Today

 

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8 NIV

 

Every morning I get up and check my calendar. I still use a paper calendar that I can write on. I like to read what today holds for me and I can also see the week or a month ahead all at once. I keep track of birthdays, anniversaries and appointments. That way I can see what cards I need to purchase or send in the mail.

 

But there is also something good about focusing just on today. It is wise to stay in the moment so we can experience the surprises God has in store for us. Once the moment is gone we can’t get it back. Today is the present time we can cherish for a fleeting moment. A smile, a greeting, a card in the mail, a phone call from a friend, an appropriate song on the radio…blessings that only happen today.

 

 

Lord, make me aware of the blessings you send to me today.

  

My Father's World

Have you noticed the moon this weekend? It is beautiful and full and seems bigger than sometimes. It is so bright that even as I sit here in my office at 6 a.m. I can see the moon out my west window shining beautifully. The stunning light reminds me of God's precious care that is constant. 

"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what5 were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone--while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7 NIV).

This reminds me of a favorite hymn that is so appropriate anytime we are thinking of God's creation. "This Is My Father's World". 

"This is my Father's world, And to my listening ears All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres. This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas--His hand the wonders wrought. This is my Father's world, The birds their carols raise, The morning light, the lily white, Declare their Maker's praise. This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair; In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere. This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. This is my Father's world: Why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King: let the heavens ring! God reigns: let earth be glad!"

May we celebrate the beauty of fall in God's creation and lift our praise to Him on high. Amen.

 

Speaking Prayers

Prayer is an important part of my life. I pray throughout the day as things come to mind. I pray when I'm driving. I pray at bedtime. I know that I can turn to God in any moment and He will hear me. He hears my thoughts so even what I think about becomes a prayer. God is ever present. Prayer is talking to God with passion and concern and love. I'm so thankful that I can turn to God anytime and He will listen.

I am privileged to have a group of friends that I call my prayer warriors. I'm so thankful they pray for me and my concerns. Sometimes it is just too hard to pray for myself. I don't know why. I should be able to talk to God about myself but I can't. 

Many of you know I have been waiting for hand surgery for more than a year now and the surgery got delayed because I had a small spot on my hand that the doctor was concerned could become infected so it had to heal. It's been a month and a half that I've been cautious and concerned. The spot has healed. Another spot appeared and it has now healed so I'm waiting the next week and hoping nothing happens to my hand. It is hard protecting a hand you are so used to using all the time. I've been wearing a mitten to protect it and to remind myself not to use it.

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insights, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God," (Philippians 1:9-11 NIV).

You have been prayed for today. May you in turn pray for someone else. May God bless you and cover you in care. Amen.

He Has Done Great Things

God has done great things. Think about it. In your own life, how has God done something great for you? If you think about it long enough you will come up with at least one way God has done something great in your life. Probably many ways. 

Thinking back there are many examples I could share about how God has done something great in my life. The first one I think of is when our son Brady was about ten he became very sick. We took him to our local doctor and nothing he did seemed to help. We prayed for him. Finally, we got an appointment with Blank Children's Hospital but they had no explanation for why he was getting weaker and weaker. We were frustrated and very concerned so John got an appointment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and we drove him there. By the time we reached the hospital Brady was so weak and sick that John had to carry him in to the appointment. The woman doctor took one look at him and took a few tests and announced, this boy has pneumonia. They immediately started treating him for it and he responded quickly by getting better. Thank you, Jesus.

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him," (Psalm 126:3-6 NIV).

This is the season of harvest. May those who harvest after a difficult year of lack of rain, reap a bounty that gives joy. God does great things for us. Amen.