Love At First Sight!

“I have loved you with and everlasting love;

I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

Jeremiah 31:3 NIV

 

Do you remember the first time you laid eyes on your child? I do. What a precious moment of falling in love forever. Even if you have never been privileged to be a parent there was a day many years ago that someone fell in love with you. Your mother took one look at you and asked, “How could I be so blessed to have been given this precious, adorable child?” If your father was present, he too was amazed at the miracle of birth and the perfection of his child. I have been told the same exact thing happens in adoption, there is unbelievable joy when you see your child for the first time! Regardless of the circumstance by which your child came to be your child, it is indeed love at first sight. However, there are some babies that come into the world that are unwanted and unloved. What a heart breaking tragedy.

 

Today it occurs to me that no matter how we come into this world, our Father in heaven is crazy in love with each of us. The first time he laid eyes on you deep inside your mother’s womb he fell deeply in love with you and has continued to love you with an everlasting love. Do you love him in return? Have you felt the way God has drawn you with loving-kindness or have you been so self-absorbed that you have never felt the joy of his love? Do you wonder if there is more to life than you have ever experienced? If so, that feeling is your Heavenly Father, sweetly calling your name and asking you to come to him and enjoy his everlasting love forever.

 

Children are a blessing from God. Someone has said that God couldn’t be everywhere so he created mothers. Of course, that is not true. God is everywhere. Yet, God partners with mothers and fathers to do his loving work as caregivers to his precious children.

 

Being a mother is not a job for the faint of heart! It is a job that never ends. Oh sure, your children may move out of your house but you never stop being concerned for their well being. So if you are a Christian mom – you pray. If you loose your focus – you begin to worry! If you purposefully redirect your thinking to Jesus – you embrace trust. You remember that God loves your precious child more than you do and that he has been crazy in love with them from the time he first laid eyes on them. His love is not fickle nor conditional, it is everlasting.

 

Mothers are needed to be caregivers, spiritual examples of God’s love and grace, and prayer warriors. Do not loose heart if you feel you do not do this perfectly. Remember you are a simple jar of clay. All of us have cracks, flaws, and most of us has experienced brokenness.  We must never forget that it is Christ in each one of us, who is able to give us all the needed strength to rise to this high calling. As moms, we get discouraged, we get tired, we get frustrated, and we wonder if we are invisible to our children. Still we love and we care for those we love. What a beautiful picture of God’s love for each and every one of us!

 

Dads also get discouraged. Dad’s have a huge responsibility. They are not only providers but they are also men of great influence in the lives of their children. Fathers remember, your child admires you and adores you. They want to be just like you. Ask God to give you the wisdom you need to lead your children down a path that will help them find and follow Jesus. When words fail, lead by example.

 

Many parents are doing double duty. They work outside of the home and at home as well. Some single parents never get any relief from responsibility and nerves are raw and bodies are tired. Truth be told, parents have a hard job and there is not a single one who will do this job perfectly. That is exactly why we all need Divine intervention from our God, the one who loves us all.

 

Jesus loved us at first sight and he continues to love us. However, at some point we must really see him. We must realize that we need our Father and choose to become his follower. If we are serious about having a relationship with Jesus Christ we will immediately begin a journey that will cause us to fall deeply in love with him. There are so many ways to do this. We all must discover ways that work the best for us and zero in on seeking to know him in a fresh and new way every single day! The deeper in love you fall with Jesus the greater influence you will be in your family. Life is busy and schedules are full but as you run the race of family life snatch and grab all of Jesus that you can get every day. It is worth it and the reward is great.

 

As parents and grandparents we can agree with the apostle Paul when he says in 2 John 1:4, there is no greater joy than to know my children walk in truth. Parents, it is a joy to be able to give good things to our children such as security, protection, education, opportunities, activities, gifts, and financial inheritance. But above all give them a legacy of your spiritual faithfulness. I know of no other effective, lasting way to do this other than personally falling deeper in love with Jesus and letting that love spill out naturally on our children in the form of godly influence. Your children and grandchildren are watching and they don’t miss a trick!

 

I must remember, even though I am an adult, God still loves me with an everlasting love. He will not let me go. Neither will he let you go. He continues to draw you every day in loving kindness. God is you helper in the job of parenting and grand parenting. If you are available to him he will use you in amazing ways in the lives of all your children and grandchildren. We need his guidance and he needs our obedience.

 

I have found this is true with my children and you will too. There is no greater joy than knowing your children walk in God’s truth!

 

Questions:

1. Are you filled with joy as you remember that God always loves you, his precious child, with an everlasting love?
2. Who are the children in your life that you can influence for Jesus?
3. If you are a parent, do you remember looking at each of your children for the first time? What did you see?
4. How did you feel? What were you thinking?
5. No matter what your children do, do you have an everlasting love for them?
6. Do you recall a time in your life that God gave you needed strength for the job of parenting?

 

Prayer:

 

Dear God,

 

Thank you for the privilege of being a parent. I pray that you will continue to help me rise to the task of pointing my children to you. Help me to guard my influence. I pray that I will guard my words and my attitudes. I pray that I will teach my children of your never ending love and faithfulness. Father, help me to above all else leave them with a legacy of faithfulness to you that they can draw upon even when I am no longer with them.

 

Father, bless all mothers whose arms are empty. If it be according to your will, give them a child. If they are to remain childless fill that void with other good things from your heavenly storehouse. Show them ways to influence other children that may be within their realm of influence.

 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Does Knowing God Make A Difference?

“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 hope and a future.” 

 Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

 I was born into a Christian home but NOT into a personal faith. The fact is the opportunity to know God came to me at a very early age. I first prayed to accept Jesus Christ at age five. It did not end there. In fact, the influence of living in a Christian home made it almost impossible for me to see my life as being anything apart from what I learned from the influence of my parents. I grew up being a good girl. I kept the rules, I attended church, and I believed in God. I definitely did not want to go to hell so what other choice did I have? I had to be a Christian.

 

At age twelve, I began to make my faith more personal. I made a choice to be baptized and at that point I knew that I did not want to be anything other than a Christian. During my teenage years I often wanted to step out of the box of my parents faith. Some of the things  I had not been allowed to do became a little more alluring.

 

In my twenties I had a few ups and down in my faith. Nonetheless, I continued in my faith. It has been a wonderful journey of faith but at times I have had many questions. Sometimes it seemed that my mind became confused as I observed that bad things happen to good people. At times it seemed to me that people who had no faith at all seemed to have more and be happier. It was hard for me to determine if knowing God really made a difference.

 

I began to realize that lots of people knew about God but  didn't have a relationship with him. Others who called themselves Christians had accepted Jesus Christ but continue to live their life apart from him. They did not seek to follow his teachings, they did not trust God and they didn't seem to be interested in learning more about God . I also observed some Christians who had found forgiveness through Jesus and they were actually pursuing and following him.

 

I eventually learned that being a Believer does not make you a Follower of Christ. Somewhere around thirty years of age I actually became both a Believer and a Follower of Christ. That is to say, I now desired to know Jesus Christ in an intimate way that I had never known before. I desired to pattern my life after the truth that Jesus taught in his Word, the Bible. I wanted to find ways to serve Jesus Christ and I wanted my life to be lived in such a way that others would also want to find and follow Jesus.

 

Still again, there was that nagging question that begged for an answer. Does knowing God make a difference in a person’s life? How was I to really know? I had always been a morally good person. I soon discovered that if this question was to be answered, it was going to take more than a few trips to the garden to get the answers. Finding the answer was going to require me spending time with the Master Gardner so that I could hear his gentle whispers as he revealed his answers to me. It was going to be Jesus who would disclose to me why knowing him does makes a difference.

 

So to the garden I went as I endeavored to discover how my life might have turned out if I had not become a seeking Believer. There in the cool of the garden among the beautiful rhododendrons, God began revealing to me some very amazing details of my life that I might not have ever considered if I had not given my life to him. I began to think back to the very beginning of my life. What if I had decided to walk away from the faith I had learned at the knees of my parents? How would my value system have differed? Where would I have gone to college? Who would I have married? Who would have become my best friends if I had chosen a different path? What blessing would I have missed? Would I be at peace in my spirit? How would I respond to others? Would I be an angry, fearful woman? How would I have responded to the sorrow and pain that I have experienced? How would I feel about life after death? How would my life be different if I had traveled a different road? Would I have lived in different places, had different jobs? Would I attend church or would I have ever read God’s Holy Word? How different would my thoughts be? How would my words and actions be different? Would I be totally self-absorbed? Would I be searching for happiness in all the wrong places? What would my attitude be when faced with adversity? What would my view of God be?

 

As I pondered each of those questions the answer was crystal clear. The answer in my heart was a resounding “YES”. My life would have been completely different. Some of my friends have known Jesus Christ most of their life and their story is much the same as mine. Our faith has been such a constant that sometimes we have to think long and hard to imagine how our lives might have looked apart from Jesus Christ.

Others I know accepted Jesus Christ later in life after they had lived many years apart from him. It is not hard for them to imagine a life apart from Christ because it was not so long ago. Some of these people made mistakes and choices that caused heart breaking consequences. Still other first generation Christians came from good moral homes but their parents did not teach them to follow Jesus. They have their own story as to how they came to know Jesus Christ and the difference it has made in their life. But the truth of the matter is, apart from Jesus Christ all of our lives would have led us down a different road. A life without Jesus Christ may not be a bad road but it is not the best road.

 

God has a plan for each of our lives. It is a plan for our good not our harm. It is a plan to prosper us and give us a hope and a future. This is not a life void of trouble and pain, but it is a life that can experience peace in all circumstances when we learn to trust the One who holds us in the palm of his hand and loves us more than we can ever imagine. I know now that my decision to become a “Follower of Jesus” was the best decision I have ever made!

 

Today in the garden I am feeling nothing less than the abundant, lavish, love of my Heavenly Father. It is joy that is unspeakable and void of understanding to those who have not dared to follow Jesus. But for those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus we can live daily with a deep settled peace in our soul. It is a peace that no one can take away. Someday I will exit the door of this life and step into eternal life. It will be a day of rejoicing! I will leave behind the problems of this life. I will enter into a new life that will be void of the pain and suffering that permeates this world because of sin. Does knowing God make a difference? Yes, both now and in eternity. God has a perfect plan for each of our lives. It is a life that will give us a hope and a future!

 

Questions:

1. Are you a Believer in God or are you a Follower of Christ?
2. What is the difference?
3. As a follower of Jesus Christ have you ever wondered if following him has made a difference in your life?
4. Can you name three differences that following Jesus has made in your life?

Prayer:

 

Dear Jesus,

 

I am so thankful for the road that you have taken me down. What a magnificent plan you have had for my life. It is a wonderful plan that I continue to enjoy everyday. Your plan has indeed given me a hope and a future. Your plan has been a plan for my good and not my harm. Dear Jesus, knowing about you is one thing, but being a Believer is quite different. Different still is being a Believer who longs to walk with you daily in a loving relationship. I want to walk with you in simple trust and obedience. Lord, I want to be recognized as one of your followers. To know you is to love and to follow you. Living the Christian life is not always easy. Many times following you is a road that is sad, painful, and perhaps even lonely. Still following you Lord is an amazing journey. I thank you Jesus for making such a wonderful difference in my life. It is a life that encompasses me with love and comfort, fills me with peace and joy even in times of trouble. It is a life that is full of hope because I know that when this life is over I have only begun to live forever. Yes, being a Christian makes an amazing difference! Lord thank you for guiding my steps, putting the right people in my life, and leading me to your truth.

 

In you name I pray. Amen

Do Not Fear The Shadows

“On my bed I remember you;

I think of you through the watches of the night,

Because you are my help,

I sing in the shadow of your wings.”

Psalm 63:6-7 NIV

 

Most of my days are happy! I am a joyful person because I love Jesus. My husband is considerate and loving, my children keep in touch, and my grandchildren can paint a smile on my face as quick as their dancing eyes can flash a mischievous twinkle. I have female friends that surround me with laughter and kindness. I love my home. I love my church. I feel good most of the time. I enjoy hobbies that provide inspiration, pleasure and relaxation for my creative heart. If all of this is true, why then do I find the shadows in life so disturbing?

 

Shadows hide light rays. Shadows limit clarity and keep us from seeing things clearly. Because I can only see a trace of an object I begin to doubt if what I am seeing is really true. Shadows can cast gloom and can be upsetting to me because I am only able to see faintly what I desperately hope to see clearly. Shadows cast darkness between today and the future. Shadows can conjure up fear of what I perceive might happen and fear is a powerful joy buster!

 

As a believer I am thrilled to tell you that not all shadows are bad. Life can throw us a curve but there is a shadow of safety for me when I trust my Lord. I may feel like I am in the valley of the shadow of death but the Psalmist reminds me in Psalm 23:4 that I am “passing through” this difficult time. I must remind myself that I will not remain in this situation forever.

 

One of my favorite visuals is found in Psalm 17:8b. David asks the Lord to, “…hide me in the shadow of your wings”. This is a visual of the Almighty God spreading his wings in such a fashion that protects us from the storm. I am very well aware that there have been many storms in my life, but I can’t help wondering how many storms God has totally protected me from in the past. I am sure that I am not aware of how merciful to me God has been in the past.  These were the storms that were not allowed to touch me because I was under his wings! Now that is a shadow I love! There is no fear in that shadow and I can do the dance of joy because I know beyond a shadow of doubt, God keeps an all seeing eye on me and all those I love. Psalm 36:7 says, “How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.”  I love that God is no respecter of persons, he offers refuge to both those in high and low positions. Isaiah 51:16 reminds me that the shadow of God’s almighty and protective hand also covers me.

 

Fear at times can be crippling. We so want to know what is ahead provided it is good! But God allows the shadows so that we might trust him. If I listen, I can also hear him say, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you". Today in the garden it is good to think about some of the shadows that are presently falling in my heart’s garden. Where is fear lurking in the shadows ready to steal my joy? Today I want to look up to Jesus and simply say, “Lord Jesus, I trust you with the shadows in my life”.  If I am to fear anything I will fear that I will not be willing to give you the shadows that have the potential to reach out and grab my heart in crippling fear, and that such fear would thrive and rob me of today’s joy and sunshine. I know that if I will but look around me I will find plenty of reason for gratitude. The truth is that gratitude always leads to joy. So this day I choose to look upward to the light of his love. I will refuse to focus on the shadows but rather I will I will choose to live joyously. I will bask in God’s love, his mercy and his grace. I will express to God my gratitude for all he so graciously provides me with. In this moment of divine truth my eyes focus of a patch of gorgeous golden lantana! It is indeed beautiful and without a doubt shouts for joy! Jesus taught that if a man refuses to praise him, no need to worry, because the stones will cry out in praise to him!

 

In a new wave of devotion for my Savior I realize that if I am to walk in any shadow in this life I want it to be the shadow of my Savior. He has been my help in days gone by, he is my help this very moment, and he will be my help in the future! I may not see his face because the shadow that falls between earth and heaven prevents me from seeing him clearly. Nevertheless, I am reminded of the truth that in this life I am seeing through a glass darkly, but someday soon it will all be made new. I will see clearly the face of Jesus and I will understand the “why” of all the shadows that surrounded my life on earth. Until that day I find there is refuge in the shadow of my Lord. This shadow must not be a place of fear but rather a place of trust and in the shadow of HIS wings I will choose to sing for joy!

 

Questions:

1. Are there shadows in your life?
2. Have these shadows left you with feelings of fear or joy?
3. Have you ever considered that there may have been many times when the shadow of God’s wing of protection has hidden you from the enemy?
4. How will you view the shadows of uncertainty in the future?

Prayer:

 

Dear God,

 

Thank you for all of the many times you have hidden me from my enemy, Satan and from disaster. Even though I may not realize those times until I am in heaven, I anticipate with great joy having those times revealed to me. God, I love both your seen and your unseen protection and your guidance. I am grateful for your comfort when I am surrounded by an unwanted shadow.  I love that the shadow of your hand covers me now and the shadow of your wing at times has protected me in the past. Because of these amazing shadows I can sing for joy! Forgive me Lord when I despise and fear the shadows. Go before me so that I may walk in your shadow of goodness. Father, help me to focus on your love as I walk with you. I know that someday the shadows of earth will pass away and I will experience the pure light of eternal joy.

 

In your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

The Hand Of God

“My times are in your hands;” Psalm 31:15a NIV

 

Many mornings I enter the garden from a chair in my great room. More often then not my hubby is in his recliner, across the room, entering his own garden. I like it quiet and he likes to share. He often gives me wonderful food for thought. This particular morning was one of those days. He mentioned how significant the hand of God is in our lives. Of course, that became the spring board for my thoughts for the next few days.

 

That same day I headed deeper into the garden with God’s Word in my hands. As I walked among the lilies, smelled the sweet sent of the roses, and found delight in the trumpet shaped petunias I saw anew the amazing hand of God, the creator. With each stroke of his creative fingers God adds magnificent color to his garden using hundreds of shades of heavenly paint. The hand of our creator is like no other hand.

 

Exodus 33:18-19, 21-23 Moses asked the Lord to show him his glory. God’s response to Moses was “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence.” (vs. 19) In (vs. 20) God said, “But, you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.” (vs. 21-23) This is a beautiful example of God’s protection. As believers we so want to see his face, yet this life is not the time or the place. Yet, during difficult times we stand on Jesus our Rock and firm foundation. During trouble God places us in the cleft of a rock. This hard place in life is very real and we long again to see the face of God. In his grace, God covers us with his hand of protection. When all is safe, he removes his hand and we are blessed as we see his back as he passes by. We do not see his face but we see his glory in all its splendor.

 

I Chronicles 6:4 “Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who with his hands has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to my father David.” Solomon, David’s son had ordered that the Ark of the Covenant be brought to the temple in Jerusalem. David had wanted to build the temple but his son Solomon was the one God appointed to do so. Now as a final act of completion the Ark was to be brought into the temple and placed in the Holy Place. How wonderful it is to know that it is the hand of God that accomplishes his perfect will through imperfect people.

 

“My times are in your hands;” Psalm 31:15a NIV This scripture reminds me that God holds my time in his hand. He knows the number of my days and he has a plan for my life. God has a plan to give us all a hope and a future. There is no safer place to be.

 

Jesus told the disciples that if they had seen him they had seen the Father. For three short years the twelve were privileged to see the very hand of God at work. They were hands that healed. They were hands that fed the hungry multitudes. It was the hand of God that reached out to Peter when he was sinking into the sea. Jesus lifted his hands toward heaven and prayed. His hands touched children and gathered them into his arms. He used the fingers of his hand to write words of rebuke in the dust. His hands turned over the money changer’s tables in the temple as he drove out the merchants who were making the house of God a den of thieves. Jesus, the Son of God used his hands to wash feet, break bread, and pour wine.

 

It was the arms of Jesus Christ that was stretched out so that his hands could be nailed to the cross. It was his nail scared hands that purchased our freedom from the curse of sin. The Word of God tells us that those who belong to him have their names engraved upon his hands. “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;” Isaiah 49:16 NIV

 

It was into the capable hands of the Father that Jesus committed his spirit in the final moment of his life. “Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:46 It was after the resurrection; Jesus appeared to the disciples and used his hands to cook breakfast for them on the seashore. He later appeared to Thomas, who doubted that he had risen, still he allowed Thomas to see his nail scared hands. Jesus also offers us his hands to lift us up, pull us close to his heart, and help us in our times of fear, doubt, and even in our times of unbelief.

Because Jesus was obedient even to death on the cross, God the Father has given him a place of honor. Jesus now sits in heaven at the right hand of God and He is still using his hands on our behalf as he prepares a special place for us in heaven.

The hand of God is still outstretched to all humanity. It is not his will that any should perish but we must, like Peter, reach up and take hold of his saving hand of grace. It is not enough to believe that Jesus exists. We must go one step further and make it personal by grasping his hand. It is the hand of Jesus that offers us freedom from our sin. This is a free gift for all those who will believe that he lived, died, was resurrected, and is in heaven preparing an eternal home for those who love him.

It is important to understand that accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior is not where it should end.  The sobering truth is that we are an extension of the hands of God. We not only reach out and take his hand we praise the works of his hand. We lift our hands in holy praise and we lay hands on those in the body that we love as we encourage them and pray for their needs and God’s blessing. We use our simple human hands to minister, to give, and to serve.

 

We have been led in the past, we are being led this very moment, and we will continue to be led by the hand of God all our days. When this life is over and it is all said and done, when we breathe our last breath, we too, like Jesus, will submit our spirit into the hands of God for all eternity. It seems that this morning in the garden I am overcome with the many facets of the hand of God. How precious is the hand of God? It is more precious than silver or gold, success and fame, or power and position. Precious, precious, simply precious!

 

Questions:

1. How is God’s hand leading you today?
2. Do you remember a specific time in your life when you experienced being under the hand of God’s protection?
3. Is God reaching his hand out to you asking you to follow him, obey him, or to trust him?
4. Are you allowing God to use your hands as an extension of his hands in this world today?

Prayer:

 

Dear God,

 

I stand amazed at all the works of your hand! Today I humbly reach up my hand to yours. Forgive me when I doubt that you are aware of my comings and goings. Forgive me when I doubt your love. Forgive me when I refuse to trust your loving capable hands. Forgive me when I forget to thank you for your hands that provide for me. How I praise you Father, that my name is engraved on your hands. I am so grateful that I am not just a simple string you have tied around your finger so that you can remember to take care of me.  It is comforting to realize that you know that a simple string could slip off a finger and be lost in the shuffle of life. No, your love and care is complete. Father I am in awe because you willingly outstretched hands on the cross for me. I am also blessed because you have branded my name upon your hands for all eternity. Lord, I am so grateful to experience this kind of boundless love. Without a doubt, I am in good hands!

 

It is in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

The Clock Is Ticking

“As for man, his days are like grass,

and flourishes like a flower of the field;

the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and its place remembers it no more.”

Psalm 103:15-16 NIV

Not often, but sometimes I am up early enough to enjoy a sunrise and the glorious beginning of a new day. When I experience these early morning moments of joy I realize that God is the one who has given me a restful night of sleep and now he is blessing me with one of his many magnificent sunrises! I am also reminded that God has given me one more day to live. Will I make it to tomorrow? I never know, but this one thing I know for sure, the clock is ticking and my time here on earth is precious.

 

As I fix my eyes on the sunrise I dare to ask God, “How should I spend this day?” I know that each day has its own set of responsibilities. Some days are filled with just the plain ordinary routine of family and work; some days are filled with pleasures that come from the extraordinary and unexpected. Other days are purposeful as we set about to serve others who are in need. Still other days jar us with an element of surprise that is about to take us on an unwanted journey. But in simple trust I will choose today to set my face toward heaven and begin this day knowing that I was created for a purpose and that purpose is to worship God and to love others. Even if my minutes and hours do not accomplish what I set out to do, I know that I may plan my way but it is God who directs my steps. Loving God and loving others is what life is all about and I know that some days I do this better than other days.

 

Because the clock of my life is ticking I have been told that I must make every moment count. Count for what? God whispers, “Paula, the message is clear. Your life must count for eternity.” “But Father,” I reply, “my life is filled with so much. I do not have time to examine and scrutinize every single thing I do. Some days are filled with so many responsibilities I barely have time to breathe. What about the days when grief and sadness come into my life. How do I make those things count for eternity?”

 

Then my wonderful Heavenly Father gives me some suggestions to follow so I can live life well and finish strong. It is a plan that if acknowledged and followed will help me choose things that will count for eternity. This is a plan that will free my mind to think about my priorities. Are my priorities based on the world’s value system or are they based on God’s value system? The things that are based on God’s values are eternal. The things of the world will without a doubt pass away. Eternal works are noticed by God and stored in heaven for our future reward. Things of this world are unpredictable and are enjoyed only for a brief season. “As for man, his days are like grass, and flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” Psalm 103:15-16 NIV

 

Personally, I am very well acquainted with stress and frustration when I put too much on my plate. In God’s Word he has suggested to me that I step under the umbrella of his protection. Today God is reminding me of a few simple suggestions to follow on days when life is normal and on those days when life is stressful and draining. God has given me the Holy Spirit to minister to me in my times of need and instruct me in the way I should live. I know that if I ask God he will give me his perspective regarding my time.

 

Suggestions on How I Can Stay Under God’s Umbrella of Protection Regarding My Time

Suggestion #1 - Seek God and Worship Him

“Be still and know that I am God;” Psalm 46:10a NIV

 

Past experience has taught me that I experience the most joy in life when I am living as God intended me to live. I am learning that when I choose to seek God’s face at the top of my day I receive wisdom and strength for my journey. Of course, this is only God’s suggestion! It is always my choice.

 

Suggestion #2 - Evaluate How You Spend Your Time

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”Psalm 90:12 NIV

 

Time is a precious commodity. Life is short and precious. I must endeavor to number my days aright as I align my activities with God’s activities for my day. It is important for me to I learn to evaluate my schedule. It is easy to get rid of the things that do not interest me or the things I would rather not do, but it takes courage to get rid of things that are good. I must form the habit of asking God what would you have me put on my “to do” list today? My prayer is that I would learn to care about the things God cares about and become diligent about doing his bidding.

 

Suggestion #3 - Strive for Simplicity – Shake off the Unnecessary

“…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1NIV

 

Striving for simplicity is a real spiritual discipline. I must seek to know God’s priorities vs. the many activities and plans I put on my plate. My plan often hinders my walk with the Lord and my service. I become so busy caring for my things and taking care of the unnecessary that I push God to the back burner. Many things that are good may not always be in my best interest. It is that hectic schedule that throws us into a stressful panic mode. Sometimes saying “no” to good things is the right thing to do.

 

Suggestion #4 - Practice Gratitude

“sing…songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16b NIV

 

Gratitude is always a plan that will boost my spiritual well being. It is pretty hard for me to be discouraged or discontent when I am shooting up prayers of gratitude to God. When I share my gratitude with others God is glorified. Uplifting others by sharing my faith in God and his faithful provision is of eternal value and significance.

 

Suggestion #5 - Serve God and Others with Gladness

“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” Psalm 100:2 KJV

 

Many of the mundane and routine things that fill my day can be laced with God’s love as I serve him and others. In moments of frustration I can look to Jesus for perspective. In moments of discontentment I can choose to practice gratitude. In times of selfishness I can choose to give of my time and even my resources.  As I make beds, unload the dish washer, or clean the toilet I can choose to serve others with gladness. I can be thankful that I am healthy enough to do my own work. If I wash and fold laundry, I can pray for the one whose clothes I am folding. If I cook a meal, I might consider making a double recipe, one to serve my family and a second meal to freeze and later share it with someone who may be in need of a little help from a friend. If I am doing the mindless chore of dusting or vacuuming I can pray. If I am shopping I can be God’s messenger by flashing a smile at those who serve me and speak words of appreciation to them. If I have lunch with a friend we can use that time to encourage one another or share what God is doing in our lives. I find that I am a busy person and if I do not guard my thoughts I can go through my day thinking about things I would rather be doing, or being discontent and angry that no one ever helps me, or complaining that I am not appreciated, or spend my time longing to be in a magical place somewhere far away in the sun! I have found that serving God with gladness does not come naturally; first of all the thought of serving God with gladness must be entertained in our mind and then we must practice making good choices until it becomes a habit. I wish I could say I do this perfectly, but I most certainly do not. However, I am pretty sure it is a suggestion worthy of pursuing!

 

Suggestion #6 - Make Time to Enjoy the Garden

 “Come unto me all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”Matthew 11:28 KJV

“And on the seventh day God rested.” Hebrews 4:4 NIV

 

What about rest and relaxation? God gave us one day for this and we need to take it! What is enjoying the garden? It is taking time to do things we enjoy, the things that bring us refreshment and restoration. This too can be done to the glory of God. The fact is I will only be able to serve God well if I am rested and restored! Oh, I may go through the motions but my attitude will usually need to be adjusted. I will not be able to be effective if I am worn out, tired, and stressed. When my life becomes too difficult I become resentful of my duties. Even Jesus knew when he had had enough. He left the crowds, sailed away, and was even known to take a nap! As I begin each new day I must be purposeful about giving myself permission to enjoy the garden. Let something that can wait until tomorrow simply wait! Forget staying on schedule for just a little while. Take time for a cup of coffee and enjoy reading a book for just an hour! Take a much needed nap, exercise, or take a walk.  In addition, schedule in a day ever so often to enjoy a hobby, lunch with a friend, and always make time to enjoy nature! God wants you to enjoy the garden. Ask God to help you discern between what is urgent and what can wait.

 

Suggestion #7 - Breathe In God’s Peace

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 7 NIV

 

Isn’t it strange that we must learn to lap up God’s peace? To continue walking through life without peace is like passing on dessert. God saves the sweetest for last. When we taste his peace at the end of our day we know we have lived our day under the umbrella of his protection. Peace is the check point for knowing if we have spent time worshiping and honoring our Master. We experience peace when we know we have been obedient. Peace is our reward for trusting God with all that is uncertain in life. We experience peace when we know we have loved others well. Peace comes at the end of forgiveness. All these things: worship, obedience, trust, serving others well, and forgiving count for eternity as we lay up treasures for ourselves in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys. Heavenly rewards for selfless works well done. The clock is ticking and if you are like me, your heart's desire is to  live life well.

 

Questions:

1. Are you aware that your life’s clock is ticking?
2. What are the things that you are currently doing that will count for eternity?
3. When was the last time you did a priority check?
4. Does the lifestyle of simplicity intrigue you?
5. How can simplicity enhance your busy life?
6. Are you currently living under God’s umbrella of protection regarding how you spend your time?

Prayer:

 

Dear Lord,

 

Yes indeed, my clock is ticking and I want to live my life well. Help me to be purposeful about how I fill my days. Lord, it is my desire that all of my moments will pass under your watchful eye. Lord, I want to have eyes to see what must be placed aside and know what things must be picked up. Give me feet that will dance in gladness as I perform the most mundane tasks of life. Make me willing to go places I would rather not go because of the very real possibility that you may have an assignment waiting for me when I arrive. Give me sweet words for others all through my day that will point them to you. Father, I pray that you will begin to teach me more about simplicity and gratitude. Help me Lord to give myself permission to enjoy the garden so that I will be refreshed and restored, ready to do your work. Most of all Lord, I thank you for your sweet gift of peace that is experienced deep within my heart when I stay under your loving umbrella of protection regarding how I spend my time. Lord, forgive me for all of the times I have failed in the past. Give me your grace to move forward knowing full well I will not do it perfectly. Lead me daily as I press toward the mark of your high calling to worship you and love others. Help me to remember that life is short, the clock is ticking, and that I need to make the necessary adjustments in my life so my time  here on earth counts for eternity. Lord, fill my busy days with purpose and my tired nights with peace.

 

It is in Your Name I pray. Amen.

Eating From God's Banquet Table

 

"You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies."

Psalm 23:5 NIV

 

It is a beautiful day outside of the garden. This fine day finds me strolling through a beautiful city park. Gorgeous azaleas line the walkways. As I anticipate the nice dinner that my husband and I are soon to share in one of my favorite restaurants, I begin to recall some very memorable dining experiences.

 

Have you ever experienced a fine dining experience? This morning I am remembering a very fine dining experience I had when I was in college. I had gone with a group of friends off campus to a friend’s home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Before we headed back to school the youth pastor and his wife invited the four of us to their home for breakfast before we hit the road. To my surprise and pleasure, this fine lady had spread a beautiful lace tablecloth on her dining room table and had placed on this table her finest china and crystal. There were fresh flowers and she served us as though we were kings and queens! This was such an elegant breakfast setting that I couldn’t even begin to tell you how the food tasted. However, I do remember she served bacon and eggs from silver platters, grits and country fries from silver bowls, she poured coffee from a silver coffee pot; we drank orange juice from stemmed goblets, ate fruit salad from small crystal compote dishes, and enjoyed warm buttered biscuits.

 

In contrast, also remember my mother serving wonderful meals with delightful simplicity. Her best dishes were not fine china. They were purchased with S & H reward stamps that she received from the local grocery store. She then redeemed the stamps for casual dishes, one piece at a time until she had a complete set. Nevertheless, when she served super, she spread a simple table cloth and placed the blue and white Currier and Ives  dishes, paper napkins, and stainless steel flatware on the table with intentional care. The food was not elegant but it was way beyond delicious!

 

There have been many times when my husband has taken me to some very fine restaurants for dinner. We have not only enjoyed the beautiful setting and ambiance, we also dined on wonderful food. In addition, we have had the pleasure of paying a pretty hefty tab for all this fine dining!

 

Today it occurs to me that God has provided and prepared a banquet table for those who love him that far exceeds any of the above mentioned dining experiences. His banquet table is lovingly prepared each day by his almighty hands. His nutritious provision for me is well balanced with all that I need to do life well. There is plenty to eat today and more to come tomorrow and for that matter, I am invited to eat every day for the rest of my life. God’s banquet table is heaped with bowls, platters, trays and baskets full of love, joy, and peace. We eat his warm bread of life and drink his wine of the new covenant. Every morning there appears fresh new trays of sweet delicacies of compassion and mercy. Pitchers flow with milk and honey. The nutritional fruit of the spirit is available for the taking. God has provided all that I need for my spiritual health and I am daily nourished with patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control heaped up on platters from his bountiful pantry. All this and more is mine and yours free for the taking. All that is required of us is to willingly taste and see that the Lord is good!

 

In addition, God prepares all of this for us in the very presence of our enemies. In life there are often those on the sidelines that scoff at our beliefs. We receive negative comments regarding our testimony. A few non-believers create trouble for us simply because they don’t like what or “Who” we stand for. Most of these folks who are in our face seem to be very present, but for some reason they cannot see the banquet table that forms the backdrop of our faith. Others see it but have no desire to eat with us because the menu is not to their liking. Satan, the biggest enemy of all, certainly sees the banquet table but is angry because he is not allowed a single morsel. His goal is to lure us away from the banquet table with talk of a more delicious lifestyle. But we who have tasted and eaten from this fine banquet table know that God’s banquet table is the best place to eat in the entire world, bar none! So we who love him continue to feast with our Master daily at his table because we hear and respond to his call to “Come and dine”.

 

Questions:

1. Can you recall a fine dining experience in your past?
2. How do you think it compares to the fine banquet table Jesus has set for us who love him?
3. When surrounded by enemies, do you realize that you have an opportunity to dine daily with the Master and be nourished and fed all the good sustaining food you will need for whatever situation you are facing?

Prayer:

 

Dear Father,

 

What a precious thought. It is in the presence of my enemies or “the enemy” you gently call me away to an elegant place of splendor and say, “My child, let this go, come and dine. I have the table spread twenty-four hours a day. There is always a seat at my table for you.” Thank you Father that you want me to be nourished at your table with all good things so that I might live a healthy Christian life. Help me Lord, to visualize this banquet table waiting for me the next time I am caught up in trouble, slander, false accusations, and persecutions. I thank you Father that your precious Holy Spirit is standing by to escort me in an instant to my rightful place at your banquet table. Father it is my joy to know that I can eat your life sustaining food even in the presence of my enemies. Lord, in the past I have eaten amazing meals at your table, I have tasted, and you Father are indeed good!

 

In your Son’s name I pray. Amen.