Category: Encouragement

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.

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 9^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right or to the left.”

Isaiah 30:21

Priscilla Shirer has written a Bible study series called “Discerning the Voice of God.”  We just watched the first DVD session this week, and I love the illustration she gave from her own experience as a young gymnast.  She described her love for the balance beam, even though she claimed not to be very good at it.  But she talked about her coach, how he would stand behind her as she was on the balance beam.  His biggest concern was to make sure that her entire body was in alignment with the beam.  It wasn’t enough to just have her feet positioned one in front of the other.  Her hips, her shoulders, her head all had to be in alignment with her feet.  Otherwise, she would not be able to maintain the correct balance.  The coach wouldn’t give any further instruction for the more difficult moves until her body was correctly aligned.

As I listened to her description, my mind went immediately to Isaiah 30:21 Your ears will hear a word behind you, This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right or to the left. The Lord is our “coach” watching to see if we are living in alignment with His truth and His will for our life.  I’m reminded to be asking Him daily to show me any area that is out of alignment with His will and His purpose for my life.

The Lord is always with us.  And He loves us, He knows us, and He knows the plans He has for our lives.  Am I intentionally asking the Lord for His will for each day?  Am I spending time in His Word and asking Him to teach me what He wants me to hear?  Am I taking time to “Be still” in order to listen to what He has to say?  Am I willing to be obedient when I hear Him say, “This is the way, walk in it?”

If I’m not spending time with Him, it is so easy to get “out of alignment and off balance.”  I can become anxious about the assignments I have for the day.  I can become frustrated when things aren’t going as I had planned.  Even “little things” can be reasons for becoming upset and angry.

Priscilla’s illustration is such an encouragement to me to be aligned with God’s plan and to be asking Him to show me any areas where I am out of alignment and losing my balance.  I choose to trust my “Coach!”  I want to remember to pray each day, “Lord, please align my heart and mind and will with Your mind and heart and will. Keep my eyes focused on You.”

PERSONAL REFLECTION

What evidence in your life shows that you are listening to God’s voice?

What choices do you make to be sure you are in “alignment” with God’s will? 

Is there anything you need to change in your priorities to make sure you have the time to listen to His voice?

Sometimes we may need to begin with a prayer asking God for the desire to be obedient to His will instead of focusing on our own plans. 

I waited patiently for the Lord; and He reached down to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud; and He set my feet on a rock making my footsteps firm.

Psalm 40:1-2

An incident from childhood makes this verse especially meaningful to me and brings it to life.  As a young child, my family visited friends in a rural area on the outskirts of town. All the kids went out in the yard to play baseball.  One ball was hit hard enough to land in the muddy field next to the yard.  I ran out to retrieve the ball.  When I reached it, my feet began to sink deep into the mud until it was up over my shoes.  I tried to take a step but couldn’t move without losing my balance.  Somehow, I stepped out of my shoes, but that only made me sink into the mud with bare feet.  It was terrifying!  One of the other kids heroically came to rescue me, but she also became completely stuck.  I remember my dad coming out when he heard us screaming for help.  He wisely laid large wooden planks across the muddy area so he could walk out and pull us out of the mud.  How wonderful it was to feel something firm under my feet again!

            Sin is like that mud.  We just sink deeper and deeper.  We get stuck in it, and there seems to be no way out.  Have you experienced that?  When we are faced with a temptation, we may be aware that the particular attitude or action would not be pleasing to God.  But we can easily justify it — It’s what I really need.  And no one will be hurt by it.  I’ll only do it this one time.  No one is perfect anyway.  We don’t mind getting our feet just a little dirty.  But that one wrong choice can turn us in a direction leading away from God.  We get in deeper and deeper.  God never leaves us, but we can no longer experience closeness with Him while we are choosing to go our own way.  Life gets out of balance.  The joy and peace we had in walking with the Lord are gone.  Nothing is satisfying.

            But our Father is waiting for us to call for help.  No matter what you or I have done, no matter how deep we are stuck in the mire of sin, God is eagerly waiting to rescue us.  Psalm 18 describes what it is like to be trapped in sin and then the joy of being rescued.  I love verse 19: He rescued me because He delighted in me.  Notice that He delights in us while we still need rescuing!  He doesn’t wait until we have completely cleaned ourselves up to tell us that He delights in us.  The experience of God’s grace and mercy in rescuing me from the pit of destruction has changed my life.  He “set my feet on a rock,” and that rock is Jesus.  My heart is full of joy and thankfulness.  He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God … (Psalm 40:3).

PERSONAL REFLECTION

How have you experienced being stuck in the miry clay of sin?  How did it start? 

What steps did you take to become free?

Perhaps you are in a situation right now.  Are you holding onto something that God is asking you to let go of…a hurt from childhood?  Anger?  A relationship?  Bitterness?  Are you spending your time on something that is not God’s best for you?  He delights in you and promises to set you free if you come to Him in faith and obedience.  How will you respond?

Not my will, but yours be done

Luke 22:42

(I posted this message last year, but I think it’s worth repeating.)

After my morning quiet time alone with the Lord recently, I asked my husband what he had been doing in his office.  He said, “I’m updating my operating system.”  At that moment, I realized, “That’s what I’ve been doing too!” He was referring to his computer, but I was referring to God as my “heart system manager.” 

My time with God each morning is setting my focus on Him in worship, listening to Him through His Word and prayer, and committing to do what He has planned.  I ask Him to align my heart and mind with His.

 Believe me, it hasn’t always been this way!  For so much of my life, I was under the influence of legalistic teaching.  “Don’t go to movies, don’t go to dances, don’t wear skirts above the knees or wear two-piece bathing suits…”  It was all centered on outward behavior, following all the rules to please God.  I would have early morning “quiet times” (the earlier the better for “good Christians”). So often I would fall asleep during those times.  But at least I could check it off my list along with reading a chapter or two of the Bible!

Thankfully, God has shown me instead that He is my Shepherd who knows me by name, loves me, and has a plan for my life. He has invited me (and you!) into a loving relationship, not a legalistic list of duties to perform.  Jesus came so that we could know God, and was willing to give up His own life to pay the penalty for the sins of the world.  We can have the assurance of salvation and eternal life with Him.  We can have peace no matter what is going on in the world and in our personal life if we receive His offer of forgiveness and turn our lives over to Him as Lord and Savior.  We can trust Him to orchestrate our activities and choices throughout the day if we have surrendered our own will and plans to Him.

 Here is a poem I wrote many years ago.  It came to me after a time of struggling in my relationship with the Lord.  I pray it will encourage you.

Be Still

“Be still and know that I am God,” you say,

But how can I be still?

I have such as busy day;

Bible study, my job, a luncheon at one.

Maybe later, Lord.  Right now I must run.

Like Mary, you’d like me to sit at your feet,

Quietly listening to the words you will speak.

But, like Martha, there’s so much to be done.

Maybe later, Lord.  Right now I must run.

“Come and lie down in green pastures and rest.”

When my work is caught up, Lord,

I’ll do my best.

So many things need my attention.

Maybe later, Lord. Right now I must run.

Why am I so weary?

Where has the time gone?

Forgive me for running when you’ve asked me to come.

Often the “good things” are not your best.

You invite me to come to you, and I will find rest.

I’m willing to be quiet now;

Teach me your will.

Now, Lord, right now, I’m ready to be still.

Renewed by your Spirit

Like an eagle I’ll fly;

No longer running, but quiet inside.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

I encourage you to spend time with the Lord for an “update of your operating system.” What is He showing you that needs to change?  Maybe rearranging priorities? Maybe an attitude adjustment?  Trust that He is there to walk through it with you.

Consider writing a prayer of renewed commitment, not just for the New Year, but for your daily life.

…Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Looking only at Jesus…

Hebrews 12:1-2

When I read these verses, I think of the Olympics.  One of my favorite features in Olympics coverage is the “up close and personal” segments where we get to see into the personal lives of the competitors.  The level of commitment to their sport is something most of us have difficulty personally identifying with.  But we can learn valuable lessons as Christians by looking at the lives of competitive athletes.

            An athlete spends many hours a day preparing the body for the competition.  Strict discipline is required to train physically and mentally.  Hours are spent every day in the weight room building up the body and strengthening the muscles.  Countless hours must be spent perfecting techniques to ensure the quickest starts and the ability to pace oneself.  Rigorous compliance with just the right kind of diet is mandatory.  Competitive athletes must have a single-minded focus and give up many other things in order to achieve the goal. Years of preparation are required to be among the best.

            What is the race that the Lord calls His followers to run?  Colossians 1:10 describes it this way:   …Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

            He calls us to an intimate relationship with Himself — loving Him, walking with Him, listening, obeying His Word, acknowledging our complete dependence on Him for what He has planned for our life. The Bible is our instruction manual that teaches us how to live a life that is pleasing to Him – how we are to live in relationship to Him, to our family, spouse, children, employers or employees, to those who are suffering.  Only in a close relationship with the Lord and filled with His Spirit will we experience “bearing fruit in every good work.”  We need to actively seek to discover our spiritual gifts and to be using them to serve.

            Hebrews 12:1 tells us to rid ourselves of every obstacle and sin which so easily entangles us in order to run the race.  It isn’t just sin that weighs us down and causes us to stumble in our race.  There are other things, often even good things, that can distract us and take a great deal of our time, energy and focus away from God’s best for us.  We need to be sure we are doing what God wants with our life.  We need to be in the race He has called us to.

            Fixing our eyes on Jesus is the key.  “Fixing” is translated from a Greek word meaning “to look away from all else at.”  Have you ever noticed the eyes of athletes who are beginning a race?  They are not looking around at the spectators to see who is watching them.  They are not glancing at the other competitors.  Their eyes are fixed on the course directly in front of them, and their intense focus and concentration on the goal is evident.

            That is the example for us to follow.  We need to take very seriously the Lord’s call to run the race that He sets before us, constantly fighting against being so caught up in earthly things that we forget our goal.  We need to remind ourselves often that the ultimate goal is to stand before the Lord someday, perfect and complete, and hear him say, “Well done.”

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Read again Colossians 1:10 …that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

How do you prepare yourself to run with endurance the race that is set before you?

What “encumbrances” do you need to lay aside?

What is the sin that so easily entangles you?

Are your eyes fixed on Jesus?  Or is your focus of attention divided and scattered?  Where are your eyes fixed?

Are you running the race He has set before you?  Or has someone or something else designed your race?  How do you know?

Commit yourself to come before the Lord each day for training, instruction, wisdom and His power to run the race He has set before you.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the new Bible-reading method our pastor introduced us to.  I’m excited as I read through each chapter and look specifically for how God reveals Himself and how I can apply this truth to my own life and deepen my relationship with Him. I just completed the whole book of Genesis, and have a renewed appreciation for how God has recorded for us His intimate relationship and covenant promises made to His people, and how they are being fulfilled.

When I came to chapter 5, I read an entire list of names of all the generations from Adam to Noah. At first, I was thinking, “What does this long list of names and the number of years each one lived have to do with God’s revelation of Himself?”  But soon the answer came!  God knows every name and everything about every person!  And each person is important enough to be named and recorded. 

I love Psalm 139:16 which tells how intimately God knows each individual:

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.

Take some time to let this truth sink deeply into your mind and your heart: Can you grasp the fact that even before you were born God knew every day of your life?

Other scriptures tell us of God’s record of names.  Luke 10:20b Jesus tells His disciples that “your names are recorded in heaven.” 

And one more account of names being recorded is found in Revelation 21:27.   We read about the new heaven and the new earth and the names that are written in the Lamb’s book of life – the record of all who belong to the Lord by faith in Him.

            Reading the Bible with these specific questions in mind has made God’s Word come alive in a deeper way for me.  As I mentioned before, just reading through several chapters a day in order to complete the whole Bible in one year just wasn’t satisfying to me.  I’m gaining a stronger relationship with the Lord as I take time to consider how each chapter can be applied to my own life.  I encourage you to consider trying this method!  Once again, if you’re interested in learning more about this method, I can email you the complete document with more detailed guidelines.  My email address is sjspokane000@gmail.com.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Read again the Scripture above from Psalm 139:16. Ask God to speak to your heart.  Consider writing your thoughts as you pray and meditate on the truth of God’s knowledge of you.

James 1:21

Many of my friends love to be outdoors preparing the soil in their garden for the seeds they will plant in the spring as soon as the temperature is just right.  As summer comes, they begin to see the plants producing the fresh fruits and vegetables they will enjoy and share with others.

I’m thinking now of this Scripture in James 1:21 which tells us to “receive the Word implanted.”  God has given us His Word, the Bible, so that we can get to know Him personally and have our lives changed to reflect what He has planted in us.  We will grow to be more like Jesus as we listen to Him and obey what He says.

From personal experience growing up in church, I recognize that it is possible to know a lot about God without really knowing Him and living in a personal relationship with Him.  I grew up in a family that never missed a week of church attendance.  Even when we were at the lake on vacation we had to drive into town and go to church on Sunday.  What a waste, I thought! I also attended youth group and even Wednesday night prayer meetings because that was expected.  I enjoyed being with my friends, but I don’t remember any emphasis on a personal relationship with God and loving Him with all my heart which is what He wants for us.

There were lots of rules:  Don’t go to movies or dances, don’t wear skirts above the knees, don’t color our hair, don’t wear two-piece bathing suits…  One good thing we were encouraged to do was memorize lots of Scripture – but it was a game to me.  I was really good at the Bible quiz contests.  It didn’t truly penetrate my heart.

The condition of my heart was clearly revealed when I spent a summer away from home living with another family.  Within a week I had colored my hair (the same color as my natural color, so no one else even knew what I had done).  I also purchased a two-piece bathing suit.  (It covered as much of my body as a one-piece, but I knew it was two pieces and I found rebellious delight in that!). If there had been an opportunity to go to dances and movies, I’m sure I would have done that too! I definitely was rebelling from all the church rules!

A speaker came to a Youth for Christ meeting to share his experience of how God changed his life after being in jail for some time.  I remember wishing that I had done something really bad like that so I could tell people how God had changed me.  I always thought of myself as a “good Christian girl” who would never do anything like that!  I didn’t understand that I was as much of a sinner in need of a Savior as that man who had been in jail. 

I’m so thankful for God’s patience with me as He began transforming my heart as an adult.  My husband and I had moved to a different state, and after several years of not attending church, I started going with a friend who had moved in next door.  God used that pastor who taught me how to study the Bible, to understand that God wants a personal relationship with me, not just “following all the man-made church rules.”  It was at that time that I invited Jesus to be my Lord and Savior and committed to follow Him. That began a process of getting to know the God of the Bible that will continue as long as I live here on earth.  The more I get to know Him through His Word, the more I love Him.  There have been times of turning away from God’s ways and choosing my own, but He has graciously forgiven me and drawn me back. 

God has given every believer the gift of the Holy Spirit to live in us and to do that transforming work in our lives. Fortunately, all the Scripture memorization of my youth was not wasted.  The Holy Spirit now brings those words of Scripture back to my mind and brings life and understanding, and the desire to listen and obey God’s Word through a love relationship with Him.  He gives me opportunities to share His Word with others.  I’m profoundly grateful for His love, patience, faithfulness, mercy, and grace.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

What is the condition of your heart?  Have you made that personal commitment to receive Him as your Lord and Savior? Do you have a personal relationship with Him through faith in Jesus?

As you read God’s Word, ask Him to plant it into your heart by the Spirit.  The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Do you see the evidence of that fruit in your life?

It is possible to be doing the right things for the wrong reasons.  Even church attendance and daily Bible reading can become something that must be “checked off the list of things to do” for the day. You can ask God to penetrate your heart with His Word and His Spirit to transform your life.

Maybe you don’t even have the desire to know God.  You can ask Him to give you that desire and to lead you into a relationship with Him.

…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus,  the author and perfecter of faith…

Hebrews 12:1-2

Many years have passed since I learned this lesson personally, but I’ll never forget it!  My husband had been diagnosed with a blood disorder and had been hospitalized for a total of six weeks for surgery and other treatment.  Our two children were young at the time, and there was no assurance of a favorable outcome from the medical staff. 

I was attending a weekly Bible study at the time.  In the midst of all the concern about my husband’s health, our car broke down three times while he was in the hospital.  Each time, God provided someone to fix what was wrong.  The third time it broke down, I was on my way to Bible study.  I contacted the leader to let her know I wouldn’t be there.  Instead, she sent someone to come and pick me up.  My plan was to leave the car on the side of the road indefinitely.  I’d had enough!!  The Bible study leader told me that God was stretching my faith.  I told her that if I showed up the following week in two pieces, she would realize I had been stretched too far!  She assured me that God wouldn’t let that happen. 

I identified with Peter at that time.  As long as I was keeping my eyes on Jesus and the promises of His faithfulness, His provision, and His constant presence, I could “walk on water” above the circumstances.  But as soon as my focus shifted to all the uncertainties and difficulties, I “started to sink.”

I love reading the story of Peter in Matthew 14:22-33.  It was Jesus who told the disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side of the lake.  This happened right after His miracle of feeding the 5,000.  Jesus had sent the crowds away and had gone up to the mountain by Himself to pray.  In the fourth watch of the night (3:00-6:00 a.m.) Jesus came walking on the water toward the boat. The disciples were terrified and cried out in fear, thinking they were seeing a ghost!  Jesus said, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 

Peter said, “Lord, 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.  But seeing the wind and the waves, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him.  And when they were in the boat, the wind stopped.  All those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly “God’s Son!”

Don’t you admire Peter’s faith which was strong enough to step out of the boat onto the waves?  As long as His eyes were on Jesus, he was walking on water!  Hebrews 12:1-2 says the Lord is the author and perfecter of our faith.  He does allow difficult circumstances in our lives, but He will use them to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Himself.

What an encouragement to be assured that Jesus knows exactly where we are and what we are going through.  At all times! And no matter what the circumstances. He is there with us.  Nothing is impossible with Him.

 We have an enemy, Satan, who wants us to focus on the difficult circumstances around us and just give in to fear and despair.  It’s important to remember that we have a choice.  We can remain terrified and in despair, or we can listen to the voice of the One who calls us to keep our eyes on Him and trust His deliverance.

I encourage you to find the lyrics to the song online by Casting Crowns called The Voice of Truth.  It speaks of the desire for the kind of courage it takes to step out of our comfort zone into the crashing waves where Jesus is.  The last line of the song says “I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.”

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Are you in a storm of crashing waves in your life right now?  Can you hear Jesus calling out to you to come to Him in trust that He can calm that storm?

Or maybe you know someone who is experiencing extreme difficulties.  Please pray for them and encourage them to hear Jesus’ voice of truth, that He is with them and will faithfully provide what they need.

What are some of the ways you can choose to keep your eyes on Jesus?