Life is Like a Coin

Something happened this week that required me to respond in a right way.  It reminded me of something I heard years ago.  Our Christian life and walk with the Lord is similar to a coin.  One side is what we think and believe.  The other side is how we live out those beliefs - how we apply them to daily life.  How we live reveals what we truly believe.  God helped me respond rightly!!

"You teach others, why don't you teach yourself?  You tell others not to steal, but do you steal?"  Romans 2:21

"Be doers of the word, and not hearers only."  James 1:22

"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."  1 John 3:18

I've been so keenly aware this week of God's grace, strength, and help.  I couldn't make it on my own.  I'm so grateful for His care and faithfulness!

Peace Be with You

I hope you had a nice Easter weekend.  I had such a sweet presence of the Lord with me on Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday.  I wasn't feeling well, so it forced me to slow down.  I took that as an opportunity to reflect on each of these special days - reading through the verses of what had taken place on each day.

It struck me that the first words Jesus spoke to His disciples after His resurrection were "Peace be with you!"  He knew the turmoil in their hearts, and He spoke these healing words to calm and reassure them.  Simple, but so very profound.

I was carrying some heavy things on my heart.  As I read the passage of how Jesus spoke to His disciples, I sensed Him saying the same thing to me - "Peace be with you!"  He knew I needed that comfort and assurance.

I wrote recently about the peace that has carried me through all the tumultuous years.  I couldn't have made it without that peace.  And here, once again, God ministered His sweet peace to my heart.  He knew I needed a fresh measure of it - physically, emotionally, spiritually.  His precious peace - what a gift!

"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' "  John 20:19

A Good Day and a Sad Day

Good Friday.  I've always had mixed feelings about the name for this special day.  It is truly good because of what Jesus did for us on His crucifixion day.  His sacrifice to pay for our sins is incomprehensible!  I'm humbled every time I think of what He went through for us.

But it's also Sad Friday because of what Jesus went through!  It's sad that we had sinned and needed His redemptive act.  It's incredibly sad because of how Jesus was treated.  Pilate let the horrible criminal Barabbas free, and crucified the Son of God.  It's sad because of the mockery, suffering, and cruelty that Jesus experienced.

Good and Sad - such contradictions, and yet it's why this is such a special, holy day.  I'm grateful for all Jesus went through for me and for you.

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed."  Isaiah 53:5

"This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 'He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.' "  Matthew 8:17

Those verses have one of my favorite phrases from Good Friday.  "By His stripes we are healed."  I think it applies to both spiritual and physical healing.  I often speak it out in prayer when asking God for healing.

Today I'm so grateful for all Jesus has done for me - spiritual and physical healing.  It is both a Good day and a Sad Day......and I know resurrection is coming!!  My heart is overflowing with love for my Savior.

The above photo was taken by local priest John Abbink.  I asked his permission to share it.  The cross is on the mountain above where I live.  One of Floyd's favorite walks was to walk up to the cross.  Some years ago when our family was here, we spent time praying there at the cross for our family and our future - not knowing all that was to come.  This photo seems so appropriate this Easter weekend.  It's a visual reminder of God's glory and His mercy in one photo.

Peace Like a River

In the recent tumultuous years - the constant up and down - the roller coaster - the massive traumas...there is one thing that has been constant.  Peace!  It sounds incongruous.  Peace in the midst of all the turmoil???  How could it be?

I'm not saying there won't be pressure or stress.  But underneath it all - or perhaps covering over it all - is a peace.  Peace that can only come from the Lord!  It's His gift to us in letting us know He's with us, He's in control even if everything seems out of control.  Peace is His "amen" on the situation.

In the midst of difficult situations, if I would sit quietly and take a deep breath - I could always sense His peace with me.  I was never alone.  He was always by my side.  He was continually guiding me, strengthening me, supporting me, helping me.  I had only to sit in a quiet moment and let His peace wash over me.  "Peace like a river that floodeth my soul."

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."  John 14:27

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."  Romans 15:13

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." Colossians 3:15

"The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace."  Psalm 29:11

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."  Isaiah 26:3

This verse points out that there are a couple "keys" for us in having peace.  We continually trust the Lord in the difficult situation, and we keep our thoughts on Him - His goodness, His power, His love and care for us.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:7

I am so grateful for the peace that only God can give.  I could have never made it through all these years without the precious peace that only God can give.  He knew I would need it, and He poured it out into my heart.  He is so good!

Step by Step

I'm often asked how I've made it through these last years - battling cancer and Floyd's illness (plus a few other things) all at once.  The simple answer is "step by step."  Often times not even a day-at-a-time - but an hour or two at a time!

There's a temptation to look at the "bigness" of everything, but I quickly learned I couldn't do that.  I could only handle a little bit at a time.  I continually called on the Lord for grace, strength, wisdom, and help.  I had to do and decide about things that I had no idea how to handle.  I had to make so many decisions.  To be honest, it was often really overwhelming.

From day 1 when Floyd was admitted to ICU - and through the next 5+ years, I called on the Lord so much that I thought He might get tired of me.  I was so out of my depth in decision after decision that I had to make.  I consulted family, friends, and our lawyer - but mostly I cried out to the Lord.  He was always faithful to help and guide me.  Many times I felt His presence with me and His whispers in my ear of what to do.

It was truly one-step-at-a-time!  I learned that when going through a hard time - don't fight it, don't deny it, don't give up - just lean into the Lord for His always faithful help.

"Be strong...for I am with you."  Haggai 2:4

"From the end of the earth (Cape Town) will I cry unto You, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."  Psalm 61:2

"You will keep him (her) in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he (she) trusts in You."  Isaiah 26:3

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."  Philippians 4:6

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

"When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul."  Psalm 94:19

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe."  Proverbs 18:10

I would sometimes picture myself running into that "strong tower."  I would quote verses of promise like the ones above.  I would sing songs declaring God's greatness.  And I would wait on Him for answers to everything I needed to know.

I remember one day walking out of ICU crying because of the "advice" a doctor had just given me.  Everything about it seemed wrong.  I told the Lord I needed His help.  As I walked into the hallway, there were some friends from another country who had come to see Floyd.  They were "angels" God had sent to me.  They hugged me, prayed for me, and helped me get perspective.  It was so timely.

I learned to never make quick decisions if I wasn't feeling at peace.  Sometimes I excused myself to go to the bathroom where I would pray and ask God for help.  We can't give in to pressure if our heart isn't at peace!!  I'll share more about that next time.

God never, ever failed me.  He was with me each step of the way.  He helped and guided me all through those years.  I am so grateful!

Waiting is Hard

When I've been writing about persevering - I'm reminded that one of the big things about persevering is "waiting."  And waiting, and waiting.  Oh my - waiting can be so hard.  We pray, we expect answers, and often times all we get is waiting.  Persevering involves lots of waiting.  And sometimes (maybe even often times) that waiting goes on for a long time.  There are so many things I've waited for.  I think that's why it was so exciting to me to see some answers to prayer!!

Waiting is not a word we like to hear.  We live in a world of "instant" everything!!  Food, communication, service, shopping - you name it, it's instant.  Waiting is not a popular word.

The Bible is full of waiting:  

- Sarah waited 90 years for a child - even with the promise that she would be the "mother of nations."  

- The children of Israel waiting 40 years in the desert before they entered the Promise Land.  

- Jacob labored and waited 7 years for Rachel - only to be tricked and get her elder sister Leah for his bride.  

- The paralytic waited 38 years by the pool of Bethesda for healing.  

- Joseph waited for 13+ years in prison before becoming Pharaoh's number 2 man - which set him up for reuniting with his brothers.  It was almost 22 years before he saw the fulfillment of the dream God had given him as a young boy.

- It was about 15 years after David was anointed to be king by Samuel before it actually happened.

Hannah waiting for a child.  Ruth waiting with her mother-in-law.  Moses in the desert before being called to lead the Israelites.  Job suffering greatly until God restored his fortunes.  The list goes on and on!  Jesus himself waited 30 years before beginning his earthly ministry.  Waiting actually seems like part of God's plan for many of His people.  And the waiting always paid off!!

When I've prayed, and persevered, and waited - I have to remind myself that God's answers to prayer and the fulfillment of His purposes are often not instant.  He uses the waiting to teach us and refine us.  It's not a wasted time.  We can trust and even rejoice in the waiting.

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"  Psalm 27:14

"I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry."  Psalm 40:1  I love this verse because it reminds me that God hears my cries!!

"The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him."  Lamentations 3:25

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning."  Psalm 130:5,6

"Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you.  For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are those who wait for Him."  Isaiah 30:18

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope."  Psalm 130:5

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31

So very many verses about waiting.  I think the Lord knew how hard waiting would be for us, so He put verse after verse about it to encourage us.  On the other side of waiting there are miracles, answers to prayer, fulfillment of promises - but we have to wait!

Choose to Persevere

When going through hard times, we've trusted the Lord and we've built our faith by "remembering when" He's done great things in the past.  But sometimes we simply have to choose to persevere and keep going.  It's not always easy.

I've faced times when I wanted to run away and hide somewhere.  I've wished I could just scream and scream.  The Bible tells us that the Lord won't give us more than we can handle - but I've wanted to argue with the Lord and tell Him He was wrong - it was getting to be too much to handle.

But, in the end, when my emotions and my heart have settled - I'm been able to speak out trust afresh to the Lord!  And I knew He understood the process I went through to get there.  He hasn't promised that everything would be easy.  He hasn't promised perfect health.  He hasn't promised that we'd be rich, or famous, or successful.  But He has promised a lot of other things.

It's good to remember some of those promises:

- He said He'd never leave us.  Matt. 28:20

- He said His love never ceases and His mercies are new every morning.  Lamentations 3:22, 23

- He said that His joy is my strength.  Nehemiah 8:10

- He said He won't give us more than we can handle.  1 Corinthians 10:13

- He said His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness - I don't have to be strong.  2 Corinthians 12:9

- He said He's working in things to bring good.  Romans 8:28

- He promises rest for the weary.  Matthew 11:28

- He said He'd give us peace.  Isaiah 26:3

- He said He'd instruct us.  Psalm 32:8

- He promised to fight for us.  Exodus 14:14

There's so many more.  The list is endless of how God promises to meet and help us when we choose to persevere.  He won't make us persevere - we have to commit our hearts to that.  But, when we do, He'll help us in countless ways.

"Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  James 1:4

"We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame."  Romans 5:3-5

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him."  James 1:12

Persevering in the midst of trials and suffering is usually hard.  But it's so worth it!  And God is with us each step along the way.

Remember When

I shared last week about trusting the Lord when we're going through trials and suffering.  I'm aware that it's not always easy - especially when we don't understand or when we have questions.  One of the things that helps me is to "remember when."  I speak out - or make a list of - times when God met me and our family in times of difficulty.  It only takes remembering a few of them to feel faith and hope arise with new vigor in our hearts!

-  Remember when God healed me of rheumatic fever when I was a teenager?

-  Remember when I was going on my first YWAM Summer of Service as a 16 year old and didn't have all my funds?  You provided, Lord, 6 hours before the plane took off!

-  Remember when we were leading the Dilaram House ministry to hippies in Afghanistan, trusting you day by day for the finances we needed?  We served dinner one night with no funds to buy breakfast the next morning.  One of our guests left a cash gift under their plate that I found while clearing the table.  I joyfully told Floyd we could serve breakfast the next day.  You always provided.

-  Remember when we moved to the Ark ministry in Amsterdam (the 2 houseboats in the harbor behind the Central Station) and I was so sick with the pregnancy of our son?  I didn't think I could make it there - taking care of our toddler and everything involved with the ministry while being so sick.  I cried out to you, and the next day the morning sickness was gone.

-  Remember all the death threats Floyd got while we lived in the red light district in Amsterdam ministering to the prostitutes and drug addicts?  You protected him and he was never harmed.

-  Remember when you healed our daughter after being deathly ill for 6 1/2 years?  The doctors didn't give much hope, but You, Lord, answered prayer.

-  Remember when we arrived in South Africa with no team, very little money, and only a dream and vision for what you wanted to do on this continent?  God has done so much in the years since then.

-  Remember our tears when I was diagnosed with cancer?  The doctor thought at best I'd live 2 years.  You have touched me time and time again, and I'm alive over 9 years later to give you praise today for your goodness. 

-  I also remember when Floyd got sick.  He wasn't healed.  He was in the hospital for over 5 years.  BUT - time and time and time again - God answered prayers on his/our behalf.  I knew every single day that God was with us and helping us.  I vividly remember how God carried him, me, and our family through those years.

I could go on and on and on!  There are so many "remember whens" of God meeting us in the midst of trials and suffering.  He has been so faithful!  Whatever I'm facing today, or tomorrow, or in the years to come - He is able to meet me and help me!

The book of Psalms is filled with recalling all the great things God had done for His people.  It's a wonderful example for us of "remember when."  He created the heavens and the earth.  He brought them out of slavery.  He protected them in the desert for 40 years.  "His love endures forever!"  Psalm 136

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.  My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth."  Psalm 139:14, 15

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."  Psalm 121:1, 2

"He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them."  Psalm 145:19

"How priceless is your unfailing love!  Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."  Psalm 36:7

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song."  Psalm 28:7

U.S. President John F. Kennedy once said - "We celebrate the past to awaken the future."  We celebrate all the ways God has helped us, all the "remember whens," so that we can with faith trust Him for the new things we face - knowing that He will meet us again and again.

He Hovers Over Us

When we go through hard things, we have a choice of how to respond.

-  We can ask God questions, sometimes even in a demanding way.  In our pain, we may bombard heaven with "why" questions.  But God isn't obligated to answer our questions.  Sometimes He does, but often He doesn't.  He's God!  Our place is to trust and simply ask for His help to make it through the difficulties.

-  We can get upset and angry - which will eat away at our heart and open the door to bitterness.  This choice, this path, will destroy us.  I watched it happen to a family member and it broke my heart.

-  We can become discouraged by the difficult things that have come our way.  God understands our sorrow, our pain - but if we settle and stay in the place of discouragement, it robs us of the joy of the Lord that is our strength.

I have become convinced that God uses the trials, suffering, and pain to build our character and grow our faith.  He takes what is so difficult and hard, and redeems it by building strength and resilience into our lives.  He turns the negative things into good and beauty by drawing us unto Himself and making us more like Him.

We have to remember in the midst of the difficulties that the One that matters most to us, the One that we love will never let go of us in the hard times.  In the stormy times of trials and sufferings we need to be on guard by trusting that God will definitely never let go of us.  In His great love for us, He'll heal the pain, bring peace to the fear, destroy the seeds of doubt, and fill our hearts with hope.  Hope, then, keeps us going.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."  Romans 12:12

"They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31

And I add my words to that verse - they shall make it through the hardest, darkest trials by trusting in the Lord.

"Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."  Hebrews 11:l

"He fills the needs of those who fear Him.  He hears their cries for help and saves them."  Psalm 145:19

"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart."  Psalm 34:18

"Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions."  Deuteronomy 32:11

We can't see Him - but He is "hovering" over us as we walk through trials and suffering.  He is carrying us through the hard times.

The previous years have had lots of trials, some deep suffering, and some difficult pain.  But I can give testimony to the fact that God has never left me.  He has been faithfully by my side through each thing I've faced.  He has carried me.  He has strengthened my faith, and built into my character.  He has used the hard times for good in countless ways.  He is faithful - abundantly so!

Don't Be Anxious

Last week I wrote about the verse "Be still and know that I am God."  I included a chart that breaks down the verse.  I really try to live by that verse and all that it means.

BUT sometimes I worry.  I don't want to worry.  It takes so much energy, and distracts me from my focus on the Lord.  But I do catch myself worrying.  The other night I couldn't sleep.  In the midst of being wide awake, I started worrying about a pain I had.  In no time at all that worry was spiraling out of control.  I had to very consciously rein in my thoughts, and focus on the Lord.  I needed to be still and remember that God is with me!!  If I'm focusing on the Lord, there's no room for worry!

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?''  Luke 12:25,26

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."  Matthew 6:34

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You."  Psalm 56:3

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."  Psalm 23:4

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  Philippians 4:6

I  don't want to be a "worry wart" like we sometimes called people when I was growing up.  I want my focus always and continually to be on our wonderful Lord!

Be Still

I have 2 praise reports of things I want to thank the Lord for.  One was an instance when I really saw His protection over me.  Something could have been so much worse - and I immediately had the sense that angels were there with me, guarding me and protecting me.

The second thing was a security emergency.  I was making calls, trying to get help, and hitting a dead end.  I stopped and prayed - reminded the Lord that He's my husband and that I needed His help - and in just a few minutes I had a solution.  Thank you Lord!

Both of these things may seem like small things, but they were huge to me!  I could see God's help and presence with me.  It was so encouraging.

Someone sent me a little chart about a verse from Psalm 46:10. "Be still, and know that I am God."  I often try to "quieten" my heart in difficult times and listen for God speaking to me in the midst of whatever it is I'm facing.  I love how this chart organizes the truth of that verse.

Such a short, simple verse - and yet it's filled with instruction, power, and promises.  I love it!  It can apply to anything we're facing.  At any time.  A lot is packed into those 8 words!!

"All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom."  Isaiah 28:29

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."  Hebrews 6:19

"You will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed."  Isaiah 49:23b

God doesn't disappoint us!  He's with us 24/7 and He helps us with whatever we face.  How wonderful He is!

His Unfailing Love

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.  It's on special days like this that I tend to miss Floyd more.  He was always so thoughtful about special occasions.  I love old/antique things - especially unusual things.  Our first Valentine's Day here in South Africa, Floyd found an old xylophone in a little antique shop.  I love it.  I often have it on our living room coffee table. The sound is perfect except one bar that is a little flat.  Every time I look at it - or play the notes, I think of Floyd's love for me.  The photo of it is at the top of this post. 

I know I'll always miss Floyd.  He was my best friend and husband for 54 years.  We were so close. I feel like something has been cut off of me with him gone.  When I find myself grieving the loss, I try to focus on the beauty of all the years we did have.  I'm so grateful for them!

In times when I would have had Floyd with me, I remind the Lord that He is my husband now....and I ask Him to help me in ways that Floyd would have in the past.  I definitely sense the Lord's closeness to me during those times.  I pray for the Lord to be a father and grandfather to my children and grandchildren too.  We all miss him!

"How priceless is your unfailing love!  Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."  Psalm 36:7 

"Those who hope in me will not be disappointed."  Isaiah 49:23

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.' "  Isaiah 41:13

"For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name."  Isaiah 54:5

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling."  Psalm 68:5

"May you have the power to understand...how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is."  Ephesians 3:18

Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow.  Whatever your situation is in life - may you know you are LOVED!  You are precious - God's delight!

Surrounded By His Peace

"You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.  With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall."  2 Samuel 22:29,30 

I was meditating on this verse recently.  I've faced a number of different challenges in the past few weeks.  None, thankfully, have involved scaling a wall!  But some of them have felt like it!!  I am so grateful how God has walked with me through each challenge.  He has been constantly by my side, advising me, helping me, encouraging me, and strengthening me.  I couldn't make it without Him.

In the midst of these challenges, we have had so many days with beautiful rainbows appearing.  It is unusual - and there have been some stunning ones.  I have taken each one as an opportunity to proclaim and thank the Lord for His promises.  He is faithful.

Most days I see the peacocks walking by on the mountain behind me.  Today they were inside my fence in my driveway and garden.  That doesn't happen very often.  They came in and laid down as if needing a rest.  As I watched them, I felt the Lord speak into my heart that I am surrounded by His peace.  That's why they were immediately laying down to rest.  It was a sweet moment.

I absolutely love how God speaks to me so often through nature - His creation.  His messages come through loud and clear if I just stop to listen.  I'm so grateful for His voice.

"He who promised is faithful."  Hebrews 10:23

"You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of your wings I will rejoice."  Psalm 63:7

"Without me you can do nothing."  John 15:5 

"I know whom I have believed."  2 Timothy 1:12

"I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."  Psalm 16:8

I'm watching and listening for ways God wants to speak to me - especially through His creation.

Guard Our Tongue

As I read/watch/listen to things in the news, I am often horrified at what I hear people saying.  My mother used to threaten to "wash my mouth out with soap" if she heard me saying anything wrong.  If that was carried out with people these days we might run out of soap!  As I was praying about one particularly grievous thing I heard, I felt the Lord remind me of my responsibility to put a guard over my tongue.  I'm usually pretty careful anyway, but I committed to a new standard of Godliness over my speech.  It starts with me, and you, and those around us.  We can be a Godly example.

"I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue."  Psalm 39:1

"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."  Colossians 4:6 

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."  Psalm 19:14

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control."  Galatians 5:22-23

That's quite a standard for us!!

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:16

I pray that my/our speech will "shine" in the world around us where so many are careless with their words.  I want to be a living example of Godly speech!  I pray for the Lord to help us all.

Don't Stop Praying

I can't believe we're already at the end of Jan.  This new year is flying by!

I shared last week about God's wonderful, often miraculous, provision of meeting our needs.  I have been so blessed to get responses from many of how God has met their needs.  He is truly a generous, faithful, caring, loving, giving Father who is mindful of our every need.  He knows every detail of our lives, and provides for us in detail.  How awesome He is!

I was visiting with some friends recently.  We were discussing "big" things we're praying for - and how sometimes we don't see the answers right away.  Sometimes there is a "persistence" that is required in our prayers - for days, weeks, months, years.  An unanswered prayer doesn't mean God hasn't heard or is unconcerned.  His ways and His timing are often, usually even, different to ours.  Our place is to keep lifting those prayers to the throne.  God is listening!!  He is mindful!!

Shortly after our discussion, my friend sent me a song called ‘Don’t Stop Praying’ by Matthew West.  It so ministered to my heart!  Keep praying.  Keep believing.  Amen and amen.

As a sweet confirmation - I was looking for something in a file and came across some notes of prayers I had prayed long ago.  My heart was encouraged to see how many of those prayers had been answered.  Seeing the list - and the results - gave my faith a fresh boost.  I will definitely keep praying for things on my heart now!!  And I'll be watching for the answers from our "prayer answering God!"

"And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.  And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him."  1 John 5:14, 15

I've sometimes read that verse and wondered if my prayers are "according to His will."  Well - we know God wants to heal, He wants to draw people to Himself, He wants to provide for us, He wants to help us with the problems of daily life caring for us more than He does the sparrows......so I think our prayers are most likely to be according to His will.  I doubt that we pray selfish prayers!  I also tell the Lord that I know He sees my heart and I trust Him to answer in the best way.

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."  John 15:7

"Pray without ceasing."  1 Thessalonians 5:17

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  Philippians 4:6

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved."  Psalm 55:22

I am so grateful that we serve a prayer answering God.  I could visit with you for hours and hours proclaiming prayers God has answered.  I strengthen my faith by recalling what God has done in the past as I "don't stop praying."

He Provides Lavishly

For days I have been meditating on God being mindful of every little need we have.  I read an old devotional that I came across - from "Our Daily Bread" in Jan. 1994.  I'm going to quote it:

"Pastor Roy S. Nicholson told of a time when he had no money to buy food.  Determined to trust God for his needs and not tell anyone, he and his wife presented their case to the Lord in prayer.

The next morning he set the table for breakfast, confident that the Lord would provide something to eat.  Just then a boy from their Sunday school came to the house with a sack of flour and some milk.  Tears welled up in the pastor's eyes.  No sooner had he left than "Granny" Turner appeared at the door carrying a large serving tray loaded with Virginia ham, eggs, grits and gravy, hot biscuits, butter, jelly, and coffee.  Nicholson was filled with praise to God."

I actually teared up when I read it.  God didn't just provide - He provided lavishly.  A beautiful feast!

It reminded me of a couple occasions in our lives.  I'm pretty sure I've shared them before, but I want to do so again.  I was blessed afresh as I thought back to these times of how God met our needs. 

We had spoken at an evening service at a church.  Everyone was gone, and we were sitting in our vehicle (a YWAM car) in an empty parking lot in the cold of winter.  We weren't sure what to do.  We had no money.  We were low on petrol, had nowhere to stay that night, and hadn't eaten dinner.  We were praying together, and discussing how we could sleep in the car.

Just then a car pulled up to the driver's side of the car, rolled down its window, and handed Floyd some money.  The man said he was sitting at home watching the news, when he felt the Lord told him to come back to the church parking lot and give us money.  The 3 of us wept at God's wonderful provision.

The other time that came back so clearly to my mind was in Afghanistan.  We had a house ministry reaching out to the hippies of that day.  At the time we had about 20-25 young people in the house.  I set the table for dinner.  We had some guests from the expat community joining us that evening.  I told Floyd that we were eating the last of the food we had.  I had no idea what we would do for breakfast.  We had a wonderful evening of sharing and fellowship.  We had a combination of non-believers and new believers in the house.  It was wonderful to share testimonies of God's goodness.

Afterwards, as I was clearing the table, I found some money under the plate of one of our guests.  I had tears as I told Floyd we would be able to buy food for breakfast!

Honestly, I could go on and on sharing wonderful examples like these of how God has provided over and over and over, in so many different ways, in our lives.  He is a wonderful, generous, caring Father.  He knows every detail of our lives - and He provides in detail.  He is so good!!  He longs for us to share our hearts, our needs, our struggles with Him.  He is always listening, and always working to help us.  And always providing!!

"Abraham said, 'My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb.' "  Genesis 22:8

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  Hebrews 13:5

"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  Matthew 6:33

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6

"My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19

"Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."  Psalm 34:10

"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread."  Psalm 37:25

Amen, amen!!  We can bring every need, every care, every problem, every burden to Him.  He cares.  Even as I've been writing this, something came up and I needed to stop and talk to the Lord.  I'm so grateful that I can take every detail to Him.  What a wonderful God He is!

He Encamps Around Us

In the midst of an emergency last week, I thought "I bet some people are praying for me."  We had a very close call with a fire.  It started in a field just down the road, and with the very high winds we had it spread incredibly fast.  

It was at the edge of our village in minutes - and continuing to spread.  The firemen evacuated some of those on the edge.  I began throwing things into bags - with the smoke getting really thick inside the house.

I left to go be at a friend's house who was out of the smoke field.  My son, who was helping me, went back to water our roof and help the firemen who were pulling hoses through our property onto the mountain.  The fire was halfway down the mountain by then.

Thankfully, it was still daylight and the water bombing helicopters arrived soon.  They're amazing!  They beat back the fire before they had to leave as it got dark.  I returned home shortly after - very, very grateful that I had a home to return to!!

There were flareups during the night, but there were lots of firemen on the mountain taking care of them. 

Whew!  So much adrenaline!  I'm so, so thankful to be safe - no homes lost - no injuries. 

"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."  Psalm 91:11

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them."  Psalm 34:7

I'm grateful for the angels that were watching over us and I’m grateful for the prayers that are prayed for me.

Don't Let Disappointment Stick

A few days ago I had a disappointment.  It wasn't some earth-shattering thing.  It was actually quite small, but none-the-less it stuck in my heart.  A day or so later when I realized it was still impacting me, I knew I had to deal with it.  I've learned through the years that even the smallest disappointment, if un-dealt with, can cause big problems.

It's so important to give the disappointment to the Lord.  It frees Him to act, to intervene on our behalf.  It's when He can take lemons and make lemonade.  He can bring good out of a bad or difficult situation because of His creative ability.  We shouldn't pout, or bargain, or threaten.....we just simply turn over the disappointment to Him.

Once I've given my disappointment to the Lord, I know I have to put it behind me - sometimes easier said than done!  I haven't really given it to the Lord if I keep dwelling on it.  I have found that God uses my disappointments - small, medium sized, and large - to help me grow.  Simply put - our disappointments are God's appointments.  He'll use the disappointment for good in our lives.  And once I've given the disappointment to the Lord, I must choose to be content in the situation - even if nothing ever changes.  Again, not always easy!

If I've responded in a wrong way to my disappointment, I know I need to repent.  It frees me from hanging on to the disappointment.  We'll never be completely free of disappointments in life, but we can be free from the burden and weight of them as we respond right to them.  I've been learning all this afresh these last few days!!  Good lessons for me. 

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life."  Proverbs 13:12

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34:18

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:11-13

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God."  Psalm 42:11

I guess I still wish the disappointment hadn't been there - that things had gone a different way, but I'm "free" of it.  It's not stuck in my heart!  I'm so very grateful that the Lord helps us with the disappointments in life.  He is good and faithful - in every little detail!

Not Getting Tangled

A few days ago I experienced something that is one of those "learning from life" type of things.  Two friends were helping me take down my Christmas tree.  We were taking the strands of lights off the tree.  The strands here are in large circles rather than one long strand, which makes it a bit more complicated to maneuver.  With just a couple quick, wrong moves - we had a tangled mess!!  It seemed to take forever to get everything untangled.  Oh my - it was frustrating.

As I thought about this experience, it made me think of how quickly we can make one or two quick wrong choices and end up with a "tangled" mess in our lives.  It's so important to ask God's help and guidance for even the simplest things we face each day.  I have been bringing my everyday activities to the Lord afresh and asking for His help and guidance.  It's too easy for me to make mistakes on my own.  I need God's wisdom!

I also have some bigger needs I'm bringing to the Lord too that I need His help with.  I find myself just "talking" to Him all through the day.  I'm so grateful that He listens. :)  It makes me feel secure to know that the One who holds the universe is also the One who is holding me.  He's right by my side, He's guiding me, protecting me, providing for me, strengthening me, helping me, and keeping me from getting tangled up!!

"Let not your heart be troubled."  John 14:1

"Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on."  Luke 12:22

"They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the Lord is upright."  Psalms 92:14-15

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust."  Psalm 103:13,14

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.  My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning."  Psalm 130:5,6

In little things and big things - In youth and in old age - In the day and through the night - God is with us and helping us to face everything that is before us.....and He'll help us not to get in a big tangle!!  I am so grateful for His constant faithfulness. 

Confident Faith

The new year has started with some fresh challenges.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I would have preferred to have a less stressful beginning.  I saw a quote - "the presence of trouble does not mean the absence of God."  SO very true!  God is right here with me as He's been these last 9+ years on our unexpected journey.  I would be lost without Him.  My trust in Him has proven His faithfulness.

The "blessing" in Numbers 6 has always been so special to me.  I shared about it a couple months ago when I woke up with it running through my mind one morning.  Several friends have sent it to me during Christmas and New Year's.  I receive it afresh for 2024. 

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace."  

I think the Lord wants to bless us more than we can ever imagine.  We just need to turn our hearts fully to Him. 

I recently found a short article by David Wilkerson from many years ago.  I love this quote from him:

"I believe the greatest sign or wonder to the world these days is not a person who has been raised from the dead.  No, what truly makes an impact on the mind and spirit of the ungodly is the Christian who endures all trials, storms, pain and suffering with a confident faith.  Such a believer emerges from his troubles stronger in character, stronger in faith, stronger in Christ."

That's my prayer for every challenge I face this year!!  May God help my faith in Him to be confident in the face of everything that comes my way.

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"  Psalm 34:8

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30