BE STILL

Two phone calls came into the house. One came mid-morning and another in the afternoon. The same person left a hurried message for us to return her call. She only gave her name and phone number, no other information. We were unsure what or who, exactly, she wanted.

Eventually we were able to reach her. Unexpectedly, the woman started firing off questions: “Who are you?’ “Why are you calling me back?” Then she began listing all of the places she’d called that day and asked how was she expected to know why we were calling her back.

What a frustrating conversation that was! Not only for us but for her. From one contact with her, we could sense her frazzled, frustrated day.

Oh, how important it is to be still often throughout the day. If we will turn to the Lord for His quietness of manner, we will never find ourselves stressed . . . frustrated. . . angry and without direction.

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Heavenly Father, when I find myself in a whirlwind of activity, please remind me to be still. Please calm my thoughts and activities as I listen to Your still, small voice. In Jesus’ name. amen.

STRESSED BODIES

It was the end of April. Some friends, who are printers, asked if we would help them collate 1000 books with 39 pages each. We emptied the calendar and cleared the house to make room for 3-4 work stations. What we didn’t take time to plan were the meals we’d be eating on-the-go for the next week. Thus, we’d bring in burgers or grab a quick sandwich, burning thousands of calories as four of us worked through the week at lightning speed. Our bodies could feel the stress put on them by the prolonged, repetitive movements of gathering page after page. Finally the books were boxed and placed in the kitchen for our friends to pick up. We, and our overworked muscles, were grateful to be finished.

Isn’t it strange that when life gets rushed and hurried, that one of the first things we neglect is care of ourselves - sleep, rest, nutrition, time out-of-doors?

According to the Scriptures, our body is God’s temple where His Spirit dwells. Perhaps it is time to re-evaluate what we are doing to ourselves. The Lord has given us each a magnificently created body. May we treat it with kind, loving respect so it can serve us for many years until the Lord returns.

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
I Corinthians 3:16

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me such a magnificent tool to use - my body - for Your glory. Please help me to wisely care for it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ANOTHER'S SERVANT

As we look at our friends’ lives, do we sometimes question their judgment? As one returns to work, we as ourselves: “How can she do that, she already has trouble keeping up with her household tasks?” Another, with almost grown children decides to move into a larger home. We wonder: “Shouldn’t she and her husband begin to downsize instead of taking on more expense?” Another friend, in ill health, reaches retirement age and we wonder: “Why doesn’t she just move in with her children - it would be easier?” Before we know it, we seem to have the answer for everyone’s life.

Instead of criticizing others from our limited human perspective, perhaps we need to pray for our friends - that they have God’s wisdom in their decision-making. And let it rest in His capable hands.

Who are you to condemn God’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let Him tell them whether they are right or wrong. The Lord’s power will help them do as they should.
Romans 14:4

Heavenly Father, thank You that we are Your servants and that, ultimately, we answer only to You in the decisions we make. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WRONG DIRECTIONS

Have you ever been given the wrong directions? You know your destination but the map is confusing to you so you call ahead to clarify before you even set out. The directions given to you on the phone seem more confusing than the map. You try it but find you must call again. You end up talking with another person whose directions seem clear and to the point, easy to follow. When you get back in your car to proceed, however, you discover that these directions take you nowhere. Your frustration level continues to rise. You wish someone would just tell you simply how to proceed.

How good it is that the Lord is always willing to give us clear, workable directions for any situation in which we find ourselves. He doesn’t want us to become lost, either!

A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Heavenly Father, thank You for being so faithful to me, Your child. In Jesus’ name. Amen

BALANCE

We love to work, work, work, thinking we will relax and enjoy the garden . . . a book . . . our children . . . when the work is finished. Somehow, though, the work is never finished. We never seem to get around to the other parts of life. The children grow up. Books are left on the shelves unread. The gardening season passes without a moment’s enjoyment. We only do the work, work, work . . . missing out on life itself.

Did God intend that our days should be full of toil and sweat, falling into bed exhausted, only to do it all again the next day? This manner of life is not what God’s Word indicates it should be.

He longs to lead us beside still waters. In His Presence are places of peace. In the midst of a busy world, let’s draw aside to Him in His quiet places. We will find rest for our souls.

He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul. Psalm 23:2

Heavenly Father, please show me how to balance my life so that I may experience Your continual restoration. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

IN CONTROL

Do you like to be in control of how things are done in your household or at your place of employment? Do you give detailed instructions every time you ask one of your children or co-workers to do something for you? Or do you just do everything yourself because “it’s easier” or “it takes less time”?

Are we really serving our family members or co-workers if we try to stay in control of all those tasks which should be used as life training lessons for them? Shouldn't we be giving them every opportunity to grow?

Perhaps it’s time to prayerfully consider if what we are doing is really serving those we love in the way that is best for them or controlling them so we can have it our way.

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. I John 4:7

Heavenly Father, please show me how to let go of trying to control so that I can be more pleasing to You day by day. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

PRUNED !

In the spring I found some poor bedraggled miniature rosebushes on sale - $.25 each. How could I resist? Home they came!

As the weather warmed and the forsythia began to bloom, I knew it was time - to prune and plant. Out came my pruning scissors and I set to work, ridding those sad-looking plants of diseased and dying branches.

It was a severe pruning, to be sure. Next, in the ground they went with the hope that they would grow well - strong and healthy, yielding multitudes of miniature roses throughout their season.

As I watched for the next few weeks, I saw that some rosebushes already had some lush growth. Other rosebushes, however, began to die. Each had received the same pruning - the difference was in the healthiness of their root system.

May I ask - when God prunes your life by removing those things which separate you from Him, how are your roots? Are you rooted in Jesus? May God’s pruning result in fresh new life in each of us!

...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in Love, may have the power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17-19

Master Pruner . . . do Your work in my life today . . . and tomorrow and in future days until You return for me, please! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

FINISH WITH JOY

An approaching late spring snowstorm sent my husband scurrying to pack his suitcase. His destination was two hours away. He needed to leave early, before the roads became treacherous.

While he was packing, our daughter and I kept ourselves busy and out of his way as he tried to think of all he would need. You could see the wheels in motion as he tried to remember everything, making multiple trips back and forth to the car, loading up. Meanwhile, I put together a care package of food for him so his three day stay would be brightened by touches of home.

Later that day my husband called to let us know he had arrived safely, for which we were thankful. In the process, he mentioned that I’d forgotten to pack some needed items. I could hardly believe his words - he was the one doing the packing! His words stung and hurt me. I had purposely tried to stay out of his way so he wouldn’t forget anything and now I was being blamed.

I began to fume and stew. Then in my daily Scripture reading my heart was convicted as I read: “. . . So that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry which I received of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

I realized that the Lord Jesus placed me where I am to serve Him. My husband and I may have had a misunderstanding but I was placed by his side to serve and love him as unto the Lord. My children may be fussy and cranky but I am placed as their mother to exhibit God’s love. My mother may be critical of me, but I’m perfectly placed to allow God’s love to touch her heart. As I fulfill what the Lord has given me to do (no matter how others act), He is gradually and gently changing my character to exhibit Himself and who He is through me. Only then will I be able to finish my course with joy.

. . . so that I might finish my course with joy. . . . Acts 20:24

Heavenly Father, please help me finish well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

The house felt cold. Downright frigid, thought Mama Bear as she scurried around in the kitchen. She put on more layers of clothing and, after her work was completed, covered herself with a thick quilt as she sat trying to sew with chilled fingers. She didn’t mention her discomfort, trying not to shiver too visibly.

Papa Bear, reading a book in the living room, also noticed a chill in the air. Having just returned home from the hospital, he thought it was just part of his recovery process. Maybe his internal thermostat wasn’t working yet. He didn’t mention his discomfort either.

The three Child Bears were busy, each in his or her own room - writing letters,
studying and using the computer. They noticed fingers and toes were becoming numb with cold but didn’t mention their discomfort either.

When the cold became almost unbearable, our family of five finally began to talk among themselves about how chilled they were.

Suddenly Mama Bear realized that she had turned the heat down in the house three days previously as the spring days seemed warmer. With an arctic blast and snow suddenly upon them, they were chilled to the bone.

Oh, if only they had begun to talk among themselves earlier, sharing how they felt and what they were thinking. Perhaps then a remedy would have been forthcoming sooner.

Do we do what the Bear family did - keep our problems and thoughts to ourselves? Perhaps if we would open up the channels of communication with those closest to us, a remedy as easy as turning up the thermostat would become readily apparent.

Bear one another’s burdens. Galatians 6:2

Heavenly Father, please help me to be more open with those whom You have given me. And please open my eyes and ears to hear and see their burdens, too. In Jesus’ name. Amen

HOT LAVA OR REFRESHING WATER ?

A few years ago burning hot lava began pouring out of Mount Etna in Sicily. As the lava flowed steadily onward, villages and villagers which were in its path were threatened with scorching destruction.

Have you ever found yourself becoming a volcano, erupting with a hot flow of angry, bitter, discontented words? As the hot, angry words spewed from your mouth, did you feel any better or did you scorch yourself and everyone in your path?

According to the Scriptures, Jesus said that our belief in Him results in a heart overflowing with living water, not scalding lava. Whereas lava snuffs life out, living water brings life and healing to all it touches.

May our hearts overflow in only those qualities which honor God and bring His loving touch not only to ourselves but to others.

He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, “Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:39

Heavenly Father, please help me to guard my heart so that only living water is provided through me to a troubled world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ANXIETY

Have you ever sat down to relax, read a book and found that your entire body is tensed up? You consciously try to relax but find all of the day’s stress is stored in your body.

Have you ever wondered what that stress is doing to you? How it affects your heart and mind? How the surges of adrenaline affect blood sugar, blood vessels and nerve fibers?

God, who created us, knows what He is talking about when He urges us not to be anxious about anything!

Have no anxiety about anything, but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Heavenly Father, please remind me - often - to talk with You about everything. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ONE-SIDED LOVE

We’ve all probably seen it at one time or another. One-sided love. It can come in a variety of forms. A man may shower his wife with everything her heart desires - a nice home, her own car and leisure to attend classes. Yet she remains indifferent, accepting what is given her without a backward glance. Or one-sided love can be seen in a wife who lavishes time and attention on her husband and children only to be taken for granted, her gifts of love to them not even noticed as special gifts just for them. Or one-sided love can be seen in parents who love a child unconditionally. Yet that same child continues to live in total rebellion against their wishes and rules.

One-sided love hurts. It hurts the giver and hurts the receiver. In fact, in one-sided love a relationship doesn’t really exist - there is just a giver and a taker. Any relationship of friendship, comraderie or intimacy is non-existent.

Is our relationship with God one-sided - He gives and we take? Is there a relationship with Him who created us or do we take from Him, figuring it is our ‘due’ just because we exist.? Or do we take from Him, not even recognizing that He is giving something special just for us, His child? Or are we living a life of rebellion although He is continually pouring out His mercy and grace upon us?

May we re-evaluate our relationship with God. He longs for our love and our companionship. He does not want our relationship with Him to die a slow, steady death. He wants to give us Life.

God so loved the world that He gave . . . . John 3:16

Heavenly Father, I want to give to You. Please show me how. In Jesus' name. Amen.

UNEXPECTED GUESTS

Have you ever spent hours cooking up a delightful dinner for your family? You have just set it out on the table, steaming hot. Then out of nowhere appears a van full of visitors from out of state? You do a quick calculation of the amount of food to the amount of people. You know for certain that there is enough food for four but there will not be enough for 12!

Suddenly you find the words “OH NO!” coming out of your mouth. You don’t really mean that you don’t want the visitors. You just mean that the timing is off. Even a half hour later, when the dishes were cleared away, would have been better. That isn’t how it worked that day! Here they were and there you were. What to do?

Take a moment to gather your thoughts. Then prayerfully realize that no matter what the situation, Scripture makes clear what our task is - to be hospitable no matter to whom or when.

Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another.
I Peter 4:9

Heavenly Father, help me to see Your hand even in the unexpected. Please mold my initial reactions to those which are pleasing to You. Help me practice hospitality. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

CALL A HALT

Have you ever had a day which was overflowing with back to back appointments and other responsibilities? As you looked at your day, you saw that in no way could you be all of the places you needed to be when you needed to be there. Nor could you see how you could accomplish even half of the tasks you knew you needed to do.

How did you handle it? Did you push on through it all, hoping for the best, falling into bed that night tired and frustrated? Or did you take a moment to pray and ask the Lord to help you arrange your priorities?

Let’s call a halt to any day which threatens to spin out of control. Let’s call upon the Lord to direct our steps so that they did not slip into frustration and irritability. When we ask God’s direction for our day, something wonderful happens. Even though some tasks may be left undone, you will know that the most important responsibilities were taken care of first. Now that’s good planning!

Thou didst give a wide place for my steps under me and my feet did not slip. Psalm 16:36

Heavenly Father, the next time my day begins to spin out of control, please remind me to look to You immediately for Your direction. Actually BEFORE it spins out of control, remind me to look to You for direction - always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SHADE

The temperatures had gone from the chilly 40s into the upper 80s. This particular spring there didn’t seem to be the usual gradual rising of temperatures which would allow our bodies to acclimate themselves to the sudden change.

I set out for our daily walk down our country road. The sun beat down on fields, asphalt and on me. It was hot!

Suddenly I noticed that I was in the shade, in the shadow of clouds blocking the sun. As I moved ahead, so did the shade. Oh, what a special moment it was as I felt like the apple of God’s eye - personally protected under the shadow of His wings.

No, life isn’t always filled with times of walking in the cool comfort of the shade on a hot day. Some days are full of heavy burdens and hot tears. Especially during those times, let’s take a lesson from the psalmist asking to be special in God’s eyes, asking for His protection.

Heavenly Father, please “keep me as the apple of Thy eye; hide me in the shadow of Thy wings." Psalm 17:8 In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SOLITARY TRAINING

There is a young man in Michigan who is setting records for his long distance running. Day after day he tries to run longer, faster and better. When asked how he trains, one of the factors he mentioned was that he trains alone.

It seems, for most of us, that God trains us alone, too. Even though two people may walk through the same experience, such as the death of a loved one, God trains each individually until they come out on the other side stronger and more fit. We may be fortunate to have fellow encouragers as we train, but the success or failure is ultimately up to us . . . alone.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to train me in Your ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

THOUGHT STORMS

Has your mind ever been so full that it has felt like a storm is going round and round inside your head? All of the details of life have suddenly converged - in your brain. You are thinking about all of the ingredients you will need for that special potluck casserole. Gift ideas for upcoming birthdays flash through your head. Reminders to call the doctor and dentist for appointments for the kids are like red flagged files. The vet must be called about the dog. Dry cleaning is stacking up to be dropped off. Lunch with your Mom needs to be scheduled. On and on your thoughts go. Until you are threatened by the storm within.

Would you like a practical remedy? Try writing down, on a master list, every single item which blows through your mind. Once everything is on paper, prayerfully take every item to the Lord for His order. As you sit quietly, you will notice the storm begin to subside. You will see God at work, directing your steps, showing you clearly what is best to do each day and in what order to do them. From a lengthy “too much to-do list,” will come clarity as you establish well-ordered daily to-do lists which will be a delight from which to work.

A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Heavenly Father, please remind me to come to You to calm my thoughts. Then clearly show me what You want done each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

CRITTER CARE

Living on a quiet country road, our house is a prime target for people to drop off unwanted animals. We’ve had dogs, puppies, cats and kittens appear suddenly on our doorstep over the years.

Realizing that each animal is special in God’s eyes, we try to be good stewards of those sent our way. Sometimes we find a new, loving home for them, sometimes we must call the animal shelter. We even have adopted a couple of cats through the years if we felt we could be responsible for them.

One day an emu (a six-foot ostrich-like bird) appeared in our yard. We didn’t allow this strange happening to deter us from helping God’s creatures. Out into the yard we went . . . with a handful of feed to coax her to safety. Off into the cornfields she ran, never to be seen again. The question we ask ourselves: If she had stayed, what would the Lord have wanted us to do with her? Were we willing?

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her
young . . . . Psalm 84:3

Heavenly Father, please give me Your wisdom in every situation which I come upon. Even when I find an emu. In Jesus' name. Amen.

SELF HELP

A woman entered the library requesting a self-help book. The reference librarian, a specialist in her field, led her to the appropriate shelves. Satisfied, the woman began browsing on her own, eventually finding what she wanted.

Have you noticed that there is a super abundance of self-help books today? All for the purpose of educating us and helping to make ourselves into better human beings.

Yet, how can we, who are precious lumps of clay in God’s hands, improve ourselves? It’s not possible for the clay to mold itself. A Potter is needed. It is the Potter alone who has the power to shape us into what He intends.

God, the Potter, may use self-help books to set us on the right path. Yet it is the Potter who has a vision of what He wants to create in us and out of us. As we submit ourselves into His hands, only then can we be shaped perfectly for His use.

O Lord, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou art our potter; we are all the work of Thy hand. Isaiah 64:8

Heavenly Father, I submit myself into Your hands so that You can make of me what You will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SWEAT AND REST

In the spring, have you found yourself digging, raking, hauling rocks, planting seeds, watering and watching the progress in your garden? You put blood, sweat and tears into that plot of ground and it looks good. I, for one, have done just that - enjoying every minute of my toil.

To my surprise, as I looked out our back window in the spring, I noticed a marvelous sight - a flock of pink flowers dotting the wooded are at the back of our property. How ironic, I thought - I hadn’t done one speck of work to create that area of delight. God did it all by Himself.

I wonder . . . what areas in our lives bring delight to God? Are they the areas in which we toil, struggle and muscle our way through? Yes, He does delight in our hard work in obedience to Him. Yet He must also find delight in the areas in our lives where He is at work quietly, supernaturally . . . creating a mysterious bounty of beauty in our souls . . . and through our lives.

May we see the Master Gardener’s hand at work in our lives. May we stand in awe of Him.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6

Heavenly Gardener, I thank You for Your work in my life. I give myself anew into Your hands to create in me what You want, as You see fit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DO YOU HAVE GREEN HANDS?

DO YOU HAVE GREEN HANDS?

A friend of mine spends her days quietly doing good. Whether it’s singing to the glory of God, counseling with someone to encourage them or taking children under her wing, she quietly goes about doing good. The only way you would ever know what good fills her life and overflows to others is if you are the recipient of one of her loving deeds.

The other day I saw her at the grocery store. We stopped to chat a minute. She apologized for her hands being green - she’d been helping some kids with an art project. All I could think of, with a smile, was a scripture I had read that morning:

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life. Proverbs 11:30

All I could picture was her, kneeling down, planting those seeds of good deeds and, in the process, she herself was becoming part of the life-giving process. Sure, eventually the green will fade from her hands but the good deeds she is doing are eternally recorded.

Heavenly Father, please make clear to me the deeds you want done through me. Please let me be the hands and feet of Jesus in this hurting world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

YOUR NEEDS

When a family member is ill, we find ourselves awake night and day, if needed, to serve our loved one. Special meals are fixed, fevers are dealt with, appointments with the doctor are set and kept. Doctors orders are carried out, medications given. We do all we can to help our loved one return to good health.

Then we become ill. We hesitate to even slow down. We keep pushing ourselves until we know we must go to bed. We hate to ask for anything - we don’t want to put anyone to any trouble. We suffer silently, getting up and about before we really should.

Maybe it’s time to take stock of what we are doing. Yes, it is good that we serve others in their need. It is also good to recognize when we are the one in need. To slow down, to stop if needed, to express to those whom we love what it is we need right then. Only as we recognize what we need can we begin to comprehend what others may need from us in the future.

So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. Matthew 7:12

Heavenly Father, help me see what I, too, need - and then show me how to best care for myself. In Jesus' name. Amen.

BUSYNESS OR PEACE

Laundry to do . . . guests coming . . . the house to clean . . . special meals to prepare . . . . Sometimes it’s all so overwhelming. We feel the stress mounting and a headache coming on. We know we will not be able to function at all if we aren’t careful.

Then we think of Jesus. While He was on earth, He had an eternity of work to do. He didn’t panic, trying to do it all in a limited amount of time. He did one thing at a time, first withdrawing to a place apart to listen to His Father’s directions.

Especially in busy times, we too need to draw aside to listen to our Father’s voice. If we are listening, we won’t be distracted by a jumble of things to do. Peace will descend upon us and on all we do.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5

Heavenly Father, please help me to prioritize all of those tasks I need to do. Above all, show me what is of eternal priority - my relationship with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

CLEAN WINDOWS

It had been a busy spring. Window washing had been put off time and again. First, it was too chilly to be out washing windows. Then, as sometimes happens in Michigan, it changed rapidly to extreme heat and humidity.

One day after a cooling rain, I took a good look at my kitchen windows and declared, “Today I’m washing those windows!”

Oh, how green the grass was as I peered through the sparkling glass. The sky seemed an intense blue. Yes, the lack of humidity made everything seem fresh and clean. So did the clean windows.

I wonder if we do the same thing with our hearts? Why do we keep putting off asking God’s forgiveness to cleanse them. Do we allow all the smudges of misunderstanding, jealousy, discontent and anxiety over the cares of the world to cloud our vision of God?

May we keep our hearts sparkling clean moment by moment so we can see God.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing forgiveness of sins, a true cleansing of our hearts. Please remind me to take advantage of Your provision day by day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ORDER IN THE UNIVERSE

A sense of order can be seen in the big public library in town. Each book is given a number when it enters the system. It is cataloged and then it is placed in the collection on a shelf. At a moment’s notice, if a book is needed, the librarian can look for that particular book by a specific number in a particular place.

God, too, must love a sense of order. Look around you at the universe. All is in order. The sun and its planets are placed so that day and night have a specific order. The oceans are placed in specific places. Plants and animals reveal a certain order and function. A sense of order must please God immensely!

Thou has made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting.
Psalm 104:19

Heavenly Father, thank You for the order You have established in the universe. Please help me to maintain a sense of order in my corner of the world where You have placed me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

GOD HEARS

When times are difficult, we may find ourselves saying:
“Give ear to my words, O Lord.”
“Give heed to my groaning.”
“Hearken to the sound of my cry, my King and my God.”

We cry out to God, presenting Him with our requests morning, noon and night. We have a problem and we want to be delivered. We can’t stop pleading. We are so much in need!

What would happen if we would change our perspective as the Psalmist did, saying:

“Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness . . . Make Thy way straight before me.”

He answers. His way becomes clear. He shows the way out, under, over, around or through. We follow Him! We rejoice!

But let all who take refuge in Thee rejoice, let them ever sing for joy; and do Thou defend them, that those who love Thy name may exult in Thee. For Thou dost bless the righteous, O Lord; Thou dost cover him with favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:11-12

Heavenly Father, please lead me in Thy righteousness. Please make Thy way straight before me. I trust Your guidance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SMALL THINGS

A young woman in her late 20s, appeared on television, overflowing in gratitude to the Lord for what He had done in her life. She was so thankful, expressing her desire to be used by the Lord to do mighty works.

We can applaud that young woman’s heartfelt desires. We wonder, though, in what paths the Lord will lead her. Yes, some day she might be given “mighty” things to do. In the meantime, however, she will probably find herself doing the “small” things as the Lord teaches her what it means to continue following Him.

Possibly that young woman will find herself married and will be expected to be faithful in the “small” things of the home - loving her husband and keeping her home clean. If she has children, the Lord will give her other “small” things to do - wiping runny noses and reading bedtime stories. If she is employed, the Lord will expect diligence and loyalty to her employer.

Yes, perhaps she will be given mighty things to do . . . but in the meantime, she will be doing God’s mighty “small” tasks which, who knows, may be the mightiest work of all.

He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. Jesus in Luke 16:10

Heavenly Father, please reveal the “small” things which I may be overlooking as I serve You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

TEARS

Sometimes we need to recognize when a good cry is coming on. As we find ourselves with tears flooding our eyes, we need to prayerfully step back and take stock of what we have been doing recently.

Let’s ask ourselves: Are we trying to cram too much into our days? Are we getting enough sleep? Are we eating nutritious food? Are we anxious about something?

Yes, let’s have a good cry. While the tears are flowing, let’s go to our heavenly Father who values our tears. Let’s take some time and listen to His counsel. Let’s continue walking closely with Him.

Thou hast kept count of my tossings; put Thou my tears in Thy bottle! Are they not in Thy book? Psalm 56:8

Heavenly Father, sometimes this world seems too much for us. Thank You for creating us as humans so we are able to cry. Please keep my steps walking along Your path even if there are tears in my eyes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ANGELS UNAWARES

Once upon a time a mother and daughter went out on a much needed shopping expedition.

As they wandered among the ladies’ racks at a local store, they became engrossed in the colors and various styles. All of a sudden from nowhere appeared a small gray haired lady. She had a sparkle to her eyes but seemed confused, asking them where she could find her size. They helped her as best they could, not knowing where things were either.

The mother and daughter tried on a few dresses and chose their purchases. Upon leaving the store, there was that little lady again, also leaving the store. They kindly held the door open for her.

As the older woman entered the parking lot, she looked around, uncertain as to where her car was parked. The mother and daughter offered to help her but she said she could manage.

Looking back on those chance encounters, it seems evident that entertaining angels unawares may mean being hospitable not only at home but also out in the world.

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Romans 13:2

Heavenly Father, please open my eyes to see those I am to serve even in such small ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

STOP, ASK, LISTEN

How many times, day by day, do we make decisions and choices without even asking the Lord His desire for us? We just seem to bounce from one activity to the next. “This” sounds good so we become involved. “ That” sounds fun so, of course, we do it. We don’t stop and turn to Him to listen to what He may say. God’s voice is completely ignored.

Eventually, as activities and responsibilities stack up, the avalanche is ready to tumble - all landing on us. We don’t have a clue how we ended up so far off His path. All we know is that our life is out of balance, not in line with what the Creator intended.

Realization comes. We see that we haven’t been going to the Lord concerning any of the details of our lives - big or small. We know it is time to say,

“Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears.” I Samuel 3:10

May we, daily, seek the Lord’s divine directives in all things. Our feet will firmly march forward on His path if we will only stop, ask Him and open our hearts to hear.

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for trying to live life without turning to You for direction. Please slow me down so that I ask for Your thoughts on all matters - big and small. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

IT IS I

My family and I loved our home. For nine years we had considered our rented home as our own. It was old but beautiful to our eyes. The oak flooring gleamed. The wide front porch welcomed guests. The owner, too, acted as if it were ours, allowing us to paint and wallpaper to our hearts’ content. Although located on a main thoroughfare, there was a country feel with the tall maples surrounding the house and the expansive backyard.

We knew that our house was located in a prime commercial location but surmised it would be years before we would be faced with vacating.

One day in March, we were informed that our beloved home was to be bulldozed in 30 days. After a gasp, tears flowed. Then the comforting voice of the Lord spoke clearly to me, “It is I.”

Just like the disciples in the boat on the stormy waters, the waves of circumstances threatened to dash us on the rocks of despair. Jesus’ voice came immediately just like His voice came to them. He was there with them, He was there with us and because of that fact, we were to have no fear.

But immediately he spoke to them saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.”
Matthew 14:27

Heavenly Father, in the midst of difficulties, please help me to hear Your voice clearly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.