On Guard

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23 NLT

I caught a YouTube video of old and very familiar commercial jingles the other day when I was out there looking for a specific old hymn. Later in the day, I found myself singing the jingles in my head. I was reminded of how easy it is to get distracted. Was I sinning? No. However, I think it was great that God reminded me of just how easy it is to allow things into our spirit without any effort at all, and how much more effort it takes to get rid of them. 

We're bombarded from all sides all day long. How much defense do we have on hand? Are we prepared? Are we guarding our hearts against the everyday drivel, angst, and frustration?

Verses 24-27 conclude the chapter of our text today - with these instructions:

Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. 

It's easy... way too easy to get sidetracked. If we're going to expend energy, let's make it worth our while. Let's make the effort to put in the good stuff - God's Word, His praise. Sound teaching. Make the effort to guard your heart. It's much easier than having to do a transplant...

Prayer:

Father,
            Make us ever mindful of You and Your ways and Your will for us. Keep us focused so that we stay on the safe path - the one You have walked before us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Purpose

The fact is that what we are we owe to the hand of God upon us. We are born afresh in Christ, and born to do those good deeds which God planned for us to do.
Ephesians 2:19 J.B. Phillips New Testament

We were intentionally created by God. Created with purpose as part of His plan that includes people we are to meet. People we are to help. People we are to love. People we are to point back to God. 

I don't care how old you are or how young you are - if you're still breathing, you still have a purpose for living - God's purpose. It does not matter what circumstances brought you to where you are today. Remember, God works ALL things for our good. So, look around. Who are you supposed to meet, to help, to love? Who needs to be pointed back to God?

You're alive for a reason. Live on purpose.

Prayer:

Father,

          Open our hearts to know You. Open our eyes of understanding to see Your purpose and those You've intentionally put in our pathway. Give us Your strength and wisdom to do those good deeds which You already planned for us to do. We want to live on purpose. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Stop, Look and Listen

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Psalm 23:6 NKJV

We don't always see goodness and mercy on the path we're on. At least, not immediately... However, have you taken the time to look back after you've gotten through a particularly tough time? As is often the case, if we will take the time to specifically look for the evidence of God's fingerprints on our lives, we will see them all over everything that concerns us. 

As we go about doing our Father's business, He is working ALL things for our good. Even if the path you're on right now is dark and dreary - stop, look and listen for His goodness and mercy. They are following you, pursuing you, and they will find you. Be intentional about putting Him first and staying in His presence. 

Prayer:

Father,
             We pray as Saint Benedict prayed, "O gracious and holy Father, Give us wisdom to perceive You, intelligence to understand You, diligence to seek You, patience to wait for You, eyes to see You, a heart to meditate on You, and a life to proclaim You, through the power of the spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

A Few Questions...

Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice? Does he need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice?
Isaiah 40:13-14 NLT

We can't believe someone would think they were smarter than God. As followers of Christ, we cannot conceive of trying to school God on anything... can we?

How about those times when we know it is the Holy Spirit nudging us to speak to that person... and we don't? Or the times we know in our knowing that it is God telling us to give sacrificially... and we don't? To pray for this one, to encourage that one, to offer the ABCs of salvation... and we don't? 

Verse 25 asks the question, “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Verse 28a-b reads, Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth.  And we are not.

Prayer:

Father,

           We humble ourselves before Your greatness and sovereignty. Please forgive us for our foolish and selfish ways when we oppose Your will in our lives. Help us to see more clearly, to hear succinctly, and to obey immediately. Help us to not question Your will but to trust You always. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

A Favorite - I needed the reminder...

 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Acts 1:8 NLT

The last recorded words of Jesus while on this Earth - and you will be My witnesses... And they did exactly that - in the order He declared. They started their witness in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Pretty amazing when you think about it and all the limits to their methods of communication and modes of travel. And much of their travel was unplanned. It was because of the persecution of the early church that they traveled to other areas and to the ends of the earth. I'm not sure we can even wrap our minds around the many trials they faced in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

However, do you realize that we know about Jesus because the Holy Spirit empowered them to be witnesses? They were hiding in a room until the Holy Spirit lit on them like tongues of fire. 

Where do we hide? Are we quiet out of fear of what someone might think? Do we run from persecution? satan will always try to stop our witness. How did we get where we are today? I believe with all my heart that God has used the circumstances in our lives to bring us to the place we are today to be a witness for Him. 

We might not stand in a public square like Peter and witness to thousands of people who become believers in one day... but we might. It could happen. Do you know that according to Scripture the combined missionary trips of Paul by land and sea equal more than 13,000 air miles - before there was any such thing as air miles? We might not ever travel more than a few hundred miles in our lifetime, but we might witness to someone who will be a world traveler.

In today's world, I can sit here in my home, share my thoughts and what I've learned of Christ according to His written Word in my life, and with the click of a button I can publish it. Then by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, people a half a world away will find it and read it. People I will never meet until Jesus calls us Home. How'd we get here? ...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Prayer:

Father,

           Give us Your wisdom, O God. We need Your precious Holy Spirit so that we can accomplish the work You have for us to do. Pour out Your power to give us the courage and the ability to walk out Your purpose in our lives. Open our eyes, Father, to see You. Open our hearts to love as You love. Open our mouths to witness to others. Let Your light so shine through us that others will see our good works and glorify You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Perfect Plan Execution

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
1 Peter 5:8-11 The Message

We tend to buy the lie that life should be easier if we follow Christ. He never promised easier. He promised His peace in the midst of it all.

I've said this before but I just want to take a moment to remind you again that there is no victory without a fight. There is no being an overcomer without having something to overcome.

I don't know how hard it's been for you the last two years or the last two days. I don't know what battle you are facing. All I know is that God has the plan for each and every one of our lives and He is executing His plan. Perfectly. Gloriously!

My pastor said something on Easter Sunday that was beyond brilliant in its simplistic form to help us see that ALL of it is part of God's plan for us. Good times and bad. "Remember that the Cross was as much God's will as His miracles."

Perfect Plan executed perfectly. Nails and all.

Prayer:

Father,
            Forgive us for thinking that Your plan should fit around our own choices of lifestyle. We want to follow You in Spirit and in Truth, fully surrendered, wholly committed to Your plan for our lives. Help us to see and embrace what You have planned. Nails and all. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

By Request - With Grace

[Jesus speaking] I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 NLT

Sometimes life is hard. It's that plain and simple. But God...

"He never promised that the Cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb. He never offered our victories without fighting but He said help would always come in time..." (from Through the Fire - see links below).

So tonight, I adhere to Colossians 3:15-17 NLT, And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 

Songs that have helped me...

Through the Fire

Hold On

It Won't Rain Always

All of Me

Except for Grace

Press On

You Are My Hiding Place

Wonderful, Merciful Savior

You Raise Me Up

It is Well with My Soul

How Great Thou Art

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for the gift of music for it is timeless. Thank You for all the words You've given us in Your Holy Word and also for those in our hearts in songs. Awaken our hearts and minds to Your Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

It's In the Details

 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again - my Savior and my God!

Psalm 43:5 NLT

Scripture tells us it's the little foxes that spoil the vine. The little things that get us down. We have to stop that. There's no time for it. 

Paul tells us in 2nd Corinthians 6 (The Message), Please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us, I heard your call in the nick of time; The day you needed me, I was there to help.

Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don't put it off; don't frustrate God's work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we're doing. Our work as God's servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.

Don't become partners with those who reject God. 

Jesus tells us that offenses will surely come, but our hope is not in those who bring them. That's all just stuff. Our hope should only be in the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Let's keep our focus on that which is worthy of our attention.

Prayer:

Father,

          Our hope and our faith are in You, the Author and Finisher of our lives. It does not yet appear what we shall be, but we shall be like Your Precious Son by Your grace and mercy. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Hope Anew

I will teach you hidden lessons from our past - stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us.

Psalm 78:2b-3 NLT

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them - even the children not yet born - and they in turn will teach their own children.

So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors - stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.
Psalm 78:4-8 NLT

Prayer:

Father,
            Let us never tire of telling our children and grandchildren about Your Truths and glorious works! Let their hope be set on You alone, obeying all Your commands and living by Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen!

Getting It Done

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...
Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don't feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?

My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline,
but don't be crushed by it either.
It's the child he loves that he disciplines;
the child he embraces, he also corrects.

God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? ... But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.

So don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it! Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.

So don't turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn't get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time—he's told us this quite plainly—he'll also rock the heavens: "One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern." The phrase "one last shaking" means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered. Do you see what we've got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He's actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won't quit until it's all cleansed.

Hebrews 12:1-8, 10-17, 25-29 The Message

Prayer:

Father,
            You are a consuming fire. Help us to walk in grace, by which we may serve You acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Turn our hearts toward You, Lord, and away from our own desires unless they are born of You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

A Psalm 39 Kind of Day

I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.”

Psalm 39:1 NLT

Sometimes, at the end of the day, I haven't enough focus power left to string three thoughts together, let alone a devotion. For today - this Psalm says it best...

2 But as I stood there in silence—
not even speaking of good things—
the turmoil within me grew worse.
3 The more I thought about it,
the hotter I got,
igniting a fire of words:
4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude

6 We are merely moving shadows,
and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it.
7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you.
8 Rescue me from my rebellion.
Do not let fools mock me.
9 I am silent before you; I won’t say a word,
for my punishment is from you.
10 But please stop striking me!
I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.
11 When you discipline us for our sins,
you consume like a moth what is precious to us.
Each of us is but a breath. Interlude

12 Hear my prayer, O Lord!
Listen to my cries for help!
Don’t ignore my tears.
For I am your guest—
a traveler passing through,
as my ancestors were before me.
13 Leave me alone so I can smile again
before I am gone and exist no more.

Prayer:

Father,
          Our only hope is in You. Rescue us from sin as well as from ourselves. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

I Remember...

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.
1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 NLT

For the last few weeks, I have been remembering moments in time of my mother and my two brothers, of babies who have gone to Heaven without ever having drawn one breath here on Earth, of beloved friends who died from diseases that ravaged their bodies but could not destroy their souls. I remember marvelous moments of joy and laughter, as well as those of heartbreak and grief. And I remember God's comfort through it all.

I remember as children, my siblings and I cleared the table, washed and dried dishes, and swept the kitchen floor, as our mother played hymns on the piano, encouraging us to sing rather than squabble over who was doing what task. I remember that some nights, we touched Heaven with the harmony of those old songs. It was palpable. At that time, I didn't know it was the presence of God inhabiting the praises of His children, but I knew I could feel something deep inside my soul. 

As a young teen, I ran from God and it wasn't until my mid-twenties - desperate for my broken heart to be healed and longing for the peace that they wrote about in the Bible - that I returned to the God who promised that and so much more. And I returned to the music that soothed my soul.

I remember sitting by our mother's bed, singing to her, and years later, by my oldest brother's bedside, holding his hand and singing softly to him in the middle of the night, as his spirit hovered between life and death, and I witnessed the peace of God's presence soothe as only He can. I remember...

And on those days that seem darker because the light that was their lives is no longer around me, I remember these words from 1st Thessalonians. And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 

So encourage each other with these words.

Prayer:

Father, 

           Thank You for remembering us and our frailty as humans. Thank You for providing everything we need to thrive in this life You have given us. Thank You that we have hope and our hope is in You. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You do not change. You are straight and true. Your Word does not fail. Strengthen us, Father, so that we may help others and encourage each other with Your Words. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Easter Sunrise

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV

People around the world attended Easter Sunrise services today in honor of Jesus' resurrection. Were you one of them? 

When I was younger and not serving God, I watched many a sunrise while sitting on a beach. Even then, I knew the beauty and splendor had to be from God and not the result of a big bang.

I can't help but think about how many sunrises I have ignored or taken for granted while getting ready for work or wanting to sleep through on the weekend. 

And then I wonder, how many times have I ignored God in the display of His craftsmanship? Or worse, taken for granted the miracle of love that God's mercies ARE new every morning and great IS His faithfulness. 

How many times have I not come to a COMPLETE halt to give God glory and honor and praise and thanksgiving for ALL that is available to us on a daily basis?

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for giving us eyes to see and the ability to enjoy what You have created. Thank You for all that You have done, do, and continue to do for us every moment that we breathe. Thank You for multiple mercies that are new every morning and for Your great faithfulness. Teach us to be faithful, too. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Sabbath

And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Romans 8:10-11 NLT

The following was written by my daughter-in-love, Donna. It is so good I wanted to share it with you.

Saturday was a day of Sabbath. Followers of Christ had watched the ruin of what they believed in. Their hopes and plans for freedom were dead. Now believers were resting, mourning any hope they had held.

The Pharisees still feared Him. They went to Pilate and asked for His tomb to be sealed. Another nail to keep hope dead. That’s what so many face each day - another nail to steal, kill, and destroy the hope we have been given.

But today is the Sabbath, the day of rest. The day when all the earth was silent. The day when everything and everyone waited. So wait well.

Wait - knowing that our Hope is not dead, His joy comes in the morning.

Wait - knowing that, no matter what yesterday looked like or today looks like or what we think the next day will look like, He beat death, hell, and the grave.

Sunday is coming… Our victorious King is coming!

Prayer:

Father,
            Thank You that Your Word assures us in Romans 8:11, The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in us. And just as You raised Christ Jesus from the dead, You will give life to our mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within us. Your Spirit living in us. Help us to come to the knowing that we will rise again, that we will be victorious in and through You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Consuming Fire

O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.”

Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, “The Lord—he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!”

1st Kings 18:37-39 NLT

Nothing like a flash fire straight from Heaven to make a believer out of someone! This story about Elijah is one of my favorites. I love his boldness, his courage, and his faith in God to be able to face off against all of Israel. I love more that God showed up and burned everything - water and DUST included - to prove that He is the one true God.

Prior to this victorious event on Mt. Carmel, Elijah faced very difficult situations where his life was in danger, he was in extreme isolation for three-and-a-half years, and getting his food from ravens! Tough times, for sure. We call it going through the fire...

We've all been through some kind of trial by fire. Some more than others. Some worse than others, but as believers, we have come through. God has been true to His Word. He didn't say we would never go through hard times - quite the opposite, actually. Isaiah 43:2 NKJV assures us, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Whatever it is - we are going THROUGH.

Some fires are good. Some... not so much. The great news is that God is always in your business, whether it's a Mt. Carmel experience where God consumes everything with His fire or the burning bush where nothing is scorched. Or if it's a manmade fire like that of the Hebrew children, it matters not. If we trust God, if we stay in His presence, His fire will bring us through as pure gold. 1st Peter 1:6-7 NLT reads, In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ...

Prayer:

Father,

           Help us to see the fire as working all things for our good. Help us to recognize You in the fire. We trust You. We long for Your consuming fire to burn away the chaff of life. Bring us through as purified gold. Let our souls be on fire for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7lv9oMjv_0

Better

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ.
2nd Corinthians 5:17-18a NLT

I've walked down Memory Lane a few times in the last week or so. I have no problem remembering what I was and where I was when God finally got my attention. I remember thinking back then that I deserved everything that happened in my life because of the choices I'd made along the way. I distinctly remember thinking that it would never get better because I didn't deserve better... and truly, I didn't...

But thank God, it wasn't about me and what I did. It was - and is - all about Christ and what He did to pay for my life - and yours - on the Cross at Calvary. And that has removed the pain from those memories and left only the glow of God's goodness, His love, His mercy, and redemption to cover the multitude of my sins. And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to Himself through Christ. Praise God, by His grace, I am able to look down that road through the filter of His forgiveness and love and know that the old life is gone; a new life has begun! 

Prayer:

Father,
            I pray the words of Leeland's song - It feels like there's not enough praise inside of me. With all these words, all my heart can sing is 'Holy! You are holy!' I want to walk worthy of the life You have given me. I want to reflect You, Father, and only You, because it doesn't get any better than that. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

Easter Week Favorite - The Cost

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.”

Luke 21:1-4 NKJV

What has He asked you for? What have you got? Is there something you're not willing to part with? Why?

Christ gave all that He had for us. This is the week that marks the history of it. What's the value of what we're giving in return? What did it cost us? Can we cry out like David in 1st Chronicles 21:24b, "I will not take what is yours and give it to the Lord. I will not present burnt offerings that have cost me nothing!”

Prayer:

Father,
          We commit to give You everything we are, everything we've got, dreams, hopes, hurts, passions, all of it. It comes with a great price. One You've already paid. Keep us ever mindful of the cost of our redemption. Help us to help others understand the cost. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

A Power Source

[Jesus speaking] I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

John 12:24-26 NLT

I've been looking. Diligently searching. I haven't found one Scripture to support ME time. We're to follow Christ's example, right? I can hear some of you saying, Well, Sister, even Jesus took some time to get away from everybody. Yes, He did. But it wasn't ME time - It was HE time. He took time to get away with God. He knew the Part that made it all work. Made it all worthwhile. The only way He could accomplish His purpose was to walk out what the Father had given Him.

Let's look at it this way. Everything we use - every appliance, every electronic device, every light, vehicle, etc, has a power source. If we don't charge it first, or if we don't plug it in, it's not going to work. Without the power source, it won't work. Even a battery will eventually wear down if it's not recharged by the power source.

Matthew 6:33 instructs us to Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. What's your power source?

Prayer:

Father,
In the words of William McDowell's song, Here I am. Here I stand. Lord, my life is in Your hands. Lord, I'm longing to see Your desires revealed in me. Take my heart. Take my life as a living sacrifice. All my dreams - All my plans. Lord, I place them in Your hands. I give myself away. I give myself away so You can use me. My life is not my own. To You I belong. I give myself, I give myself to You... Father, You are the only Part that makes it all work. Forgive us for thinking otherwise. Please re-establish Your righteousness in us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Shine the Light

For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!
Ephesians 5:8 NLT

Last night, my youngest granddaughter spent the night with me, and this morning, as we were getting ready to leave for church, she asked if she should turn off the Tiffany lamp that sits in our entryway. (She's excited about finally being old enough to be able to touch certain things that previously she could only "touch" with her eyes.) I told her that I always leave that light on to welcome us home and because it's just so beautiful when it is lit. I also mentioned that it's really not pretty when it's turned off. She didn't believe it, so I invited her to turn it off. She couldn't believe the difference.

I know I've written about it before, but it was a perfect teaching moment to illustrate our text for today. She has such great spiritual insight for her age, so I explained the analogy of our lives being like that lamp. Without the light of Jesus, we are in darkness. She caught on right away and added, "kind of boring and a little ugly, too."  Immediately, she turned it back on and realized that it shined its colors on the wall, so she put her hand next to it to point out how the colors also reflected on her. That excited her!

"We should shine on everybody with Jesus' light," she commented brightly. 

"Yes, Darlin', we should."

Prayer:

Father,

            Oh, that we would be as excited and eager as this child to shine the light of Jesus on everyone! Change our hearts, O God. We pray for You to fulfill Your promise to us in Ezekiel, And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. So let it be written. So let it be done. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

For All

[Jesus praying] I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. [emphasis mine]
John 17:20-21 NLT

Chapter 17 is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus. It is rich. It is powerful. And it is not just for disciples who walked with Him, He prayed for all of us.

...all who will ever believe... that's you and me.

And it didn't stop there. You know this. It wasn't a one-time prayer. Romans 8:34 tells us that Jesus is at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. If we sin, He is our Advocate with God our Father (1st John 2:1). The crucifixion, His blood shed for the remission of our sins totally took care of everything... once and for all.

Prayer:

Father,
             As we come into this holy season of remembrance, may we never forget all that You have done for us. Thank You, Jesus, for the blood applied for all of us. May we fully recognize, give honor and praise for providing the way back into right relationship with You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Sing Praise to Our God! Psalm 67

Psalm 67

For the choir director: A song. A psalm, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

May God be merciful and bless us.
May his face smile with favor on us. Interlude

May your ways be known throughout the earth,
your saving power among people everywhere.
May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you.
Let the whole world sing for joy,
because you govern the nations with justice
and guide the people of the whole world. 

Interlude

May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you.
Then the earth will yield its harvests,
and God, our God, will richly bless us.
Yes, God will bless us,
and people all over the world will fear him.

It is Written - What He Does

Just to remind you

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!
He will not let you stumble; 

the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you! 

The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, 

BOTH NOW and FOREVER. [emphasis mine]

Psalm 121:2-8 NLT

Prayer:

Father, 

           Thank You for keeping watch over us. Thank You for preserving Your Word for us. Help us to not say or do anything that has not been filtered through the Holy Spirit working in us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Friends' Favorites - One Day

Then Moses told the Lord, “Please, Lord, I’m not eloquent. I never was in the past nor am I now since you spoke to your servant. In fact, I talk too slowly and I have a speech impediment.”
Then God asked him, “Who gives a person a mouth? Who makes him unable to speak, or deaf, or able to see, or blind, or lame? Is it not I, the Lord? Now, go! I myself will help you with your speech, and I’ll teach you what you are to say.”
Moses said, “Please, Lord, send somebody else.”
Exodus 4:10-13 ISV International Standard Version

How many of us can relate to Moses' request? How many times have we not done something because we didn't feel qualified?

How many times have we told God 'no' when in Truth we know our immediate response should be 'Yes, Lord" because we have declared in prayer, "Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven"? Why do we waste the very breath God gave us to refuse Him? How do we take for granted the God-given ability to walk and talk and use both to walk away from Him while offering Him excuse after excuse?

What if, for one day, we didn't ask God for anything, we just praised Him? What if, for one day, we didn't tell Him 'no'; we only said, 'Yes, Lord'? Just for one day...

Prayer:

Father,
            Change our hearts, O God! Please do NOT send anyone else in our place! Let us fulfill Your purpose for our lives that You have planned for us to do from the very beginning. Put a guard over our mouths so that only yes and amen come out. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

On the Lookout

God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God’s help. Now you’re in trouble—one round of war after another.
2nd Chronicles 16:9 The Message

The King James reads, the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth... He's searching for those whose hearts are searching for Him so He can strengthen them. Do you feel His strength or just more trouble?

Are we searching for Him or do we take for granted that He is there?

How much time do we invest in building our relationship with God compared to the time we invest in our relationships with others?

Are we fully attentive to Him or on the lookout for help from someone else?

Prayer:

Father,
            Forgive us for our less-than measures of seeking You. Forgive us for looking to anyone else besides You for You are our constant Help. Help us to let go of the clutter we bring into our lives and look to You only - the Author and Finisher of our faith. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

It's Not About You

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Colossians 3:16 NLT

Music has changed so much in your lifetime...  No matter your age, there has been enough transition that you more than likely have a preference. I'm not just referring to worship music but to all genres. Think about the drastic changes in the world over the last 80 years, from crooners like Bing Crosby to rappers such as Lil Nas X. 

I think there is even more controversy over the changes in worship music, and there is definitely much more heated conversation. While the world just seems to accept whatever comes along in the way of music, the body of Christ has very specific ideas about what is and what is not Christian music. If the artists don't look the way we think they should look or the music doesn't sound like we think it should, it's labeled inappropriate for our praise and worship services. 

A few years back, Chad Napier wrote an article for Christianity.com about the different types of music for the church. One thing he wrote really stuck out to me. It was in Matthew 14, where Peter walked on the water. The disciples were in a storm, it was dark and scary and they did not recognize anything about Jesus as He came walking toward them - not His walk, His face, or any of His normally recognizable traits... until they heard His voice. And that was the main point. The message of the music, at first, might be unrecognizable, but listen to its voice. 

If the song carries the message of Jesus Christ, who are we to say it is inappropriate? If we can look across the crowd and see people surrendered to worshiping Christ... isn't that the objective?  If the music is not your favorite flavor, stay in an attitude of worship and prayer and do not bring discord into the service. According to Psalm 149:5b NLT, you can find your joy in praise at home - Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds.

The main thing to remember about Worship is that Jesus is the main thing about worship. It's not about you. It's always about Him.

Prayer:

Father,

           Forgive us when we try to make it about us. It's never to be about us - it's always about You. You alone are worthy to be praised from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, Your Name is to be praised. Open our spiritual eyes and ears to be in tune with You so that we are able to teach and counsel each other with the wisdom You give to us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Words to Remember

Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.
Proverbs 11:17 TLB

Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Proverbs 16:24 NLT

Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.
Proverbs 18:20-21 The Message

My son's friend lost his mother recently and today, he had his first birthday without her. She and I had many conversations about boys when ours were in high school. And as I remembered those times today, I wondered what he was remembering about her. 

It got me thinking about the legacy of words we leave behind. Are there words that have been spoken that need to be forgiven? Words that should be held rather than hurled in anger? Ways of speaking that we need to change?  Tones to be softened? If death and life are in the power of the tongue - are we murderers or lifesavers?

Prayer:

Father,

           We pray as David prayed, Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. According to Your Word, let everything we say be good and helpful, so that our words will be an encouragement to those who hear them, and minister Grace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

It's a Loving Thing

Like a cool drink of water when you’re worn out and weary is a letter from a long-lost friend.

Proverbs 25:25 The Message

It's amazing to me how an unexpected text, note or card will lift the spirit of the one who receives it! In this day and age, it's better than a present on most days.  There's something about holding the mail piece in your hand - the proof that someone was thinking about you and took the time to write it out and get it mailed. Maybe even prayed for you while doing it. It's a loving thing. And we delight in receiving and reading them.

This verse always gets my attention when I read it. Somehow, I never thought about letter-writing per se in biblical times... and yet, the New Testament is comprised of those letters. Long, newsy letters, hand-scribed, deliberate, prayed over, and intentionally sent. Very definitely, a loving thing. We should delight in reading them.

Prayer:

Father,

           Birth in us a fresh and new desire for Your Word. Help us also to follow Your example of writing to testify of Your greatness and Your faithfulness. Open our ears to hear Your instructions of who needs a reminder of Your love. We want to do the loving thing. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen