A Promise With Two Parts

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Psalm 23: 6 AKJV

 Today as I am sitting in the garden, I am feeling a little sad. The life that Jesus Christ lived on earth was such an amazing example of the way that God wants us all to live our lives. I feel sad because I fall so short! I get caught off guard and my attitude is crummy, my words are not kind, and fear is often just a thought away. People upset me and my response is not always gracious. At times I find myself being intolerant of others who are not like me. Time after time the example that Jesus set for me is there, yet I get it right only occasionally. I know full well that Jesus was perfect and I am not, but God did send his son Jesus, as an example to mankind so that we would recognize what holy living looks like. Jesus’ example is the bull’s-eye that we aim for.

 

I don’t believe that God demands perfection but I do believe that he wants to see progress in the lives of his children. God desires to see each of us moving continually in the direction of holiness. I am faced with daily choices. I must learn to choose godliness over sinfulness, goodness over evil, and mercy over criticism. It helps me to remember that my first thought does not have to be my last. I can choose to respond differently. My mother used to say, “Just take a deep breath and count to ten.”

 

The Psalmist says that goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. God’s goodness and mercy has followed me every day that I have been alive. God’s goodness and mercy follows both believers and non believers every day. All people experience good things from the hand of God, but it is the grateful believer that will acknowledge that all the goodness and mercy they experience in this life is from the hand of God alone.

 

The first promise found in Psalm 23:6 is true! God’s goodness and mercy does follow us around like a puppy dog! I am beginning to realize that God’s goodness is always followed by his mercy. God is so compassionate and merciful and those attributes are the very qualities that make his forgiveness possible. So if I am to be like Jesus then I must also make every effort to follow the example he modeled. Jesus always exhibited goodness and mercy, compassion and forgiveness. More times than not, I cannot do this in my own strength. But the Holy Spirit has promised to help us in our time of need. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV

 

I must admit that if I get upset with someone I often take a hike! I pack up my bag of goodness and mercy, leave the presence of the person that offended me and head for the nearest exit! As they observe my exit, I’m sure they are thinking, there she blows! How much better it would be if I could humbly reach up to the throne of grace and wrap myself in the blanket of God’s grace, goodness, and mercy. Then I would find that I am equipped to go back to that person with the understanding that they too are in need of Jesus’ goodness and mercy. Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5: 7 NIV   My prayer today is that God would enlarge my capacity to be both good and merciful.

 

The second promise in today’s scripture verse is “…and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  What will the house of the Lord be like? It will be a safe place and it will be a place of love and welcome. It will be a place where goodness abounds. It will be a place of eternal REWARD.

 

Our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, wants us to hang in there! He wants us to carry his banner of goodness and mercy high, as we walk through this valley of the shadow of death. I don’t want to be in a place that when others see me coming toward them they view me as an enemy. No, I want them to feel safe and loved. I want others to say, here comes Paula, and she is carrying in her arms goodness and mercy. I want them to be happy to see me.  If per chance I am actually able to do that, it is only by the grace of God and the example of Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit that enables me to have good thoughts and holy responses.

 

This is a beautiful day for reflection. The garden is quiet. The sunshine feels warm. There is so much beauty it nearly takes my breath away. I am beginning to remember all of the lessons to be learned from the 23rd Psalm. What a marvelous Psalm! It is indeed a perfect pattern for living my life. It is God’s ideal plan for my spiritual growth and development. It is also a Psalm of amazing comfort. Only six little verses but what an impact they have made on my life.

 

Jesus Christ, my personal Shepherd, wants a RELATIONSHIP with me. When I put my trust in my Shepherd and enter into a personal relationship with him he begins the process of REDIRECTION. When I am sitting still before the Shepherd and I am free of distractions he begins to direct my life and lead me down a fresh new path of right living. As I listen to my Shepherd, he begins the process of RESTORATION. He begins to shape my life and restore it back to the way he intended it to be before sin entered our world. There is much in my life that is in need of change but the Shepherd REMAINS with me through all of the dark valleys I will ever encounter. My Shepherd is always waiting to provide me with the soothing oil of his Holy Spirit which gives me comfort and peace.  My Shepherd will constantly be close beside me for as long as it takes for me to be able to trust him. He wants me to RELINQUISH to him all that keeps me concerned and worried. He wants all my fears and all my anger. He wants my pain and my suffering. In the moments that we spend together in deep communication, my Shepherd REFRESHES my spirit. I eat from his bountiful table of blessings and drink from his refreshing living water. I accept his lavish love for me. My Shepherd follows me day in and day out with his goodness and mercy. The Shepherd has promised me that at the end of my journey here on earth he will give me my REWARD. The reward is heaven, the place where I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever and ever. What’s not to love about a Shepherd like this? 

 

Questions:

1. What are the seven “R” words that indicate the pattern God has for your spiritual growth and development? 
2. What “R” word best describes what you need from the Shepherd this day?
3. What are the two parts that are promised in Psalm 23:6?
4. Which of the six verses of Psalm 23 is the most meaningful to you?

Prayer:

Dear Shepherd,

 

I am so thankful that you care for me in such a loving way. According to the words of this Psalm I will want for nothing. Not now, not ever! What a plan! A Relationship with my maker, Redirection for my sinful life, Restoration of my spirit during hard times, and God you  Remain  with me as you wait for me to Relinquish my needs and all of my difficult circumstances into your sovereign hands. God you Refresh me and you Reward me! You have cared for me from the beginning of my life and will be with me forever. Only a God like you could have orchestrated such a perfect plan. What a beautiful picture of you loving goodness and mercy. Thank you Jesus, you are an amazing Shepherd.

 

In Your Name I Pray. Amen.

When Exactly Does God Show Up?

 

“God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1 NIV

This morning the garden is still and the only sounds are those from water trickling over the rocks in the stream and chirping insects in the distance. This pre-dawn morning will give me some much needed time in the garden to process my fears and examine my reluctance to be obedient. I have been waiting for God to show up on a couple of major issues in my life. This morning my heart cries out, “Lord, when will you show up?” The light of dawn is silently cutting through the darkness. Breaking the silence of the night a titmouse begins to chirp, and now another bird joins in the musical conversation. Soon an entire chorus of cardinals, chickadees, sparrows, and finches will be singing. This daily concert is both predictable and beautiful. I am a witness as the world wakes up and soon all of the birds will be calling and responding back and forth to each other. I wonder if they recognize the voices of their mates and other feathered friends. What are they saying? Could they simply be joyfully praising and worshiping their Maker? Or are they just like me, anxiously waiting for their Creator to show up and meet their needs.

 

In the twinkling of my eye and much to my surprise, Jesus slips up beside me. I am so happy to see that he is finally here! Sheepishly I ask, “Where have you been Lord?” I go on to explain that I am in need of answers and I have been waiting quite a while for him to show up. Jesus now walks a short distance away from me. As he leans against the trunk of a strong and stately oak, Jesus simply says, “What do you mean my dear? Truth be told Paula, I’ve been waiting for you to show up. You see, I never slumber or sleep, I have always been in your life in the past, I am here with you today, and I will always be with you, even until the end of this earth. I am your refuge and your strength. I am ever-present in your life. I never leave you nor do I forsake you.”

 

This is a huge ah-ha moment for me as I begin to realize that I am the one who perceives that God is not with me. I am the one who has been absent. God has been waiting for me to show up and believe that he is with me. I am beginning to remember that God will never reveal himself to me unless I am seeking to know him. I am the one who must ask for his help and then I must trust that he will provide exactly what he knows I need. I must also remember that God is my partner and he will never send me somewhere that he has not already been. If my response to his request is one of obedience, then when I arrive at any new destination I will find that God not only walks by my side as I travel into the unknown future but he has already laid the framework and prepared the situation at hand well in advance of my arrival. This morning it is becoming increasingly clear to me that God is already on the job, but I am the one who has not been actively present! I am the one hanging back in the clouds of doubt.

 

One perfect example of our ever present God is found in the Bible when Jesus and the disciples are in a boat, peacefully sailing on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus is taking a much needed nap in the back of the boat while the disciples may have been doing a little fishing. Then, out of nowhere a life threatening storm came up and tossed the boat and the helpless disciples back and forth like ping-pong balls as the waves spilled into the boat and the wind blew and hurled the sinking vessel. Neither the disciples nor I know how Jesus was able to sleep through this storm. In between bailing water and tying down gear, I’m sure they cast anxious glances in his direction as they wondered if their sleeping Lord would ever wake up and help them. In fact, they finally had to shake him awake and frantically ask him why he didn’t care that they were about to perish. But the simple truth was revealed in three short words spoken by the Master. “Peace, be still.” You see, it was GOD who was in the boat with them. The Prince of Peace spoke peace, be still. He did not need to show up, he was already there. The disciples simply had to ASK and then TRUST God to take care of them.

 

On another occasion, after Jesus had returned to heaven, a man named Saul was persecuting the Christian church. The Bible tells us that Saul was breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. Saul was on his way to Damascus with letters from the high priest to be read in the synagogues in Damascus so that he could take those who believed in Jesus prisoners. On the way to Damascus, a light from heaven flashed all around Saul. As a result he fell to the ground and became blind. A voice from heaven spoke and said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice from heaven replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Acts 9:4-5 The Bible records that the men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. When they realized that Saul was blind they helped him up off the ground and led him by the hand to Damascus. For three days Saul remained blind.

 

The story does not end there. Here is the amazing part. The Lord also called a man named Ananias. Poor old Ananias! I would not have wanted to be in his shoes. In a vision the Lord told Ananias to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. Ananias’ response was Lord…surly you jest! This guy has a bad reputation. He persecutes Christians and I am a Christian. God, you have the wrong guy for this job. But as always is the case, God was not asleep, he was on the job, he did not have the wrong man, he had the right man and he had already prepared the way for Ananias. All Ananias had to do was to TRUST God and OBEY God. It was Ananias that had to show up. The Lord told Ananias, do not be afraid, I have already prepared the heart of Saul. He is there praying and I have also given him a vision. He has seen in his vision a man named Ananias coming to him and laying hands on him so that his sight would be restored. Even though Ananias was afraid and questioned his assignment, God said go. God told Ananias that Saul was his chosen instrument to carry his name to the gentiles. The bottom line, Ananias obeyed and Saul’s eyesight was restored and he got up and was baptized. Ananias was afraid but still he obeyed and God’s work was accomplished. Saul’s name was changed to Paul and he carried the name of Jesus to the gentiles. Remember, God had already shown up. He had prepared Saul to receive Ananias. God was on the job long before Ananias ever arrived on the scene.

 

As I reflect on these two stories I am filled with awe. God IS a very present God. He knows exactly where I live and what is going on in my life. He calls me by name and he goes before me. He will be with me in good times and also in days of adversity. My Jesus is always in the garden of my heart waiting for me to show up and he will be with you too. Jesus will be with us in the doctor’s office, the hospital room, and he will be with us in times of grief and loss. Jesus is with our children and grandchildren. He travels the same roads they travel and sits in their midst be it good or bad circumstances. He is available to hear their first and last cry for help. Jesus is in the middle of all of our earthly challenges. God is never surprised by the events in our life. Nothing gets past him and because of this truth he is already with us and he has already shown up! He stands ready to walk with us on our journey when we cry out for his help. Our God is in our financial challenges, our sickness, our loneliness, our marriage, our job, and in our schools. God is in the hospital room, on the battlefield, in our government, in the courtrooms and in the prisons of our world. Our unstoppable God cannot and will not be shut out. I must never forget for a moment that my God has already shown up and I must continue to pray that others will look up and see his face as he stands lovingly ready to help us all in our time of need.

 

Man attempts to push and shut God out but still he remains! His love is forever faithful to those who love him and also to those who ignore him. He is a God who pursues all of mankind in so many ways. He also uses hard times and tragedy to call us to himself. Most of his efforts go unnoticed and unheeded in this sinful world. It is true that God does not force himself on any of us. The truth is that when we pray God honors our prayers. God is also faithful to stand by those we love and he continues to call each and every one no matter how far away they may have strayed. He is able to send an obedient Ananias to minister to those we love.

 

On a more personal note, I have always found that in my times of need God does not provide for me until the very second when I need him the most. God is after my trust and when God hears me call and sees that my trust is in place he then begins the process of revealing his will for my life. His provision is like manna, given fresh each day and not to be hoarded or stored up. All of my prayers are answered according to his will and in his perfect timing. Provision and grace never arrive before my need, but the moment I need it, it is there. My God is never early nor is he late.

 

When God asks us to go or do we must trust that he has already paved the way ahead of us and we must choose to go where he already is. Often the answer to our need is at the end of our obedience. Today it is so very clear, God has already shown up, the stage is set and he is positioning people in our life and in the lives of those we love to help us all. When we show up and call upon His name he will monitor the situation, send out for reinforcement, provide what is needed, and sometimes he will perform a miracle, but in all cases he will calm the storm of fear that is raging within us while we wait for his perfect will to be accomplished. He is Immanuel, God with us! His faithfulness endures forever.

 

Questions:

1. Have you ever felt like God was far away? Missing in action? Asleep in the boat?
2. Has God ever given you an assignment that made you fear that he was not being responsible on your behalf because it seemed to you that he was placing you in danger?
3. What was your response?
4. Do you ever wonder if you have strayed so far away from God that he no longer cares?
5. Are you the one who is missing in action because you are waiting for God to show up?
6. What can you do to solidify your trust as you endeavor to believe that God has already shown up and is preparing for your future?

Prayer:

 

Dear Jesus,

 

Forgive me when I feel that you have forgotten me. Forgive me when I feel like you are far away and unconcerned regarding what concerns me. Lord, forgive me for not including you in my life. Lord, remind me that you indeed have always been by my side. You have given your Word to encourage me and to solidify my faith. Lord, I know more time with you is required if I am going to live a victorious life of peace in the midst of the personal storms in my life. I am reminded that your Word is full of promises, but I cannot trust a promise that I do not know exists. I need to frequently read the stories of unshakable faith and bask in the promises that are found in your Word because they teach me that you are a very present God who always goes before me and that you also work in the lives of all those I love. I thank you Jesus that you have already shown up in my life. You are more than ready and willing to help me in my time of need.  Help me Lord, to join you because I know that you have promised that if I knock you will open the door and if I call out to you, you will hear. Thank you God that you my refuge and strength, and my ever-present help in trouble. Today Lord, I come to you.

 

In your 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.

God Watches His Precious Children Sleep

“…indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”

Psalm 121:4 NIV

At the end of a day of work or after I have been out all day, there is nothing I like better than coming home and kicking off my shoes, taking off my slacks or skirt that are a little too tight in the waist, getting out of my unmentionables and putting on a lounging outfit or my comfy robe and slippers. It is funny how those simple bindings of life (that we women wear on our bodies) keep us from true relaxation. No wonder we are often uptight and tense. Those tight jeans and uncomfortable shoes are squeezing the very life out of us!

I often wonder what it will be like to step from this life into heaven. My brother-in-law, Dale had been sick for many years. One day when my husband and I went to visit him he told us that the night before he had had a vision of heaven. We asked him what it was like. He stammered trying to find words to describe his experience. Finally, all he could say was, “It was royal, just royal!” He went on to tell us that he did not want to come back but God told him it was not yet time and that he must go back. A few weeks later he went to be with the Lord. It is comforting to know that Dale is now in a place that is royal!

I envision heaven to be an amazing place of beauty. Streets so perfect that they shine as gold. Beautiful gardens where every flower, bush and tree continuously blooms forever! When I step into this wonderful place I will lay down my burdens and all that binds and restricts me here on earth. I wonder what it will be like to feel shear pleasure and joy as I enter into the holy presence of God and meet my Savior face to face. I guess it will be… well, yes you guessed it…royal, just royal! But even in this life Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV We don’t have to wait for heaven to experience God’s amazing gift of rest.

For me I love giving the morning hours to Jesus because it is when I am rested, relaxed and the most alert. I can begin my day by loving Jesus and having him love on me. I know that the rest of my day will go much smoother because I have carved out time for him. Of course, a crisis will occur, time will be short, temperaments will clash, and there will be needs to be met. Chances are I will handle all of those challenges better because I have been to the garden.

As the day ends and evening finds me inside the comfort of my home, my mind goes to the Master Gardner once again. I take off my shoes and change into something more comfortable. This ritual reminds me of how important it is to come to Jesus every evening with all of my burdens and cares that have been a part of my busy day. It is a time to free my mind of all that has bound me throughout the day. As I prepare for receiving God’s rest I say, “Lord, here I am at the end of another busy and stressful day. So Father, as I prepare for sleep I want my last thoughts to be of you. God, how did I do today? How can I do better tomorrow? Forgive me for all of the places I came up short. Remind me of the places that I was found lacking in mercy, love and grace. Help me to do a better job tomorrow. Thank you for all of your amazing blessings in my life and thank you for rest.” As I drift off into sweet sleep I hear the faint movement of a chair. I imagine God pulling up a chair and setting beside my bed as he prepares to watch me sleep. Just as it brought me pleasure to watch my children and grandchildren sleep, I hope I bring my Father pleasure as well. In the last few conscious moments of this day I feel loved because I know I am his precious child. I am comforted to know that all through the night the eyes of the Almighty God keeps vigil right next to my bed as he lovingly watches me sleep and pours over me his wonderful rest!

If you are a young parent, take heart. Your life will not always be so demanding. Your children will learn to feed themselves, go to the bathroom alone, they will get on the bus and go off to school, they will learn to do their homework independently, drive a car, and maybe even learn to do their own laundry. Your life will not always be the crazy circus it is today.

But even if carving out time for God seems to be impossible, I still encourage you to find a few minutes every day to focus on God. Ask God to show you how and when you can do this and then be obedient. Do not be eaten up with guilt if you miss a day or two, just keep trying. God has gifted you with the ability to do a million things at one time. Use your intelligence, giftedness and creativity to find a few minutes every day to grow in your relationship with Jesus. Because God is not an “in your face” God, it is easy to push him aside. When I was a young mother and I had to cut something out of my life, God always seemed to be the first to go. That was not wise then and it is not wise now. Being a godly man or woman is the most amazing gift you will ever give your spouse or your children. Our busy lifestyle presents all of us with great challenges. But perhaps there are still a few moments in your day to be found. I promise you the time you spend with God will be the best help you will get all day. I can tell you from experience no matter what season of life you are in Satan will always mess with this part of your life. Be aware and don’t allow him to interfere. Somehow time spent with God is NOT lost but multiplied!

Questions:

Do you find life to be binding and restrictive?

What is it that you need rest from? Is it confinement, pain, responsibilities, lonliness?

Do you find yourself stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed?

Do you find it comforting to know that God watches you sleep?

Prayer:

Dear God,

I come to you and invite you to bring peace and rest to my tired and weary body. Today Lord, I want to turn lose all that binds me and I look to you for rest. Lord, I am reminded that I will sleep tonight but you never sleep. I know that when I wake in the morning your provision will be waiting for me. So tonight I know that you will be busy setting the stage and organizing all that concerns me for the day ahead. I imagine that right before I wake you will be preparing my morning coffee and fluffing the pillow in my favorite chair so that I cannot resist meeting you in the garden of my heart as I begin my day. No doubt, you will have already contacted the angels that are scheduled to surround me tomorrow. Lord, I thank you that you always go before me preparing my way. Thanks God for not sleeping! Father, I thank you for your rest and for another opportunity to do things better today and tomorrow.

In your Son’s name I pray. Amen

Cared for by Jesus

“…Come and have breakfast.” John 21:12a NIV

When was the last time when someone cooked breakfast for you? If you are like me, I’m the cook! Young mothers are so busy that often they don’t even get to eat breakfast. I would imagine that many of you are rushing out of the house and into your car with only a food bar in your hand. Some of you will simply skip breakfast because you overslept and didn’t have time to eat.

It was again during my time alone with Jesus in the garden that he stirred my heart with the truth of yet another scripture. It was the story found in John 21:1-14. This is an amazing story. Jesus had been crucified and laid in the tomb. Jesus had risen and was making some unexpected appearances here and there to the disciples. The fact was the disciples were out of work and it seemed that their boss had closed up shop. What else was there to do but go back to fishing?

It was night time and several of the disciples (including Peter) went out to fish. They fished all night and in the early morning someone from the shore called out, “Friends haven’t you any fish?” At this point they did not recognize Jesus and probably didn’t appreciate the fact that this man was rubbing it in that they didn’t have any fish! Jesus then said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” This story further reveals that when they did, the catch was so great (153 fish to be exact) that they were unable to haul the net into the boat. At this point John recognized Jesus. Then Peter (the one who had denied Jesus three times,) jumped into the water and ran to meet Jesus! Peter was in such a hurry that he left the others to drag in the fish. How appropriate! Some work and some socialize.

Now here is the good part. When they all got to shore they realized that Jesus had laid a fire of burning coals and there was some fish on it and some bread. Jesus simply said, “Come and have breakfast.” Jesus took the bread and fish and gave it to his friends.

I am stirred deep within my heart and moved to unbelievable tears of joy when I realize that Jesus would cook breakfast for me. Just as Jesus provided for the physical needs of his loved ones, he has and will continue to provide for my physical needs a well. The second amazing thing is that no matter how many times I may fail Jesus, he never fails me. I am so glad that he allowed Peter to eat because I know that even in my failures Jesus loves me so much he would never deny me an opportunity to eat with him. He is the bread of life and there is plenty to go around.

Questions:

Do you remember a time when Jesus was this personal with you?

How do you feel about the fact that even in your failure Jesus is always
faithful to you?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

Today I am so thankful for your amazing love to me. I am blessed to know that even when I am not faithful, you are. Thank you Lord that you love me in such a personal way that you would cook breakfast for me! That kind of personal care and attention to my physical need is mind boggling! I pray that this knowledge will enable me to trust you more and that it will challenge me to seek you and spend more time alone with you.

In Your Name I pray. Amen.

God's Valentines to You

“Cast all you anxiety on Him because He cares for you!”

1 Peter 5:7 NIV

Today I admit that many times in my life there have been days when I have been in the middle of a situation that consumed all of my thinking. At times I have had a heavy, dark cloud of dread that hung over my head. I confess that many times I have been worried and concerned for days and nights at a time. I have also experienced a heavy pain in my heart that would not leave. What is that circumstance that leaves you feeling fearful, helpless and out of control? Is there something in your life that you wish would go away?

No matter what it is that is plaguing me today or any day, I Peter 5:7 is a reminder that I am not alone in my situation! As I read that I am to cast all of my anxiety on God, because He cares for me, I realize that I must choose to embrace this verse and take it into my heart! The Bible has many examples of how intimately God knows and cares for each one of us. God does not loose track of a single human being that He has created.

This week we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Today I want to share some of God’s Valentines that carry the message of his everlasting love.

Valentine 1 – Jesus, the Good Shepherd knows your name.

“The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.
…and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

John 10:2-3b NIV

I am amazed that God knows my name and has not forgotten it! I can’t tell you how many people I have been introduced to and two minutes later I can’t remember their name. God knows my name and He knows yours too, and he never forgets it!

Valentine 2 – God has known all of your days even before you were born.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Psalm 139:15-16 NIV

God knew me before I was even formed in my mother’s womb. Even before a single day came to be all of my days were ordered by God. When it comes to our lives, we are always surprised by what happens to us in life, no matter if it is good or bad. However, God is never surprised by the events that unfold in each of our lives. That’s why it is so safe to trust him, because God is prepared even when we aren’t.

Valentine 3 – God knows the number of hairs on your head.

“And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Matthew 10:30 NIV

I don’t know about you but every time I brush my hair some of my hair falls out. But God keeps track of each hair on my head and counts them all. I, for one, am amazed.

Valentine 4 – God watches you sleep.

“He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed He who watches…will neither slumber nor sleep.”
Psalm 121:3-4 NIV

When was the last time you watched a precious little child sleep? When a little child is sleeping they are perfectly still. Sleeping children are precious! They not fussing or doing a single thing that could get them into trouble. As we watch that child sleep our love for that child just flows from our heart. Imagine this…God watches YOU sleep. What a vision that is and what a comfort. Even with all of our flaws and shortcomings, God’s love pours out of his heart towards you and me as he watches us sleep. Do you still doubt that God loves and cares for you?

Valentine 5 – God stores your tears in a bottle.

“You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in
Your bottle. Are they not in your book?”
Psalm 56:8 NIV

Our tears do not go unnoticed. God not only wipes away you tears He gathers them up and stores them in a bottle. What a loving reminder that God cares for us and never forgets our pain and sorrow.

Valentine 6 – God thinks precious thoughts of you.

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast the sum of them! Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.”
Psalm 139:17-18 NIV

God’s thoughts of you outnumber the sand. That means throughout your entire life God will think trillions of thoughts regarding you. Even in your sinfulness and failures, God’s thoughts regarding you are still precious! He hates the sin but loves the sinner!

Questions:

Have you ever doubted that God cares for you?

Are you amazed that nothing gets past God?

Which of God’s Valentines to you do you love the most?


Prayer:

Dear God,

These are truly wonderful Valentines that express your love for me in an incredible way. Forgive me for ever doubting your love and care for me. Please write all of these verses on my heart so that I will always remember how very much you love me. I pray that these verses will become so much a part of my thoughts that they will enable me to fall into your trusting arms each and every time that I am feeling overwhelmed, fearful, discouraged, or unloved.

In Your Son’s Name I pray. Amen.