Trusting God's Plan

Some days don't go as planned, though in retirement that isn't usually a big problem.  I really like having nothing on my calendar. But sometimes things need to get done in a timely manner. And sometimes things don't go as we want.

The prophet Habakkuk begins writing his book by complaining to God about the desperate situation Judah was in. He pleads with God to punish the evil ones in Judah who have rejected God. God answers Habakkuk by giving him hope in a way Habakkuk didn't expect. God was using the evil Babylonians to punish Judah.

Although Habakkuk didn't understand God's plan, he knew God's ways were the best.

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior," (Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV). (underline is mine).

Imagine looking all around and seeing nothing but crop disaster and dead animals. Judah was starving and depressed. But Habakkuk had faith in God and rejoiced in Him.

We can complain to God; He will listen. God is still in control no matter how much evil surrounds us, even today. If we watch the news, we too can become fearful and depressed. But we know God wins!

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful You have the answer to my questions and concerns in life. No matter what problem, large or small, You have the answer. I place my faith in You and I will be joyful in You, my Savior. Amen.

God Knows It All

Along the bottom of my iMac I post quotes or notes to myself that I want to remember.  My Post-it notes don't stick very well to the glass-like front of my computer. The notes come drifting down to my desk at strange times. One that I taped up was a quote I read somewhere but didn't include the author. 

"I will live my life knowing God is fully aware of my intentions, thoughts, words and actions."

Those words give me comfort, not fear, especially when I am misunderstood by someone I love. I believe God knows my intentions and my thoughts. He knows it all and will instruct me when I am wrong in thinking.

"Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal," (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV).

So, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace." (The refrain of a hymn by Helen H. Lemmel, 1922)

Oh, Mighty God, Fill me with Your Spirit, forcing all evil from my being as I begin this new day. As I focus on You, in the face of Jesus, show me how I need to change to be more like You. I pray in the Name of Jesus, Your perfect Son. Amen.

Goodbye July

Here we are at the close of July. Another month is nearly over and where did it go? What did I accomplish? Who did I encourage in their faith? How did I grow in my faith? What scripture touched my heart? 

I remember a lot of hot days. I remember dry weeks and torrential rains. What a month it has been!

The scripture that jumps out at me today was my Scripture reading on July 6. I put a star by the readings that really touched me on that day. I have eight stars in July and many of them I used to write this blog. God is so good at providing topics for the day. 

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God," (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV).

I want to be a fragrant offering.

Lord God, thank You for bringing me through July as Your dearly loved child. Just as Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice to You, help me use my life, loving as Christ loved. Make my life a fragrant offering to those around me. I pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Speaking of...

Remember this?

Here we are on the last Monday in July already. Most of the states in the country
are sweltering in record high temperatures again today.The air in Iowa yesterday could have been scooped up and piled high. It was so thick and heavy. Today will be the same. 

But, imagine the mountains covered with snow. Your can almost feel the cold air radiating from the icy snow. Or remember a time when getting to school required your dad's horse or tractor, or walking through the pasture where the wind had blow it free of snow drifts, while the lane was full: fence-top to fence-top. Or consider opening the freezer door and letting the cool air chill your face. Or take a quick dip in the chilly pool. Awe, how words can change how your mind feels, at least for a moment.

Today, let's forget about grumbling about the heat and offer a smile and a kind word to those we meet.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen,"          (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). 

To God be the glory!

Our Protection from evil

Good Morning, Saints!

Just as Paul prayed for the Thessalonians and for all future believers (that's us!) I also covet prayers for us to be strong and protected by God from satan, who waits around every corner, trying to mess with our heads. 

"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one," (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV). 

My study Bible offers several suggestions on how we can be ready to fight off satan's tactics. First remember that the evil one is real. Pray for God's strength and help to battle temptations and side tracks he throws at us. Study the Scriptures so we recognize satan's tactics. Memorize scripture so it is always with us. Gather with other Christians and practice what we learn from our wise spiritual leaders.

Lord God: lead us in Your Way and arm us with Your weapons to defeat the evil around us. We are so thankful for Your protection because evil waits behind every stone, in every forest and field, and in every untruth that we hear. Help us find wisdom through Your Holy Word. Thank You for being faithful. We pray in the Name of Jesus, our Savior, Amen. 

To God Be the Glory!

Neighbors to Love

We have lived on our quiet cul-de-sac for ten years. When we arrived there were only a few houses at the end of the street and our house in the middle of the street. Though I hardly remember, one by one, the lots were filled with new houses. There was construction noise for the first year, but I don't remember it.

Now the houses are homes to people we recognize as they walk or drive by, or the children we see growing up from trikes to bikes to skateboards to escooters to cars. I'm ashamed that I only know the names of four or five of the 15 or so neighbors on our street. Partly because I have a terrible memory and partly because I have never learned their names.

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as your self.' (Matthew 22:37-39).

I find the first commandment easier than the second. I love my God with my whole being. But I find myself being judgmental of my neighbors. There is only one other family on the street that goes to church regularly (as far as I can tell). That makes me very sad. But what have I done about it? Nothing. I haven't knocked on the doors and asked them to come to church with us.

Lord, I ponder what I am to do to love my neighbors. Help me be a better neighbor. Show me what you would have me do or say, Lord. Guide me to reach out to all my neighbors: the ones in the grocery store or on the street, or at aqua fitness or at WW. Give me a loving heart and a kind presence around them all. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Still My Guilt

My favorite times as a mother and a grandmother were the precious moments of cuddling a new born or gently rocking a sleeping baby. To sit, admiring their perfect, tiny features. I'm still in awe of those children and grandchildren who are now adults or teens. They no longer fit on my lap but I can rub their backs if they get close enough or stay long enough.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up," (Deuteronomy 6:5-7 NIV).

Although we took our boys to church and Sunday school, where they had wonderful Christian teachers, I feel like a failure when I look back on my parenting. Especially when I lay them beside the scripture above. All of a sudden, here I am in old age, and there is so much I wish I'd done differently.

Max Lucado wrote in his book, "He Chose the Nails": "The same hand that stilled the seas stills your guilt. The same hand that cleansed the Temple cleanses your heart. The hand is the hand of God."

Lord God, reach down with Your tender, loving hands and wrap them around my family. Heal me of my guilt. Use me as a godly example, even in my late years. Help me be the old woman You purpose me to be, still. I pray in the name of Jesus, my Savior, Amen.

To God Be the Glory!