Category: God

  • Times of Trouble

    “Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth, or walking on a lame foot”—Proverbs 25:19/NLT.

    Don’t you just love God’s sense of humor? That’s the daily devotional verse that greeted me this morning. I’ve been dealing with some on-going, painful dental issues and then I read this verse. Talk about timeliness with my mouth/tooth issues! I’m newly reminded that God is relevant. He is alive & well.

    God is also reliable. There are many unreliable people out there—sad to say—more than reliable people. I know One who stands out above and beyond all the others: God.  He knows all of my pain, suffering, and questions. He knows the beginning from the end.

    In Pastor Jim’s sermon, he asks if I’m viewing my circumstances through the eyes of faith, or through my own eyes. I must stop seeing this whole ordeal through my finite eyes of logic. God is all powerful. He will rescue and redeem. I grow weary and tired of waiting for the end result, but God will accomplish His will in His perfect timing.

    Dear God,

    Forgive my impatience. Help me to not fight this down-time, but instead choose to embrace it as a gift from You, my loving Creator. I long to be patient and wait for your rescue. I give you my fears, doubts, and pain. All of it. However/whenever You choose to heal me, I release to Your Almighty care and love.

    • Is there a circumstance(s) in your life right now that you’re looking at with eyes of logic? Name that circumstance.
    •  What can you do to change that around and view the circumstance through eyes of faith?

     

     

  • How’s the Weather?

    My friend posted a comment on Facebook, “What a beautiful day! Praise God from whom all blessings flow … God’s beauty is apparent in all weather conditions.” While some may complain about the cold and ice, she chooses to be positive and uplifting. Finding beauty can sometimes be a chore.      IMG_20150103_092214311_HDR

    You see, she’s home in the frigid, icy, white conditions up North in Michigan while my husband and I took a vacation down south. She could choose to be negative, but she doesn’t operate that way. For me, temperatures were warm enough to wear shorts and sandals. She and others didn’t note comments of jealously, but rejoiced with me.

    We can find beauty anywhere with an open heart. I’ve come to realize that beauty, as well as joy, doesn’t have to be contingent on circumstances or our environment. Joy is a choice. We choose to find beauty which leads to joy within.

    •  Look around you. Name a few things you see that make you think of “beauty.”
    • What type of emotions or feelings come forth as you view your surroundings?

    Dear God, thank you for Your handiwork in creating such beauty. We have so much to be thankful for! I want to be present in every moment and acknowledge the part You play in my daily life. Amen.

  • St. Teresa’s Bookmark

    Let nothing trouble you,
    let nothing frighten you.

    Mother Teresa
    Mother Teresa

    All things are passing;
    God never changes.
    Patience obtains all things.
    Whoever possesses God lacks nothing:
    God alone suffices.

  • Call to Me

    A dear Bible study leader and friend (Helen S.) calls Jeremiah 33:3 her “911” verse. In troubled times, she relies on this verse to reach out to God. In reaching out by calling His name, she also receives comfort and relief from fear.

    Fayette State Park, Upper Pennisula Michigan
    Fayette State Park, Upper Pennisula Michigan

    I like the concept too. This is a never-ending promise with no expiration date. One that’s good to remember in times of turmoil or distress. Not only does God promise to answer me, but I’ll receive a bonus: information leading to great and unsearchable things I don’t even know. How cool is that?

    “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know”—Jeremiah 33:3.

    But I must take that first step of faith acknowledging the need for help. I cannot function alone and hang on to a prideful attitude. My heart must be open to the leading of a wise, Heavenly Father. To think that the God of the entire universe desires my fellowship—well, my finite mind can’t capture this fully. I don’t need to. I only need to trust and believe it is so.

    • Is there an area of your life you haven’t called out to God about?
    • Maybe there’s a piece you’re clinging to thinking you can handle all by yourself … do you think it’s time to let it go and let God take control?

    Dear God, I’m weary of trying to manage my life and my loved one’s lives too. The job is exhausting and usually doesn’t work out when I try to take control. I give You back this day, my tired body, and flighty mind. Take control of me. I relinquish the reins and ask that You be in charge. I’m excited to see what amazing results You’ll accomplish through me. Thank you. Amen.

  • We’re Alive!

    Ever experience a day or maybe even week that you really hadn’t planned on? You might be in a phase of life right now you never expected to be in thinking … This or that only happens to other people, but not me. Right? Wrong.

    I’m in the middle of that phase right now. I’m on a “new” boat in a marina I’ve never visited before, and cruising in uncharted waters. We’re among total strangers. Yet, in the midst of all this newness, God shows up in many ways.

    Let me take you back about 16 days. My husband and I recently purchased a new boat … new to us anyway. Actually, the boat’s about 34 years old. But she’s ours, and we’ll eventually become more used to her and the way she operates. Yesterday, while attempting to locate an anchoring spot for the evening, we ran aground. Big time stuck. Placing our first call ever to the Coast Guard put us in touch with a towing service. The tow service arrived in record time. They were efficient in what they did and put us at ease. The guys even asked how we were doing and how we were handling the disaster.

    Our response was that we are so thankful that no one was injured, no fire transpired from the engine room smoke, and the boat didn’t sink. The tow boat dislodged us from our stuck position and towed us safely to a marina complete with haul-out and mechanics. Is this an inconvenience? Yes. Will it be costly? I am sure it will be. Was God there in the middle of this? Yes, He was. He never slumbers or sleeps. Was this our plan for the week? Of course, not, but apparently God had another itinerary in mind.

    The situation could have been far worse. For some reason God wanted us to be there in a strange marina. He didn’t want us venturing forward toward home. Will I ever know why? Maybe. Maybe not. At this point, my responsibility is to trust Him fully. He has our best interests in mind even though it might not be comfortable. A young couple took us with them to a grocery and boat store for supplies. Many others from the marina asked if they could give us a ride to wherever we wanted to go. Kindness of strangers seems to abound. We are blessed.

    • Are you in a tough spot right now? Someplace you didn’t intend or choose to be?
    • Can you look past your circumstance and see the positives?

    “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,” Isaiah 56:8–9.

    Dear God, thank You for working behind the scenes in my life. Even though I hadn’t planned on certain situations coming into my life, You knew ahead of time exactly what we’d experience. I can look back and say what a mighty God you are! Amen. 

    *****

  • S.O.S. call

    Recently my husband Steve and I were forced to call the Coast Guard for a rescue. We’ve been boating for over 30 years and always relied on our own wits and resources to get us out of a jam. Not this time! We landed on the wrong side of a sandbar and needed help to pull us off and then tow us to a safe location.   SOS - Boat US rescue 6-15-2014

    As I age (or mature sounds better to me), I’m realizing it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s more than okay. Sometimes it’s the wisest decision to make. As humans created by the Almighty, we weren’t made to live independently of each other. We need each other for support, guidance, and even physical help from time to time. I’ve noticed when I’m on the giving end of help that I, too, am blessed. The blessings go both ways—to the giver and to the receiver.

    • How about you? Are you struggling with a tough decision?

    • Could you use a listening ear to navigate through a rocky time in your life?

    Dear God, thank you for being available in times of fear and stress. Thank you also for providing others to help during times of need. Sometimes I don’t even know I’m needy, yet You send along someone to encourage, bless, or guide me along this life path.

    “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them even sing for joy. Spread your protection over them that those who love your name may rejoice in you”—Psalm 5:11.

  • Keep in touch

    God, I hear Your still small voice calling out, “Where are you? Where have you been? Don’t you realize you need me?” Oh, I need You, yes I need You—every hour I need You!

    Liberty holding baby Elijah's hand
    Liberty holding baby Elijah’s hand

    Of course, I know I need God, but I don’t always act like I know I need God. It’s sometimes easier to go about my merry way and ignore the fact that I’m really not in charge. In fact, life doesn’t usually go as well when I operate as though I’m the one in control.

    “Spending time alone with Me is essential for your well-being. It is not a luxury or an option; it is a necessity. Therefore, do not feel guilty about taking time to be with me,” Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young.

    You, too, have decisions/choices to make. Big ones and little ones. But before any decisions should be made, I must spend time with God, in His presence, in His word. When I take the time to do this, I find guidance and blessed peace. Peace that this world can never offer me. Do you find this to be true?

    • Do you find it difficult to set aside time to meditate in God’s presence?

    • What truths did you encounter when you spent time with God and in His Word?

    “Come near to God and he will come near to you…”—James 4:7-8.

  • Help is only a prayer away

    Sometimes it’s about admitting our inability to shoulder the burden alone. There will be times of troubles, trials, and temptations. We’ll be disappointed and distressed as we walk this journey called life. Maybe you’re plagued with an ongoing health issue, or a child you love dearly tests every fiber of being in your body. For some, Satan is trying any way possible to place a wedge between you and your spouse.           image002 (Copy)

    The question is not if fears and trials come, but when. When these afflictions plague us, know that there is a place to run to for help, a strong tower to shoulder our weak frame.

    God’s comforting words appear many times in the Bible, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” When God says something, He means it. He is there right alongside us as we go through deep waters. I may not see Him physically, but faith tells me that He’s there regardless of my limited sight.

    • Whom do you seek in times of trouble?
    • When have you felt the mighty hand of God?
    • Can you name your fear(s) and willingly offer them up releasing them to a compassionate God?

    We’re offered solace and refuge in Isaiah 41:10/NLT, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

     *****

  • Steady as she goes

    Bad news comes in all shapes and forms. It could be: a car breakdown, loss of job or hours at work, strained relationship, death of a loved one, inability to become pregnant, health issues, or a rebellious/wayward child. Regardless of the bad news content, we do not welcome it’s intrusion into our busy, pre-planned lives.    image001 (Copy)

    Life was going so well, but then _______ or _______ happened! When life seems to go swimmingly along, I tend to revert to “neutral/coast” mode. Yet when life throws me a curve, insignificant details don’t seem to matter all of a sudden. Then I’m all about seeking wisdom or a cure. Daily mundane tasks are put on hold. I may cry out to God, Why me? Why now? I tend to search out Scripture for comfort. Or, humble myself and ask others for prayer support.

    I looked up the definition of the word ‘steadfast.’ You don’t hear the word used much these days. Here’s what I found:

    Fixed in direction, steadily directed, firm in purpose, resolution, faith, unwavering, firmly established, firmly fixed in place or position.

    What I hear the psalmist saying is that I must keep my heart firmly fixed on God. To be steady in my direction and purpose. Do not waver on my convictions. Stand firmly planted on what I believe and in Whom I believe.

    •  Where do you go when you hear bad news?
    • How steadfast is your heart?

    “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord”—Psalm 112:7.

  • The Potter’s wheel

    “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand”—Isaiah 64:8.

    The Prophet Isaiah writes about the Potter and the clay. This verse reminds me that the Potter is the one in charge of my destiny. God created us in the beginning; therefore it makes sense that He’s the driver in my life.

    Potter's Wheel
    Potter’s Wheel

    But do I always seek His wisdom during decision making times? When the outcome turns out favorable, do I give God the credit and glory? Or, do I pat myself on the back and think what a good job I did?

    Often, God works behind the scenes similar to stage hands who set up for a play or concert. Countless hours go into designing and building stage props, costumes, script writing, character building, and sound system. Without the proper implementation of their talents and skills, the play/movie wouldn’t happen. Those who sit in the audience only see the finished product—flawlessly performed.

    Just like participating in your favorite play or movie, let’s remember to give God the credit for His protection and guidance in our daily lives.

    • When was the last time you felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to do/say something?
    • Did you say “Yes” to the Potter?
    • What was the outcome of your response?

    Dear God,

    Thank you for being in charge of my life. Oftentimes when I take the wheel, I tend to move too quickly or in the wrong direction. Help me to remember that You created my body and it is good regardless of certain aspects I’d like to change. I choose to be thankful for life and the ability to praise You forever.

    *****