The Wonderful Effect of God’s Nearness to Us.

. “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comfort delights my soul.”

Psalm 94:19( NASB 2020)

 Bad news or hard-to-hear news is never easy to receive. Yet, it is part of life. We have no end of stories that would apply.

 If there is one thing I can successfully allow to multiply in my mind it is anxious thoughts. One anxious thought leads to another. Worst case scenarios are not far away. Perhaps you can relate. Where this is the case, there are no end of large hurdles one must somehow get over.  And if this happens at night, it’s even worse.

 It can truly feel like my foot is slipping from the “rock” on which I have stood for so long. As I think about various difficult situations, people or disappointments, that is when my foot begins to slip for I fear what is next.

 This verse however leads me to a different place - “Your comfort delights my soul.” How does this happen?

 I will tell you this, at least for me, it is not automatic. I practice the following.  First, ‘Be still and know that I am God.’  I try to stop the circuitous and dead-end thinking. It has to stop and only I can stop it.  Second, I bring God to mind.  I consider His greatness.  Sometimes, simply reflecting on the greatness of God puts my heart at ease. He is high and lifted up; so much greater than me.  It leads me to worship Him, even in the quiet of the night.  Third, I call to mind His nearness.  He is both infinitely great and very near.  He says, ‘Do not fear, for I am with you.  Do not be anxious; I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10) He is near to those who call out to Him, near to the broken hearted, near to the humble. 

 In all of this, we say thank you to the Father. God sees the challenges you face. He knows the hurdles you must cross and promises to meet you there. Take comfort today that God loves you and, though His greatness is unsearchable, He is near to you.

 Dear Father,

 Thank you for the beauty of Your word and the comfort of Your presence. Thank you for Your faithfulness and that I can trust you with what I don’t understand and what scares me. You are good and fully trustworthy. I give You the situations that are troubling me today. I lay each one down at Your feet and thank You for hearing me as I pray.

 In Jesus Name,

 Amen 

The Priority Switch

 I have been a pastors’ wife for almost 33 years. I remain surprised that God chose me for this as I have so often felt unqualified. Today when I was reading the scriptures this verse jumped out at me: “Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns!’” Mathew 16: 23.

I know... weird hey? I took time to talk this over with God this morning and asked Him what was up with this verse. Why are you pointing it out to me? Wasn’t this just to Peter, surely it could not be about me too? Peter was not interested in seeing Jesus die on the cross, he did not understand the big picture or God’s purposes. It took a while for me to understand where the Spirit was going with this!

 In ministry, and I am sure it is true for all of us, it is not hard to get God’s priorities and mine mixed up. It is easily done in this “me first”, “you matter” culture we live in. We do for sure matter to God but that does not mean we put our goals or agendas ahead of God’s.

 I remember years ago, we had this person who would play the drums and it drove me batty. I was complaining to God about it during a service. You see, I usually sit at the front beside my husband, so the drums were especially loud in our small space. Do you know what the Lord said to me?! “Move to the back”. I seriously could not believe it. That was not what I was expecting Him to say.

 Today, the Lord just gave me a gentle nudge reminding me that His agenda and mine are not always the same. I wonder if you can relate somehow to what I am saying here. I asked the Lord to show me where in my life I have gotten my priorities and His mixed up and I’m working already to straighten things out.

 Dear Father,

I know You have priorities and so do I. Forgive me when mine get in the way of what You have planned and want to have happen. Give me wisdom to respond as I should when  You tap me on the shoulder this next week. Thank you, Father,

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

The First 2 Things I Tell Discouraged Parents.

 “What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’”

Isaiah 45:9 NLT

 When I speak to parents or individuals who are overwhelmed by sorrow and hopelessness, there are two things especially I like to tell them.

 1.      God is not finished yet. We despair sometimes as we watch a loved one make choices in their life that are far from wise. We long to give advice and take whatever control we can. When they were kids that is one thing, but they are grown up now and very possibly, not asking for our input or help.  Prayer is the only helpful option left available to us. A few years ago, I was feeling quite a bit of despair because of choices that were being made by a loved one. As I was rolling around in hopelessness and despair, the Lord spoke to me: “This is not the sum of my work”. I will never forget that, and I continue to remind myself if I am slipping into despair that God is not finished. He does not leave the work of His hands, half done.

2.      In sorrow, I have heard many people (parents especially) almost ready to give up on praying for their loved one. The Devil would love it if we bought into the lie that prayer is a waste of God’s and our time. Prayer always matters and God is constantly at work, whether we can see it or not. Prayer is never a waste of our time. God moves mountains and it is done through prayer. Alfred Tennyson reminds us that, “more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of”.

 Isaiah 45:9 reminds us that God is the potter, and He knows what He is doing. I remember one of my granddaughters showing me some unfinished pottery from her pottery class, the thought of judging her unfinished work never crossed my mind! In the same way, as we look at what is happening in the life of one who is dear to us, their choices or whatever it may be. Remember, God is not finished yet. We have to give our loved one over to God and trust them with the Potter, to do what He knows best to do. And pray. Jesus said in Matthew 19:26 “With man this is  impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” That, my friend, is good news!

 Dear Father,

Thank you for always being at work with my loved one! Thank you that you are not finished yet. I choose to leave them in your hands today. Thank you that I can pray for them and entrust them to your care.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

First Things First!

“Enter His gates with thanksgivingand His courts with praise.Give thanks to Him and bless His name”. Psalm 100:4

It is easy to get into the habit of rushing into God’s throne room to tell Him all about what is grabbing at your heart and mind now, without first beginning with Thanksgiving. I have found this to be true in my own life. This morning, I felt like the Spirit tapped me on the shoulder and reminded me, “start with giving thanks.” I took that to heart and began thinking about what it is I should thank God for. My husband Bill has encouraged me (especially on those days it is hard to know what to be thankful for) to ask God. So, today that is what I did and here is my list.

 Father, thank you for:

 1. Strength to do the things I have to do, and don’t really want to.

 2. The way You are taking care of all the loose ends in my life.

 3. Taking care of the things around me that frankly, look impossible from where I stand. I know that with You, all things are possible.

 4. Thank You for Your abiding presence in every season of my life.

 5. Today I am thankful that You know what I need even before I ask.

 6. My family and friends who make my life richer every day.

 7. My grandchildren. They light up my life in so many ways.

 8.. Thank You for the Fall and the beauty in it and new opportunities each season brings.

 9. For books! I love to read, and Fall is a great season to read!!

 10. Thank You Father, this list is not complete because You have given me so much to be thankful for. It could be SO LONG!

 Dear Father,

You are faithful in every season and thanksgiving needs to be in my life every day. I thank You for this important reminder. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that speaks and leads us.

 In Jesus Name,

Amen

Two Great Reminders from this week!

There are two important things I was reminded of this week. The first one came to me when I was reading Nehemiah. In the first chapter, Nehemiah had just arrived in Jerusalem, which was not rebuilt yet.  There it reads, “I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem.” (Neh. 1:12)

 I was thinking back to the times in my life where God had put something in my heart to do and the impact of those ideas. God does give us ideas.  When He places them in our hearts, we must act on them. Sometimes they take great courage, other times, not so much. It can be something as small as an act of kindness which is not a huge deal, except perhaps to the recipient. Or it can be something big, like writing a book or making a change that really was not on your radar. The fruit of our decision is not always known to us.  In my experience, when I have had the privilege of knowing, I am pleasantly surprised by the impact of that one idea which God placed in my heart and which I then acted on.

 The second thing is this. I had just sat down to pray for one of my kids and, honestly, had no idea how to pray for them.  I just knew that I wanted to pray for them.  Then I was reminded, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”(Romans 8:26)  Sometimes He gives us words and precise prayers.  At other times, all we feel is a great burden and deep love.  Either way, He is helping us.  I am so thankful that we don’t always have to worry about what the exact prayer should be, because the Spirit will take care of that as I just lay my loved one down and trust God to do what is best.

 Dear Father,

 Thank you for the way you remind us of important truths. Thank you for planting ideas in our hearts and for helping us in our prayers when we don’t know what to say.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Hope the Days When the Waves are Overwhelming!

“’Yes, come’ said Jesus.”  So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink.  “Save me Lord!” he shouted.  Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You of little faith, why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14: 29-31

 I can honestly say I have never walked on water, but I am familiar with that sinking feeling. The wind and the waves of life can become too much for anyone.

 When I was younger, I would climb mountains. They were very high and the hike was challenging. While I was in decent shape, I definitely came to the end of my own resources and had to call out to God. He met me there. He did not take me off the mountain but gave me strength for the climb.

 Bill and I have ministered for 31 years now at the  same church.  Part of the ministry is to the streets of Toronto.  We have  loved it but, let me say, it does not come without its challenges. Lately, ministry has felt like the wind and the waves are battering against us and I find myself calling out to Jesus to save us. I know He will. We are where He wants us, and His eye is upon us. I also know He is faithful.

 We go through seasons in our lives where the wind is particularly hard.  As Peter called out to our Lord to save him, the same invitation is given to you and I. He loves us and does not forget us. He will reach out and help us. It does not mean that He will always remove us from the storm, but He will give us what is needed for this season we find ourselves. He helps us take our eyes off the situation before us and put them onto Him. That is when we find hope for what we are facing.

 Perhaps you are dealing with a loved one who is suffering or maybe it is you. My prayer for you today it that as you call out to Him, He will reach down and pull you up and your eyes will look upon Him - not on the wind and the waves.

 Dear Father,

 You see me in every season of life.  You are faithful.  As I call to you today, I ask You to rescue me. I need You to intervene! Thank you.

 In Jesus Name,

 Amen

Why Giving People a Second Chance Matters

“ Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. And why worry about the speck in your friends’ eye when you have a log in your own.” Matthew 7:1-3

 First impressions are powerful. We all have them. We meet someone and sometimes we size them up pretty quickly. It is not always fair. This week I have been thinking about first impressions and the wisdom to know that people can change, they don’t become perfect, but they do become perhaps gentler and humbler. They have learned to listen more and talk a bit less. Whatever the case, people do change- some sadly become worse but some become better. They realize the truth of how they have been treating people and choose to change.

 This past week I saw a young man who used to be arrogant . He was unwilling to listen and heed the advice he asked for. He must have figured some things out. It has been a few years since I had seen him, and I could see that this young man had changed. I watched him as he interacted with people, listening to them and it was evident how gracious he was. I was impressed.

 We make first impressions every single day, standing in a line waiting your turn at the grocery store to how we interact at a social gathering.

 Matthew reminds us to be careful how we judge and that we all have a plank of some kind in our own eye. This plank skews our view and thereby making clear perceptions, difficult. There is a very good reason we need to be quick to extend grace with people and slower to cast hard and fast judgement. One reason, we could be wrong and the other is simply, we can be guilty of the very same thing that irks you!

Let’s not hang too tightly to first impressions. Let’s choose rather to extend that same grace we all hope will be extended to us.

 Dear Father,

Thank you for your love and the way you love me. Help me love those around me and extend your grace. Help me let go of the bias I have held onto where that is needed.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Yes.. God is always working in our lives!

“And be sure of this; I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew  28:20b

 Do you ever find yourself whining, out loud or just in your head, “really Lord, we are still here? Why do I feel so discouraged?  I feel like I have been here before. I know I have so much to be thankful for, yet life  feels a bit uphill these days.  

 These sorts of thoughts have been nipping away at my mind these past few days. I asked our  Good Shepherd, Jesus, about this. It is a wonder He never tires of my many inquiries. It is funny really, when I stop and think about it, I know He sees what I don’t see. I see the tiny section of the pathway, He sees the whole path, start to finish.

 He is not standing nearby scratching His head and wondering, why are we here yet again? There are times in our journey as believers we must remember.  He is present, trustworthy and He has his purposes and details He is sorting out.

 The truth is when our timetables and quiet plans bang into His, we can find ourselves impatient and often discouraged. Honestly, there are all kinds of reasons we feel discouraged , prolonged illness, answers to prayers that seem to be forever on hold, or people who have disappointed us.. lots of possibilities.

 The Good Shepherd does not forget His sheep and wonder “ where did I leave them?’ He is present and hears our cries and our sighs.

 The one thing I do feel I hear my Good Shepherd saying to me is this, “rest assured, I am working. You may think I am just sitting on a bench nearby doing nothing, but that is not true. I am doing all kinds of things you do not see. In the meantime,  trust me, be thankful and rest in Me my child.”

 It is wonderful to know that Jesus, who is our Good Shepherd loves us and knows exactly what we need. If we can think of nothing else to give thanks for today- and some days, thanksgiving can be harder than others! Today we can thank Him for His unchanging, unwavering love for us and for being so near to us every moment of each day.

 Dear Father,

Thank you for being the Good Shepherd and that while I may be feeling a bit squirrely at this moment, you are not. Thank you for your wisdom and the plans you have for me. Thank you that I can trust You and that You never forget me.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

One Important thing our kids must have to be “successful” at school and life...

“Then the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel ( he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father’s marriage bed, his rights as firstborn we given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright, and though Judah was the strongest of his brothers and a ruler came from him, the rights of the firstborn belonged to Joseph)...” 1 Chronicles 5:1-2 

Today as I write this blog, it is the first day of school for most kids. I watched my grand girls leave for school today. They had their new outfits, backpacks full of new notebooks, binders, pens etc. and hearts full of anticipation, and some anxiety as well I am sure!

As parents, we see our kids walk into the school those first few days and our quiet prayer is: “Dear God, help them find the right friends and get good grades!” There is one thing however, that is a bigger deal than friends or grades, and that thing is: character. Good friends and grades will only carry us so far in life. Good character is what carries us through the storms and disappointments that come to all of us. 

In 1 Chronicles 5:1 we are reminded of a guy, Reuben, who lacked good character and the wisdom which accompanies it. He was the first-born son of Jacob. When the blessings of his birthright were being given out, it passed him by because of a foolish lustful choice he made years before, and because of it he was disqualified. That birthright was passed to Joseph, a man who was rich in character. Joseph did not gain his good character by spending time on the beach, nor was the way before him set out beautifully, lacking all disappointments and struggles. Rather, his life was marked by them. 

I have noticed that today some parents seem terrified of their child suffering disappointments or failing. They don’t want to see their kids struggle in any way. Any potential struggles are removed or dealt with by parents. Perhaps I am overstepping my point, but this is honestly what I have observed. 

If our kids are never given the opportunity to struggle or face the challenges in life, good character will elude them. The most precious lessons are not found on the beach with every obstacle removed, it is through the struggles and hardships we face. This is not only true for adults, but for children as well. 

May we have wisdom to know how to respond when troubles come to our loved ones. Some troubles we can step in and help with... but not all of them. 

It is hard to watch our kids grapple with the challenges of life, but rather than removing every possible obstacle, invite them to call out to God and ask Him to lead them through the storm. They need to have the opportunity to grow and mature, which cannot happen when we are rescuing them from every possible challenge or disappointment. 

Dear Father,

Thank you for my children. I pray that You would give me wisdom to know when to step in and when to stand back. It is so hard to watch them face difficult things, but I know it is necessary. As parents, we so deeply need your guidance and wisdom. Thank you Father,

In Jesus Name,

Amen

My End of Summer Reset

The beginning of September feels like it should involve something new. Although I don’t have to buy multiple backpacks, pens, or notebooks anymore, I had to for many years. Now that the kids are all gone and buying all this for their own kids, September still feels like a new beginning.

This past summer has been great. I love summer and refuse to think much about winter. As I write this blog it is close to 40 degrees in downtown Toronto. I can hear the birds, the streetcars, and the bugs rattling away because of the heat.

I am reading a book called “The Habit Revolution” by Dr. Gina Cleo. I enjoy books like this because they challenge me to do better. No matter how old we are, we can always improve somehow or continue growing in some area of our lives.

Today is my first day back in the city, and you can tell that not only have my house and house plants been sorely neglected, but my garden has too. I am not an avid gardener, but I do enjoy seeing plants grow and flourish. Although my garden is looking a bit sad, I can tell you one thing that has flourished effortlessly... weeds! The small ones were easy to pull, others, however, were huge! I needed to ask my son to help me because the job was too big for me. We still didn’t even get the root. I am going to have to dig that thing out of the garden later... when it is not so hot.

I thought about habits I wanted to break. The ones that are not helping me need to go. However, if they are habits I have had for a long time, like that massive weed, they will surely require some hard work. As for the newer, smaller, not big-deal habits — I will need to be mindful to make different choices, but removing them will not be nearly as difficult.

God invites us to look to Him for whatever we need. There are some “weeds” in my life that need to go because they do not help, nor are they beneficial to anyone who knows me. I love that often-quoted verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13. Taking time to admit that without God’s help, we can’t do it reminds me of the first step in AA. “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.” The first step in overcoming anything is to be honest about it and admit that our situation has become too much for us to overcome. As Christians, we have Jesus, who does not gasp in surprise at our struggle, but rather loves us and leads us along. When we stumble, He loves us and stretches out His hand, and we try again.

I love the simple truth that the mercies of God are new every morning. What habits might you like to create this fall, or which habit would you like to get rid of?

Dear Father,

Thank you for your willingness to help me as I think about some of the habits that are not helping me these days. I know I need to get rid of them. Lead me as I take a few minutes to think- what are they, Lord? What habits are getting in the way of me being all that I could be? I know that I will never be perfect, but I can always be better. Help me I pray. Thank you,

In Jesus Name

Amen

5 Things I have learned or was reminded of this past year.

 If you took a few minutes to think about 5 things you learned this year, what would you write? This is my list.

1-    It is easier to talk about something than actually doing it. Sadly, there are a few things I could list here. I keep talking about it, but that is as far as it has gone. I need to actually, get going. Perhaps figure out why I am talking about it and not doing it? What is holding me back?

2-    I have learned it is often wiser to reach out to people I would like to connect with rather than wait for them to call/text me. One can be left feeling lonely at times, and there is one easy way to remedy that. Make some plans!!

3-    I get way more done in a day when I have a list. When the kids were young, I made lists but there were so many challenges and needs. Now I am older, it is just my husband,my dog, and I. My days are pretty flexible. I have some ministries I am involved it. Yet, there remain many a day where I have to think, “What am I going to do today?”.  It is easy to waste a day and it is ok to have those days, but it is also nice to get something done. For me, if I have a list, it is much more likely to happen.

4-    Facing the challenges and worries of today and not getting caught up and losing sleep over the ones that are down the road. When you are a born worrier, looking ahead is not hard to do. Rather, letting it simply wait and trust God with what is in front of me today, is wise and not my default. I am trying not to let my mind walk down certain streets that cause me anxiety. On these streets in my head is the stuff I can’t fix or do anything about today. It has to wait, and I know that God will meet me there when it comes. For today, I will live today!

5-    While this lesson is similar to the above, it remains something I hold onto every day. God will faithfully hold onto all the loose ends in my life as I hand them over to Him. He is big enough and is faithful.

 I could write more but these are the first 5 that came to mind. What are you learning this year?

 Dear Father,

Thank you for always teaching me, patiently. I know that I have a lifetime of learning ahead of me and behind me. I pray that I will learn well what you are teaching me today. Thank you for your love and your presence with me.

 In Jesus Name,

Amen

Some Things We Have to Do Everyday!

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” Psalm 23 :1

If the Lord is indeed my Shephard and I am not supposed to want, why do discontentment and anxiety nip at me?

 As I was eating my lunch today this question popped into my head, so I asked my Lord why this is. Should not all discontentment and anxiety be a thing of the past?

 I was reminded, there are some things in life that need to be daily practices. If we don’t want to get hungry, we eat. If we don’t want to be tired, we sleep. No one can do it for us. We have to do it for ourselves.

 In the same way, there are truths the Lord invites us to receive repeatedly because we are by nature “ sheep”. I have been reading a wonderful book in preparation for my ‘Oma’s Sunday School’ I put on for my grandkids during our summer vacation; the book is called “The Lord is my Shepherd” by Robert J. Morgan. What a life-giving book. Robert was a shepherd and is familiar with sheep. Sheep are skittish by nature. We are reminded in scripture in many passages that we are like sheep. One of the many things that has stood out to me, is this: sheep, unlike most mammals in the world, cannot manage without care. They need a shepherd. They can also be slow to trust, and stubborn. Maybe it sounds familiar?

 When I discussed my question with God, I was reminded that each day we need to remember who God is and receive what is needed from Him throughout the day. We walk along the way with Him, step by step. This Shepherd of our souls who sees all and knows all things, is more than able to give us what is needed in this moment. He has everything we need, and even more wonderful than this... He does not hoard it; He offers us everything we need. We must simply be willing to receive it.

 The other day, I was especially grumpy. Do you have days like that? I felt a bit sorry for Bill having to put up with me. Finally, I could not even stand my own grumpy pathetic thoughts, so I did the “name 10 things to give thanks to God for” and I asked God to dust me off. After that, I was able to receive what the Lord had for me at that moment.

 I love that we have a Shepherd who promises to never leave us or forsake us. This promise is not only for the good days but the dark days as well. I think we all have those from time to time.

 Dear Father,

Thank you for being my Good Shepherd. I come to you today in need of your peace that calms my fears and quiets the anxious thoughts that seem to rise when I am quiet. Thank You for giving all that I need today.

 In Jesus Name,

Amen

3 Little Words

“ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13

Do you ever have one of those days where you have a list of things to do, but frankly no motivation to do it? I sure do. There are many truths of Scripture that inspire me, like Philippians 4:13. As we stop and ask Jesus for strength for what is before us, we can call that step one. Changing our perspective could be step two. if we add these 3 little words, “I get to…”, things will quickly look very different for us. For example, today I get to clean the bathroom or I get to make yet another meal, and have another meeting. To be honest, sometimes exercising can be a burden to me. If I say to myself “Today I get to lift weights”, it helps me. You name it, often it is those tasks I have to do over and over again that can become most challenging.

Yet, even more challenging are the days we find ourselves in God’s waiting room. Today “I get to” trust God for all the undone and unresolved situations or troubles in my life or that of my loved one. This is something I have put into practice in these seasons as well and it has helped me.

Whatever you are procrastinating or struggling over - Jesus offers you strength. Receive His promise and consider telling yourself, “Today I get to….” You may just discover a brand new way to look at whatever is before you today.

Dear Father,

Today I ask for strength for what is before me. Thank you for the opportunity that I “get to” do what I know I must do today. Would you help me? I need your help and your wisdom! Thank you,

In Jesus Name,

Amen

When Listening Really Counts!

“ Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” James 1:19b

While driving home a few days ago, I saw a big Winnabagos hauling a car behind it. Bill’s father told us that once he saw a guy driving a Winnebago and also, hauling a car behind it. They were driving on a narrow highway with a steep hill beside them. Bill’s parents watched as the guys’ car became detached and went rolling down the steep hill. Immediately Bill’s dad sped up to tell the guy. As they tried earnestly to get the guys’ attention, he just sped up. I am sure he thought they were just plain nuts! This went on for a while. Finally, the Winnebago guy relented and pulled over. His parents explained to the guy his car was down in the valley miles back. It would have been much simpler for the fellow if he had just listened sooner.

How many times have we been in that same situation? We were given the opportunity to listen but chose not to and those times come usually at some cost to ourselves or others. Here are a few instances that came to my mind as I was pondering this. I know there are many more that could be added to the list regardless, here is my today’s list.

1. When we fail to listen to clear instructions by a health practitioner.

2. When someone tells me a better and smarter way to do something yet, I prefer to do it my way, which is harder and more work. Just because we have done things one way for many years, does not mean it is the best way.

3. I have lost count I how many times I have told myself to grab a sweater just in case and didn’t. I spent most of the hours that followed freezing! I dislike being cold!!

4. When the Lord tells you something you need to do or stop doing, and you fail to do so. While the others on my list are worth remembering, this one point is the most important. God sees what we do not.

5. When we choose to speak and when staying silent would have been so much wiser. There is a time to speak and a time to not. When it is time to speak, to have the wisdom to know when enough has been said!

6. My 2 sons wanted me to add when you see the sign that reads “Do not climb the electric fence “, you are wise to listen!

Dear Father,

Thank you for the opportunities that will come my way today to listen. I ask that I will have the wisdom to listen to what matters. Not everything I hear is wise and I ask you for wisdom to discern. Thank you Father.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

Have you asked yet?

 There are many “how to” books written.  Last winter, I read Atomic Habits by James Clear.  I enjoyed it. I have read a few other self-improvement books over the years. One thing that is usually missing is “ ask God” for His insight into whatever you are dealing with.

 Then there are the many plans and solutions I dream up and I think how can I help make this great idea of mine come to fruition? Again, I often rush ahead and fail to ask God what His thoughts are in the matter.

 ! was reading 2 Chronicles 16 about King Asa. He sounds like a great king. He loved God wholeheartedly and spent most of his life pleasing God. He missed the boat, however, when it came to a great battle that was upon him in his 36th year as King Baasha of Israel came against Judah. King Asa came up with a plan, a good plan actually and it addressed the problem at hand. The REAL problem was this. King Asa forgot to ask God first. What did He think he should do? King Asa a few years later developed a disease in his feet. Again, he failed to ask God. He only consulted his physicians.

 The way King Asa was living his life is pretty common when you think about it. Many of us could likely relate to him. We make all kinds of great plans, and they work out. BUT we did not consult 2 Chronicles 16: 7a” At that time, Hanani the seer came to Asa King of Judah and said to him, “ Because you relied on the king of Aram and have not relied on the Lord your God,... “ Our Father or we ask God to bless our great plans after we have made them.

 t takes slowing down, taking your plans, and placing them at God’s feet, then wait to see what He says. There are definitely times when God does not seem to have much to say on particular plans, then there are other times when He has plenty to say or insight He offers so more understanding of what is at hand is made evident which in turn leads us to a better plan and sometimes, a later plan. Our timing is not always God’s.

 Do you believe that God is a God of strategy or can give us insights into a problem we are facing? Whatever is nagging at you today, take time, lay down the plans, and see what God says about them. He is the God of the impossible and the possible!!

 Dear Father,

Thank you for your love and your watch care over me and all who are dear to me. Forgive me for steamrolling ahead with my plans and failing to even ask You what You think. I do give you the plans for this season, I ask for You to direct my steps. Give me wisdom and speak Father, for I am keen to hear what you have to say.

In Jesus Name.

Amen

When Silence Does its' Work

“ He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul” Psalm 23:2b, 3a

 Years ago, Bill and I were camped next to a beautiful river. No one else was in sight. Right out the door of this lovely trailer was the sound of a waterfall, which never stopped. In fact, it was all I could hear. I could not hear the wind or the birds. In the middle of all this beauty, it felt a bit like being by a busy highway. However, If I moved just a little way down the river, it was so quiet. I sat there often. I loved it.

 Every day, I walk my dog, Penny. I always have an audio book on the go and listen to various podcasts or perhaps some music. Each day is a debate in my head, what should I listen to today?

 Today as I got Penny’s leash on, the thought crossed my mind. ‘Leave the noise behind.’ So...I did. It is a hot sunny day here in Toronto. So, I walked and talked to God.  Finally, I just chose to be silent in case He had anything He wanted to say to me. And He did. He reminded me in that still, small voice of the beauty of silence and all that happens if we choose to keep the noise at bay.

 The truth is we live in a noisy world. Choosing silence is often a conscious decision. In the seasons of life, silence is in short supply. I remember when I had 4 small children at home. It was chaos until nap or bedtime. Then I would get done everything that the day would not allow me to do. I wish I would have enjoyed the silence more. I think I had become a bit addicted to noise and activity.

 I am in a different season now. The truth regarding the benefits of silence has not changed, though I am in a different season.

 Here are a few benefits that I was thinking about today.

1.     Silence allows us to discover what we are truly thinking about, instead of waiting until the middle of the night!

2.     Silence can bring to the forefront a truth that business and noise has silenced.

3.     Silence can help us remember what we have been forgetting and has been stuck in the back of our mind!

4.     The quiet is one of the ways that God restores our soul. (unless of course we are using the silence to rehearse offences suffered over the last week)

 It is interesting that David in this Psalm did not mention the busy streets or the marketplace as the preferred location for God to restore his soul, rather the quiet waters. Psalm 46:10 remind us “Cease striving and know that I am God”.

 Sometimes, we just need to be silent, waiting to hear what is on His heart for us in those precious moments. It could simply be rest.

 Dear Father,

Thank you for your interest in helping my soul find rest. I choose to be quiet today, if even for a few minutes, simply to rest in Your presence. Thank you for your constant longing for us to come and sit with You. Never do You tire of our company, and I want to say thank you for that!

 In Jesus Name,

 Amen

The Secret Room

 The sneaky secret room is just down the hall from worry and hopeless rooms. There is no sign on this door though, probably, everyone has one. We have all visited there at one time or another.

 Currently, I am reading through the book of Proverbs and this verse jumped out at me.

Proverbs 9: 17-18 “Stolen water is refreshing, food eaten in secret tastes the best! But little do they know that the dead are there. Her guests are in the depths of the grave.”

 Here are a few thoughts or mind games that I think get played in this particular room.

1. We justify whatever it is we are doing.

2. We deny it.

3. We lie about it.

4. We tell ourselves it won’t matter.

5. No one will notice or care.

6. It will only affect me - if it affects anyone!

7. God does not mind. It is not really a sin, at least not today.

 However, if we are truthful, the effect of what goes on in the secret room can be profound.

1.     Unconfessed or hidden sin matures. It does not lessen.

2.     We lose our confidence before God’s throne every time we go to pray.  “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God.” (1 John 3:21)  We will have confidence before His throne when our heart and mind are not weighed down by the compromises in our life.

3.     Corrupt or wrong thinking will seep into other parts of our life.

4.     When our lives are compromised, it does affect others. It is like saying a walking bridge that has cracks and a weakened structure, will not affect those who walk on it. Rather, It puts everyone who uses that bridge in danger.

5.     Lastly, it grieves God.  “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” Ephesians 4: 30

 What should we do if we have been making ourselves comfortable in this room?

 1.     Ask God what He wants you to do. Is it a problem? If so, confess it before God and if needed, confess to a helpful, trusted friend.

2.     I can feel guilty very easily, so when I have something nagging me, I ask God to show me if there is something I need to confess.

I have had my share of visits to this room, sometimes it is where I sit and grumble and complain. Other times, I nurse a resentment - rehearsing the injustice over and over. I find it is where bad decisions and poor attitudes and thoughts are unhelpfully nurtured.

 How about you? How is your secret room doing? Have you been there lately?

 Dear Father,

 Thank you for loving me all the time, no matter what. I ask that you would give me the courage to be honest about this “secret room” in my life. Am I storing anything there that is causing me to stumble and, in turn, perhaps those around me? Show me so I can confess it and be clean before You. Thank you.

 In Jesus Name,

 Amen

The Hopeless Room

 Many of us who have “worry rooms” have another room, just across the hall - it is called “the hopeless room”. There we have our issues piled up on the shelf. These are things that, from where you stand, seem impossible. Frankly, these things have been in this room for a long time. Statistically speaking, the chance of any change, seems unrealistic.

 I have sat in this room of hopelessness many times over my life. Watching my mom die was a long, cruel process.  As a pastor’s wife, there have been things that happen that can leave me feeling hopeless. Being confronted by an endless stream of human needs that presents itself to us, also through our ministry, can overwhelm me at times.

 Many times, I sat in that room overwhelmed with sorrow and fear nibbling at my heart and my mind. I had so many “what if” questions, none of which did anything to address the hopelessness that gripped my heart.

 In the grip of hopelessness, we all have different thoughts that plague us. One common thing is that we have forgotten what Jesus said in Matthew 19:26. “Jesus looked at them intently and said ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’”

 We may have even memorized that verse, but somewhere in our minds there are whispering thoughts that say, “I believe this is true for others, but not in this circumstance.” It is especially easy to find ourselves in this position when whatever we face has been dragging on for a long time.

 Today, I want to say to you, that in the room of hopelessness, our Lord looks intently at you and says the same thing. “ Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible”.

 He sees your suffering and knows the anguish that grips you today.

 As I sat in this hopeless room a while ago, the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me and reminded me that all of His promises are still true. He said also, very clearly, “Do not put your trust in people; look beyond to Me. Truly with Me, nothing is impossible.”

 Dear Father,

 Come, lift up our heads, and soothe our fears. Replace the hopelessness that grips us today with faith that moves mountains. Thank you for loving me and seeing me in this moment.

 In Jesus Name

 Amen

The Worry Room

“ So, don’t worry about these things, saying,” What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ Matthew 6:31

 Many of us have a room set up in our heads, called the “Worry Room”. It is where we go with all the unsolved things, the worries that don’t go away. It is like they have their very own shelf. There is a comfortable chair where you sit and rehearse the scenarios of things that don’t resolve in time or the way you are praying and hoping.

 I was struck today when I read this verse. I have read it many times in my life. Today, I saw my questions that are rolling in my head. I seldom worry about these questions listed as I am well provided for, BUT, I have my list of questions and could replace them with the ones in the passage.

 The next verse is still relevant whatever our list of questions may be. ”These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your Heavenly Father knows all of your needs.”( v. 32) I wonder how often in prayer as I go back to my “worry room” I act like an “unbeliever” who does not know or believe that God knows me and is well aware of what is keeping me awake at night.

 The other day, I had a neat picture as I was praying. I laid down a burden that was very heavy for me and a bit prickly, to be honest. I got up to leave and found myself reaching to pick up the burden once again and an enormous Hand moved over this burden, “No I have this in hand, do not worry”.  And peace came.

 It is like when you are out for a meal with a friend and have already decided you will pay the bill for both of you. When the bill arrives you both reach for it, but your hand covers the bill.  You say,  “No, I will take care of this”. It is the same idea.

 Today, as you take your heavy burden, that one that keeps being rolled around in your ”worry room’. When you get fed up with rehearsing it, and finally lay it down before our Father, imagine His great hand, covering that heavy burden and Him saying to you “I know - I will take care of it; leave it with Me”.

 Dear Father,

 Thank you for Your watch care over me. Thank you for Your eye which is locked on me as I come into your throne room. Thank you for your willingness, to pick up this burden and take care of it for me. Fill me with Your peace even while things seem unresolved from my point of view.

 In Jesus Name,

 Amen

Where is your confidence?

“Why am I so discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again - my Savior and my God!” Psalm 42: 11

 Seemingly impossible tasks can be broken down and made manageable... usually, though not always. We are all faced with the impossible at some point in our lives. Clear solutions seem to evade us though we know others who followed a 1-2-3 strategy and it worked perfectly for them.

 I have faced the impossible too many times to rely on 1-2-3 or experts.  I certainly look to them for advice. When the Doctor prescribes medication, I do take it, yet ultimately, my trust is in God. It is easy to get lost in the instructions, the “how to” of books, and lose sight of the One who has ultimate authority.

 This morning as I was praying about this sickness that has been dragging on for me, God asked me simply, “Where are you placing your confidence?” Psalm 42:11 captures, for me, what the Lord was saying to me. I am to put my hope in God for I will praise Him again. (Psalm 42)

 No matter what we face, there are always things to thank God for. David, the writer of this psalm, is feeling very discouraged. To be honest, I am not feeling that. But I am patiently waiting to be back to my old self.  In the meantime, my hope rests in God. 

 There is great comfort to remember that, ultimately, the One who loves us perfectly, sees us and hears us as we call. We can put our full confidence in Him.

 Dear Father,

 Thank you for being faithful. I place my confidence in You. You will see me through what I am facing today. Thank you for hearing my prayers and receiving every burden I lay down at your feet. Thank you for leading me through today and for all of your help.

 In Jesus Name,

 Amen