It's kind of embarrassing to admit, but until just a few years ago, I didn't have a very regular devotional life. Sure I prayed every day. And some days a lot. I would read my Bible sometimes... or even a devotional book. But, when life got busy one of things that I would let go was my time of soul feeding. Most of us eat three meals a day. When we're busy we might skip one, or two, but we don't go a whole day without eating unless we're purposely fasting for medical or spiritual reasons. So why is it that we often soul fast for days on end? Or maybe I should say soul … [Read more...]
Today I want to remind you that no matter how difficult the day seems... God has promised rich and glorious blessings to each of us who have chosen to call him Lord. Many of those blessings come in the most unexpected ways. I'll be sharing just one here today. Early each morning, I post an inspiring greeting on Facebook. Today it was this verse: I pray also that you will have greater understanding in your heart so you will know the hope to which he has called us and that you will know how rich and glorious are the blessings God has promised his holy people. Ephesians … [Read more...]
Have you ever been sitting absolutely still but found your body trembling? Were you trembling from excitement? Anticipation? Anxiety? Or maybe fear? Lately that is a state in which I often find myself. Some days it's much better than others. This week has been a mixture of joy and sadness. Over three days I was blessed to have out-of-town guests. My friend and her daughter came for a brief overnight visit, and another friend and her husband came to spend the day with us. I can't tell you what bright spots those days were in my summer. It was so good to see far-away … [Read more...]
Hope. I can actually say I have hope. The only reason I can say that is because... This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:19 (NLT) Maybe you're familiar with this verse. One day as I was standing on the dock taking photos in the early morning light, it came to mind, and I had this peace wash over me. No matter what happens each day, my anchor is the Lord. If you're familiar with this verse... do you realize that there is a second part to the verse? Here's the second sentence in the verse... It leads us through the … [Read more...]
Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 Okay. I'll admit it. This waiting is really hard. Really. I don't like it one bit. I have never, ever, prayed for patience. Maybe that's why God has put my patience to the test. What do you think when you read the words, be strong and take heart? I know....they don't seem too helpful do they? And more waiting! Really? It's easy to see a pretty picture like the one above and think, "That's nice." And move on. I decided to … [Read more...]
Faith in tough times... Several years ago a co-worker gave me a copy of Streams in the Desert, a devotional with 365 daily readings. Over time I would pick it up and include it in my daily routine. And then it would set on my shelf, waiting as I enjoyed another more current devotional. The other devotionals might have been more contemporary, but not more current. At this time in my life, it seems that it was written just for me, right now. I am in the desert, again. Thirsty for God. It's as if I am walking through vast stretches of nothingness and yet, … [Read more...]
I had the most amazing week, Thursday afternoon. My week was so busy, it went by in a blur. But one moment of time stood out. Have you ever had a week like that? What was that ONE moment? For me... I had an important phone call to make....and I was dreading it. It was one of those times when I felt totally helpless, inadequate, and lost. The matter of concern had also been a matter of prayer...for some time. This day I needed to press the numbers on the keypad and connect with the unknown. I needed help. Just before making my phone call I asked my husband if he would … [Read more...]
