Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth, Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. Psalm 127:3-5 NKJV

Today is my oldest daughter’s birthday. She is an amazing woman. I won’t divulge her age, but I was 25 when she was born, and I am now 72~so she is no longer a young girl. Her daughter turned 17 yesterday. As most parents, I wish I could have some do-overs. She has taught me so many things. Children are a gift to be valued, cared for, and stewarded. Difficult, but doable with our gracious Heavenly Father’s help. They also come to change us, teach us and help us learn about ourselves and Him, if we let them.

She taught me. As a young mom, I had to learn so much. Her presence caused me to call upon the Lord and ask for wisdom and grace. I learned humility, as I had to ask for forgiveness for the times I spoke rashly, in anger, or frustration. When I made small things into bigger things than necessary. Watching her grow and develop into this separate, unique individual was a gift. Discovering my own insecurities, inadequacies, and fears was not fun. But it caused me to lean on the Lord even more.

Parents, I want to remind you today, no matter what age or situation you find yourselves in with your children, that it is a trust walk. Learning to walk in balance between strict discipline and permissive “give them anything they ask for” is difficult. About the time you think you’ve got it down, they grow and change. There are so many voices in your head “do this oh no, you should have not done that” etc…that it can fill you with anxiety. But we must trust Him with them and for them.

Parenting is not simply to birth a child, but it means to steward this child that God put into their life. To take responsibility for not only their physical care, but their emotional and spiritual wellbeing. There are many people who seem to think children raise themselves–without the training to become responsible adults, and then are surprised at their weed like outcome!

For example, Rosanna was 21 months old when her sister was born. Trying to juggle two young ones during our church service was not easy. We did not have a nursery. I took her out of service one day, because she was having trouble listening and I said, “you know you don’t act that way in church”. The Holy Spirit whispered to me, “How is she supposed to know? Who taught her?” I guess I assumed she would have figured it out! What an excellent lesson for me. I apologized and then began teaching her. This lesson carried over in so many areas. Teach first before you get upset and discipline! You think it would have been obvious, but I missed it.

My heart goes out to parents of young children today. Be encouraged. God is available to give you the wisdom you need to parent each of your children. We can’t do it alone, and you don’t have to. When in doubt, remember, charity never fails. You can’t go wrong in doing the most loving thing that you know to do. Teach your children respect, but not in harshness. Do not provoke your children to anger and bitterness by your own selfishness and impatience. Teach them by example and then use words. Ask the Lord for His insight and purpose. He loves to share! Pray for them, pray for yourself. Learn to walk in forgiveness for yourself as a parent. Do not give in to discouragement or the pressures of this world, gird yourself with His strength, wisdom and grace.

I am grateful for my dear daughter and her decision to walk with Jesus as an adult. It was our desire and pray that this would happen, but ultimately we had to trust God to work in her heart the will to obey Him. We did our best to model the blessing of obedience and serving Him. Like most people, we did not do it perfectly. Maybe that was a key–to love our perfect God with His grace and mercy, imperfectly.

If I had some do-overs, I would spend more time listening and simply talking together. Utilizing the wisdom of Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV). These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Make it a natural part of your life to talk about the things of the Lord. I would relax and enjoy my children. Releasing my faith to trust Him, that He that began a good work in them, would finish it.

Father, I thank You for all the help You gave me in parenting my children to adulthood, I thank You that You are still helping us navigate our relationship as adults. I ask for an outpouring of Your wisdom upon every parent and grandparent that reads this blog on how to appreciate and add value to the gift of each child in their sphere of influence today. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17

One week ago, we woke up to the news that Russia had invaded Ukraine. A missionary, Karen Zelfimyan and Ukraine Harvest Ministries, my Connecticut church supports in Ukraine. Karen and his family had to evacuate their home because of the bombing of Kiev and went to Moldova. They and their team are helping the refugees by providing food, clothing and spiritual comfort. These are men, women and children whose lives that have been upended through President Putin’s decision. Not only do we have a concern for our Christian brothers and sisters in Ukraine, but also for our brothers and sisters in Russia. I heard a report that they are weeping because of what their leaders’ decision. There are many other Christian missionaries, pastors and leaders in Ukraine who are working for His Kingdom during this time. They need our prayers and support. I believe God is working to bring a greater unity in His body during this time.

I sit here, comfortable in my home. In times past, as an immature believer, I might have simply been thankful it wasn’t me or my family under attack. But today, I know my brothers and sisters in Ukraine are hurting. They aren’t some nebulous “they,” but they are like-minded brethren who accepted Jesus and His salvation, just like me. Using the word “my” brothers and sisters really brings it home.

As of now, (both Ukraine soldiers and civilians and Russian troops) the Ukraine president has recorded over 9,000 deaths. The number varies according to the reporter, but we do know that many have been killed or injured. With every bombing, homes, hospitals, businesses are destroyed. People’s lives forever changed.

Why does this feel or seem different than the other wars that are happening around the world? I don’t know. But it just does. It might be remembering how World War 2 began with a similiar type invasion. Jesus warned us: You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Matthew 24: 6 (NLT) We must first make sure that we do not fall into fear mode. The New Living Translation says “do not panic”, other translations use the word “do not be troubled”. This is on us. It is up to each of us to walk in trust, peace and faith. Releasing our faith, through prayer, for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and Russia. Praying for their leaders to make the wisest choice possible.

Build up your faith. Take time to read the amazing stories of intervention by God, for His people in 2 Kings 19:14-19. The first thing King Hezekiah did when confronted by the impending invasion of the Assyrians was run to the temple and pray. That should be our first plan of action. Prayer. We find God’s answer in 2 Kings 19:35-36 (ESV). And that night, the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when the people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. Then Sennacherib king of Assyria, departed and went home and lived at Nineveh. Do you believe that the God of Hezekiah could/would still intervene in a supernatural way? I do. I believe we will begin to hear stories of God’s salvation and miracles for His people as we pray in faith and believe. Please do not underestimate the power of God to show forth His glory in this situation.

What about your situation today? Are you in some sort of troubling circumstance. Be encouraged. Seek Him. Ask Him to show you the way out, the way through, or if you should simply stand and see His salvation. He is working on our behalf, no matter where we are. Our brethren in Ukraine are suffering. Let’s believe that the Karen Zylfemyan’s of this world were set in place to help spread the gospel during this tough time in their country. God is going to use this for His good and His glory. People who would never turn to Him are going to turn to Him for help and find salvation. We must not be alarmed, panicked or troubled. If Jesus told us there would be wars, then He has a plan to use them.

Let us pray for President Putin. Is his heart hardened like Pharoah’s? Only God knows. Let us pray for President Biden and other world leaders as they respond (not react) to this invasion. Our God is reigning, we must not forget. Look Up, my friends, for our redemption draws nigh. God has placed His people strategically in these places and wants to use their feet on the ground for His purposes. He wants to use us to help strengthen them through prayer and encourage them with our gifts.

Father, I pray for our brethren in Ukraine and Russia. I pray for Your plan to be worked out for good for Your Kingdom’s sake. Bless, strengthen, and encourage those who are in such hard places today. Multiply their supplies. Give them wisdom, grace and mercy. Comfort the hurting. Thank you. We have the privilege of praying for them. I ask that Your power and might intervene on their behalf, now in Jesus’ Name. Show us what to do practically to help them, as well.

I pray that the eyes of your heart maybe enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. Ephesians 1:18 NIV)

By God’s blessing and their perseverance, my daughter Elizabeth and her husband are celebrating their 21rst wedding anniversary this month. What a joy it’s been to see the fruitfulness of this union–not only with their four children, but how God has used Team Haslet to bring glory and honor for His Kingdom sake. As I was praying for them, I felt the Lord lead to pray that they have fresh eyes to see each other. To see each other as they are now, including all the changes that has happened in them and through them over the past 21 years. I know this will help them move forward for the next 21 years!

It is not only married couples that need to receive fresh eyes, but I realized we all do. We need fresh eyes to see our jobs, our employers or our employees. We need fresh eyes to walk with our church and church leaders. Too often wrong assumptions and expectations cause problems because we are viewing them or others through injured eyesight. We need fresh eyes to even see ourselves. As we grow older, our natural eyes grow dimmer. The muscles in our eyes do not react as they once did, and most of us find ourselves needing readers to see things we used to see fine. It was humbling to recognize my need for extra help in seeing, but admitting my need was the first step in being able to see clearly,

We find people in the Bible who struggled with natural eye sight problems. Isaac’s eyes grew so dim that he couldn’t discern the difference between his two sons Jacob and Esau. Jacob was able to deceive him (through a little help from his mama, Rebecca) Genesis 48. 1 Samuel 4:15 Now Eli was ninety-and eight years old, and his eyes were dim, that he could not see. These are two examples of physical dimness, but sadder yet is spiritual dimness.

Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. when your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is. Matthew 6:22-23 (NLT) Jesus was very serious here. We need His help to keep our eye clear and full of light. To keep our eyes full of light we must not be enticed by the things of this world, but we choose to follow Him and HIs ways.

Our spiritual and emotional eyes can grow dim for various reasons. We find David crying out to the Lord in Psalm 6:7 My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies. (NLT) Psalm 31:9 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away, (NLT) The NIV version states: Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. When we walk through grievous situations, we must remember that we don’t often see clearly. Our eyes are focused on our distress (loss, turmoil, fear) we can often forget to look up, and see Him. Blurred vision is definitely not clear vision. In 2 Kings 6:17, Elisha prays for his servant, who is full of fear, that the Lord would open his eyes to see God’s help and strength that surrounded them. He desires to do the same for us.

Familiarity and just life circumstances can cause our eyes to grow dim and not see clearly those around us. We need a touch of His grace to see our spouse, our children, our leaders from His view point, not our own. Left to ourselves, our eyes of faith would grow dim and our vision small. We become critical and judgmental. Instead of walking by faith and in love, we walk in bitterness and suspicion, the works of the flesh. Divisions, divorce and depression can happen if our eyes are allowed to grow dim. But faith will open our eyes to the good future He has planned. It will bring hope to those hopeless areas. The eyes of our heart need to be enlightened so we can know and experience the hope to which He has called us to. We need fresh eyes to see Him and what He is doing in the midst of our circumstances–whether they be currently easy or difficult. Dear Ones, He needs us to have clear vision so we can help others who are blind.

Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me. The blind cannot lead anyone to a healthy safe place. If we do not see clearly we can become arrogant and prideful. The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. Isaiah 2:11 (NIV) Let’s seek Him today for fresh eyes.

Father, I thank You for enlightening the eyes of our hearts, so we can see You and Your ways clearly. Forgive us for allowing our eyes to grow dim by focusing on ourselves through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Father, we need Your touch so we can help others find You and Your life. Every area where we have become arrogant and prideful, forgive us. We need to see others as You see them. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2 (ESV)

Possessive pronouns are important in communication. Not just in writing, but also in our thought processes. Possessive pronouns recognize ownership. What a difference in thinking, the Lord is strength and song, and He is salvation; this is God, and I will praise him….versus the Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. Exodus 15:2 (ESV) This is obviously owning our relationship with Him. Personally declaring He is My God. How wonderful that sounds. He is My strength and My song. Dear Ones, I don’t know what you are going through, but I encourage you to declare that He is your God, He is your strength, salvation and your song. It makes it so personal. Faith will arise in your soul and those things that seem so impossible will become doable. Try it! Or better yet, put your name where the “my”s and the “I’s” are! Personalizing helps release faith.

How wonderful to read in Matthew 11: 28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. We don’t have to settle for the burden and yokes of our own making, but we can exchange them for His. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me–just as the Father knows me. John 10:11 (ESV) My sheep listen to my voice; and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no-one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has give them to me, is greater than all; no-one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand, I and the Father are one. John 10:27 (NIV) When we recognize we have the Good Shepherd, who leads us by His voice we can walk in His peace. Of course, we have to let the Good Shepherd be the shepherd to us. We have to listen to His voice and walk in His ways.

Think about your use of pronouns. Do you identify with your church, as “my” church? Are the people “your brothers and sisters” or just people. It makes a difference. When we identify our church as “my” church it implies a relationship. It implies responsibilities–like supporting, serving, praying for and loving; not only the leaders, but also each other. It implies a commitment to work through difficulties and the willing use of forgiveness and mercy. We need each other. Listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd, I know He wants you to be in relationship with His other sheep. Instead of saying to yourself, ‘I have to go to church’, rephrase it to “I get to go to my church this week”, or I get to serve in this ministry this week. It will make a difference in your attitude, at least it does mine! We know scripture says, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”, so actually taking the time to think through those phrases will cause your heart to be softer towards your brothers and sisters.

I am grateful I have a Savior I can call mine. I am grateful that I am not His lone sheep, but I have brothers and sisters I can call mine also. I am in a family, and that is a good thing.

Father, I thank you that you say to us “my son” “my daughter”. You give us the privilege to say My God, My strength etc. Help me to walk with You, listening to Your voice, wearing Your Yoke and carrying Your burden, because they are the best for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will but as you will. Matthew 26:39 (ESV)

As hard as it is sometimes, there are some things that are not in our control. They just aren’t. My sister has Parkinson’s. It is not anything I would wish on anyone. It is not curable, but through medications, it can be somewhat managed. I don’t like that she has to deal with all the side effects, but she has come to terms with it. Jesus, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, had to do the same thing. As I was reading through this passage this week, I thought about different times in my life when I had to admit, I can’t control it. It is in Your hands.

One such times, was when my husband passed. The loneliness, the grief, the struggle to accept widowhood was difficult. It was a cup I had to drink, but I did not like it. I longed for my “old” life. Reading Jesus’ struggle to accept His cup was comforting. I know His cup was much much more difficult than mine would/could ever be, but he left us a pattern to follow.

He fell on the ground. I fell on my bed!

He poured His heart out to His father. I poured out my heartache to Him.

He discovered His friends had fallen asleep, even after He asked them to pray. Although I knew people were praying for me, I often felt alone and forgotten. It was during these times of prayer that I realized there are some things we have to work out with the Father, alone. It is our cup. No one else can drink it, but ourselves. The amazing thing I learned was the Lord is right there, helping us drink every cup of difficulty we face. As I turned to Him, I understood the fellowship that happens through suffering. My relationship with Him deepened and grew. It took time and many sessions to work through my initial grief, but He is faithful. He did not grow tired and weary of my often coming to Him and He keeps on leading and guiding me through every aspect of grief.

Maybe your cup isn’t grief. Maybe it is disappointment with your children’s life choices. Perhaps you or a family member have received unwanted health diagnosis as well. A child diagnosed with autism, a parent with Alzheimer’s, or maybe the realization that you can’t buy that home you were dreaming of. When we accept the cup of difficulty, we must do it in faith. It is a time to trust His character, wisdom, and grace. Satan is a thief. He does come to kill, steal and destroy because that is his job. I admit, I don’t always understand how that works, but I do know that what we must not let him steal is our trust and hope in who our God is. Surrendering to the Lord and His will gives Him the opportunity to give back what the enemy has stolen. I found myself praying that God would get every good thing He could out of my widowhood. When I surrendered and accepted my own cup of difficulty, my eyes began to turn outward. I realized God had brought many others through this same cup, and He knew how to lead me. Faith arose. Trust arose. Hope arose.

Father, no matter what cup of difficulty we face today, we declare “not our will, but Your will be done”. We choose to trust You, no matter what it looks like. We ask that Romans 8:28 come into play in a very evident way. And we know that God causes everything to work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)

When we don’t feel good, God is good. When we don’t feel great, God is great. When we don’t feel wonderful, God is wonderful. He is always who He is in all HIs ways. That is our confidence, even when we don’t feel confident. Darryl Rodman, Heart Treasure

Darryl, my husband, learned this truth by simply walking with the Lord. I’ve learned the truth of this quote through my own steady walking with the Lord and Darryl. I’ve learned my confidence in Him grows when I trust His character. It doesn’t change. Never, ever does God’s character change. We can have confidence in His love, His faithfulness, His grace, His mercy and His words of truth. They never change.

When my husband and I were married, I trusted his character. I never once doubted that he would be faithful to me. In the two years I knew him before we married, I watched his character. I learned how committed he was to the Lord and His ways. It gave me confidence (or firm trust) to say “yes” to him and the Lord on our wedding day. In the thirty-eight years we were married, I never worried about him being unfaithful to me. I never worried that he would stop loving me (even though I would ask Him why he did!) His love, rooted in the love of God, helped me overcome my own insecurities. Knowing he was by my side helped me step out and do new things, that my own insecurities prevented me from attempting. His love gave me courage. Darryl’s belief in me caused me to grow as a teacher, writer and servant of the Lord.

This wonderful marriage partnership helped us both grow in our confidence in God and His ways. When he passed, I drew on my trust in God’s character to lead me, guide me and help me stabilize in my new life. It was hard learning to live without Darryl, but such a blessing to know that I did not have to live without the Lord. During the almost ten years Darryl has been gone, I have grown in my confidence in God’s love for me. I don’t have Darryl’s daily encouragement to rely on, but I have God’s. God’s love, grace and character are dependable, no matter what the circumstance. I would ask you like the Hebrew writer implores: Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. Hebrews 10: 35-36 (NKJV)

When we genuinely love others with the love of the Lord, we help them grow in their confidence in the Lord. It is a gift we can give each other. Confidence in the Lord is a learning process. For many, it takes time to learn that His ways are indeed higher than our ways. It takes time to watch His Word be fulfilled, no matter what the circumstance. Struggles happen. Suffering happens. That’s a given in our sin filled world. But I want to remind us all today that blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)

Father, I am so grateful we can trust You. We can put our firm trust in You and Your ways. I thank You for being patient with us, when we fall back on our own confidence. Keep teaching us how to lean on You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2 (ESV)

Trials, nobody wants them. Nobody seeks them out. But everybody has to deal with them. This week a friend shared she is fighting stage four breast cancer and has a very rare aggressive form of the disease. Her husband has lived through four brain tumor surgeries. These were all surgeries where he should not have survived, but through God’s grace, he did. His story helped me walk through Darryl’s struggles after his stroke. My heart hurt for them as they are facing this new twist to their story. I want to say, stop, this family has been through enough. Another friend, Jim, has multiple myeloma. He is scheduled to undergo a stem cell transplant procedure next week. Their daughter went through cancer treatment the year before. Isn’t that enough?

These three people have or are facing trials. But, it is not just about them. Their families and friends are also meeting these trials. What is our response when others go through trials? There were some people who backed off from Darryl and I when we went through his stroke event. They out and out told me this is too hard. I can’t see him that way. What they were trying to tell me was I don’t understand why God would allow him to go through this. Their understanding of God and His ways was being challenged by this trial. I get it. Many times, it is our faith also gets tested when others go through their trials. Do we take the time to really pray through our own doubts, fears and concerns? Or do we back off, put our head in the sand and emotionally distance ourselves from them? If so, it reveals our faith and trust are small. Or do we work through our own fears and become encouragers to help them endure the trial? I admit it; I have done both.

That is humbling, isn’t it? Tests reveal to ourselves and God just how truly we have learned to apply our faith to real life. If we need to grow some more, new opportunities will arise. When we really understand there is a purpose in each trial, it makes it easier to endure.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. I Peter 1:6-7 (NLT) Wow, James exhorts us to count it all joy when we meet temptations, and here is Peter telling us to be truly glad! We can be glad because it gives Him an opportunity to show us off to the world.

Every trial we face is to help purify us to be more like Jesus. They are usually difficult and painful by their very nature. They, in themselves, are not enjoyable. Peter goes on to say: Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1 Peter 4:12-13 So now we not only have “many” trials, but he has added the descriptive word “fiery”! God uses the trials that we must endure to help purify us. To reveal and deal with the dross in our hearts. Have you ever met people who have that inner glow of the Holy Spirit? Then you hear their story and you are amazed at it? You would never know all they endured, because they allowed the trials of their faith to do the purification work.

We can embrace the trials that come our way, or we can allow them to make us bitter. We can become angry with God and back away from trusting Him. Hebrews 12 reminds us of how Jesus endured His trials. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Brothers and sisters, you are not the only ones who are enduring trials right now. They seem large and in charge, but God is with you. Allow Him to bring His beauty into your life as you go through the trials of life. He understands it is not easy. He understands it is perplexing. He understands how hard it is for you. But He also knows what He is doing in it and through it. Peter goes on in chapter 5 with his final encouragement. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

My friends, we need to stop being surprised at the trials of life that come our way. They are part of life, but so is the joy, gladness, and victory that can come through them. Let’s keep trusting. Please pray for my friends, as I pray for yours.

Father, I thank you for strengthening all those today who are going through difficult trials. I ask that You help all of us learn to count it all joy and receive them with gladness. I ask that You get every good thing out of every trial we face. Help us to respond to our trials with the expectation that we will become more like You and know that it is worth it. I thank you for restoring, confirming and strengthening each person who has endured difficult trials, for that is Your promise. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusts in Him. Psalm 34:8 NKJV

I’ve not felt too well this week. I was exposed to COVID, and it may be I have a mild case of Omicron. It has changed my appetite. Fortunately, I still have my taste and smell, but only certain types of foods taste good to me right now. Last week at Grocery Outlet, I bought two cases of individual fruit cups. I have never bought them for myself before, but I do like them a lot. Turns out, they hit the spot! They soothe my throat and they are just enough to satisfy my smaller appetite. They taste especially good to me, during this season.

As I am starting to feel better, I know my appetite will expand again. I love God’s Word. I have a disciplined reading plan that I have done for years. It simply works for me. It includes a Psalm or Proverb, Old Testament reading and New Testament reading. The balance helps me get through some of the “blander” portions (dare I say that?) I know “all scripture is inspired by God!”, but some parts do seem a bit more poignant than others, right? We must remember it isn’t the Word of God that we are seeking, it is the God of the Word. Taking time to see Him in the midst of our reading is prime goal, isn’t it? That is where we really begin to “taste and see that He is good”. It is where we find out that those that trust in Him are truly blessed. Learning to apply the Word we read is where we really learn how awesome He is. When I simply read the Word, without looking for the God of the Word, I may get some head knowledge, but I miss the fullness of the fellowship I could behaving with Him. Praying before I even open the Bible helps remind me to see and seek Him during my reading. If you have skipped this step, trying adding it in to your routine.

This year, I have added a devotional to my study. It is Jesus Listens, by Sarah Young. The format of this book is a simple prayer that she writes to our Savior her thoughts and concerns, with applicable scriptures listed at the bottom. I make sure I take the time to read those scriptures. Slowing down and reading these inspiring verses out of my normal rhythm has been so enjoyable. It is like my individual peach serving; they whet my appetite for more. I have appreciated each one. Her writing has caused me to “taste and see” different aspects of our God. They help round out my spiritual diet for the day.

When I was thinking about the connection between natural eating and spiritual eating, I thought about things that make me keep eating when I know I have had enough. Comfort foods or sweets like fudge and chocolate cake–I just keep going back for more, because they taste so good! As our relationship with Jesus keeps growing, it is like that as well. He overwhelms us with His goodness and we desire Him more. We don’t have to worry about calories or cholesterol! We can simply enjoy His Presence, Peace and Purpose even in our weary world. If it’s been awhile since you have taken the time to taste and see His goodness, try it today! Tasting and finding God’s goodness, also helps curb our appetite for the not so healthy choices in our life, which is always a good thing.

Father, I ask You to help increase our appetite for You. I thank You that when we seek You, we will find You. I ask that you help us see You, not only in Your Word, but in those around us: in their stories, their experiences of You as well. Father, You are so good. Help those who are going through not so good things right now. Help them to see You in the midst of their trials and tests. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

I love this Psalm. I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. Psalm 62:1 NLT I am learning to wait quietly with Him. I’ve chosen to slow down my devotional time with Him, and it has brought a fresh peace and blessing to my spirit. Psalm 62:1-2 in The Passion Translation says: I stand silently to listen for the one I love, waiting as long as it takes for the Lord to rescue me. For God alone has become my Savior. He alone is my safe place. In our busy, scary world where is your safe place? Can I remind you today that we have one? We have a safe place we can escape to.

David wrote this psalm while he was in trouble. As we read on, we see he is very clear that he is being hunted by his enemies. What did he do? He encouraged himself in the Lord. Do you feel oppressed, depressed and discouraged today? Go to the Lord. As Louie Giglio has said, learn to linger longer in His presence. Let the Lord begin to speak to you of His help and hope. The Passion Translation goes on in verse 2: His wrap-around presence always protects me. For he is my champion defender; there’s no risk of failure with God. So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? My question to you and to me, “why would I let worry paralyze me into inaction and fear?” We don’t have to. As we wait quietly for His assurance, He comes with hope and grace.

Verse 5-8, in the NLT says Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress, where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. Oh my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. I encourage you today to trust in Him. Take the time to pour out your heart to him, not just carry the worry and anxiety around with you. Write it down if you need to. When we take the time to really pray and unload our cares to Him, we find they are easier to carry. Cast them upon Him. He for He cares. Do not let the enemy lie to you and tell you it won’t make a difference. Release your faith and try it.

It worked for King David, and it will work for you. The New King James translation says it this way: Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8. It’s all inclusive. No one is left out, including you. He hears you. He sees you. He longs to be that refuge for you. Ask Him to teach you how to find refuge in Him. He longs to show you. He is available right now to be your shelter in the time of any storm. Go to Him.

Father, I thank You that You are always listening to us. You are our safe place. Teach us to run to You sooner, rather than later. To linger longer with You so we can regain strength, hope and discover Your ways through any wilderness we may be facing. We choose to trust You today, knowing we are secure in Your Presence. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Our weather has been pretty cold and miserable here. Sunday morning I woke up, all snuggled warm in my bed, thinking I don’t really “feel” like going to church this morning. I am not serving anywhere. My friend, who I pick up most Sunday’s didn’t want to leave her house because of snow. I was listening to the service from Living Word Fellowship, in Voluntown, Ct. Their different elders were discussing the mindset of the privilege of coming/belonging to a church versus feeling like it is a duty. It was so encouraging, but I almost missed the point by focusing on my “feelings”!

I admit, my feelings almost won. But I encouraged myself in the Lord, made it to pre-service prayer, and was so grateful that I went. In God’s providence, I connected with a new lady who is now a part of our Life Group. As I reflected on this moment, I wondered, how often do our “feelings” direct our path, rather than the Lord.

Feelings are fleeting. They come and go. They focus us on ourselves, and can make us so very short-sighted. Our culture has become a “what about me?” culture. As I pondered staying in bed and watching our church service online, it definitely was about me. If we are to become the salt and light God desires us to be, we must learn to submit our feelings to Him and His ways. I’m sure Paul didn’t “feel” like enduring the beatings, shipwrecks and imprisonments he writes about in 2 Corinthians 11:26, but he learned to endure them like a good soldier, and we still benefit from his writings.

If we are to become the influencers God desires us to be, we must learn self-control. Self-control is the ability to stop yourself from doing what you feel like doing, but it isn’t in your or others’ best interest. Self-control is actually growing up. Toddlers react to the feelings immediately, as adults, we should be able to control those feelings. We mustn’t act like little children, but we must mature in our thoughts and actions. In Matthew 5, we find Jesus teaching about anger, adultery and divorce. The beginning of each of these actions started with a feeling which triggered an emotion which resulted in an action. I wonder how many divisions, divorces, and destructive actions begin with feelings. Because feelings are not always based on fact, how much pain could or would be avoided if a person took the time to examine their feelings.

Feelings are God given. God has them, but He uses them correctly. We must learn to submit them to the Lord, and use them correctly as well. He wants to teach us how. The ESV versions of Proverbs 16:32 states: Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Maybe anger isn’t your struggle when dealing with feelings, but learning to rule your spirit when dealing with any feelings is important. Comparing the works of the flesh found in Galatians 5: 19-21 sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies and things like these to the fruit of the spirit found in Galatians 5: 22-23, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, feelings are involved in both. When reading the works of the flesh list, I found it so destructive and something I, personally, do not want to encourage in my life.

Satan is looking for any foothold he can take in our lives. He isn’t above using our feelings for his purposes. Philippians 2:3-8 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used by his own advatange; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant. Dear friends, let us keep our feelings in their rightful place. Acknowledge them, examine their source, but do not let them rule your life. Your feelings, if allowed to run things, will lead you to a self-centered and eventually selfish life. Your flesh may be happy, but your spirit will suffer.

Father, help us in this area. We need to understand how to balance our feelings and your ways. I thank you for pouring out grace to us as we explore this area. Teach us that Your ways are the best ways, even if we do not “feel” like it. In Jesus’ Name, amen.