“Teach us to number our days, that we main gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12
We all have moments in our lives when we take a break and look back over our lives to see how far we have come on this journey called life. A time to reflect on the lessons we have learned and the wisdom we have gained. I reckon turning 50 is one of those times. So I thought I would share just a few of the lessons I have learned.
A few gray hairs aren’t so bad. In fact the Scriptures tell us “Gray hair is a crown of splendor, it is attained in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31).
Mountain top experiences are important; we need those joyous and exhilarating moments to encourage us through the more difficult times in life.
Real growth and wisdom are to be gained in the wilderness experiences of life, embrace the hard times.
We all have an eternal destiny, and it is our choice whether we spend it the presence of God or separated from Him. “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26).
In those times when you feel like you are alone, remember that you are not. Hold on to the promise that God will never leave you or forsake you.
Having friends who will walk with you no matter what you are facing is a great blessing.
It is ok to be real with God, He knows us better than anyone anyway so He can handle the rawness of our human emotion.
That calm you sometimes feel in the midst of life’s storms - that is God’s presence with you. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Thankfulness is the best attitude adjuster.
A Prayer
Father, there is so much to be learned as we travel life’s journey. Thank you that we do not travel alone, you are there and the others you place in our lives are there too. Thank you for your peace and your presence. Thank you for desiring an authentic relationship with us, so it is ok for us to be real with you. Thank you most of all for loving us so much. In the name of Jesus, who laid down His life for us, we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
He Will...Cause That's Just How HE Is
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. For every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:5, 17
A friend and I had been communicating via text. Knowing that I was having a bit of senioritis as I neared the completion of my Master’s degree she let me know that she was “praying that God would continue to give me what I needed to finish.” To which I replied “He will…cause that’s just how He is.” The list of things we can ask for is long and each is intended to strengthen the relationship we have with Him and to help us care for one another.
So what’s available to us beside wisdom? Here’s a short list: strength, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, comfort, peace, provision, kindness, righteousness, discernment and so many more. What have you prayed for recently? Maybe you have prayed for strength to accomplish some difficult task or to walk through one of life’s many trials. Maybe you have prayed for comfort and peace during a time of pain and loss. The Father is pleased to give us these gifts and delights in us when we trust Him to provide.
Every good gift that we receive from the Lord can be shared with those around us when they have need. We can be the strength for a friend who needs some extra to face their life circumstances. If we have been comforted then we can comfort one another. What have you received recently?
It is so awesome that we can go to the Father for all that we need. He will be faithful to give to us according to his will every good gift because that’s just how He is and for this, out of hearts filled with gratitude we should praise Him giving Him an offering of thanksgiving from our hearts to His.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for the many gifts you give us. Every day we receive what we need. Some days the gifts come through a friend or maybe a stranger and some days we know they come straight from you. May we share the gifts you have given and may we always, with hearts filled with gratitude for who you are, give you thanks. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
James 1:5, 17
A friend and I had been communicating via text. Knowing that I was having a bit of senioritis as I neared the completion of my Master’s degree she let me know that she was “praying that God would continue to give me what I needed to finish.” To which I replied “He will…cause that’s just how He is.” The list of things we can ask for is long and each is intended to strengthen the relationship we have with Him and to help us care for one another.
So what’s available to us beside wisdom? Here’s a short list: strength, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, comfort, peace, provision, kindness, righteousness, discernment and so many more. What have you prayed for recently? Maybe you have prayed for strength to accomplish some difficult task or to walk through one of life’s many trials. Maybe you have prayed for comfort and peace during a time of pain and loss. The Father is pleased to give us these gifts and delights in us when we trust Him to provide.
Every good gift that we receive from the Lord can be shared with those around us when they have need. We can be the strength for a friend who needs some extra to face their life circumstances. If we have been comforted then we can comfort one another. What have you received recently?
It is so awesome that we can go to the Father for all that we need. He will be faithful to give to us according to his will every good gift because that’s just how He is and for this, out of hearts filled with gratitude we should praise Him giving Him an offering of thanksgiving from our hearts to His.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for the many gifts you give us. Every day we receive what we need. Some days the gifts come through a friend or maybe a stranger and some days we know they come straight from you. May we share the gifts you have given and may we always, with hearts filled with gratitude for who you are, give you thanks. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
I'm Not Freaking Out...Are You Freaking Out?
“One day Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side of the lake.’ So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!’ He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.”
Luke 8:22-24
One evening as my 50th birthday approached my husband asked “You’re not going to freak out over turning 50 are you?” My response to his questions was “Aside from wanting to take an extended vacation to Australia I wasn’t expecting to freak out about it.” Personally, I’m not really the type to freak out over the stuff of life. The same cannot be said for the guys on the boat with Jesus though.
The guys on the boat had been with Jesus for a while now; they had seen Him do some amazing things. They had even participated in some amazing things and they supposedly knew who He was. Despite all they had already witnessed and the fact that Jesus was sleeping soundly in the boat, they still freaked out over the waves caused by the storm.
I guess I could maybe understand Matthew freaking out - he was a tax collector after all and probably not used to being on the water, but what about the guys who fished for a living? They made a living on the water, one of them probably owned the boat they were on so, why were they in a panic?
Jesus calmed the storm with a word of rebuke and asked his friends about the state of their faith? It doesn’t look like He lectured them about trusting in Him or finding peace in their faith. That’s the great thing about Jesus He appreciates the honest cries of hearts. We can freak out if we must and we can just say His name. When we do He’ll either calm the storm or He’ll calm us and that calm will be so incredible that we will have a hard time understanding how just a minute ago we felt like we were about drown in life’s storm.
I’m not freaking out, but if you are - there is a supernatural calm on its way and that calm, that peace is something to be thankful for.
A Prayer
Father, you know that we humans can be prone to freaking out over life, even though we know you and have seen the amazing things You’ve done in the past. Thank you for hearing the cry of hearts when we freak out and for giving us peace and calm. In the name of Jesus, who can calm the storm with a word, we pray. Amen.
Luke 8:22-24
One evening as my 50th birthday approached my husband asked “You’re not going to freak out over turning 50 are you?” My response to his questions was “Aside from wanting to take an extended vacation to Australia I wasn’t expecting to freak out about it.” Personally, I’m not really the type to freak out over the stuff of life. The same cannot be said for the guys on the boat with Jesus though.
The guys on the boat had been with Jesus for a while now; they had seen Him do some amazing things. They had even participated in some amazing things and they supposedly knew who He was. Despite all they had already witnessed and the fact that Jesus was sleeping soundly in the boat, they still freaked out over the waves caused by the storm.
I guess I could maybe understand Matthew freaking out - he was a tax collector after all and probably not used to being on the water, but what about the guys who fished for a living? They made a living on the water, one of them probably owned the boat they were on so, why were they in a panic?
Jesus calmed the storm with a word of rebuke and asked his friends about the state of their faith? It doesn’t look like He lectured them about trusting in Him or finding peace in their faith. That’s the great thing about Jesus He appreciates the honest cries of hearts. We can freak out if we must and we can just say His name. When we do He’ll either calm the storm or He’ll calm us and that calm will be so incredible that we will have a hard time understanding how just a minute ago we felt like we were about drown in life’s storm.
I’m not freaking out, but if you are - there is a supernatural calm on its way and that calm, that peace is something to be thankful for.
A Prayer
Father, you know that we humans can be prone to freaking out over life, even though we know you and have seen the amazing things You’ve done in the past. Thank you for hearing the cry of hearts when we freak out and for giving us peace and calm. In the name of Jesus, who can calm the storm with a word, we pray. Amen.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Giving Thanks Every Day
“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.”
1 Thessalonians 1:2
I always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in my prayers, that revision of this week’s passage better reflects my sentiments as I reflect on the days gone by and the remaining days in this year. I have been blessed with the privilege of sending words of encouragement around the world for more years than I can remember now and in return I have been greatly encouraged myself.
Many regions of the world have some form of thanksgiving celebration, usually tied to the end of harvest time, which seems an appropriate time for that kind of celebration. But giving thanks should not be saved for that time when a nation or community sets time a side just for giving thanks, we have so much to be thankful for, we need to give thanks every day.
We live on an amazing planet that allows us to experience the majesty of creation everyday - from tropical paradises, to the power of the seas, to the majesty of the mountain and the incredible beasts that can be found around the world. Just living as part of this beautiful creation gives us plenty to be thankful for.
But there is more, we are also surrounded by friends and family who love us, pray for us, cry with us, laugh with us and encourage us when we feel like we just cannot take another step. It can be so easy to take the people in our lives for granted and so we must choose to thank them and to give thanks for them.
William Shakespeare once said, “Oh, Lord, who lends me life. Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.” Every breath we take is a gift from the One who created us, may we also ask for hearts replete with thankfulness every day.
I will be giving thanks for each of you and for the many who will read this that I do not know, and I will be praying that the Lord I serve will supply your every need.
Make everyday a thanksgiving day.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for the incredible planet you made for us to live on. Thank you for the friends and family that surround us and walk with us through this life wherever the journey takes us. Thank you for life itself and give us hearts filled to overflowing with thankfulness every day. Thank you for supplying every need that we have and for the many blessings you bestow on us each day. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
1 Thessalonians 1:2
I always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in my prayers, that revision of this week’s passage better reflects my sentiments as I reflect on the days gone by and the remaining days in this year. I have been blessed with the privilege of sending words of encouragement around the world for more years than I can remember now and in return I have been greatly encouraged myself.
Many regions of the world have some form of thanksgiving celebration, usually tied to the end of harvest time, which seems an appropriate time for that kind of celebration. But giving thanks should not be saved for that time when a nation or community sets time a side just for giving thanks, we have so much to be thankful for, we need to give thanks every day.
We live on an amazing planet that allows us to experience the majesty of creation everyday - from tropical paradises, to the power of the seas, to the majesty of the mountain and the incredible beasts that can be found around the world. Just living as part of this beautiful creation gives us plenty to be thankful for.
But there is more, we are also surrounded by friends and family who love us, pray for us, cry with us, laugh with us and encourage us when we feel like we just cannot take another step. It can be so easy to take the people in our lives for granted and so we must choose to thank them and to give thanks for them.
William Shakespeare once said, “Oh, Lord, who lends me life. Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.” Every breath we take is a gift from the One who created us, may we also ask for hearts replete with thankfulness every day.
I will be giving thanks for each of you and for the many who will read this that I do not know, and I will be praying that the Lord I serve will supply your every need.
Make everyday a thanksgiving day.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for the incredible planet you made for us to live on. Thank you for the friends and family that surround us and walk with us through this life wherever the journey takes us. Thank you for life itself and give us hearts filled to overflowing with thankfulness every day. Thank you for supplying every need that we have and for the many blessings you bestow on us each day. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Just... Let HIM Hold You
“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
I know there are a number of people in my life who are mourning for different things, the loss of loved ones, failed relationships, wayward children, financial struggles and so much more. We live in a world of uncertainty, pain, doubt and hopelessness so we cannot avoid the hurt in our world and our lives.
Yet, Jesus speaking to the crowds that had followed Him promised that they would be comforted in the midst of the uncertainty, pain, hopelessness and fear. It is a promise that we can hold onto no matter what we are facing. He is waiting with His arms open - whatever the reason for the pain, for the doubt, for the fear, for the mourning He is ready to hold you and bring you the comfort you need.
What are you facing this week? No matter the cause of the pain, no matter the reason for your mourning. Fall into His loving embrace - HE is waiting.
Just… let HIM hold you.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for the promise of comfort in our times our distress. Thank you that your Son understands everything we feel because He has experienced this world. Thank you for holding us in your arms. Help us to share your comfort with those around us who are hurting. In the name of Jesus, who stands with his arms open waiting to hold us we pray - Amen.
Matthew 5:4
I know there are a number of people in my life who are mourning for different things, the loss of loved ones, failed relationships, wayward children, financial struggles and so much more. We live in a world of uncertainty, pain, doubt and hopelessness so we cannot avoid the hurt in our world and our lives.
Yet, Jesus speaking to the crowds that had followed Him promised that they would be comforted in the midst of the uncertainty, pain, hopelessness and fear. It is a promise that we can hold onto no matter what we are facing. He is waiting with His arms open - whatever the reason for the pain, for the doubt, for the fear, for the mourning He is ready to hold you and bring you the comfort you need.
What are you facing this week? No matter the cause of the pain, no matter the reason for your mourning. Fall into His loving embrace - HE is waiting.
Just… let HIM hold you.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for the promise of comfort in our times our distress. Thank you that your Son understands everything we feel because He has experienced this world. Thank you for holding us in your arms. Help us to share your comfort with those around us who are hurting. In the name of Jesus, who stands with his arms open waiting to hold us we pray - Amen.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Someone to Talk To
“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’”
John 4:7
In my opinion a morning spent at the local café talking and sharing life with my girl friends is a well spent morning. The same can be said of a quiet Saturday talk with my husband or a phone call with one of my daughters. What a blessing to have people in our lives that we can talk to.
For many who follow Jesus, the story of the woman at the well is familiar story of life transforming truth at work. As I read her story again the woman’s life situation stood out. See she had come to fetch some water at a time when she knew no one else would be there. It is probably safe to say that she wasn’t invited to chat with the “respectable” women in town. She comes to the well expecting to be alone and is surprised to find a Hebrew man sitting there and he talked to her. The Scriptures provide us with the important bits of the exchange, but I suspect there was much more to the conversation. How long had it been since this woman had, had someone to talk to? Did she and Jesus talk for an hour or more? Jesus always takes the time to talk, especially to those no one else wants to talk to.
Earlier in John’s Gospel another conversation is shared. This time Nicodemus, a religious leader finds Jesus late at night (John 3). Nicodemus has questions; he needs someone to talk to because the other leaders would not understand. Jesus made time to talk and to listen to a lot of people - tax collectors, widows, his friends and his enemies. Jesus spoke life giving words into each person, but I can’t help but think that the time he was willing to spend was just as powerful.
We will all face times when we feel like we need someone to talk to and some of those times we may not have access to the people we need or want to talk to. In those times there is always someone willing to stop everything and spend whatever time we need - his name is Jesus.
We all need someone to talk to.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for listening, thank you that you Son listens, thank you that your Spirit listens. Thank you we can always have someone to talk to in Jesus. Help us to know when we need to be that person someone can talk to. May our time and our words bring life giving change and hope. In the name of Jesus, who is always someone we can talk to - Amen.
John 4:7
In my opinion a morning spent at the local café talking and sharing life with my girl friends is a well spent morning. The same can be said of a quiet Saturday talk with my husband or a phone call with one of my daughters. What a blessing to have people in our lives that we can talk to.
For many who follow Jesus, the story of the woman at the well is familiar story of life transforming truth at work. As I read her story again the woman’s life situation stood out. See she had come to fetch some water at a time when she knew no one else would be there. It is probably safe to say that she wasn’t invited to chat with the “respectable” women in town. She comes to the well expecting to be alone and is surprised to find a Hebrew man sitting there and he talked to her. The Scriptures provide us with the important bits of the exchange, but I suspect there was much more to the conversation. How long had it been since this woman had, had someone to talk to? Did she and Jesus talk for an hour or more? Jesus always takes the time to talk, especially to those no one else wants to talk to.
Earlier in John’s Gospel another conversation is shared. This time Nicodemus, a religious leader finds Jesus late at night (John 3). Nicodemus has questions; he needs someone to talk to because the other leaders would not understand. Jesus made time to talk and to listen to a lot of people - tax collectors, widows, his friends and his enemies. Jesus spoke life giving words into each person, but I can’t help but think that the time he was willing to spend was just as powerful.
We will all face times when we feel like we need someone to talk to and some of those times we may not have access to the people we need or want to talk to. In those times there is always someone willing to stop everything and spend whatever time we need - his name is Jesus.
We all need someone to talk to.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for listening, thank you that you Son listens, thank you that your Spirit listens. Thank you we can always have someone to talk to in Jesus. Help us to know when we need to be that person someone can talk to. May our time and our words bring life giving change and hope. In the name of Jesus, who is always someone we can talk to - Amen.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Help Me Find It
“You make know to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11
In eight and a half weeks I will complete a journey I started on more than six years ago. When I started the journey I had no real idea where it would take me. For a short time I thought I had a clear picture of the destination. Now as I near the end, I am completely clueless and I am not going to be able to figure it out myself. What about you - how is your journey going?
This feeling of cluelessness if probably why I spent twenty minutes crying as I sang along with a song by a group called the Sidewalk Prophets. The song is called “Help Me Find It” The opening lines say: “I don’t know where to go from here. It all used to seem so clear. I’m finding I can’t do this on my own.” I can relate to the sentiment of these words. Have you felt that way? Are you feeling that way now? The song is a prayer, a heart cry for God’s will to be done whether it means being still or knowing which road to take when the road comes to a fork.
It is also a song that acknowledges God’s faithfulness and grace in the midst of our fear and doubt. The Psalm that this week’s passage comes from is also a song that acknowledges God’s incredible care and faithfulness.
The winds of change are blowing for a lot of people, if you are feeling clueless like me join me at the throne of God - bring your doubts and fears with you. By the time we are done we will be praising God and walking away with the faith and grace we need, to find the way He is leading us in. He is leading us on a path to an amazing life.
I know I need Him to help me find the next step - what about you?
A Prayer
Father, sometimes life takes more twists and turns than a good mystery novel but you know that path you want each of us to take. It is a path of faith and grace, a path that sometimes we can’t or won’t see. For those times when we feel clueless and lost, thank you for your direction and care. We can always count on you to lead us to life, thank you. In the name of Jesus, we pray - Amen.
Psalm 16:11
In eight and a half weeks I will complete a journey I started on more than six years ago. When I started the journey I had no real idea where it would take me. For a short time I thought I had a clear picture of the destination. Now as I near the end, I am completely clueless and I am not going to be able to figure it out myself. What about you - how is your journey going?
This feeling of cluelessness if probably why I spent twenty minutes crying as I sang along with a song by a group called the Sidewalk Prophets. The song is called “Help Me Find It” The opening lines say: “I don’t know where to go from here. It all used to seem so clear. I’m finding I can’t do this on my own.” I can relate to the sentiment of these words. Have you felt that way? Are you feeling that way now? The song is a prayer, a heart cry for God’s will to be done whether it means being still or knowing which road to take when the road comes to a fork.
It is also a song that acknowledges God’s faithfulness and grace in the midst of our fear and doubt. The Psalm that this week’s passage comes from is also a song that acknowledges God’s incredible care and faithfulness.
The winds of change are blowing for a lot of people, if you are feeling clueless like me join me at the throne of God - bring your doubts and fears with you. By the time we are done we will be praising God and walking away with the faith and grace we need, to find the way He is leading us in. He is leading us on a path to an amazing life.
I know I need Him to help me find the next step - what about you?
A Prayer
Father, sometimes life takes more twists and turns than a good mystery novel but you know that path you want each of us to take. It is a path of faith and grace, a path that sometimes we can’t or won’t see. For those times when we feel clueless and lost, thank you for your direction and care. We can always count on you to lead us to life, thank you. In the name of Jesus, we pray - Amen.
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