Mid-Week Message - Childlike Faith

"Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those that brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them."  Mark 10:13-16 (NKJV) 

"Do, Lord, oh do, Lord, oh do remember me!"  This is the song that was on my mind when I awoke this morning.  It brought back so many wonderful memories.  I learned it in Sunday School as a young child.  I can remember singing it in Vacation Bible School and even belting it out at school during recess.  As I grew older, I sang it to the children I babysat and, eventually, taught it to my own daughter.  It is such a simple little song but its verses remind us of the close relationship we have with our Lord.  

Childhood.  Young minds are open and accepting of what they are presented.  If we teach truth, they learn truth.  If we teach lies, they learn those lies as truth.  As we grow older and encounter the good and bad of life, we handle what is thrown at us with those early teachings as our foundation.  Jesus knew that it was easy for children to believe He was who He said He was.  He took the opportunity to speak words of blessing to them that they would carry for their entire lives.  They hadn't yet begun to question what they were taught.  They took it on simple faith.  

Wouldn't it be wonderful to return to that time when we didn't have to question everything that we see and hear?   Unfortunately this world is filled with those who lie to us and hide their motives for what they do.  Because of that, many of us have become analyzers.  After each encounter we go off and rethink everything that was said and done and develop our own opinions about what was meant.  The problem with that is that our Creator did not give us the ability to know what is in someone else's heart or mind.  Even worse, our habit of analyzing can often bleed over into our relationship with the Lord to the point where we find ourselves questioning His Word as absolute truth.  

In the Lord's presence, we need to allow ourselves to get beyond the walls that the hurt in this world has caused us to build.  God does not, cannot, lie.  In all that He does and says to us we can be assured to find nothing but truth.  We can sing songs like "Jesus Loves Me" and allow that childlike spirit within us to dance in the simplicity and joy that it brings.  We need not fear Him.  Like the children in today's verse, we can feel free to climb upon His lap and know that we will find nothing but pure love.  Simple faith is within our grasp.  Reach out and grab it and don't let go. 

Mid-Week Message - About Faith

"Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

I want to share with you a great miracle that God performed in my life.  When I share this one, I get looks of skepticism, but I assure you it happened just this way.  I was on my way home from work in Austin, Texas one summer evening many years ago.  I was travelling down a busy road at about 50 mph.  I had just made it through a green light when all of a sudden the car in front of me slammed on its brakes which meant that I had to slam on my brakes.  I was barely able to avoid a collision.  What I was unaware of was a large, older model car behind me that was following me very closely.  The driver didn't see what was happening.  I looked in my rear view mirror just in time to see her look up in horror before ramming into the back of my car, a Ford Pinto. But God had other plans.  Her car passed straight through mine.  Her face and my face were as close as if she had been in my back seat.  Afterwards, she and I just sat there trying to piece together what had just happened.  Ford Pintos, if you recall, had faulty gas tanks that could explode on impact. If not for the Lord stepping in to prevent that accident, we both would surely have perished.  

Sometimes I answer those "getting to know you" surveys on Facebook.  One of the questions I recall answering was "have you almost died?"  I said no but then I recalled this incident and realize that my life very well could have ended that day.  I know it is hard to believe.  I was there and it was hard for me to grasp.  I just know it happened and I praise God for protecting me that day, and every other day.

A friend told me once that I have "great faith."  Because I know how much I struggle sometimes to wait upon and trust God for His perfect will, that is difficult for me to take in.  If anyone is able to see Jesus by something I say or do, then I thank Him, not me.  But there are some things about my faith that I do know.  I believe that He is who He says He is.  I believe that He can do what He says He can do and that His love for me, and for you, has no limit.  I believe that He has all power and all knowledge and can be everywhere at the same time.  I believe that although there are countless souls that He has created, that He can be with each of them as if they were His only child. I don't understand it but I believe it.

I take Him at His word because He has shown me too much in my life for me not to.  I don't need to know how many hours or centuries were in each day of creation.  He said six days and that is good enough for me.  I don't need to know how He was able to part the Red Sea so the children of Israel could pass through on dry land.  It is enough to know He did.  I don't have to know for sure if Jonah was swallowed by a whale, a shark or something we are unaware of today or how he wasn't dissolved by the stomach acids.  Scripture says a big fish and God is great enough to keep him safe in there, just as He was able to help men walk through a fiery furnace without being burned, keep Daniel safe in the lion's den and help David kill Goliath with a stone in a sling.  

Simply put, He is.  When Moses asked who he should say sent him, the Lord's reply was "I Am".  If He was able to create the earth and all things in it along with the universes and beyond, then I know He is able to have all control over it all.  A pastor in Austin many years ago was asked how he was so sure God exists.  His answer has always stuck with me.  He said, "I know because I know because I know."  That is faith.  I have enough faith that I don't have to see His face to know He is there.  The evidence of His existence is etched on my soul.  I believe what He says because He has never let me down.  If I am disappointed in an answer to prayer, it is because I have been trying to fit His limitless will into my tiny box of expectation.  He is not bound by what I desire and has always, always, surpassed anything that I could dream of.  I may have to wait awhile, but patience is a fruit of the Spirit that needs more growth in my life.

Where do you stand today?  What is your faith like?  Can you take Him at His word and let Him be who He is or do you need for Him to be who YOU want Him to be?  The created does not get to dictate to the Creator.  I pray that if you find it difficult to trust Him, you will be able to allow yourself to accept Him as He is.  When you are able to do that your eyes will be opened to the myriad of miracles He is still performing everyday.  Don't miss them!  With great love and prayers, God bless you.

Mid-Week Message - When God Said "No"

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.  And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (AMPC)

God said "no" today.  It has happened many times before, but today hit me rather hard.  This "no" followed what I had interpreted as a "yes" and because of that I was disillusioned.  My words to my husband were, "I can't trust anything anymore."  Now that a few hours have passed and I have had some time to think, I realize that I heard the "yes" because it was what I was wanting to hear and not anything that the Holy Spirit had conveyed to me. 

See, I took my attention off of the Lord.  I transferred my trust onto what I thought I heard in my heart rather than leaving it where it needed to be.  Only the Lord knows what tomorrow holds.  By His side is where I need to keep myself.  Had I done that, I would not have experienced the distress because I would have known that although this was not His provision, His perfect provision is coming.  

It is not His will that we be anxious about our lives.  He wants us to lean on Him and to trust Him for everything we need in life.  Today should have been a time of thanksgiving and acknowledgement and of seeking peace over the future.  Just as He provided manna for the children of Israel, so He will take care of our needs.  I love the verse for today, and specifically in the Classic Amplified version because it conveys a mighty picture of our hearts and minds being guarded.  We can all have that protection.  It is readily available.  All we have to do is ask God for that peace then we don't have to worry about what is yet to come.

I know I am not the only one that has found themselves in this predicament.  We all go through periods in which we wonder about tomorrow.  What will the medical report say?  How did the interview go?  When will that check come in?  And we find ourselves asking if God truly knows what we are going through.  Does He know how worried we are?  Does He care?  

As I have had to assure myself today, I will now assure you.  Indeed He does care.  He loves us more than we will ever be able to understand.  That is why He reminds us not to fret or worry.  All good things come from the Father above.  Everything belongs to Him.  Whatever situation we find ourselves in He is mighty and loving enough to guide us through.  He has answers that we cannot even dream of and at the correct time, His time, He will reveal them.  Until then, He asks that we rest and allow Him to be in charge.  

I pray that each of us is able to find that peace that transcends all understanding as we go through this week.  With great love and thanksgiving, God bless you.

Mid-Week Message - But With God....

"Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." Matthew 19:26 (NLT)

Several years ago, the students at the school where I was working had a "jog-a-fun".  This was a yearly fundraiser that brought in funds for items the school would not otherwise be able to afford, such as sports equipment.  Students obtained sponsors that would pay a chosen amount per lap that the student was able to run within a given time.  I will never forget one young boy.  He was not particularly athletically inclined but he wanted so much to run many laps and help his school.  As I watched him, I could tell that he was saying something.  As I moved closer I heard him repeat over and over, "With God, all things are possible."  

It seems that each day is a marathon that must be run.  We get out of bed and encounter the same issues and problems that we had the day before plus whatever new occurrences the day might bring.  If you're like me you find yourself wondering how much more you can humanly manage.  Maybe you have a grouchy boss who is never satisfied.  You may have financial worries that you feel you will never be able to surmount.  Health problems might plague you with bad reports that never seem to end.  Whatever your specific life brings can be overwhelming and lead you to a feeling of utter defeat.  

I was speaking with a friend that felt she had ruined the potential for a job she really wanted because she had water marks on the front of her jacket and didn't notice.  She was horrified and worried that she would be judged by that rather than her skills and abilities.  Even though her interview had gone extremely well, she made up her mind that she had lost the possibility of being hired and sank into despair.  As I tried to console and encourage her these words from Zechariah came to mind, "Not by might nor by power but by my spirit says the Lord."  You see she had spent much time in prayer over this opportunity.  She had repeatedly asked for the Lord to be in control.  When she found the water marks though, she completely forgot about asking Him to orchestrate the day.  I asked her this, "Who was in charge of this day?  Were you or was the Lord?"  

When we ask the Father to take the reins of the situations in our lives, we need to trust that He hears and honors our request.  When we read scripture we see Him accomplish the impossible over and over again.  Seas parting, donkeys talking, people being raised from the dead, healings, and water turning into wine are just a few examples.  My question is this, if God sent His Son Jesus to save our souls, if He went to that extreme to show us how deeply He loves us, why would we ever think that He would be unable to take care of the big things in our lives?  He is Almighty God.  Our mountains are His anthills.  There is nothing too difficult, too complicated, too worrisome or impossible for Him to handle.  

Are you praying about something that is overpowering you?  Are you asking God to take control and to solve a problem?  Then I have a couple of suggestions.  Number one, once you ask Him to take control, lay the problem at His feet and walk away.  Number two, trust Him.  If you care about it, He cares about it and He will never abandon you.  Once He takes control, you can be assured that a solution is coming.  Keep your eyes and ears open because you don't want to miss anything that He might do and keep your heart and mind in the Word and believe.  He is able when we are not.  God bless you. 

Mid-Week Message - He Will Not Let You Down

"The Lord is my strength and shield.  I trust him with all my heart.  He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.  I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."  Psalm 28:7  (NLT)  

When we were young, we dreamed of being older.  Didn't we all wish for the time when we would be on our own, making our own decisions in life and be out from under our parents' control?  We dreamed of being able to do the things we wanted to do when we wanted to do them.  We idealized our future careers, dreamed about meeting our life partners and planned for how we would raise our own children.  We would be different.  We would do better.  How naïve were.

We had no idea what adult life was truly like.  We didn't know how onerous the responsibilities would be.  Not being able to see the future, we didn't have any idea what troubles we might encounter.  Our fantasies didn't include financial problems, job losses, caring for elderly parents, battling disease, worrying over addicted children or dealing with our own mortality.  We certainly couldn't have foreseen political unrest or a time when this nation would turn against those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us.  

The reality is that we have no way of knowing what tomorrow will bring.  I can remember my mother telling me not to wish my life away and to enjoy being young as long as I could.  Those were wise words that I did not understand at the time.  Now, how I long to go back and let someone else be in charge so that I can live oblivious to the problems that life inevitably presents.  Wouldn't you like that as well?  

Life is not just hard, sometimes it is too hard.  Many days we awake not knowing what our next step should be.  It may be that the money is not there to pay the bills or that our job may be eliminated. Maybe a marriage is on the rocks or a child is in danger.  There are so many possibilities that can be thrown at us.  What are we to do?  

Just as those who came before us had to do, we have to find away to cope with all we are handed.  Thankfully we serve a God who has promised never to abandon us.  Though we find ourselves weak and worn, He is strong and faithful.  He says that His grace is sufficient for us and that is a grand promise because much of the time that is all we seem to have to hold onto as we lift our voices and cry for help. 

Praise God that we have Him to run to!  There is nothing that happens in our lives that catches Him by surprise.  Psalm 139:16b says, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."  This is our assurance that before He even created us, He already knew everything that we would encounter.  He has walked the road ahead of us and knows how to lead us through whatever we are facing.  Though the way seems dark, He is the light that will guide us.  

Are you crying out for help?  He hears you.  Does it seem as though the help never comes?  I promise you that He is not ignoring your pleas.  He is there.  Listen for the gentle whisper of His voice.  Sing praises of thanksgiving, not because you see the answer, but because you know that He is in charge and will provide it.  Trust Him.  Believe Him.  Follow Him.  He will not let you down.  

Mid-Week Message - Trusting He Will Be Sufficient

 "He must become greater; I must become less."  John 3:30  (NIV) 

Those who have children may have one or two who are strong-willed.  They want to do things their way and do it by themselves.  Resisting discipline, they are determined to explore that world on their own terms and parents may wonder how to reign them in without breaking their spirit. 

Often, these are also the high-achievers.  They are willing to step "outside of the box" to investigate life.  They try things that others may not think to try and think through problems in unique ways.  As a result, they may be able to solve long-standing issues, become inventors, write the great American novel, or paint masterpieces.  

However we fall in the family hierarchy, whatever our personalities or talents might be, we have one trait in common and that is that we tend to make life about ourselves.  We concentrate on what WE want, what WE like, what makes US happy.  Especially today, we live in a ME society.  We are seeing that especially right now as the nation is going through the throes of individuals being easily offended and wanting everyday words and actions to be changed to suit them.  

As I grow older, the more and more I realize that life isn't about me, or any of us.  It is about our Lord and Savior.  Our purpose is to bring Him glory.  In order to do that, we have to learn to put Him above all.  That doesn't mean we neglect other people or our duties and responsibilities in life.  It means that we live and relate in such a way that is pleasing to Him.  

There is a song, sung by the Christian artist Steve Green, entitled "Whatever It Takes."  It is one that always leads me to prayer, but also challenges how I live my life.  Here are some of the lyrics:

                Whatever it takes to keep me tender toward you

                Whatever it takes, Lord, I beg you to do

                Whatever you must lead me through

                Whatever it takes, Lord, do   

When I first heard this song, I wondered if I would ever be able to pray those words.  Would I ever be able to turn loose of what is important to me and give it all over to Him?  The first few times I attempted to say this as a prayer, I found myself wanting to put stipulations on what I was asking such as, "Please don't touch my family."  Then I understood that "whatever" was all-encompassing and that the only way I could mean it was to be willing to surrender all I held dear on earth.

As time goes by and as I spend more and more time with the Lord, I am beginning to see that what I have to ask myself is this:  Is He sufficient?   If suddenly everything and everyone was gone from my life, would His presence, His love, His sacrifice, His resurrection, be sufficient for me?  

These are difficult things to think about but it is my desire.  I want to bring Him glory.  I want my life to point to Jesus.  If He uses me in the life of only one person who chooses to repent and believe in Him then my life will have fulfilled a much greater purpose than it would have if I had spent it any other way.  

So, I ask you the question I ask myself.  Is He sufficient?  Could you lay everything down if He asked you to?  Can honoring Him become your greatest desire?  

Lots to think about this week.  God bless.

Mid-Week Message - Everything is Possible

"Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." Matthew 19:26 (NLT)

Several years ago, the students at the school where I was working had a "jog-a-fun".  This was a yearly fundraiser that brought in funds for items the school would not otherwise be able to afford, such as sports equipment.  Students obtained sponsors that would pay a chosen amount per lap that the student was able to run within a given time.  I will never forget one young boy.  He was not particularly athletically inclined but he wanted so much to run many laps and help his school.  As I watched him, I could tell that he was saying something.  As I moved closer I heard him repeat over and over, "With God, all things are possible."  

It seems that each day is a marathon that must be run.  We get out of bed and encounter the same issues and problems that we had the day before plus whatever new occurrences the day might bring.  If you're like me you find yourself wondering how much more you can humanly manage.  Maybe you have a grouchy boss who is never satisfied.  You may have financial worries that you feel you will never be able to surmount.  Health problems might plague you with bad reports that never seem to end.  Whatever your specific life brings can be overwhelming and lead you to a feeling of utter defeat.  

Just today I was speaking with a friend that felt she had ruined the potential for a job she really wanted because she had water marks on the front of her jacket and didn't notice.  She was horrified and worried that she would be judged by that rather than her skills and abilities.  Even though her interview had gone extremely well, she made up her mind that she had lost the possibility of being hired and sank into despair.  As I tried to console and encourage her these words from Zechariah came to mind, "Not by might nor by power but by my spirit says the Lord."  You see she had spent much time in prayer over this opportunity.  She had repeatedly asked for the Lord to be in control.  When she found the water marks though, she completely forgot about asking Him to orchestrate the day.  I asked her this, "Who was in charge of this day?  Were you or was the Lord?"  

When we ask the Father to take the reins of the situations in our lives, we need to trust that He hears and honors our request.  When we read scripture we see Him accomplish the impossible over and over again.  Seas parting, donkeys talking, people being raised from the dead, healings, and water turning into wine are just a few examples.  My question is this, if God sent His Son Jesus to save our souls, if He went to that extreme to show us how deeply He loves us, why would we ever think that He would be unable to take care of the big things in our lives?  He is Almighty God.  Our mountains are His anthills.  There is nothing too difficult, too complicated, too worrisome or impossible for Him to handle.  

Are you praying about something that is overpowering you?  Are you asking God to take control and to solve a problem?  Then I have a couple of suggestions.  Number one, once you ask Him to take control, lay the problem at His feet and walk away.  Number two, trust Him.  If you care about it, He cares about it and He will never abandon you.  Once He takes control, you can be assured that a solution is coming.  Keep your eyes and ears open because you don't want to miss anything that He might do and keep your heart and mind in the Word and believe.  He is able when we are not.  God bless you. 

Mid-Week Message - Coming Through the Storms

"Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."  Jeremiah 32:17  

It rained last night.  It rained hard.  We were under threat of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes part of the time.  The weather report said there could be high winds and tree damage.  Gratefully, though everything is very soggy, we came through the storms just fine.  

As I was listening to the pouring rain, I was thinking about life.  We all have times of hardship, or storms if you will, that we encounter. Like rain, some storms we can anticipate, but others seem to pop up out of the blue.  Someone gets gravely ill.  A job is lost.  The economy takes a downturn. Relationships end.  A child struggles with addiction or rebellion.  A loved one passes away.  The list is endless. Everyone encounters something in life that is difficult to make it through.

How should the storms of life be dealt with?  In a perfect world, we would go straight to the cross and dump those issues at the base, trust the Lord to take care of them, recover our smiles and go on. In a perfect world.  But since there are no perfect people, we do not have a perfect world.  We fight our humanness as we struggle to gain or maintain control.  We do the best we can as feeble beings who were never intended to carry the weight of these burdens.  Then, eventually, hopefully, we remember that we have a Holy Advocate who has all power and can calm our storm just as he calmed the storm for His disciples.  His words were, "Peace!  Be still."  The storm stopped raging and calm was restored.

One evening while scrolling through a social media site, I saw these words, "Don't tell God how big your storm is.  Tell the storm how big your God is!"  No storm, physical, mental, emotional or spiritual is too difficult for our Lord.  Not depression.  Not divorce. Not money problems.  Not addiction.  Not the loss of a job, the rebellion of a child, illness or the death of a loved one.  Nothing is beyond His ability to turn darkness into light, sadness into joy, or emptiness into the abundant life that He promised.  Nothing! 

So, what do we do?  Pray!  Tell the Father how we are feeling.  He delights in His children confiding in Him.  When Jesus was in the garden before His crucifixion, He was honest with His Father.  He admitted how He was feeling and asked God to take what was coming away from Him if there was any other way to accomplish His purpose.  Surely, if Jesus can do that we can too.  God didn't remove the storm from Jesus, and He may or may not remove ours. But look at what is available to us as His children because of what Jesus went through.  This is our assurance that the Lord will use our storms for our good if we will allow Him to.  

Are you facing a storm today?  Turn to the only One who can calm it then hang on for whatever comes next and know that on the other side of the darkness is the great light of His goodness, grace and mercy.

Mid-Week Message - A Lesson from Seuss

 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.  If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?  Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."  1 John 3:16-18  (NIV)  

I find great enjoyment in books written for children.  In them are some of the most wonderful illustrations of how to live life.  I have my favorite authors, but Dr. Seuss penned some of the most memorable.  

As I was thinking about today's message, one of those stories kept leaping to the forefront of my mind.  Horton Hears a Who is a marvelous tale about an elephant who hears voices coming from a speck of dust.  It turns out that there is a whole world there and Horton vows to protect it.  No matter how much ridiculing he receives from the other animals, he is faithful to the Who people.  My favorite line is, "I meant what I said and I said what I meant.  An elephant's faithful one hundred percent!"  

Of course, the lesson is clear that if you make a promise, you keep it even if it is hard to do.  It makes me wonder how many times I have broken my word to others.  There's always a way out.  Sometimes it was honest because of illness or situations outside of my control.  But, sadly, there have been times when excuses were made up simply because I didn't find it convenient to do what I said I would do. I am deeply remorseful for the times when I was not faithful. 

Today's verses remind us that the love we say we have for others needs to go further than just the words we utter.  Jesus told us He loved us but He proved it by laying down His life for us.  Where would we all be if He had decided that the cross wasn't convenient for Him or that He didn't want to endure the pain our atonement required?  

Have you ever heard the saying that says, "You may be the only Bible some people ever see?"  When we identify ourselves as followers of Christ, we have the responsibility to live our lives according to His example.  We need to be truthful and honorable because He is the embodiment of truth and honor.  As Horton, we need to say what we mean and mean what we say.  If we truly love someone, our actions will show our sincerity.  

There is so much pain in the world.  People are lonely.  People have been hurt.  People are angry.  It is up to us to make a difference.  Our words and our deeds need to be evidence of our love, but more importantly, they need to be evidence of His love.  Ultimately, our goal is to point these souls to the Lord.  If we want them to have faith in Him, then we must present ourselves as honest and truthful.  

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read these words.  My prayer is always that God will touch hearts in any way that He sees fit.  His grace and mercy have covered my life and my only goal is for Him to be glorified.  In His great love, Karla

  

Mid-Week Message - His Will

 "He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, 'My Father!  If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me.  Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.'"  Matthew 26:39  (NLT)

Today, someone will stand at a loved one's bedside begging the Lord for healing.  They know He has the power and that His love is greater than theirs so they will pray with the faith that He will grant their request so that they might have more time with this person who means so much.  Then, in a few days, they will stand near a casket and ask Him why He did not answer their prayer the way they wanted Him to.  

When companies go through lay-offs employees ask God to protect their jobs so that they can continue to provide for their families.  Yet, one day they show up to work and find a manager waiting to speak to them.  They are ushered into a room and given the news that their job has been eliminated.  Shaking their heads, they gather their personal items.  As they walk out the front door they wonder why their prayer wasn't honored and they may even ask the Lord if He understands what this means and how their needs are going to be provided for.  

When we fervently pray, laying our needs before our Father in Heaven, we are placing our faith and trust in Him to take care of whatever situation it is.  But what we are really hoping for is that He will respond the way we want Him to.  We know He can do all things and by making our requests known to Him we trust in our hearts that He will do what we feel needs to be done. 

When Jesus was in the garden praying before His crucifixion, He too asked the Lord for another outcome.  But, He knew that it was more important for His Father's will to be done than His.  

Laying our own will aside and acknowledging that what really matters is that His will is done can be very difficult because we know that His will might very possibly differ from our own.  We don't want to be led into unchartered territory.  We don't want to say goodbye to someone we love.  We don't want to have to wonder how our needs are going to be met tomorrow.  

I understand.  I have been the one begging for healing and my family has experienced times when our future has changed in an instant.  Many times I have asked why.  

Over the years I have learned that the Lord does not owe me an explanation.  His will, and His reasons are far beyond what I would likely understand.  However, His love for me remains fast and He continues to guide my way.   

When we feel lost, for whatever reason, the best thing to do is to move closer to Him. We may never know why things happen the way they do but we know that He knows and we can be sure that whatever darkness we encounter cannot overpower His light.  

Please understand that I am not dismissing the pain and suffering that can descend upon us in times of tragedy, turbulence or violence.  I grasp the devastation that life can bring.  But this one thing I do know and that is that the love of our Father exceeds anything that can happen on this orb and that we were created for eternity with Him.  Today will fade away and there will be an end to earthly tomorrows.  Soon there will be no more tears for those who believe in Jesus.  

Hang on.  Ask for His will to be done and trust that He will cradle us through any dark days we may traverse.  May His grace and mercy enfold us all.  God bless.  

Mid-Week Message - Stepping Into the Future

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."  Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

I have a vivid memory of lying on my bed as a teenager and thinking ahead to the year 2000.  I calculated my age and realized that I would be 42 years old.  At that time I wondered if that year would even come because it seemed so far off that it was inconceivable.  

Fast forward and we find ourselves at the end of 2021!  The time has passed and it seems to have passed much more quickly than was ever expected.  Life has presented us with incredible joys and the depths of great sorrow that reminds us of the brevity of our days.  

As we prepare to step into another new year, we may find ourselves wondering how to proceed.  So many changes have taken place that we never expected to see during our lifetimes and we can't help but have some trepidation about what the future might hold.  

Matthew 6:34 (MSG) tells us, "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.  God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."  No matter how hard we attempt to project what will happen in the future, we will be unsuccessful.  There is only One who knows what is ahead and His instruction to us is to trust Him.  

Life can be like hiking through a treacherous area in the darkest of night.  Even with a flashlight we may only be able to see just a couple of steps ahead.  We have no idea what we will encounter.  The safest way to make the journey is to have a guide who knows the way.  

Today's verse reminds us that God's Word gives us the direction we need.  He may only show us one step at a time but we can have faith that He has gone before us to prepare the way and as long as we stay close to Him, we will be safe.  He will never lead us where He cannot protect us.

As we approach 2022, we can have confidence that the Lord already knows everything the year will bring and knows exactly how He will accompany us through it.  No matter what it brings, He will be beside us.  Blessings await us as we hold onto His hand and we have nothing to fear.  

Mid-Week Message - Don't Give Up

"Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes.  May he be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of his master plan of salvation for the Church through Jesus Christ."   Ephesians 3:20-21  (TLB)

I have been talking with someone of late who wishes to make a big move.  This person has decided it will never happen because of all the details that would have to work out just right in order for this dream to become reality.  After trying to figure out how to make it happen for an extended period of time, this person can see no possibility and has decided that "it must be God's will that I stay where I do not want to stay."  

When I was thirty-three years old, after praying for years and asking the Lord to bring someone special into my life, I gave up.  I can remember telling a friend that I just couldn't keep baring my heart to Him only to feel that He was never going to answer my request.  I had been to so many weddings and caught numerous bouquets and I didn't want to continue to hope for something that "obviously" was not the Lord's will for my life.  You know what her reply was?  She said she didn't agree and that she was going to take up praying where I left off.  

Within weeks, I had fallen in love with a man I worked only about ten or fifteen feet away from.  To make a long story short, our first date was on April 27th, he proposed on May 27th and we got married on August 24th.  All in 1991.  We will be celebrating our thirtieth wedding anniversary this year.  It wasn't a matter of whether God was going to bring this man into my life.  It was only a timing issue.  

Believe me when I tell you that I totally understand the emotional and spiritual pain of praying for something for an extended period of time only to wonder if He even is hearing me.  But I have learned, not only through the story of finding my life partner, but many other times that I have taken my requests to the Father, that I can never out-dream Him.  Sometimes, the answer has been no.  However, when that has been the response, He has never failed to bless me with far more than I could ever have imagined.  

His love for us is immeasurable.  Our minds are incapable of conceiving all the good things He has in store for us.  There is nothing that is impossible for Him.  Our dreams and desires will never compare to His wonders.  If He would allow His only Son to die in our place in order to restore us into right fellowship with Him, then what further proof could we possibly need?

I am acutely aware of the situations that some of you are currently facing.  There are many of you experiencing health challenges that my mind cannot even begin to understand.  There are those who have been searching for jobs for months and are wondering how bills are going to be paid.  I know of a family whose daughter has been missing for over ten years now.  I wish I had the answers that you are seeking.  Although I do not, I know the One who does.  Please do not give up laying your needs at His feet.  His promises are true and He is faithful.  He hears you and catches every tear that falls from your eyes.  Whatever path you are on, He already sees the end and knows just what you need.  Keep trusting.  Keep holding His hand.  Allow those around you to help by praying with and for you. 

And, in the event that you have grown too weary to continue, please let me know.  I would be honored to represent you before our Father.  God bless.

 

 

Mid-Week Message - Faith

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1  (NIV)

"Just what makes that little ol' ant, think he can move that rubber tree plant?  Everyone knows an ant can't, move a rubber tree plant.  But he has high hopes..."  Do you remember that song?  It is the one that was playing in my mind when I awoke this morning.  

I wasn't feeling well yesterday and before I went to sleep last night I was concerned about what I would write today.  I guess maybe the song was God's gift meant to direct me.  Thank you, Lord!  

We all have difficult times and uncertainties to navigate.  Just like the little ant that had to move that plant, we encounter situations that we feel inadequate to handle.  Illnesses, financial issues, problems with our children, job loss or a host of other troubles can knock us to our knees both physically and spiritually.  But we need not feel alone.  Our Father is always there to call upon.  Indeed, He delights when we recognize His love for us and place our faith in Him.  

However, it isn't always easy to "let go and let God", as the saying goes.  It is within our nature to want to control things.  Having faith in God means allowing Him to be the One in control.  This means trusting Him to do the right thing, even if it doesn't match our vision of what should happen.  

I have been praying for several people and several situations for awhile now.  If you are like me then you know that the longer you pray about something, the more you being to wonder if that prayer will come to fruition.  I believe that God answers every prayer.  Sometimes His answer is a resounding yes, which is very exciting!  But, sometimes the answer is "not yet" and sometimes the answer is no.  God's timing is different from our own and because He sees all of history in one glance, He knows what is best for us even though we may not see things the way He does.

I have always loved to hear life stories from older Christians.  Many of them fought in wars, went through the depression and have had tremendous struggles.  But what each of these folks will share is how Almighty God carried them through these times.  They will tell you that He is always trustworthy and that His love is mightier than anything else.  

Whatever you find yourself dealing with, I urge you to take it to Him.  Pour out your heart then trust Him to do what is best.  This time will pass and He will see you through.  God bless.

Mid-Week Message - When Life Is Hard

 "The Lord is my strength and shield.  I trust him with all my heart.  He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.  I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."  Psalm 28:7  (NLT)  

When we were young, we dreamed of being older.  Didn't we all wish for the time when we would be on our own, making our own decisions in life and be out from under our parents' control?  We dreamed of being able to do the things we wanted to do when we wanted to do them.  We idealized our future careers, dreamed about meeting our life partners and planned for how we would raise our own children.  We would be different.  We would do better.  How naïve were.

We had no idea what adult life was truly like.  We didn't know how onerous the responsibilities would be.  Not being able to see the future, we didn't have any idea what troubles we might encounter.  Our fantasies didn't include financial problems, job losses, caring for elderly parents, battling disease, worrying over addicted children or dealing with our own mortality.  We certainly couldn't have foreseen political unrest or a time when this nation would turn against those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us.  

The reality is that we have no way of knowing what tomorrow will bring.  I can remember my mother telling me not to wish my life away and to enjoy being young as long as I could.  Those were wise words that I did not understand at the time.  Now, how I long to go back and let someone else be in charge so that I can live oblivious to the problems that life inevitably presents.  Wouldn't you like that as well?  

Life is not just hard, sometimes it is too hard.  Many days we awake not knowing what our next step should be.  It may be that the money is not there to pay the bills or that our job may be eliminated. Maybe a marriage is on the rocks or a child is in danger.  There are so many possibilities that can be thrown at us.  What are we to do?  

Just as those who came before us had to do, we have to find away to cope with all we are handed.  Thankfully we serve a God who has promised never to abandon us.  Though we find ourselves weak and worn, He is strong and faithful.  He says that His grace is sufficient for us and that is a grand promise because much of the time that is all we seem to have to hold onto as we lift our voices and cry for help. 

Praise God that we have Him to run to!  There is nothing that happens in our lives that catches Him by surprise.  Psalm 139:16b says, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."  This is our assurance that before He even created us, He already knew everything that we would encounter.  He has walked the road ahead of us and knows how to lead us through whatever we are facing.  Though the way seems dark, He is the light that will guide us.  

Are you crying out for help?  He hears you.  Does it seem as though the help never comes?  I promise you that He is not ignoring your pleas.  He is there.  Listen for the gentle whisper of His voice.  Sing praises of thanksgiving, not because you see the answer, but because you know that He is in charge and will provide it.  Trust Him.  Believe Him.  Follow Him.  He will not let you down.  

Mid-Week Message - Do Not Fear

"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."  Lamentations 3:22-23  (NIV)

I awoke this morning to a quiet house.  Even though the sun had not yet fully risen, my husband was already hard at work.  My daughter, who is currently staying with us, was sound asleep, as were the two dogs and our bird.  The only sound that I could hear were the birds singing outside and the gentle sound of my wind chimes as they played in the breeze.  

As I looked around the room I realized how full and blessed my life truly is.  I have a safe and dry place to lay my head each night.  No matter what happened yesterday, today is a new day with its own precious moments to open as if they were wrapped packages.  Every breath drawn is a gift of life granted by my Father above and an opportunity to love Him and to love others.  

During the last two months we have had daily reminders of the fragility of our human existence.  Each news report brings a new count of those affected by, or whose lives have been taken by, this virus that has threatened our country.  As we see states allowing businesses to re-open and quarantines to end, many are experiencing understandable fear about venturing back out and resuming normal activities.  

I wish I had wise advice to counter the fear.  I don't.  But the Lord has assured us all that He is in control and that He will always be with us.  Repeatedly, His Word instructs us, "Do not be afraid."  We need to put our trust in Him.  He is the same God that He has always been.  If He was able to protect us before and during this trying time, then He is more than able to protect us now.  

We have no way of knowing what will happen tomorrow.  We can't even predict what will happen in the next hour.  But we can rest assured that in this moment He is by our side and will remain there in all of the moments that come after.  Just as we could call for our parents when we were frightened children, so we can call on Him and He will answer.  It is important to stay in the present and not attempt to project ourselves into the future.  In so doing we can be aware of His mercy and compassion rather than fretting about things that may never happen.  

So, today, be grateful.  Today, listen to the birds, smell the fragrant blooms, feel the breeze play across your skin and love those around you.  Make the most of now.  Spend time with the One that sacrificed Himself so that we could have life and have it abundantly.  Rejoice that the sun is shining one more time and praise the Creator for making it happen.  Nothing will happen today, or ever, that He will be surprised by, nor will He ever leave you to navigate life alone.  His compassion is too great and His mercies too numerous to count.  God bless.

Mid-Week Message - Anxiety About Tomorrow

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6:34  (NIV)

Each Monday evening my husband and I enjoy watching a certain television drama together.  We have been with it since it began and have gotten to know each character well.  This week was the season finale, and, as most series do as they end for the season, it left many questions unanswered and left us to wonder what would happen to each of the on-screen personalities.  One of our favorite characters ended by doing some things that were unlike anything that would be expected which left us both rather perplexed.  Because we have become so involved in this series our discussion was filled with some possibilities that caused a bit of an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.  I had to remind myself that it is just a story and that I will find out next year what happens.  

That is what happens when we encounter the unexpected, isn't it?  The first thing we do is try to make sense of it.  That leads to our attempt to figure out what is going to happen next and how it will affect us.  Because the future is uncertain we begin to feel anxious about it.  We start running through all the scenarios of things that could occur and asking all the "what if" questions.  

We are all currently experiencing a time like this.  The COVID-19 virus has struck our nation and lives have been turned upside down.  We suddenly find our government telling us to go in our homes and stay there for our safety.  As if to punctuate the mandate, the media regales us with story after story of the horrors seen by those who become infected.  Each day brings new counts of those infected and those who have died.  Quite understandably, data shows that prescriptions for anti-anxiety and anti-depression medications have soared.  

It is a frightening time to be sure.  We are asking when this will end and begging the Lord to remove the threat that is seemingly not going away anytime soon.  As with any new illness that as yet has no vaccine, it will continue to spread and some lives will be ravaged.  Knowing that, how do we go forward?  Some states are beginning to announce dates that certain businesses can reopen to the public but there is discussion about how many people will feel safe enough to leave their homes and return to work or other activities.  

I wish I had all the answers.  I face the same questions and uncertainties that everyone else does.  I wish life was predictable and that we could avoid illnesses, wars, famines, recessions and all the other tragedies that occur.  That isn't possible but there is a way make it through each day with a calm spirit.  

Today's verse urges us not to worry about tomorrow.  A very simple translation would be to stay in today.   There is absolutely no possible way for us to predict what will happen tomorrow or even an hour from now.  But we know the One who has known since before time began.  Our Father is never caught by surprise.  He knows what will happen in each of our lives from the time we are conceived until the time we go to Heaven.  He not only knows but He has a firm grip on each of us as we navigate whatever path we are on.  We need to ask for His comfort and guidance and He will be faithful in giving it.  

This is my prayer.  "Lord, you know my heart and you know that I am confused and anxious about all that is happening.  You know that I wish I could get a glimpse into the future to know that I and my family and friends will make it through this time in safety and good health.  But I realize that if my wish was granted then I would not feel the need to seek your face and to stay close to you.  So, thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to walk with me and for reminding me that You already have tomorrow and every day after that taken care of.  All I need to do to have that peace that passes all understanding is to let you be the One that takes care of the future while I stay in this moment and praise you for it.  Father, please give me wisdom and open my eyes to how I might serve you today.  I love you with my whole heart.  In Jesus' name, Amen."  

God bless.

Mid-Week Message - Trusting God's Ways

"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)

I'm sure we can all remember asking one of our parents for something when we were children.  I don't know how it was in your family, but the automatic answer in my house never seemed to be "yes." Usually the answer was, "We'll see", or "I'll think about it," or maybe even "Go ask your father."  Whatever the answer was I felt the need to explain all my reasons for why I needed whatever it was I was asking for.  Of course, I was attempting to convince my parents that they needed to agree with me and decide in my favor.  Sometimes I was successful but quite often the final answer was "no."  

It was very difficult to understand how they could answer negatively when I was so clear in laying out my thoughts and desires.  What I didn't understand at the time was that they knew more than I did and therefore knew if my requests were frivolous or could pose hazards or risks.  Now that I am an adult and also a parent, I am aware that there were probably many times they wished to give me what I wanted but couldn't for some reason that was beyond their control.  Age has given me greater understanding and perspective.  

That being said, I have to confess that I often approach God in prayer the same way I used to approach my parents with a request.  It is something that He has shown me that I am not very proud of.  I have had to learn that it isn't my job to convince the Lord of anything.  Since He is all-knowing, He sees my needs and desires before I do along with everything else in my life.  He knows what is ultimately good for me and what is not and He has perfect timing for the blessings He sends my way.

This past year was dreadfully hard for my family.  So many things collided that caused us to wonder how we would make it through.  I spent hours before the Lord crying out, asking Him for help, reminding Him of His promises and telling Him what we were going through and what we were feeling.  So many times I forgot about His sovereignty as I begged Him to just listen to our needs.  I failed to recognize that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.  I let my heart dictate my words and overpower the knowledge that His timing is always perfect and that He would never fail to take care of His children.  In His great love though, He soothed my soul and assured me that He knew.

One night, after a particularly rough time and as I was drying my eyes after telling Him how afraid I was and asking Him if he was watching and knew what we were going through, I turned the radio on to a Christian station.  I came in right as a song was coming on.  It was "Fear Is A Liar" by Zach Williams.  Then the song right after it was "He Knows" by Jeremy Camp.  I cannot tell you how it ministered to me to know that those songs at that time were not a coincidence.  They were reassurance from above.  Now that we have started a new year, I can tell you that I never needed to be afraid or worry that the Father didn't understand our plight as He has now answered those petitions and turned things around for our family.  Just at the right time.  

Brothers and sisters, our Creator is never negligent.  He is intimately involved in our lives and aware of every joy and heartache we experience.  Though this last year was trying, it would have been much less so if I had remembered that rather than listening to the lies of the enemy and allowing myself to be overcome with fear.  He has always seen me through whatever I have faced and I should have known He would do so again.  His love never falters and He will always be present no matter what we are experiencing.  We have only to trust that His Word is true and look for Him.  

As I thank Him for His extended hand to me and my family, I also lift each of you up and ask for His blessings for you as well.  Life is full of unknowns, so let's hold on to the One who never changes, who always understands and will never leave us to do battle on our own.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Mid-Week Message - When God Says No

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

For the last couple of months, my husband and I have been praying about an opportunity that would have been a new adventure and a new life.  As empty nesters we saw this as a new start to our lives together as man and wife and it truly became the desire of our hearts.  We prayed for it.  We planned for it.  We took different happenings as confirmation and we hoped each day for the call that finalized it.  As time passed and the call did not come we began to question if we were misinterpreting what we thought were confirmation signs.  

I tell you all of this to preface that the answer finally did come and it was a clear, "No."  We were confused at first because we had really believed that the "signs" that we saw were actual messages from the Lord that we should be preparing for the change.  However, we soon realized that we were placing value on those things from our own desire, not because we were hearing from God.  

We do that, don't we?  We have a tendency to make sure we get the message from on high that fits our thoughts on how things should be.  Rather than continuing in prayer and seeking God, we decide that we asked and therefore it will be as we want.  We forget that God is the One ultimately in charge.  He is the One that directs our paths.  He is the One with all wisdom and the One that can see our past, present and future in one glance.  He knows what we don't know.  Sometimes what we think will make us happiest is actually something that would be detrimental to our lives or that would draw us away from Him.

What God asks is that we trust Him.  In order to truly do that, we have to make our requests known but then be willing to let go of them and allow Him to do what He knows is for our best.  Maybe that will mean that we are on target with our desires.  In my experience, however He directs my steps will be far more satisfying and rewarding and will bring Him far more glory.  And isn't that the whole purpose of our lives?  May God direct your steps this week and may you be greatly blessed.

Publicly Professing Our Faith

This morning I was reading some scripture and ran across one particular verse that started me thinking about my faith and trust in the Lord.
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NLT

I think that each of us need to publicly profess our faith and trust of the Lord for all to see. With today's technology of Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and so many others, we can easily post to one site or all and declare to the world our trust in the Lord.

You can either choose to share this message or post your own statement of your faith and trust in God.

Mid-Week Message - Trust Me

Trust.  This is God's word for me this year.  I know that because He has repeated it to me non-stop through scripture, daily circumstances, encouragement from friends, and more dearly, through His own whispers of, "Trust me."

The first dictionary definition of the English word "trust" is: reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing ; confidence. Further down in the list is another short word that carries great weight - Hope.  To trust God then would be to rely on His integrity, His strength, His ability, His surety and having confidence that He is able to be and to do what He says.

Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."

Why is it so much easier to trust when things are going well?  If everything is rosy then it is so simple to praise the Father for His mercy and grace.  So much easier to testify to His goodness and His provision.  On the days of plenty, hallelujahs are free flowing.  The problem is that we all have days, weeks, months or even years of difficulty.  Jobs are lost.  Loved ones, or ourselves, suffer illness.  Money is tight.  Every second seems like an eternity as we pray and wait for the Lord's answer to our situation.  We wait to be rescued from whatever situation we find ourselves or to be shown the right way to go.

I am reminded of the song "I Beg Your Pardon, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden."  In all of God's Word, nowhere does He promise us a life free of worry or problems.  In fact, He tells us quite the opposite.  We are assured there will be hard times.  We are even assured of persecution.  But He tells us over and over and over how very much He loves us and that we are His children.  He tells us not to worry but to TRUST Him.  As our Creator. God and Father, He knows what we need before we do and has already made provision for whatever it is.  However, His timing is not our timing, so we must wait upon Him and trust that the answer will arrive at the appropriate time.

My favorite verse in scripture comes from my favorite chapter in scripture.  Psalm 139, in the second part of verse 16 says, "all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be."  He gave me those words during a particularly challenging part of my life when it was extremely hard to see how anything would ever be any better.  I can't describe the hope they brought, and still bring today.  If all the days of my life were recorded in His book before I even existed, then He has always been aware of the struggles of today and they have already been provided for.  I can't think of a more encouraging reason to trust Him than that.