The power was off, the wind was roaring, and there were lights outside.
My husband went to investigate.
When he returned, he explained the lights were from our neighbor’s truck as they were outside, checking on their horses.
As he spoke he dressed in warm clothes to go check on our animals.
He returned shortly, everything was fine, although rather frightened.
“The sheep and goat said they’d be more comfortable with us in the house, but I said, ‘no’.”
I laughed, “Yes, I’m sure they’d love to be inside, but definitely not happening!”
We prayed together before he left for work.
Less than ten minutes later, I heard the car return.
He came inside to tell me there was so much debris on it road he decided the truck was the best option and left a second time.
He made sure to let me know he arrived in safety and to see how we were doing.
When we lived on the mountain it was a pretty common occurrence.
At first I would allow the power outage to stress me out: “What about washing our dishes? The pump doesn’t work without power? What about food? I can’t cook on our wood stove insert!”
My husband wasn’t bothered in the least.
He’d just go out and hook up the generator.
After a few times of this I began to see there was no need to be upset if we didn’t have power.
God is my provision, not the power company.
Although the power is still out, our house is warm, we have food and water.
I’m enjoying a break from all the busy.
Thanking God for His blessings.
For He is good.
He is faithful.
Philippians 4:19 KJV — But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
He has supplied all our needs and I know He will continue to do so.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for the truth of provision coming from You. Thank You that I can look to You and wait for Your direction. Thank You that I can walk through today with joy, not stress, knowing You will handle the details. You will supply our needs. Thank You for Your continued blessings. Please continue to teach me a to rest in You and look to You for my all. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” Micah 5:2 NKJV
One of the incredible things about the birth of Jesus Christ is the way God worked through the lives of so many people.
Ruth 1:1-4,16 KJV —1 Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. 2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem Judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. 3 And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. 4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years….16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
The Lord used this family from Bethlehem, although they left not only their home, but their country.
When the family returned to Bethlehem, it’s only two women, left with very little expectation for the future.
But God knew exactly how He was going to use this family.
Ruth 4:13, 17 KJV — So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son….17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
God used the family of Elimelech to bring Ruth to Bethlehem where she became the great grandmother of David.
1 Samuel 16:11-13 KJV — And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
David wasn’t even assembled with his older brothers to this feast with the prophet of the Lord, Samuel, but God had chosen him.
The Lord was with David throughout his life and his legacy was the kingly line which Jesus would be born into.
David was a humble shepherd from Bethlehem.
Hundreds of years later and many generations we come to Joseph.
Joseph was a carpenter who lived in Nazareth.
Luke 2:4-5KJV — And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
It’s not a coincidence that Joseph is from the lineage of King David, neither was the timing of this census a mer happen stance; it was ordered by God.
Luke 2:1 KJV — And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Caesar Augustus is a figure whose life is well documented.
The fact that he was in power to make this decree of a census at this exact point in history requiring Joseph and Mary to return to Bethlehem is another point where we can see how God was working through the lives of so many people to bring about His promise.
For God is faithful to fulfill His Word and there’s no better example of this than the birth and life of Jesus Christ.
For God appointed Him to be born in Bethlehem and He was.
Luke 2:6-7KJV — And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
May we never forget the faithfulness of God and that His Word is truth.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the fact that You were born in Bethlehem and how many circumstances and people were a part of that happening. Thank You that we have the ability to look back through thousands of years of history to see how You wove all the pieces together to bring about such an amazing gift: salvation. Lord, thank You for these truths. Thank You that Your Word is life and never stops being relevant to our lives. Lord, thank You for Your life and the incredible things we can learn through Your example. Lord, please help me to be focused upon You this day and not to become distracted nor complacent about the blessings You have bestowed. May my life be a reflection of You, that all might see and give glory to God. Thank You, 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.
Like these weeds disrupting the beauty of the landscape, worry often clutters my perspective.
I wrestled with it throughout the month of August.
Then, when I least expected it, God rolled in.
He is always faithful and on time.
And I was ashamed of my struggle, because I know how to walk in trust, I just hadn’t.
Yet, the Lord brought this recent lesson to mind as I was worrying about a different circumstance, two weeks ago.
He followed up the memory with a question:
Didn’t I supply your need then?
“Yes, Lord! You did. I’m so sorry for falling prey to worry. Please forgive me.”
And the peace flowed into my heart displacing worry and removing it completely.
-sigh-
“Lord, thank You. I’m so blessed to have Your patient guidance and direction. I know You will supply all our needs.”
“I trust You, Jesus.”
Anne noticed the change in my demeanor.
“What is it, Mom?”
“Oh, I’ve been worrying about something and the Lord reminded me: He is our provision.”
She smiled.
“Yeah.”
This began a discussion about things she’d been struggling with and we were both encouraged in the Lord.
I am humbled by God and His patient, faithful, teaching.
I’m amazed at how He allows me to admit my faults and brings good out of my errors.
To willingly speak of His lessons and His blessings from my experiences, both good and bad, is a testimony of His power to change the hearts of those who are called by His name.
My prayer is to never chose what I know is wrong, nor to neglect what I know is right, but when I do transgress, that God would correct me quickly and I would be able to grow through the experience.
I can say that He is answering that prayer and teaching me the beauty of humility.
Then, days after this, He blessed my heart with a solution to the thing I’d been struggling with.
And I hadn’t done a thing to solve the problem, He did it.
God is faithful.
God is good.
His ways are perfect.
That doesn’t mean everything is always comfortable and easy.
Rather, it means I am learning daily to rest more and more in His ways, trusting that I can find good in every circumstance, for He is with me.
Praise the Lord!
1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV — God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your faithfulness! Thank You for Your patient lessons, teaching me each day. Lord, it would be easy to beat myself up for my lack of faith in You, but I’d rather spend the time praising You for Your faithfulness! For You have used these things to build monuments in my heart, that I can look at and chose to walk in faith today. Lord, thank You for using these things to grow and strengthen me. I know You are working. I know You are trustworthy. I know You are God and I need not always understand what You are doing, but I can always trust that it is good, because You are good. May my life bring glory to Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Flowers are insignificant in comparison to many other things, but I value them.
As we were preparing to leave our home in the suburbs, I cut a small piece of the rose bush in the front yard.
It had been a blessing to me from the first day we arrived.
Both summers we lived there it was gorgeous.
I had enjoyed caring for it and wanted to take a piece with me.
The cutting grew well, and I was excited to see it put on leaves.
When the weather warmed up, it put on a bloom!
I’ve never seen this happen before, although I’ve grown several cuttings in the past.
I’m so thankful for this tiny blessing.
As I was thanking the Lord for His answer to my heart’s desire about the rose, I was reminded it’s not the first time He’s done this.
Right before we moved to the suburbs, I was wanting to take a tiny seedling I’d found from our tree in the front yard.
It had beautiful yellow flowers every spring and I loved it.
My daughter was trying to dig out the seedling and accidentally cut the tap root.
I thought for sure it wouldn’t come back to life, but she potted it and we moved it to our new home.
That winter I looked at it often, but didn’t hold much expectation that I would see it come back from dormancy.
To my surprise it did and out grew the pot.
The following fall I repotted it and by the time we moved here, it had out grown it’s pot again, so Handsome planted it.
This spring was the first time it has ever bloomed!
Both these plants are cherished, because they speak of God’s grace.
If He blesses me in these small things I can certainly trust Him with big things.
Even if something were to happen to both the rose and the tree which would kill them, I still have the memory of the little things God has done.
Personally, I find such encouragement in little insignificant things which point to things of value.
God is good.
Psalm 143:10 KJV — Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
God is faithful.
1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV — God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
God is great and His works are awesome.
Psalm 86:10 KJV — For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
Nothing is insignificant if God is working through it.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your love and compassion. Thank You for the flowers, the trees, and so many beautiful things all around us, all pointing to Yourself, the Creator of all. Lord Jesus, I thank You for giving me daily reminders of Your goodness, Your grace, and Your truth. Lord, please continue to guide and direct me, that my life may bring glory to Your name. Please help me to serve You with joy, wisdom, and discernment, not walking in my own ways or my own ideas, but truly guided by Your Holy Spirit and Your Word. Lord, thank You for another day. Lord, I want to honor You with my actions, my words, and my life, please help me to do so this day. 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.
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, When their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, The stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters, Had gone over our soul. Blessed be the LORD , Who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: The snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD , Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:1-8 KJV
In the past two weeks we have had two family members visit the ER, our last daughter leave home to help family, our neighbors have a scare, and a few other “unexpected” moments.
Today, I am exhausted.
And overwhelmed by God and His love.
Through it all we have had peace.
Not always calm, but always peace.
Because our help is in the name of the LORD.
Truly, there is no security like the security our souls find in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
He is so good!
He is so faithful!
Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV — Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You. Your faithfulness is incredible. No matter the circumstances, You have walked us through. How my heart is overflowing with gratitude. May others see Your mighty works and praise Your holy name. Thank You, Lord for all Your faithfulness! Thank You for Your Word and Your direction. Thank You for Your blessings. May the whole Earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of You. Amen.
Deuteronomy 7:9 NKJV — “Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
None is faithful like the LORD.
His Word is truth and speaks clearly.
Psalm 119:138 NKJV — Your testimonies, which You have commanded, Are righteous and very faithful.
For God’s ways are pure and His faithfulness is amazing.
1 Corinthians 1:9 NKJV — God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
What a gift to be granted salvation through Christ Jesus!
1 John 1:9 NKJV — If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
How wonderful to know that the Lord is faithful to do all He has promised.
Hebrews 10:23 NKJV — Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
With this same knowledge of God’s faithfulness, we are called to be faithful to Him and to follow His Word.
Luke 16:10 NKJV — “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”
For those who remain steadfast in following the Lord, great is the reward.
Matthew 25:23 NKJV — “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”
Truly, nothing on earth compares to the reward of hearing the Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
Thus, we need to remember the faithfulness of God and choose to be faithful as well.
No, it will not always be easy, but God’s promises cover that as well.
2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 NKJV And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
No matter the circumstances, His Word is true.
One can live according to His Word and find peace in knowing God is faithful.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NKJV — Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for Your faithfulness! What an incredible gift You give in salvation, in Your truth, and in Your love. Lord Jesus, You have done so much and are still working, thank You! Please continue to help me to follow You in all things. Lord, please help me to be faithful in little so I will be faithful in much. Lord, help me to be humble and to quickly confess sin and wrong doing that I might not walk in those things. Lord, please purify my heart, that I might live wholeheartedly unto You. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Sometimes the Word of God needs nothing more than to be read, to be digested, to be treasured.
This morning I wanted to share a few verses which have been a great comfort to me this past few days.
I pray they bless you as much.
Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah , the Lord , is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ” Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation. And in that day you will say: “Praise the Lord , call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord , For He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth. Isaiah 12:2-5 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.12.2-5.NKJV
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord , is everlasting strength. Isaiah 26:3-4 NKJV
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.41.10.NKJV
Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV — For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for these words and Your Holy Scripture which is full to overflowing with truth and encouragement. Lord, please let me not sin against You, but show my errors that I might repent quickly. Lord, I do not want to have anything hinder my walk with You. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your love. Make me more like You today, please. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
Be exalted, O Lord , in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power. Psalms 21:13 NKJV
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for Your wonderous works. Thank You for Your love, grace, and mercy. Lord, thank You for Your Sovereignty. It is only in You that we find peace and understanding. Lord, it is only in You that we find truth and righteousness. Lord Jesus, please let Your light shine before all men. Let the works of wickedness be repulsive. Lord Jesus, please raise up integrity, truth, and honor. Let Your Word be known and understood. Lord, we look to You and we praise Your holy name. Nothing is as worthy of praise. No one has done the things You have. For You created us and then saved us from our sins. Your mercy is incredible. Thank You, Jesus for all Your love and kindness. Lord, we lift up the hurting, the sick, the innocent, the prodigal, and the lost. Please lead, guide, and provide for each one. Thank You, Jesus. Your ways are amazing! I love You. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 