Category: encouragement

Reading My Bible Made Me Cry!

To say I’ve had a challenging few weeks would be an understatement. Can you agree, life can be quite challenging?

If you look closely at my life from the outside you may see joys, delights and the many blessings God has provided beyond measure. I am humbled to experience rich genuine relationships. Yet right in the midst, deep inside my heart lives an unmet desire that burns so hot the passion at times feels unbearable. My recent challenges have kindled the fire within.

Upon reading the words of Exodus 2 I wept bitterly.

“²³During those many days…the people of Israel groaned…and cried out for help…²⁴And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant… ²⁵God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.” (Emphasis added)

The words offered incredible hope for a heart filled with unmet desire. God reminded me not only does He hear my groaning, He is the fire keeper! He has not forgotten the fire he kindled deep in my heart so many years ago. He sees me and He knows.

Friend, if you too are longing for an unmet desire deep in your own heart you are not alone! God remembers. God sees. God knows.

If you value prayer and would like me to say a prayer specifically for you feel free to leave a comment: “I have a desire” (or any comment) and I will commit to pray for you and appreciate your prayers over my desire!

Photo by Mayur Gala: Unsplash.com

Lingering Lot!

While cleaning out a desk I came across an old Sudoku book. Years ago, I had become a little obsessed with the puzzles so I threw it into the outside trash bin only to go back later and retrieve it and tuck it into the desk where it sat undisturbed.

I wondered if could remember how to solve the puzzles. Before I knew it, I had completed several. I heard my husband arrive home and quickly put it aside only to think about when I would pick it back up. When he commented on the book I tossed it across the room as if it was not important to me but inside I wanted to grab it and master the next puzzle. I was quickly reminded of why I had attempted to remove this object from my life years ago.

In my morning quiet time, when I read Lot’s response to God’s warning I was a bit shocked. God sent angels to urge Lot to flee from Sodom:

“Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” Genesis 19:15b

God was about to destroy the entire wicked city and everything in it and Lot’s response in verse 16 fully grabbed my attention. “But he lingered.”

Instead of quickly fleeing from utter destruction “he lingered.” Thanks to God’s mercy, the angels “seized him…by the hand and brought him out…” vs. 16b

The passage caused me to ask God, “Is there any area in my own life where you have called me to flee yet I linger?” I sensed God’s response in calling me to flee from a very specific behavior. Since this was not the first time He had challenged me to give up this specific behavior I realized I too had LINGERED! I had chosen gratification of the flesh over immediate obedience.

Has God ever asked you to flee from anything and instead of instant obedience you linger? Perhaps, a bad attitude, foul language, bitterness, anger, worry, lack of forgiveness, an obsessive behavior like Sudoku (or other)…

Let’s grab the hand of God and flee!

Manure in Our Marriage!

My morning quiet time reminded me of the smell of manure. I worked on a horse farm growing up in Ohio. I cleaned out a lot of stalls and became very familiar with the deep ammonia smell of manure that can burn the hairs out of your nose.

Peace Rules My Heart!

I am leaving the world issues behind as I head off for a diagnostic colonoscopy. I realize this is more information than most of you need and I don’t want to alarm or present this as more than it may be but I want to share my experience of complete peace as I face this day.

Here comes Monday!

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. I worship my Savior with my husband, chew on a message from God’s powerful life-changing Word, hang out with some incredible people and there is often a nap involved. I just don’t want the day to come to an end. If you don’t attend church you may be missing out on your best day of the week.

I don’t usually dread Monday until a recent experience. I had an overwhelming feeling of dread on a particular Monday. I wasn’t looking forward to some of the responsibilities of that week. As I always do, I started my morning reading the Bible. The words of Psalm 16 brought an overwhelming sense of contentment that warmed my soul and reminded me of God’s providential arrangements placed on my life:

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:6

The words are a poetic reference to the “boundary lines” of the Promised Land which climaxed the fulfillment of God’s promise to His people. “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.” Joshua 21:45

I can pack my lunch on a Monday morning with confidence in facing the days ahead. I can count on my faithful God to fulfill His promises over my life. My feelings don’t always offer a tremendous amount of support on Monday and I may need a little extra coffee but my mind can rest assured in confidence knowing the steps of today are part of His plan for my life!

Which of God’s promises are you counting on today?

“Business Concept, Business Man Feeling Tired On Monday. Illustration” by aechan from FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Muddy Marriage Is More Than I Deserve!

Last week as we left church, Steve told me, “Wait here while I go get the truck.” He had parked in the baseball field and it was slightly muddy. I thought, “Oh that’s so sweet. What a great guy. He’s looking out for me and doesn’t want my shoes to get muddy” Since I was wearing flats instead of heals I said, “That’s okay. I can walk.” He then informed me, “No, wait here because I don’t want you to get mud in my truck.” It turns out he was more concerned with his truck than my designer shoes. It made me laugh and was a funny way to end our time together at church.

Because an hour prior I stood beside him in worship and together sang, “Oh what a gift You gave, Oh what a price You paid, more than I deserve, more than I deserve” Steve’s deep voice drew my attention. When young children sit in front of us they will often turn around and look up at him because of his deep voice. As I glanced over with tear-stained eyes I admired the man that God placed in the pew next to me so many years ago. Our marriage is a beautiful picture of God’s redeeming work. He redeemed that which was broken and together we invest to reap the fruit of something truly more than we deserve.

We may go from worship or passion one hour to being easily offended the next. It’s certainly not all roses, chocolate covered strawberries and John Mayer love songs. But God’s grace meets us where we are and is more than I deserve! Since it is clearly true, I don’t deserve the price He paid I will be forever grateful that He chose to die on the cross that I could have life and that I could have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) Seeing His abundance in my marriage brings satisfaction to my soul and makes me want to worship him all the more!

Take a moment to consider the areas of your own life where you see God’s abundance!

In His grace
His provision
In your child(ren)/grandchildren
In your profession
In your home
In a particular relationship
Your health
Hope
Peace in the midst of hardship

What could you add to the list?

Someone IS Watching You!

Do you ever feel like someone is watching you? I made myself get back out there running after time off from toe surgery. There may have been more than a few weeks of laziness mixed in there too! Two and a half miles into my route I was suddenly passed by a graceful female runner. Her pace was impressive. Her style was impeccable and I’m not just referring to her adorable attire. She made running look so effortless. Anyone who runs knows the discipline required to achieve such status. I was tempted to yell, “Girl, you are amazing!” But we all know that would just be weird. So I held my tongue and watched as her precisely sculpted legs carried her relaxed upper body so eloquently off into the distance.

Watching her reminded me how often I watch those who are gracefully running the race ahead of me. I want to learn from their successes.

I’m watching….

…as you experiencing hardships yet express a peace that surpasses all understanding.
…you celebrate empty nest with excitement for your future.
…my retired friends who do not cater to your own pleasures but are out there in the community offering your incredible gifts serving others.
…the wife who expresses respect to her husband – even though he may not always act respectable.
…the faithful servant who attends & serves the local church consistently.
…you grieve the loss of a loved one clinging to your Heavenly Father!
…as you consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds.
…those of you who are caring for your aging loved ones.
…you be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving letting your request be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guarding your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.

¹²We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith
and patience inherit what has been promised.
Hebrews 6:12New International Version (NIV)

What qualities are you watching & admiring?

Image courtesy of “Closeup Hand Tying Laces Ready For Run On Road At Sunset”by blackzheep at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Fulfill Your Ministry!

Ever feel incredibly discouraged? Does life feel pointless? Does hope appear far away?

In reviewing my journal, searching for an illustration for a Bible study lesson I’m developing, I found the following notes:

“My dreams are no longer fuel for me. I’m just going through the motions. I’m going to give up pursuing [a specific ministry dream]. I’m not going to pursue one more opportunity. If the Lord has it for me He will bring it to me. I’m tired of putting myself out there and feeling rejected.”

It looks like I was having a hard day!

Are you Driving Like a Granny?

My sister had this car sitting in her driveway that caught my attention. I’m not much of a car person and don’t typically get excited about cars. But I knew there was something special about this car. My brother-in-law loves cars and he told me it is a SL600 Mercedes-Benz V12 Twin Turbo. In case you are like me and all that means absolutely nothing, let me just say this car is NICE!

To invest in a new model today’s market would run you about $205K! Do you agree with me now, this car is NICE!

He suggested my sister and I take it out for a drive. He didn’t have to ask twice. When she started the engine, it rumbled. I could feel the vibration of the power inside of me. She pulled it out and we put the top down and took off.

When she accelerated the force of the car pressed me back into the seat. It can go 0 – 60 in three seconds. It was exhilarating! I raised my arms and screamed!

She asked, “Do you want to drive?” My first response was “No!” I was scared of that car. “Wait! Yes! I want to drive because I want to tell my husband that I drove this car.” She pulled over. I got in the driver’s seat and took off.

I so wish I could tell you that I drove that thing like the hot rod that it is, but I didn’t. I was scared! I didn’t drive it like a sports car. I drove it like your granny drives her Buick. I was afraid of the power!

Long ago, a man named David recognized God as his Creator! He recognized God’s creation (himself) as being wonderfully made and marvelous!

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.” In Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)

The word “marvelous” comes from the Hebrew word which means “to be marvelous, be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action” Strong’s H6381 – pala’

God didn’t create us to be mediocre Christians. He didn’t create us to be lukewarm Christians. He created us as EXTRAORDINARY beings.

Don’t live your life driving like your granny drives her sedan when the Creator created you in His image – EXTRAORDINARY. How do we do that? Get out the owner’s manuel and learn about the Creator and His creation! It’s amazing how he has equipped us.

God has set us up for success with holiness.

He created us to be extraordinary
He sacrificed His Son, Jesus so we could live the extraordinary life
He has given us His Holy Spirit to empower us
He has given us His Holy Word to instruct & guide us
He has loaned us His ear that we can communicate with Him in prayer

HE HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING WE NEED TO SUCCEED AT HOLINESS!

HE’S DONE HIS PART!

I’m Just Trying to Help!

When my husband got a new phone he was playing around asking Siri a lot of questions. He realized it was starting to annoy me since some of those questions should have been meant for me. “Siri, am I handsome?” I said, “Excuse me Siri, (with much attitude) I’ll take this one!” One time when he asked for directions Siri could not locate the destination. So in fun I mentioned, “Siri is stupid.” Steve then proceeded to shock me by speak into his phone, “Siri, my wife says you’re stupid.” I was a little embarrassed – not sure why but Siri’s reply completely surprised me. “I’m just trying to help.”

Most of us are surrounded by those who would love to just try to help. Our culture provides a multitude of counselors if we will ask for help! Whether it be a parent, pastor, friends, aunt, uncle, co-worker, or grandparent. Many of us could greatly benefit from affordable, professional Christian counseling. If you are completely desperate, you can even ask Siri. Although I don’t recommend that!

¹⁴Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV)

¹⁵The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise. Proverbs 12:15 (NKJV)

²²Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established. Proverbs 15:22 (NKJV)

Are you faced with a situation and in need of advice or counsel? Don’t forget to reach out to those who would love the opportunity to just try to help! How can I help you?

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” In Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.” In Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)