“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth” (Psalm 57:11).

I often feel discouraged. Maybe you do, too. Just listening to the news or reading the newspaper can bring those feelings of discouragement. There is only one way to rise above those feelings and that is to stay connected to God’s Word.

The Psalms speak loudly with encouragement for me. David, as God’s anointed king, had more than his share of troubles, and yet, he continued to trust God. I am not being chased by enemies who seek my life. (At least, I don’t think so.) But I live in a country that is quickly deteriorating before our very eyes! We have government leaders who no longer govern by the Constitution given us by our forefathers who sacrificed much to establish a new government. We seem to have lost our way and hang weak and vulnerable among the nations of the world. Yes, I’m feeling discouragement.

I know I can’t stay in that place. So, I keep going back to the Word. Also, I look for the voices of truth. Satan want us to believe his lies. He has deceived many, but I see God at work. I’m hearing some leaders speaking and acting upon truth. I pray for them! People are responding to the gospel and churches are growing. God’s Word is living and active, drawing people to Jesus, the only Savior we have! I praise God!

“Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O LORD, my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave” (Psalm 86:11-13).

I attended a Good Friday service last evening.  The suffering of Jesus was presented by the reading of Scripture, dramatic videos, music, and nails in an old cross. My mind revolted at the images showing the beatings, thorns on His head, nails in hands, the awful torture put upon my Savior!  My eyes wanted to turn away! But I must not turn away! Those were my sins that caused that suffering. Jesus allowed that cruelty because He loved me! He was taking my punishment!

Oh, that I would look full upon His suffering and turn myself away from all sin! I must look at the beaten back, the face streaked with blood, the torn and blood-covered hands and feet. It is only through such sacrifice that I have the freedom to choose life and turn from sin. “It is finished.” Jesus paid the debt of sin in full. The sacrifice was finished, but Jesus was not! Sunday came and Jesus rose triumphant over death forever! I am free!

“Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God smitten by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5).

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6a).

Happy Resurrection Day!

The weary, young man walked with determined steps. He knew this mission to the region of Moriah was serious and very important. He could see it in his father’s somber face. They had walked for three days. Even the servants who led the donkey sensed this was no ordinary journey. They were going to offer a burnt offering to Almighty God. But something was different about this planned sacrifice.

The young man’s father had gathered and cut the wood. The servants had arranged it on the donkey’s back. The father had carried the knife and fire pot all this distance. Now the young man was carrying the wood and they had left the donkey and servants behind while he and his father journeyed on ahead. The question burning in the young man’s heart was finally spoken.  “Father, where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

With the confidence of one who completely trusts the Almighty the father said, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”

This story about Abraham and his son, Isaac is recorded in Genesis 22. One can only imagine what words were said or not said as the father binds his son and places him on the wood. Just as the father takes the knife to slay his son, God stops him. Abraham has passed the test. God provided the ram for the burnt offering and Isaac was spared.

Abraham trusted God so much he believed God would raise Isaac from the dead. (Hebrews 11:19) So he was willing to sacrifice even his own son. That is strong faith! Future generations were blessed because of that faith! Through Isaac’s descendants the whole world has been blessed by the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. All who choose Jesus are blessed with the promise of life everlasting.

I often fail to trust God and when I read this account of Abraham I’m reminded again. I worship the same God Abraham worshipped. Why is it so hard to trust Him? It’s when I focus too much on “me” and not enough on God. I allow my troubles to get between me and God. The writer of Hebrews (after listing those great heroes of faith) gives hope to us who struggle.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2-3).

I can trust the Almighty with every part of my life! I have Jesus at God’s throne interceding for me and the example of numerous “faith walkers” who went before me. God keeps His promises!

“And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route” (Matthew 2:12).

Do you ever feel like your “get up and go” has gotten up and gone? I have. Then I have to determine, is this just laziness or do I really need a rest? It can be either of those, you know.  I found myself in this place recently and did take time to rest for a few days after having most of my family here during Christmas/New Year weeks. I enjoyed every minute of their visit, but realized it also took much of my energy.

We spent three days without power during the coldest days of the year-single digits! Running the generator and keeping up with the gasoline supply was tiresome. We didn’t run it at night so the nights were very cold. Thankfully, power was restored before the third night! Praise to God and the folks working on the power lines.

So, yes, I was tired. I did the laundry and a bit of cleaning after everyone went home and then I rested. After a while I realized it was time to get up and get something done. I was bluntly reminded of this one day when someone on the radio was talking about the passage from Isaiah 52:1-3. In summary, it says wake up, get dressed, dust yourself off and get going. When God has something to say, He usually says it more than once.  The preacher’s sermon this past Sunday was just that: Discipleship requires us to listen to God, then get up and go where God says to go, using the wise men and Joseph, as examples.

The wise men went home a different way so King Herod would not harm the Baby Jesus and Joseph obeyed God by taking Mary and Jesus to safety in Egypt.  I don’t know what this year may bring my way, but whatever it is I am determined to listen to God’s leading and with His help, obey.

Today, I need to get up and go to my basement where all the Christmas stuff is waiting for me to put away.

Happy New Year!

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).

Christmas let-down! Do you ever feel like Christmas was wonderful but now what? I remember as a child being a bit disappointed with gifts received. Okay, maybe it was more than a “bit”.

I’m grown up now and I’ve discovered life is full of disappointments. I have also learned Christmas isn’t about the gifts under the tree. It’s about the Gift in the manger. The Gift, Jesus gave His all. He gave us a way to escape this sinful and dangerous world to a new, pure, and everlasting one!  We are given the opportunity to accept the Gift and when we accept, we will never be disappointed with Jesus. His promises never fail!

Galatians3:26-27 says, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Being a part of God’s family doesn’t take us out of this world and its disappointments, but we have a hope for the future and the Holy Spirit living in us (Acts 2:38). Being clothed with Jesus gives us a new way of life and a new perspective on the disappointments that come our way.

So, maybe you didn’t get everything you wanted under the Christmas tree, don’t despair. God is still offering the Gift in the manger by way of the cross and empty tomb. If you are not clothed with Jesus, please consider accepting the Gift. There is judgment coming for all who refused to accept Jesus. (Read 2 Peter, chapter 2.) God loves you and desires to adopt you as His son or daughter.

After the anticipation leading up to Christmas and the happy celebrations we experience during this season, one can feel a let-down for sure after it’s all over. But, as a child of God we have a greater anticipation, the second coming of our Lord!

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:11-14).

May your New Year be filled with blessings and good health!

Two weeks before Thanksgiving I had the pleasure of attending my youngest granddaughter’s wedding. I was impressed by how she and her fiancée choose simple décor and less elaborate and expensive elements for their wedding and reception. She was a beautiful bride and he, a charming groom. It was a bittersweet affair with the absence of her dad and grandpa, who have been promoted to heaven. I shed a few tears when my daughter walked her daughter down the aisle.

I am blessed. God has provided my needs, and many wants. He has given courage and strength when I had neither. I am learning to live a life of gratitude, which I call “thanks living.”  Last week both daughters and their families, except for three grandchildren, were around the Thanksgiving table. This year, as in some previous years, the table was shared with my deceased brother’s family. They live nearby. My sister-in-law lives on the next hill and her children’s families live several more hills and mountains away. It’s one time of the year when the cousins can play their favorite card game, “Rich Man, Poor Man.” They only see each other a few times a year.

After Thanksgiving, my family set up my 9-foot Christmas tree. I watched in amusement as they started stringing the lights around the tree. My two daughters are very different, and both have strong opinions evident from childhood. And I am proof that firstborns can be bossy. Mix in a son-in-law and two grandsons and use your imagination. I must say the males were quite restrained and the girls worked it out. I sat and remembered such events from the past and gave thanks for the love of family!

I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving and will continue in thanks living!

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

“The Word Became Flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”(John1:14).

The gold has arrived, but not the shiny coin kind. The golden leafy tree kind. Without cataracts I see the fall foliage in vivid colors this year. So thankful for the gift of sight! Driving over roads in my neck of the woods is like driving through golden tunnels.

Whenever I think about gold, I remember that Proverb, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). Imagine a silver basket full of golden apples that have been fashioned by an expert craftsman. Exquisite art, such as this, would be beautiful to behold! Are our spoken words as beautiful and valuable as a work of art?

I’m not referring to eloquent speeches. I’m referring to how our words affect the ones to whom we speak. Do we encourage with our words? Do we build up the confidence and esteem others feel? Are our words helpful?

I’m thinking of words like; “I love you.” “Let me help you.” “May I pray for you?” (And actually pray.) “You are a blessing to me.” “I’m sorry.” And you can continue the list. We all know how these words affect us in positive ways.  And we all know how negative, hurtful words affect us, too.

As a teacher, I think often about my words and ask God to guide my thinking and the words I say. There is a reason James warns us, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers . . .” (James 3:1a). He goes on in chapter 3 and discusses how hard it is to control our tongues.  James does give us a plan for controlling our tongues and that is “wisdom”.  He describes the wisdom from God in James 3:17. It’s “pure, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Does that describe the words we speak?

My words often fail that test, but James gives us a solution to that problem, as well. He says, “if any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God, who gives generously to all” (James 1:5). That is a prayer I must pray often.

God, the Creator of all, communicates with us through words. To know God, we must know His Word. Not just those written in the Bible, but The Word, Jesus Messiah. Our Savior!

Best rule I know for talkin’ is the same as the one for carpenterin’: Measure twice and saw once.

Speech is the index of the mind. (Quotes from Apples of Gold, compiled by Jo Petty. Author unknown_)

I am not one to read special meanings into natural things, but sometimes I am surprised by them. Earlier this month I noticed the cloud with a heart shaped opening. I was reminded how much God loves me and I also thought of my many friends who care about me and love me. Sometimes when one lives alone, it is easy to fall into a puddle of self-pity. That’s not where God’s child belongs.

A few days ago, I noticed the top of one of my lilacs had blooms and fresh leaves!  Lilacs bloom in the Spring, April or May. These three bushes had lost nearly all their leaves due to weeks of drought. So those green leaves caught my attention. Thank you, God, for this unexpected beauty and sweet scent to brighten my day!

King David says in Psalm 17:7-9:

“Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.”

I am distressed when I see the turmoil our world is in these days. I fear what kind of life my grandchildren or even my children will experience. David’s words can apply to today’s situation just as they did to his. His enemies were different from ours, but we who wear the Name of Jesus Christ face Satan’s attacks. His fiery darts come from many directions such as moral and ethical situations, false teachers who want to lead us astray, and even from our own government. Let us never forget Who saves us and where our refuge is found!

Thank you, God, for reminding me of your great love even in September Surprises!

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

Be encouraged, my friend!

Yesterday, I attended Sunday worship via the Internet, thanks to Covid. (Don’t get me started down that “rabbit hole”!) Whenever I must be home on Sunday, I usually listen in to more than one message, and yesterday was no different. I heard two.  The first sermon was by a young preacher from my older daughter’s home church. He was beginning a series on “The Vine” from John 15. Jesus is the Vine and we, His people, are the branches. Branches bearing no fruit are cut off and branches bearing fruit are pruned to bear more fruit. Also, the branch must remain with the vine, it cannot bear fruit by itself.

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4).

The second message was from a guest preacher at my home church who compared a tree growing by streams of water that flourishes to a shrub trying to grow in a desert with little water.

“He (v. 1 the one who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked) is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalms 1:3).

“He (v.5 the one whose heart tuns away from the Lord) will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives” (Jeremiah 17:6).

For a tree to be prosperous and bear fruit it needs a good root system. Roots help a tree to grow by allowing nutrients to reach all parts of the tree. Roots give it stability and of course when the roots are connected to the tree it has the nourishment it needs to bear fruit.

The speaker pointed out the importance of stability when the storms of life come our way. If our roots are well grounded in the soil of God’s Word, we are less apt to be uprooted when we face the difficulties of life. He also illustrated the connectedness we need with each other by reminding us how the mighty redwood trees can grow so tall and strong by interconnecting their roots with the trees around them.

I think God must want me to get this message about staying connected to Jesus and others to be strong and bear fruit for the Kingdom. He gave it to me twice! I better listen. What does God want me to do? It’s a question I ask frequently. He wants me to bring Him glory in everything I do. He wants me to concentrate more on the eternal things than on the temporary things. He wants me to see the urgency in evangelism.

Reading the Bible and praying is very important, but we must do more. That’s where we soak up the living water and nutrients for growth, but I must put actions with the prayers. Write that note, make that call or visit, extend that invitation, spend time with the lonely, or write that check.

And look for opportunities to speak about Jesus to others. There are only two destinations for our souls: heaven, or hell. That decision must be made now, before we die. Am I sharing the Good News of salvation? Am I bearing fruit for the Kingdom?

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18).