stone.  Psalm 18:2 tells us The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. When I am called by God to help strengthen one who is weak, I need to make sure I am leading them to Him, the Rock, not giving them my own advice about the solution to their problem.

The Lord is the firm foundation, the refuge, the deliverer (Psalm 18:2).  God Himself and His Word need to be at the center of our encouragement to others.  We need to pray for God’s wisdom as we come alongside to help.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Has God brought someone into your life who needs encouragement?

At times we can be overwhelmed by the needs of someone else.  Remember that God is their rock, their refuge, and strength.  Depend on Him to give you the wisdom that is needed to help support them.

Or maybe you are personally feeling weak.  Do you have someone you can reach out to and ask them to support you in prayer?  We can always ask God to send just the right person to “hold up our hands” when we are in a battle.

Do This in Remembrance of Me

1 Corinthians 11:24

I’m amazed at how God’s Word can be so familiar and yet filled with fresh insight when I ask Him to show me what He wants me to see as I read. I’m currently reading in Exodus about how God sent Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh asking him to let God’s people go from their bondage in Egypt. Each time Pharaoh refused, his heart was hardened. Each time the Lord sent plagues throughout the land of Egypt.  Pharaoh would relent and agree to let the people go, but then change his mind and refuse.  But each time God made a provision to save His people from these plagues that the Egyptians suffered.

Finally, God told Moses and Aaron His plan to kill the firstborn of all people and animals throughout Egypt at midnight.  He gave instructions to His people that would save them from this final plague of death. Each household was instructed to kill a lamb and apply its blood to the lintel and doorposts of their homes.

For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians, and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to smite you. And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever (Exodus 12:23).

What God spoke to my heart this week was how this scripture illustrates what God did to save us from bondage to sin and death.  He offered His own Son as the Lamb of God who takes sins of the world (John 1:29)).  Just as His people in Egypt had to put blood on the lintel and doorposts of their homes, we have to personally receive Jesus’ sacrifice — His blood, that takes away our sin.  I spent time thinking back over my life and my sinful choices that could have led to God’s judgment.  I had to confess that so often I take for granted God’s love, grace and mercy, His promise of eternal life.  But the price He paid was the ultimate cost – the sacrifice of His own Son.  I’m filled with renewed gratitude for the price He paid to save me. 

In 1 Corinthians 11:24, Paul writes about the last Passover supper Jesus shared with His disciples: 

The Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.  In the same way, He took the cup also after supper, saying “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.

As believers, we celebrate the Lord’s supper by taking communion together. The bread and the cup remind us of Jesus’ body which was broken and His blood that was shed when He was crucified.  That is the provision God made for us to be freed from our slavery to sin and receive His salvation.  The “promised land” for believers is eternal life with Him.  He asks us to remember!

PERSONAL REFLECTION

I encourage you to spend some time with the Lord thinking about what your life would be like without Him.

Ask Him to give you a fresh awareness of the price He paid to save you, and a heart filled with gratitude.

If you haven’t yet received His offer of salvation from sin, you can pray and confess your sin and invite Him into your life as Lord and Savior.  Find a friend who knows the Lord who can help encourage you in your new relationship with the Lord.