Back when I was a young mother, I needed to attend a conference in Des Moines. I was used to driving gravel roads and county highways but even the interstate was scary for me. I had to drive to the Holiday Inn near downtown. Easy, peasy, you might say. Well it was a really big deal for me. I had no experience in freeway art and crafts.
I made it there without incident. I was relieved but still anxious about driving home later in the day. The time came for me to return home. I prayed for safety and got in my car. Somehow I found the right exit to the freeway. There was a swarm of traffic around me and I couldn't even merge into the bumper to bumper flow. I was stuck in the off ramp lane and ended up exiting. God was with me. The only place I could go ended up being to Hubbell Avenue. A road I had traveled many times before (going to and from the State Fair).
It may seem like coincidence to others, but to me it was God's hand in my life.
"The Lord will keep you from all harm-- He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore," (Psalm 121:7-8 NIV).
Whatever lies in your path this week, I pray that you will seek God's accompaniment. There is no better partner for your travels. Even if it is only to the mailbox and back.
Monday, April 29, 2019
Thursday, April 25, 2019
My Only Protection
Imagine being a traveler in Jesus' day. Most travel was on foot with perhaps a donkey to haul your belongings if you were moving. Unless you were traveling with family, your walk would be a lonely one. During times of a pilgrimage there could be many travelers on the road at the same time, all headed for the same destination, such as Jerusalem.
If you were traveling alone, the trail could be dangerous. The hills were especially dangerous, with caves and corners where thieves could hide and attack. In Jesus' day man often risked his life to travel through the hillsides. Unknown were the dangers that awaited around the bend.
God was their only protection.
Today, we travel many miles in a day, to watch a track meet, or a rodeo, or a baseball game or go shopping. There seem to be few dangers along the way. We feel safe in our cars or even in planes. We can travel across the country in a day's time. But, bad things happen. Car accidents. Evil people with guns. Deer running across the road. People disobeying the law. Flat tires. Snowstorms. Things happen.
"I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth," (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV).
When I head out to drive somewhere, especially in a city that I'm unfamiliar with, I pause at my steering wheel and say a prayer of protection, both for other drivers from me and for myself. God is my only protection.
As you head out of your house today, may you lift your eyes to God, where your help comes from, and be protected in all that you do.
If you were traveling alone, the trail could be dangerous. The hills were especially dangerous, with caves and corners where thieves could hide and attack. In Jesus' day man often risked his life to travel through the hillsides. Unknown were the dangers that awaited around the bend.
God was their only protection.
Today, we travel many miles in a day, to watch a track meet, or a rodeo, or a baseball game or go shopping. There seem to be few dangers along the way. We feel safe in our cars or even in planes. We can travel across the country in a day's time. But, bad things happen. Car accidents. Evil people with guns. Deer running across the road. People disobeying the law. Flat tires. Snowstorms. Things happen.
"I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth," (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV).
When I head out to drive somewhere, especially in a city that I'm unfamiliar with, I pause at my steering wheel and say a prayer of protection, both for other drivers from me and for myself. God is my only protection.
As you head out of your house today, may you lift your eyes to God, where your help comes from, and be protected in all that you do.
Monday, April 22, 2019
Jesus is Alive!
Wow! What an exhaustingly wonderful week. From the lowest of lows to the highest high ever, my emotions have fallen and peaked during the past week. It has been a powerful time of remembering the truth about my Savior.
"Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again. Then they remembered his words," (Luke 24:6b-8 NIV).
One of the most powerful Easter services I've ever experienced was when I was in youth group at church. We planned the sunrise service with the big help of our teacher, Dick Sommerlot. Using the local county park we erected three crosses so the sun would rise behind them. It was a cold morning but the beautiful worship and fellowship in the park that morning is etched in my mind, nearly 50 years later.
The Resurrection of Jesus is where our hope lives. He promised He would rise on the third day and He did. He walked again with the disciples to give them understanding of all He had taught them. Now it was becoming clear to them. He opened their eyes to see and their hearts to love.
"Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things," (Luke 24:45-48 NIV).
May our minds be open to all that Christ lived for, died for, and rose again for. May it be clear to us... it was for you and me.
"Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again. Then they remembered his words," (Luke 24:6b-8 NIV).
One of the most powerful Easter services I've ever experienced was when I was in youth group at church. We planned the sunrise service with the big help of our teacher, Dick Sommerlot. Using the local county park we erected three crosses so the sun would rise behind them. It was a cold morning but the beautiful worship and fellowship in the park that morning is etched in my mind, nearly 50 years later.
The Resurrection of Jesus is where our hope lives. He promised He would rise on the third day and He did. He walked again with the disciples to give them understanding of all He had taught them. Now it was becoming clear to them. He opened their eyes to see and their hearts to love.
"Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things," (Luke 24:45-48 NIV).
May our minds be open to all that Christ lived for, died for, and rose again for. May it be clear to us... it was for you and me.
Thursday, April 18, 2019
The Last Supper
The first time I took communion was the Sunday after my baptism at age 12, April 9, 1967. I was so honored to be able to take communion after watching others for so long. It was a special moment that I shared with some of my friends. We had completed a class on becoming a disciple. We were prepared for the moment, yet, had so much more to learn. For me baptism was the first big step to becoming a Believer. But, it is a life-long journey of growth in my relationship with Christ.
"When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me," (Luke 22:14-19 NIV).
On this Maundy Thursday, I'm taking time to remember my Savior at the Table with his disciples. He knew what was ahead, yet his apostles were clueless. All that He said went over their heads. It wasn't time for them to understand. Yet, Jesus established this remembrance meal that has been repeated over and over for two thousand years by billions of Believers.
It is still an honor to share this holy meal with other Believers. I think about how heavy the Lord's heart must have been. How crushing it must have been to know He was about to be tortured and crucified. Yet, He established the Last Supper so we would remember Him and the sacrifice He made for us.
Thank you, Lord Jesus. We remember.
"When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me," (Luke 22:14-19 NIV).
On this Maundy Thursday, I'm taking time to remember my Savior at the Table with his disciples. He knew what was ahead, yet his apostles were clueless. All that He said went over their heads. It wasn't time for them to understand. Yet, Jesus established this remembrance meal that has been repeated over and over for two thousand years by billions of Believers.
It is still an honor to share this holy meal with other Believers. I think about how heavy the Lord's heart must have been. How crushing it must have been to know He was about to be tortured and crucified. Yet, He established the Last Supper so we would remember Him and the sacrifice He made for us.
Thank you, Lord Jesus. We remember.
Monday, April 15, 2019
My Denial
"Then seizing (Jesus), they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said,"This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly." (Luke 22:54-62 NIV).
What do people think when they look closely at me, I wonder? Am I recognized as someone who follows Christ? Could I be accused of being 'one of them'? Do my actions speak loudly of being a believer? I wonder.
I think back at the times I didn't help someone reach an item in the grocery store. Or a time when I rushed by someone who was struggling with small children. I remember a time when I saw a young woman in a beat-up car in a parking lot and considered giving her a $20 bill, but I didn't. Did the rooster crow for me?
How many times have I failed to do what God asked of me? I'm ashamed and humbled as I think of it. Peter knows how I feel. Poor Peter, remembered for denying Christ three times. If only I could do better.
But I am a sinner, after all. Jesus can still use me, just as He used Peter. When I recognize my failures and ask for forgiveness, God can use me. He will use me. He will use you, too.
May we examine ourselves closely this Holy Week, in preparation for the joyful Day of Resurrection ahead.
What do people think when they look closely at me, I wonder? Am I recognized as someone who follows Christ? Could I be accused of being 'one of them'? Do my actions speak loudly of being a believer? I wonder.
I think back at the times I didn't help someone reach an item in the grocery store. Or a time when I rushed by someone who was struggling with small children. I remember a time when I saw a young woman in a beat-up car in a parking lot and considered giving her a $20 bill, but I didn't. Did the rooster crow for me?
How many times have I failed to do what God asked of me? I'm ashamed and humbled as I think of it. Peter knows how I feel. Poor Peter, remembered for denying Christ three times. If only I could do better.
But I am a sinner, after all. Jesus can still use me, just as He used Peter. When I recognize my failures and ask for forgiveness, God can use me. He will use me. He will use you, too.
May we examine ourselves closely this Holy Week, in preparation for the joyful Day of Resurrection ahead.
Thursday, April 11, 2019
The Agony Begins
It is just a week until Christians recognize the days of anguish and agony, the crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Holy Week, as it is sometimes called, is filled with emotion because so much happens that is significant to Christians. It is the week our Savior instituted the Last Supper. He suffered and died to erase our sins with His blood. And He rose on the third day to restore our relationship with God.
Today I want to focus on the agony of Christ, before the physical torture even began. As Jesus often did, following a day of preaching in the temple, He went to the Mount of Olives to pray. The Mount of Olives was just east of Jerusalem. According to my NIV Life Applications Study Bible, Jesus went up the southwestern slope of the Mount of Olives to an olive grove called Gethsemane. His disciples followed Him to this quiet, peaceful place.
"He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground," (Luke 22:41-44 NIV).
Jesus knew what was ahead and in this passage we can see how it weighed on Him. Just imagine. But, look what happens. When Jesus prayed so solemnly, an angel appears to strengthen Him. I'm not sure I ever looked carefully at this passage before. When we pray earnestly, God will strengthen us, too. But, as I read on I am driven to my knees when I read that Jesus' sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Such agony we have not experienced. Only Jesus has endured such. His sorrow, as He anticipated what was going to happen, was made worse as He knew He must suffer separation from God when He died on the cross. It is too much for me to comprehend.
And Jesus did this all for me and for you.
Ponder His agony. Consider the hope!
Today I want to focus on the agony of Christ, before the physical torture even began. As Jesus often did, following a day of preaching in the temple, He went to the Mount of Olives to pray. The Mount of Olives was just east of Jerusalem. According to my NIV Life Applications Study Bible, Jesus went up the southwestern slope of the Mount of Olives to an olive grove called Gethsemane. His disciples followed Him to this quiet, peaceful place.
"He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground," (Luke 22:41-44 NIV).
Jesus knew what was ahead and in this passage we can see how it weighed on Him. Just imagine. But, look what happens. When Jesus prayed so solemnly, an angel appears to strengthen Him. I'm not sure I ever looked carefully at this passage before. When we pray earnestly, God will strengthen us, too. But, as I read on I am driven to my knees when I read that Jesus' sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Such agony we have not experienced. Only Jesus has endured such. His sorrow, as He anticipated what was going to happen, was made worse as He knew He must suffer separation from God when He died on the cross. It is too much for me to comprehend.
And Jesus did this all for me and for you.
Ponder His agony. Consider the hope!
Monday, April 8, 2019
Wake Up! Be Alert!
There is no better feeling than falling asleep when I am really tired. But when I have to stay awake, it is torture! My eyes close, my head nods, I wake up with a start. No matter how hard I try, I can’t stay awake. There was a time when I was changing medications and the new pills made me sleepy. I had to pray before I started driving because inevitably I would fall asleep. God is the only reason I ever made it to my destination safely.
Lord, help us be brave and vigilant as we wait for your second coming. Keep us awake and alert so we can rejoice and stand before you, face-to-face, one day
I know how the disciples felt the night they accompanied Jesus to Gethsemane to pray. They couldn’t help themselves. They were fearful for what was going to happen, and I believe they were emotionally, physically and spiritually drained.
“Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Jesus took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” … Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch and pray with me for one hour?” he asked Peter,” (Matthew 26:36-38, 40 NIV).
Perhaps Jesus needed the disciples to pray for Him, more than any other time in His brief life. Yet, Jesus had another message of importance for the disciples.
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth.Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man,” (Luke 21:34-36 NIV).
Clearly stated in Matthew, Jesus said this message for all of us,
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come,” (Matthew 24:42 NIV).
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Put On Your Helmet of Hope
Are you dressed for today? Did you change out of your bedclothes and into the apparel of the day? I won't tell you what I'm wearing as I type this. Today is a new day and I'm ready to get ready for anything that may come my way. My usual clothes won't help me but I know what will.
"But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing," (1 Thessalonians 5:6-11 NIV).
I love the image of putting on the armor of God. Setting the strong heavy helmet on my shoulders and the powerful breastplate of faith and love to cover my body, immediately makes me feel stronger. It protects my thoughts from depression and feelings of hopelessness and fear. The helmet rejects all arrows of low self-esteem and gives me power to fight off crushing words that hurt me. The helmet of the hope of salvation reminds me that through Jesus Christ my sins are forgiven.
No matter what you are facing right now; a serious illness, a tragic life situation, a family crisis, a job search, or a wayward child -- trust in the hope we are promised and put on "the hope of salvation as a helmet". Let your protection give you strength to keep fighting, to calmly consider all options, to mediate a resolution, to ask God's direction, and to pray for a good conclusion. God is waiting to help us, if we will just ask.
I'm going to steady my helmet of hope and straighten my shield of faith and love as I head out the door today. Who knows what I might face? I need to be ready and protected by the grace of our Father.
Thank you, God, for all your gifts of protection. May I focus on You today as I wear my helmet of hope. Amen.
"But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing," (1 Thessalonians 5:6-11 NIV).
I love the image of putting on the armor of God. Setting the strong heavy helmet on my shoulders and the powerful breastplate of faith and love to cover my body, immediately makes me feel stronger. It protects my thoughts from depression and feelings of hopelessness and fear. The helmet rejects all arrows of low self-esteem and gives me power to fight off crushing words that hurt me. The helmet of the hope of salvation reminds me that through Jesus Christ my sins are forgiven.
No matter what you are facing right now; a serious illness, a tragic life situation, a family crisis, a job search, or a wayward child -- trust in the hope we are promised and put on "the hope of salvation as a helmet". Let your protection give you strength to keep fighting, to calmly consider all options, to mediate a resolution, to ask God's direction, and to pray for a good conclusion. God is waiting to help us, if we will just ask.
I'm going to steady my helmet of hope and straighten my shield of faith and love as I head out the door today. Who knows what I might face? I need to be ready and protected by the grace of our Father.
Thank you, God, for all your gifts of protection. May I focus on You today as I wear my helmet of hope. Amen.
Monday, April 1, 2019
April Anticipation
April...showers, colored eggs, bunnies, baby lambs, green grass, tulips, daffodils, budding trees...those are a few of the things that remind me of this spring month. And here we are on April 1, April Fool's Day. Will you play a trick today?
Although we can expect rain this month, as the old adage says, it is also filled with the signs of spring and new birth that are so delightful. The tips of green that appear on plants this month offer hope and joy that we haven't seen for several months. Everything seems new and fresh. You can even smell spring in the air. Everything is changing.
This year, Resurrection Sunday is in April and we can anticipate the greatest celebration of all time. Who could return to life but only our precious and perfect Lord Jesus! But before the celebrating arrives we will walk with Him through the darkest week of all.
April affords us highs and lows as we move through it. Times will be happy and sad; there will be joy and sadness, then great joy! Anticipation. Heart-breaking anguish. A rollercoaster ride of emotions. Life.
"Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone," (Zechariah 10:1 NIV).
We start through this month of expectancy with hope and awareness that spring will make itself known to us. We prepare to face the holy week of a procession of glory, then a predicted dejection, and culmination of a short life lived for you and me. It is so much to process. Such madness to grieve over. So much to be thankful for. Such a mixed-up juxtaposition of a life. All for us.
Prepare yourself. April's going to be an interesting ride.
May the Glory of the Lord lead you, day by day. Amen.
Although we can expect rain this month, as the old adage says, it is also filled with the signs of spring and new birth that are so delightful. The tips of green that appear on plants this month offer hope and joy that we haven't seen for several months. Everything seems new and fresh. You can even smell spring in the air. Everything is changing.
This year, Resurrection Sunday is in April and we can anticipate the greatest celebration of all time. Who could return to life but only our precious and perfect Lord Jesus! But before the celebrating arrives we will walk with Him through the darkest week of all.
April affords us highs and lows as we move through it. Times will be happy and sad; there will be joy and sadness, then great joy! Anticipation. Heart-breaking anguish. A rollercoaster ride of emotions. Life.
"Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone," (Zechariah 10:1 NIV).
We start through this month of expectancy with hope and awareness that spring will make itself known to us. We prepare to face the holy week of a procession of glory, then a predicted dejection, and culmination of a short life lived for you and me. It is so much to process. Such madness to grieve over. So much to be thankful for. Such a mixed-up juxtaposition of a life. All for us.
Prepare yourself. April's going to be an interesting ride.
May the Glory of the Lord lead you, day by day. Amen.
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