Simple and Encouraging at the Same Time!

“He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve them.”  Matt. 8:15

Many people would breeze right by this passage.  As a mother of 4 and a mother-in-law almost 4 times over, I find this story important. Next week is the wedding of my 3rd born and the last of my children to become married.

As a mom and a mother-in-law, there is no shortage of jokes. Some of them are even funny.

When Jesus discovers that Peter’s mother-in-law is sick, He does not say, “Sorry to hear that.” and then carries on with the purpose of his visit to that home.  Jesus touches the woman, healing her completely from that terrible fever! The transformation is so significant that she gets up immediately and begins serving them.

I have to wonder about this woman, frankly.   When I have been sick like this, I do not generally think of serving a crowd of people right away. This lady does. I think that is impressive.  She must love to serve.  She did not sit down so she could get back to her knitting or nurse a nice hot cup of tea - she chose to serve.

This passage encourages me, that while there are times that I may feel unseen as mother or mom in law (maybe true, maybe not..) Jesus sees me, and He sees you if you find yourself a mom like me.

I can learn from this woman also. Serving is important. For me, I can always grow in this.

I am thankful for this simple passage and the reminder that I am seen by Jesus, and you are too!

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for this simple story and the beautiful truth it represents. Thank you that it mattered enough to make it into Your word. Thank You for mothers in law and moms. I had a wonderful one; I learned much from her example. She certainly taught me what it meant to serve humbly. Help us to be found serving You and others faithfully.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Waiting Patiently... Not my Top Virtue

Patience is a virtue that is difficult when we are feeling anxious and are accustomed to everything being instant.

Psalm 40:1 says, “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.”

In my experience, God is not always fast at responding to my prayers. Sometimes He is, but not always. I think we all have our timelines laid out for God to respond to. Yet, our Father in Heaven whom we cry out to also said,

 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, “declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isa. 55:8-9.

 God does not think like we do nor are His ways our ways. There is much faith involved in waiting. Think of the confusion and harm that can come because we fail to wait on God for His timing and direction. In Gen 15:4 God says this to Abraham;

“This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” 5He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

Sarah would not wait for God to fulfill His promise; she thought she would help God out by giving her servant Hagar to Abraham to bear this promised child. That was a terrible idea. Unfortunately, Abraham gave in to Sarah’s scheme and soon we meet Hagar’s son Ishmael. If you read the following chapters you will see the problems and grief that was caused by the impatience of Sarah and the foolish giving in of Abraham.

We find ourselves often waiting on God for something or someone. The challenge is to not allow our lack of faith, anxiety, or patience to prompt us to move ahead of God. We have all seen God care for us in days gone by. He is faithful and will do whatever is in His heart to do.

I did ask God today “what about when we are waiting on someone we love who keeps doing something that is foolish or harmful, and they keep doing it?”

He simply reminded me to put my trust in Him and not in our loved one. He also reminded me to give thanks, as nothing is impossible for Him.

Perhaps that is not the answer we are wishing for, but it is the heart of our Father. Trust, give thanks and wait.

Dear Father,

You know everything I am waiting on today. I put my trust in You and ask for Your mercy. Thank You for hearing me when I call out to you. Thank You for being all wise. Your ways and Your thoughts are far beyond my own. I choose to wait and trust You. Thank You for what You are doing, even in this moment. I trust you.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Don't Lose Your Voice!

“And now you be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words which will come true at the appointed time.” Luke 1:20

I will never forget the summer I lost my voice. We had just moved to Toronto to begin our ministry there. Our kids were all young. Having no voice was very challenging.

I was thinking about when this happened to Zachariah in Luke 1. We read that he also lost his voice, but his story was quite different.  Zachariah had met the angel Gabriel and was told that his wife would have a baby in her old age. He found this hard to believe. To demonstrate the truth of his words, the angel took away Zachariah’s voice. He would only have it back when the fulfillment of what was promised had come to pass.

The root of Zachariah’s silence was unbelief. When we fail to believe God for what He is doing, we also find ourselves silent. That silence cannot declare the incredible thing God is doing and bring glory to God because of our unbelief.

When Zachariah expressed his unbelief regarding his wife bearing a child in her old age, it was not only he that lost, but everyone else also. They knew something had happened but were deprived of the blessing and the incredible faith building story because of Zachariah’s silence.

Recently my husband prayed for God to heal someone in hospital. The situation looked very bad. He prayed for healing. The next morning, this individual was released from hospital. I was surprised that they failed to see any connection between my husband’s prayer and their healing. We gave thanks to God for what He did. These people did not see it like that at all.

When we fail to believe, it is like losing your voice to share of the great things that God has done and will do. May we each have that beautiful faith to believe so we can tell others of the mountains that have moved and lives that are changed.

Dear Father,

Thank you for your Word today. Forgive me for my unbelief.  You are the God of the impossible. I choose to trust You so that I might be able to declare Your praise to those around me.  You alone do great things.  I delight to speak of them.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

6 Clues that you may be boasting!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others. It is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrong.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Have you ever had one of those days where the Holy Spirit taps you on the shoulder and gently lets you know you blew it? 

I was driving with my dog Penny just thinking about nothing in particular. I heard that still small voice who brought a recent conversation I’d had to mind. He said to me “Donna, you were boasting”. I wanted to argue my case as my boasting came from a story I like sharing, but God does not. So, I asked the Lord to forgive me. 

I talked to Him about boasting and how easily I can slide into it without giving it any thought. I asked Him: “how can I know when I am being boastful?”. Here is the list He gave me. Perhaps there is more to add, but this is what came to mind: 

1. When I tell a story and at the end of it, I am quietly hoping they will think I am wonderful. 

2. It has the fragrance (or more accurately: smell) of pride. 

3. There is a satisfaction that comes to my mind, like “ yeah, that is exactly what I said and I wish I could have said more!” 

4. The motive in my heart has nothing to do with bringing any glory to God, only to myself. 

5. While pride is present and I’m in boasting mode, I find that grace is in short supply. 

6. Lastly, is an image that came to mind when I was thinking about boasting. The Lord simply said, “it is not a good look Donna. It is like wearing a striped shirt with shorts that are covered in squares. It’s hard to look at.”

How about you? What would you add to the list? Boasting is not what love lived out looks like. Boasting is self-seeking, and proud all at the same time. I am not talking about when we tell each other about our kids or grandkids, I am talking about the stories that quietly puff ourselves up. Trust me, I love to tell a good story, but I need to do so with 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 in mind. 

Dear Father, 

I wish I could get things right. I thank You for forgiveness. Please tap me on the shoulder again if You hear me being boastful? I know it is not good, nor pleasant to listen to. Forgive me God.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Call Me!!

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jer.33:3

This verse came racing to my mind yesterday as I listened to a young boy call to his mom. “MOM!” It was a focused confident call.  He was absolutely convinced that she would hear him and answer. He had NO thoughts like “I wonder if she will hear me or I wonder if this is a good time”.  It did not matter.   He had a question, and it needed answering - now.

I wondered what my prayers sound like when I approach my Father who I know loves me. Am I so confident He will answer me? Will He hear my urgent call?

This invitation to call to God in Jeremiah 33:3 is given as the Babylonians are attacking the city and the people of God were facing capture and who knows what. Fear was rife in the people of God that day. It is in this context this invitation is given to God’s people.

When we are gripped by fear because of situations we cannot control and an uncertain future, God says to us, “Call to me” and the promise is that He will answer. Even as God’s people were led into 70 years of captivity - that promise stood firm. The promise is particularly attractive because, in their case, nobody would believe that there are great and unsearchable things ahead for them – all they see is war and certain captivity.  In such cases, we have nowhere else to go but to call out to God because everything that is on the horizon looks so bleak.  Only He can see past the dismal present into a desirable future.  We’re not given that ability – but He will share it with us if we call to Him.

The way may seem long and hard.  We desperately need His perspective or we wither under the weight of the trial.  I have seen how He has shown me things in dark places that I could not know otherwise, but have greatly strengthened my faith and filled me with hope, though the situation I sat in remained unchanged for a long time.  This is one way that God strengthens our faith. When we call to Him He will show us great and unsearchable things that we definitely do not know.  We then live out of those promises and pictures He shows us.  We know that God is cognizant of our situation.  What is not so certain is whether we will actually call out to Him in our situation.

This young boy could call confidently to his mom and know that she would answer him.  She always does, even if the answer is different from what he is expecting.  He does not have the expectation that her answer is predictable.  He does know though she will answer him because she loves him.   

God hears you friend as you call to Him. He promises He will answer. Don’t give up.

Dear Father,

Thank You for hearing me when I call and for the promise that You will answer me. Father, I am in need of some answers today. Show me what I cannot see, that I might be full of hope. Speak to me Father, I need to hear from You.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

A Beautiful Reminder for a Starry Night

When the kids were young, Bill and I used to take them camping in the back country of Algonquin Park. It is one of Ontario’s largest provincial parks with all kinds of beautiful lakes. We would rent 3 canoes. Our dog insisted in travelling in Bill’s canoe - at the very front. I always thought that was funny. We have many precious memories from those holidays.

One thing we will never forget was sitting up at night and looking at the stars. Our whole family would sit by the lake and watch intently for the first falling star. We live in Toronto with so many bright lights, we don’t get to see the stars so clearly.

I was thinking about those starry skies when I came across this beautiful verse from Isaiah 40:26

Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”

 This passage is written to a remnant of God’s people as they were finally released from a long captivity in Babylon. They were tired and discouraged. Hope was in short supply.

 As they journeyed along, there were no city lights that would dim the skies. The stars, shown in all their brilliance, would light the road before them. If they would look up, past the circumstances and the memories that they were leaving behind, their perspective could change.

 They would have been reminded of these beautiful words spoken by the prophet Isaiah.  The truth that God who is all powerful, and hung each star, knows their names.  He sees them. He saw their suffering and was well aware of their weariness.  He was able to do all of this because He is great power and might.

 It is a powerful experience to choose to look up at the stars and be reminded that this same truth has not changed. God invites us, to look to Him who is our help. (Psalm 121)

 Perhaps the next starry night, you will remember this truth. He sees you. He sees where you have come from and where you are right at this moment. He knows the struggles. He loves you just as He loved that weary remnant that journeyed back to Jerusalem all those years ago.

 Dear Father,

 Thank You for the starry nights and this beautiful truth. You see what I am going through right now. Give me wisdom and strength for whatever is ahead. I praise You for being God Almighty. I need a powerful God who loves me right now.

 In Jesus Name,

 Amen

Mind Boggling Behavior of People

Who has not had a troubled moment while looking at the behaviour of people, strangers or those we know. I was thinking about that this morning at 4:00am. These thoughts kept rolling over in my mind. I was making up all kinds of conversations to get to the bottom of things. Let me just tell you, it was doing nothing to help me sleep! Everything is worse at night if you are one of those sleep challenged people, you might understand. We are not at our most rational.

I was praying this morning about this mind-boggling situation and that well known verse came wandering into my mind. “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

I felt like God was reminding me I do not know the whole story, nor do I know what people are truly thinking. Only God knows that. His request of me this morning is that I would trust Him in the middle of this. Maybe one day, I will have a conversation and bring some understanding, but not before I trust Him.

It is curious that God’s request is for my whole heart to trust Him, not just a corner of it. We know that He will work it out somehow. He will change them or maybe God will change me ; perhaps both!

I am reminded that while people are hard to understand, I know that there are times when I am also a bit of a mystery. My husband will certainly not argue that point!

God asks us today to trust Him with our whole heart and not put too much weight on our own understanding as it is very limited. We don’t know the whole story, but God does.

While we are busy working on trusting Him, if you are feeling hurt in all of this because of this mind-bending behavior. Bring that pain and disappointment to God. He is not going to say, “ you shouldn’t feel that way”. I do not like when people say that! When I feel hurt, that is not going to change a thing let me tell you!  I can take my pile of hurt feelings to God and then work through forgiving people who have hurt me and let me down.

I love thinking that in the middle of this, we have a Heavenly Father who loves us perfectly and every moment of each day, no matter what is going on!

Leave the confusing people to God dear friend and anything that goes with it. He is trustworthy!

Dear Father,

Thank You for being trustworthy. I entrust the people in my life to You. I lean on You today rather than my own understanding and assumptions. I confess, I do not know everything going on in them. Thank You for Your constant love for me.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

The Power of God in the Middle of Brokenness

I have begun something new the last few months: Every Wednesday I go to a prayer room, and I pray. At the church there is a cool Labyrinth created to assist you as you pray, so you walk through it while you pray. I really enjoy this as I am not a very good sitter when it comes to prayer, I prefer to move. 

Last week, I was heavy hearted as I was interceding for several impossibly difficult situations. To be honest, it felt overwhelming. As I walked that Labyrinth and prayed, something very odd happened. I heard an old nursery rhyme:

“Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the King’s horses and all the King’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again”. Then the Lord spoke again and said, “ But I can”. 

As I prayed about each impossible situation of individuals whose lives were devastated by consequences of bad decisions, this nursery rhyme kept coming to me and the Lord’s words repeated “ but I can”. It brought me peace and relief. Every situation I brought to the Lord in prayer was about people whose lives were in pieces. Far too difficult for me or anyone to put together again. God’s intervention is needed. 

Psalm 34: 17-18 says: “The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit.”

As we call out to God, we can be assured that He does hear us and that He will deliver us from our troubles. It may not always look as we imagine, but the promise that he is near to us is sure, especially to those who are crushed in spirit. 

For parents or grandparents who are reading this today and are heavy hearted over a loved one, God sees and knows. He is very nearby. The Lord who loves you, does not shrink back because your heart is broken over the choices of those who are so very dear to you. 

In our own family, we have faced heartbreak over the years but God has been faithful. I would not say He was as fast as we would have liked, but always faithful. He gave us what we needed each day, courage, strength and comfort in our overwhelming sadness. 

My prayer for you is this:

Dear Father,

I pray for Your peace to fill the hearts of Your loved one reading this right now. Thank You that brokenness does not cause You to worry or stress. Thank You that You are able to restore every life as we lay them before You today. Make Your nearness clear to each one. 

In Jesus Name,

Amen

The Beauty of Slowing Down and Sitting with God

There is someone in my life (not my husband thankfully!) who is often in a rush.  Many times, I store up a few things that are on my mind to tell them and just as I am 4 words in, this loved one needs to rush off. Rarely is there time to tell them what was on my heart. I am left feeling hurt and it makes me just not want to bother. 

This thought flashed through my mind today as I was reading Psalm 27:4, which says: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”

Everything about this verse talks about not rushing. Too often I am in a rush when it comes time to sit with the Lord. David (the author) talks about how he longs to dwell (not just pop in) with God. Reading even further, he mentions the idea that while he is there, he would like to gaze at the beauty of the Lord – not glance, gaze! 

I have discovered that if I am able to slow myself down and really be present as I sit in the presence of the Father, I am able to see Him more clearly, hear what He is saying, and receive His peace. None of this seems to happen when I rush in and rush out. I wondered this morning as I read this verse, how often do I complain that I am not hearing from God when perhaps, like my experience I describe in the first paragraph, God begins to speak but honestly, my mind is already on my next task. 

I remember the challenge of being a young mom and trying to find the headspace to read and truly hear from God – it was challenging. I remember thinking that once the kids got older it would get easier. Well, the kids are older and it is NOT easier. I have more time and quiet, but that doesn’t mean resting before God is any easier. It still takes a decision to slow down and enjoy His presence, read His word and reflect on it. I sure notice a difference when I do!

Taking time with God and allowing Him to fill your cup to the top is important for all you will face today. I think of the many times I am like a child who is asking for a glass of water while in the middle of a game where there is little time for that cup to actually be filled to the top. Impatient and hurried, they pull it away and are satisfied with a half-filled cup. I pray that today we will both sit at His feet and gaze at the beauty that is our Heavenly Father. May He fill our cup to the full! 

Dear Father,

We live in busy and distracting times. I ask that You would forgive me for my rushing in and out of Your presence. I also want to thank You for Your tender mercy. You see my life and see what I am up against. I ask that You help me even in the few minutes I have some days, to rest at Your feet and gaze at the beauty of Who You are! 

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Trouble Wears Running Shoes

23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. 24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. Matthew 8:23-26

 You might think that because Jesus was in the boat, this trouble, this storm, would not have the nerve to come anywhere near it. I think that, possibly, is what the disciples believed. It was one thing when the storm kicked up, and quite another when the waves were coming over the sides of the boat. The real shocker in this story to me, is Jesus was fast asleep in the back of the boat. 

How many of us, at this moment, are in a storm where it feels like Jesus is asleep in the back of the boat?  You know He is with you, but frankly from where you stand, His presence is not evident. Our natural response is fear, just like the disciples. I would have thought Jesus would be more understanding when His disciples were so afraid! When they woke Him up to let Him know that capsizing was highly likely, surely He would show compassion on them for the obvious crisis they were in.  Instead, Jesus called them out for the fear that had gripped their hearts. He does not question the seriousness of the storm, but rebukes it as He would an evil spirit.  The storm is not friendly; it’s not the kind that He walks through.  The storm is unquestionably an enemy.  Be that as it may, they know enough about Jesus evidently to be able to rise above the fear but they don’t.  All they see is a storm and it paralyzes them.  Jesus has an expectation of us that, given what we know of Him, we will still ourselves in a raging storm and truly trust Him.

I also read Isaiah 43:1-3, and it is very comforting. We will experience overwhelming times; waters, rivers, fire but none of them will sweep us away. The Father has us in His sight. While it may seem that He is not in control, He is. He steps in. He watches over each one of His children.  I have experienced that as I have given thanks for His presence in storms often fraught with confusion.  I have found peace through gratitude, remembering all of His enduring promises that remain true. 

Dear Father,

Thank You for Your presence in the storms I face at this moment. Thank you that your love runs deeper than every storm.  Fill me with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Bring calm to my mind and to this storm. Thank You for being trustworthy in the midst of what I am facing today.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Truly Trusting God

Imagine with me, a warm, sunny day, at a lake. There is a gentle breeze and, by the lake, a hammock. You have a great book in your hand and time to read! So, you head for the hammock. Here is the thing. If you don’t trust the hammock will hold you, you will have a hard time relaxing enough to enjoy yourself and read your book!

Recently, I have felt the Lord saying to me, “Believe Me”. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”  Let’s be honest here, it is a lot easier to live out this verse when life is good and another matter when it gets messy and feels like Jesus is fast asleep in the back of the boat. (Mark 4:38) The disciples were tired and there was no hammock in sight, only waves crashing over the side of the boat and fierce wind.

Believing God, keeping our eyes locked on Him in uncertain times, is the only way forward as far as I am concerned. Giving thanks to God in the face of uncertainty and truly believing that He will work it out is our best option. I love the verse from 2 Timothy 1:12.  From prison, Paul writes in response to the suffering he is enduring, “But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust and am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.”

God is trustworthy every moment of every day regardless of the trials we face. He is not called the Good Shepherd for nothing! He does not abandon His sheep and invites us to come and trust Him with that very thing that is tearing away at your heart or mind. He loves you and He is more than able!  I hope next time you settle into a hammock, you remember, this is like trusting Jesus!

Dear Father,

Thank You for being a good Father, who I trust with my life and all that is dear to me. Take all the loose ends, that which is unresolved, those things that keep me awake at night. I choose to trust You and truly rest in You. Thank You. I give it all over to You. I Know that You will work it out.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

The Ultimate Check List!

I am a list person! I get more done with a list. My 7-year-old granddaughter also likes lists. The apple does not fall far from the tree. There is just something satisfying putting that line across an item done!

When I was taking some quiet time with God the other day, I read the verse from Philippians 4:8. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things”

What a fabulous thinking check list! Are my thoughts:

-  True

-  Noble,

-   Right

-    Pure

-   Lovely

-   Admirable

-   Excellent

-   Praiseworthy

What a great list to think about as we have conversations. I had been sitting with a friend the other day and, I confess, had lost sight of my list, ending up having to apologize for something I said. How we think drives how we speak.

Our thoughts also indicate whether we will be hopeful or despairing, whether our lives will be fruitful or barren, whether we will be controlled by the flesh or the Spirit, whether or not we are being renewed by God, whether or not we will be alert and ready for what comes in an evil day.

So much is said by the state of our thoughts.  I wish I would get it right all the time, but I am moving in the right direction.  Having my thinking list clearly marked helps me.

This week, I had some challenges I had to face. I felt hurt and sad.  Having the list does not exempt us from those feelings but it helps us keep moving toward the right goal.  It focuses us 

Dear Father,

Thank you for this thinking list. Forgive me when I fall short. I ask that Your Spirit would tap me on the shoulder when I am not thinking as I ought. Give me courage to be honest with myself and careful to guard my mind as to the thoughts I allow to dwell there. Thank You for your mercy to me. Help me be merciful to others not only in my actions, but my thoughts.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Food, Comfort and God.

I have lost the same 20 or so pounds maybe 3 or 4 times now. I have worked so hard to get rid of them and then without effort, every last pound finds me. Perhaps you have had a similar experience. 

I really debated hard about losing the weight again so I would look half decent at my son’s wedding this summer. There are a few things I have come to realize though. One is: none of my kids love me any better if I wear size 8. Secondly, I do not want to be counting points. What I really would like to address is why I reach for cookies and sometimes chips to bring me comfort when I feel lonely or bored or I don’t even know what. 

I am on day 4 of a book called “The 40 Day Sugar Fast” by Wendy Speak, and I also bought a book called “Full, Food, Jesus and the Battle for Satisfaction” by Asheritah Ciuciu.  

I have tried the Sugar Fast before and failed miserably, and I am only about half way through the book called Full. Here is what I am doing this time that is different… This time I decided to actually ask the hard questions like, “where do I honestly find comfort?” Personally, I do not love the question. I know that I have run to cookies or chips many times over the years. While losing a few pounds would be great, what would be even greater would be to run to God for comfort and not the comfort that food offers which only lasts a little while. 

I have changed my focus this time and am looking to God to be exactly what the Bible says He is: my comfort. I have looked to God for all kinds of help and comfort over the years but often with a cookie in my hand. I took quite a while this morning and talked over this entire topic with Jesus. I am on day 4 of no sugar. So far, so good. I will do this one day at a time as frankly thinking of 40 days of “no thank you” seems a bit overwhelming. 

1 Corinthians 1:3 “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of ALL comfort.”

Does this mean I will never eat sugar again? NO! I just want to get to the place where I can eat a piece of cake because there is something to celebrate and not because it is filling a need that really only God can fill. 

I asked God what He had to say to me about all this and here is what I heard “ I want to be the One you run to for comfort and satisfaction, allow food to nourish you, not the other things”.

I liked His advice.He has everything needed.

Let me know if you want to join me in this quest. I am sure there are others who have found themselves on a similar journey.

Dear Father,

Forgive me Father for looking to food to be my comfort in whatever I am facing instead of you. I come to you and ask for your help in this. My I look to you Father, one day at a time. Thank you for loving me no matter what. 

In Jesus Name, 

Amen

Praying for The Loved One Who Is Stuck- Part Two

Have you ever gotten your car super stuck in snow? If you live in Canada, you likely have. One thing is certain: if you get super stuck, you cannot maneuver that car expertly out of that snow pile by yourself.  You need help from determined people! They have to lean in and work together to get your car unstuck. I think this is a good image of what it is like to pray for a loved one who is stuck. Last week I wrote about this and I would like to continue this week.

Mark 2:1-12 has the perfect story for us and is complete with some principles we can apply in this situation. 

In our passage, Jesus is back in Capernaum and is once again in somebody’s house, teaching them about the Word of God. There is quite a crowd gathered there and the religious leaders managed to get front row seats. There were lots of people inside and out. 

News of this reached four men who had a loved one in need.  We don’t know if he was a friend or a family member–all we know for sure is the guy was paralyzed. These four men are a very determined group, a bit like the friends who helped you get your very stuck car out of the snow. 

These guys did not allow the crowds to get in the way of them bringing this loved one to Jesus for healing. You would think the crowd would catch on and make a way for the man on a bed, but no. These friends had to be creative, climbing to the roof, which they dug through, lowering this man on his bed before Jesus. It had to be a very co-ordinated effort to not spill the guy out of his bed!

Jesus stops what He is teaching about and recognizes the faith of these four men on the roof and says, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5. The religious leaders did not like what they heard and nor did they understand.  Likely the man in the bed didn’t understand either as he did not move! Jesus knew exactly what these guys were thinking and called them out for it. Jesus asks them, “Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man “Your sins are forgiven,” or “Stand up, pick up your mat and walk.” Mark 2:9?

As you continue to read, Jesus tells the fellow to pick up his bed and walk and he does. 

Here are a few things we can learn about praying for a loved one who is stuck.

1. We may be praying for something specific, but sometimes what Jesus wants to do is different than what we envision.

2. Don’t give up and don’t allow obstacles/people to hinder you. Press into prayer for the loved one like that car stuck in the snow. It is not like praying for the food sitting in front of you.

3. Invite others with faith to join you in praying. They will not be hindered by fear or weariness over your loved one. They can pray much more easily in faith. 

4. Be encouraged, the paralyzed guy in the bed had no say in the matter and Jesus forgave his sins and healed him! 

Dear Father, 

Thank you for the story of the paralyzed man. I pray today for my loved one who is very much like him. I lay them before your throne today. Do in their life what You see is needed. I entrust them into Your hands. 

In Jesus Name,

Amen

How to pray for a loved one who seems stuck.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth. A song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3

It is discouraging to pray and pray, sometimes year after year, for someone dear to your heart and see no movement. To pray with continued passion and hope when there is little obvious change can become very challenging. I have certainly been in this place at times in my life. Here are some of the things I did.

1.      Before diving into prayer, I took time to put my eyes and hope on God and NOT on my loved one. Sometimes I took quite a while.  It is depressing if all our hope is tacked on to the individual we are praying for. Our hope is in God and it is to Him we look to set them free.

2.      I listen to God as I pray.  God helps us to know how to pray.  He gives us insight and helps us know what is the next thing He wants to do in this situation.  Strategic prayer becomes quite specific and one step at a time.  I don’t think God minds if we pray the big picture but I have found that He delights to lead us step by step in specific prayer. 

3.      I remind myself of a number of things:

a.       that Jesus is the Good Shephard and no one is beyond His reach.

b.      prayer is NEVER a waste of time.

c.       nothing is too hard for God. I love to give thanks to God for this unchanging truth. God is not wringing His hands in worry and distress over your loved one.

d.      all of God’s promises are still true.

e.       That the whole reason Jesus came was to seek and save the lost

4.      I give thanks for the smallest signs of life or movement in their life.

5.      I always find Bible verses I can cling to. These become my focus.

6.      Finally, I rest in God and allow Him to fill me with the rest and hope that Only He can give. Cease striving, and know that He is God and we are not.  We need to stop trying to rescue people or fix lives.  Let God be God.

I pray that God will restore hope in your heart. If this topic resonates with you, I encourage you to get our book, Hope for an Unwanted Journey, written by Bill and I. It may prove helpful to you.

Dear Father,

Thank You for being the Author of hope and rescue. You are the One who intervenes. Thank You Father. I ask that Your Spirit would lead me as I pray for my loved one. I ask that You would restore hope in me today.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

When Two Missions Collide in a BIG Way!

“Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.” Mark 15:1

Over the years, I have sat in several vision casting meetings with the various organizations that I have worked for. A big part of these meetings was setting out clearly what our “mission statement” was.  We worked hard on this. We made plans on how this mission would be accomplished. Intense hours and days were spent on all of this.

These past weeks I have been reading the narrative leading up to Christ’s death on the cross. Something struck me as I read Mark 15:1. The leaders of the temple, the priests, elders and other important leaders, were all gathered and were making big plans! Their plan was clear. Short and to the point, just the way mission statements are supposed to be. Theirs was, “Arrest Christ and crucify him.” The “why” behind this was clear also: get this guy to stop wrecking our ministry and making us look lame!

As they were trying to figure out how to make this happen, confusion was everywhere in the meeting. In Mark 14:55-60 we see the clear evidence of this. Little did they know that while they laid out their mission to stop Jesus, a much greater plan was long in the works, and they were playing right into it.

John 3:16 says “For God SO LOVED the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This is basically God’s mission statement, and the chief priests and associates paved the way for the greatest gift to you and me to be made. This was the event which changed everything!

Now, those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, can confess their sins and receive forgiveness! No animal sacrifice required! The throne room of God is unlocked and open 24/7 so that God’s beloved children can lay burdens down, find peace in the storm, and receive guidance, wisdom, rest and healing, and so much more - all the beautiful gifts that are ours as believers because of Christ’s sacrifice.

We have so much to be thankful for!

Dear Father,

Thank You for the precious gift of Easter! Thank you for the cross and all that was accomplished through it! Thank You that Your plans went forward and the difference this makes in my life every single day.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Thoughts on those times when it feels like God is not get it right!

Psalm 23: 6 Surely goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life and I will live in the House of the Lord forever

Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him

On April 9th, 1979, I was in Bible school in Manitoba. I felt like I needed to move far from home because my father was an alcoholic and drinking way too much.. Even though he did not live with us, I took it upon myself to make sure he made it back to his place safely. There was no end of difficulties when it came to my dad. So, as I prayed about leaving to go to Bible College, I chose to go to the next province over. I trusted God to watch over my dad and keep him safe. Things do not always work out just as we hoped and prayed.  April 9th of my first year in Bible College, my dad had a massive heart attack and died.

I struggled deeply trying to understand why God allowed this to happen. I am currently reading “The Bait of Satan” by John Bevere. He was talking about how people become offended with God because bad things happened, and God did not answer the way they prayed and trusted Him for. He said something that really struck me. He tells the story of a young man who suffered many losses in a very short period of time. This young man had fervently served God. He was mad at God as the losses were just too much. John Bevere, thinking about this young man, said “he believed God owed him for all he had given up to serve him.”

It is easy to fall into this thinking especially as we find promises of God and “claim” them in Jesus’ Name believing they will lead to a particular outcome we have planned for God to accomplish. I think this is especially true when it involves our loved ones. We lay them before the throne of God and trust Him to care for them. When bad things happen, does that mean God forgot?  Was He perhaps too busy that day? Maybe that is how it feels but that does not make it true.

We worship God because He is worthy, not because of all the nice things He can do for us. He has done many great things, starting with salvation. He made a way so we can rest in God and know His peace and in the middle of the storms of life, even when things don’t make sense. Choosing to trust God in these seasons is a choice.

God can handle our brutal honesty but while we face seasons where things make little sense to us, we need to guard our hearts. I have confessed to God several times in my life that I do not understand what He is thinking or doing, but I choose to trust him. When my brother died of a drug overdose I struggled greatly. God is a God of mercy but that does not mean that things will turn out the way we think it should. He does promise His presence and comfort if we come to Him. I have experienced both and I pray this will be true for you if today you are facing some tough circumstances or disappointments.

Dear Father,

I come before You today and thank You for Your presence with me. Though what I face makes little sense to me, I trust You. Lead me through these days that are dark and seemingly hopeless. I know that You are still God Almighty and that You love me. Thank You that You see me in my suffering. I choose to put my whole trust in You.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

Encouraging Words for Stressful Times

The news, at least in Canada, has been stressful. Then there are the endless posts on social media with all the opinions and breaking news. I find all of this stressful. Now this week, in Canada, we brace for tariffs and then we have an election at the end of the month in case there is not enough drama.

We were visiting our kids out west last week; the topic of politics and tariffs came up. I could feel the stress building in me. Then, one of them, sadly not me, said ultimately, regardless of who is in power, God reigns. They talked about the crazy leaders in the Scriptures. It was turning into a mini sermon between Bill and our son! For whatever reason, God allowed these leaders to rule. Yet, God’s purposes still went forward.

It is easy to put our trust in leaders. We pray for God’s choice to rise and will continue to pray for wisdom for that leader. This is true whether we are talking about the country we live in or whoever is in leadership at work. This verse from Psalm 20:6 simply reminds us of where our trust should be. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God”

I just want to say, it is a lot less stressful when I choose to put my trust in God. Regardless of who is at the helm, He is still our Good Shepherd who has led through uncertain times in history, and He will again. It does not mean it will be easy, but He promises to be present with us and will give us wisdom along the way.

God alone knows the future. There are so many opinions and predictions out there. None of them make it 100% certain. Only God knows for sure and that is where I choose to put my faith and trust.

Dear Father,

I thank You for being the One I can trust in at this time in history. Thank You for the promise that You will not leave nor forsake us. I pray for wisdom for the days ahead. Calm our fears and fill us with Your peace which rests on us even in uncertain times.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

My Secret Power!

“The Joy of the Lord is my strength.” Neh. 8:10

 I have many memories of sitting around a campfire singing, “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength.” I always liked that song, but I didn’t understand the concept. 

Last week I had a medical procedure and let me tell you, it was awful. It was awful getting ready for it, and recovery was even worse! I am happy to tell you though, I am much better now!!  

“The joy of the Lord is my strength,” found in Nehemiah 8:10, seemed like a pipe dream at that moment. So... I took the opportunity to talk it over with God while I was feeling terrible. Let me just say, it is easier to have such conversations when it is sunny and you feel well! 

The Lord reminded me that the source of all that is truly good is Him. His goodness, strength, courage and comfort are available, and none are dependent on the time of day or the circumstances that I face. He does not change. 

We all have days when the need is great and we call out to God literally moment by moment. He is there and he helps us.  It is truly amazing.  He restores hope and strengthens us for whatever is next. When I think of the joy of the Lord being our strength, an image comes to mind.  It is like having a life-giving well steps from you at all times and when a need arises, you can dip your cup in and drink deeply. It is a well that never runs dry and it is always available! That is good news! 

The next time I sing that song “The joy of the Lord is my Strength” I will remember why this is true and I hope you will as well! 

Dear Father,

Thank you for being my strength today for whatever I am facing. Thank you for Your willingness to meet me at any time! Thank you for being a God who is faithful and that nothing is too much for You. 

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

A Wise Balance

“The Lord detests dishonest scales,
    but accurate weights find favor with him.

 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
    but with humility comes wisdom” Proverbs 11:1-2

 I love to bake, especially cookies. I am reasonably good at it. The trick about cookies is simply this: you must follow the recipe. You can make changes to it, but there comes a point when if you cut too much sugar or forget the salt for example, your cookies will not be great. They might look good, but when people are not reaching for the second cookie, it may not be simply because they are counting calories.  Balance is needed for the cookies to turn out.  And balance is not only important in baking, but also in our lives.

How we fill our days and the hours that pass, matters. We only get to live this day once. We may have a chance tomorrow to do what was left undone today, but we cannot be sure.

Finding the balance in life is unique to everyone. When I was reading through Proverbs 11 this morning, I was struck by this verse about dishonest scales. I sensed God asking me, “How balanced is your life?” I was surprised as I have only thought of this verse in relation to business!  I was hesitant to answer that question. There are some things I would rather not know. Yet the Lord has been tapping me on the shoulder all day, waiting for my response.

My life can always be more balanced.  There have been times when I have sat too much, and other times when I have been too active, never slowing down to think or reflect on what matters in my life, or what God would have me do today.

The point here is that living with imbalance in our lives may be an act of cheating God.  There is something of dishonesty in it.

 To be sure, balance changes depending on what season of life we find ourselves in. Regardless of the season though, I believe it is important to ask ourselves if we have fallen out of balance and if we have the humility to change.  If we ask God humbly, He will show us. We don’t need to be afraid! God is gentle.

Balance enriches our lives. It is like washing a window after a season of winter. We see more clearly and we feel better!

Dear Father,

Thank you for Your desire for my life to be balanced. I confess, at this moment my life could be more balanced! I pray for wisdom Father, to see myself honestly and not to close my mind to the truth.

In Jesus Name,

Amen