For our good

Neither the sheep nor the goat can understand why we have restraints on their behavior.

Whether it be the pen in the barn or the fence in the field, the boundaries we set for them isn’t what they’d prefer.

They cannot comprehend it is all for their good.

The boundaries keep them safe from predators, cuts access to the road, and protects them from over eating the grain.

It’s easy for us to chafe at God’s boundaries, too.

Our God loves us and is a good Father.

He has given us His Word to instruct us.

Giving us boundaries for our lives is God’s protection from harm.

And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. Deuteronomy 6:24 KJV

Yet, mankind is rebellious and often our foolishness leads us into pain and suffering where the first thing we do is look at God and ask: “Why did You let this happen?!”.

Ahh, if only we had applied the commandments of the Lord and humbled ourselves before Him.

Praise God, He is merciful and compassionate.

He understands our wayward tendencies far better than we do.

That is why Jesus died and rose again; to make a way for us to be saved.

It’s a wonderful gift, for those who believe on Christ Jesus.

We have eternal salvation, as well as redemption here on Earth, for Jesus gave us His Word to instruct our wayward hearts, that we might know those things which are right and good.

Although, the New Testament is full of practical truths, after the Passover Supper Jesus’s last instructions before He was to be taken into custody are profound.

If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:15 KJV (The whole chapter is excellent.)

Let each of us choose to love the Lord Jesus with all our hearts and walk in His commandments, for God gave them to us,

“for our good always,”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your boundaries, Your instructions, Your commandments. Lord, please help us to remember they are for our good. That You know what is best and following Your laws brings us blessings. Lord, please help us to remember that chosing rebellion is choosing heartache, suffering, and tragedy. Sin separates us from You and only in You do we find love, patience, peace, goodness, faithfulness, and selfcontrol. Lord God, You alone are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. I praise Your holy name, Jesus! Amen.

When things don’t work out…

How should we respond?

Yesterday, I was blessed to listen to a recording of a message by Elizabeth Elliott.

One of the things she mentioned was this verse:

Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?
Matthew 7:9‭-‬10 NKJV

She commented that sometimes we ask God for a stone or a serpent and He’s a good Father, He doesn’t give us things which will destroy us.

Scripture tells us God loves us and sent Jesus to die in our place.

That kind of love isn’t a moment in time, but rather an eternal love.

Thus, when things don’t work out, when our prayers go unanswered, when disappointment, tragedy, and loss visit, how should we respond?

Little children often don’t understand why we refuse their requests or hinder their actions, but it is from a heart of love which disciplines and restricts.

Whether or not they are old enough to understand the facts behind supper first or bedtime or arithmetic or baths, they still want to be held, they still love their parents, even when they don’t like the restrictions.

God is a good father.

The Lord has given us salvation through Jesus Christ, His Word to teach us about Him, and His Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us.

“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.
Matthew 6:31‭-‬33 NKJV

He is worthy of our love, more than anyone else.

Joshua 23:11 KJV — Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.

Let us then respond with love, no matter the circumstances.

1 John 4:19 KJV — We love him, because he first loved us.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for this reminder that You are a good father and Your ways are perfect. Lord, when things don’t seem to be “working out” we often feel confused, hurt, angry, and frustrated. We can’t see how You are using it for good, nor the reason You didn’t respond as we expected. Lord, in those moments, please prompt our hearts to love You, because You are faithful. You are worthy of all our trust. You are good and Your works are good. It is us who are sinful, prone to wickedness, prideful and shortsighted. Yet, You love us! You are patient, merciful, and full of grace. Thank You! I honor You this day, and praise Your holy name. Please help me to be on my guard against the ways of sin, and always be quick to respond with love. I love You, Lord. Amen.

Worry

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.

Personal reflections

Galatians 1:23-24 NKJV — But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.”
And they glorified God in me.

As I was reading these verses, this morning, I was reminded of God’s incredible ways.

He takes what we see as tragic, horrible, loss, and transforms it into something incredible.

The Apostle Paul’s life is a wonderful testimony to God’s faithfulness and truth.

Romans 8:28 KJV — And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

And through His incredible works, which people see, God is glorified.

Galatians 1:24 NKJV — And they glorified God in me.

I didn’t understand this truth until four years ago.

My sight was skewed, I looked upon hard things as something we endure, something which teaches us about God.

But I didn’t realize it is an opportunity to praise Him, to glorify Him.

Sadly, in my twenties, I didn’t truly believe that God was working all things together for good.

I regret my self centered perspective and how I allowed the enemy to rob me of my joy through self-pity.

When disappointment came, I allowed resentment, rather than seeking the Lord for His path.

When loss came, I held on to faith with white knuckles, thinking my efforts were some how doing God a favor, rather than finding my faith built through praise, for He had given me such blessings through these departed loved ones.

When disagreements came, I stood rigid, unyielding, arrogantly thinking I understood the other’s motives, and holding them in the wrong, rather than gently expressing my fears and perspectives, listening with open heart, trust, and love to God, knowing that He was working through these things.

Even in the light of these past errors, I can praise God.

First, because He forgave me.

Second, because He has taught me through it.

Finally, because I have the understanding of past experiences, which I can share with others, encouraging them not to fall into the same errors I did.

Even in my regrets, God is working.

For He is good.

And like Paul, I want others to see what God has done in my life, and give glory to God.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for teaching me so much in my 45 years of life. I’m excited to see what else You have to teach me in today. Thank You for Your wonderous works. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for salvation. May the whole earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of You! Amen.

Insignificant, but valuable

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.

A season of miracles

God is in the business of miracles.

This winter I received two prayer requests from friends, both of them were asking for unborn babies.

A friend of mine was asking for her daughter who was pregnant.

The young lady and her husband have been walking through a sad season as they’ve struggled with miscarriage and sorrow, wanting to add to their family, but finding it very difficult.

The request was that this baby would survive.

As a grandma myself, my heart was touched for this couple as well as my friend, if this baby lived it would be her first grandchild this side of heaven.

The other request was from a new friend at our church.

She shared with me that she and her husband were surprised to find out she was pregnant.

They already have two boys, and although they had wanted more children, God had simply not provided more, until now.

This beautiful lady shared with me her extreme surprise at being over 40 and pregnant.

Imagine the emotion for all involved when they found out she was having twins!

Not long into this it was discovered these were identical babies on the same placenta, very rare and potentially dangerous.

Both these mothers and their unborn babies have been in our prayers ever since.

In March, more requests for prayer came in as my friend let me know her daughter was in pre-labor and it was too soon.

Her daughter ended up remaining in the hospital as we prayed for that baby to stay in the womb as long as possible.

My heart felt so much when my friend texted that she was headed to the hospital, several hours away, because baby was coming.

And he survived!

He only weighed 3lbs and 12 oz, but he was here and we all rejoiced.

I began calling him “your miracle man” to my friend as we celebrated through texts and pictures.

God continued to answer prayers and this precious baby made milestone after milestone.

I felt like crying when they sent me photos of him at home.

This morning I’m rejoicing again.

My friend with the twins has had a rough season: time in the hospital, bed rest, and so many doctors appointments.

But this morning we received news that both her baby boys were born last night.

These babies are miracles!

It’s a season of miracles.

When I think of the numbers of problems both mothers had to deal with, the long list of prayer requests for each of these babies, and the faithfulness of God, I’m overwhelmed.

He carried these mothers and their little men through all of this and each of them has an incredible testimony to God’s goodness.

And then, as I praised God for His blessing in these lives, I was struck by a truth.

The birth of each of our children was a miracle.

The birth of each of our grandchildren was a miracle.

My birth is a miracle.

Every life is a miracle.

God is continually working miracles and today I’m taking the time to praise Him for it.

May we never take for granted the beautiful blessings God gives us.

Psalm 127:3 KJV — Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your blessings! Thank You for bringing all three of these baby boys to their families and supplying then with all they need. Lord, please continue to guide and bless these families. Help them to hear Your voice and walk with You as they raise these tiny men. Lord, make each one of these boys to be Mighty Men of Valor, who speak the truth in their hearts, who refuse to look upon wickedness, who shun evil and do good. Lord, bless them with knowledge and understanding. Bring them up in Your Word and establish them in Your ways. Thank You so much for these babies. Thank You for Your blessings. May we be encouraged by Your goodness even as we grieve with those who suffer loss, for in this world we shall have trials and tribulations, but You have overcome the world. Lord Jesus, we don’t always understand why somethings occur, but I know we can always rest in Your truth and find security in Your salvation. For this world is not our home and we look with expectation at both the blessings here and those yet to come. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

January 24

Cast your burden on the Lord , And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Psalms 55:22 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.55.22.NKJV

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.

It boils down to…

What you believe.

Do you believe the Bible?

John 17:17 NKJV — “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

“Yes, absolutely. It’s the Word of God Almighty.”

Do you believe I am good?

Luke 18:19 KJV — And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

“Yes, Lord. I know You are good.”

Do you believe I give good gifts?

Luke 11:13 KJV — If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

“Yes, Lord, I believe You give good gifts.”

Then why doubt? Why fear?

Isaiah 41:13 KJV — For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

If I call you to walk through it, it will be used for My good.

Isaiah 43:2 KJV — When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Do you believe that?

Acts 16:31 KJV — And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

“Yes, Lord, I believe.”

I wish I could say the Lord has only had this conversation once with me, but it’s not true.

He has brought my fearful heart back to this truth many times.

He has held me, patiently, while I worried away in prayer, only to softly ask me, do you believe.

Because it boils down to that.

What I truly believe makes all of my attitudes and actions.

And if I truly believe God is good and gives good gifts to His children and that I am His child, then I will not respond to circumstances with fear, worry, or anxiety.

Because there’s nothing to be afraid of.

Instead, God promises:

John 14:27 KJV — Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

I love how this verse reads.

“Let not your heart be troubled…”

We have a choice.

And it begins with what we believe.

While waiting

I love getting photos of my children.

I’ve really enjoyed the pictures of progress Sis sends.

I’m reminded of my own children at this stage.

I remember the lesson learned about waiting.

There is so much good happening everyday of a baby’s development.

Yet, nothing is seen and so little is felt.

Even Mom, with her discomfort and inconvenience, feels only a fraction compared to the miracle of design occurring.

It’s true in other things too.

While waiting, through this season of uncertainty and unknown, God is still working.

His design for this season is coming together.

Although we can not see anything, He’s faithful.

It’s important for us to learn that every single day has a purpose and is valuable.

Even if, all we feel is discomfort or pain.

God is still using all the details.

Frankly, I can’t even guess what all God is doing through all this.

But I know He is doing.

I know He is good.

Therefore, the doing is good and will be, even if we can’t see it and we can barely feel anything.

Psalm 146:5 NKJV — Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God,

Another birthday

Birthday supper!

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
Psalms 126:2 NKJV

Despite the circumstances, which are not a little concerning.

Looking away from the tragedy.

My eyes are turned to God.

His incredible blessings are worth pause and reflection.

Because no matter what is taken away, my soul is safe in His hands.

That one truth is far more valuable than any temporary trial.

But He has done so much more than just save my soul.

Throughout this journey of chronic illness He has been so faithful.

Days when I prayed for just the ability to breathe, His patience would enfold me.

Times of debilitating pain, His Spirit strengthened me.

When disappointment or discouragement would taint my perspective, His Word would wash away the stains of sin and the lies of the enemy.

And if all that were not enough, He has blessed me with a wonderful family who loves and cares for me daily.

Friends who have kept up with all our bumps and bruises, praying and encouraging us.

Then He placed us in a new church which has loved and supported us.

A neighborhood where we can be at peace and enjoy the quiet.

Yes, this year has been very full of change and stretching and learning.

I’m so thankful for another birthday.

After all we have walked through and all that is happening right now, I can say with assurance:

“The LORD has done great things for us!”

And:

Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
Psalms 124:8 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for being both our Creator and our Savior. You alone are all we ever need. Father, as we walk in this place, we humbly seek Your face. Please help us to look to You, and to find comfort in Your truth. You alone are the Almighty God and we can rest in that, no matter what happens. Thank You for being our Salvation, our Comforter, and our Refuge. We trust You, Jesus, no matter the circumstances. Amen.