Don’t be afraid for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10. NLT.

Discouragement is real. It is something we all have to learn to overcome, or we will be defeated by it. The definition of discouragement is a loss of confidence and enthusiasm. The loss of confidence can be triggered by a look, a word or the lack there of. It is amazing how small an action can lead to great discouragement. I think it is one of Satan’s weapon he loves to use.

My friends, if you are facing an area of discouragement today, please take time to ponder Isaiah 41: 10. First thought: Don’t be afraid. Often the reason discouragement hinders us is because it brings its buddy, fear, along with it. Fear we aren’t enough. Fear people will find out that we are not enough. But the Lord is telling us we don’t have to be afraid because He is with us.

Second thought: Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. My heart was so encouraged by remembering that He is my God. I can come to Him anytime and anyplace. When I am up or when I am down. He never stops being my God. When I fail or when I succeed, He is still my God. His power and love are always accessible to me. His forgiveness, mercy and acceptance are mine to enjoy. That is not just words, because He is always there in His whole “Godness”..if that makes sense!

Third thought: I will strengthen you. If He declares He will strengthen us, it means He knows there are times we will be weak. That weakness can come as discouragement, doubt (in ourselves or Him), or disobedience. It doesn’t matter if we go to Him as our God; He will be there to strengthen any weak place. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:16. NLT. My friends’ discouragement seeks to weaken our confidence. God intends to help our confidence move from self-dependence to God-dependence. Instead of being discouraged by your weakness, lean into Him and His strength.

Fourth thought: and help you. Often when discouragement seems to be winning, it is because we really haven’t turned to Him. We simply allow our feelings to make us feel bad. We don’t allow His truth to set us free, so we remain in bondage to discouragement. Ask for His help, receive His help and obey His help. You will move from discouragement to encouragement quickly! His help often comes in the promises we find in His Word. I encourage you not only to read it, but to apply it!

Fifth thought: I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. In reality, we can’t accomplish anything without Him. It is His righteousness that we walk in, not our own. He will never let go of us, no matter what. Sin, shame, disobedience will of course have to be repented of, but they needn’t keep us in the bondage of discouragement. Confessing sin and repenting quickly leads us back to encouragement. It reminds us of the loving Savior we not only need, but have. Our confidence and enthusiasm to walk in His ways is restored. Do not let discouragement hold you down or back. Joy is your portion, my friend.

Father, I thank you for helping us defeat discouragement. It’s hold is broken on my life today. I thank you for restoring confidence and enthusiasm for anyone who has fallen victim to this sneaky thief, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God, the skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. Psalm 19:1-2. NLT.

Oh my friends, have you been caught up in the cares of your world? Have the weights and heaviness of your problems or the problems of others distracting you? I urge you to stop. Take a breath. Look up and look out. Find something God created. Stop. Take another breath. Really look at it. Focus! How do you feel? A bit better?

Thirty-six years ago, my husband packed three small maple tree saplings in his suitcase from Connecticut. He kept them in a bucket for a year at our home in Oregon, and thirty five years ago he planted them here in our yard in Oak Harbor, Washington. We had to remove one of them, but the other two have grown into amazing beautiful trees. This past week they exploded in glorious fall color. The stunning colors are so intense that it almost takes your breath away. The beauty of it arrests me–causes me to pause several times a day. I pray for our East Coast friends as I enjoy and remember the beauty of the autumn season.

I forgot how the beauty of God’s creation refreshes our souls. I am such a put my head down and get’er done type of gal. On our road trips, I would read, crochet or work on a project. My husband would say, why don’t you put that away and enjoy the scenery! When I have taken the time to look at His handiwork, I am awestruck! I still remember my first view of the Grand Canyon, the amazing wonder of floating icebergs in Alaska, and the overwhelming tranquility that comes from sitting at the ocean. Driving through the desert and discovering God’s diverse creativity was such a gift. I had the privilege of studying astronomy with my grandchildren a few years ago. It brought the truth of Psalm 19:1-2 into my soul. The heavens proclaim the glory of God, the skies display his craftsmanship. NLT.

It was almost like the Lord knew I needed this tree to be this amazing this year. It is so colorful it almost glows! Even the reflection in my window brings joy to my soul. Life has been busy–mostly good busy, but I have not stopped to enjoy it! I think God is trying to teach this old daughter to add enjoyment to her life…how about you? Or are you wired another way? My daughter makes the time to go to the beach. She deliberately chooses to take advantage of God’s creation to refresh her soul. I, on the other hand, need it thrust in my face! She teaches me often.

This summer we enjoyed the shade the leaves provided. But as fall drew near, all I could think about is how are we going to deal with these leaves this year? The joy of the tree got lost in the caring for the tree. I think that happens in much of our lives, if we let it. The joy of parenting gets lost in dealing with teaching and training of little lives. The joyful relationship with our spouses gets drowned out in navigating the cares of bills and differing opinions. Even our relationship with the Lord can become wearisome if we reduce it to routinely prayer, reading the word with a nod to “what do you want me to do today?” The gift of this tree felt like a burden. For the past several years, my grandchildren have dealt with these leaves. It’s been such a gift and blessing. But their lives have been getting busier and busier. One is at an internship in another state, another started college and one is heavy into ballet. So, I wasn’t sure how this year would go. But the 12 year old is willing to take on the task…with maybe some additional help from others. (I do pay them!) We also have a giant willow tree that also loses its leaves!

The obvious glory of the Lord displayed in these trees is fleeting. But the miraculous system God created in the seasonal cycle of every tree is just that: miraculous. Fall happens; the leaves change color, they drop, the tree looks barren and hopeless, but then spring begins to cause the leaves to develop and we begin again. God’s glory is still being displayed in the winter tree. Romans 1:20:b states: through everything God made, they [people] can clearly see his invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. NLT. God’s creation is for everyone not only to enjoy, but to cause us to really see and comprehend Him.

John Piper said: the glory of God is the manifest beauty of his holiness. It is the going public of his holiness. I love this…the fact that God’s creation is God going public with his character, his power and his majesty is amazing. He wants all of his creation to share in his creativity–especially his creation called man.

This tree always goes through its seasonal cycle, but not always in so much glory. This year my soul needed to stop and be reminded of God’s glory. I took a picture, but it does not capture in anyway how stunning it is. My friends take time to look at God’s creation around you…it will bring refreshment to your soul.

Father, you amaze me. You could have made life in black, white, and grays. Instead, you chose to give us an amazing world of technicolor. The color often catches our eyes to see the subtle intricacies of the world around us. Help us focus on what you have displayed, but we have not seen or comprehended.

I have told you all these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy], I have overcome the world. [My conquest is accomplished. My victory abiding.] John 16:33 Amplified

Aren’t you glad Jesus included these challenging, yet comforting words. I want to remind each of us that He already knew exactly the tribulations, the distress and any suffering that you will face as a believer. They have not caught Him unaware, but He not only was aware of it, but I believe He tries to prepare us for them. He is that good of a Father. We are often too much like little children and don’t pay attention to these lessons!

Last week, in Faith and Reality Check I share the ongoing story of my Messenger friend, Mary in India. Her husband and father in law were arrested for preaching conversion. It is now against the law to preach “conversion” or the gospel in at least 11 of the 28 states in India. Mary and her family live in one of these states. Recently in their state, the political climate grew more hostile to Christians, as radical Hindus were elected. It became one of their agenda’s to persecute evangelicals who try to share the gospel. They went to court this Tuesday, and were released on bail with the strict understanding that they are prohibited from meeting in their home for worship services.

My mornings devotion just happened to lead me to Matthew 10:16. Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other believers about me. Matthew 10:33:16-18. NLT. I have read these verses every time I read through the Bible. I think about the early believers who were martyred for our faith. Those that stood in the arenas and were used for entertainment. I think about those who have been arrested for their faith in communist countries. My heart gets heavy. I pray for them…but then my life moves on. The verb tense Jesus uses in these scriptures are very clear. You will stand trial. It not only will happen, but it is happening. If you were arrested, would you see this as an opportunity to share the gospel with those who might not otherwise hear? It is a high price. One of my friends was diagnosed with a brain tumor. During her hospitalization, many nurses and staff came into her room drawn by the peace and joy they found there. People they would never have come into contact with, except for this tribulation. God used it to encourage many.

My thoughts this morning naturally turned to my friend and her situation in India. Their lawyer is warning them that this will be a long ordeal. They could face a long jail term or even life sentences. Jesus’ words continue in Matthew 10. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say, God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who are speaking–it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. It is their time to be before the courts, it is their time to choose to lean into this promise. I am praying they will lean into Jesus’ words and be bold and courageous.

But I am also thinking about myself. How would I fare during such a trial? Reading Paul’s statements in 2 Timothy3:10-13 gives us more direction and the reality of persecution. But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra–but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. 2 Timothy 3:10-14. NLT. My friends, we must not be afraid to read and study these parts of the scripture. We must not gloss over them, thinking they are for someone else. If we don’t need them today, then pray for those that do.

Another reason I am writing on this topic is the hope we will equipping the next generation. The spiritual climate in our own nation is changing. I don’t know what it will look like when my own grandchildren are my age, but I know we need to equip them. Paul freely shared with Timothy not only the truth of his persecution and suffering, but he did it with the desire to encourage him to persevere. It is imperative that we teach the next generation how to boldly walk in faith and courage. It is a legacy we must model not just talk about.

My friends, please keep praying for all those being persecuted for their faith…either in big ways or smaller ways. Job discrimination, family estrangement, intimidation and other forms of oppression are occurring in many believers lives. God wants to be a very present help in these kinds of troubles as well. I encourage you to take the time to read the rest of Matthew 10. You will find wonderful words not only that challenge, but strengthen. God’s Word is one way He helps prepare us for any test ahead. Let’s become even better students.

Father, I pray again for all our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their stand and belief in you. I ask you to strengthen their resolve to be a light in the midst of their darkness. I pray good fruit will be born through their tribulation and suffering. Equip us to stand, in Jesus’ name, amen.

If you would like to send any support to Mary Kishor and her family situation. Here is her PayPal account. marymessiah@yahoo.com. If you want to become her FB friend: Connect with Mary Kishor. Thank you.

They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete. Luke 6:48-49. NIV.

When we were children we learned the song “The wise man built his house upon the rock” in Sunday School. I remember teaching it to my own children and those in our children’s ministry–complete with hand motions. My father was a contractor, and occasionally he would bring us to his build sites. The first trip wasn’t very impressive, because we didn’t see the blueprints. It was just the beginning of the foundation work. My dad had the vision, the blueprints and the dream that someday the home he was building would be sold and occupied by a family who loved it. They would be safe, because it was built on a sure foundation. It is the same with our spiritual lives. 

This past year, our church celebrated its 50th anniversary. As the leaders shared the humble beginnings of the church and compare it what God is doing now, I could only be grateful. They built the foundation well. We have had only three pastors in these 50 years. The founding pastor, Jim Cargill, his son, Marc Cargill and our current senior leader, Michael Hurley. Pastor Jim laid an amazing foundation, both spiritually and physically. Pastor Jim functioned as the contractor and the members physically built the building (or the parts they could). It stands strong today–with some adaptations. So we have a solid physical foundation as well as spiritual. We have grown, with 2,000 people naming Life Church as their home church.

God sent people who helped when the church was founded in 1975. Some were newly saved and grew into pillars that people lean on today. These folks endured the small beginnings and grew along with the church. Every church needs pillars. Believers who will stand in their place. There is a promise given to the church at Philadelphia, who in spite of their little strength, you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Verse 10 goes on to say: since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Revelation 3:10-12. NIV. Pillars must have deep foundations. Builders construct them to withstand weight and storms. Some tests and trials we go through are not about us. We go through them for two reasons. First, so we can comfort others. Second, so we can show forth God’s faithfulness in helping us stand strong. I so appreciate the early elders in our church who stood so strong in faith and endurance. My old neighbor was a member of the church during this building season. It wasn’t easy for them to set aside their lives, night after night, after a full days work to show up to build our building. Although not an elder, he truly was a pillar in the house. He is now with Jesus, and we miss him.

The good news is we can all become pillars in God’s house. Let’s revisit Revelation 3:12 in the Amplified version. He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God. Other translations use the victorious. So learning how to live a victorious, overcoming Christian life is how one becomes a pillar. Pillars don’t just happen. In Luke 6:46, Jesus gives us great instruction on how we can build a good foundation. I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. He is quite straightforward. Go to Him, listen to HIm and then obey what He says!

So, my friends, I encourage us all to go to Him–in prayer, in the Word, and in worship. Listen to Him. Pay attention to what you hear, what you read and the Spirit’s promptings. If He says trust, we trust. If He says give, we give. If He says forgive, we forgive. Faithful obedience is the key not only to laying a good foundation, but to building on it. 

Whether your church is large or small, it needs pillars. The goal of God is to build the young ones to be in place as the elders move on. So, no matter how young or old you feel in the Lord, you can be a part of this progression. 

Father, I ask you to help us to be the pillars you are describing in Revelation 3:12. Your Church needs pillars. We choose to come to you. We listen to you and obey you. This is so we can become those pillars. Develop us into the pillars of your choosing and need, In Jesus’ Name, amen. 

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the works of your hands.Psalm 138:8 ESV.

I turned 76 a few days ago. It is a big number to many, but having two siblings in their 90s, I’m still trying to “grow up”! My body reminds me that I am not as young as my spirit and soul think I am. But this year I spent the morning of my birthday evaluating things in my life.

It is good to remember God knows my age! He scheduled my birth (ours in my case, I’m a triplet!) You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16. NLT.

He wants to use the 7 decades I have been alive for His glory. He knows what life lessons I have learned (both the easy and the hard way!). All the historical changes that have happened in my life time have impacted me. I remember as a young child hearing about cancer and the fear it brought. No stores were open on Sunday due to the “blue” laws and it was really a day of rest. I remember the night, as a 9 year old, laying in bed asking Jesus to come into my life and be my Savior.

The 60s brought more cultural changes, including the Vietnam War with so many of our high school classmates having to sign up for the draft. My next step included the University of Washington. I lived through campus protests with armed police arresting students who barricaded themselves in a building. I remember the Civil Rights debates, and feeling puzzled at first why Rosa Parks couldn’t sit where she wanted to on the bus. Growing up in Washington state, I learned how ignorant I was. But through it all, God’s faithfulness was evident.

I followed Him as best I could in high school via youth group and my own attempt at having a “quiet time”. My father always had “Voice” magazines in his car–which had testimonies of God’s power in everyday people’s life. I grew hungry for that type of experience. My sophomore year at the UW I met some spirit filled believers. I had an encounter with the Holy Spirit, and I was changed. This was during the Jesus People Era, and change happened in so many ways. Hymnals gave ways to overhead projectors and new songs! Many of the new songs were straight from the scriptures–so we learned a lot. Pianos and organs were replaced with guitars and “worship bands” were created. It took place with much controversy.

Church attire also began to change. I remember wearing jeans to a Friday night service and feeling so free! This was also very controversial. So many changes, but God was moving in some marvelous ways. Hunger for the Word, fellowship and ministry was growing in many many denominations. The walls of separation between churches began to lower and cross fellowship began to take place. Believers began to understand the importance of both praise and worship. The person hood of Jesus began to be emphasized, then the Holy Spirit. Later on, an emphasis on the importance of faith, healing and the power of God began to be taught as well.

As I remember these changes, I am reminded He is not done. All these changes brought challenges. New things are coming, I am sure. I pray I will be open to any new move He wants to bring. In the meantime, I will continue to trust Him. My grandchildren will have their own stories to tell. Some of them were changed and challenged with the Covid pandemic. They don’t remember life without computers or handheld phones. They don’t hide under their desks as we were taught to do in case of a nuclear attack. Instead, they have lockdown practice in case of school shootings. Mental health issues, gender identity, and addictions are things they must navigate. But God has a way and they were born for such a time as this.

As long as I am here, I want to fulfill my gifts and callings. I want to demonstrate to them God’s ability to answer prayer and bring them through their own struggles. It is my prayer that Job 12:12 comes true for me. Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? NIV. My pantry of life lessons are filled with God’s grace, mercy and God stories that I pray will touch others, how about you? Unless we share them, they will stay hidden.

Father, help me remember all the changes that have taken place in my lifetime. I am so grateful for my season of life, and the hope it gives me that you will help my children and grandchildren navigate their season as well. You are so very faithful, and we can trust you. In Jesus’ name, amen.