Called to be Faithful

1 Peter 4:8-10
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 

God has not called me to be successful. He called me to be faithful. -Mother Teresa

I have a t-shirt with a saying printed on it: God Has a Plan So I Have a Purpose. I think about that a lot. As my children grew into teenagers and then adults, I fretted over what my purpose was. I'd held onto the role of mom for years and knew at that point in my life, my focus was raising the kids to be kind and caring adults. With them rounding the corner to adulthood, I found myself at loose ends. Of course, I had purpose as Tim's wife and in my job at the school library, and I was still a mom, but something in my heart searched for more. Like many people, I read The Purpose Driven Life. I found some good information, but not enough.

I prayed and asked God for clarity, and guess what? He let me know I'd been overthinking my purpose. Yes, there are specific things God calls me to do, but the most important thing He wants me to do is to be faithful and love Him.

God calls me and anyone who believes in Him to love Him and love people. The other day the radio blared out Danny Goeke's song, Love God Love People. He talks about checking the boxes and trying to do more, but instead it comes down to caring for God and people.

Peter reminds his readers the most important thing they can do is be faithful stewards of God's grace. Show grace to everyone and be faithful to God.

In our broken world, our purpose is to remain faithful and to love.

You Are Loved

The little blue blossoms popped up in my garden at the end of summer. 

It's ironic that I forgot I planted them—they are called forget-me-nots. 

Even though I didn't remember I had mixed them with my zinnia seeds, 

they made their debut, anyway.

One thing I won't forget, 

even as I reach an age of occasional absentmindedness—I am loved. 

God loves me. 

He loves you.

He loves all of His creation.

Never forget YOU ARE LOVED!

 

He Doesn't Give Up

Jeremiah 4:3-4
This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem:

“Break up your unplowed ground
    and do not sow among thorns.
Circumcise yourselves to the Lord,
    circumcise your hearts,
    you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem,or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire
    because of the evil you have done—
    burn with no one to quench it.

An angry sky loomed overhead.

As we drove, the sky turned gray and the clouds rolled. Tim commented that the sky looked angry. Indeed, it did. No sun peeked through, only gray. The sky darkened the further we drove, and within the hour the clouds burst with torrential rain.

I've been reading the book of Jeremiah, which is not warm and fuzzy. It's full of anguish—God's anguish over Jerusalem and the Israelites. They had turned their back on God and gave their attention to the idols they created. As I was reading, I understood and recognized God's deep feelings for these people.

I write a lot about how much God loves us, and He does, more than we can comprehend. Along with the emotion of love, God feels all the other ones, like anger, frustration, and hurt. He made us in His image, with all the feels, so of course He experiences the same emotions.

God and the Israelites had journeyed together for years. He'd saved them so many times, yet they turned on Him and chose to sin rather than follow God. His righteous wrath was well founded and His heart broke over these people who betrayed Him. Sounds kind of familiar. God sees similar behavior out of people today that He saw from the Israelites, yet even in His anger and hurt, He longs for us to turn to Him and seek forgiveness.

Later in the chapters, He offers to forgive the Israelites if they will repent. He doesn't give up on them regardless of how they made Him feel. God's heart breaks over people, yet He loves fiercely.

Seek God. Turn to Him and give Him your heart.

Three Little Words

1 Thessalonians 1:3
We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faith, hope, love—three little words with huge impact.

On my journey as a writer, I meet a lot of interesting people. Some of my favorites are the folks who have dwelled on this earth for many years. On a recent trip to meet a group of senior citizens, (yes, I am one, too) I chatted with a couple of women in their nineties. Their sweet smiles and friendly voices drew me in. We talked about crocheting, knitting, and books. One lovely lady invited me to their crochet group. They had no idea the impact they had on me. I wasn't feeling well and had awakened that morning in a grumpy mood. Yet, these women, older than me, most likely with aches and pains of age, cheered me up.

Through their faith, love, and hope they gave me a reason to examine my heart. I thought I had come to brighten their day, but the opposite took place. They gave me more reasons to be thankful and praise God.

The church in Thessalonica was young, barely a year old, but they already had faith, love, and hope. Apostle Paul, the author of Thessalonians, acknowledged the faith they held onto in their work to increase the church, the love they showed others in the community, and the hope they held onto as they endured opposition. The Thessalonians knew Jesus promised to return in His glory. Until that time, they labored with love and worked in faith.

As a believer in Jesus, I know He will return for His followers. One of these days, the trumpets will sound and the angels will rejoice when we see Jesus. In the meantime, I'll work in faith and labor in love, as I hold on to hope.

Are you ready to meet Jesus?

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. -Matthew 24:44

*This devotion was inspired by Aaron Adams' sermon on Sunday. Thank you Aaron.

God's Love is Personal

Sometimes when I'm praying and I'm not sure what to pray, 

this comes to mind.

"Cleanse me of anything that breaks Your heart."

God's heart hurts because of our suffering and our sin. 

Yet, He loves us so much that He bears the weight of our burdens.

I'm thankful for His incredible love.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

-Psalm 147:3

When I think of 'our' instead of 'their' in that verse,
God's love becomes personal to my soul.

 

Life Strategy

 

On a walk with Tim and Rosie, I spied Virginia bluebells all over the woods. 

Their bright blue flower brightened the spring day and reminded

me of all the beauty God has created and 

how His hand in my life changed me.

The day I chose to walk with God, I made the best decision of my life. 

With God by my side, I navigate rough waters with faith

because God never fails to be my refuge and guide. 

With Him, I'm braver than I ever could be without him. 

His love and grace is game changing.

Have Childlike Trust

1 Peter 2: 22-25
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

The Easter eggs were plucked from the tufts of grass.

The pink, blue, green, and yellow orbs held a mystery. Something sweet. Only two of the children in our family were young enough to seek out the treats, but I got to hide them. Like a child, I scattered them about the yard and admired the shiny plastic as it sparkled in the sun.

Joys of childhood still thrill my soul, even as I experience them through my grandchildren.

Albert Einstein said, “Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.”

I stand in awe of the wonder of God’s plan, His creation.

God created everything on this earth. He spoke and the moon and stars shone. The animals moved and the plants grew.

In the shadow of Easter and the resurrection, give thought to the One who commands the rain to fall. In His original plan, God created a perfect garden, then humans came along and destroyed the perfection with sin. God knew. He always knew He’d have to clean up after us. So, He sent Jesus. The one sacrifice for all people. The One who showed the disciples how to love the unlovable. The One who preached sermons that encouraged compassion. The One who saved my soul.

The eggs are gone, but the power of the resurrection remains. Have childlike trust in His love and grace.

Be Still

Our electric went out for a few hours.

The lack of sound allowed the chimes on our back porch to penetrate the silence.

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God" echoed through my mind.

When I think of the words be still, they remind of when I was a child, and 

I was told to keep quiet because we were somewhere where no one wanted to hear my voice.

Now when I think of be still, I know God wants me to dwell with Him and 

He wants to hear my voice through prayer and praise.

Be still and know God is with you.

 

Ah, Kindness

Everyone struggles with something-- 

and most likely we don't know what their struggle is

any more than they know ours.

Be kind.

God calls us to love one another 

and that includes kindness, compassion, and understanding.

Love one another as Jesus loves us.

 

This Old House

Proverbs 24:3-4

By wisdom a house is built,
    and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled
    with rare and beautiful treasures.

I’ve lived in 14 different homes in my lifetime.

When I was young, my parents sometimes took us for a Sunday drive to look at houses. We rolled along rural roads and through small towns. From that experience, I learned to appreciate the architecture of older homes. Some with fancy ginger breading and others with simple porches attracted my attention. To this day, I enjoy seeing some of the interesting houses in our travels.

Of the 14 different houses I’ve lived in, some of my favorites were the old farmhouses. They have so much character. I loved imagining what stories they could tell. From the farm wife toting in eggs from the chicken coop to the child sitting on her dad’s lap at the end of the day. Life was breathed into the home. Love, laughter, dinner around the kitchen table, cousins piling in, and the dog laying by the hearth. My mind weaves a tale of joy. However, I also know some houses heard the rough voices of arguing and anger. They felt the trembling of fear and sorrow. Those homes break my heart.

I also see the houses, who abandoned over time, have the life sucked out of them. They look tired, run-down, weary, and sad. I wonder at the stories they could tell.

As I compare a house or home to life lived, I see the same thing. Many people are filled with joy, peace, and love. While others may be angry or fearful or live a weary, sad life.

I could have been any of those three. We all could, but when I accepted Jesus’ invitation to follow and love Him, my life found the joy, love, and peace I longed for. Even in times of sadness and difficulty, Jesus’ love carries me. I no longer live as a slave to fear, anger, sadness, and sorrow. Instead, Jesus poured His love and grace into me and loves me more than I could imagine.

I want my home to be a place of love and peace, reflected in Jesus, just as I want my life to shine for the Lord.

Does your home reflect Jesus’ love? Does your life?

Snow like Wool

I can't resist sharing a photo of the snow we got on Sunday.

In Psalm 147, the psalmist mentions that God spreads the snow like wool. 

I can imagine shepherds pulling wool, sheered from their sheep, over them at night to protect themselves from the cold.

Could it be that God covers the land with snow as a reminder of His provision?

It's a comfort to know God is always with us.

He loves us.

 

Faith

Jesus was born in a humble manger to a young woman who trusted God.

When I think of the miracle of Christmas, 

my faith grows and my love for Jesus increases.

I'm thankful Mary loved God and trusted His plan.

 

Love Has Come

Romans 12: 9-10
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

The holidays bring out the best in us and sometimes the not so good. As I say good-bye to another Thanksgiving and hello to Christmas, I aspire to focus on the fruit I'm to produce as a follower of Jesus. In Galatians 5, Paul shares the fruit of the Spirit, the fruit Jesus followers strive to produce.

I love the spirit of Christmas. The happiness that seems to float in the air. The holidays are certainly a time of love. A time to honor family and friends. And a time to offer love to the people we don't know by giving.  God calls us to love, not just those who are easy to love, but all people.

When I’m out and about, shopping, at the post office, at church, or with my family, I long to put my best foot forward and be an encourager to those who are stressed. This is a time when believers can show God’s love, be a light, and shine for Jesus.

Jesus tells his disciples, in John 13, to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” He knew that when He went to heaven He needed to leave his disciples with a direct command. Those words are for us, too. Jesus wants us to love each other and to show that love by listening, showing compassion, meeting needs and sharing Jesus. Loving others is not always easy, but God gives us the tools we need and if we tap into his tool box, the Bible, we find love enough to share.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

Grateful

1 John 4:9-10
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 

I thank God for the gift of His Son.

When I volunteered in Sara’s first grade class, she had the children write three things they were thankful for. In this process, they learned to write words and understand how to form sentences. At the same time, they thought about what they appreciated. Many of the children wrote family and pets. I had to chuckle when a couple of kids added Taco Bell to their list. One little guy even said he was grateful for George Washington. Through their sincerity, they expressed what they appreciated most.

If I were asked to write three things I’m thankful for, I’d certainly say family and my dog, but I’m not sure Taco Bell would make my list. I do appreciate George Washington and the early settlers of our country and the sacrifices they made for our freedom, but I have another sacrifice I appreciate more.

I am so thankful for Jesus. You see Jesus’ sacrifice of His life on the cross and His incredible resurrection give me hope, because when I leave this world I’ll have a home in heaven. His sacrifice also gives me freedom. Freedom from Satan and his cronies, freedom to worship and live my life in peace. Jesus’ sacrifice gives me joy and a peace that passes understanding. God fills my heart with love I can pour over my family, friends, and neighbors.

In this season of thanksgiving, I am beyond grateful for Jesus.

What are you thankful for?  

We All Struggle

Every person faces trials in life. 

Every person has the ability to show kindness.

One thing I had to learn about people is it's not about me.

When someone is struggling, they may be grumpy, sad or quiet,

not upset with me, but dwelling in their own stress.

There are three things I can do when I know people are struggling.

Pray

Be kind

Love 

 

Show Them Love in Action

Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Someone is always watching.

One thing I know about children: They pay attention and listen, especially when we may not want them to. In other words, children mimic their parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone else they spend time with.

In September, I attended Grandparents’ Day at my granddaughter’s school. We convened in the gym at tables covered with brown craft paper and set up with cups of crayons. The staff served muffins, cookies, and punch and welcomed us with smiles. My granddaughter Ella Cate loves to draw, so this was the perfect set-up for us. We spent time together drawing dogs and cats and chatting about school. I loved sitting with her and sharing this special time.

At a gathering with children, I’m reminded of the many lives being formed and influenced by adults. I can’t help but wonder what they see and hear. As a child, I wanted to be like my second-grade teacher, Miss Mercer. I only had her for six weeks of second grade because we moved into her school district late in the year. She was a gentle, kind teacher who took extra time to catch me up on phonics. I loved and admired her and still remember her sweet personality.

As a believer and follower of Jesus, I’m aware of the traits God wants me to show others. I am particularly alert to how I influence children. I don’t always get it right, but I try to be a good example to my grandkids, the children I help in my daughter’s class once a week, and any other kids I am fortunate enough to interact with. I’m not just talking about the little ones, I’m talking teens and tweens, too.

As adults, we have a responsibility to show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to the kids who depend on us to teach them well. When children see love in action, they are more likely to show it too.

Jesus loved the children. He talked with them and showed them love. Let’s do the same.

Quiet Moments of Purpose

God sees the little things as big things, and the least as most important.

Tucking a child in at night, kneading dough for bread, writing a sympathy card, giving a hug, creating, walking a pet, laughing with a friend, making soup, and so many more touching gestures give purpose to life.

Love others in the way you know how. 

Embrace the quiet moments and the work of your hands.

Life is Not a Checklist

1 Thessalonians 1:3
We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I like lists and calendars. Something about the orderly way they help me organize my life gives me satisfaction. I use a program called Scrivener that helps me organize my writing, and I create Excel sheets to help me keep track of editing. Notebooks with check-off lists and the calendar on my phone help me show up where I’m supposed to. Without my notes, there's a great chance I'd forget something important.

As much as I like lists and organization, I can't live my life by checking off boxes. Organization works wonders for a project, like writing a book, but not so much for life. Living life is more about prompts, nudges, crossroads, inspiration, and endurance. Life in Christ includes hope, conviction, the nudges from the Holy Spirit, opportunities to serve, and unexpected joy. If I only stick to my to do lists, I’ll miss out on the blessings.

How about a list infused with hope and joy!

• If you're a parent, take time to play with your kids. If your children are teens or adults, hang out with them. Enjoy making memories.
• If you're married, date your spouse and be attentive.
• If you're single enjoy the adventure God's given you. 
• If you work outside the home, stop and ask your co-worker how their day is going.
• Take the walk, pet the dog, smell the flowers, smile at the folks God puts in your path.
• Sing out loud in church or in the car and worship freely.

My point--God has plans for me. If my head is focused on a check list all the time, I'm going to miss out. Instead I want to live like the Thessalonians who were faithful, and prompted by love and inspired by hope.

Be flexible when it comes to living a life mapped out by God. He has unexpected surprises, if we pay attention.

The Son Will Raise Me Up

Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Rain beat against the window and thunder roared through the sky. Clouds dumped water on the garden and drenched the flowers. When I walked outside the next day, the black-eyed Susans looked like they’d seen better days. The wind and rain had pummeled the plants and knocked petals to the ground. The lengthy stems sprawled across the flower bed. This time of year, their days are numbered, but I’m hoping they rally for a few more weeks and wave their golden heads in the breeze.

During Jesus journey on this earth, He met great opposition. Religious leaders, sinners, political leaders took it upon themselves to destroy the Son of God. They ridiculed Him and eventually killed Him. But the beautiful thing is, Jesus rose from death and proclaimed victory over sin. He conquered death to give life to anyone who believes and loves Him. Because of Jesus love and sacrifice, I won’t lose heart.

My black-eyed Susans might lay down after the storm, but the sun will raise them up to bloom a bit longer. I may fall into temptation or simply grow weary, but the Son will raise me up and give me strength to keep going.

Jesus’ death and resurrection encourage me to endure as I keep moving forward. I won’t grow weary or lose heart because I have faith in Jesus.

Trust Him with your heart.

Old Age

I love this promise God speaks to Isaiah. 

God told him, He had made him and He planned to stick by him even in old age. 

As my hair has turned white, I've grown to  appreciate 

God's constant presence in my life. 

I'm sure when I was younger, I took God for granted, 

but with the ups and downs of life, 

I've learned that He sticks with me and never gives up on me.

For that I am thankful!