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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?

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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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. 

I’m excited to share with you that my new book was just published last week! It is available on Amazon.com. If you’re interested in purchasing a copy, you can search for this complete title on Amazon.com. If you click on the image of the book you can “look inside” and see the first 28 pages, including the introduction and table of contents.

Please contact me if you have any questions: sjspokane000@gmail.com

Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you brought harm to this people?  Why did you ever send me?  Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done harm to this people, and You have not delivered Your people at all.”

Exodus 5:22-23

Have you ever cried out to God asking, “Why?”  “Why are you allowing this?”  “Why has this person suffered for so long?”  “Why aren’t You answering my prayers?” Reading this week in Exodus about Moses and the people of Israel has been a good reminder to me of the truth about God.  We can’t often see His purpose for what is happening in our lives, or in the world. But He is working out His sovereign plan, and I want to fully trust Him.

I’m captivated by the display of the Lord’s sovereign plan for Moses’ life and the lives of His people who have been suffering cruel treatment as slaves in Egypt.  The Pharaoh saw that the Hebrews had grown in numbers and feared that in a time of war, they would join the enemies and fight against Egypt. To prevent that, he demanded that all Hebrew male infants be killed at birth. 

When Moses was born to Hebrew parents, his mother placed him in a basket and hid him in the reeds of the Nile River. In God’s sovereign plan, Pharaoh’s daughter discovered him and eventually raised him in the palace as her own son.  God’s plan could not be thwarted by the edict of the cruel Pharaoh.

Fast-forward many years, and we learn that Moses had to flee Egypt because he had killed an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew slave.  We pick up the story where God calls Moses from a burning bush in the wilderness.  God tells Moses that He has a plan for him to lead the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt to the land of Canaan which God had promised hundreds of years earlier to his ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Moses argues with God, explaining his own inability to lead the people. “I have never been eloquent…I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”  The Lord answered, “Who has made man’s mouth…Is it not I, the Lord? Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.”  But Moses responded, “Please, Lord, now send someone else.”  God’s patience was put to the test with Moses, but He chose his brother Aaron to be the spokesman for Moses.

In chapter 5, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh (as God had instructed them to do!) and requested that Pharaoh let the people of Israel go to the wilderness to celebrate a feast to the Lord.  Pharaoh refused, and instead harshly demanded an increased workload.  They were given the impossible task of gathering their own straw to make bricks without decreasing their required quota for each day.  They were beaten when they couldn’t meet Pharaoh’s demands.  Eventually, the people of Israel turned against Moses and Aaron and blamed them for their miserable situation which was now much worse.

 Notice Moses’ reaction in Exodus 5:22-23. He returned to the Lord with the impossible situation.  “O Lord, why have You brought harm to this people?  Why did You ever send me?  Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done harm to this people, and You have not delivered Your people at all.”

The Lord doesn’t make any excuses.  He simply responds to Moses and reveals His plan to release the people of Israel from captivity in Egypt and to keep His covenant to bring them to the land which He had promised.  Moses goes back to the people with God’s promise, but because of their cruel bondage, they wouldn’t listen to him.  Moses tells the Lord, “If Your own people won’t listen to me, how will Pharaoh listen to me, for I am unskilled in speech?”  As we continue reading Exodus, we see God’s miraculous provision to release His people from captivity as He had promised. 

What lessons can we learn for our own lives from God’s plan for Moses?  The most important lesson for me is God’s sovereignty over EVERYTHING.  Our own weakness does not derail His ultimate purpose for our life. He promises to provide everything we need to accomplish the tasks He calls us to do. He promises to “complete the good work He has begun in our lives” (Philippians 1:6).  I want to remember to stop focusing on my own weakness, and the circumstances which seem impossible to me. Instead of asking “Why, Lord,” I want to simply trust His plan for my life.  I want to remember that God has a purpose for whatever He allows His people to go through.  He hasn’t forgotten us!

PERSONAL REFLECTION

What excuses have you made for not being the person for the job He has called you to do?

Have you ever blamed God as Moses did for not doing something you thought He had promised?

How has God spoken to your heart in this message from Moses’ life?

I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you made a vow to Me…”

Genesis 31:13

In my post on August 1^st, I wrote about the Bible Read-Thru program.  The purpose is to “meet with God and hear from Him in His Word.”  Whatever portion of Scripture we are reading, we are encouraged to ask these questions: “What does God reveal about Himself?” and “How can I deepen my relationship with Him?”

 I’m really excited about what God reveals in His Word when I am specifically reading with those questions in mind.  I started reading in Genesis this month, and even though most of the stories are familiar to me, God reveals something that speaks to my heart in each chapter. (If you would like me to email you a copy of the Bible Read-Thru program, you can email me at sjspokane000@gmail.com.)

            I want to share with you an example from chapter 31.  What stood out to me, and what I have been thinking about for several days, is the phrase in verse 13 in which God is speaking to Jacob: “I am the God of Bethel.” Why would that verse stand out?  Good question!  You may know the story of Jacob, the son of Isaac.  In previous chapters, we read that Jacob deceived his blind father by pretending to be his older brother Esau.  Jacob received his father’s blessing and stole Esau’s birthright.  Esau is furious and wants to kill Jacob.  Jacob flees from his home and goes to live with his uncle Laban.  On the way, God spoke to Jacob in a dream and promised to give the land in which he was sleeping to him and his descendants. God also promised not to leave him until He had done what He promised.  Jacob awoke the next morning and set up a stone as a pillar and made a vow that the Lord would be his God.  Jacob called that place Bethel.

            Since that phrase stood out to me, I’ve been asking the question, “Lord, what do you want to say to me about yourself today?  I am the God of ____________.”  The answer that He spoke to my heart was clear: “I am the God of Cathedral Oaks Christian Church in Santa Barbara, California.”  That is where I met God and was introduced to the truth that He wants to have a personal relationship with me.  Even though I had attended church most of my life, I had never heard that.  I grew up with a lot of rules to follow and activities to avoid.  I thought I was pretty good at following those rules, but after receiving Jesus as my Savior, it was clear that outward obedience is not what God wants.  He sees my heart, and my heart was not pleasing to Him.  Rule-following caused me to be judgmental toward the people who don’t follow the rules! 

            I am assured of God’s promises throughout His Word.  Just as God promised to be with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, He is with me.  And all who belong to Him have that same promise, that He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  I love His promise in Philippians 1:6 NLT:  “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.”

PERSONAL REFLECTION

If you belong to God, take some moments to remember where you first met Him and received Him as your Lord and Savior. Ask Him to speak to your heart, “I am the God of ____________.”

Thank Him for the work He has begun in you that He promises to complete. Thank Him for His promise to be with you, and never leave you!

If you have not received Him as Your Lord and Savior, you can make that decision.  He loves you and He gave His life to have a forever relationship with you.  Ask Him to forgive your sins of following your own way instead of following Him.  Surrender your life to Him and begin the personal relationship that He desires to share with you.

My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation (Psalm 62:1).

My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him (Psalm 62:5).

As I read Psalm 62 recently, I was encouraged and challenged by the clear picture described by these words: wait; silence; salvation; hope.  These are the words I need to remember when I begin to feel anxious about circumstances I’m confronted with that seem too difficult and out of control.  The truth is, there are many situations that come up that are too difficult for me, and they are out of my ability to control!  But with God, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).

I looked up the original Hebrew words, and here is the picture of a soul that is waiting for the Lord:

A quiet wait…rest…reverential silence…patience

The absence of emotional distress and churning… the ability to be quiet and relax

Patient trust

Anticipation with the expectation that something will happen.  Our hope is ultimately and completely in God for deliverance, help, victory, rescue from distress or danger

Another Scripture I want to remember is Philippians 4:6: 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.

I love this song reminds us of our God and His strength in our weakness. You can listen to it on YouTube.

His Strength is Perfect

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
But sometimes I wonder what He can do for me
No great success to show, no glory of my own
Yet in my weakness He is there to let me know

His strength is perfect when our strength is gone
He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on
Raised in His power, the weak becomes strong
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect

We can only know the power that He holds
When we truly see how deep our weakness goes
His strength in us begins when ours comes to an end
He hears our humble cry and proves again

His strength is perfect when our strength is gone
He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on
Raised in His power, the weak become strong
His strength is perfect

His strength is perfect when our strength is gone
He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on
Raised in His power, the weak become strong
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect
Raised in His power, the weak become strong
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Are struggling with a situation that is causing stress or anxiety? 

What personal encouragement do you find from these Scriptures and the song? 

Thank God for the promise of His strength in your weakness.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

This is a devotional I posted nearly a year ago, but I want to share it again today. I just celebrated another birthday, and I feel so abundantly blessed and loved by my family with the very thoughtful gifts and the joy of the time we spent together. And I’m reminded again of God’s gift of life, His love that never changes, His constant presence, and His promise of eternal life with Him. So, here is the message from last year:

The first thought that came to mind as I awakened this morning was about the abundant blessings God has given me.  I thank Him above all else for His love and for the incomparable gift of salvation!  The words “abundant” and “lavish” came to mind and I began thinking about the Scriptures that use those words to describe God’s love and His actions toward those who belong to Him.

Eph. 1:7-8 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. (Notice especially the word “lavished.”  The dictionary defines lavish: “bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities on”). In order to forgive and redeem us, it cost God the death of His Son on the cross! (John 3:16) Nothing could show us greater love than that!

John 10:10 I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Matthew 14:13-21 Jesus asked the disciples to provide food for the multitudes that had followed them.  An impossible task!  But with the five loaves of bread and two fish that were available, Jesus miraculously provided food for thousands of people with food left over!  He is able to take what little we have to offer Him and turn it into more than enough for the task He has called us to do. 

Psalm 86:5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.

Psalm 86:15 But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.

I am reminded again today to be grateful for all God has done for me, and to give Him the praise!

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Whatever is going on in your life right now, even if the situation seems impossible, I pray that you will be encouraged as you are reminded of God’s Word and His never-ending love for you.

Maybe you are in a season in which you are experiencing God’s lavish blessing.  Thank Him for that!

Remember that He is able to do “far more abundantly beyond what we ask or think!” 

Lord, we give you all the glory!

Isaiah 6:8

As I started reading the book of Isaiah recently, those are the words that keep coming to my mind.  Isaiah was a prophet of God, and he had a vision of God seated on the throne in His temple.  As Isaiah was in the presence of the holiness of God, he was devastated by the awareness of his own unholiness.  God mercifully provided forgiveness for Isaiah, and then asked the question, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?”  And Isaiah’s response was “Here I am. Send me!!”  Isaiah’s heart was changed as he realized God’s love and forgiveness.

I’ve been thinking about Isaiah’s heart and what made him willing to say those words of commitment in response to God.  He obviously was in God’s presence, and he knew God’s voice. Isaiah trusted Him so much that he was willing to go wherever God was calling him to go.  Isaiah expressed the same desire that Jesus claimed in John 5:30: “I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” 

So that makes me think about my own heart.  Do I want to know God’s plans for me? Am I willing to do whatever He asks me to do for Him?  For so many years, I was “going through the motions of being a Christian” but did not have a personal relationship with Him.  I’m so thankful that God has changed my heart.  I’ve learned to spend time with Him daily, and I ask Him to show me His plan for each day. I do love Him, and I do want to live in the center of His will. I remember that He is my Shepherd, He knows me by name and calls me to follow Him. He loves me and desires that relationship with Him.

How do I know what God’s plans are for me?  Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know the plans I have for you.” So, I just need to be asking and willing to follow Him wherever He leads.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds me that “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  I love that verse!  God created us to do specific things that He has gifted us to do for His purpose and His glory. I experience true joy and peace when I choose to live in His plan!

Am I willing to respond to God as Isaiah did? Yes!  I’m learning to spend the first moments of the day with God, not just praying and reading His Word, but taking time to listen. I ask for His will and trust His Spirit working through me to accomplish it.

Here are the words of a prayer I copied a long time ago.  I don’t remember where I found it, but it expresses a heart that is fully committed to the Lord and His will. I want this to be the prayer of my heart.  I’ll share a few lines of it here:

Lord, I’m Yours… and whatever the cost may be, may Your will be done in my life.  I’m not here on earth to do my own thing, or to seek my own fulfillment or my own glory.  I’m not here to indulge my desires…I’m here to please You… You alone are worthy to be my Lord and Master… I’m here to love You, to obey You, to glorify You.  O my Beloved, may I be a joy to You!

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Can you identify with Isaiah’s response to God?  What is the evidence in your life?

If not, what would keep you from responding that way? 

God hears and answers prayers for a changed heart and can give us the desire to be fully committed to Him if we ask in faith.

If our plans had worked out, we would be on the Oregon Coast this week.  We had planned to leave on Sunday, but we kept watching the weather forecast for the area where we had reservations.  Friday was the last day we could cancel without losing our money on the reservation.  On Friday, the weather forecast for that area was rain for several days and a high of 53 degrees.  Not the best for walking on the beach and enjoying short hikes!  So, we canceled and will try again in September.

To ease the disappointment, we decided to stay home and just plan day trips in our local area.  Yesterday was our first outing — Cannon Hill Park on the South Hill of Spokane.  One of my favorite parks with a pond and a variety of ducks.  I was thrilled to see a heron this time!  We were able to get really close and take pictures.  Eventually, it flew to the other side of the pond, and we walked around to be close again.  We watched a show we’d never seen before!  The heron had a fish in its beak and kept dipping it into the pond, dropping it onto the edge of the dirt, picking it up and shaking it, over and over.  Finally, it swallowed the fish.

And now, what started out as possible cold symptoms has turned into a real cold.  So, I’m thankful to be at home instead of on the Oregon Coast this week.  But I think I can manage more short day trips! I’ll keep my eyes open for more surprises!

I should have included this link with the post on my website this morning.