Photo from Pathways to God

I have been thinking a lot about prayer lately and why some are answered and others seem to not receive an answer, or at least not the expected one.  The Bible exhorts us to pray, we do, and then we are discouraged when we don’t receive the answer that we expect.  Some even get angry at God for not sending the desired answer.  In this last week, I have seen a good friend go into the hospital for a routine surgery and is now in the ICU in critical condition.  Are people praying for her?  Yes! She is a valued and well-loved member of our small church family.  Yet we are not seeing the improvement in her condition that we are consistently praying for.  I have been praying for an online friend and her husband; he was in a motor vehicle accident.  He just passed away last night.  Finally, I have been praying for my sister who was diagnosed with macular degeneration.  She called railing at me last night because her prayers (and mine) are not being answered since she was told yesterday that the disease has spread into her other eye now.  I have to humbly admit that I don’t have all of the answers.  I know that God does His will on the earth and sometimes (oftentimes, dare I say), it is not the result that we hoped or prayed for.  As I prayed last night, God showed me a vision of a marionette and told me very clearly that He is not one.  So, why am I still praying?  Because the Bible tells me to.  When Hezekiah was told that he would die imminently, he turned his face to the wall and prayed.  God heard his prayer and added fifteen years to his life.  What if Hezekiah had just said, “Okay!  That’s it!  Now I’m upset with God about leading me to death, so I’m just going to roll over and die.”  That is not what He did.  He prayed and seemed to change God’s mind about his imminent destiny.

Photo from What Christians Want to Know

I am trying hard now to keep my eyes on God, not on the circumstances, just as the great Oswald Chambers encouraged us to do.  Jesus knew the agony of unanswered prayer in a very real way, and He was the Son of God.

When Jesus faced death on the cross, He prayed for God to take away that “cup” of suffering.  But He also prayed for God’s will to be done.  That is what I am having difficulty doing, letting go and letting God make the final decisions about everything.  But, like Jesus, I know that this is what I must do.  (Photo from Patheos)

Photo from Patheos

This is the Scripture that I am leaning on.  God’s will for me is to give thanks no matter what the circumstances are and to continually pray.  God doesn’t promise to be the puppet on the end of the string, moving the way I want at any given time.  He has a whole world to take care of, and I am thankful to know that He is my Heavenly Father.  I am disappointed and discouraged when my prayers are not answered the way I want, but I am being told in my spirit that they are being answered the way that is best in the end for all concerned.  That is a hard thing to understand, so I will have to continue to think about that as I go through the days ahead, continuing to pray in spite of the prayers that I have not seen answered in my way.  After all, there is my way and then there is God’s way.  I am thankful that sometimes these two paths intersect and I hope to one day merge my will with God’s but I am not there yet, and I have to trust that God knows what He is doing. Jeremiah 29:11 tells me that God’s plans are better than I can even imagine.  My mind and life are finite; He is infinite and He knows all things.  So, my trust needs to be in Him.  “For I know the plans I have for you, “ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

Photo from DailyVerses.net

Back to a previous scripture.  This photo shows a shipwreck, with the boat torn apart.  That is my life sometimes and probably yours.  But I take note that even though the boat is on its side and in a real mess, it is on the shore.  It is safe!  That is what I am believing as I pray for my friends and family, that God will take us safely to the shore, no matter what the storms of life may be.  Death is a problem.  Critical condition in the hospital is a problem.  Slowly going blind is a problem.  But none of these things takes God by surprise!  He is always in control, in the same way that He was there when His Only Son was crucified for us.  That is not what the disciples and His followers thought would happen, but Jesus knew that it was coming and was prepared to suffer for us and give us the gift of our ultimate salvation.  I can only pray that my prayers will line up with God’s will and that He will answer in love, giving all involved the hope to continue on life’s journey or to be with Him in Heaven.  I hope that you will join me in prayer, no matter what is happening in your shipwrecked life.  Let God be God!  He is always worthy and He always knows what He is doing!

I get up very early every day because I am a morning person. I try very hard not to awaken my night owl husband, so I tiptoe around in the dark room, turning on the light in the attached bathroom and closing the door. When I leave the bathroom, I turn off that light and use the flashlight on my phone to find my way to the door and out of the room. At last! I am free to turn on lights and see exactly where I am going. The chores that I do I I the morning are so much easier to do in the light.

About ten days ago, we lost our electricity when Tropical Storm Michael passed through. Since we live in a very rural area, we ended up being without electricity for almost a week. Part of that time, we were in Maryland visiting family, but I know well the frustration of getting up every morning, grabbing a small lantern that we had purchased for just such an occasion as this, and stumbling around in the semi-darkness to find the things that I needed to feed our cat and to find something for me to eat that didn’t require dairy products. The little lantern only lit the space a few steps in front of me. I was so happy each day to see the sun, and so sad at the end of the day when it set. We could not use our phones because we could not charge them. We couldn’t use our electronic devices because we had no internet. The thing that I missed most was reading my electronic You Version of the Bible each day. I could still read my hard copy, but I couldn’t do my Bible plan and that was frustrating for me. I found that I really missed my devices and my connection with the online world. But mostly, I just missed light. I found myself constantly reaching for a light switch and then remembering that it would not respond to my touch. I never got used to the darkness.

God reminded me that I am a light in the dark world. There are so many reaching out for the comfort of the light switch, but they don’t know how to turn it on. They are totally unaware of the comfort and peace that can be found in God’s Word. So, while I was getting accustomed to living in the darkness for those days without power, there are millions of souls who are living without hope, in the darkness, and they have no chance of having light unless we show it to them. That is a big responsibility, but the way the world changes is one soul at a time, one light at a time. I am the light and I reach out and touch someone else and he/she becomes the light. Then, they touch someone else and they become a light to others. And so the light is spread. I have always been very shy, but I have prayed for God to give me opportunities to share with others. Yesterday, as we were in line at Wal-Mart, the elderly man in front of me bent over to tie his shoe, and that simple action seemed to be a struggle for him. When he straightened, I felt the Holy Spirit prod me to speak to him, so I talked to him about how well we are made by the Creator and he agreed with me. We chatted for a few minutes about God and His power and then he checked out, smiling and waving at me. At the checkout, I noticed that the young girl working looked tired, but she continued to do her job cheerfully. I complimented her on her hard work and told her that I appreciated her efforts. Then, I told her that I hoped that her day would be blessed. Just a little thing to say, but one that can make a big difference. She gave me a big smile and a thank you. No, I didn’t say the sinner’s prayer with anyone yesterday, but I shined a little light of hope for these two people and I know that God can use that light to help them through the day and I’m believing that if they are not yet saved that God will fulfill His plan for their lives. I was satisfied that I followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and did a little bit, just a tiny little word of encouragement becomes a light that dispels the darkness of discouragement over difficulty tying a shoe or having a whole line of customers with no end in sight. We are the light of the world. There is no reason why we cannot turn our switch on and shine it in the darkness; we don’t depend on a power company because our power comes from our Creator, the God of the Universe who wants us to shine His light into the darkness of the world, spreading hope wherever we go. “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine!” I hope that you all will do likewise and be listening for the prodding of the Holy Spirit to shine your light.

I have been off-line for about a week now, first because we lost our electricity and then because we traveled to see our son and his family in Maryland.  Visiting with the grandchildren always takes priority over anything else I would like to do…thus the explanation for my absence from my blog.  I am still in Maryland, but Penny is at pre-school and Evie is napping, so here I am.

Is there anyone in your life on whom you can call, day or night, and they will always answer?  I have a few that come to mind, but even those few I would hesitate to call in the middle of the night just because I hesitate to inconvenience them in any way.  But there is someone on whom you can call, at all hours, and you will always get an answer if you are listening.

For those of us who doubt (and I must honestly confess that sometimes when things don’t go the way I want them to, I doubt), God says to us that nothing is too hard for Him.  Then, in the next chapter, He tells us that when we call on Him, He will answer us.  But it is up to us to call on Him first.  I was told once that God is a gentleman and doesn’t come in without an invitation.  So, if you want an answer, you have to ask.  Then, not only will you receive an answer if you are listening, but God will also reveal things to you that only He can reveal.  Isn’t that unimaginably cool?  We are insatiably curious and God can fulfill that desire if we ask Him.  I’m encouraged by these Scriptures and I hope that you are, too.

We are going home tomorrow and hope to have electricity again.  So, I will be back online next week, prayerfully.  In the meantime, be safe, my friends, and guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  My desire for you is answered prayers and revelations from God.

My heart goes out to those affected by Hurricane Michael. We had the tropical storm hit us Thursday night and we still don’t have electricity. The power company says maybe on Monday. We kept our freezer stuff in an ice chest until we could take it to our son’s freezer on Saturday, so that was a blessing. Please keep all of the people affected by this destructive storm in your prayers. And especially send up a prayer for those working tirelessly to restore power. We are out of town now to see our grandchildren. Hopefully we will have power when we get home again.

Did you know that we are all on a journey called life? I compare it to being on a boat and sometimes I feel like I am all alone and kind of lost. But God’s Word tells me that I am never alone; I just have to invite Jesus into my boat and He will calm whatever storm that I am going through. God wants me to reach the shore, to fulfill His plan for me, so He sends Jesus into my life to guide the boat to shore and to calm the waters of a life that is a raging sea all around me. The other day I went out to do errands with my husband, one of which was to visit my kidney doctor. She told me that I need to do an ultrasound to see what is going on with my kidney. Since I was born with only one kidney, it is imperative that I take care of it and when my kidney function decreases, then I have to take some kind of steps with meds or food and beverage in order to help it out. Anyway, I have to do an ultrasound and return to my nephrologist next month for her to do more lab tests and follow up with the first ones. So, since I was expected a “You’re doing fine” report, the one she gave me upset me some. The waves were hitting my boat pretty hard by that point. Continuing our errands, we stopped at the library, only to find it closed. The waves rose and hit my boat harder. Finally, I missed my swimming aerobics class because of my appointment with my doctor, so I had to exercise once I got home and I was already tired from running errands. So, the waves started washing over my little boat and the winds were really picking up now. I could feel myself spiraling into a “poor me” pity party, but I took time to sit down and read God’s Word and to pray about my situation. He gave me Scriptures to console me; Jesus came into my boat and calmed the wind and the waves that were raging. I was being totally human that day, with lots to do and not enough tiime for God. But He slowed me down, showed me that He was right beside me and calmed me to be able to finish my day with gratitude and peace. Do you ever start your day in your boat and as the day goes by, you realize that waves are buffeting your little boat, the wind has begun to blow hard and you are getting off course? That was me on Tuesday. Then, I stopped. I hit the pause button, as it were, and I took time to reflect on how big God is compared to how small my little problems and inconveniences are. Jesus stepped into my boat and showed me the way to shore that day. I hope that you have Jesus in your boat every day so that the winds and waves are calm, so that your eyes are on your destination and not on all of the winds and waves of life that will try to divert your attention. I missed the mark on Tuesday, but I got my eyes back on Jesus and continued along on my course that God has for me. That’s what I pray for you, that you will invite Jesus into your boat and keep on rowing, knowing that no matter what you face in the sea of life, He is enough. Blessings and prayers for a safe and wonderful journey!

Do you still hear voices in your head, like your mom’s voice warning you not to do something or there would be consequences?  I’m in my sixties and I still hear my mom’s warnings and declarations of what I must do in order to follow the family rules.  More important than my mother’s rules are God’s.  I want my actions to reflect the fact that I am a child of God and the only way I can do that is tomknow what His commands are for my life.  Those decrees are found in His Word.  Since I don’t know when I might have to call upon one of God’s wise commands, it is smart for me to hide His Word in my heart so that when I need it, it is there.  I remember well the story of Corrie Ten Boom and how much she suffered under the merciless hands of her Nazi captors.  But mostly, I remember that she knew God’s Word and recited it for her own benefit and for the sake of those who were suffering with her.  She is a role model for me of someone who knew just what to say and when to say it because she had spent years putting God’s Word into her mind so that when she needed it, it came out of her heart and mouth.  That’s what I want to be, a walking encouragement to others.  God’s Word frees us to serve Him and to know Him in ways that we did not know were possible without Jesus and the Holy Spirit guiding us.  My prayer for each of my readers is that you, too, will know the importance of reading God’s Word, studying God’s Word and putting it into your mind and heart so that it is there when you need it.  None of us knows the future, but regardless of what it holds, it will be better with God’s Word hidden inside us!

How should we live in this age of technology and constant change, in a world where there is conflict among friends and families? The Bible has the answer for all of us. We are to live wisely. What does that mean? I think it means that we are to live, knowing that non-believers are constantly watching us, waiting for us to fall. So are we then to live a false life, or one in fear? No! Of course not! If we are living a life dedicated to our faith in the Lord Jesus, then what we do is also already a part of our faith. Our choices should be Godly ones. Our steps should take us where He would go. If we find ourselves in a bar, for example, it should be because we are there to share the Lord Jesus, not to drink ourselves into oblivion. We are also called to make the most of every opportunity. I have been thinking about that a lot lately because the Lord keeps telling me that so many are lost without Him and it is my responsibility, yes, even my great calling, to tell others about Him so that they can share in His joy and freedom from sin. Yesterday after I went to my arthritis doctor, my husband and I stopped at the fitness center in the mall that is in town. It was my first time in that center and I was intimidated by its size and strangeness. Anyone who knows me knows that I like things that are familiar to me, including people. But God is calling me out of my comfort zone more and more these days. I even got lost in the locker room and almost panicked until a nice lady showed me the way to the showers and the pool exit. Anyway, once I got into the pool, there was only one other lady exercising in the free swim area. I started doing my pool walking and we passed each other a couple of times. Each time, we said something, like, “It’s really cold in here today.” Or she told me how deep the water got. After about twenty minutes of passing and saying short sentences to each other as we continued to pursue our exercise goal, I asked for her name. She told me and that she is a teacher and has been for almost forty years. I told her that I retired in 2017. We exchanged information about what we teach and I was amazed that my new friend Deborah also teaches Spanish. She shared with me about her health problems and her need to retire and that she is going to a meeting today to find out if she will be able to retire or not. I encouraged her with the amount of money I get each month and told her that I can make it with that, so I am sure that she can. Then, I told her that I would pray for her to be able to retire and for her health problems that are quite significant. She appreciated my concern and continued to chat with me as now we were both on one area of the pool and exercising together. So, I made a new acquaintance yesterday who needs prayer. More importantly, I sowed a seed. I think I made the most of that opportunity. I may never see Deborah again, but I will pray that she remembers that there is a Christian that she met “by chance” at the pool who will be praying for her. Do you make the most of every opportunity? I just have to tell you that speaking to strangers is way out of my comfort zone, but God keeps telling me to step out, so I have been trying to follow His encouragement. Only God could send another Spanish teacher for me to talk to because He knows that is a good first step for me since we already have so much in common. I love the Lord and I want to share His love and goodness with others who are without hope or who are seeking hope. I implore you to follow this Scripture. I am doing my best to live wisely and to use opportunities that God gives me to share His love and salvation. If all of us would live out this Scripture, I think that we could change the world, one person at a time. Want to join me in trying?

I loved this heart-warming story of a young woman seeking solace in a small village by the sea, where she and her family used to enjoy memorable vacations.  Now she has returned to heal from a tragedy that is beyond belief and in so doing she encounters Keaton, a young man who met her and was strongly affected by her when she was a girl.  She also meets Melly, a recluse with secrets, and Preston, a man with a big heart for animals and people.  There are other minor characters, but the main character is Annie and she influences all of their lives.  Her tragedy becomes hope for others in the town, little by little.  This was an excellent story of hope and redemption and will be thoroughly enjoyed by fans of Debbie Macomber and those who enjoy a light romance with a really good story.

Disclaimer

I checked out this book on the Libby library app.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

 

If you were to appear in court today faced with the charges of your sins, what would you be charged with?  Would you have to admit “Guilty” to charges of lying, gossiping, or any other sin?  In the grand scheme of things, we think of these sins as small ones.  But, as I told my Sunday school students yesterday, God cannot look at sin, any sin, no matter how small or how egregious.  If you want to spend eternity in the presence of God, you cannot be filled with sin.  One sin is not worse than another.  The person who murders has the same standing with God as the person who lies or gossips.  That’s a hard truth to understand, isn’t it?  But God is just and must punish sin.  That’s where the answer comes in, and if you haven’t accepted the answer, you will die in your sins and never be allowed in the presence of the Almighty.  That’s harsh, right?  So is sin!

God provided for us sinners by sending Jesus to die for us.  He took ALL of our sins on the cross and died for us there.  He died so that we can live with the Father forever.  His death was horrendous, the worst punishment that the Roman government could imagine and bring to reality.  But Jesus went to the cross willingly so that we could live free of our sin, no matter how big or small.  Now, I am one of those who had a hard time understanding and believing that my “small” sins were just as important to God as the big sins that I read about in the newspaper—the killing and the stealing and the cheating.  But, in preparing and teaching my lesson yesterday, I came at last to the understanding that there is no reasonable sin with God, no sin that you can stand before Him and say, “But that was just a little sin, and just one time.”  God cannot look on sin, period.  Have you read in the Bible that Jesus was on the cross and cried out, “Why have you forsaken me?”  God had to turn away from His own Son when Jesus took our sin on Himself and died for us.  The Good News is that Jesus did not stay in the grave.  He was resurrected, and so shall we be because of His great sacrifice.  So, when you stand before God, you can say, “Not Guilty because of the blood of Jesus.”  You can’t say “no sins” because you know that is not the truth, but you can say that the charges against you have been cancelled, crossed out, erased, moved from God’s memory deliberately because He knows who has accepted His Son as their Savior.  I hope you are one who can stand flawless before the King.

This is the best feel-good about Christmas book that I have ever read.  The story of Callie, the octogenarian who is determined to create a happy holiday for her overworked granddaughter Sydney, is both heart-warming and realistic.  The unexpected character in the story is Finn, the cab driver who is tasked with driving Callie around town so that she can “catch Christmas.”  Callie is well aware that she is old and not able to take care of holiday errands, so she is delighted to find a helper in Finn.  He’s like a reluctant Christmas elf, driving Callie all around town and seldom getting paid for his troubles because the elderly lady keeps forgetting to pay him.  The humor in the book was light but was always present, as was the feeling that time was short for Callie.  The theme of valuing time with those you love was well expressed, as I was quickly drawn into the story of Sydney rushing from work to caring for her grandmother, back to work, etc.  Finn was my favorite character because he gave his time reluctantly at first, blaming Sydney for her lack of care for her ailing grandmother.  When Finn and Sydney finally get together, Callie finds her happy Christmas.  It’s their getting together that is the heart of the story and Callie’s ability to see the good and love in both young people is touching and heart-wrenching.  I loved this timely Christmas story from one of my favorite Christian authors!  It will definitely prepare your heart for the holidays, with the desire to spend Christmas with loved ones.  

Disclaimer

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers via Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”