Use me, Lord

My desk is a mess. I have all these piles of things that need my attention. Today I will have time to address some of them. It makes me nervous having so many tasks waiting. But, nothing bad will happen to me if I don't get things done. I will be greatly disturbed but only one thing is due for someone else.

Paul was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote the letter to the church in Philippi. He had no idea what was in his future but he was determined to live his life for Christ Jesus, 

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain," (Philippians 1:20-21 NIV). 

I have never been tested for my faith as many have been. There are those who are martyrs even today. Here in the Midwest, surrounded by corn and bean fields (and in Ankeny by row after row of houses) there is little threat to our lives, except maybe on the roadways.

Lord God, I feel so privileged here in the middle of rich, black soil that grows bushels of golden grain. Help me be aware of my safe surroundings and give You thanks for every day here. Lord, I want to live like Paul, willingly devoting my body and all its gifts, by life or by death. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Use me today, I pray. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

To God be the glory!

The Art of Blessing

One thing that has been important to me is the giving of blessings upon others. Perhaps only God can give a true blessing, however He taught Moses and those who followed Him how to give a blessing in the book of Numbers. 

"The Lord said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace,"' (Numbers 6:22-26 NIV).

So I believe, through faith, we can ask God to bring blessings upon those we care about. My Bible commentary says these verses show there are five parts to a blessing that asks God to give His "divine favor to rest upon others". 

A blessing hopes for God to "(1) bless and keep them (favor and protect); (2) make his face shine upon them (be pleased); (3) be gracious (merciful and compassionate); (4) turn his face toward them (give his approval); and (5) give peace."

When we  ask God to bless someone we are requesting those five things. Giving a blessing helps the one we are blessing, but it also shows love, gives encouragement, and is an example of how to care for others.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

To God be the glory!

Appreciating Our Pastor

One of the most underrated professions in life may be of our clergy. October is Clergy Appreciation Month and October 11 was Pastor Appreciation Day. The month is set to honor the service of pastors, priests, reverends, ministers and clergy. 

Hallmark Cards started the initiative in 1992 (to sell more cards, no doubt). However, the month of recognition has become a reminder to church attenders to reflect on the ongoing work of our spiritual leaders. That may also include persons who minister through their music, service, and church staff. Scripture encourages us to recognize our spiritual leaders.

"Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work," (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NIV). 

None of us see all the hours of prayer, study, planning and preparation that goes into the weekly message. And pastors' work is not limited to the sermons. Clergy also make personal calls or visits, perform marriages and funerals and baptisms, endure countless meetings, offer counseling, study scripture, pray, and much more that we don't realize. I know my list is incomplete.

Lord God, we pause today to honor, respect and encourage our pastors. We ask that You surround them with Your strength and love. Inspire them with Your Word. Guide us with awareness of the amazing job our clergy do in shepherding their flock. May the recognition of our pastors' work continue all year long. We pray in the name of Jesus, the greatest Pastor of all time, Amen.

Thank you, Pastors.

To God be the glory!

Invest in God's Work

It is Columbus Day. So when I googled it for inspiration this morning I learned something new. I did not know that Columbus Day is celebrated in other countries, not just the United States. The list includes Italy, Spain, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela and Mexico.

But, I also learned that several states in America have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day. Iowa and Nevada do not observe Columbus Day as paid state holidays. However, Iowa's governor is "authorized to issue an annual proclamation" of Columbus Day and to encourage flying the American flag.

So I guess Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day is not a good topic for today. Sorry.

Instead, I will use the following Scripture:

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously," (2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV).

Though at first glance this verse looks like it is about harvesting crops, which would be appropriate for this season. Instead, it is about being generous with our gifts. Gifts of money, talents, kindnesses - any of the resources God has given us. We are instructed to give generously. My study Bible says: "When we invest what God has given us in his work, he will provide us with even more to give in his service."

O Great and Gracious God, thank You for filling our lives with blessings. Help us open our hearts to be generous with the gifts You have given us. Guide us safely through this harvest season as the farmers work so diligently to reap what they have planted. And those of us who aren't farmers, help us consider the gifts You have given us and may we use them generously to do Your will. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Just Ask

This morning the Lord took me to the book of Proverbs, the book of wisdom in the Old Testament. It is a perfect book to read in short moments with God. Every verse packs the power of wisdom that we sometimes overlook or fail to focus on.

"All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord," (Proverbs 16:2 NIV).

God sees everything we do, say, and think. He knows what hides behind the action, the words, and the thoughts we have. I wonder how many times I have disappointed God. 

The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom, written in short snippets by Solomon, known as the wisest man of Old Testament time. He compiled these treasures on how to become wise, and how to do what is right and just and fair. God requires honesty and fairness in our lives. It may not be easy. That's when we can ask God for discernment and the courage to be truthful, and the righteousness to be honest and fair.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed," (Proverbs16:3 NIV).

When I started to pray for God's guidance before I started writing, I found that He helped me. That is a practice I continue. God gives me topics and scripture and ideas to help me with what I am writing. He can give us the words we need in difficult conversations. He can redirect our thoughts when we are stuck on something depressing or wrong. Just ask.

O gracious God and Father of us all, we lift our arms in praise for all You help us do. We ask for Your blessing on the task that is before us today. Guide us, strengthen us, correct us when we go the wrong way. Thank You for the wisdom You gave Solomon that teaches us even today.We ask for Your wisdom in all that we do and say and think today. We pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

To God be the glory!

Power Not Timidity

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline,"              (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV). 

This verse always catches my eye because I am a rather shy or timid person. But this verse tells me I should not be timid because the Holy Spirit is in me giving me power, love, and self-discipline. So why do I forget this when I face meeting someone new or especially a group of people I don't know? Instead, I let my feelings of fear and selfishness take control of my actions.

I have been shy forever. I remember hiding behind my mother's dresses when I was young. And turning beet-red in the face whenever an adult talked to me. I don't know why I am that way, but even now as an adult believer, I struggle to put the Holy Spirit's power and self-discipline to work.

Paul's letters to Timothy are a wealth of instruction for new Christians and old ones alike. He tells us to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus," (2 Timothy 2:1 NIV). Look at the gifts we receive when we accept Jesus as our Savior, and are filled with the Holy Spirit!

Heavenly Father, help me in my timidity. Remind me that You are alive in me, giving me the spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. Thank You for sending Your Son to die on the cross for our sins. Forgive me for hiding my faith behind others, instead of speaking up with His strength to do the work You have for me to do. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. 

To God be the glory!

Hello, October

Hello, October.. I can't believe you are here already.You arrived with rain drops in Iowa, raindrops we are tired of. We look forward to the sun that is predicted tomorrow. We are weary of the mud and sloshy lawns. But, we know that you come with the promise of changing colors, cool mornings and evenings, football games and volleyball games. We anticipate the beauty that comes with the turning of the calendar page. Welcome, October.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose," (Romans 8:28 NIV).

Not all things that happen to us seem good. But, God can use every instance we endure for long-range good if we love God and are called according to His purpose. Sometimes we wonder how in the world God can make something good out of a situation. When we have the Holy Spirit in us, we trust God and look ahead to the eternal life that awaits believers. That promise wipes away the pain, the suffering, the persecution, and the sorrow we feel in our earthly lives.

Thank You, God, for being with us through every trial and painful experience. Thank You also for all the good that You bless us with. Thank You for the seasons You have created for us to experience, and for the blessings that fill our hearts with joy. Surround us with Your love when we face unspeakable pain and remind us of the eternal home You have prepared for us. We praise You, God, and we love you. Guide us in Your purpose for us, we pray. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

To God be the glory!