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! 

The Lord Determines My Steps

This week is my mother and father's birthdays: July 14 and July 15. I tell the story almost every year because it is so unusual. Born one day apart and delivered by the same country doctor who made house calls in 1913, they were planned to be together forever. The doctor must have traveled 10-15 miles between the deliveries, maybe on horseback or in a horse and buggy. The details I do not know. They grew up in the same country church but dated other people before eventually getting together and marrying on June 8, 1933. A true love story. Happy birthday in heaven this week, Mom and Daddy.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps," (Proverbs 16:9 NIV).

That verse causes me to reflect on how my plans and my steps were different during my lifetime. I can look back because I am old, but if you are younger and just heading out into the world of college or work you may want to keep this scripture where you can read it often. 

I don't know how much more time I have in this life, but the verse gives me hope. Hope that God will straighten out my messed up course and allow my future steps to lead me where He wants me to go. God can still make something worthwhile, that fulfills His purpose for my life.

God Almighty, use me today to touch someone with Your love and intention. Guide my steps, whether I'm in slippers or flip-flops or shiny leather shoes. Direct me to one who is hurting or lost on the way and may my steps bring cheer and hope to others. Praying in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Walk Humbly With God

Throughout my adult life I have chosen walking as one of my go-to exercises. I can go at my own pace and stop when I get tired. After several weeks of sitting around I finally feel sure enough of my steps that I pulled out my walking shoes once again. Starting with a loop around our cul-de-sac, I try to add a few steps every day. 

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. " (Micah 6:8 NIV).

My favorite hymn growing up was "O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee." I don't remember if it was the tune or the words that I loved most, but my heart is moved by it still.

Written by Washington Gladden, 1836-1918, and H. Percy Smith, 1825-1898, in 1879. America was in the middle of the Industrial Revolution. Gladden was know as a leader in the social gospel movement. A book about hymns* says Gladden was convicted, "that it was the duty of the Christian Church to "elevate the masses not only spiritually and morally, but to be concerned  about their social and economic welfare as well"."

This hymn reminds us that our service for God must always be based on an intimate relationship with Him.

"O Master, let me walk with Thee in lowly paths of service free; tell me Thy secret--help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move by some clear, winning word of love; teach me the wayward feet to stay and guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me Thy patience! still with Thee in closer, dearer company, in work that keeps faith sweet and strong, in trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray friar down the future's broadening way, in peace that only Thou canst give, with Thee, O Master, let me live.

(refrain) O Master, let me walk with Thee In lowly paths of Service free; Tell me Thy secret--help me bear The strain of toil, the fret of care."

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the songs that ring so true, and move us to worship You and walk with You. May each step we take bring us closer to You. We are humbled by Your presence so we bow on our knees in worship and in praise to You alone. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

To God Be the Glory!

*"Amazing Grace 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions" by Kenneth W. Osbeck, 1990.

The Worst Sinner?

I should have learned shorthand.

Do they still teach it? Probably not. Oh, how that would have saved me time and wear on my right hand. After five years of note taking at a weekly newspaper, followed by writing notes for college, then another 11 years as a writer at a community college, my right hand is now full of arthritis. Instead, I now see people entering text directly into their laptops or iPads.

Often I consider the prolific gospel writer, Paul. He frequently wrote while in captivity, probably on papyri and/or parchment. Unlike me, Paul wrote without: a hardwood desk, mechanical pencils or erasable pens, notebooks, folders, a dictionary or thesaurus, or computers. Paul even wrote without AI.

The following scripture was written by Paul, but it could have come from me.

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life," (1 Timothy 1:15-16 NIV).

Jesus Christ changed Paul's life completely: from a tentmaker named Saul who persecuted Christians until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. To a man, chosen by God to bring the Good News to Gentiles,  Jews, and Romans, and even suffering as a martyr for his faith, probably being beheaded in Rome as ordered by the emperor Nero.

Our Father, God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to save sinners like me. Through faith in Jesus I receive Your patient mercy as I bow in gratitude before You. Hear my prayer today, O Lord. Amen.

To God be the Glory!

250 Years of Freedom

It all began on July 2, 1776. That is when the Lee Resolution was passed by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. The Resolution made the Thirteen Original Colonies "free and independent States," separate from the British Empire.

This led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence that was proclaimed on July 4, 1776. That is the date we celebrate the anniversary of our independence. In 1876, centennial observances were held along with a Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. In 1926, a Sesquicentennial Exposition was observed in Philadelphia, and in 1976 a nationwide bicentennial observation was celebrated.

Did you know an "America's Potluck" is planned for Sunday, July 5. It is described as "an opportunity for neighbors to join with one another to share a fun, communal meal, creating a sense of connection and belonging" among Americans. It builds on the tradition of Sunday dinners and promotes celebrating the freedoms we enjoy.

When Paul wrote to the Galatians, he stressed that our freedom is to serve others. We are not to be slaves to sin. Paul reminds us to keep the command that follows.

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. but do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14 NIV). 

Thank You, God, for the freedoms we enjoy in America. My prayer today is that our country, which was founded on faith, will return to its roots in You, God. Help us be a country that loves our neighbors, just as You command us. Help us return to the integrity of our forefathers, speaking truth in all we do. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

Every Good and Perfect Gift

Does your mailbox fill up with letters asking for donations? Mine used to, but I get fewer requests than I used to. Sometimes they entice me with free gifts: notepads, personalized return address stickers, Christmas cards, bookmarks, etc. All ask for a donation toward their cause. And nearly all are worthwhile causes that I agree with. But, I just can't give to them all. Actually I don't give to any of them and I feel guilty about it.

My parents, gone now for more than 20 years, were on nearly every mailing list imaginable. They enjoyed getting "free" stuff, but they gave monetary gifts to them in return. It seemed that the requesters must have sold mailing lists of those who sent donations, because there were more and more requests coming in every year.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change  like shifting shadows," (James 1:17 NIV).

Many of the requests for donations are from above-board, reputable organizations, with causes I would like to support. We choose to give what money we have locally, especially to our church or to those with ties to people we know. 

Lord God, thank You for the gifts You place in our possession. Help us use those gifts in ways that are pleasing to You. Give us discernment through the Holy Spirit to know what is right and true. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

To God Be the Glory!

The Rock Eternal

Every now and then I search my photos files for a particular picture that I know I took but I don't know where to find it. It is so frustrating. Today I was looking for a picture of my Mama's Rock that stands in front of my home church. It has a brass plaque that is in memory of Clara Springer and gives Mama's favorite verse from Ecclesiastes 3.

If I remember right, the very large rock came from a nearby farmer's field (also a beloved member of Bethel Grove Church and a dear friend). We had the plaque made and for some reason (because he is my dear husband) John got the job of attaching the plaque to the rock in the middle of winter. On the coldest day of winter that year! Why it couldn't wait until spring, I do not know except that my mind was grief-stricken for two years after Mama died in 1999.

The rock was so hard (and probably frozen) that John had a terrible time drilling into the rock then glueing the plaque in place. We know it held because I remember my friends planted flowers around it several years later, and perhaps every year since. 

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal," (Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV).

Even in the turmoil of broken hearts in the midst of grief, or our world today in such a confusing mess, we can find perfect peace when we trust in God. For our God is the Rock eternal!

Oh, God, thank You for being steadfast and unchanging through all eternity, we praise You for Your presence and Your enduring love. For You keep us in perfect peace when we trust in You. We pray for Your guidance when we lose our way, and for Your peace that brings us back into Your fold. We pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Summertime

"Summertime and the livin' is easy..."

Welcome summer! It is finally here! Yet, it seems like only yesterday that we were in the midst of winter, longing for the sunshine and warmth. Now, we have enjoyed a month of mild temperatures through May and early June and summer officially arrives. Please slow down!

"And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years," (Genesis 1:14 NIV).

God spoke to Noah that He would never again destroy all living things upon the earth as He did, saving only Noah and his family and two of each species on the ark.

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease," (Genesis 8:22 NIV).

So here we are in summertime in Iowa. The corn is growing tall and the flowers are in full bloom. The children are on summer break, riding bikes (and other motorized contraptions I don't know the name of), playing baseball and softball and soccer on every green field in Ankeny. Kids walk down the street with fishing poles and bait in hand, full of hope and delight. The farmer's markets draw crowds of folks anxious to be outside in the sun or even the rain. Anything in the fresh air is beloved.

Oh, God of mercy and grace: thank You for the sunshine and the warmth of summer. We who experience cold winters are overjoyed with summer's arrival. Thank You for creating this land of beauty that we enjoy. Lord, help us have awareness of the wonder of Your creation and help us protect this environment around us in every way we can. We want to do Your will and we ask for Your guidance. In the Name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

To God be the glory! 

Is it Knee-High?

Yesterday John and I were driving in the outskirts of Ames and we saw a tumbleweed blow across the road. To me it looked like it was three feet tall. (now I know that John will have a completely different measurement. I'll ask him when he gets home and I will note it here.)

Iowa doesn't have tumbleweeds. Not in spring. Not during a rainy season. Not in a city. Usually.

Iowa does have beautiful green fields of corn and beans. And we drove past a field of corn that will be knee high by the 4th of July, because it already is! I think they need to change the old farmers' saying to "neck-high by the 4th of July." After that, they might make the saying according to Victor Wembanyana's 7'4" stature (VM was the tallest man playing in the recent Professional Men's Basketball Tournament Championship.) Currently, the average height for men in the United States is 5'9" (for women it is 5'4"). 

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." (James 1:5-6 NIV).

I know there is little correlation between my text and the Scripture that I chose; however, think back to the tumbleweed - that is blown and tossed by the wind.

Father God, I should have asked You for wisdom before I wrote this blog. But, thank You for forgiving hearts and especially for Yours. Give us wisdom to learn and grow in our faith. Help us appreciate the beauty of our surroundings. You alone are good. Thank You, God. Amen.

To God Be The Glory! 

No Perfection Here

Sometimes I consider all of my past mistakes and I feel sad.  Very sad.  I wish I could have lived a perfect life, but I do know that no one but Christ was perfect. 

When I was in grade school I ran away from home by not riding the bus home. I stayed with a town friend who did not go to her home either. For a few hours we wandered around the town then it got cold when the sun went down. We hid in the school restroom for awhile. Then went to my friend's house.

That is where I learned that I had wonderful parents. I watched my friend be whipped by her father's belt. I felt really bad. They called my parents to come pick me up. I thought I should be spanked also. But, my father did not spank me, even after I begged him to punish me. We talked about what I had done and why it was wrong.

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,"       (Philippians 3:7-8 NIV). 

Lord God All Mighty, as I look over my life and the sins I have committed, I bow on my knees, asking for Your forgiveness. Nothing in my past is worthy of any profit, but only my loss. Comparing my wrongs to the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, everything is loss. Thank You, God for Your forgiveness earned through the Lord Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross. I am humbled by Your mercy and grace. Thank You, God for Your love. I pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

To God be the glory!

Praise For the Morning

Poor John. I'm afraid my husband has been putting up with a lot of grumbling lately. He is often stuck at home with me as I heal. Waiting on me at my beacon call. That gets old really fast! I grumble because I'm not supposed to bend over and I forget. When I drop something it is so natural to pick it up. No BLT: bending, lifting, twisting. All good rules for complete healing.

Today is a new day. I will try harder to obey the doctor's orders. That's the way with God's rules, too. How often do I disobey God? Too often. Why can't I get things right? I'm old enough to know better.

"Moses and Aaron said ",...and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble agains us?" (Exodus 16:7 NIV).

My sister gave me a beautiful print that has the words of the song, "Morning Has Broken" on it. What a beautiful way to start the day.

"Morning has broken Like the first morning, Blackbird has spoken Like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning! Praise for them, springing Fresh from the Word! Sweet the rain's new fall On the first grass. Praise for the sweetness Of the wet garden, Sprung in completeness Where His feet pass. Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning Born of the one light Eden saw play! Praise with elation, Praise every morning, God's re-creation Of the new day!"

"Morning Has Broken" (Traditional Gaelic melody, arr. by David Evans 1927, Eleanor Farjeon 1931.)

Gracious and Forgiving God, Thank You for this new morning. Thank You for a new day for me to start fresh to be a better follower of Your Son, Christ Jesus. Guide my steps in Your sunlight so I can be the person You want me to be. Thank You, blessed Lord. I pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

To God be the glory! 

"I Will Lift My Hands"

My husband and I sit in the back row at church. My husband chose the location, maybe for a quick escape to the parking lot, I'm not sure. But, I like to worship with my arms, along with the music, I can't stand still when there is music. Music moves me to worship.

Likewise, my arms need to move and being in the back row I don't feel like everyone is watching me. I know it shouldn't matter what other people think but that is one of my problems in life. People-pleasing.I know I should be more concerned with God-pleasing. My worship to God is limited by my surroundings. 

My favorite place to worship is in nature. The beauty of natural surroundings puts me in direct contact with God. As David wrote in Psalm 23, He restores my soul in green pastures, near quiet waters, even through deep valleys. I can raise my arms in true worship when only the clouds and tree tops are above me. That is where I feel God's love the most. 

Unfortunately, I rarely seek those spots. Too busy. Not enough time. Too far away. Come on, we live less than a mile from Saylorville Lake. No excuses.

"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands," (Psalm 63:3-4 NIV).

Thank You, God, for making this Earth so beautiful. I raise my arms to worship You alone. I give You my praise and glorify You, my Father, my King, my Master. Guide me through the valleys and into green pastures where You can fill me with Your love. I pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

To God be the glory!

Show Me Your Purpose

Every time I read one of Paul's books in the Bible I am just blown away. He wrote 13 books of the New Testament. He traveled more than 10,000 miles planting churches, by foot or by boat. He was shipwrecked three times, was set adrift at sea, beaten, stoned and locked away in prisons.

Before he was converted, he passionately persecuted  the early Christians. Paul met a bright light on his way to arrest Christians in Damascus. He heard Christ speak, was blinded and later healed by Ananias. He was baptized and immediately began preaching that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God. His passion was shifted from being a Christian persecutor to Christian professor. God took his evil life and made it for good. 

Paul's strong background in Jewish education under one of the finest teachers available, Gamaliel, became a huge benefit to him when he met Jesus. Once he was converted to Christianity by Christ himself, he was never the same. His life was lived for Jesus and for spreading the Good News, especially to the Gentiles, who were once considered by the Jews to be unacceptable to God. Paul dedicated much of his life to assuring the Gentiles they were worthy. 

No matter what sin lies in our personal histories, God can and will use our faithful-selves for His holy purpose.

"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith," (2 Thessalonians 1:11 NIV). 

Oh, God and Father of us all, thank You for touching each of us, like Paul, with Your calling. Help us see clearly our purpose during this time and place. Use Your power to work Your good purpose through every action we take according to our faith in You. Praying in Jesus' name, Amen.

Whose Voice Do You Hear?

I loved this time of year on the farm. The grass was green and the purple iris were blooming along the driveway . Baby lambs had turned into show lamb weight, after being weighing in several months ago. And now the hard work of 4-Hers and FFA members kicks into high gear:The exercising. The precise feeding (down to teaspoons full).and fresh water. The washing and drying. The shearing.  The constant attack against ringworm and fungus. The daily cleaning of pens. Then do it again tomorrow and tomorrow...

It always amazed me how the lambs would respond to their shepherd. If I was left to feed the sheep in John's (rare) absence, they looked at me with suspicious eyes. They backed up in the far corner of the pen. That gave me enough time to begin filling the feeding trough, just ahead of the sheep stampede for food. Hunger definitely takes precedence over fear.

"The sheep listen to the sheperd's voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, He goes on ahead of them. and his sheep follow him because they know his voice," (John 10:3b-4 NIV).

Somewhere this week an article asked, "Whose voice do you listen to?" I pondered the time I spend scrolling on Facebook. What amount of time do I listen to Christian music? What amount of time do I spend in prayer, Bible-reading, Bible-study, just listening to God? Not enough.

Dear God, our Holy One: we lift our voices to give You our praise and glory! Thank You for being the voice we want to hear. Block out the clutter and noise and speak to us, we pray. We listen in the name of Jesus. Amen.