During the holiday season: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, we are frequently reminded to keep our focus on Jesus.
This weekend, I had a lesson in that, but it wasn’t what I expected.
Saturday, we needed to restock our furniture booth and we were discussing what to take.
My husband commented on a set of items he wanted to sell and I responded.
In the moment, I thought my motivation was “being wise”.
Looking back, I can see my motivation wasn’t wisdom at all, instead it was fear.
I hadn’t kept Jesus first in my thoughts, nor had I even heard my husband out.
James 1:19-20 NKJV — So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
I failed to apply God’s Word.
Proverbs 10:19 KJV — In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Thankfully, my husband was quick to forgive me after I prayed and apologized.
My time with the Lord got my attitude corrected.
The Lord reminded me that keeping Him first shouldn’t be limited to my Christmas celebration, but should be my lifestyle.
Matthew 6:33-34 NKJV — “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
No matter what you are facing today, I hope you are able to keep Jesus first.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the truth of Your love. Thank You for reminding me that You have every detail under control and I need to trust You and trust my husband, for You gave him to me. Lord, please help me to keep You and Your Word first in my heart, that I might not sin against You or anyone else. Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness and my husband’s. Thank You for showing me an area of fear I didn’t know I had. Lord, please guard my heart from fear, envy, selfish ambition, and falsehood. Lord, help me to be real with those around me and open to listening. Lord, help me to find my comfort in Your Word and my needs met in Your truth, for You always provide, You are faithful and always good. Thank You! In Your name, I ask these things, Jesus. Amen.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
This was the verse I was holding onto this weekend.
Because I was walking in faith that I’d be able to do what God had asked me to do: host a Christmas Tea for our ladies.
There were days leading up to the week before where I struggled.
Moments when I felt overwhelmed or frustrated, because I’d let go of faith and had slid into striving in my own strength.
Praise God, He called me on it each time.
By the week of Thanksgiving, I was waiting upon Him.
The day before I felt Him clearly leading me to simply enjoy the whole thing, because none of it had anything to do with me, it was His.
1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV — God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
He is.
Whether you are obeying Him in small things or large, He is faithful.
We had a wonderful time of fellowship and encouragement.
Several of the ladies were especially blessed to have our men serving us.
Whether it was making the sandwiches, serving the food, or refilling the tea pots, the five men who volunteered were such a blessing.
One lady nearly brought me to tears.
“I felt so special. I’ve never felt anything like that before. Thank you.“
I knew the feeling wasn’t from the atmosphere or the menu, it was the Lord.
He was honored throughout our time together.
My heart was especially warmed at one point when I’d gone to the kitchen to speak with the men.
Voices, beautiful voices, began singing a Christmas hymn.
The ladies were making Christmas cards from a kit premade by other ladies and one table of teenage girls began singing.
That’s what it should be, our voices lifted in song, a praise to our Lord and Savior, remembering not just His birth but His life, death, and resurrection.
Afterwards, realization of God’s faithfulness occurred to me.
Not only had I been able to do all that was required, I had enjoyed every minute.
For my service had been to God and He had used it to bring blessings to all of us.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for Your faithfulness. I am so blessed to know You and to walk with You daily. Thank You for teaching me more about Yourself each day. Thank You for leading me in Your ways and helping me learn to trust You in all things at all times. May Your name be glorified, Jesus! Amen.
There’s something so sad when a person chooses to walk away from the Lord Jesus, even more difficult than grief of a loved one who was strong in the Lord.
For there is blessed hope of meeting again for the soul safe in the salvation of Christ Jesus.
But when someone who has heard the truth of the Gospel throws off those things meant for their protection, their good, their security in Jesus Christ, it rends the heart of those who love them.
My first response, after the sorrow is wonder.
Did they miss the scriptures which warn us of the dangers of rejecting God?
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 NKJV — For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.
Don’t they understand that their actions are planting seeds into their future?
Galatians 6:7 KJV — Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Have they missed the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus to save them from sin?
Acts 4:10-12 NKJV — “let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Why choose a life of wickedness, for there is only righteousness for us through Jesus?
1 Corinthians 1:30 KJV — But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
At the end of all my questions, the facts remain that they’ve heard the truth and turned aside.
Whatever their reason for choosing to walk outside of God’s Word and in rejection of Him, their choices hurt those who love them.
Personally, I have watched many people choose this, and can’t understand why.
It never gets easier to experience.
Yet, my heart is encouraged by those who walk through extraordinarily difficult things with perseverance and joy.
Those individuals who have suffered and yet continue to praise the Lord.
Those who walk through persecution, loss, abuse, abandonment, and all kinds of trials yet their faith continues to grow.
They are those who refuse to see themselves as victims, refuse to fall into selfishness, refuse to abandon the Lord Jesus and His salvation.
Instead, they are humble, patient in affliction, full of forgiveness and love, always seeking opportunity to serve those around them, sharing the Gospel through word and deed.
While my heart continues to seek the Lord on behalf of those who have rejected the truth, I’m comforted by those faithful to the Lord Jesus.
Most of all, I’m inspired by the Lord Jesus and His faithfulness.
He died that those who believe should have everlasting life.
2 Corinthians 5:15 KJV — And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
These blossoms or the ones out in the field, each point back to the goodness of God.
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Matthew 6:28-30 KJV
Jesus used the frailty of the flower to teach us.
His handiwork is an everyday witness.
Romans 1:20 KJV — For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
May each heart be inspired by creation to walk in faith knowing God is trustworthy.
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:31-33 KJV
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your creation. Thank You for the beauty of a single flower, whether cultivated by people or wild. Thank You for the incredible witness of the universe and how intricate the designs of a single blade of grass. Lord, thank You for the truth of Your Word which gives us life. Thank You for the encouragement we see in Your scriptures, guiding us to live according to Your design, for You know how You created all things. Lord, thank You for Your love. Your sacrifice which paid for my sin. Thank You for Your love, which is beyond my comprehension. Lord Jesus, thank You for life. It is a beautiful gift. I love You, Jesus. Thank You for first loving me. Amen.
Yet, I clearly saw my recent mental gymnastics reflected in the stressed out “me” in the dream.
It is due to a combination of two priorities which don’t work together: packing our house and homeschooling our son.
I have often had to guard against the mental “what if?”.
Because not only am I fighting my flesh which wants things a certain way, there’s also doubt which tries to wind me up and rob my joy.
But in my heart I have peace.
God will supply all our needs.
He is faithful.
Like yesterday.
We finished school early.
We started by seven (which is definitely the Lord’s blessing).
We drove down yesterday and signed papers on the new house!
Praise the Lord!
God supplied all our needs throughout.
He has made “a way in the desert”.
I know He will help me get everything done in His time and without me stressing.
Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV — “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
It’s so true!
I have all I need, because Jesus has me.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You for understanding my fears and worries and showing me a better way. Lord, thank You for showing me what I’m struggling with, because if I’m blind to my own sin I can’t repent and turn away from it. Lord, please continue to hone my heart, to help me to be soft, gentle, kind, loving, quick to forgive, quick to listen, slow to anger and slow to speak. Lord, please place a guard upon my lips that I might speak “no unwholesome talk” for I do not want to grieve Your Spirit. I don’t want to spread my own struggles to others. Lord, please forgive me if I have already done so in anyway. Lord thank You for walking us through all these things. Thank You for Your provision of a new home and new job. Lord, please show us how to glorify Your name in all these things. I love You, Jesus! Amen.
John 6:5-6 NKJV — Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.
John 6:7 NKJV — Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”
Jesus could have simply told Philip what He was going to do.
Instead, He used this test to teach.
Jesus wanted to give all these people what they needed, and knew how He was going to supply the need.
But from Philip’s perspective it was an impossible task.
Matthew 19:26 KJV — But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
In this provision of a meal for thousands, Jesus was giving a lesson in trust.
He wanted them to understand how loving and faithful God is.
God doesn’t give a task and fail to give His servants that which is needful to accomplish the task.
The Lord knows exactly what is required and He can do the “impossible” to provide for it.
We see such truth throughout scripture:
Abraham and Sarah having a son in their old age. Genesis 21:5
An entire nation of people being fed by God daily from a food never seen before and never eaten again once they reached the Promised Land. Exodus 16:15, Joshua 5:12
Joshua asking God to hold time so they could completely defeat the five armies who were attacking the people Gibeon, the people he promised to protect. Joshua 10:13
Three men living through being thrown into a furnace so hot those who took them died from exposure. Daniel 3:22
Times of testings are often opportunities to learn.
This is the theme for the book of Job.
God allowed him to be tested in extreme ways and in the end Job said:
Job 42:2 NKJV — “I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”
Job’s test brought him far greater understanding of God and a clearer view of himself.
We see the disciples experience a different type of test in the Gospel of Luke.
1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. 3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. 6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where. Luke 9:1-3, 6 KJV
The disciples were able to do all Jesus had instructed them to do.
God was faithful to provide all their needs.
Jesus made sure to explain that living in this world as a follower of Christ would not be easy, but the entire Bible tells us God is faithful.
Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV — “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. Matthew 10:34-39 KJV
Following Christ will be just that, walking through trials and tribulations, being misunderstood and yet continually living completely surrendered to the will of God.
While having incredible peace and comfort knowing Who has called us, and trusting He will provide for that which He has told us to do.
With such an understanding, we can grow daily in the knowledge of God and gain a clearer view of ourselves.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit which teaches and convicts us of sin. Lord, please continue to help us to learn about You and ourselves. Please help us to grow in our relationship with You daily, that we might love and trust You wholeheartedly. Thank You that You understand us far better than we understand ourselves. Thank You for the tests that teach. I love You, Jesus. Thank You for first loving me. Amen.
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your faithfulness. God, You alone are worthy of all honor, all praise, all glory. Lord, please let us see clearly, that we might humble ourselves before You and give all glory and honor to You. Lord, please help us to love as You do. Please teach our hearts to trust in You in all things. Lord, please let us stop learning on ourselves and not plan our ways, but instead surrender completely to Your authority, Your will, Your way. No matter what that looks like, no matter the sacrifice, for You have given so much more than we could ever give. Lord Jesus we praise Your holy name! Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for Your truth! Thank You for all Your ways are good and truth is found only in You. Lord Jesus, we lift up the hurting, the sick, the wayward, the needy, and the lost. God, we trust You to reach these and if it be possible use us. Lord, we love You. May the whole Earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God. Amen.
Sing praise to the Lord , you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:4-5 NKJV
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You so much for all Your wonderous works. Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your love. Lord, we look to You for all things. We trust You for our lives and we honor You as Lord of all. Father, we need Your guidance for our lives, our families, and our nation. Lord, the world needs You. There is evil and brokenness all over. We have reaped the consequences of our sin and we are suffering. Lord Jesus, please heal our land. Please return the prodigal, save the lost, and protect the innocent. Lord, thank You for Your care. Thank You for salvation. Lord, let all the peoples praise You! Let your name be glorified throughout the whole earth. Amen.
As a young adult I often wondered why God waited on things.
My thought was, “I prayed, where is the answer? What are You waiting for?”
It’s only in looking backwards that I can see the reasons He did things.
And very often He did answer, it just didn’t look like what I expected, so I didn’t recognize it for what it was.
So, I’ve learned and I’m still learning about God’s timing.
As I prepared for bed last night, I wanted something to read, something to take my mind off the circumstances our family is in right now.
Our hearts have been heavy with concern for two family members who are dealing with health issues and we’ve also been seeking God for some other family members and the future God has for them.
We know the Lord is in charge and He will see them all through, but I’d be lieing if I didn’t admit we are all pretty emotional and rather spent.
So, I was asking the Lord what I should read.
What about My Word?
Perfect!
Wish I’d thought of that myself, but yes, I will right after I brush my teeth.
While in the other room I noticed a Voice of the Martyr’s Magazine.
My curiosity caused me to flip to the inside and read about a little girl.
She was 7 when a suicide bomber set off a bomb in the courtyard of her church on Easter Sunday in 2019.
Both her parents died and she became blind.
The incredible part of the story is how this has affected her.
She’s a devout Christian and, although she misses her parents,is secure she will be with them again in heaven.
The article mentioned more that her attitude on life is encouraging to others.
After reading this uplifting story, I got in bed and read the book of Ruth.
It’s where I was in my Bible plan and it was perfect.
I wanted to read something to escape, but instead God gave me something to inspire.
Both Ruth and this little girl had experienced great loss.
Both chose to respond by clinging to God.
Both have been rewarded, their lives are testifying to the goodness of God.
How can I say that when the little girl is blind and an orphan?
Because it’s not about her circumstances, it’s about her soul and after reading the article it is clear her soul is safe with Jesus.
It is with renewed vigor that I begin today.
No, our family circumstances have not really changed nor has healing visited those who are hurting, but I know God is faithful.
He sees all that each one is going through and He has a perfect plan for it all.
His timing is perfect.
And I can trust that He is answering our prayers.
I’m looking forward to seeing what He shall do in and through all these things.
And while I’m waiting, I’m going to praise Him.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for leading me to read those two stories. How encouraging it is to see others follow You no matter the cost! What joy to see You working in the lives of others. How great and mighty You are! Your ways are so much higher than our ways and Your thoughts higher than our thoughts. Lord, thank You for being so loving and compassionate. Thank You for carrying us through no matter the circumstance. Thank You for turning what the enemy meant for evil into good. How I long for the day when evil shall be dealt with, but I know it is your great mercy which stays Your hand and I love that. Lord Jesus, I want people to know You. I want people to be saved and I know You want that even more than I. Thank You for being so merciful, so faithful. Amen.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7 NKJV
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for Your truth. Thank You for Your Word. Lord, Your ways are so much better than ours. Your plans are perfect. Lord Jesus, I lift up this day to You and I humbly request that You take it and do with it as You see fit. Lord, help my heart to align with Your will. Help my perspective to be Yours. Lord, please help me to be a light that shines to those around me. Please help me to be filled with love for others and to have the heart of a servant. Lord Jesus, You alone are perfect and I trust You. Thank You for all Your wonderous works. Thank You for Your love, Your kindness, Your truth, and Your mercy. Thank You for salvation. Lord, may Your name be glorified throughout the whole Earth! Amen.
patientlyhopeful 