Goal Setting

When I forget how old I am, I often think like I did when I was younger. I don't know how many years are ahead in my life, but I still set goals. They aren't big lofty goals; often my goals are just to get through the day. 

I read a book by Mark Batterson, "Win the Day," that was full of encouragement toward setting a goal and working toward your dream every day. I may be too old to dream but I think it is good to have goals. One of my goals is to bring glory to God with all that I do. It is perhaps a lofty goal, but it is something I strive for everyday. Some days I am an utter failure. But, I keep striving.

Mark Batterson said, "Show me the size of your dream and I'll show you the size of your God."

The Bible is also full of encouragement toward setting goals in life. Hebrews 11 is filled with evidence of how having faith combines assurance and anticipation of what God can do. My Life Application Bible commentary says, "When we believe that God will fulfill his promises even though we don't see those promises materializing yet, we demonstrate true faith (see John 20:24-31)".

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 3:13b-14 NIV). 

That is my ultimate goal in life - to be called "heavenward in Christ Jesus". 

Dear God, hear our prayers today and lift us up with the assurance of Your promises. We come to You with our dreams and goals, confident that You can do anything. Help us achieve our goals with Your guidance. We know You are big, God. Really big! We are thankful that we can trust in You always. In Jesus' Holy Name we pray. Amen.

"Just Thinking"

When I was in high school we had a young man from Ramallah Palestine live with us and attend school. He was placed in a grade level too high and his understanding of English was rough. Still he worked very hard to learn. One of his frequent phrases was, "just thinking." Whenever he was quiet for awhile he would respond with "just thinking."

I can't even imagine all that was going through his head as he struggled to use a new language, learn a new culture, adjust to being away from his family, and live in a new country. We also introduced him to Christianity as he attended church and youth group with me. He was like a sponge, absorbing everything around him.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things," (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

Ali and I remain "brother" and "sister" even after all these years. He finished high school out east with a relative and went on to college. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, and graduated from there. He has a successful office in Buffalo, New York, where he is now semi-retired.

Dear Lord, as we begin a new day and a new week, guide our thoughts to what is good, as suggested by Paul. Thank You for all good things You have given us. We thank You especially for the life of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

The Privilege of Prayer

Yesterday we spent several hours watching the weather channel as Hurricane Milton approached the Gulf Coast of Florida. We have several friends who live or winter there and their homes are in the danger area. Our prayers went up for them as we watched Milton get closer and closer. We were thankful that they were not in their homes and they had moved to safety, many hours away.

 It was hard to look out our windows here in Iowa and see the sun shining and beautiful blue sky and think about the black stormy skies approaching Florida. Tornados preceded the hurricane and caused lots of damage inland. Weather experts were calling Milton the storm of the century! I do not know yet what actually resulted on land, but I am still praying.

"In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence," (Ephesians 3:12 NIV). 

Whether it is a huge hurricane like Milton, a serious health diagnosis, a mental health concern, or the healing of a sick child, we can always come to God with our honest prayers. When we come to God in faith He will always hear us. What a privilege it is to have a God who listens and responds to our cries for help!

Lord, protect the people in the hurricane's path. Shelter the homes of those who live in Florida. Bring help to those who were hit by the storm. Hear our prayers and cries in our concerns for healing, for comfort in grieving, for direction in our confusion, and for peace as we struggle to understand our suffering. Guide our steps today, Lord, and lead us down a path of righteousness. We pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Keep Moving

Hello, Monday. We are already seven days into October. It is fall and time keeps moving along. John and I walked through a portion of Ankeny yesterday after church. The wind created a fierce battle as we walked into it and it was only 58 degrees. It was chilly. But as we walked and experienced windbreaks created by the houses, the sun brightly warmed us, we expended some energy, and it became more comfortable. 

That seems to be the way life in general goes. When we face a new situation or challenge, it is so difficult at first. We are confused about what to do next. There are decisions to make. Maybe even changes are required. It can be hard. As we adjust to the new thing, we accept the routine that develops and we move ahead one step at a time. 

Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament and it offers us hope, no matter what our life is like now. "God controls the future, and everything will be made right. We who have loved and served God look forward to a joyful celebration. This hope for the future becomes ours when we trust God with our lives." (Commentary for Malachi 4:2ff, Life Application Study Bible New International Version).

""For you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I do these things," says the Lord Almighty," (Malachi 4:2-3 NIV).

Dear Lord, thank You for the hope You give us through Your Word. We need You, God, to guide us through our days, leading us toward the Promised Land. Help those who struggle today. Give them courage and strength to take each step forward. We revere You and honor You with all our hearts and souls. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

September Goodbye

Goodbye September! It seems like you just got here and now you are leaving. I know this feeling is part of growing older. Time flies by faster and faster the older I get. 

Lord God, fill me with Your Holy Spirit today, that I can be a beacon of Your love to others. Speak to me what I should do and say. Guide me with Your loving, caring hand. Show me Your Word for this last day of September, for I am in the September of my life. I love You and praise You for all You do for me. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to save me and to teach me the Way. Amen.

"For God's Word is solid to the core; everything he makes is sound inside and out. He loves it when everything fits, when his world is in plumb-line true. Earth is drenched in God's affectionate satisfaction. The skies were made by God's command; he breathed the word and the stars popped out. He scooped Sea into his jug, put Ocean in his keg. Earth-creatures, bow before God; world-dwellers--down on your knees!" (Psalm 33:4-8 MSG).

God bless you in all you do today.

God Sees Me

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't have something - usually many things - to be thankful for. John just got home from running an errand and announced that he got sweet corn! It has to be the last of the season. We have had several enjoyable meals throughout the summer and I even got eight packages put in our freezer that will taste great this winter. I am thankful.

This September has offered us the most beautiful days to enjoy. One after another we have had sunshine and warm temperatures. The days have been nearly perfect. School kids haven't had to bother with jackets. House windows can be opened at night. I'm still wearing sandals and short pants. It is delightful. I am thankful.

This month one of my sisters had a knee replacement to alleviate her pain. She is recovering with physical therapy. Another sister celebrated her 87th birthday. Yet another sister turned 90 on Saturday! I am so thankful.

The Biblical story of Hagar, Abram's wife Sarai's Egyptian maidservant, tells how Hagar ran away to escape Sarai's jealous anger. But, God was watching over her and sent an angel to her with a message. Hagar was blessed in spite of her misery. She speaks below.

"She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me."" (Genesis 16:13 NIV).

God is watching us also. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, God sees us. God sees our problem and has the solution if we are willing to let God help us. God sees us when we are thankful, too. There is nothing that can turn our days around like a measure of gratitude. God sees us.

Heavenly Father: I lift up my hands in praise to You for I have so much to be thankful for! I know You see me every moment and I am so thankful. Guide me today to follow Your will for my life. Remind me that You see me and care for me with Your constant and abiding love. Amen.

Walking Close to Thee

Monday is plant watering day at my house. Some of the plants show their thirst, others would be fine for a few more days. I have ten houseplants to care for. One isn't looking the best. It's bottom leaves are turning brown. I have no idea what is wrong with it but my guess is that it needs to be transplanted into a bigger pot.

I get ads for all kinds of apps that will diagnose your plants and tell you how to remedy its problems. I'm tempted to try them but I'm too cheap to spend the money for a subscription. I need to try replanting my problem plant while the weather is still mild but first I need to see if I have a bigger pot that will work. It is a process.

Growing as a Christian is a process, too. You would think that by now I'd have faith mastered. But I find there is always more to learn and more work to do. Every sermon, every Bible study lesson, every scripture I take to heart, and every Christian book I read leads me a little closer in my walk with Jesus.

"I am weak, but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong; I'll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.  Ref.: Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be. Thro' this world of toil and snares, If I falter, Lord, who cares? Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee. When my feeble life is o'er, Time for me will be no more; Guide me gently, safely o'er To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.  Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be."  ("Just A Closer Walk With Thee," Source unknown).

"Let the weakling say, "I am strong!"" (Joel 3:10b NIV).

Heavenly Father, as I begin a new day, guide my steps and draw me closer to You. Help me grow and learn more about You today and practice Your Way in all that I do. I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.