DIFFICULTY UPON DIFFICULTY

Have you ever experienced a difficult stretch of road in your life, hoping that things would begin to level off eventually? Then, instead of getting better, life seemed to become more and more difficult as the days, weeks and months marched by. You rested in the fact that God loves and cares for you and is in control of every detail of your life. You also knew that all of the difficulties were for your good. Yet still the difficulties continued.

Do you know how the most exquisite china is created? It is not only put through one
firing, but two. That second firing brings out even more beauty than the first firing. So, the next time things seem to go from “bad to worse” as they say, don’t despair. We can continue to trust in God’s wise judgments concerning us. He is allowing just what is needed to bring out the brilliant colors in our character. The process is painful but the eternal results are magnificent. In the world’s eyes it is called from “bad to worse” - in the light of eternity we are going from glory to glory.

For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all
comparison because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen . . . .
II Corinthians 4:17-18

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18

Heavenly Father, I thank You that You are working in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen

LOOK AWAY

Have you ever gotten up in the morning feeling thoroughly depressed ? You may not know why you are down in the dumps. You just are. All day you attempt to shake the feelings of gloom and doom but you find your emotions are sunk in the Slough of Despond. By evening you are thoroughly disgusted with yourself and your blue feelings.

Then you decide to walk outside in the fresh air. You begin to look around. The summer blooms of Purple Loosestrife reveal a magenta masterpiece. The sugar maple leaves are beginning to be tipped with red and gold. Honking Canada Geese overhead signal a change of seasons. The beautiful blue of the sky gives way to a stunning sunset as clouds display purple, gray and pink tints.

Although you may have been in the depths of depression, you marvel at God’s love displayed in all that He has created that day. You know that nothing can separate you from God’s love. Not even the depths of depression, illness or grief.

For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Heavenly Father, You created all emotions. Especially when I don’t understand why I feel as I do, please help me to look away from myself to You. All of the splendor You have created reveals just a small portion of Your immense love for me. Thank you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

STOP. . . LISTEN !

Summer was upon us and so were the sounds of the season. The chirping of crickets was my favorite, as the ground was warm and they were active.

One day, while hoeing my garden plot, my daughter yelled, “Stop!” I kept on hoeing. She yelled at me again to stop but I kept right on with my work, thinking she was worried that I was going to hurt the plants as I swung that hoe.

Suddenly my daughter took matters into her own hands, reaching down to rescue the largest cricket I’ve ever seen. I was so glad, then, to stop.

I wonder . . . why hadn’t I heeded when my daughter yelled “Stop” the first and then the second time. Why did I stop only when I could see the reason why.

Do we often ignore God’s words, failing to heed and obey until we can see clearly the reason why? I hope not. Our heart’s desire should be to obey just because He is God, not needing to know the reason behind His directions.

Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people; and walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you. Jeremiah 7:23

Heavenly Father, please help me to hear Your voice and obey even if I don’t see the reason why. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ENDURANCE IS NEEDED

In the Scriptures people are often likened to sheep. After “owning” a flock of those fluffy critters for a few years, it became apparent why God sees us as sheep in need of a Good Shepherd.

One characteristic of sheep that always amazes me is how easily sheep give up when they find themselves in difficult circumstances.

One July day it was extremely hot and humid. A sheep named Mary was resting in the shade in the barn. When she tried to get to a standing position, her horns caught on the barn studs. She must have struggled, but when she couldn’t stand, she gave up. When we found her within a short period of time, it was too late. Although she was alive, we could tell that she’d given up. The next day she died.

When we find ourselves in difficulties, do we struggle to extricate ourselves and become frustrated and give up after only a short period of time? No wonder God told us in His Word:

For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:36

Heavenly Father, please train me to go the distance, whatever is needed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WIRES

Recently a friend wanted some trees planted along the lane leading from their log home to the barns. She was given some six foot beauties by another friend.

Her husband and various helpers prepared the ground for the delivery of the trees. Deep holes were dug with manure placed at the bottom of each. When the trees arrived, they were planted, straight and tall. To insure protection from the winds blowing across the wide expanse of pasture. Each tree was held straight by four wires attached to stakes in the ground.

Our heavenly Father wants, with all His heart, for us to grow straight and tall, too. He knows that our natural tendency will be to bend to the winds of our world’s way of thinking and doing things. Thus, He has placed the guiding wires of Scripture, prayer, fellowship and His loving presence into our lives to keep us growing properly. May we rest, knowing that the Lord Himself is directing our growth.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42

Heavenly Father, thank You for your kind direction in my life. I submit myself to Your wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ASKING GOD'S DIRECTION

Why do children ask permission to do the same thing over and over again? Don’t they hear the word “NO” the first time? Don’t they hear it the second and third time? Do they think they will wear the parent down with their continual asking? Don’t they realize that No means NO? Don’t they see that the answer “NO” was for their own good, because they are loved and what they want to do isn’t wise . . . or safe?

How often do we act that same way toward our heavenly Father? We ask permission or direction. He says, “NO.” Since we don’t like His answer, we continue asking again and again. Do we really think God will change His mind when He knows what is best for us and loves us enough to die for us?

Perhaps we can take a lesson from the children. May we learn to seek God’s answer to our questions, listen to what He tells us and then may we accept His answer in our everyday walk with Him!

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. James 1:5

Heavenly Father, please help me to be wise in my asking. Open my ears and heart to hear You and to accept Your answer. Then please give me the grace to walk according to Your directions. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

YOUR GARDEN

Do you have a garden this year? While laboring in it planting, weeding and harvesting, have you ever felt a little bit like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? God placed them in that particular beautiful spot on earth. The care of it was their responsibility.

In which ‘garden’ space has God placed you? His placement of you is in a particular family, neighborhood, home, community, fellowship, job and/or volunteer position.

Hopefully, God derives extreme pleasure as He watches you faithfully laboring in it and tending it as He directs. May we each daily be diligent in our work in that particular garden in which we are placed.

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. Genesis 2:15

Master Gardener, please help me to see clearly the ‘garden’ You have given me to tend. Please help me to be faithful in each detail. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BE WISE

Do you feel stressed, tired and depressed from all you must do today?

Recently some scary statistics were presented: We work 65-85 hours per week. That includes time away from home at work and time in the home with meal preparation, clean-up, laundry and grocery shopping. You know all that is included in the care of a family and a home without even being told.

Have you ever even stopped to consider why we are working so hard? Is it to make ends meet or is it to have the extras - a bigger house, fancier cars, more clothes, that cruise? Many of us in today’s society must work to help keep food on the table and some sort of roof over their heads. Others, however, work to acquire more and better “things”.

Scripture, with good cause, warns all of us, men and women, not to work to acquire wealth. We should be working where and when out of obedience to God and for no other purpose. We would be wise to heed God’s words. He knows we cannot keep up the pace. Let’s listen to what He tells us. He speaks to us with our best interests in His heart.

Do not toil to acquire wealth, be wise enough to desist. Proverbs 23:4

Heavenly Father, help me to hear Your voice in the matter of work. Help me to be wise in the use of the time You are giving me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A WELCOMING ATTITUDE

How we greet our family members when they come through the door at the end of the day is important. There should be no place there for a list of woes, nagging words or a sour attitude when greeting them. We should be welcoming them for the glory of God as Scripture commands:

Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7

Let’s make an all-out effort to greet them in as pleasant a manner as possible, one which honors God who gave them to us! No, we don’t have to blow up balloons and put on our best clothes to meet them at the door each evening. We can, however, welcome them warmly with bright eyes and a cheery smile. After all, they are your family, the ones who love you and whom you love.

Forget the problems of the day and the undone chores until later. Let all of that melt into the background as love surrounds your reunion.

Heavenly Father, no matter what has happened during my day, please give me joy in welcoming my family as You would want me to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

TALENTS AND TIME

Do you love to serve and be hospitable? Yet you sense that you are called upon by too many people to do too much. You see that the continual demands on the use of your time are causing tremendous stress. In fact, if you do not allow the use of your time and energy to be directed by God, you know that it will be squandered. You will not be as effective in those things you do accomplish.

The solution? To go to the Lord and ask for His guidance, task by task. Then you can be brave - brave enough to say a kindly, firm “no” if you don't feel that the Lord is leading you in certain directions.

Yes, it can be difficult to say “no” to someone. It is much better, however, to say “no” to people (even if they mean well) than to say “no” to God. The Lord has given us talents and knows where and when He wants them used. When we heed His guidance in their use, there is peace in our hearts.

For it will be as when a man going on a journey, called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, each according to his ability. Matthew 21:15

Heavenly Father, Please help me to see clearly the talents You have given me and specific areas in which You want them used. Let me begin using them, not abusing or burying them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

OVERFED

Can we overeat spiritually? Yes! Especially as we every day read 3 devotionals, 5 chapters in a spiritual self-help book, listen to 2 teaching tapes and watch television preachers day and night plus take that correspondence course in Bible history. (Well, maybe that is an exaggeration....)

Were we in hopes of becoming a spiritual giant? Did we think that the more spiritual knowledge we took in, the holier we would become? It just doesn’t work that way. It appears to have the opposite effect. The more we read, listen to and watch the more apt we are to glaze over spiritual words and meanings. Before we know it, we are just going through the motions - our eyes and ears skimming by words, none of it going to our brains or into our hearts. Then we begin to feel sluggish.

Bit by bit, it would be wise to weed out the excess and begin reading only what the Lord directs - especially His Word. Amazing things can begin to happen. His Word can go right to our hearts. We will be in awe of the precious treasures God has for us. Then, because we have less to contend with, we can begin to put into practice those things which the Lord reveals. That’s the point anyway, isn’t it - to learn and then practice it?!

But when they measured it . . . he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; each gathered according to what he could eat. Exodus 16:18

Heavenly Father, please help me to stay trim and fit spiritually for Your use. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

RESTORED !

It had been a difficult five years. Three family members, two friends and various pets died. The house we were living in seemed to have problem after problem as did our cars. The sadness and grief and suffering seemed to go on and on.

Recently I attended, what we thought, was a seminar on grief. Instead it was a newly formed grief support group. As we listened to story after story about why each person was there, all we could see was fresh, raw grief and suffering. It was heart wrenching.

Then I realized that my eyes, too, had been red continually from crying. I had thought that I would never get over the sadness and grief. Now here I was a couple of years farther along the path. I realized that God’s promise of restoring, establishing and strengthening me had come about. My tears were less. I was able to move on with my life, not being stalled in a place of sorrow. God had been at work in me day by day. I hadn’t even been aware of the process . . . it had been so gradual. Amazing, this thing called grace.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, establish and strengthen you. I Peter 5:10

Heavenly Father, life sometimes almost seems too much but I thank You for restoring my soul and stengthening me to keep on. In Jesus’ name. Amen

LOVE MULTIPLIES

Have you ever noticed how children compete among themselves for their parents’ attention?

When they were small, competition reigns as they clamor to sit on a parent’s lap, to choose which book to be read aloud, to tell all of the happenings of their day. When they grow older, the competition increases - who will speak first, who will get the largest helping at the dinner table.

Some siblings, even grown and moved away from home, continue to compete - in the area of the number of grandchildren, careers and types of cars driven. It doesn’t seem to end, that competition for a parent’s love.

Haven’t we learned that love is limitless? As child after child is added to a family, love isn’t divided up
. . . it multiplies. Haven’t we yet realized that God has an infinite amount of love to bestow . . . through parents . . . through us?

Let’s see how much love can be multiplied in and through us to those whom God sends to us.

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

Heavenly Father, please help me to see Your limitless love . . . and then to give it to those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.