Sojourner's Journal

300 Posts and Goodbye

2009-05-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Missy Grant

300 posts today! That is a lot of words - a lot of encouragement - a lot of joy - a lot of tears - a lot of Him. This 300^th post comes with sadness as well. After much thought and prayer we are suspending the Sojourner Blog. We have had a really wonderful year with this project. I’m not sure the gals knew exactly what they were getting into when they signed on. I do know that I personally have been blessed by their words, their encouragement, their conviction, their humor, their hearts so much like His. I know many of you have been blessed as well as you have expressed to me many times how these women have encouraged you.

I want you to know they are not going away altogether. If you look down the list on the right hand side of the blog, you will see that several of them have personal blogs. Make sure to stop by and read them. You will continue to be blessed.

For those on the Central Coast, there is a new Community Wide Women’s ministry kicking off. It is called Drawing Near Ministries and is committed to providing opportunities for ladies to come together under God’s word through teaching, worship and evangelizing the lost. They are hosting a summer series starting on Monday June 22 and will be utilizing Beth Moore’s study Stepping Up – A Journey through the Psalms of Ascent.

A few of the gals from Sojourner’s will also be blogging regularly at the Drawing Near Blog. You can find it by clicking here…

As a group we want to thank you for your daily commitment to reading Sojourner’s Journal and encouraging us with your kind words. We pray you have been blessed as readers as we have been as contributors.

“Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate…my mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:3-5,21

Amen.

Prepared By Grace

2009-05-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Sue Donaldson

I’ve been lifted by grace this past week. I guess I always am, but some weeks I call out for it more, need it more, and rest in it more. (And, my friends hear about it more!) My year’s verse—John 15:5 – is all about abiding. And, through prayers of friends, I’ve been riding the grace-wave, learning to abide even while anxious and a bit trembly at times.

On Sunday last, Dad, at 92, broke the inevitable hip. He got the titanium ball replacement the very next evening, and is walking slow paces down hospital halls a bit more every day. I went down to LA to stay with mom a few days. I wondered more than once, “Will daddy die this week? He’s certainly old enough. And, how will mom endure his death?”

My college friend, Lizzie, had asked me a few months back: “Are you prepared for your folks’ deaths?” “No,” I replied, “I don’t think I am – even tho they are long past due at their age!”

How does one “prepare?” I don’t know. Maybe you do. I knew I was lifted by grace this week because the trip went well, I was able to encourage and serve mom gracefully, and the kids and Mark survived my being gone. Dad, the incredible optimist, is anxious to get home. His main concern was mom – he kept calling his friends: “Don’t forget Betty.” Sweet.

My main preparation for any day – since we don’t know what any day will hold – is learning to abide in Jesus. Psalm 73:23 states: “I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” Sounds like abiding to me. And, it sounds mutual: I’m with Him, and He holds onto me – tight. I’m grateful and still growing. Should be a great year.

Father God,

Thank You for friends who lift me to You when I’m weak and trembly. Your counsel is what I need. Thank You for strengthening weak hearts and hips. Help me to abide day in and day out – preparing me as You see fit.

Amen.

2009-05-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Peggy Brown

Dear Blog Readers,

I have decided that since we have a very hectic and “unplannable” summer coming up I am going to take the summer off from writing for Sojourner's Journal.

I have been enjoying putting my thoughts on “paper” for you each week but for it to be useful, like most things, it takes time. It takes time to sit down and collect sometimes-errant thoughts and get them captured in a coherant manner and it takes time to get said thoughts down in writing.

Let’s make a plan, you and I. I will pray for you over the summer and I will come back to blogging in September. In return will you pray for me as we travel, visit kids (and grandbaby), possibly relocate my mother-in-law here from Sacramento (anyone have an inexpensive apartment to rent in SLO?) just to name a few.

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to encourage me with feedback, both written and verbal.

What you might not realize is that the goal we have as writers is to encourage and bless you with the thoughts that God puts in our minds and hearts. Feedback lets us know that we are meeting that goal.

So, until September, I will leave you with this:

Eph 3:14-21 (the Message) My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit - not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength - that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!

Dear Father, thank you for the opportunity to give words to your work in my life. I ask that as I step away for this time that eah reader will be blessed with the encouragement of the other writers. I ask that you would bless our summers with rest, recuperation and renewal. Help us to have eyes to see the “extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love”. Amen

Listening for His Voice

2009-05-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Cindy Frauenheim

“…so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." 2 Samuel 5:23-24

When I read this passage recently, I was just blown away by how specific the answer was to David’s question! I immediately thought how lucky David was to be able to have clear and specific answers when he had big decisions to make. Wouldn’t that be nice? But as I gave it more thought, I realized that I often don’t acknowledge just how fortunate I am to have the very Spirit of God residing in me. After Jesus was resurrected and ascended to be with God, God gave us the person of the Holy Spirit. This is an amazing privilege, and access to the very mind of Christ. We also have the completed scriptures. David did not have this. And God even helps me to understand the Word through his spirit:

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. John 16:13a

When I have a decision to make, this is what I usually do:

I inquire of God through prayer, then
I often tend to seek out the advice of others I trust
I go to my Bible to find out how to act in accordance with his will
I look at circumstances (probably way too much), and use reason and common sense

These are all good, and I believe it’s wise to use all of them together. But I admit that I need more practice in really listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit as I do all these things. It’s almost as if I don’t really believe that God will speak to me this way. It’s not as tangible. I am hesitant because I don’t trust myself or my feelings. But in numerous scriptures he has promised to guide us with his spirit. I need to take him at his word and expect him to speak to me this way. Of course I also need to check what I think I hear from God against his Word and in light of godly counsel. But sometimes I will pray for direction and then try to figure out what to do on my own. I’m sure many of you have much better practice with this, and have learned to discern how God speaks to you. I am convicted that I need to mature in this way. I am resolved to be a better listener, and with God’s help, to come to recognize and trust his voice completely. I love how the Message puts it, from one of my favorite passages of scripture:

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Proverbs 3:5-7 (The Message)

Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for not believing that you can clearly communicate to me through your spirit. Please teach me how to discern your voice. Help me to be quiet and still enough to allow you room to speak. Please give me wisdom to rightly hear you, and the patience to wait for you. Keep me diligently in your Word, and give me willingness to seek and learn from godly counsel. Thank you that you don’t leave me to flounder on my own, but you care intimately about every decision I make and desire to lead me into your perfect will.

The Vinedresser

2009-05-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Missy Grant

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” John 15:1-2

“Taking courage one hot summer day, the young branch looked up at the old branch and said in its squeaky voice, ‘It must be great to have people travel from miles around just to taste the sweetness of your fruit.’ The old branch nodded. Feeling encouraged, the young branch continued, ‘I have been talking with the other branches in the garden, and they say yours is the sweetest fruit.’ The old branch smiled. ‘When I grow up, I want to be just like you! How can I have sweet fruit like yours? I’ll do anything you say.’ As the old branch looked down on the young branch, he remembered the day when, as a young branch himself, he asked an old branch the same question. In his baritone voice, he gave the young branch the same answer he had received years earlier: ‘Be willing’.”

When advice is given to you to ‘Be willing’, what is your response? Is it a bowed heart or a canned response? Do you respond out of your poverty of spirit or your abundance of affluence? Do you examine your intentions or are you intent on examining the requestor? Do you seek His glory or glorify your complaints? Do you gratefully receive or receive without gratitude?

What does willingness look like, anyway? Have you ever given thought to that? What compass or barometer or yard stick or measuring tape are you using to determine your level of willingness? The definition of ‘willing’ is...prompt to act or respond.

All of us respond – you do realize that, yes? No matter what action or circumstance just played out, whether you take action or not, speak or not, we all respond at some level internally or externally. What drives your response? Is it a willing spirit? Is it directed by the Lord? The above scripture speaks to where our response should come from, what happens with responses not of Him, and what takes place when a willing heart allows for the pain of pruning to produce fruit of His desire – to His glory.

“Just then the gardener stopped by the old branch, and the young branch saw the old branch raise his leaves high in the air. He heard a snip, and the old branch lay on the ground except for the nub. Then the gardener turned to the young branch. His leaves were shaking, and tears rolled down his side, but with every ounce of strength he raised his leaves high in the air. He looked up into the gardener’s face and said, “Kind and gentle gardener, I’m willing.”

Heavenly Gardener full of grace, help us to have willing hearts – hearts accepting the pain of pruning for Your glory. May we seek your barometer – your word - with passion that permits the pain of pruning for fruit fit for a heavenly kingdom. Your Son modeled just that for us. In your Son’s blessed name, we praise you. Amen.

Story excerpts from Becoming God’s True Woman

The Unfolding of Your Words

2009-05-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Sue Donaldson

Since I am the last person in SLO to have finally read Safely Home by Randy Alcorn, perhaps you need to be reminded of what the Chinese Christian, Li Quan thought while suffering alone in his prison cell:

“In this cell, stripped of comfort and ease, unable to do what he would like, he was free from distraction. He had only his mind, and what he had put into it. Quan thanked God every hour spent meditating on his Word, which constituted the reservoir from which he now drew daily.”

If I found myself in his place – having only my mind, and what I had put into it—would I find such an overflowing reservoir? I think not. As much as I love and depend on and read God’s river Word, my reservoir is not near full enough. Perhaps Americans are flabby Christians – not “needing” to exercise our minds so much in Scripture since it is so readily available to us. I can pick up a different version of my host of Bibles in every room of our home. But that doesn’t mean it readily flows through my heart at any given moment.

Summer can bring more flab than usual. Our usual study is “on break” for the summer. That’s not a bad thing, but it can mean we are not automatically studying as much. Does that mean less of the Word in our reservoir?

I hope not. You can always check with your local Christian bookstore for some short-term Bible study books that you can do with a friend or neighbor. (A friend helps keep us accountable, you know.)

One study I did years ago (which bears repeating) was to study Psalm 119 – it’s all about the Word. I listed all of the effects of Scripture, all my responsibilities, and all of God’s responsibilities. It made a neat study – all those columns. Time to pour it back into my reservoir, I think.

Here’s a taste: “Your statutes are wonderful; therefore, I obey them. The unfolding of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119: 129,130)

We need light, don’t you think? Let His Words unfold all the more as the summer approaches.

Lord,

Thank You for your Word that never comes to an end. Help us soak it up this summer.

Love, Sue

The Majesty of God

2009-05-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Peggy Brown

Well, a week in Yosemite can really focus your thoughts on the majesty of God! Close your eyes and picture the majestic granite rock walls towering high above you. Hear the sounds of the gentle breeze rustling the leaves on the trees, the river, swollen from melted snow, rushing through the valley, the squirrels scolding one another as they protect a bit of food and the birds chirping and squawking in the sky overhead. God seems so big and mighty in this place.

We were blessed with two new, amazing sights while we were there this year. One night we hiked up to the base of Yosemite falls where we saw a “moonbow”. The full moon shining on the mist, rising as the raging fall plunged into the pool below, created a bow (like a rainbow). It was ever so slightly rainbow colored, but mainly it was a silvery arch rising up over the pool. We were cold and wet from the mist, but we were awestruck!

The second sight was an actual rainbow. While we stood looking at Bridalveil Fall from across the valley, the sinking afternoon sun struck the mist at the bottom of the fall. There, where it looked like the trees were sitting at the bottom of the fall, color spread in the mist over the tops of the trees. Orange began to rise up the waterfall bringing behind it yellow, then green, followed by blue and finally purple. The colors kept rising fluidly up the fall as the mists were blown side to side by the wind, until finally it disappeared. It disolved, one color following the other until only purple remained momentarily and then faded away.

Every now and then it is good to take time to contemplate our God in ways that take our breath away. I could not see this wonder without thanking God for being bigger than I am, for knowing more than I do and for being in charge of my life, my family’s life, and even our world. The reminder that nothing comes to us without first coming through His loving, all-powerful hand is a comfort and a reassurance.

Isaiah 55:8-11 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Dear Father, You are a mighty God. You rule over all the earth in ways I cannot even imagine. Thank you. Increase my faith as I see You in new ways. Help me to trust You more with every detail of my life.

Amen

2009-05-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;
Praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;
Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
praise by strumming soft strings;
Praise him with castanets and dance,
praise him with banjo and flute;
Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
praise him with fiddles and mandolin.
Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
Hallelujah!"
Psalm 150

Much-Afraid

2009-05-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Missy Grant

“As she looked down into the depths of the valley, the heart of Much-Afraid went numb. For the first time on the journey she actually asked herself if she ought not have attempted to follow the Shepherd. How could one follow a person who asked so much, who demanded such impossible things, who took everything?”

I had two families I love experience tragedy this past week. Actually, it was the same night and the calls came minutes apart. My normal mode is to run to the scriptures – which I did – and pray – which I did, but I also read through the book Hinds’ Feet on High Places over the weekend. I first read this book in high school and have pulled it out fairly regularly over the ensuing years.

I was struck with the above quote. I have had many moments in my life where I have stood looking down into the depths of the valley and gone numb. Where I prayed with everything I had for the path to go up to the high places – only to discover the path wound down into the depths. How about you? Are you doing any valley gazing?

I was recently asked by someone to define faith…many scriptures come to mind, but I think faith is best defined this way, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Your will be done….And being in agony He was praying fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. When He rose from prayer…” (Luke 22:42,44-45)

Faith is the action of our heart to allow for the painful journey to unfold. To be in agony – yet pray fervently, “Not My will, but Your will…” – to allow the blood to flow freely, and to know we will arise.

“How little she had imagined when first she set out on that strange journey, what lay ahead of her and the things which she would be called upon to pass through. So for a long time she sat silent-remembering, wondering and thankful. At last she put her hand in his and said softly, “My Lord, I will tell you what I learned…”

Heavenly Father…you broke my heart this past week, but because of the blood of your Son, I can say those words to you and know your heart broke as well. May we pray like your Son! May we have faith that takes action in our hearts. May we take hold of your hand and share our heart with you. Amen

Out Of The Blue

2009-05-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Sue Donaldson

How great that we have the advantage to communicate quickly and immediately to people all over the world. Last night Bethany was bantering back and forth on email with Jeff D’Jernes – the Wycliffe translator she will be working with in Papua New Guinea this summer. How great that it’s so fast and free!

However, there’s still nothing like the spot of encouragement sent through the old-fashioned US Post Office. Isn’t it amazing when we open the snail- mail box, and in the midst of bills and ads, we come across a handwritten note. A little archaic, I realize, but a lovely piece of stationery – handmade or otherwise – can make someone’s day.

Paul wrote a lot in his day, and one encouraging note he sent to his buddy, Philemon, was a case in point:

“Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, ‘Oh, thank You, God!’ I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the master Jesus, which brims over to other Christians. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel…” (Philemon 4-7 The Message)

I don’t say this to add guilt to your already full file of guilt – better known as your “good intentions file.” (We all have one – and sometimes I can even find it…) But, my wonderful sister-in-law, Anne, showed me her new filing system and first on the list was her: OOTB file – “Out of the Blue.”

In this file she keeps her note cards, stickers, and ideas to send to a friend and relative – so that they will be blessed with a note– right “out of the blue.” Isn’t that a great idea? And, I know it works because I received a handmade note from Anne which included 3 of her favorite teabags – plus, loving, encouraging words (“Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel…”)

Part of every day needs to include good works and words that refresh the hearts of the saints. Let’s get that OOTB file started – I’ll see you at Staples.

Father,

Help us not to forget to build up each other – get us organized – for Your sake and each others’. May we recognize You in all of it.

Amen.

2009-05-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Peggy Brown

If you are reading this on Monday, I am on my way home from a week camping in Yosemite. I am sure I will have a lot to tell you when I get home, since as I write this, the rain is falling and the snow is melting. That bodes well for some wonderful waterfall action!!

Here are some verses to ponder.....until next week.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day" and the darkness "night." And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day. Then God said, “Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.” And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens. God called the space “sky.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the second day.” Genesis 1

God's Breath

2009-05-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Cindy Frauenheim

At the Women’s Salad Supper this week, I was really blessed by singing the hymn Breathe on Me, Breath of God. I have sung it many times before, but this time I almost felt His breath as I took in those simple yet profound words. The words became my prayer. This morning I dug out the words again to sing it in the privacy of my kitchen, alone. I cannot sing well at all, and am not given to breaking out in song, so this is really a rare thing for me to do! Later I sang it as I drove to and from errands.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

Fill me with life anew,

That I may love what Thou dost love,

And do what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

Until my heart is pure,

Until my will is one with Thine,

To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

Till I am wholly Thine,

Until this earthly part of me

Glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

So shall I never die,

But live with Thee the perfect life

Of Thine eternity.

I especially want to meditate on the first two verses and how the hymn points me to the enabling breath of God. If I am to love, act, will, and endure in ways pleasing to God – in His ways – then I must have His breath upon me. I cannot just decide that I want to love others and be Christ-like out of my own strength and initiative.

^“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13

God working in me is his Holy Spirit – breath has long been associated with the concept of the Holy Spirit. I love the promise that God is even shaping my desires. I just need to yield to his life-giving breath. His spirit also enables me to endure – both in the sense of enduring hard things, and in the sense of persevering and standing firm in the truth. So I am encouraged to ask daily for a fresh breath from the Lord. I need to be filled with His Spirit to be about His business.

Lord, thank you for your breath that creates and fills with life. Thank you that your breath in me gives me the desire and ability to love and live according to your will. May I daily yield to your Spirit, from my first moments of consciousness each morning. And may you fill me more and more so that I end up “glowing with your fire” to those around me.

2009-05-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

"I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

He won't let you stumble,
your Guardian God won't fall asleep.
Not on your life! Israel's
Guardian will never doze or sleep.

God's your Guardian,
right at your side to protect you—
Shielding you from sunstroke,
sheltering you from moonstroke.

God guards you from every evil,
he guards your very life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return,
he guards you now, he guards you always."

psalm 121 (The Message)

The Queen and Her Court

2009-05-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Missy Grant

“Some time later, when he went back to marry her, he turned aside to look at the lion's carcass. In it was a swarm of bees and some honey” Judges 14:8

Ok, I admit, that is an odd scripture to open a devotional with, but lets see where the Lord takes us.

I like bees (as long as they don’t sting me). I do not like wasps, or yellow jackets or hornets, but bees….they hold a different spot in my heart. I think it has much to do with Winnie The Pooh and his ongoing desire to meet his hunger needs with pots (or paws full) of the golden syrup. Winnie….he has had many adventures in his pursuit of the sticky, flower scented drippings from the bees. I have not given much thought to bees lately. As a matter of fact, I have not given them any thought until last evening. Why this evening you ask? Well, all the bees in the universe descended onto the trampoline in my backyard. I do not exaggerate. Apparently the queen decided to take an afternoon siesta on our springy, black mat of fun and every bee within shouting distance came to party.

There have been several suggestions made on how to break up the party of fun taking place in the backyard – everything from call your local exterminator (you do not want to know the cost…), to “Let’s blast them with the hose”, to the calmer…”leave them be (no pun intended). They will swarm again and leave”. Seriously, if the queen doesn’t take her royal backside to a castle fit for her majesty, I may just be the one with the water hose.

As I was having a brief meltdown, the Lord reminded me of the story of Samson and the bees which took up residence in a lion carcass. A carcass that was created when Samson killed the lion as it attacked him in a vineyard. There was a slight problem with Samson and this lion. Samson had taken the vow of a Nazirite and was forbidden to touch the carcass of this animal. He not only touched it, but ate sweet honey from the hive of bees which had taken up residence in the carcass. Then to make matters worse, he withheld this information from his parents and shared the honey with them.

It made me ask the question, what in your life are you “hiding”? What seemingly inconsequential act, word, or behavior has you eating honey out of a forbidden container? What are the results of your eating out of the forbidden container? Hmmnn…now we are hitting the heart. You know the expression, “confession is good for the soul.” Well, confession is necessary soul food - confession between you and the Lord that is. He desires for you to walk in His ways, but when we stumble, he has provided the path back to Him…also known as the blood of Christ. It is time to stop hiding.

Try this… “Lord, you know my heart, you know my contrary ways, you know my ‘hiding’ place. Help me this day Lord, to not hide from you. Let me taste the fruits of Your Spirit – the fruits that set me free. Thank you Lord. For how your creation reminds us that there is only one way to the hive…and that is through the blood of your precious Son. Amen.”

Delighting and Enjoying, Part II

2009-05-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Sue Donaldson

So, how has it been – this process of delighting and enjoying your Lord this week?

I still find myself mostly still asking and begging in my prayers – with thanks and gratefulness thrown in all over the place. But, still, not so much the enjoying and the delighting of just being with God.

I am aware of it now, and I try not to be too hard on myself.

This morning’s reading helped:

“The Lord Himself is my inheritance, my prize. He is my food and drink, my highest joy!

I am always thinking of the Lord; and because He is so near, I never need to stumble or to fall. You have let me experience the joys of life and exquisite pleasures of Your own eternal presence.” (Psalm 16:5,8,11 – The Living Bible)

I love food and drink – a foodie, as they say. I can relate to that image. And, I love prizes (Jean just called and practically yelled into the phone: “I won! I won! I got the prize of a bag of free groceries this week at New Frontiers! I told the guy, ‘I LOVE winning!’”

Don’t we all? And, we’ve already won. Jesus, my prize! Wow! I LOVE winning!

Father God,

Thanks for being my very prize. Help me drink in Your presence all day long. And, thanks for blessing dear Jean.

Amen.

Anchored or Drifting

2009-05-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Peggy Brown

Imagine floating in the ocean on a raft along the beach, eyes closed, listening to the gentle crash of waves along the shore and baking in the warm sun. You don’t have any cares or worries until you open your eyes! Then you realize that the shore is alarmingly distant.

Every one of us has the tendency to drift spiritually. I guess there are a variety of reasons, but I think one of the main reasons is summed up in the previous paragraph. We relax, eyes closed, floating unattached, at the whim of the water’s ebb and flow!

I find myself in one of those times right now. Life has been busy and I have been lazy! I have floated and drifted with the current and I have not taken the time to anchor myself tightly to Jesus. I have been drifting unattached. My relationship with my Lord has not taken first priority in my time and my thoughts. It’s not that I have drifted into major sin, or become an evil person; I have just drifted away from the closeness that comes from being firmly anchored in relationship with Him.

Staying close to anyone doesn’t just happen. If I want to stay close to my husband, I have to talk to him, spend time listening to him and enjoying his company. If I want to keep a close tie with my children who live away from me, (and have I mentioned I have a new grandson???) I have to pick up the phone and call them from time to time. I also have to check the mailbox, the email inbox and my Facebook to see if they’ve contacted me.

Doesn’t it stand to reason that if I want to stay close to my Savior, I will need to spend time with Him and search for His words to me?

I heard this as a kid and I think it makes a good point: A husband and wife were driving in the car, him on the driver’s side and her on the passenger side. The wife looks at the husband and says “Remember when we were first married and we always sat right next to each other when we drove?” (For those of you under 40, there used to be bench seats in front seats of cars and no seatbelts!) The husband looks at the wife from behind the steering wheel and answers “Who moved?”

If I am drifting from closeness with Jesus, who do you think moved? The good news is that He hasn’t moved and He is right where He’s always been, waiting for me to anchor myself back in the harbor of relationship with Him! Not that anything I do has any bearing on His love for me, or His grace of acceptance and salvation. But I want that closeness, so I must run to Him.

Hebrews 6:19

"This hope (the promise of salvation) we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil," (parenthesis mine)

Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to they bosom fly,

While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.

Hide me; O my savior, hide, till the storm of life is past;

Safe into the haven guide, oh receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on thee;

Leave, ah! Leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.

All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;

Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.

Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find;

Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick and lead the blind.

Just and holy is Thy name, I am all unrighteousness;

False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace. Amen

(Jesus, Lover of My Soul by Charles Wesley)

Goodbye

2009-05-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Kate Hasson

Since I’ve started contributing to this blog in May of last year, my family has gone through much. We moved to our first owned home, failed with our adoption plans, got pregnant, smoked out our house, have lived in several different homes over the past 4 ½ months, had my parents live in a foreign land, and as of yesterday have birthed our 3^rd daughter. Life is full of unexpected blessings and we have been blessed to be the recipients of such a Good Gift Giver.

Our world view has changed much since we haven’t been able to live in our own home; a blessing. Our hearts have been opened even more greatly to loving the fatherless through our failed attempts at adoption; a blessing. Our passion for making Christ’s name known in foreign lands has exploded; a blessing indeed!

Our family has grown with the addition of our new baby Elizabeth Love, another blessing.

Though each experience has had it’s struggles I can only come away labeling each as such from our great God. Through them we have come to know Him more sweetly and He is oh, so good and watchful of His children; I am comforted to be in the palm of His hand.

Now it is time for me to drop some commitments and take care of my family, so this is my last post. Thank you for letting me share my wrestling's and thoughts with you over the year, it has been an encouragement to me. Please be in prayer for me, I covet your prayers quite intensely, as I endeavor to walk through the new stage of life being a mother of three.

Last night, through a particularly rough stage of labor I was compelled to cry out to my Savior. Nothing could provide as much security and comfort at that time than calling on Him and focusing my mind on the joy of who He is. The only thing I could think of at the moment was singing (and at times whispering) the song How Great Thou Art. Travis belted it out with me and helped me get through my pain with the sweetness of his voice beside me ringing in my ear. I’d like to leave you with those words that brought oh so much comfort in hopes that they will in turn provide the proper focus for your heart and mind if and when difficulty arises. Oh How Great He Is!

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,

Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

 Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

 And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;

That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

 When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.

Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,

And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

 Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

Bless You

2009-04-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Rebecca Irwin

I have a dear friend from college who has the habit, when we correspond, to respond with a written prayer just for me. She will address the concerns I have written about in an email or note as we “catch up” on each other’s lives and boldly claim God’s promises and power to address them. It is an indescribable blessing.

In Ephesians 6, Paul wrote : “Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” (vs. 14-18,)

In 1 Timothy, chapter 2, we read : “The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know…Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray - not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God.” (vs 1, 8).

James also writes in 5:16 “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.”

Sisters in Christ, I offer you a challenge today. Bring someone into the intimacy of prayer and bless him or her by writing a prayer for them or praying out loud over the phone or in person. It has a powerful impact when another hears your prayer for them (or reads it) and knows you mean it when you say, “I’m praying for you”.

Lord, I pray for this dear reader that she would have the boldness to bless someone with her spoken or written prayer today. I pray that she would not worry what the other person might think or her words or language. If she lacks words Lord, reminder her of yours. Amen.

Whose Voice?

2009-04-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Missy Grant

“In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.” Psalm 5:3

What voice do you hear in the morning? Better yet, does the Lord hear your voice in the morning? I’m on a mission….my mission is to encourage you sleepy heads to get up – get God – and get going in the morning.

“In the morning, O Lord…”, Now think on that. It doesn’t say in the afternoon, at night, or sometime in between. It speaks specifically to your morning.

“You will hear my voice…” Whose voice? Your voice. What is He hearing you say? Are you speaking to Him in the morning? Is it praise worthy? He is praise worthy.

“In the morning I will order my prayer to You…” There it is again – specific to morning. What are you to do? Order your prayer to Him. That would imply you are up and speaking to Him in the morning.

Then what happens? You eagerly watch. What are you watching for? You are watching for Him to reveal himself in your day. For example, the neighbor who waved at you this morning, the grocery store clerk who needed a kind word from you, the co-worker who said she just needed to put some papers on your desk…but really needed a word of encouragement, the customer who yelled at me on the phone – then shared how he and his wife spend three months a year in India teaching in some of the worst conditions known to man (he apologized for yelling – I forgave him. He blessed my day).

The point is this…Get Up – Get God – Get Going. There is no better way to combat satan than to start you day with scripture said to the Lord. Try saying the verse at the top of this post every morning for the next week – then eagerly watch…you might be surprised at how He will change your vision and your voice.

Mighty God, how often we forget your desire to be with us. We treat you, at times, like an acquaintance as opposed to our creator. The One who knows our thoughts, our struggles, our joy. Your word says over and over to start our day with you. Strengthen us to give you our first fruit of the morning and then have the patience to watch for you during our day. We praise you Lord.

Delighting and Enjoying - It's a Gift

2009-04-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Sue Donaldson

My theme verse for the year is:

John 15:5 – “I am the Vine, you are the branches. If a man abides in Me and I in you, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

Liz Young showed me a devotional selection on how to abide in Jesus. It’s a gradual process – “up the scale” – from knowing He’s there, to consulting with Him on all my concerns, and, finally – the most intimate – to delighting in and enjoying His person. This process includes a climb, but it’s not a matter of sweat – more, a matter of desire.

How much do you enjoy Jesus? Not His gifts, not His peace, not His assurances – just Himself?

Last night Mark and I had a date. Sitting together, watching a movie (The Soloist,) talking about it afterward (schizophrenia and it’s implications) over Mexican food at Chili Pepper’s (his turn to choose – we go there every other time – he is consistent.) – all that built intimacy and enjoyment. Not just because of the food or the entertainment – but because of the time spent together. Time well-spent, money and energy well-spent.

After 20 years of marriage, intimacy grows. Delight and enjoyment is easier. It’s a gift.

I love Jesus. I want to love Him more, enjoy His person, sit and chew the fat (or, the rice and beans, whatever the case) – just because. Just because. Listening to “Mercy Me” (loudly) in the van helped me do just that today. In fact, I couldn’t sing along without crying – wonder how they do it?

“I can feel Your presence here with me, Suddenly I’m lost within Your beauty,

Caught up in the wonder of Your touch, Here in this moment I surrender to Your love…”

Enjoying and delighting in the person of Jesus. It’s a gift. The best and the biggest.

How’s your enjoyment factor? Delighting and enjoying. I look forward to this year of learning to abide.

I’ll borrow the prayer from Liz’s devotional: “Lord, help me to graduate up the scale from convert, to ambassador, to confidant. To abide in You is to ride the high places of the earth.” Amen. Enjoy your ride.

A little postscript:

I would never had read about that ride to abiding if I hadn’t called Liz for coffee – I actually invited myself to her house. You can’t do that with everyone – you can with Liz. God puts people around us who love to be called and have so much to give. Ask Him if He has someone special in mind for you to call this week. It’s a gift.

Family

2009-04-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Peggy Brown

It is very common to hear the people in church referred to as the “church family”. In years past, we referred to one another as “brother Bob” or “sister Sue”. Scripture is full of references to the brothers and sisters in the faith, and it reminds us that we are all part of one body.

In our Sunday school class a few weeks ago, we saw in Acts how the infant church gave of what they had so that no one in their group would have need. They took care of one another as if they were family.

Acts 4:32, 34-35

"All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had. There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need."

It seems to me like we may have lost sight of the importance of the concept of the church as Family. I don’t know if it’s the culture we live in, or maybe we’ve become too self-centered. We come and go to church semi-regularly; we have difficulty committing to regular attendance of a Sunday school class, or a Bible study. Some may even feel like all that is needed is to attend on Sunday morning and that’s going to do it.

I’m here to tell you that that isn’t the case. This past weekend, my family packed up and drove to San Jose to hold the memorial service for my aunt Alma. (I can see you scratching your head and wondering what this has to do with anything…have faith, I’m getting there!) We held the service at the church where my family attended for over 55 years. I went there my entire life (I think I was about a month old when I went to my first service). My aunt attended there for 53 years!

There is a big new building now, with a huge new sanctuary, but we held the service in the old sanctuary…where I grew up, was baptized, married, and began my “grown-up” life. What struck me was that even though the building had changed some, it seemed like I was walking into my old home. As I stood, transported back in time, the people began to arrive. Familiar faces began surrounding me, looking 25 years older, but flooding my heart with an amazing feeling of being loved. If there was any question of my still being loved, the hugs and tears of joy were there to remove all doubt! There was my mom’s friend who knew me “before you were”! There was the mom of a high school friend in whose home I had been a frequent visitor. There were the friends who got married the same summer we did, with whom we have stayed in contact over the last 35 years. Then there was Dom…he and his wife were youth sponsors when I was in high school. I babysat their children. He nicknamed me “Alice” because I had a yellow jumper and long blonde hair and he said I reminded him of Alice in Wonderland. He helped me feel like I was special during a period of life when most of us don’t feel very special (those turbulent teens!). There were the people that became our friends as newlyweds. What a precious flood of memories came over me as I reconnected with all of that family.

What made those people family? Time together, relationship, fellowship around the Word, caring. It wasn’t a magic formula, it was life. It was being involved in each other’s lives, not just on the surface, but deeply involved.

It grieves me when I hear people say things like “my needs aren’t being met so I’m going to another church” or “I’m not happy with this decision, so I’m taking my family to worship elsewhere”. Not to say that there’s no reason for leaving a church, but I think we run away too easily.

Our pastor is fond of saying that being involved in each other’s lives is “messy”, but so does having parents, siblings and children. Most of us don’t run away from our children when they don’t treat us well. (Put them out with the dog, maybe, but I digress! ) Most of us continue to have relationships with our parents, even though they aren’t perfect.

If you don’t have a church home, why not? If you have one, but have never gone any deeper than the Sunday morning worship service, why not? Please consider what you are giving up by not getting in and getting “messy” with the family! There are friendships waiting, there is encouragement to be found, and there is even the occasional exhortation (that word means to spur on) in our Christian walk. I can’t think of anything better or more crucial for your spiritual growth.

Once you find a “fit”, plan on staying. Don’t be so thin skinned that you run at the first sign that the people there may not be perfect (you will fit in, and besides, it’s good practice for the eternity that you’ll be spending with those very same folks!) Grow your roots down deep into the family. Make it a place where you can know and be known. I know for a fact, from experience, that it doesn’t get any better than that!

Lord, thank you for the refreshment of my “old” family. Thank you that the love that was cultivated for so many years still grows strong. Please remind me of that when I become impatient with my “new” family. Remind me that it’s only been 15 years with them and we still have time to go. Please help me to remember that life together is messy and don’t let me be easily offended by the mess. Show me where I can help and lead me to where I can be helped! Thank you that the church is your plan, not man’s. Amen

Pray for Peace in Jerusalem

2009-04-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Cindy Frauenheim

"Pray for peace in Jerusalem.
May all who love this city prosper.
O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls
and prosperity in your palaces.
For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,
“May you have peace.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem."

Psalm 122:6-9

I hear God asking me to pray for Israel. It is a fairly recent conviction, like in the last few years. Over the past week or so, it has again been on my heart several times. I believe that we as Christians and as the church are called to actively pray for God’s chosen people. Why would I, a middle-aged (ugh) wife and mom living in the United States, be concerned with Israel when I have plenty of other concerns to pray about? Part of this is just the fact that I am getting older, and I think more about the world and where it’s headed – especially for my children. The biggest reason, however, that I am convicted to pray for Israel is found in the Word. The more I study the scriptures, I see glimpses of the overall plan, and how the pieces all fit together. Prophecies for the future and the end times revolve around the nation of Israel. Heaven’s capital is the new Jerusalem – it thrills my heart with anticipation!

Though I was raised in the church, it was never mentioned as far as I can remember. I think that’s pretty common, though I don’t know why. Or maybe I just wasn’t hearing it then? I don’t believe we should pray for Israel because they are better or more deserving than any other nation; it is purely because they are the nation through whom God has chosen to work out his plan of redemption, and whatever happens with Israel affects the rest of humanity. And we have been “grafted in” to that nation through Christ! Pay attention to what is happening in Israel. I am so excited to see how God will work out His-Story through them. Pray for them – for Jews everywhere - to embrace the one true Messiah, Jesus Christ. Know that in the turmoil that surrounds Israel, and affects the rest of the world, God is working and is in complete control. No one knows God’s timing. Don’t be fearful, but be ready, and be prayerful.

Lord, thank you that you have the perfect plan for the redemption of your people, and that you have chosen to use the nation of Israel in a special way. I pray that you will use believers everywhere to pray for Jerusalem, and to both tell and show them the love of Christ. Work in the hearts and minds of the leaders of Israel, and leaders throughout the world to act according to your purposes. Only you can bring peace and salvation, and you will in your perfect timing.

Instruction

2009-04-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Missy Grant

Where or who do you take instruction from? Do you give thought to why you do what you do? What gives order to your day? Do you ever open your eyes in the morning and the previous days “issues” are still flooding your brain? Let’s give this a read…

“But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left. God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It's a good thing when you're young to stick it out through the hard times. When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst. Why? Because the Master won't ever walk out and fail to return. If he works severely, he also works tenderly. His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.” Lamentations 3:22-33 (the message).

I love those words! Face it…I like orderly instruction, but I love the passion of the text more.

I’m going to resist the urge to pull out teaching points (the post would end up being very, very long). Instead, I’m going to give you an assignment…

Cut and paste the above scripture onto some paper stock. Put it in a place you will see it and be able to read it EVERY day for the next week. Seriously, I know many of you…I will come to your house and see if you followed my instruction!!! (and I’m not above taking a road trip..) Now, when you read the text, I want you to read it out loud. When you finish reading it….pray….as simple as saying, “Lord, I’m bowing low, I’m not running from my troubles, I am trusting the “worst” is never the worst. I’m sticking with you!”

You just took a HUGE, big step in taking instruction from the Lord and allowing Him to order your day. One more instruction from me…call or email or text a friend each day this week and share one hardship you saw the Lord work through that day.

Mighty God, we need to bow down and enter the silence. In our silence may we hear Your voice saying, “Come to me all who are weary...that I may give you rest.” Help us to “diligently seek and passionately wait.” I love the action words, Lord. Thank You. Lord, we know in our heads that you are tenderhearted towards us, may you transform it to heart language. May we see your “mercies new every morning.” We praise you Lord. Amen.

God's Eyes

2009-04-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Sue Donaldson

II Chronicles 16:9 caught my eye this morning:

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him…” (NIV)

The Lord is on a search, it seems--His eyes on the look-out, seeking for certain types. He wants to pass on His strength. He’s ready and willing to give what we need.

Would His search stop over your house this morning?

“Hey, look! There’s Sue. Here’s one whose heart is fully committed to Me. That’s so great – okay, here’s the strength she needs for today. Onward and upward.”

Or, not:

“Uhh…no use stopping here. Sue thinks she’s got it together without Me. She loves me somewhat, obeys when it’s convenient, and serves Me if it doesn’t hurt too much. Nope. She’s Mine, all right, but not exactly fully committed. Too bad. She’s going to need my strength today. Let’s move on. Maybe she’ll wake up soon.”

(I’m an idiot.)

I like the NAS: “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

No room around that phrase: “completely His.”

Lord,

Have mercy on my soul. I need Your strength every minute – even when I forget. Remind me, remind me. I don’t want a day or minute without You.

Completely Your’s,

Sue

Psalm 108 - Scripture Reading

2009-04-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Scripture reading for the week of April 20....Psalm 108:1-5

"My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul.
Awake, harp and lyre;
I will awaken the dawn!
I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your lovingkindness is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
And Your glory above all the earth."
nasb

Safely Home

2009-04-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Kate Hasson

For the past few years Travis and I have been enjoying reading to each other in the evenings. Well, really, Travis reads to me while I do my crafts. Somehow it makes my sewing seem much more profitable. Since we got rid of our TV our times together have been much more interactive and sweet and we’ve been able to read some great books together, including the Narnia series and The Heavenly Man, our two favorites so far. Just today, we finished another good one while Travis came home on his lunch break: Safely Home, by Randy Alcorn.

The story is about two men and how their lives cross paths. It reveals much about the Chinese Christian house church and although this story is not entirely true, Alcorn says that it is mostly a collaboration of all that he has seen, heard, and learned of the Christian’s life in China. It’s a story that made us look at our own faith and see how bold and trusting we really want to be.

I come away from this book desiring to have less, so that I can have more of Christ. The Christians written about in this story are incredibly impoverished and literally have nothing. Yet their heart’s passion and faith in Christ are greater than I have ever seen in America. It was even addressed in a few chapters that the wealth of Westerners has become a stumbling block for many Christians and has gotten in the way of their trust, dependence, and reliance upon Christ alone.

I haven’t figured out yet what steps I need to make to change my way of living in this wealth that surrounds me, but I do know that I need to do something. Something that will make “Christ reliance” so essential that I truly won’t be able to survive without Him. I want to want Him as a deer pants for water, as a babe cries for milk, and as a starving man craves food.

So, anyway, all this to say, I love books that get me thinking. Not just frivolous ones that spark a fun and romantic chord in me, (although those are good from time to time), but ones that reach deeply into my soul and cause me to yearn for Christ even more than if I hadn’t read it at all. Do you know what I mean? What good books have you enjoyed lately?

Sacrifice

2009-04-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Rebecca Irwin

I can now freely eat sweets. I no longer have to feel the guilt of breaking my Lenten commitment to abstain from them. Oh, how I missed Oreo cookies and milk shakes! However, I must confess I did give in several times to the temptation. Once, almost savagely, after I passed on dessert at my friend’s, I came home, yanked open the freezer door and ate three scoops of mint-chip ice cream covered in chocolate syrup.

I had the privilege of being included in a Good Friday service last week held in a friend’s home. A very random and eclectic group of people was assembled to eat soup and bread together. After a simple meal, we moved into the living room and sitting in a large circle, we read portions of the gospel account of Jesus’ crucifixion and suffering. At times, our host would break and allow others to tell a story of brokenness or God’s silence in their own lives. We left with a greater anticipation for the joy and victory that Easter Sunday celebrated.

As I reflected on Lent, it struck me that simply giving up sweets for six weeks was at times incredibly hard! My weakness in even keeping this one self-imposed law was time and again revealed. I began to fudge the rules (well, tapioca pudding isn’t really a sweet) or justify my indulgence. It struck me on Easter Sunday that Jesus’ sacrifice was not JUST dying on the cross! His sacrifice for us was made minute-by-minute, day-by-day as he time and again made the choice to be our PERFECT sacrifice! His crucifixion was the culmination of His consistent sacrifice.

Look with me at Hebrews 10:14 (the Message) “It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process.”

And at Hebrews 5:7-9 (ESV) “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him…”

May you stand today all the more amazed at the gift we have been given in eternal salvation!

Thank you Jesus for your perfection! We would have never made it past a day if this was required of us. Only God’ son could have planned the perfect redemption and accomplished it. May we stand in awe of you. Amen

Wild Goose Chase

2009-04-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Missy Grant

I’ve been challenged by a book I read recently called Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. It is a good read on the Holy Spirit. One section of the book has a quote from Peter Marshall who is the former Chaplain of the United States Senate. The quote reads this way…

“I wonder what would happen if we all agreed to read one of the Gospels until we came to a place that told us to do something, then went out to do it, and only after we had done it, began reading again? There are aspects of the Gospel that are puzzling and difficult to understand. But our problems are not centered around the things we don’t understand, but rather in the things we do understand, the things we could not possibly misunderstand. Our problem is not so much that we don’t know what we should do. We know perfectly well, but we don’t want to do it.”

Hmmnn….how does that sit with you? What are your days like? Where is your focus? Are you in a season in which if you got up a little earlier you could start your day reading scripture – stopping at the spot that told you to do something – then did it? Have you ever given thought to how deeply the Lord desires to use you? Ask Him? Don’t try to create that which isn’t there. Maybe just respond to His word with, “Yes Lord.”

There is a national program which encourages purchasing at local independent companies called the 3/50 project. That is asking the question, “What three independently owned businesses would you miss if they went out of business?” Next, if every employed person spent $50 per month in an independently owned store the revenue would be above 40 billion dollars. Interesting concept.

How about we take this concept and apply it to sharing Christ. Stop right now and ask the Lord to give you three names of people He desires for you to share Christ with this week. Write it down….Commit to “spending money” in the bank of their heart. I’m sure they could use the deposit. As you read His word this week, stop at any action point and do it. Remember….the Lord has already gone before you and has paved the way. He is the great connector. Be brave, be bold, you are filled with the Holy Spirit, get out of its way and hold on….you are about to start a Wild Goose Chase.

“I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” Psalm 139:7-10

Amen.

Little Sanctuaries

2009-04-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Sue Donaldson

“Church is supposed to be a sanctuary (not just have one.)”

-Kathy Vick

Many, many around the world entered a church sanctuary on Sunday – maybe the one time all year, being Easter and all. Did they find the sanctuary they needed? Hopefully, they were invited – not just to come again, not just to join a new social circle – but invited into soul-sanctuary: a forever-refuge from human-ills, sin sickness, loneliness.

Paul told us that if we’ve entered this eternal sanctuary, we now “house” the Spirit – we ourselves have become little temples of God. He’s graced our lives, dwelling inside 24/7, til we see Him face to face.

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” I Corinthians 3:16

At Easter Sunday brunch, Jean and Mark provided sanctuary for Bev, widowed just 4 weeks ago. She loves their sweet boys (and they her.) A much needed refuge for Bev.

Sanctuary was at work in Grace’s courtyard as Lisa (90 and a spitfire) met new best friends over coffee and muffins (“Yes, we will pick you up for the salad supper, don’t worry…”)

Dan’s soul received refuge when a friend told him, “I will keep your boy in my prayers during his wandering. My brother wandered 9 years but came back through much prayer.”

Interesting -- none of the above happened inside the building-sanctuary

Have you received someone’s “sanctuary” for rest and respite? It doesn’t have to be at church. Have you given that same sanctuary to a fellow pilgrim?

We all need to be that shelter and retreat for one another as God’s little sanctuaries.

Even if you feel you are the one who needs it most today, if you spread your nets wider, make that call, write that note – your heart will also be refreshed. That’s how it works. Ask Jesus to help you know just what to do. He’s right there, closer than we realize—“Don’t you know…God’s Spirit lives in you?” How fun to be His refuge to those He loves.

Dear Father,

Thank You that You came to dwell in our lives. You offer the best refuge and shelter. May we know just how to give that sanctuary to one of Your children today. Amen.

Jesus is My Hero

2009-04-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Peggy Brown

I LOVE Easter Sunday! This morning at church was a wonderful celebration of Christ’s resurrection! I love the message of Easter. This year, leading up to Easter, I had been especially thinking about the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice for my life, so Easter service was especially meaningful to me.

When I got home from church, I learned that there was big news in the world. The ship Captain captured by pirates off the coast of Somalia had been rescued after 4 days of captivity. I, along with everyone, was greatly relieved that this story ended happily. The newsman reporting the story kept referring to this Captain, who voluntarily went with the pirates in order to save the lives of his crew, as a hero.

The similarity of this story to the Easter story caught my attention. The captain was willing to give his life as a sacrifice for the lives of his crew. He didn’t consider his own safety or well being, but offered himself to be held for ransom in place of his ship and it’s crew. The world considers him a brave hero to be lauded and admired by all. I agree.

As I listened to the story, I suddenly said to Wayne, “Then, Jesus is a hero!” I said it half in jest, but then as it sank in for a moment, I decided that, indeed, if a ship Captain willing to sacrifice his mortal life for the mortal lives of his men is a hero, how much more of a hero is Jesus. He sacrificed His glory and His heavenly life for the eternal life of every person who will ever live. That’s heroic! Jesus suffered when His Father turned His back on Him because of the filth of the sin He bore for us. That’s heroic!

The good news of the story, of course, is that Jesus rose again. He went farther than mere mortal man could ever go. His death didn’t simply spare our lives. His death gave us eternal life. What mere man could offer so much? So I have decided that Jesus is my hero. He is worthy to be lauded and admired by all.

Philippians 2:5-11

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

His Inner Tunic

2009-04-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

by Missy Grant

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded himself…” John 13:3-4.

The above scripture is a familiar part of Passion Week. Many pastors’ teach on the servanthood described in the above passage – as well they should. Yet, that which the Lord keeps calling me to are the four words, “…laid aside His garments…” I’ve been pondering the “garments” of the bible. How they are used in scripture, what is their significance, what lessons can be learned.

Christ revealed much in a simple act of removing his outer clothing, girding himself with a towel and washing the apostle’s feet. What the apostles saw though, was a man, ordinary in sight, but wearing something most weren’t – a perfect inner tunic - which when woven remained seamless. It was flawless and perfect and formed from the scriptural model used for the priests of the temple – presented to Him by his mother as he entered manhood. Why did His inner tunic have those characteristics…because He is our “great high priest” (Hebrews 4:14).

Christ was stripped when crucified and lots cast for his clothing. Actually, it was only his inner tunic that lots were cast for. There were four roman soldiers – each one took one of his five pieces of clothing – yet one piece remained, the inner tunic. What do you think Mary felt as she witnessed that piece of linen being gambled over? She knew who her son was. She knew the significance of the garment.

If the outer garment of your heart was removed – what would be revealed? Would anyone gamble over the perfection of what was left – or said another way – do those you interact with see your outer garment or your inner tunic? When Jesus removed his outer garment that night, what was once again revealed was a humble servant with royal blood who loved so deeply that He gave His life for that love.

As you contemplate His eternal victory this Easter morning – take time to bend your knee and “…delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” (Isaiah 61:10)

Amen

Made Perfect Through Suffering

2009-04-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Cindy Frauenheim

Suffering is never a fun topic. I’ve had my little share this week. I say little, because though it was awful, heart-wrenching sorrow, it also coincided with a week of mass shootings, an earthquake, and of course, the imminence of Good Friday. I don’t want to go into the details of my suffering, but instead what it has caused me to do. I cried out to God for comfort and help. I also cried out for answers. I ran to the Word. I think that’s the first time I literally have done that, my gut reaction being I need to drink from the living word. Several psalms filled my heart and mind.

As the days passed this week, sweet encouragement from friends has been a balm. And I was drawn to seek out scripture specifically about suffering. Of course the one about rejoicing in our suffering came up, and I grudgingly read it over and over, thinking I don’t want character that much.

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5

But hope? I do want that; I need that. Truthfully, I do want perseverance and character, but the promise of hope appeals more to me on an emotional level. Later I came across Hebrews 2:9-11:

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers."

I had never thought about Jesus being made perfect through suffering. Isn’t he just perfect because he is the Son of God? But he had this mission, this purpose in becoming a man: to suffer and die so that we could be reconciled to God and be called brothers with Christ. Perhaps it means that the perfect will of God was not accomplished until Jesus could say, “It is finished.” In any case, God saw this suffering of his son as “fitting”, not a tragic accident. And it was for bringing many sons to glory! That same glory is our hope.

I am more able to embrace the work of suffering in my life after learning that even Jesus was perfected through suffering. I also realize that some of our suffering is the result of sin; either our own, or others, or just the fallen state of creation. Other times suffering can clearly be seen as suffering for the cause of Christ. I trust that God will use both to make me more like Christ, and ultimately to bring glory to himself.

Lord, thank you for your suffering on the cross to make me part of your family forever. Thank you for pursuing me that hard. Help me to see my suffering in light of yours, and according to the promise of hope that you give me. And thank you that the hope you give will not disappoint me.

Story

2009-04-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Rebecca Irwin

I was given a writing assignment to begin a story that I could add to over the next three weeks. I struggled to come up with a character for my story until one day, my youngest son walked in and I had an “ah-ha” moment. I told him I was going to write a story about him. If a boy of five could look flattered, he did. The beginning of the story reads like this :

“His name, as he skips across the grass or whistles in the kitchen is usually Jack Henry. He is the boy with the wild hair, always a scraped or skinned knee, and chocolate brown eyes that look deeper than seeing. He is the boy who can make a new friend in an instant, charm you with his smile and a wink and say laughable things with just the right timing. He is also the boy who can grit his teeth and curl his lip and stomp off when his plans are foiled. But this boy doesn’t always match his profile. Sometimes, he takes a different name and exhibits new behaviors.”

When I had completed the first page I invited him in and read it to him. He was totally thrilled with himself for being a character in a written story. He urged me to keep writing!

For this same assignment, we were given a series of questions to ask ourselves about the story in progress. Questions like: “Do each of your characters have a desire?”, “Do your characters evolve?”, “What happens in your story?”.

This caused me to ponder; Is our life a story of random chapters with no evident over-arching theme? Are we the authors of our story? Do we have sole control on our character development? What will happen in my story?

We all live out of a story. But it is a hopeful truth that as followers of Jesus we are given an alternative story to live out of through the work of Jesus Christ.

I find, like the disciples, (especially Thomas) I have a difficult time trusting God’s story will turn out like he said, or that His promises are true. In Matthew 28:6 we see “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (italics mine) But we also read in the resurrection story about their doubt : “Still later, as the Eleven were eating supper, he appeared and took them to task most severely for their stubborn unbelief, refusing to believe those who had seen him raised up.” Matthew 16:14 (italics mine).

Step back and see that Jesus Christ has included us as characters in an amazing story that has purpose and direction. And, just as He said, He will come again to restore His Creation! My hope this Easter is that our hearts will believe His promises as we live out His story as His church and await His return.

Jesus, thank you for giving us a record of your amazing story and including us in it. Thank you for being the Author and Finisher of our faith. Thank you for the certain victory you will have over death in our lives too – your resurrection power! Please eliminate our “stubborn unbelief” and doubts and cause us to have faith in your promises and live out of your story.
Amen!

Giving It All Up For Me

2009-04-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Debbi Weeks

Many of my friends have taken up observing Lent in recent years, but I have never participated. One friend shared with me what she learned from her Lenten observance this year—it’s much harder to give up something that you already have and enjoy than to have never had it in the first place. Although she gave up a familiar indulgence, chocolate, the act of giving up something she regularly enjoyed caused her to think more about her own family situation as they are struggling with their finances in these economic times. At one time, money was not an issue in her household, but now they are suffering from financial loss of income and hardship. She said it’s more difficult to lose it than to have never had it. This led her to consider the fact that Jesus had it all before His incarnation. She came to a greater understanding of the sacrifice He made in coming to earth knowing the glories of heaven and yet willingly forsaking it all and giving Himself.

When she shared her new deeper understanding with me I was reminded of

Philippians 2:5-8 which says, “Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.” (The Message)

He gave it all for me. And He did it for me, a sin-sick woman. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Oh praise Him for His great sacrifice for me!

Father God I praise You that You are sovereign with an eternal plan.

Please forgive me when I take your great sacrifice for granted.

Thank You that You had it all, yet You gave it all – for me.

Please remind me anew during this Passion week of Your love for me and the demonstration of that love through all that You gave up to come to earth to live and die – and praise You that it didn’t end there. I praise You for Your resurrection!

In Christ’s Name, Amen.

God's Choice

2009-04-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Sue Donaldson

God has an open-door policy. I’ve known that for a long time. He wants us close, near, on His lap, at His shoulder – intimate –“I no longer call you servants…instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father, I have made known to you.” (John 15:15) Letting others in on this secret connection is my passion. Your’s as well, I hope.

But, God shut the door-- His wide open door, one time – and it was on His own Son.

The tragedy of the cross was not the nails, the sword, the humiliation, the what if’s.

It was a Father turning His back on His Son.

Mark 15: 34 – “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice… ‘My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?’”

How did He stand it? Could we have done the same? I don’t think so.

The One Who welcomed all at creation denied His Son access when He needed it most. His denial made our access possible.

Romans 5:1,2- 6-8– “…we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand…when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. . . God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Do not go lightly into His presence this week—an access provided at great cost. God closed the door on a Beloved Son. All for love, we stand in “this grace.” All for love, God’s door swung wide for us. But there was a cost.

Do go. But do not go lightly.

Father,

I don’t know how You did it – but I do know why. I accept Your love and grace. It would be a waste if I didn’t. Thank You. Amen.

The Rest Of The Story

2009-04-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Peggy Brown

Easter, the Resurrection, the joyful celebration of the most significant event to Christians, is preceeded by sadness. Sunday's happiness is the result of Friday's grief. If Christ hadn't died on that sad Friday, we could not celebrate the opening of Heaven to all who will come!

Reflecting on that Friday's sadness, my mind goes back to those moments 2 weeks ago sitting at the side of my Aunt Alma's grave. The mixture of the sadness of loss and the joy of Heaven is still fresh on my mind.

As I remember the agony of Christ's death, the reality of who He was; the man, the teacher, the healer, God with us, is a joy to my heart. But, unlike earthly partings, the real joy comes when I focus on who He is now; risen, sitting at God's right hand interceeding for me! Now that is Joy!

Will you join me this Friday, whether at a Good Friday Service or elswhere, in thinking about the sadness of that Friday? But then, turn your mind to the joy of Sunday...

Man of Sorrows! what a name for the Son of God, who came
ruined sinners to reclaim. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned he stood;
sealed my pardon with his blood. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we; spotless Lamb of God was he;
full atonement can it be? Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was he to die; "It is finished!" was his cry;
now in heaven exalted high. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When he comes, our glorious King, all his ransomed home to bring,
then anew this song we'll sing: Hallelujah! What a Savior!

("Hallelujah, What a Savior" by Phillip P. Bliss)

Thank you Jesus for your amazing sacrifice! Thank you that we know the whole story now, you didn't stay in that tomb, but arose the victor!! Amen

The Passions of Christ

2009-04-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Missy Grant

This Sunday is the beginning of a very special week in the lives of Christians worldwide. While the world focuses on Spring vacations, baskets and chocolate bunnies – those who know Christ and call Him Lord and Savior have been preparing their hearts for Passion week. What is Passion week? What does it represent? Is it all show and no heart?

The word Passion in this setting is from the latin meaning sufferings. Christ knew what his week held in store for Him, yet “After He had said these things, He was going on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.” Luke 19:28. The narrative of the gospels shares with us the Passions of Christ. Luke in his gospel, gives great detail day by day of the activities of Christ during this pivotal week. Click here to read His word.

The week starts with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem (known as Palm Sunday) for the celebration of Passover and ends with the celebration of His work on the cross and resurrection.

In an effort to focus your thoughts away from worldly desires and back on Christ, the contributor’s of the blog have been asked to post in this special week, their thoughts on the Passions of Christ and what His work on the cross means to them. We are trusting the Lord to bring forth His word, His story through them. We pray their shared words will encourage you as you enter into this Passion week.

Mighty God, Heavenly Father, we are stunned by your sacrificial work on the cross. You rode into Jerusalem to the shouts of "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord…” and one week later stood as shouts of “crucify him, crucify him” rang out. Yet you resisted the tempting of satan and spoke on our eternal behalf, “Father; forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Lord, we praise your name. Your faithfulness to all generations, your love which has no end. We thank you for your work on the cross. May we be bold and proclaim you to a dying and lost world. Amen.

Triumphal Entry

2009-04-03T04:59:00.000-07:00

by Kate Hasson

“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Mark 11:9

This was Suzannah’s Cubbies verse last week so we’ve been chanting it around the house for quite a while trying to ingrain it into our memories. It's been wonderful retelling this story in childlike terms. Showing what so intricately unfolded in the Scriptures as simple, sweet, and awesomely marvelous.

Here comes Jesus, King above all kings, riding into town on a baby donkey, having a path of palm branches and coats laid like the red carpet before Him. Here He chose to ride, knowing full well what He was going into… hatred, beatings, cruelty, and death. Yet also knowing that it was here He was meant to be, to bring salvation to all these people who cried both “Hosanna, blessed is He”, and also “Crucify Him”!

Oh what love! That the King and Creator of the universe would willingly give His life for me! “…He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

“Hosanna in the Highest!”

Garden Stories

2009-04-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Rebecca Irwin

Sunday, in a timely message titled “Fear and the Stories We Live By,” Pastor Lou Huesmann used the phrase “Garden Stories”. It was here he gave a brief contrast between the Garden of Eden and the Garden of Gethsemane.

In the Genesis 3:9-10 we read about the first time FEAR entered into the story in the Garden of Eden : “But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid’." Here, in the garden, entered a fear of death, a fear of others and a willingness to sacrifice others to make our self safe. Adam and Eve sought to preserve their own lives.

The second garden story is first found in Matthew 26. Jesus has gone to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. In verse 38, he cries out to His Father, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Again, in verse 42 Jesus prays, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." Finally, in verse 44 the Scriptures state “So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.” In this garden, Jesus renounces the idol of security and comfort. He did not choose to sacrifice others to make himself safe. He did not choose to preserve His own life. What wonderful news to my ears that Jesus Christ did not give into fear!

I could not help but think of a third garden story in the Bible. It is described in the Song of Solomon. It is a beautiful description of the pursuit of love. In chapter 4 it says, “You are a garden fountain, a well of flowing water streaming down from Lebanon. Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread abroad. Let my lover come into his garden and taste its choice fruits.” The love Jesus had for us caused him to pursue us and woo us. He created and cultivated a beautiful garden where life began. Then he created a way to save us from the death that had entered in. His new life, the new creation has broken into human history. Stop today and smell the rose of Sharon fragrant with his love for us!

Father, we respond with the same reflex of fear that Adam and Eve demonstrated in the Garden. If we honestly look at our fears, we seek to preserve ourselves. Sacrifice is not natural. It is too risky. That is what makes the Garden of Gethsemane so astounding. Your son, Jesus, renounced self-preservation. He was willing to make the sacrifice. An unblemished life! Thank you for your deep and passionate love for us. Teach us to put fear aside by finding our self and our security in you. Thank you Jesus!

Shadow Walking

2009-04-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Missy Grant

I've spent some time immersed in psalm 91 recently..."those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him....He will shield you with his wings, He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. if you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you...the Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. when they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation."

A life lesson for me recently is that I am allowed to question the Lord, but I am not allowed to question out of disbelief. Jesus was the everlasting covenant. My belief of that has put me eternally within the needed shelter of the Most High. My belief of the shelter then allows for me to walk in the Lord's shadow - the place that allows me to question (with faith), a place where the Lord reveals who He is to me, a place he protects and encourages me.

I am learning what it means to keep pace with the Lord - when I slow down and allow for my attention to wander, I soon discover I am no longer in His shadow - I am still in His shelter (for that is eternal) - but outside of the shadow is where satan prowls and he seems to like to spend time with me. When I go too fast, I get in front of the Lord. There is no shadow in front of something....you must stay behind someone to be in their shadow. (ponder that awhile…)

I've never been comfortable being a shadow walker....see, I am a lion in personality...we like to lead, not follow. The Lord is spending an enormous amount of time teaching me how to humbly follow by recognizing I am always in His shelter and nothing will ever change that, but I have to keep pace in His shadow....also known as shadow walking. Care to join me?

Gracious God, thank you for the everlasting covenant poured out through the blood of your son. Thank you for rescuing us, protecting us, answering us, honoring us, and satisfying us with your faithful promises. Thank you for walking at a pace in which I can stay in your shadow…sheltered with your wings. We praise your glorious name, amen.

The Most Important Thing

2009-03-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Sue Donaldson

One time, across a lunch table at Apple Farm, I said to a dear friend who didn’t know Christ:

“I think the most important thing about being a Christian is . . .forgiveness.”

Somehow that seemed inadequate as I was trying to share the Gospel. I had hesitated because how can you say what is most important? How often do you get the opportunity to begin -or end- that sentence with someone?

But I’ll never forget her response:

“That is no small thing, Sue.”

And she was right. Forgiveness is no small thing.

Perhaps you might fill something else in the blank: “The most important thing about being a Christian is: _______________.”

And whatever you would say would also be right -- but somehow that word said it all that day for me and my friend.

Psalm 32 is the consummate word on the blessedness of forgiveness—it describes it like no other.

I heard somewhere long ago that Psalm 32 is to be read after Psalm. 51. It’s the sequel that shouldn’t be missed – it’s the sequel that’s better than the first. In fact, if you don’t mind writing in your Bible, turn to Psalm 51 and write in the margin: “Now, read Psalm 32.” In fact, I would venture to say, never read the first without giving yourself enough time to read the second.

David wrote Psalm 51 when he was in the depths of despair—as well he should have been, we might add. His heart was broken, his spirit was crushed with the weight of his guilt, and that is right where God wanted him.

And that is right where God wants us-- every time we veer a little to the right or the left off the path of holiness He’s set for us. Once we get that straight, we can begin to experience the joy of Psalm 32.

Easter is all about forgiveness. Let’s don’t forget the most important thing. God didn’t. And He keeps on forgiving. All because of Easter.

“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” (Psalm 32:1)

Dear Father God,

Thank You for Your great sacrifice so I could be forgiven. May I forgive others the same way you have forgiven me.

I love You, Sue

PS And thanks for that great sequel!

He Is Risen!

2009-03-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Peggy Brown

Mark 16:6

“And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him.” (emphasis mine)

My thoughts about Easter are different this year than in years past. My focus is not just on the Easter story, but also on what that means to me as a believer in the Easter story.

We spent Thursday sitting at the viewing for my sweet Aunt Alma, and then Friday we laid her to rest. As we walked through the cemetery, we walked by the headstone of Lilian Wind. I chuckled at the memory. Mrs. Wind was a woman that my grandparents drove to church each week when I was a child. On the nights when I slept over, I was in the car with them and Mrs. Wind. The thing I remembered most was that she could talk and talk and talk and….well you get it. But I also remember that she loved the Lord with her whole being!

When we arrived at Alma’s grave site, we were seated right next to the headstone of Flavy and Bess DeWitt, my grandparents! I remembered how they loved me and my sister (their only, and might I add most amazing, grandchildren!) But I also remembered how they loved and walked faithfully with their Lord and Savior.

Over the last few days, I have been thinking about what a joy and comfort it is that I KNOW that because Jesus has risen, we too shall rise! Aunt Alma and Grandpa and Grandma DeWitt and yes, Mrs. Wind, are already risen to be with Him. (Now for those theologians out there, I know that their bodies won’t rise till Jesus comes again…) I was comforted by the fact that I know that they are in Heaven, happy, whole and rejoicing.

I AM so comforted to know that I will see them all again, and what a wonderful reunion it will be!

I am looking forward to celebrating Easter this year. I am planning on celebrating Christ’s resurrection with a new and fresh thankfulness for His amazing gift of life to us!

Dear Father, thank You for the sacrifice of the cross. Thank You that Jesus didn’t stay in that tomb! I praise You for the gift of Eternal Life and the promise that it holds for us, your children. We will see You face to face and all will be well. Amen

2009-03-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

Scripture Reading for the week of March 30, 2009 - Ephesians 2

“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. ² You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. ³ All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

⁴ But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, ⁵ that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) ⁶ For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. ⁷ So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

⁸ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. ¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

¹¹ Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. ¹² In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. ¹³ But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

¹⁴ For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. ¹⁵ He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. ¹⁶ Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.

¹⁷ He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. ¹⁸ Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.

¹⁹ So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. ²⁰ Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. ²¹ We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. ²² Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.” New Living Translation

My Eyes Are On You

2009-03-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Cindy Frauenheim

Sometimes I am put in a situation in which I really don’t what do to. I am there right now in one area of my life. I am out of ideas, out of resources, confused as to what God is doing (or not doing!), and just crying out for the Lord to provide and to lead. So when I heard the words of scripture recently that said, “…we do not know what to do…” I knew I needed to open up that portion of the Word and see what He had to say. The context is that several armies are descending upon Jehoshaphat to make war on Judah and drive them from their land.

“…See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." 2 Chronicles 20:11-12

Jehoshaphat was up against an obstacle that seemed insurmountable and he was out of ideas. I like how direct he was with God: We don’t know what to do! He admitted that this situation was totally beyond him, but he didn’t lose hope. He put his eyes on God.

If I search the passage a bit more I see just previous to this:

"Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah." 2 Chronicles 20:3

This was clearly a pattern for Jehoshaphat. First, he had resolved to inquire of the Lord, and then he put on eyes on him. Then the Lord spoke to Jehoshaphat through Jahaziel:

“…This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's… You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you."

2 Chronicles 20:15, 17

Wow! What an amazing thing to hear from the Lord. Jehoshaphat and the people obeyed and the Lord gave them great victory. That must have taken huge faith to stand firm and face those armies! Oh how I need that kind of faith!

Here are some things Jehoshaphat did that I want to follow:

1) Have resolve to inquire of God – persevere in prayer.

2) Cry out to God in honesty.

3) Put your eyes on God – don’t look elsewhere for help.

4) Do not be afraid or discouraged; know that the battle is God’s.

5) Stand firm in what you do know that God had told you to do.

6) Face your battle knowing that God is with you.

I know that this is not a “formula” for easy success in life’s trials. God determines when and how the victories in our life will occur. But he is working out complete and final victory for his people. It may not always appear that way to us – it may appear impossible at times. I’m sure the cross looked impossible.

God I don’t know what to do in this situation I find myself. You know that I and many others have brought it to you in prayer over and over again. I am looking to you and to you alone for help. Help me in my fear and discouragement. Help me to stand firm in what you have asked me to do, and thank you that you are with me. Give me eyes to see your victory when it happens.

What We Believe

2009-03-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Rebecca Irwin

As I attempted to sift through one of the constant piles beside my desk, I came across a responsive reading I had saved from an old church bulletin. As I read it again, the firmness of my belief felt rock-solid in the midst of our current culture’s shifting sand. This is what I wish to build my house on. My prayer is that this will encourage your heart with victorious hope today. Say it out loud – We believe!

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation
He came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory, to judge the living
and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy universal and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.

Amen

No Condemnation

2009-03-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Debbi Weeks

A dear friend spoke God’s Word from Romans 8:1 to me last week: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Those words fell anew on my heart. What freedom, what peace! I was reminded that my loving Father convicts, but does not condemn. Satan takes God’s good and turns it around to paralyze and imprison us – it is Satan that condemns.

Another friend asked the question that we should always ask when we see a therefore in a sentence: “What’s the therefore, there for?” To get enough context we must read what came before the therefore. Here’s what Romans 7:14-25 says: “So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.” (NLT) After these verses comes Chapter Eight’s therefore. Wow! It’s awesome to know what the therefore is there for!

I know this sin struggle described in these verses all too well. What a blessing to know that God through Jesus Christ has already taken care of it all for me and for you. I do not need to wallow in the guilt of my sin, that’s what Satan wants for me - to feel condemned and unworthy. Christ on the other hand offers me repentance and restoration! Yes, there is now no condemnation for me (because I am in Christ Jesus)!

Father God I praise You that You convict, but don’t condemn.

Please forgive me for the times when I lose at this sin struggle.

Thank You for giving me the peace and freedom of not being condemned. And, thank You that You provide the answer in Jesus Christ.

Please allow my heart to live convicted, but not condemned.

In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Gardens of Contentment

2009-03-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Sue Donaldson

Spring has about sprung – I can tell by the gale winds galloping through our neighborhood. Time for a little gardening. Have you got the itch for digging in the dirt, planting a seed or seedling here and there, and figuring out your watering schedule?

Gardening takes work – it’s not just about all new gloves and a sun hat. We need to take care of what we plant. And the more we nurture the seed – just the right amount of sun and water and plant food – the better the results. We know this to be a fact. We don’t always follow through on our new Spring resolutions.

While walking down our street last week, Lisa and I were talking about contentment. (Women especially have difficulty in that area. I’m sure it started with Eve – she had a whole garden of other trees, for heaven’s sake…)

Lisa said that becoming more content takes cultivation – like gardening (she does more gardening than I do, so she was thinking in those terms) – but I got it. I knew that when I plant seeds of contentment – and take care of those seeds – my contentment grows.

Here’s what I came up with. Maybe you could make your own list of “seeds” that help you cultivate what God says is a good thing. “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (I Timothy 6)

Planting Seeds of Contentment

10 Steps to Cultivate Contentment

It Starts and Ends with God!

-1-

Tell God Everything

Psalm 62:8

-2-

See Things His Way

I Timothy 6:6-19

-3-

First Things First

Matthew 6:33

-4-

Get a Team

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12

-5-

You Matter

I Corinthians 6:19,20

-6-

Trust God’s Timing

Proverbs 3:5, 6

-7-

Press On

Philippians 3:12

-8-

List your Thankful’s

I Thessalonians 5:18

-9-

Be a Giver

Psalm 37: 25, 26

-10-

Get to Know Your God

Psalm 62:5-7

Maybe try out a “seed” a week for the next 10 weeks and see how your garden grows. When we harvest contentment, everyone benefits.

Dear Master Gardener,

Please help me plant your seeds of contentment. I need Your help every step of the way. Looking forward to lots of flowers this Spring! (I bet You are, too!)

Amen.

The Nearness of God

2009-03-23T05:01:00.000-07:00

***UPDATED***

by Grandma Peggy

Well, I have had quite a week to say the least!! I can hardly believe everything that has happened. Let me bring you up to date on the life and times of the Browns.

We had our immediate life all planned out! Our grandson had passed his due date with no signs of eminent (or non-eminent) arrival and his doctor scheduled him to be induced on Friday, one week past his due date. I had a some stuff ready, my list made and plans for getting the last laundry done and the clothes packed on Thursday for departure on Friday morning.

Sunday night I had started coming down with a cold. Monday I spent on the sofa taking Airborne, using Zycam in my nose, drinking water till my pee ran clear and often, and praying that God would make me well by Friday. Why NOW God?

I’m sure you’re guessing, if you don’t already know, that Jake had different plans. Tuesday morning, our son Ryan called and said “Did you pack your stuff like I suggested?” Sandy had gone into labor! I dragged myself off of the couch, jumped (rather crawled) into the shower and got out of the house in 1 hour and 15 minutes start to finish! That’s got to be some kind of record.

On our drive down, Ryan called to let us know that they were taking Sandy in to do a c-section because Jake was so big. (He arrived on March 17, 2009, 2:52pm 10 lb. 10 oz. (yes, you read that right!) 22 inches!) Long story short, we arrived 3 hours after Jake’s arrival to discover that he was having some lung problems that required him being kept in an incubator in the nursery for observation. After a long night of waiting, we finally went home to bed. I was so disappointed that I could only see my first grandchild through a window and couldn’t get my hands on him… This is frightening Lord!

I did get to hold him the next morning, but I was still sick, so I had to wear a mask every time I held him. It was so amazing to get to hold my child’s child! I kept crying, and those of you who know me know that I don’t do that very often. I was only disappointed that I couldn’t kiss him…that darn mask was so frustrating! Why Lord? Other than the mask thing, everything else was amazing. We were able to visit the little family every day in the hospital, and stay all day with them and the other set of grandparents. You are AWESOME God!

Fast-forward a day to Thursday morning when I received a call that my dear Aunt Alma had slipped into a coma in the nursing home. Why now Lord? Coincidentally (You planned that didn’t you Lord?) my sister and niece were visiting her from Oregon and were in the car on the way to see her when I reached them by phone. They were able to visit her and sit with her for most of the day before leaving to drive home. I kept wondering about God’s timing as I was fielding phone calls from my sister, the nursing home and hospice. What should I do, go up there, stay where I am?????? . Oh Lord, what’s the right choice?

We finally decided that we would go to her on Saturday, knowing that we had already said our goodbyes and that we couldn’t be of any “help” to her should she not live until then. Is that OK Lord? She went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday afternoon, with the caring hospice people in attendance. Thank You for her release God!

The baby and his parents came home on Friday afternoon and we all rejoiced and enjoyed holding him snuggling him and just being in awe of what God had done! I highly recommend becoming a grandparent.

My emotions were running all over the place as life just kept “happening” and I was completely out of control. I had to spend most of Saturday on the phone making arrangements for Aunt Alma. I never knew how much there was to arrange. Thankfully, my cold was getting better by then. God is good.

We spent most of the week with Ryan, Sandy and her parents and were able to revel in this new little miracle. We drove home today, and I’m ready for a nap!

Through this time, I have been constantly reminded that God is near. God is sovereign…He knew about the cold, the c-section, the baby’s lung problems, the mask, the coma, the death and the arrangements! He walked through every moment with me, my family and especially Aunt Alma. God provides. He provided Alma’s pastor to minister to me over the phone as he wisely and gently advised me, visited Alma and walked me through the process. God provided my son and daughter-in-love with tender hearts to recognize that “Jake is very good medicine, why don’t you hold him?” after I found out about Alma’s coma. He provided my friend Lisa to pray with me and ask God to “cuddle Peggy as she walks through this time in the same way that she is cuddling Jake” and other friends who were on their knees with me at the touch of my cell phone.

I am here to tell you that God is near! His nearness is very real and very tender. I praise Him again for proving Himself faithful even when my faith is not nearly big enough. I am glad that He is big enough!

Ps. 145:18 “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

I thank You God for Your amazing and unfailing love and nearness. Thank You for the gift of new life on earth and the blessing of new life in Heaven. Thank You for letting me glimpse them both this week and see the joy of both! Amen

PS.... As you read my thoughts dear "bloggies" I must ask forgiveness. First, and most importantly, from my husband for neglecting to share his tender and constant involvement in the entire process of the week, and second from you for not giving you the blessing of having insight into how my Godly husband ministers to me so faithfully.

I was so blessed by Wayne's tender heart through the whole week . Before one call ever went out to family and friends for their prayer and support, it was my loving husband who was standing with me. He was my partner in celebration, he was the one to hold me, cry with me, pray with me and for me. He knew just the words to share, the memories of Alma to recall and the loving thoughts of Alma that would bless and encourage me as she left this world.

I know that I have been blessed beyond anything I could ever have imagined to have this tender man by my side for all that our life has brought to us. God has been good to me and I thank Him for Wayne and wanted to make sure that you all could give thanks with me.

2009-03-23T04:59:00.000-07:00

Scripture Reading for the week of March 23, 2009 - Ephesians 2:14-16

“For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.” New Living Translation

Take My Voice

2009-03-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Kate Hasson

A song that has been running through my mind the past couple of weeks is one that I’m sure most of us are familiar with, “Take My Life and Let It Be”. Here are the lyrics:

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.

Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee;
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

But oddly enough, this time a different part of the hymn has captured my heart and mind. Verse 2, second half: “Take my voice and let me sing, always, only for my King”. Now I had always pictured this in my minds eye as me saying that I want to always be singing songs of His praise and His glory. But this time a new picture came to my mind. I want my voice to constantly sound like a beautiful song to my King; with my regular voice; with everyday talking with my children and husband.

You see I like to express myself when I speak - doesn’t everyone? I use different tones when I feel different feelings. I don’t sound monotone when I’m excited, I express it with my face, my gestures and especially my voice. The opposite is true as well, though. When I’m upset or disappointed or concerned I don’t mask that feeling with cheer and peace. I again, express it! My face shows it, my gestures show it, and again, most of all, my voice shows it. Honestly, I don’t believe I yell often. I do at times, and its then I clearly know I’ve let my anger get a hold of me and I’m in sin. But more often than not, I will express my disbelief and disappointment with vocal passion, and even though it’s not loud and mean, it’s demeaning and mean.

Somehow the Lord has brought this to my attention through this song and I have come to realize over the past few weeks how unkind my voice can sound to my girls, and most ashamedly to my husband. Even when I’m aggravated I truly want my heart to change and remember that my voice is to always and only be used as a beautiful song to the ears of my King.

To Him be the glory and honor, in my life and voice, forever and ever. Amen.

Change

2009-03-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Rebecca Irwin

We are a people anticipating change. A change of seasons, a change in the weather, a change of days. A change of the channel, a change in the bad news, a change in the bull market. A change of fashion trends, a change in the hot colors, a change in the sofa we sit on. A change in our child's whining, a change in our mate's attentions, a change in our short tempers.

As we go about our days we either hope for and anticipate the change, or we doubt the change will ever come. Sometimes, we dread the change. We can pray for a change and stand amazed at how quickly the answer seemed to come. Other times, we can pray for a change in our loved one's hearts and lives and begin to think we will never live to see it.

The truth remains that change, in whatever form it comes, is inevitable. With time, comes change. We do not save the innocence of our childhood. We do not keep our first teeth and remain a youth like Peter Pan. We feel the effects of change at a more rapid pace than Methuselah who lived to be 969 (Genesis 5:27). We cannot change the storm like Jesus when he spoke to the sea. We do not have the power to reverse time and undo something that changed our life, or someone else's. We cannot hold onto our child and keep them at yesterday. And as we strive to change the things we dislike in ourselves, we are set back sometimes and realize that change can come slowly, it is a process.

BUT. But there is one who does not need to, or hope in, or strive for change. It is written : "What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." (James 4:14). "The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:17). "They will perish, but You will endure; yes, all of them will grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will have no end." (Psalm 102:26-27). "Jesus Christ is THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, and FOREVER." (Hebrews 13:8).

What a comfort to know that we can count on Jesus Christ in totality because He is ALWAYS Himself. He does not act differently with a change in circumstances. He does not respond once we have changed. He does not wish to take something back because He changed His mind. He will never feel less loving toward us.

As I reflect on this Lenten season and our anticipation of Easter, I am so very grateful that through His sacrifice He changed my death sentence to eternal life. Yes, but even more, I am struck by the hope that unlike any other being or thing we have known, Christ remains the same. As an uncreated being he does not change.

Thank you Triune God for your nature that is unchanging. We could not, we need not hope for a better God. You are all in all. You are the I AM. It is because of your sameness that you can bring about much needed change in us and through us. May we be your instruments of hopeful change in a world anticipating good news.

Amen!

Don't Worry, Trust Christ

2009-03-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Debbi Weeks

Shortly after learning the news that I was pregnant with my son I was horrified to find out that in the first few days of his development I had been working in our enclosed garage stripping paint with toxic chemicals, clearly labeled NOT to be used while pregnant. I remember taking the can into my OB/GYN’s office in a panic. His wise advice still resounds in my mind as if he told me it this morning. He said, “There’s nothing that can be done about that now. The worst thing you can do for your baby growing inside of you is to worry.”

God gives the same wise advice in Matthew 6:27: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” And, I would include, which of us can add a moment to our children’s lives by worrying about them? In fact, worrying can actually detract from life – our children’s and ours, as they watch and learn from us. Stress and worry suck the life right out people.

So how do we keep from worrying? We trust. We trust in a sovereign God whose plan cannot be thwarted (check out Job 42:2). He says in Philippians 4:6 and 7: “Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (The Message)

I love that – let Christ displace worry at the center of your life!

Father God I praise You for being sovereign and in control. I praise You for being worthy of our trust.

Please forgive me for worrying when I should be trusting and experiencing Your peace.

Thank You for showing me that worry takes away and trusting You gives peace.

Please displace my worry with Christ.

In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Finding Contentment

2009-03-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Sue Donaldson

God says that contentment is worthwhile. (“Godliness with contentment is great gain.”) I Timothy 6:6

Where do we find it?

He knows it doesn’t come from possessions (“I’d like to have one of THOSE, Lord, and then I’ll be happy, really – just one, Lord, that’s all I need…okay, maybe two…”)

He knows it doesn’t come from people (“Father, if You would just wave Your wand over my husband and make him the Man of Your Dreams – all for Your glory, of course-- then I would be perfectly content – and, at long last, we would be perfectly matched…”)

And, He knows it doesn’t come from circumstances (Dear Father, please take this cup from Me … then I will praise You the rest of my life – or, at least until the next trial…”)

I love this quote:

“Since only God can supply all our needs, true contentment is found only in Him.”

That sounds basic -- because it is – but still profound, don’t you think?

So, maybe we don’t seek contentment (even though it is great gain) – rather, we seek God.

I think it’s a matter of sequence. Matthew 6:33 says,

“Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.”

When you are feeling discontented with someone or something or some situation – check your sequence. That means – what’s first?

Is it God’s kingdom? Or, Sue’s kingdom?

Do I want Him first? Or, second (or, tenth?)

Jesus said we don’t need to worry about the details because He will. We’ve got the best interior decorator, cook, entertainer, personal trainer, shopper – all in One – and all we do is seek Him and His kingdom first – and He will show us what do to next. (Remind me to tell you what happened at Banana Republic yesterday!!)

We’re given many steps to cultivating contentment. Perhaps the first is to put first things first.

Dear Father of all Details,

Thanks that You are so clear. May You be first in any endeavor and desire of mine. Amen.

Looking Forward to Easter, pt. II

2009-03-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Peggy Brown

This is the second half of an Easter project that I wanted to share with you. It is a wonderful, hands on tool for helping our children (and us too) begin to focus ahead of time on what Christ did for us!

You can find Part I on my blog entry from March 9. My prayer is that this simple tool will be a blessing to you, and that even if you don’t make the project, just reading through these precious scriptures will bless your heart!

#7- Object: Piece of sponge

Verse: Matthew 27:48 – Quickly one of them ran and got a sponge and filled it with vinegar and tied it to a stick and gave it to Jesus to drink.

#8- Object: Small spear (we used a plastic olive/hors douvres toothpick, but a Lego spear would work!)

Verse: John 19:34- But one of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus’ side, and at once blood and water came out.

#9- Object: One die (that’s the singular of dice!)

Verse: Matthew 27:35 - After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

#10- Object: Piece of white fabric

Verse: Matthew 27:59 - And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth.

#11- Object: Round stone

Verse: Matthew 27:60- He put Jesus’ body in a new tomb that he had cut out of a wall of rock, and he rolled a very large stone to block the entrance of the tomb.

#12- Object- NONE!

Verse- Mark 16:6- But the man said, “Don’t be afraid. You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, who has been crucified. He has risen from the dead; He is not here. Look, here is the place they laid Him…”

God of the universe it amazes me that You desire also to be Lord of my heart! Thank You for drawing us to Yourself with tender love. Let my heart be overwhelmed by the cost of Your sacrifice for me. Amen