Saturday, November 2, 2019

November 2

Have you ever felt like God was sending you a special message? It has happened to me, but because the message was not clear at the time, it was hard to understand. 

Here’s what happened: I was driving down a street, on my way to pick-up the mail at one of our properties, and this woman, whom I know is a little eccentric, was walking down the middle of the road, blocking me from getting past her. I finally saw an opening and took it. I didn’t disturb her, she’s a little different.

Then after that, I went to Costco and once I had checked out, and headed towards the door with my cart, an old woman, who was walking very slow began blocking me from passing, I finally caught a break and got around her.

After combing through the scriptures, looking for the meaning of this, I began to realize that it was about God’s timing. The prayers that I’m waiting on an answer to, will happen, but only in his timing. The roadblocks, and delays are all a part of his process. Then he assured me that he would give me what I desired within this life, and that he is the kind of Father that gives good gifts. Are you waiting for an answer to prayer? This is a reminder to all of us, that God loves us, and what he is preparing is worth the wait.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

"who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:13

Friday, November 1, 2019

November 1

Even though the atmosphere was lovely, after a trip, it’s nice to come home. The familiar faces of your neighbors greeting you upon your return is welcoming.  It’s fun to get away, but there’s nothing like the comfort you create in your own home; you know you can count on it being just the way you like it. Jesus is our comfortable home. He is our beacon of light in this troubled world. We can go to him and find peace, and comfort from our sojourning. He’s familiar, because he never changes; he was the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. In this world, there will be trouble, but we can count on Jesus being the stronghold that keeps us safe, because he has overcome the world. As you face the challenges of your day, and go about your business, remember that you have a peaceful home to come back to, even if your earthly home lacks peace, close your eyes and find comfort in the arms of Jesus. He is familiar, and stable, and the picture of what we desire to come home to. 

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”"  John 16:33

Thursday, October 31, 2019

October 31

When you ask a question, do you stop and listen for the answer, or do you ask just to hear yourself talk? I’m guilty of this, especially in my prayer time. If you need the right answer, look for it in the scriptures. God gave many examples of how he feels about things and the direction we should take. Jesus told stories in the New Testament to teach his disciples about life issues, look for your answer there. In all that he did, he was teaching us about the Father, and how everything we do should be to the glory of the Almighty. Life can be complicated at times, but through each of our trials, we have Jesus walking with us, and giving us hope. Spend some time in God’s Word; he has all the answers, if you listen.

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."  Romans 10:17

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

October 30

One of my favorite times to be in the mountains is when it’s raining. Waking up to the sound of pitter-patter, as it filters through the leaves makes it easy to drift back to sleep. Somehow, the sound brings peace, and tranquility. It’s not quiet here, even without the rain, the sounds of the rushing waterfall breaks the silence. God brought to my attention my view from the couch where I can see out two sets of French doors. Through one set, I can see the incline of another mountain, but through the other set I can see down into a valley. I’m not at the peak, but I’m not as low as I can get either. If I were to go out and try to climb to the peak of the next mountain, I would have to descend from where I am, cross a stream of rushing water, then make my way through some treacherous terrain. If I wanted to make my way into the valley, I would follow the water fall down, but would still have quite a rough hike. Our walk as a Christian is similar; to ascend to the heights of the Lord, is a hard path to take, but descending into the valley is just as rough. Did you know that they grow crops in the valley? The ground is very fertile there. Just remember, wherever you are in your walk, is where God intends for you to be. If you are making your ascent, it means that he thinks you are ready for the climb. If you are still in the valley, he’s growing you.

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:3-4

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

October 29

Perfect timing! It’s been a while since I’ve been in the mountains, but if ever there is a good time to go, it’s while the leaves are changing. The cool, crisp air is something that we who live in Florida desire, but don’t usually get until January. There’s a name the locals have for people like us, “leafers,” and I don’t mind being called that at all. We are in a setting deep in the woods, perched next to a waterfall, and a gristmill, and the color is spectacular! Does it get any better than this? Maybe in heaven! It’s a nice break right before the holidays, because as soon as I get back, I will hit the ground running with all the preparations. But for the moment, I will enjoy the peace and tranquility of the mountains, and breathe in deeply, and renew myself as I spend time with our glorious God, and our Savior Jesus. There is much to learn by spending time in the woods, God tends to use our surroundings as a tool to teach, and the quietness as a way to hear his voice. Even if it’s just for an hour or two, find time to break away and get alone with God, and if you can, take a chair and sit in the woods, you would be surprised how clear his voice becomes during that moment. 

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Mark 6:31-32

Monday, October 28, 2019

October 28

Packing for a getaway to the mountains can be challenging, especially when it’s cold there, but hot where you live. You have to think about what you will wear while there, but also consider what you will wear on the way home so you don’t have a heat stroke. It’s time to dust off the jacket, and dig out the boots! If it was just me packing for me, it wouldn’t be so bad, but I pack for my husband and two dogs, you know the dogs need jackets too! Then we have to try and fit everything in the truck, because where we’re going, we will probably need power tools! It makes me feel like I’m leaving Egypt and packing everything I will need for the next forty years! Wouldn’t it be nice to just get in the truck and go without a care? The luxuries of today keep us needing all the comforts of home wherever we go. There is one trip we will eventually go on that all you will take with you is your memories, and the love in your heart. Your treasures will have already been accumulated, and waiting for you. It will be then that the agony of living in the world of the evil one will be over, and we will be set free, and the riches of the Father will be ours to enjoy, we will be home! The only reason you should be afraid to die, is if you don’t have Jesus. He’s the best reason for living, or dying. 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:16-18

Sunday, October 27, 2019

October 27

Do you ever try and avoid hearing the Lord’s voice because you know what you’re doing is not what he wants you to do? For instance, all I want to do is sleep, but I know I should be writing to bring a message of hope to whoever is reading my post. I keep trying to sleep to no avail, my mind seems to keep going on and on, even though my eyelids want to slam shut. I’m thankful that he is gracious, and patient with me. His voice was telling me to wake up, and be about my day, but I closed myself off, knowing full well that it was he that was talking to me. This type of behavior happens all the time, we just don’t want to admit it. Remember that person God told you to help? You were too busy, or maybe you were clutching your money too tightly, so you ignored his voice. Maybe he told you to call someone who might be feeling lonely, but you didn’t because they talk too much. I wonder how disappointed he is with us when he knows we hear him, but we go on as if he didn’t tug on our heart? Pay attention, listen, and obey. You have duties to fulfill as heirs of the kingdom.

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:17-18