Trouble Wears Running Shoes

23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. 24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. Matthew 8:23-26

 You might think that because Jesus was in the boat, this trouble, this storm, would not have the nerve to come anywhere near it. I think that, possibly, is what the disciples believed. It was one thing when the storm kicked up, and quite another when the waves were coming over the sides of the boat. The real shocker in this story to me, is Jesus was fast asleep in the back of the boat. 

How many of us, at this moment, are in a storm where it feels like Jesus is asleep in the back of the boat?  You know He is with you, but frankly from where you stand, His presence is not evident. Our natural response is fear, just like the disciples. I would have thought Jesus would be more understanding when His disciples were so afraid! When they woke Him up to let Him know that capsizing was highly likely, surely He would show compassion on them for the obvious crisis they were in.  Instead, Jesus called them out for the fear that had gripped their hearts. He does not question the seriousness of the storm, but rebukes it as He would an evil spirit.  The storm is not friendly; it’s not the kind that He walks through.  The storm is unquestionably an enemy.  Be that as it may, they know enough about Jesus evidently to be able to rise above the fear but they don’t.  All they see is a storm and it paralyzes them.  Jesus has an expectation of us that, given what we know of Him, we will still ourselves in a raging storm and truly trust Him.

I also read Isaiah 43:1-3, and it is very comforting. We will experience overwhelming times; waters, rivers, fire but none of them will sweep us away. The Father has us in His sight. While it may seem that He is not in control, He is. He steps in. He watches over each one of His children.  I have experienced that as I have given thanks for His presence in storms often fraught with confusion.  I have found peace through gratitude, remembering all of His enduring promises that remain true. 

Dear Father,

Thank You for Your presence in the storms I face at this moment. Thank you that your love runs deeper than every storm.  Fill me with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Bring calm to my mind and to this storm. Thank You for being trustworthy in the midst of what I am facing today.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Truly Trusting God

Imagine with me, a warm, sunny day, at a lake. There is a gentle breeze and, by the lake, a hammock. You have a great book in your hand and time to read! So, you head for the hammock. Here is the thing. If you don’t trust the hammock will hold you, you will have a hard time relaxing enough to enjoy yourself and read your book!

Recently, I have felt the Lord saying to me, “Believe Me”. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”  Let’s be honest here, it is a lot easier to live out this verse when life is good and another matter when it gets messy and feels like Jesus is fast asleep in the back of the boat. (Mark 4:38) The disciples were tired and there was no hammock in sight, only waves crashing over the side of the boat and fierce wind.

Believing God, keeping our eyes locked on Him in uncertain times, is the only way forward as far as I am concerned. Giving thanks to God in the face of uncertainty and truly believing that He will work it out is our best option. I love the verse from 2 Timothy 1:12.  From prison, Paul writes in response to the suffering he is enduring, “But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust and am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.”

God is trustworthy every moment of every day regardless of the trials we face. He is not called the Good Shepherd for nothing! He does not abandon His sheep and invites us to come and trust Him with that very thing that is tearing away at your heart or mind. He loves you and He is more than able!  I hope next time you settle into a hammock, you remember, this is like trusting Jesus!

Dear Father,

Thank You for being a good Father, who I trust with my life and all that is dear to me. Take all the loose ends, that which is unresolved, those things that keep me awake at night. I choose to trust You and truly rest in You. Thank You. I give it all over to You. I Know that You will work it out.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

The Ultimate Check List!

I am a list person! I get more done with a list. My 7-year-old granddaughter also likes lists. The apple does not fall far from the tree. There is just something satisfying putting that line across an item done!

When I was taking some quiet time with God the other day, I read the verse from Philippians 4:8. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things”

What a fabulous thinking check list! Are my thoughts:

-  True

-  Noble,

-   Right

-    Pure

-   Lovely

-   Admirable

-   Excellent

-   Praiseworthy

What a great list to think about as we have conversations. I had been sitting with a friend the other day and, I confess, had lost sight of my list, ending up having to apologize for something I said. How we think drives how we speak.

Our thoughts also indicate whether we will be hopeful or despairing, whether our lives will be fruitful or barren, whether we will be controlled by the flesh or the Spirit, whether or not we are being renewed by God, whether or not we will be alert and ready for what comes in an evil day.

So much is said by the state of our thoughts.  I wish I would get it right all the time, but I am moving in the right direction.  Having my thinking list clearly marked helps me.

This week, I had some challenges I had to face. I felt hurt and sad.  Having the list does not exempt us from those feelings but it helps us keep moving toward the right goal.  It focuses us 

Dear Father,

Thank you for this thinking list. Forgive me when I fall short. I ask that Your Spirit would tap me on the shoulder when I am not thinking as I ought. Give me courage to be honest with myself and careful to guard my mind as to the thoughts I allow to dwell there. Thank You for your mercy to me. Help me be merciful to others not only in my actions, but my thoughts.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Food, Comfort and God.

I have lost the same 20 or so pounds maybe 3 or 4 times now. I have worked so hard to get rid of them and then without effort, every last pound finds me. Perhaps you have had a similar experience. 

I really debated hard about losing the weight again so I would look half decent at my son’s wedding this summer. There are a few things I have come to realize though. One is: none of my kids love me any better if I wear size 8. Secondly, I do not want to be counting points. What I really would like to address is why I reach for cookies and sometimes chips to bring me comfort when I feel lonely or bored or I don’t even know what. 

I am on day 4 of a book called “The 40 Day Sugar Fast” by Wendy Speak, and I also bought a book called “Full, Food, Jesus and the Battle for Satisfaction” by Asheritah Ciuciu.  

I have tried the Sugar Fast before and failed miserably, and I am only about half way through the book called Full. Here is what I am doing this time that is different… This time I decided to actually ask the hard questions like, “where do I honestly find comfort?” Personally, I do not love the question. I know that I have run to cookies or chips many times over the years. While losing a few pounds would be great, what would be even greater would be to run to God for comfort and not the comfort that food offers which only lasts a little while. 

I have changed my focus this time and am looking to God to be exactly what the Bible says He is: my comfort. I have looked to God for all kinds of help and comfort over the years but often with a cookie in my hand. I took quite a while this morning and talked over this entire topic with Jesus. I am on day 4 of no sugar. So far, so good. I will do this one day at a time as frankly thinking of 40 days of “no thank you” seems a bit overwhelming. 

1 Corinthians 1:3 “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of ALL comfort.”

Does this mean I will never eat sugar again? NO! I just want to get to the place where I can eat a piece of cake because there is something to celebrate and not because it is filling a need that really only God can fill. 

I asked God what He had to say to me about all this and here is what I heard “ I want to be the One you run to for comfort and satisfaction, allow food to nourish you, not the other things”.

I liked His advice.He has everything needed.

Let me know if you want to join me in this quest. I am sure there are others who have found themselves on a similar journey.

Dear Father,

Forgive me Father for looking to food to be my comfort in whatever I am facing instead of you. I come to you and ask for your help in this. My I look to you Father, one day at a time. Thank you for loving me no matter what. 

In Jesus Name, 

Amen

Praying for The Loved One Who Is Stuck- Part Two

Have you ever gotten your car super stuck in snow? If you live in Canada, you likely have. One thing is certain: if you get super stuck, you cannot maneuver that car expertly out of that snow pile by yourself.  You need help from determined people! They have to lean in and work together to get your car unstuck. I think this is a good image of what it is like to pray for a loved one who is stuck. Last week I wrote about this and I would like to continue this week.

Mark 2:1-12 has the perfect story for us and is complete with some principles we can apply in this situation. 

In our passage, Jesus is back in Capernaum and is once again in somebody’s house, teaching them about the Word of God. There is quite a crowd gathered there and the religious leaders managed to get front row seats. There were lots of people inside and out. 

News of this reached four men who had a loved one in need.  We don’t know if he was a friend or a family member–all we know for sure is the guy was paralyzed. These four men are a very determined group, a bit like the friends who helped you get your very stuck car out of the snow. 

These guys did not allow the crowds to get in the way of them bringing this loved one to Jesus for healing. You would think the crowd would catch on and make a way for the man on a bed, but no. These friends had to be creative, climbing to the roof, which they dug through, lowering this man on his bed before Jesus. It had to be a very co-ordinated effort to not spill the guy out of his bed!

Jesus stops what He is teaching about and recognizes the faith of these four men on the roof and says, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5. The religious leaders did not like what they heard and nor did they understand.  Likely the man in the bed didn’t understand either as he did not move! Jesus knew exactly what these guys were thinking and called them out for it. Jesus asks them, “Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man “Your sins are forgiven,” or “Stand up, pick up your mat and walk.” Mark 2:9?

As you continue to read, Jesus tells the fellow to pick up his bed and walk and he does. 

Here are a few things we can learn about praying for a loved one who is stuck.

1. We may be praying for something specific, but sometimes what Jesus wants to do is different than what we envision.

2. Don’t give up and don’t allow obstacles/people to hinder you. Press into prayer for the loved one like that car stuck in the snow. It is not like praying for the food sitting in front of you.

3. Invite others with faith to join you in praying. They will not be hindered by fear or weariness over your loved one. They can pray much more easily in faith. 

4. Be encouraged, the paralyzed guy in the bed had no say in the matter and Jesus forgave his sins and healed him! 

Dear Father, 

Thank you for the story of the paralyzed man. I pray today for my loved one who is very much like him. I lay them before your throne today. Do in their life what You see is needed. I entrust them into Your hands. 

In Jesus Name,

Amen

How to pray for a loved one who seems stuck.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth. A song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3

It is discouraging to pray and pray, sometimes year after year, for someone dear to your heart and see no movement. To pray with continued passion and hope when there is little obvious change can become very challenging. I have certainly been in this place at times in my life. Here are some of the things I did.

1.      Before diving into prayer, I took time to put my eyes and hope on God and NOT on my loved one. Sometimes I took quite a while.  It is depressing if all our hope is tacked on to the individual we are praying for. Our hope is in God and it is to Him we look to set them free.

2.      I listen to God as I pray.  God helps us to know how to pray.  He gives us insight and helps us know what is the next thing He wants to do in this situation.  Strategic prayer becomes quite specific and one step at a time.  I don’t think God minds if we pray the big picture but I have found that He delights to lead us step by step in specific prayer. 

3.      I remind myself of a number of things:

a.       that Jesus is the Good Shephard and no one is beyond His reach.

b.      prayer is NEVER a waste of time.

c.       nothing is too hard for God. I love to give thanks to God for this unchanging truth. God is not wringing His hands in worry and distress over your loved one.

d.      all of God’s promises are still true.

e.       That the whole reason Jesus came was to seek and save the lost

4.      I give thanks for the smallest signs of life or movement in their life.

5.      I always find Bible verses I can cling to. These become my focus.

6.      Finally, I rest in God and allow Him to fill me with the rest and hope that Only He can give. Cease striving, and know that He is God and we are not.  We need to stop trying to rescue people or fix lives.  Let God be God.

I pray that God will restore hope in your heart. If this topic resonates with you, I encourage you to get our book, Hope for an Unwanted Journey, written by Bill and I. It may prove helpful to you.

Dear Father,

Thank You for being the Author of hope and rescue. You are the One who intervenes. Thank You Father. I ask that Your Spirit would lead me as I pray for my loved one. I ask that You would restore hope in me today.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

When Two Missions Collide in a BIG Way!

“Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.” Mark 15:1

Over the years, I have sat in several vision casting meetings with the various organizations that I have worked for. A big part of these meetings was setting out clearly what our “mission statement” was.  We worked hard on this. We made plans on how this mission would be accomplished. Intense hours and days were spent on all of this.

These past weeks I have been reading the narrative leading up to Christ’s death on the cross. Something struck me as I read Mark 15:1. The leaders of the temple, the priests, elders and other important leaders, were all gathered and were making big plans! Their plan was clear. Short and to the point, just the way mission statements are supposed to be. Theirs was, “Arrest Christ and crucify him.” The “why” behind this was clear also: get this guy to stop wrecking our ministry and making us look lame!

As they were trying to figure out how to make this happen, confusion was everywhere in the meeting. In Mark 14:55-60 we see the clear evidence of this. Little did they know that while they laid out their mission to stop Jesus, a much greater plan was long in the works, and they were playing right into it.

John 3:16 says “For God SO LOVED the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This is basically God’s mission statement, and the chief priests and associates paved the way for the greatest gift to you and me to be made. This was the event which changed everything!

Now, those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, can confess their sins and receive forgiveness! No animal sacrifice required! The throne room of God is unlocked and open 24/7 so that God’s beloved children can lay burdens down, find peace in the storm, and receive guidance, wisdom, rest and healing, and so much more - all the beautiful gifts that are ours as believers because of Christ’s sacrifice.

We have so much to be thankful for!

Dear Father,

Thank You for the precious gift of Easter! Thank you for the cross and all that was accomplished through it! Thank You that Your plans went forward and the difference this makes in my life every single day.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Thoughts on those times when it feels like God is not get it right!

Psalm 23: 6 Surely goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life and I will live in the House of the Lord forever

Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him

On April 9th, 1979, I was in Bible school in Manitoba. I felt like I needed to move far from home because my father was an alcoholic and drinking way too much.. Even though he did not live with us, I took it upon myself to make sure he made it back to his place safely. There was no end of difficulties when it came to my dad. So, as I prayed about leaving to go to Bible College, I chose to go to the next province over. I trusted God to watch over my dad and keep him safe. Things do not always work out just as we hoped and prayed.  April 9th of my first year in Bible College, my dad had a massive heart attack and died.

I struggled deeply trying to understand why God allowed this to happen. I am currently reading “The Bait of Satan” by John Bevere. He was talking about how people become offended with God because bad things happened, and God did not answer the way they prayed and trusted Him for. He said something that really struck me. He tells the story of a young man who suffered many losses in a very short period of time. This young man had fervently served God. He was mad at God as the losses were just too much. John Bevere, thinking about this young man, said “he believed God owed him for all he had given up to serve him.”

It is easy to fall into this thinking especially as we find promises of God and “claim” them in Jesus’ Name believing they will lead to a particular outcome we have planned for God to accomplish. I think this is especially true when it involves our loved ones. We lay them before the throne of God and trust Him to care for them. When bad things happen, does that mean God forgot?  Was He perhaps too busy that day? Maybe that is how it feels but that does not make it true.

We worship God because He is worthy, not because of all the nice things He can do for us. He has done many great things, starting with salvation. He made a way so we can rest in God and know His peace and in the middle of the storms of life, even when things don’t make sense. Choosing to trust God in these seasons is a choice.

God can handle our brutal honesty but while we face seasons where things make little sense to us, we need to guard our hearts. I have confessed to God several times in my life that I do not understand what He is thinking or doing, but I choose to trust him. When my brother died of a drug overdose I struggled greatly. God is a God of mercy but that does not mean that things will turn out the way we think it should. He does promise His presence and comfort if we come to Him. I have experienced both and I pray this will be true for you if today you are facing some tough circumstances or disappointments.

Dear Father,

I come before You today and thank You for Your presence with me. Though what I face makes little sense to me, I trust You. Lead me through these days that are dark and seemingly hopeless. I know that You are still God Almighty and that You love me. Thank You that You see me in my suffering. I choose to put my whole trust in You.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

Encouraging Words for Stressful Times

The news, at least in Canada, has been stressful. Then there are the endless posts on social media with all the opinions and breaking news. I find all of this stressful. Now this week, in Canada, we brace for tariffs and then we have an election at the end of the month in case there is not enough drama.

We were visiting our kids out west last week; the topic of politics and tariffs came up. I could feel the stress building in me. Then, one of them, sadly not me, said ultimately, regardless of who is in power, God reigns. They talked about the crazy leaders in the Scriptures. It was turning into a mini sermon between Bill and our son! For whatever reason, God allowed these leaders to rule. Yet, God’s purposes still went forward.

It is easy to put our trust in leaders. We pray for God’s choice to rise and will continue to pray for wisdom for that leader. This is true whether we are talking about the country we live in or whoever is in leadership at work. This verse from Psalm 20:6 simply reminds us of where our trust should be. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God”

I just want to say, it is a lot less stressful when I choose to put my trust in God. Regardless of who is at the helm, He is still our Good Shepherd who has led through uncertain times in history, and He will again. It does not mean it will be easy, but He promises to be present with us and will give us wisdom along the way.

God alone knows the future. There are so many opinions and predictions out there. None of them make it 100% certain. Only God knows for sure and that is where I choose to put my faith and trust.

Dear Father,

I thank You for being the One I can trust in at this time in history. Thank You for the promise that You will not leave nor forsake us. I pray for wisdom for the days ahead. Calm our fears and fill us with Your peace which rests on us even in uncertain times.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

My Secret Power!

“The Joy of the Lord is my strength.” Neh. 8:10

 I have many memories of sitting around a campfire singing, “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength.” I always liked that song, but I didn’t understand the concept. 

Last week I had a medical procedure and let me tell you, it was awful. It was awful getting ready for it, and recovery was even worse! I am happy to tell you though, I am much better now!!  

“The joy of the Lord is my strength,” found in Nehemiah 8:10, seemed like a pipe dream at that moment. So... I took the opportunity to talk it over with God while I was feeling terrible. Let me just say, it is easier to have such conversations when it is sunny and you feel well! 

The Lord reminded me that the source of all that is truly good is Him. His goodness, strength, courage and comfort are available, and none are dependent on the time of day or the circumstances that I face. He does not change. 

We all have days when the need is great and we call out to God literally moment by moment. He is there and he helps us.  It is truly amazing.  He restores hope and strengthens us for whatever is next. When I think of the joy of the Lord being our strength, an image comes to mind.  It is like having a life-giving well steps from you at all times and when a need arises, you can dip your cup in and drink deeply. It is a well that never runs dry and it is always available! That is good news! 

The next time I sing that song “The joy of the Lord is my Strength” I will remember why this is true and I hope you will as well! 

Dear Father,

Thank you for being my strength today for whatever I am facing. Thank you for Your willingness to meet me at any time! Thank you for being a God who is faithful and that nothing is too much for You. 

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

A Wise Balance

“The Lord detests dishonest scales,
    but accurate weights find favor with him.

 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
    but with humility comes wisdom” Proverbs 11:1-2

 I love to bake, especially cookies. I am reasonably good at it. The trick about cookies is simply this: you must follow the recipe. You can make changes to it, but there comes a point when if you cut too much sugar or forget the salt for example, your cookies will not be great. They might look good, but when people are not reaching for the second cookie, it may not be simply because they are counting calories.  Balance is needed for the cookies to turn out.  And balance is not only important in baking, but also in our lives.

How we fill our days and the hours that pass, matters. We only get to live this day once. We may have a chance tomorrow to do what was left undone today, but we cannot be sure.

Finding the balance in life is unique to everyone. When I was reading through Proverbs 11 this morning, I was struck by this verse about dishonest scales. I sensed God asking me, “How balanced is your life?” I was surprised as I have only thought of this verse in relation to business!  I was hesitant to answer that question. There are some things I would rather not know. Yet the Lord has been tapping me on the shoulder all day, waiting for my response.

My life can always be more balanced.  There have been times when I have sat too much, and other times when I have been too active, never slowing down to think or reflect on what matters in my life, or what God would have me do today.

The point here is that living with imbalance in our lives may be an act of cheating God.  There is something of dishonesty in it.

 To be sure, balance changes depending on what season of life we find ourselves in. Regardless of the season though, I believe it is important to ask ourselves if we have fallen out of balance and if we have the humility to change.  If we ask God humbly, He will show us. We don’t need to be afraid! God is gentle.

Balance enriches our lives. It is like washing a window after a season of winter. We see more clearly and we feel better!

Dear Father,

Thank you for Your desire for my life to be balanced. I confess, at this moment my life could be more balanced! I pray for wisdom Father, to see myself honestly and not to close my mind to the truth.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

“Some things, you do only once.”

I think I have heard this line from 8 different people, in various contexts over the past week. Right away, I have a few things that would be on my list for this saying. Here are a few tips and lessons learned from things I hope to do only once!

1.        When you are nine months pregnant and you very badly want to make the baby come early, don’t grab a skipping rope and skip. It does not work. You may well pull a few muscles while you are at it.

2.        When driving on a sunny day and you are distracted, don’t race through a very yellow light. If a police officer sees you, a ticket that is not cheap will come your way.

3.        I really do work at thinking before I speak. I have paid the price countless times over the years for not doing that. It is embarrassing and NOT helpful to me or to anyone else.

4.        Make sure when you send a text, that it is to the right person!!

5.        Read your email before you send it! If it is one that you are feeling upset about, slow down and be careful.  Don’t react.  Respond wisely!!

6.        When I bake now, if I am using a cookbook, I cover the recipe I am not using, as I have been known to mix up which recipe I am on, and add too much flour and sugar.  This is not an easy mistake to correct!

7.        I really do not like impulse purchases! I find myself feeling only regret and maybe a bit of guilt too, for wasting money!

8.        I never want to break my arm again.

9.        I think I have made my poorest decisions when anxious. I now choose to slow down and talk things over with God, and maybe someone else I trust.

10.   I will never put ice cubes on my eyelids again to try to get a nice complete tan. It does not work! You get a burn and then your eye lids swell up and it hurts. Not a good look!!

I realize this is all pretty lighthearted, but I feel like there have been enough heavy things this past week.

Proverbs 24:32 “Then I saw and considered it; looked and received instruction.”

Learning from the hard knocks of life matters. May God give each of us wisdom as we apply this important truth to our lives daily!

 Dear Father,

You teach us through many of the everyday things we experience, especially the ones we only want to experience once! Please Father, give me the wisdom and humility to learn and learn well. Thank you,

In Jesus Name,

Amen

What about you? I would love to hear some things you would only do once!

My Number One Response to Eye Rolling Times

. “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell on the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:3-4

  To be perfectly honest with you, I am feeling a bit tense these days. Reading the news is putting my stomach in knots. I could stop reading the news - t, that might help, but it won’t stop what is happening. I would prefer to be in the know.

 Psalm 37 :1-8 reads to me like an instruction book on how to live when things are tough in one’s life. Especially when it feels like someone, or something is coming against you.

 We can put our hope in governments to a point, but to put our trust in the One who can give us peace in the storm, is even better. God, who sees down the road and around the corner, is still faithful. He has not changed. He is not wringing His hands as I read the news, no matter how stressful it looks from my lazy boy chair! We are told that while we are busy trusting God in the middle of the storm, we are to do good! Find things that are kind that you can do, however big or small - , just do them!!  And while all this is going on, we are to cultivate faithfulness. We need to dig deep and trust God even when life seems a bit on the crazy side! We will find that God is still very present and able to help us day by day.

 As we delight in God, we reflect upon His greatness and all His attributes that do not change. He is the same yesterday and today and forever. I love that. Nothing changes who He is or how He loves us and sees us.

 Today, let’s choose to trust Him and do good. Let’s work hard at leaning into our faith in God and His faithfulness. He is not blind, and He is not worried.

 Dear Father,

I choose to trust you today. Show me what good can I do today. Thank you for your faithfulness to me through all the seasons, regardless of what is going on in the news. Thank you.

In Jesus’ Name

Amen

A Different kind of Workout

   “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12,13

 There is a certain pleasure parents experience when they come in through the door to find that their kids have done exactly as they were asked in their absence. I think of moments like those as the victory moments as a parent. 

 As I reflect on Philippians 2:12-13, Paul is encouraging us, even when he is not around, to work hard to prove our salvation and it is not something that is done casually, rather in fear and trembling.

 In this passage, I think of those seasons in my life when I have walked through deep valleys, or times when I have just been racked with unanswered questions and prayers. The conversations I have had with God in those seasons are, I believe, the ones that caused the roots of my faith to grow deeper in that soil of salvation. On the one hand I have trusted God with outcomes but on the other, I have wrestled deeply and even had to work hard.  There is nothing about this process that allows me to be passive though it is God who is at work.  Our faith is seldom passive.

 The things that God has begun in me engage me to the depths of my being.  Learning to love as He loves, to forgive generously, to pray without ceasing, to give thanks in all circumstances all are deeply challenging, issues in which I am deeply involved and simply flow out of the fact that I belong to Him. 

 Anyone who wants to build muscle, knows they cannot go to the gym just to walk around and look at the weights.  They must pick them up and do the hard work of repetitions that are painful and leave one exhausted afterwards.  It’s the same with our faith.  It is not developed on the bleachers.  No passivity here.

 Dear Father,

Thank you that You are at work in my life to fulfil Your purposes.  I want to keep step with You.  Help me apply myself in faithful obedience to these very things.  Forgive me for being passive, thinking You would do it all.  I trust You. 

 In Jesus name

 Amen

Talking about an All-inclusive!

It's winter in Canada and it is very chilly, even in Toronto. Winter is my least favorite season. I do try to make the best of it, Reading good books, seeing friends and family, but I admit I really look forward to spring!

Last year Bill and I had the privilege of going to an all-inclusive in Jamaica. It was incredible! We can't do it this year though as we have a wedding coming up–and those are never cheap! 

This morning, I was reading Psalm 23 in the NLT version. In the first verse it reads: “The Lord is my shepherd, and I have everything I need”. Jesus is the ultimate all -inclusive. He sees down the road and around the corner where I cannot see. He has the power to move the mountains that have me overwhelmed and sometimes hopeless. When I lack wisdom, He has everything I could possibly need to know if I wait on Him and on His speaking voice. He offers peace in the storms, and He's willing to bear all my burdens. He offers his constant presence, and forgiveness for the times I blow it. The Lord is indeed my Shepherd and in Him I have everything I need. He is all that I have mentioned and so much more.

It is easy to forget just how all-inclusive our God is. He offers to you whatever it is you need today. He is not stingy. He loves you and He knows exactly what you're going through at this moment in your life. He sees all your disappointments; He hears that sigh that no one else notices. Come to Him today in all the sorrow or the disappointments that you bear, and He will meet you.

Dear Father,

Thank you that you are all that I need today. Thank you for walking with me. Not only that, but you will also guide me and provide for me everything that I need. I rest in you even though things aren't all resolved or rosy in my life. I know you will work it out in your time and in your way. Thank you.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

When life throws us a curveball.

John 16:33 says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 When challenges come to us, fear is often nearby. We don’t see the solution. We only see the mountain that stands before us and have no idea how in the world we are going to navigate it.

 A week ago, on a beautiful, sunny day, I took my dog, Penny, for a walk.  Everything was going as perfectly, when something suddenly spooked her and she jumped in front of me.  I fell down and heard a crack in my arm.  Lying there in pain, with Penny jumping around wondering what was wrong, I called to people walking by for help, but they ignored me.. I was able to call Bill but he had difficulty finding me.  This was going very badly.  Eventually he located me, cleaned me up and took me to the hospital.  The x-ray showed it all – a broken  humerus in my left arm, and I am left handed.  A special sling and alot of pain day and night, praying that I won’t need surgery.  That was a rough day.

 Days of trouble come to us all.  Surely Jesus can bring some good out of this suffering?  Well..here is what happened.

*I was able to pray for 2 different people in the ER that day

* One of my sons was home all week to help me and I needed a lot of it!

* Others came by just to visit.  I have not been alone.

* My arm is healing perfectly

* I have long periods of time, especially at night, to listen to the Scriptures that wash over me and bring refreshing

* I have time to pray for many people.

* My kids keep checking in on me; this has been a huge hi-light, just to talk with them

* I feel God’s presence; His peace is strong in me.

*Knowing the peace of Christ in the midst of the storm has been wonderful.

 John 14:27 says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid". 

 In any bad day, God gives grace to us.  Days of trouble are days where He is near and will help us.  His presence is our comfort and strength.  It is not true that we suffer alone.  Perhaps today you are facing your own unexpected battles. I pray that the peace of Christ will be yours. 

 Dear Father,

Thank you for the promise of peace in the storms and the troubles that we face. May You grant to each one the measure of peace needed at this very moment. Thank you.

 In Jesus’ name

 Amen

No Time Stamps!

 I've been thinking a lot about seniors these days. Some of them are just so unwell and it is to assume: “I guess that's all part of getting older.” The question I have rolling around in my mind is: is that true? When I think of scriptures like “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength and they shall mount up with wings as eagles” (Isaiah 40:31) I see no timestamp on that promise.

 I remember years ago there was a friend that Bill and I had, he was 90 years old. He woke up one morning and put on his glasses and he couldn't see properly. He thought they must be his wife’s glasses, so he went and found the other pair and put those on and it was still just as foggy! Then when he took the glasses off, he realized that in the night, God in his kindness had touched his eyes and healed him! When he died in his late 90’s, he had 20/20 vision!

 I also remember at church, there was a woman who had to be in her mid 80s and was caring for her disabled son. She suffered such severe pain in her hips and asked us to please pray for her, which of course we did. God touched that sweet woman, and restored her completely and she walked out of there with no pain.

 James 5:13-16 says: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up”. Again, when I look at this passage from James 5 nowhere does it say: “except for when you're over a certain age don't bother”.

 Isaiah 46:4 says “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” I think this is my new favorite Bible verse in the whole Bible. It reminds us that God does not forget us regardless of age. I have several older people in their 80s and 90s who are struggling but I ask God almost daily for strength for healing to restore hope in their lives.

 I think the whole point I want to make today is this: if you have people that are elderly and struggling, don't stop asking God for healing and everything else that they need in their lives just because they're old. The promises of God have no age limit, He sees these dear people and He cares deeply for their struggles.

 One of the great struggles people have in prayer is that they lose faith. After praying for so long, many will give up hope and accept that because the one they are praying for is old, and these struggles just come with the territory, there’s no need to keep praying.  Yet as we consider the scriptures I mentioned (as well as more through the scriptures) we can see that there are no timestamps or limitations on God’s words, so why not ask Him for healing?  Even if God chooses to not heal entirely, but insteads grants a blessing, God is always wonderful, whatever that looks like in each one of our lives. Prayer is never a waste of time. We can ask God for healing until the Lord tells us to stop.

 Dear Father,

Thank you that you hear us when we pray. I think of some of these dear older folks in my life who fight so hard in life, but I pray in Jesus’ name you would put a new song in their hearts–a song of praise to their God who has walked with them, who is with them, whose promises are still true. Will you restore them and their hope I ask in Jesus’ name, for I know that with you nothing is impossible!

Thank you father, in Jesus’ name

Amen.

A Work in Progress

As I was reading a book this past week, something the author said caught my attention. “Progress, Not Perfection”.  As I think back to some of the goals, and resolutions I made earlier in January ,I already know that I have not managed to hold to all of them. Some things on that list I may have figured out, but not too many. Habits that we spend years cultivating, are not easy to break, and neither are creating new ones.

 When I read this statement, “Progress and not perfection”, it got me thinking - wouldn’t it be wonderful to celebrate progress instead of quitting all together?

 The apostle Paul said, “Not that I have already attained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ has made me His own.” (Phil 3:12) We have not arrived, nor will we in this life.  But that doesn’t mean we don’t press on.  That we’re moving in the right direction is all important.  Imperfection marks everything that we do.  All our works are imperfect, as are our prayers.  We don’t see fully in anything, nor do we perceive things perfectly.  This should birth humility and dependence on God in us.  But it doesn’t necessarily.  It could also raise up deepest feelings of frustration because we feel we are not far enough along the way.  The expectation that we should be perfect can, in that case, only create unrest in us and in those around us.  Perfection will come one day, but it’s not today.

 This attitude helps us be a lot more gracious with other people too whose imperfections can drive us crazy.  Acknowledging progress in them will build a bridge and breathe confidence into them.  Demanding perfection of them can only crush and discourage them. 

 I have managed to be consistent in my exercise program that I discovered. The woman who designed it was a ballerina during her working years. She is 75 years old! Most classes like this are led by women who are in the 20-30’s. I found it inspirational. I also have finally given myself permission to do the workouts for the 60-year-olds. I have come to the place where, I don’t have to impress anyone. I just need to show up and do it.

 I am learning to extend grace to myself when I fail at being a remarkable older lady. Some days though, I am amazed at what is accomplished and I know that God has helped me. We belong to Jesus.  His sacrifice completes everything we do and makes every effort, every offering, every work acceptable even though from our point of view, it seems so imperfect.  That is some cheery news for a cold January day!

 Dear Father,

 Thank you for completing every work that I do in Your name and accepting my imperfect offerings. Thank you for giving me rest and enabling me to celebrate progress.  I delight in You and thank you for your incredible mercy.  

In Jesus Name,

Amen

New Every Day!

I was trying to think up something great about January I actually like, outside of it being my oldest son’s birthday! I am going to be honest with you - January is a tough month for me. Today, my husband, Bill, encouraged me to ask God what is something great about January. I thought it sounded a little ridiculous, but while I was out slipping and sliding, walking my dog, Penny, I did ask God.

 Right away, I was reminded that January is the start of a brand-new year - an opportunity for new and even unexpected things. Also, He gently reminded me that every day, even in January, His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 declares, “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh every morning.”

 This is good news to read on a blistery cold winter day. The mercies of God are new.  We may have blown it badly, but in His love, He wipes the slate clean so we can start over again. I love that His love is described as faithful, something else we can count on. The news has been a hard read for many of us these days, for various reasons, but this truth remains. His faithful love is unchanging. Love pays attention to our fears and that is good news! God’s faithfulness is indeed great! More good news! His great faithfulness endures regardless of what we read or the wind that howls outside. God is faithful. He does not promise easy or straightforward paths as we all know, but we can count on His great faithfulness to see us through whatever is before us.

 This past week, I received news from my doctor; nothing horribly bad, but it bothered me. It made me feel like I was old and falling apart. Then, if that was not enough, Bill had to measure my height because we need new passports, and I shrank an inch!! Now I am 5 foot 2 if I am being completely honest!

 Reading over these verses today encouraged my heart as I know what was true in the middle of a warm sunny day in summer is also true on a cold blustery day in January. That is better news!

 Dear Father,

 Thank you for the good news we read in Lamentations 3. Thank you for your love, faithfulness and your mercies that are new every single day. I pray that you would renew in each of us, whatever is needed today. Thank You Father, for good news even on a wintery January day.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

God Will Work it out, NOT me!

One Simple Practice I do when Fear or Sadness Over a Loved One Grips my Heart!A few days ago, once again I found myself in the room that, for me, has two names on it: one is worry and the other is despair. Both of these emotions were tugging at my heart. 

 As I watch some of my loved ones make decisions that disappoint me or worry me, many thoughts keep automatically replaying in my mind. I dream up conversations I would love to have but know I won’t. Maybe there are times where I can speak up, but most often I know my role is to pray.  Perhaps you can relate? There is a song I heard the other day called “ God Will Work It Out” sung by Maverick City if you want to give it a listen. God soothed my heart through listening to it. 

 The Lord reminded me very clearly the other day, to be careful where I let my eyes rest, AND to remember where I need to put my trust. I have learned through some dark seasons, to double check when worry has a hold on me. I have found great comfort in these verses from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” This verse clearly and simply gives us very wise advice. Trust in the Lord, not people and don’t assume anything. We don’t know what God is truly doing at this moment in our loved one’s lives. He is asking for whole-hearted trust; I can only trust God wholeheartedly when I truly believe He is more than able. I also love Ephesians 3:20 that says: “Now to Him who IS ABLE to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us.” 

 It is very easy to become discouraged and lose heart, especially when the season/situation our loved one is in is not short lived. It takes a conscious decision every day to choose to believe God, and as we do that we are able to do so wholeheartedly. 

 Dear Father, 

I choose to believe that you are able to care for my loved one, and that their choices do not disqualify them from your incredible power. I lay them before Your throne and trust You to do what only You can do. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me and my loved one. 

In Jesus Name,

Amen