and from Jesus Christ, the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth Revelation 1:5

During this Christmas season, the focus, rightly so, is on the amazing story of all the aspects of His birth. Reading about Mary’s encounter with the angel, Joseph’s dilemma, and their trip to Bethlehem is always encouraging and insightful. But, fortunately for our sakes, Jesus grew up. And He fulfilled His God-given plan, mission, and purpose. It is wonderful, but sobering, to ponder the move from the stable to the cross.

But take the time to focus your thoughts on who He is now. Read Revelation 1:5: and from Jesus Christ, the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. (Amplified Version). As I read this verse, I realized how I needed to really remember that not only is He faithful and trustworthy, but the ruler of the kings of the earth. John goes on to write: Now to the one who constantly loves us and has loosed us from our sins by His own blood, and to the one who has appointed us as a kingdom of priests to serve His God and Father, to whom be glory and dominion throughout the eternity of eternities! Amen! Revelation 1:6 TPT

He not only is our constant Savior, but He is giving us a job to do right now. Jesus is not only our friend and our Savior, but He is also our boss, teaching us how to do our priestly duty of helping others com. Does that change your perspective on serving Him? It should!

Revelation 2:13 describes our Savior: I saw someone like the son of man, wearing a full length robe with a golden sash over his chest,. His head and his hair were white like wool–white as glistening snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire! His feet were gleaming like bright metal, as though they were glowing in a fire, and his voice was like the roar of many rushing waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth was a sharp double-edged sword. And His face was shining like the brightness of the blinding sun! This is our real Jesus! This powerful, mighty ruling one. It is a privilege and an honor to bow at His feet. To submit in obedience to His power and authority with humility. Even though I have the privilege of walking with Him as my friend, I need to put all arrogance and entitlement aside continually. He is not only is Lord, but He is THE Lord. John says, When I saw him, I fell down at his feet as good as dead, but He laid his right hand on me and I heard his reassuring voice saying: Don’t yield to fear, I am the beginning and the End, the Living One! I was dead, but now look I am alive forever and ever. And I hold the keys that unlock death and the unseen world. Revelation 2:17-18 TPT I believe when we truly understand the majesty and awesomeness of our Savior, knowing He is on our side fear will lose its grip on us. No matter how dark things become, we have the Light of the World on our side. Enjoy the stable and the story of His beginning on earth, but understand this is the real Jesus who will complete His story as well as ours.

Father, I ask that you open our eyes to understand who you really are. When we are tempted to give you more of an enhanced human version of ourselves, remind us of who you really are. Keep us in our place. It is a wonderful, loving place as your servant, where we can partner with you for Your Kingdom’s sake. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty, I will say to the Lord, “my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2

He who dwells. The word dwell jumped out at me today. Many translations substitute the word “live” for dwell in this verse, but I think “dwell” conveys a sense of permanency and intention. You and I have a choice of where we choose to “dwell” and what we choose to “dwell on”.

We all have a place to dwell. The question is, do I choose to dwell in the shelter of the Most High or in some other random place? Do I spend more time thinking about (dwelling on) my problems and trying to figure out solutions than I do praying about them? Do I focus on my own inadequacies more than God’s strengths?

This past week, my daughter experienced vertigo. It is a very unpleasant condition that for her case involves nausea, dizziness and a sense the world is spinning, fatigue and ringing in her ears. The doctor said she has a piece of sand in the hairs of her ear canal, and when it vibrates, it sends mixed messages to her brain. So, in my concern for her, I have to ask myself, am I dwelling in the peace of God, knowing God is moving on her behalf, or am I busy worrying? Dwelling on the problems and concerns for her family, this has added.

When we choose to dwell under the shelter of the Most High, we can run to Him. I would ask you to ponder…how big is God’s shelter to you in actuality? Is it a tiny thrown together leaky shack? Or is it, in your thoughts, a safe, secure refuge? It makes a difference. The amplified version of Psalm 91:1 says He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty, [whose power no enemy can withstand]. Are you believing it today? For those thoughts that are causing you to dwell outside of God’s thoughts? Are you dwelling on fear? Anxiety? Anger? Unforgiveness? We don’t have to live there. We can come under His shelter. In His shelter there is peace and care. There is power and might. There is hope and trust. In His shelter, we are protected.

Here is Psalm 91 in the Passion Translation. Read it in the first person. (When I abide…and I am hidden) You will be blessed!

When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai,
    you are hidden in the strength of God Most High.
² He’s the hope that holds me and the stronghold to shelter me,
    the only God for me, and my great confidence.
³ He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy,
    and he will protect you from false accusation
    and any deadly curse.
⁴ His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you.
    You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.
    His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.
⁵ You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night
    nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you.
⁶ Don’t fear a thing!
    Whether by night or by day, demonic danger will not trouble you,
    nor will the powers of evil be launched against you.
⁷ Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed,
    you will remain unscathed and unharmed.
⁸ You will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment,
    for they will be paid back for what they have done!
^9–10 When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High,
    our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm.
    How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us?
¹¹ God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go,
    defending you from all harm.
¹² If you walk into a trap, they’ll be there for you
    and keep you from stumbling.
¹³ You’ll even walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness,
    trampling every one of them beneath your feet!
¹⁴ For here is what the Lord has spoken to me:
    “Because you loved me, delighted in me, and have been loyal to my name,
    I will greatly protect you.
¹⁵ I will answer your cry for help every time you pray,
    and you will feel my presence
    in your time of trouble.
    I will deliver you and bring you honor.
¹⁶ I will satisfy you with a full life and with all that I do for you.
    For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!”

Father, help us truly dwell in your Presence and in Your refuge. We will choose to dwell on you and your ways,not our own fears, In Jesus’ Name, amen.

On July31 of my thirtieth year, while I was with the Judean exiles beside the Kebar River, in Babylon, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. Ezekiel 1:1

I’ve been reading through the book of Ezekiel. It is quite a book filled with unique visions, harsh judgments and unusual acts the Lord asked Ezekiel to perform. I will freely admit this is not a book I look forward to reading every year, but it is one that is good for me. Ezekiel was a trained priest and his name means “God Strengthens”, I assume he really needed that reminder as he followed the Lord! I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. Ezekiel 2:3

I can’t help but admire him for his faithfulness to the Lord during such difficult times. He prophesied to the remnant of Judah exiled in Babylon, while in Babylon himself. He endured the consequences of the sins of the Israelites, even though we see him as a righteous man.These were troublesome times, brought on by the immorality of the people. He laid on his left side for 390 days, and his right side for 40 days tied up with ropes so he couldn’t turn. He shaved his head and beard and then weighed and measured it and then scattered, chopped and burned it. The Lord told him his wife was going to die, and she did-but he was forbidden to mourn her passing. None of these were simple things to do, yet we see Ezekiel obeying them all.

One effect of reading this book is being reminded of how wicked and sinful the culture had become. Idolatry had replaced true worship. God’s protection was lifted from them and the Lord used Ezekiel to make it very clear he was going to use the Babylonians to punish His people. It is hard to read. Then he said to me, ‘the sins of the people of Israel and Judah are very, very great. The entire land is full of murder; the city filled with injustice. They are saying, “The Lord doesn’t see it! The Lord has abandoned the land!” So I will not spare them or have any pity on them. I will fully repay them for all they have done.” Ezekiel 9:9-11.

Of course, I can’t help but reflect on our own country and the sin that fills our own land. It is sobering to read and know the same things are happening today, here. We see judgments pronounced on Tyre, Edom, and Egypt and know our country could just as well be added. I can’t help but wonder if we are under some of those same judgements. I found myself crying out to the Lord to be merciful to us.

Having read this book before, I know hope is coming. God’s love and faithfulness and commitment to His people is revealed. Judgment is real, the consequences of sin is real, but so is God’s promise of change and restoration. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. Ezekiel 16:25-27,

This good news is for us as well! No matter how hard my heart may seem at times, I just have to call out to Him and ask for a tender, responsive one. Wonder of wonders, we have the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit working with in each believer. He is always working to keep us soft and tender, even when the ways of the world would cause us to harden them. Chapter 37 brings us to the valley of dry bones, and God’s great question to Ezekiel. “Can these dry bones live?” Ezekiel’s response: “You alone know the answer to that”. And then we find God telling Ezekiel to prophesy to these bones, and they lived. I look at the areas in my life and wonder “can these dry bones live”? Can our country experience revival? I ask, why not? I choose to trust God’s love, mercy and wise judgement. My responsibility is to walk in His ways, pray and intercede for our nation and its leaders. Ezekiel’s calling was hard, and so may ours be, but it is doable as we rely on Him.

Father,I thank you for your sobering words found in the book of Ezekiel. I thank you for a man who served you well. Help us do the same. We may not understand everything about what he wrote, but we can understand the need to walk uprightly with our God. We understand we need to speak the words He gives to us, and to obey. Father, help us keep a soft heart toward you and your ways, no matter what. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

This past Sunday, Pastor Michael Hurley was teaching about the importance of gratitude and thankfulness. As he moved through his notes, he came to a place where he had written “grow”, but when he shared them, he said “grow up”. We all laughed as he explained the addition, but also understood that he was so right. As I pondered these thoughts, I realized that maturing into our relationship with the Lord (a fancier way of saying “grow up”) moves us from pleasing ourselves to consciously choosing ways to please the Lord.

To please someone means you cause them to feel happy and satisfied. It means you walk in awareness of their cares, concerns and pleasures. Young children learn what is pleasing to their parents, but then their own self concerns become more important, and they choose what pleases them. Hopefully, as they grow, they let go of the “me first” and “what about me?” stages. This doesn’t come naturally to most children. We have to teach them. Even as adults, we often need reminders it is not all about us. To truly please the Lord, it must come from our heart, not just our actions. That often takes a process.

There are many scriptures urging us to live and walk, pleasing to Him. Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you, in the name of the Lord Jesus, to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. I Thessalonians 4:1 So it is with us, we need to set ourselves to be learners. For some, the thought of pleasing God is amazing, because in their own family, they felt they could ever please their parents. But it is not so with our God. He can be pleased! Look at Enoch. (Hebrews 11:5-6).

Learning to please the Lord means we put His wants first. What does He like? What makes Him smile? We don’t have to guess, because it is clearly spelled out in Scripture. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Romans 14:17-19. We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. Romans 15:1. So one way we can please the Lord is to build up our brothers and sisters. Encouraging others always makes our Lord smile. Promoting harmony in the Kingdom of God also makes Him smile. As a parent, when our children get along always makes us smile, too!

Galatians 6:8..but those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Setting ourselves to please the Lord is not just for His sake, but also for ours. We all will be blessed with His blessings if we choose to please Him. Choosing to put off the ways of the flesh and living in such a way that pleases the Holy Spirit makes Him happy.

We know that when we walk in faith; we please the Lord. Read through Hebrews 11, also known as the Heroes of the Faith chapter. It contains so many wonderful men and women who walked before us, trusting God no matter what the outcome. I think when we seek to walk in faith no matter if we are walking through dark places, hard storms or simple obedience, He is pleased. When we walk in faith, we are saying to Him, I trust You. I believe You, even when I can’t see the way, I know You know the way. It brings Him joy.

The writer of Hebrews writes a prayer for all of us in Hebrews 13: 20-21. Now may the God of peace–who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood–may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. Not only does He tell us what will please Him, but He promises to help us do it through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Setting your heart every day to please the Lord is the best way to live.We may mess up, of course. But His grace is always with us. His grace and mercy will carry us through our learning times.

Father, what a privilege it is to know that we can bring pleasure to You!. It is a humbling thought that we can bring happiness to the Creator of the Universe. I ask You to continue helping us do those things that please You. Forgive us when we get too self-centered. Help us grow up in Your ways, In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1

As I was reading this scripture the other day, the word drift caught my eye. Obviously, the writer of Hebrews was issuing a warning here. If I am honest, some warnings I tend to gloss over. I may not pay as much attention to them, especially when I was younger. I am sure it was pride plus not trusting that the person giving the warning knows what they are talking about. No one knows who wrote the book of Hebrews, but as we read through it, he seems to be a wise man, both experienced in the Hebrew law and he understands people. As I have grown older and experienced more of life, I realize those warnings apply to me as they do anyone else.

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in the final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. Hebrews 1:1-2. So what is the author’s warning to us? That we should not forget those things we have heard and received about our Lord. We must remember that He is everything that was written in chapter 1. He is the heir of all things. He made the world. He cleansed our sins. He sat down at the right hand of the Father in the place of honor. He holds all things by the word of His power. These are the type of things we are not to forget. We cannot let the ways of the world and our own soul allow us to drift away from the reality of who our Lord really is. When this happens, the reality that He really is Lord fades, and then we start to drift into our own ways. A drifting boat has two options. Crashing on shore—or start the engine and control the direction.

Living as long as I have, I have seen the shipwreck of those who have lost their first love. It starts slowly. Missing a service or two, then other things begin to fill up their Sundays. They would love to speak of the things of God and His Word, then those things were not as important to focus on because their Bible sat unopened on their shelf. Worldly culture replaced godly culture. Instead of praising the Lord, swearing moved in. I’ve seen marriages lost because people drifted a part. Relationships with children became boring routines. No warmth, caring or engagement—just drifting a part. When engines of our life become disengaged no matter the area, drifting happens—and the eventual shipwreck takes place.

There are so many warnings in the Bible about people falling away, and usually that falling away begins with just drifting away. Brothers and sisters, please do not let it be you. Please choose to heed God’s Word. Anchor yourself in its truths. Establish your relationship with Him. Persevere when times get tough. Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

The good news is the Holy Spirit is always working to draw us to Him. But, as a dear mentor always said “He is a gentleman. He will not push His way in.” These are serious days, and we need to understand that. Choices we make affect us. But also the choices we do not make can affect us even more. Those are the ones that happen because we are drifting and usually lead to regret. Let’s engage our engines, be productive citizens of heaven and earth and avoid shipwreck!

Father, I ask you to show us where we maybe drifting in our relationship with you, our spouse, our children or others. I thank you for stirring us up today to engage our engines and keep us from drifting. Let us be the examples to encourage others to keep on going. You are so worth it. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3.

The picture in my mind that comes when I read this verse is Jesus and I walking down a beautiful country road. The sun is shining through the trees and all is safe and peaceful. And sometimes, it is true. He does lead us through peaceful places. However, sometimes the paths of righteousness, while always good, are not always smooth. We must remember he leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. The paths we walk in, as surrendered disciples, are of His choosing, for His glory. Sometimes, for His glory and our good, our paths must pass through deserts, wilderness and mountains. We also must endure many weather during our journey, which does not always make for a pleasant trip, but if we are following Him and His ways, it is always for our good.

Take a look at our friend Abraham. We don’t know how God communicated to him, but we do know that he left Ur and journeyed toward a new land. God promised to make him a great nation through which all families on earth will be blessed through him. (Genesis 12: 2) But that path was full of delays, tests and trials. Some he passed, others he had a to rely on God’s mercy and grace. Isn’t it the same for us? Abraham’s journey on his path helps us walk in faith with ours.

As I was meditating on these paths, I saw so many types. Some were tiny trails, some were broad paved highways and everything in between. Some of the paths were obscured and hidden, while others were open for many to see. Each of the people walking on these paths had allowed the Lord to lead them on His paths. What type of path is the Lord leading you on during this season? Are you in public ministry, walking a path for others to follow? Dealing with the pressures of leadership? Or are you following His leading through more quiet walkways? Feeling alone and small in His kingdom? It doesn’t matter. Big or small, it is following Him that matters. Allowing Him to choose the path is best for you and for me.

No matter what, we know that He only leads us in paths of righteousness. Paths that conform to His code of conduct. We must walk them with honesty, justice, love and a sense of uprightness; because only then will we bring glory and honor to His name.

When our path grows difficult, it is often tempting to grumble and complain. “It’s too hard”, or “I can’t make it” can fill our thoughts and we might want to quit. Maybe you are finding yourself fighting those thoughts today. I would encourage you to think like Simon Peter, “who else has the words of eternal life?” John 6:68. What other Shepherd would you be following, if not the Good Shepherd? Remember, it is during the times of suffering that we can fellowship with Him in ways that would or could not happen if we did not endure. During these times He draws near, and our love bond grows even stronger with Him.

Sometimes, when storms come, it may be difficult to find the right path. Swirling thoughts of fear or anxiety can blur our vision from following Him. If you find this happening. Stop, refocus on Him. Call upon Him and wait for His direction. Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy at your right hand more there are pleasures forevermore. . Psalm 31:13 For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead and guide me.Again, it is not necessarily for our comfort He leads us, but for His purposes. Remind yourself that as Psalm 1:6 tells us, the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. He knows the way He is taking you. He has a plan, and we can trust that plan even when it is tough. Hard diagnosis? Financial difficulties? Relationship failures? He knows how to lead you through these things. He is a trustworthy guide, no matter what your own soul or the devil may whisper. He is our only hope and help in trying times. When we remember He is on our path and leading us; it makes it easier!

Father, I thank you for knowing our paths. I thank you that as we walk these paths of righteousness, no matter how rough, tough or easy, it is for Your Name’s sake. We choose to trust you during stormy days. We choose to trust you no matter the path because you are a Good Shepherd and you are leading us to restful places where we will be restored from our journey. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. I Timothy 6:18-19.

Good works — easy for some, more difficult for others. This scripture was written to Timothy while he was pastoring in Ephesus. Ephesus was a very affluent city, so it only stands to reason that Timothy’s congregation comprised some rich believers. Paul instructed Timothy to teach them how to use their riches for God’s kingdom. Have you ever dreamed of receiving an unexpected inheritance? Have you daydreamed about how you would spend it? If that should happen, Paul left us some good and wonderful advice in these scriptures.

So does that leave us those of us off the hook, if we do not have a hefty bank account? I think not. For wealth is always a comparison, isn’t it? That phrase “be rich in good works” set in motion a lot of thoughts this week. So how do we do that? We start where we are, following the Holy Spirit’s prompts to do good. He loves to work through us to help others. I have often been on the receiving end of good works towards me and my family. It was humbling and so helpful. It makes me want to pay it forward. Looking back, sometimes, I wish I could have expressed my appreciation more thoroughly! Everyone who helped me during Darryl’s stroke recovery and eventual passing, I thank you, once again. Your loving actions helped get us through a hard time.

This week, I followed those prompts and what a blessing it was! A young couple in our church just had their fourth baby. Before he was born, I promised to bring a meal. I’ve been waiting because I knew there were others who had planned on helping as well, but this was the week. As I just followed the Spirit’s prompts, I watched how expertly He brought so much joy to us both. (I am sharing this not to boast, because the ideas weren’t mine!) He picked the type of soup Chicken Psoloe Verde); small gifts for the siblings (homemade play dough) and a candle for the mom. What a joy to discover that the three different colored play dough I made were their favorite colors! And the mom had been wanting to purchase a candle that very day, but chose not to! When she was eating the meal, she said, “I think green chili flavor is my comfort food!”. I marvel at how specifically the Spirit led me. When we take the time to ask Him, He shows us what to do. I admit, I don’t know who was more blessed—them or me! Again, I am not sharing this for a pat on the back, I am just sharing it to encourage us all to increase our good works.

One benefit of seeking the Lord in this area is that it gets our eyes off ourselves. No matter what your income or lack thereof, we can still offer a prayer or a word of encouragement. It costs us nothing, but can reap much fruit. We must be willing to share what we have, much or little. I read in a story about Richard Wurmbrand, a Romanian Christian who imprisoned for his faith (during the Communism take over), still found a way to be generous. Every tenth week, he and other believers gave their one slice of bread a week to the weaker brethren as a “tithe” to the Master. How I might have justified eating it myself! He wrote a book Tortured for Christ and founded the ministry “Voice for the Martyrs”. If you see yourself as the “needy” one, then it will be a struggle to look past what you feel you don’t have and rejoice in what you do have.

Often it is the small promptings that, when followed, bring God’s blessing. It means surrendering our time, treasure and talent to Him and His purposes. If you don’t have money, then give your time. We find in II Timothy, Paul writing about a man named Onesiphorus. May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. May the Lord show him special kindness of the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus. He and his family were kind to Paul. Rome was a little over 800 miles from Ephesus, but he made the journey. Maybe Onesiphorus was one of the wealthy men Paul talked about, so he could afford to make the journey. We don’t know, but we do know his actions encouraged Paul.

As we allow the love of God to be enlarged in our heart, it is not hard to reach out to others. We love, because we were first loved. Make good note of those who have encouraged you in your life. Don’t take it for granted, but receive their love with grace. But it is not about us, it is about others. Let’s follow the Holy Spirit’s promptings to help others and thereby being an example of God’s love. Open your eyes and see where you can serve in your local church, in your community or neighborhood. The needs are great, but not too great if we follow His promptings.

Father, I thank you for this admonition. I ask that you help us follow the Holy Spirit’s promptings to help others and sow seeds of kindness that we know will reap in your good season. No matter the response of the receiver, we will still strive to listen to your promptings and be obedient. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

A question popped in my head this week. That question was “what does really mean to be sober?”I knew it must mean more than “not drunk”. I had been reading through the books of Thessalonians and Paul urged them to be sober or clear-headed. I remembered scriptures where Peter encouraged the same thing in his letters. I Peter 1:13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. I Peter 4:7 The end of all things i near; therefore, be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I Peter 5:8

Did I catch your attention with “sophron”? Any Greek scholars responding? Sophron as found in the New Testament Greek lexicon means “of a sound mind, sane, in one’s senses’; curbing one’s desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate. They also translated it as prudent or sensible, chaste and sober. I think both Paul and Peter were encouraging their readers to look at life realist ically, aware of their circumstances but not controlled by them.

I get the privilege of teaching two of my grandchildren health this semester. We are using the same textbook as other public middle/high school students are required to use. This is a required course for their graduation. It hasn’t been easy. Some of the topics are difficult. Having to talk about drugs, violence, date rape, domestic abuse, child abuse and the other areas of darkness which sin has polluted God’s purpose brought me to my knees as well as hurt my heart. I don’t want to focus on this reality. But it is real. Neither I nor their parents can keep them in a naïve bubble. So let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. (I Thessalonians 5:6 ESV) or as the NLT version states: So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

So the question is how do we stay sober without getting overwhelmed with the reality of our culture’s departure from God’s best? We must release our faith. We must ground them and us in His goodness. We must balance it with teaching how they can be the light in the darkness, how they can learn to be part of the solution, not escalate the problem. I believe we can also teach tolerance, conflict resolution, and give them other relationship building tools. What we don’t need to do is wring our hands and feel sad and downhearted for them. God knew they were going to be born in this season, and He has a plan for them. Let us concentrate on equipping them and ourselves with hope and faith. Let’s teach them to put on the whole armour of God and strengthen their ability to stand against the wiles of the evil one. But, first we must model it in our own lives, we can do this!

Father, I thank you for your grace for this season. I thank you for helping us learn what it means to have sober thinking in the midst of our culture. Not to try to escape the troubles through drunkenness. To be like those who do not stay awake, but choose to sleep in excess. We need your help and courage today to equip the next generation. Raise up teachers. Raise up leaders who will model how to be sober-minded, but also full of your joy and strength. We choose to trust you today, In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:2

I find it interesting that the NKJV uses when you “fall” into various trials phrasing. As a child, I used to think it meant walking along a path and then you literally stumble into a pit! Other translations say “when you meet trials of various kinds” (ESV); “when troubles of any kind come your way” (NLT); or as the Message says: Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. I don’t think it matters how the various trials and tests come our way, it is how we handle them that matter.

One struggle or “test” that comes our way is walking with the aftermath of loss. Nine years ago, this week, my husband died. Even though I don’t write it on the calendar for a remembrance, my heart remembers, just like I remember the day of his stroke etc. People told me that the first year would be the “hardest”. It was very hard in some ways. We made it through the firsts (thanksgiving, Christmas, his birthday). I still remember the surprise Valentine’s Day flower the funeral home sent me. It helped take the sting off the loss. Comparing “harder” or “easier” really isn’t helpful. It is what it is. Grief days still occur, I’ve learned to manage them, so I guess it’s become easier?

Was it easy? Was it hard? That is all relative, isn’t it? As the years have gone by, I have developed a new rhythm of life that is good. I am very blessed by my family and other people in my life, but does that mean I don’t long to have him in my life again? Of course not. When we suffer loss, no matter what kind of loss–financial, emotional, relational, job, grief, I have learned to turn the “harder” into “easier” is inviting the Holy Spirit to teach me how to walk through the hard times. With Him, those “hard” times become at least a little easier. James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect complete, lacking nothing.

The way we view trials and testings definitely affects our perspective of “hard” or “easy”. James urges his brethren to view adversities through the lens of joy! Not a natural human response, is it? When we view the various testings, understanding that God has a purpose and a plan for those tests, it makes it “easier”. I have often heard it said, “don’t pray for patience”, but my friends, we need it. The Holy Spirit produces it in our lives as a fruit of the Spirit. This fruit needs difficulties and trials for it to be perfectly formed. Patience is a form of trust. Learning to embrace the trials and testings that are a part of life is a measure of maturity. Children are impatient, adults are supposed to be patient! Oops,we may need to grow up.

I hear my grandchildren saying about many things: “that’s too hard. I can’t do it”. We encourage them to try. Tackling the tests of life alone can be overwhelming. That is why we do it together. Strengthening each other with the words of the Lord is an opportunity to make life’s struggles easier for everyone. Loss anniversaries are still challenging, but when I determine to use them to count the blessings, it becomes easier. To say something is easier, does not mean it isn’t hard!

Father, I ask you to help us with the hard things of life. Teach us how to count it all joy when we face the testings of life. You were the perfect example for us. Strengthen those who are facing hard and uncertain days. We thank you for walking with us during our immature and growing situations. We choose to let patience be formed in us. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance. Isaiah 51:1

This past month I read the book of Isaiah. Once again, the Holy Spirit caught my attention. Do you know how many special action words Isaiah uses in talking to the Israelites and to us? Well, I confess I don’t either! I know God’s action words are throughout the Bible, but they caught my attention in Isaiah.

Actions words like “listen”. Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance—all who seek the Lord! Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were mined. Isaiah 51:1. Isaiah 51:7 Listen to me, you who know right from wrong, you who cherish my law in your hearts. Do not be afraid of people’s scorn, nor fear their insults. I felt like a child, where a parent was trying their best to get their attention. Homeschooling my grandchildren, I often tell them “listen up”. This is important. I feel God is trying not only to get my attention, but the attention of His church. We need to listen much more attentively than ever before. We must remember who it is that is speaking to us. It is the Lord of Heaven and Earth. My Lord, who has my best interest at heart. It is your Savior, who loves you more than anything.

I am trying to practice listening. Sunday morning I knew it was going to be a long morning, so I went to make coffee in my travel cup. It is something I often do, especially if I serve both services. Quietly I heard the Lord say, “not today”. Instead of arguing and pondering His reasons, I just walked away from the coffeemaker empty handed. I trusted He had His reason. I congratulated myself on listening!! I think listening begs the question, are we using the ears He has given us to hear? I watch my children teach their children the importance of listening during dangerous times. Little ones don’t always know why they need to stop when mom says stop, but they learn to trust her voice. I hope to learn to trust His voice even more. I need to become a better listener.

Another “action word” that caught my attention is wake up. Wake up or awake! Isaiah 51:17-19 is very sobering. Wake up, wake up, O Jerusalem! You have drunk the cup of the Lord’s fury. You have drunk the cup of terror, tipping out its last drops. Not one of your children is left alive to take your hand and guide you. These two calamities have fallen on you: desolation and destruction, famine and war. And who is left to sympathize with you? Who is left to comfort you? Terrible things had happened to them and, in a way, they really didn’t even understand or realize it. Is that what is happening in our culture? Are we so asleep that we are losing the next generation to destructive and desolate thoughts and actions that are definitely against the Word of God? We need to wake up with courage and faith. We need to arise with hope and be about our Father’s business.

Wake up, wake up, O Zion! Clothe yourself with strength. Put on your beautiful clothes, O holy city of Jerusalem, for unclean and godless people will enter your gates no longer. Rise from the dust, O Jerusalem. Sit in a place of honor. Remove the chains of slavery from your neck. Let us wake up and listen to His Words. Let us put on His strength, learning to lean on Him and His wisdom. These two action words “listen and wake” are for each of us, as His children.

Father, I ask you to help us wake up and listen. I ask that as we read your Word, we put into action your requests. I thank you for opening our ears that we may hear your direction and assignment. We are called to be your lights in this dark world, help make it so. Forgive us for sleeping on the job. Help us to pray for our leaders, both spiritual and governmental, during these difficult days. In Jesus’ Name. Amen