God’s Unlikely Choices

I'm very thankful that God chooses very differently than the way people choose. When I think of my own life: if I was God I would never have chosen me to be a pastor's wife. I do not sing well and I don't play piano. When I got married, I could only make spaghetti and peanut butter cookies. My dad was an alcoholic, and my parents split when I was 10. My husband’s mother had picked out a very nice young Mennonite girl for him. I was not what she had in mind. Why would God choose me to be anything? In Bible school I got like the worst marks. People were all worried about me because I got 55% on assignments and exams, I was just thrilled to have anything over 50%.

When I sat in church last Sunday, I was overwhelmed by the incredible kindness of God. All his blessings I have had the privilege of enjoying for so many years.

 But God choosing me is not unlike this story in 1 Kings 17 when God told Elijah that He had directed a widow, of all people, to care for his needs during a horrific drought. And she was not even a Jew!

“So, Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, ‘Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.’  And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, ‘Please bring me a piece of bread.’”  1 Kings 17: 10-11

If you read the passage in its entirety, you will find Elijah desperately needs someone to feed and care for him during this time. It is not a rich widow full of resources that God chooses. No, he chooses a woman who is very familiar with loss and poverty. This is the woman that God chooses to provide for his servant through.

When Elijah enters this woman's hometown, he finds her gathering sticks so she can make a fire and cook bread for the last meal for her and her boy. That is when Elijah finds her and he asks her for a glass of water which the lady has no problem with, she goes willingly to get it.  But you can almost see her stop in her tracks as he said: “bring me a little bit of bread.”

This widow turns and she tells Elijah very plainly that she has only enough for one small loaf and that's it. This lady had baked plenty of bread in her day and she knows how much flour she has and what can be made from it. She knows that there is not enough to make 2 loaves. But Elijah tells her what God has promised if she would just give what is being asked. He wants the first loaf, and she can have the second loaf and she will not run out. Part of the beauty of this story is that this woman believed him.

We have the privilege of the whole story in first kings 17. This woman will have a lifetime of testimony of all the great things that God would do in her life if she would believe God for the impossible. Can you imagine sitting in this woman's kitchen and having a cup of tea with her, hearing her stories of the great things she has seen God do!

I feel very much like this woman, and perhaps you do as well.I have seen God do tremendous things over my lifetime. I stand in awe of all that God has done.

Today I just celebrate all of God’s unlikely choices!

Dear father,

Thank you that you're a God of unlikely choices. You choose in ways that are so different to all the rules of humanity. I thank you for your mercy and your kindness. Encourage our hearts. You know exactly what I need, Father.

 In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Dealing Honestly with Distractions!

As I write this blog, it is the first day of lent in the Christian calendar. I have been wondering if I should give something up for Lent this year and someone asked the perfect question: What is something that is getting in the way of your time you spend with God?

Sadly, it is called Instagram and Facebook. I find the reels very diverting. The other thing I knew I had to get rid of is the news. It has been making me anxious and even a bit depressed at times. So, last night I deleted all this off my phone.

 Perhaps you understand. I am not ridiculous, but clearly, I could be doing better things, like praying for all the people in my life in difficult situations in a more focused way.

 A few years ago, a dear friend of mine told me about Wendy Speake’s book “Social Media Fast”. It is a 40-day devotional about putting God first. As I am halfway through day one, she mentioned this verse that jumped out at me.

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.1 Corinthians 10:23

There is nothing wrong with what I was doing, however if I ask myself

1.    Is it beneficial?

2.    Is it constructive?

3.    Is it helpful to those around me?

If we apply these 3 simple questions to our lives, it could truly help us rethink how we are spending our time and what we can do better? It is helpful to take time to talk this over with God as you simply consider what is taking your time these days? There is one thing in life we will never get back, that is time!

May God give us each wisdom as we think about what is absorbing our time. There does come a time where something good becomes not so good. May God give us wisdom and courage to see what is true in our own lives.

Dear Father,

I thank You for Your Word and for Your Spirit that leads and guides me. Thank You for this beautiful verse today. Give me wisdom and courage to know what is true in my life. What needs to change Lord?

In Jesus Name

Amen

Loving the Lost and the Wandering

I have distinct memories of occasions when my kids wandered off. I think each of my four kids took their turns. I remember neighbours running around the neighbourhood to help locate our wandering child (most were fellow parents who understood the indescribable anxiety of a lost child). Everyone pitches in. 

I know many people that have young adult children who are wandering from their faith. Some of them stopped believing in Jesus entirely, others have just stopped allowing Him to be Lord of their life because other things have been given control in their lives, and the parents are heartbroken. We all know someone like this. What can we do? What should we do? 

James 5: 19-20 “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

According to this passage, none of us are powerless where the wanderer is concerned. We are clearly given encouragement to help these dear ones find their way back to God. 

What does this look like? I doubt it comes in the form of a good lecture, but rather in love lived out. We take that pocket full of pearls wherever we go, ready to take one out and share it, as God gives opportunity. 

I think of the years one of our loved ones was off wandering, and those who loved them spoke kindly and tenderly to them and prayed for them. These are kindnesses my husband and I will never forget. 

To love patiently, to love kindly, never giving up, not holding their failures against them, these are the ingredients of steering these beloved sheep back to their Shepherd, who sees and loves them always. 

I love how God says, “is my arm too short that I cannot save?” (Isa 59:1 a). God asks each one of us to keep our eyes open for opportunities to love and care for those who are off wandering. Speak the truth in His tender love as you have opportunity, for our silence changes nothing! These dear ones are so precious to God. 

May God lead you and I to love and gently restore a wandering soul when the opportunity arises. Love well my friends!

Dear Father, 

You are the Good Shepherd, and I thank You for the invitation to help restore wandering sheep. I ask that You give me wisdom and insight, the right words to say at the right time. Lead me Father, I am Your servant. 

In Jesus Name,

Amen. 

The High Price of Forgetfulness

I have lost count of how many times I have gone downstairs and then when I get there I forget what I was supposed to do! The other thing that comes racing to my mind when thinking of forgetfulness, is remembering people’s names. I do well sometimes, and really bad on others. The worst is when someone tells me we have met before and I have no memory of that. As a Pastor’s wife, it can be plain embarrassing. 

I know I am not the only one with a faulty memory. I am reading through the book of Exodus now, and in Chapter 14 the Israelites had just had the Pillar of Fire and the pillar of cloud surrounding them, and they had just walked through the Red Sea on dry land! They literally saw God fight for them! You would think this experience would stay in their memory for a while. Exodus 14:31 says “And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.” 

Here we see how grateful and full of praise they are toward God Almighty (as they should be). However, it does not take long for them to forget. We read in chapter 16 and by verse 24 they are grumbling because there is no water to drink. The one possible source was no good. “so they grumbled against Moses”. They were tired and thirsty, and it was easier to complain than call out to God. 

You do not have to take a course on how to be a grumbler or a complainer. I know I am pretty good at it, especially when I am tired or there have just been too many disappointments. I am sure the people of Israel thought they had suffered enough at this point. They had a very tough year trying to make bricks with no straw and they had miserable cruel bosses. If they knew the word “triggering” I can imagine them using it often! 

When we go through tough times, we need to remember what God has done for us in previous days. In my dining room, we have a bunch of not great photographs (not quality pictures that is), but each one is a reminder of either God’s provision or a time He intervened. Each one could be titled “He Is Faithful”. We have stood with friends, our grandkids and even our adult children, reminding them, telling the stories of cool things God has done in our life and that He is still faithful. 

Today, I simply want to remind us that God is still faithful. He fights for us, He cares for us, He is not always as quick as we think He should be, but He will not forget you. 

Dear Father, 

Thank You for your faithfulness to me; today, I rest in this. Season after season, You do not change and I praise You. Thank You Father that You hold all the loose ends of my life in the palm of Your hand. 

In Jesus Name,

Amen

The Power of Patience before God!

Most of us know what it is to send a text or an email and wait for a reply. That patient waiting is easy when the answer you seek is not a big deal. However, when you are suffering and in hardship, waiting can be painful.  In that case, we cannot say ‘forget the waiting’ because we have no choice but to wait.  It is somewhat of a place of confinement but it is not hopeless.

“I waited patiently for the Lord and He turned to me and heard my cry” Psalm 40:1

It is not that we are waiting for people or for our circumstances to change.  We wait for God.  That’s where hope lies.  Circumstances and people can often disappoint.  Neither can we change them; that kind of waiting is pointless.  To wait for God though is to have our eyes fixed on One who is full of mercy and has all power to lift us from our sorrows. 

Patience is critical to all of life.  It reminds us that we are not in control and are truly dependent on God.  We must put it on daily. It is a choice. It is a quality that the Holy Spirit produces in us.

Failing to wait patiently only increases our anxiety and stress.  It seldom yields a good outcome.  In retrospect, we often come to the conclusion that waiting patiently would have produced a much better result. 

In this case, in the waiting we gain an awareness or consciousness of God.  The sense of His presence does not necessarily come automatically.  It comes to the one who has taken the time to intentionally wait for God.  That means that we begin to wait on God even when we don’t feel Him in the slightest.  As we wait, there are some insights that come slowly to us; they distil down and settle firmly upon our soul.

The first is that God Himself turns toward us.  He notices us.  He looks at us.  His eyes become fixed on us.  The psalmist says that.  There’s nothing aloof on the part of God toward the one who waits for Him.  He actually bends over us and fixes His gaze upon us. 

The second is that He listens to us.  He hears our cry.  He takes it all in; the words, the pain, all the emotion.  He is suddenly attentive to it all – for the one who waits for Him. 

I find that giving thanks to God helps me to wait patiently for Him. Thanksgiving builds faith and it eases the waiting.  Maybe thanksgiving is a bit like an appetizer before a great meal.

What are you patiently waiting for today? Shift your focus to wait on God and present yourself before Him; before the One who sees all, knows all, and loves you perfectly.

Dear Father,

I pray that You would soothe the soul of all who are waiting patiently for You. Help us take our eyes off of people and circumstances and simply wait for you.  Turn to us Lord and hear our cry.  We are waiting for You!

In Jesus Name,

Amen

When Intimidation Crowds In

Years ago, I had to speak at a large event. I was the new person in the ministry and was asked to talk about what the year would hold. The woman who introduced me however, spent a full 10 minutes going on and on about how extraordinary my predecessor was. It was intimidating to say the least. After all that, she said, “here is Donna Dyck who has taken her place”... and that was it. I prayed a simple prayer: “Father, unless You go with me, I do not want to continue”. Somehow a small vestige of peace crept into my heart. The Lord met me on stage and things went really well and I was deeply thankful. 

I think of Joshua as he stood on the cusp of entering into the promised land. He followed in the footsteps of Moses; I wonder if he was feeling at all the way I felt. How often do we struggle with confidence to do exactly what Jesus is asking us to do? Sometimes He does ask us to do some brave things! Sometimes it is something no one has done before. We struggle with feeling intimidated! Yet we take the risk. 

When we were thinking and praying over saying yes 30-some-odd years ago to come and pastor in downtown Toronto, it felt very risky, if not downright crazy. The pay was extremely low, we had 4 kids, the church was not well established. We couldn’t afford to live in downtown Toronto, yet we were confident God was calling us and would somehow make a way, and He did. He went before us and that made all the difference! 

I love Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will go with you wherever you go.” 

As you consider the year ahead of you, perhaps there are some mountains you will need to climb or new pathways that must be taken. Know that The Lord your God is with you! He says to you and I the same thing He said to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous”. Our confidence is not in ourselves, rather it is in the One who goes before us and will meet us, but it requires some steps of faith on our part. I wish that in this journey we find ourselves, there were more snap your fingers together and voila.... everything’s perfect now. Life is seldom like that unfortunately. The great news is that we are not alone and God promises to meet us as we look to Him. He makes the way! He teaches us many important lessons on the way! 

Dear Father, 

Thank You for being with me as I think of the year ahead and the known and unknown challenges that are ahead of me. I do ask for strength and courage as I think of what is coming my way. I know You will meet me there! 

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

A Warm Sweater for the Soul

I love wearing a warm sweater on a cold winter day.  As the wind and snow are whistling outside, I am warm and protected from all that cold.

I woke up this morning after a tough night of sleep troubled in my heart over things that are out of my control. I read Psalm 23 and was deeply comforted. It is like a warm sweater for the soul.  

Psalm 23 :1-4

“The LORD is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul.

He guides me in the paths of righteousness

for the sake of His name.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for You are with me.

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me”

There are all kinds of shepherds in this world, and not all of them are great at what they do. Yet, to have a Shepherd who is all-wise, all-powerful, who sees up the hill and around the corner, a Shepherd who has only my best interest at heart, that is something. The Lord, who is our Shepherd, is fully trustworthy and faithful.

When I think of having to travel down a road I don’t want to go on and yet must, as I read this Psalm, it brings peace because of the One who walks with me. There are many things to fear or be deeply frustrated over, but to know the One who is with us -  if we could hear Him say anything today, it would be this.

“Do not fear my child, I am with you.”

I think of the courage that comes to a fearful child’s heart when they walk holding the hand of their dad. Courage is renewed in that child because of the one who is with them.  Hope is too.  That is just how God strengthens us. He calms our fears such that peace can finally seep into the soul. We are refreshed, renewed and ready for whatever is ahead.

Dear Father,

Thank for You for being my Shepherd. You lead me through the storms. You do not back down or give up because it is too hard. Thank You for the strength You give. You are my faithful comforter and I rest in You.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

Wholehearted Seeking

I remember countless times over the years, asking one of my kids to find something in the fridge. It was hard to believe how often they would yell to me, “Mom, I can’t find it.” Honestly, it was right in front of them! I asked them if they were looking with their eyes closed! 

I was thinking about this verse today, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jer. 29:13. I wonder how often I seek God like my kids would look for ketchup in the fridge?  

At this point in the book of Jeremiah, God’s people had been in captivity for 70 years. They were discouraged and bankrupt of hope, yet the call to wholehearted seeking of God remained. We have all found ourselves in that dark space, yet if we seek God, He promises we will find Him and that makes all the difference!

It is easy to be very distracted or in a big rush as we come seeking His presence. Sometimes we give up too quickly.  I remember that if the kids expected the needed item to be in a certain place in the fridge and it wasn’t there, they would give up. 

How often do we do these very things while seeking God? If He doesn’t speak quickly, or in the way that we thought He would or should, do we give up too? I know that has often been my story. I also have allowed anxiety to overtake me as I repeat my request over and over and fail to truly leave it with Him. My anxious ears were so overcome with the bigness or seriousness of the problem that I would lose sight of how Big and Mighty God is.  

Then there is the “to do list” that is waiting. Seeking the Lord with all of our heart takes time and the truth is, there are many things on our lists that are far easier to do than seeking the Lord. 

Wholehearted seeking takes place when we come to the end of our solutions and our preconceived ideas of what God needs to speak to us about. We put aside everything and seek Him only. For me, I know when I have found Him, as the peace that surpasses understanding comes and rests on me.  And with that peace, I find my soul is at rest. 

The good news is that God wants to be found by each of us. He asks that we seek Him wholeheartedly. I pray that we would each find Him as we seek Him this next year! We need His resting peace, that is for certain! 

Dear Father,

As I look to the year ahead, I pray that You would find me seeking You wholeheartedly. Please, teach me daily how to do this! I have so much I would like to get done in a day, but Father, in the middle of all of this, I want to be found seeking You and finding You, not just in the morning, but all through my day! Lead me Father and teach me. 

In Jesus Name,              

Amen

One Bright Light that Never Stops Shining in Dark Places!

Isaiah 9:2 “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in deep darkness a light has dawned.”

 I love stories about people who have lived their lives in darkness and despair and met the light of Christ and their lives were changed. On Sunday my husband told a story just like this.

There is a retired missionary who has come and served with us on a Saturday night for years. My husband asked him, “Why do you and your wife keep coming downtown to serve the streets with us?”. The answer the gentlemen gave Bill, shocked him. He said “my grandfather was a homeless alcoholic who lived on these very streets. He came to know Jesus in a place, just like this. “The light of Jesus shines brightly in dark places.

My own father and my brother both struggled terribly with addictions. My dad lived in a rooming house for a while. When I serve the dear people from the streets, I often think of them. It warms my heart to do so. While I don’t have that remarkable story to tell of my dad or my brother, they did have opportunity to meet Jesus through different avenues. I am thankful for each one of those times. How the light of my Savior shone into their lives.

The Light of Christ which shines in the darkness is a precious light indeed. The power of that light- Jesus the light of the world, who brings with Him not only hope but life and light. As we celebrate the birth of the Light of the world this Christmas season, let us remember those who do not know Jesus and His redeeming love.

There is no shortage of people who live in all kinds of darkness. May the light of Christ shine on them. No one is beyond His reach His help. As long as God is on the throne, there are NO hopeless cases!

Dear Father,

You are the Good Shepherd and the Light of the World. I praise You for the light that shines year after year, generation after generation. You are always All Powerful and More than able Your arm is NOT too short that it cannot save. Today I lay _____ before your throne. Shine Your beautiful light into the darkness that surrounds them and call them Father. Call them in such a way that they can hear! Thank You Father for your mercy!!

In Jesus Name

Amen

Responding to Button Pressing Moments.

 Our piano has gotten lots of use over the years. One of our boys used one key in particular and would hit it repeatedly to be annoying. He was usually quite successful. That very key on the piano has had to be repaired as it is the one that has been pressed so many times!

In life we all have buttons that no one can see but can be pressed often, and can become more sensitive over time.

As we prepare for the season ahead, for gatherings with family and friends, we can have  great times but there can also be opportunities for all kinds of buttons to be pressed, some more aggressively than others. The one truth that never changes is this: we get to choose how we will respond.

I was thinking about the emotions or reactions that seem to arise so easily during all this button pressing drama, and i thought of:

1. Fear and worry

2. Despair

3. Anger

4. Frustration

5. Denial/defensiveness

6. Jumping to conclusions

7. Feelings of rejection or hurt

8. Hardened hearts, or maybe the addition of  another brick to the wall you’ve been building for years

I was reading today in Isaiah 41. In verse 10 it says this: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

When a button gets pressed yet again, I think it is good to acknowledge what you are feeling and then quietly take a moment to put your eyes on God who you know loves you and has you firmly in His great big hand. We do not need to fear. We can put our trust in Him. We are not going to change people as much as we would like to. What we can do is choose how we respond. Be quick to acknowledge what you feel, and then leave the remark or action with God and forgive them. I would certainly ask for wisdom to know what the next step is. Sometimes we get to speak up and respond, but to do so before thinking it through (at least in my experience) seldom ends well.

It takes so much grace and wisdom to navigate the relationships we have in life, especially those most dear to us. May God give to us exactly what we need!

Dear Father,

I thank You for every opportunity I have to be with people this season. I pray that I would be quick to hear and slow to speak and slow to become angry, just as Your word teaches me. May I be a blessing to everyone. Guard my heart and my mind.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Hospitality Is Still Worth All That Time and Effort!

 It seems to me that Covid did change some things. Perhaps some things for the better but certainly not all things.

Before Covid, I think we were often better at opening our homes up and having people over for a meal or dessert. Now, where are we? My husband and I do have people over but not like we used to. I think we got out of practice.

 Hospitality can be intimidating - that is for sure. I remember many years ago, my husband’s whole family came to our house for a meal. I was so scared I would wreck the food. I was very new to this whole cooking thing, and I had burnt plenty of casseroles and cookies. I discovered, however, you can grate a burnt cookie and give it a gentle shake, and it will take care of 90% of that burnt flavour! I also learned the hard way that if you serve garden grown broccoli without first soaking it in a special water, you may be serving your guests tiny little worms in your salad. 

I remember when we moved into our home many years ago, there was a knock at our door. We knew nobody! Bill had not even started at the church yet! There stood this woman who was lost. She told us that someone gave her our address and said we would help her. She was hungry so we made her some toast and tea as it was the best we could do in that moment. We visited with her and then did our best to help her find her way.

I was reminded of that verse from Hebrews13:2 “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

This season, as we think about Christ who came to open the way so we can know God, consider who you could invite over. It doesn’t have to be fancy to bless someone and let them know that they matter to you. Keep it simple and be brave!

People just love to come to your home. Many are lonely and what a great opportunity this season offers to love and care for them.

Dear Father,

Thank You for the people You have put in my path this past year. Who could I invite over and what could I do for them? How can I express Your love for them? Lead me Father.

In Jesus Name

Amen

The Kryptonite of Relationships

A few days ago as I was leaving my house to walk Penny (my dog), I heard loud voices down the street. As I came closer, I could see a young couple, my guess... grade 12. They were having quite the spat. It was hard to not hear it. They were both accusing the other of saying insulting words. My guess is that if these two were dating, it was likely the last date! I so much wanted to give them advice, but it just seemed too weird to interrupt the yelling! But if it had been appropriate, this is what I would love to have told them:

When we find ourselves in a disagreement, there are some statements which, when spoken, can become stumbling blocks in a relationship.  There are more than I have listed here, but these are some that came to mind:

1. “You never…”

2. “You always…”

3. Yeah, but you...”

4. “Oh, but I remember...”

When accusing, interrupting, ignoring, yelling, harsh words, or the silent treatment is used, you know you are in trouble. If you stay on this path, you won’t end up in a good place!

I love what the book of Proverbs says about the tongue. Here are a few words of wisdom that often stand out to me.

Proverbs 10:19 “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongue.”

We are wise to recognize when our words are going nowhere, and that more words will not solve the problem.  At least not right now.

Proverbs 12:18 “The words of the reckless pierce like a sword, the tongue of the wise brings healing.“

Our words have the power to bring pain or healing; we need to be wise in what we say.

Proverbs 13:3 “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly come to ruin.“

Every conversation goes better when we choose our words wisely–which words and how many are important!

Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

A gentle word is more effective than a harsh word, every time!

Proverbs 13:10 “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”

Humility in our relationships makes way for healing, understanding, and eventually peace, as forgiveness is made possible. When our hearts are brimming with pride, it is difficult to ask or offer forgiveness.

May God give us wisdom as we navigate relationships with the people He has put in our lives!

Dear Father,

Thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. I pray that You would give me wisdom in my relationships today. May I love and listen to those around me, as I ought. May I be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to become angry, as Your word instructs.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

The One Kind of Kindness that is Above All

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His Loving kindness is everlasting”.

Psalm 118:1

Kindness comes in different forms; some are better than others. I remember one Christmas, years ago, my husband and I were invited to a Christmas Party; the reason I remember it is because, while tremendous kindness was extended to us in the invitation, it was painfully clear the lady of the house did not want to have any of us in her home. We had a few or her snacks, expressed our thanks for the invitation, and left within 30 minutes of arriving.

The kindness of God isn’t limited like that, it is perfect kindness, filled with His love which is rich with grace, forgiveness and mercy. I read somewhere that the loving kindness of God is the cream of kindness.

I was thinking about that this morning while I was pouring 18% cream into my coffee. I bought it for a recipe I was trying. I thought today instead of my 5% cream, why not be exotic. Wow, what a difference! The words smooth and rich come to mind!  The loving kindness is like that. It soothes our troubled hearts and calms our fears.

He extends His loving-kindness to each of us, even with our shortcomings and list of ways we keep failing. He loves us still.

If today, you find yourself struggling to find something to be thankful for, the loving kindness of God would be perfect!

Dear Father,

Thank You for your loving Kindness that You show me every day. I ask that on those days that I cannot see it, give me eyes to see. Thank You for never holding back on Your loving kindness, even when I mess things up. You are right there ready to forgive and extend Your loving kindness.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

When Jesus Steps In

I love to hear stories of how Jesus shows up and reveals Himself to people, especially those who are not even thinking about Him!  I think of my many dear friends who have loved ones wandering far away from Jesus and everything they were taught as children. Seeking Jesus is not even remotely on their radar.

I was driving on the highway the other day, and a song came on the radio ( I confess I listen to Country Music). The song is called. “I Didn’t Find Jesus” by The Sound. It is a guy’s story of driving along the road when a song came on the radio and how God grabbed His attention and His heart in that moment. It changed him forever.

Two weeks ago, we had a baptism in our church. Out of the three testimonies we heard, two of them were stories about how God rescued the individual from a life of addiction. I love how Jesus is not afraid of the messy lives of people.

Most people find Jesus because they went searching for Him, which is beautiful. However, I want to celebrate today, that sometimes Jesus steps right into the mess of the lives of people who were not searching for Him, and He saves them.

Paul, who was called Saul, was a perfect example. At the beginning of his unexpected meeting with Jesus, he was not seeking Christ. Quite the opposite actually. Here are a few verses that describe his conversion.

“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:1-6

I love how Saul’s lack of interest in knowing Jesus did not discourage God whatsoever. He had big plans for Saul/Paul, and as we read through the book of Acts we can see  how Jesus redeemed and carried out these plans.

God does not change. The One who stepped into Paul’s life and revealed Himself still does this today. Be encouraged! God still intervenes in the lives of wandering, distracted, lost sheep.

 Dear Father,

Thank You that at this moment You see my loved one. You know exactly where they are and what they are doing. Thank You that You came to redeem people whose lives are messy.  I lay my loved one at Your feet today. Intervene in their life as You did for Paul. Thank You for your constant love for Your sheep wherever they are at this moment.
In Jesus Name,

Amen

“But God... we prayed!”

Early this morning, I looked out our window; there is snow everywhere in our city right now. As I sat there, God gently whispered to me that He is right there with me

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.”

Lamentations 3:21-22

 My husband Bill, and I have had a hard week. We have been praying and believing God for a church building, and there was one for sale close by. We were thrilled. Our church prayed, put in an offer, we even named it “Miracle on Bathurst St.”

We found out that it is conditionally sold to someone else over the weekend. We were deeply saddened and confused. We know that God is big enough. We have no idea why He would prefer we stay renting where we are. Let me tell you, there is no shortage of questions.

I know all the Bible verses that might be running through your mind right now. They ran through mine as well, but in all honesty, I felt let down.

Sitting this morning, with the gentle voice of the Father, reminding me He is with me. It was not like the room started to glow or anything like that, but the simple recognition of His gentle tender mercies changes things.

His loving kindness and His peace filled me. Hope and faith were restored.

On this side of heaven, we might never know why God said no, which leaves us in a position where we must simply rest in the wise and sovereign God we serve.

Perhaps you have been in a similar position: you trusted God, quoted the Bible verses, even had words of confirmation from God’s people, but it did not work out. You are left wondering why God?

God’s compassion, His mercy that waits for us morning by morning, can bring peace and the Lord can soothe your troubled perplexed heart.

Even when things do not work out as we trusted God for, He remains unchanging. He is still faithful in all His ways. I think I played “Great is Thy Faithfulness” 10 times this weekend just to remind myself that God has not changed.

Dear Father,

Thank you that You love us, and You are faithful all the time. You see us and see the bewilderment that is filling our hearts. Would You give us  peace today in the quandaries I am facing. Thank you,

In Jesus Name,

Amen

When It Seems, there is NO Winning

For days I endured a headache after watching the Blue Jays as they battled for the World Championship. I confess, I got a bit stressed at times! Sadly, they did not win, but it was so much fun to watch. I was thinking about how life can feel a lot like the Jays may have felt after their loss. They came so close!

There have likely been times in all our lives where we are just over one sickness and then into another. Or we have had to endure a what seems utterly impossible and winning seems like a pipe dream.

I am slowly reading through the book of Matthew. In Matthew 27:27 -31 it reads like this:

“Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him.  They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said.  They spit on him and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.  After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.”

At first reading, the story does not look good for Jesus.  He seems defeated and if you and I were standing on the sidelines it looks like none of this is leading anywhere good. Except that it actually is. If you know the rest of the story this leads us to Christ’s death on the cross, and then 3 days later, the resurrection!!

All of this leads to our salvation, the keys of death now in the hands of our Lord. Satan is defeated and the curtain in the temple is torn in two.  Now we can know our Heavenly Father and experience forgiveness of sin! And so much more!

We have times in life where frankly, it feels like life is being lived out of the bottom of a valley or on a steep climb to the top of a mountain.

Jesus is familiar with our suffering and straining to get through. This day which Jesus endured helps us to understand that Christ does identify with us on impossible days. He has been there and endured which then led to a wonderful victory with benefits we enjoy every day!

We don’t know where some paths will lead, but we do know that we have Christ who has walked hard paths and endured humiliation and suffering.  Wherever you find yourself today, friend, you are not without hope. Christ promises in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” That is where that dark day led Him to and the privilege that is ours today!

 Dear Father,

Thank You for being One who not only loves me but overcomes in all things. Thank You for the gift of the Cross and what it led to in my life and the difference Your suffering continues to make for me. Help me today. You see my struggles; I ask that You would show me the way forward!

In Jesus Name

Amen

Guaranteed…Not a Waste of Time

I think back to ministries I have either run or been a part of. Each one was dedicated to Jesus. Some of them, by man’s standard, were a roaring success. Others looked like a waste of time and there was no shortage of people who were very happy to point this out to us.

I think of missionaries who obeyed the call of God and went to hard places, sometimes with little visible fruit. Then there are the stories of those who died on the way. William Borden (1887–1913) was one. He was heading to China to work with a people group which he felt burdened for. He stopped in Egypt  for the purpose of learning the language of the people he would minister to. While there he caught Spinal Meningitis and died shortly after, never making it to the mission field. Some of his friends believed that William had thrown his life away to become a missionary. He had been born into great wealth and opportunities to grow his fortune were offered many times to him. He chose to follow God’s call for his life and died young. Was this a waste?

In Matthew 26:6-13, we meet a woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume. The commentaries agree that this was Mary, the sister of Lazarus. She was incredibly thankful for the life of her brother who Christ called from the dead after 3 days in the tomb. She had sat at the feet of Christ multiple times, learning about the kingdom of God. She wanted to give Jesus a gift which she was confident He was worthy of. She would not consider even for a moment that “only a dab will do”. NO. This gift would be extravagant because Jesus was and is worth it. According to Jesus, this was not a waste.  Some of the disciples felt differently.

Here is Jesus’ point of view on this story. “When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste’ they asked.  ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.’ Aware of this, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you.’” Matthew 26:8-10

Upon reflecting on this passage and the idea that what is given to Jesus is not a waste, here are a few thoughts I had.

1. Deep gratitude prompts an extravagant response.

2. There will always be voices of the dissenters and the discouragers; those who do not understand or appreciate what you have given to God.

3. Learn from Mary; do not listen to the naysayers. Rather, be generous to God as you give and as You live to serve Him.

God honors what is given to Him. He does not waste a gift even if, from where we stand, it looks like a failure. We don’t have the eyes of heaven, nor do we see the whole story start to finish. God sees what we do not. Nothing given to God is wasted.

Dear Father,

Thank You for taking what I have given to You. My life, the ministries and small acts of kindness done in Your Name. Thank You for receiving all of these gifts, big or small, given to You. Thank You that they are all precious in Your sight.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

The Ultimate Time Waster

While I was making breakfast this morning, I got to thinking about regrets I have had. This was quickly followed by wishing I had done things differently. The “if only” thoughts were racing through my mind.

For me, one of my biggest regrets is a decision I made when I was only 18 years old. I was coming home to celebrate Christmas. I had been away at college and was excited to see my family and friends. I had only 2 weeks at home. A friend from college invited me to her home far up north after Christmas and, sadly, I struggled with answering truthfully as I did not want to disappoint her and said “yes”. So, I spent only one week at home. I would see my dad only on Christmas day. I left for my friend’s a day or two after. I did not know that would be the last time I saw my father alive. He passed away when I was away at college a few months later. Regret and guilt over my decision plagued me for years.

There have been times in my life, I believed in the grace of our God as applied to everyone else, except myself. I was thinking this morning how deeply this attitude that I held onto for many years must have grieved God. As we read in Hebrews 4:15-16,

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”

The arms of our Savior reach way back into our years lived and all the way to the present. We all have those sins of omission that gives birth to the regret and shame, which can haunt us. There are things in our lives which we may think are unforgiveable. As we struggle to accept the forgiveness of our Lord, we need to extend forgiveness to ourselves as well. Sometimes it is easier than others. When we hold onto unforgiveness towards ourselves or others, it is like choosing to haul around a heavy rock in our backpack or choosing to live life with a stone in our shoe.

 God’s throne room is open to you and He is offering grace, mercy and forgiveness. As you receive it and allow it to sink in, forgive yourself if that is what is needed. Let yourself off the hook. There is nothing profitable in failing to do so. It is truly the “ultimate time waster”. Jesus died for all our sins.

Dear Father,

Thank You for the gift of mercy, grace and forgiveness which is offered to me today. I can’t change the past, but I can receive Your forgiveness and mercy as I confess my failing to You today. Thank You for Your love which is constant and Your mercy which has no time stamp. Thank You.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

God’s Light and Mercy for a Dark Day

When sorrows and disappointments come, they have a way of stealing so much light from our eyes. We find ourselves bereft of hope or clarity on how we are to keep going forward. 

I was reading the story of the two blind men in Matthew 20:29-34. These two men call out to Jesus as He is passing by, asking Him for mercy. People were quick to rebuke these two, like their great need and desperation would be perceived as a pain or inconvenience to Jesus, but they were so wrong. Jesus, full of mercy, stops and inquires what they would like Him to do for them. It is a curious question, as it would seem obvious what the need is, yet Christ still asked them. They tell Him plainly: “we want to see”. 

There are times where we also need to have our sight restored. Our path has become darkened as I mentioned earlier by the sorrows and disappointments which can suck the life right out of us. We are in desperate need of the light that only He can give. Christ is the Light of the World. We are invited even today, to tell Him what we would like Him to do. I was struck also by this beautiful verse in Psalm 36:9 that says: “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light” 

There is no beach we can go sit on that will restore hope to us or light the path we find ourselves on. The beach may be a reprieve, but it is not the source of our light or hope. That belongs to God alone. Anything else is only temporary. 

God is the God of mercy, and He loves us. He knows when we are weary and heavy hearted and invites us to tell Him today: what do we need? It is much easier to speak the truth to the one whom we know is full of love and understanding. He knows our limits and He hears us as we call to Him today. 

I am thankful for what we have in our Lord and Savior. We can’t buy mercy, it is a gift like grace, and it is offered freely by One who loves us. I pray for you today dear reader: may God’s mercy be new to You today; may His light fill your life with whatever it is you need. 

Dear Father,

Thank you for being the Author of light and a God full of mercy. I call out to You today, be this to me, restore hope and light in my life .  Thank You Father.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Giving Thanks to God is Easier Some Days Than Others

We have days where giving thanks is so easy. The sun is shining, your kids are all doing well, your grandkids (if you have them) are thriving, new babies are being born, loved ones are finding jobs and peace in the storms they face. There are sometimes so many victories to celebrate, and so we should. 

Then there are the dark days when thanksgiving feels a bit stuck in your throat. You can give fake thanks, but not the real kind that God is calling us to. What can we do?

I was talking this over with God today. I was listening to praise and worship music and a song came on that reminded me of the verse: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). This verse reminds me that God is still in charge even when life is challenging. Another thing I am reminded of is the many truths that are true no matter what is happening around me. God is still all powerful and able to manage what I clearly cannot. 

Likely the most significant thing He said to me was this; “be careful where you allow your eyes to rest”. We can stare and turn over again and again whatever it is that is bothering us, or we can lift our eyes up like is exemplified in Psalm 121:1: “For I lift my eyes up, where does my help come from?” 

Our help and our hope are in the One whom nothing is impossible. Truly, it is in the shadow of His wings we find peace and comfort. Also, there is blessed assurance of His enduring presence and the truth that He does not change. He remains faithful and He is for us. 

All these truths can lead us to a place where we can be truly thankful no matter what we are facing. Through these truths we can honestly live out 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus”.

In Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend. I wish you and all that are dear to you “Happy Thanksgiving!”. If giving thanks to God is coming easily to you, Praise God, that is worth celebrating. However, if it is hard and the journey to thanksgiving is like a hike up a steep hill, I pray that God would encourage your heart with all that is still true and worth giving thanks for. God’s presence in the middle of storms is worth giving thanks for. 

Dear Father,

Thank You for my life, my loved ones and Your constant presence even in the middle of the storms. Thank You that storms are for a season, and they do pass. Lord, what should I be giving thanks for today? 

In Jesus Name,

Amen