Devotions

Anticipating The Battle

Published on by Joan

The story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho was always a favorite of mine as a child.  I remember singing the childhood song, “Joshua fought the Battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho…”  As I read Chapter 6 of Joshua, I thought about how the people prepared for the battle.

  1. The Lord told Joshua what to expect.  He was given a battle plan.  Like me, you may be thinking, “I wish God would tell me ahead of time about my battles.”  But wait a minute.  We have been told.  Christ said that we would have trouble in this world.  We can expect it.  And if we know to expect it, then we can know how to prepare for it.  We prepare by staying in the Word and heeding the voice of the Commander.  We’re told in Ephesians 6 about our battle gear.  We just need to keep that armor on, and we’ll be ready at a moment’s notice to face the battle.
  2. Joshua had the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant.  The Ark was the representation of the very presence of God.  Christ told us He would never leave us or forsake us.  As a child of God, the Holy Spirit lives within us and there is never any circumstance that we face alone. 
  3. Joshua told the people to not speak until he instructed them to on the last day.  Only the sound of the blowing horns were to be heard as they marched around the city.  When we are in the midst of the battle, we would do well to listen and praise more than we speak.  Our hearts should be lifting praise to the Father and listening for Him to give us our next move.  One of the ways we can be a huge witness to others around us is to allow our manner and actions to reveal a spirit of humility and grace as we endure the battle.  That will speak volumes more than any spoken words we can share. 
  4. The people took time to rest.  They marched around the city once a day for six days.  After marching around the city, they would return to camp to rest and then do the same thing again the next day.  Whatever battle we may be in, we must learn how to rest in the Lord.  Bible reading and prayer is so important, but even so much more during times of struggles.  We need to spend time daily with the One who can refresh our souls. 
  5. The people were obedient and steadfast.  After a couple days of doing the same thing, they may have wondered what good it was doing to march around the city.  Why couldn’t they just go ahead and finish the battle on day one?  But they continued.  We don’t know how long our battle may last.  We are told to number our days to gain wisdom.  We are told to stay steadfast.  And we are promised God will perfect, complete us in the end.
  6. Then finally, accept the victory.  On the last day, the people marched around the city seven times.  They then gave a shout when Joshua instructed them to, and the walls of the city fell.  When we are faithful to fight as the Lord leads us, the time will come when we can give that cry of victory as the battle is won.

Battles are never something we want or long for.  But they are inevitable.  So, take heart, dear friend.  Anticipate those battles with the knowledge that God is with us, will lead us through them, and give us the victory at the end of them.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of the Children of Israel fighting their battles.  I don’t like thinking about facing a battle but thank You for assuring me of Your help and presence as I go through those times of conflict.  Help me be prepared before the battle comes so that during the midst of it, I can stay obedient and strong as I trust in You.  Thank you, Father, for the warning and I praise You now for the victory that will come in Your time.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Two Sunrises

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!

 

Sunrise1

 

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

 A group of ladies with Encouragement Café met recently in Myrtle Beach for our annual retreat.  The retreat is a time of discussion about writing and planning for upcoming events.  We also spend time just encouraging each other, laughing and praying together.  We are just a group of ordinary ladies who have our share of struggles with life, but we serve an extra-ordinary, awesome God who faithfully leads us through every situation.  And we love sharing our stories in hope of encouraging others.

We had two mornings of waking up at the beach.  Although I am not a morning person, I got up early to watch the sunrise, as did several others.  The first morning, there were just a few clouds on the horizon.  As the sun came closer to peeking over the waters, the sky began to glow.  The oranges and yellows began to turn the black sky to varying shades of glorious blues.  When the sun finally appeared, the brightness prevented me being able to fully gaze directly at it.  Even the shimmering reflections upon the waters brought tears to my eyes.

The second morning was cloudy.  We could still tell that the sun was coming up, but even after sunrise, we could look directly at where the sun was hanging in the sky and see only shadows around the clouds.  There were some pretty shades of pinks intermingling with the gray clouds.  But the colors were not as vivid as the bright yellows and oranges of the morning before.

Sunrise#2

 

The world today is living much like the total darkness before a sunrise.   Evil and sin covers the earth.  The eyes of many are blinded from seeing any light of hope.  They revel in the darkness and forbid any light from shining through them.

When we receive Christ as our Savior, His light overtakes the darkness within us, dispelling all sin.  Our life becomes filled with varying colors of beauty.  Each day brings an anticipation simply because of His promise that His mercy and love are new every morning.  And just like the sun shining brightly and reflecting like diamonds off the water, His Light should shine clearly through us as we reflect Christ.  I would even hope that the brilliance of the unobstructed Light within us is so vivid, tears are brought to the eyes of those longing for the same light to glow within them.

But we also need to realize that as believers, every morning may not start with the same measure of light and beauty.  Just like the morning that was cloudy, we can still have the Lord’s light shining from within us, but trials and troubles we may be experiencing are obstructing the radiance of that light.  There is still some beauty intermingled among the shadows like the pale pinks within the clouds.  On those mornings, we need to remember that behind that cloak of clouds that may have enveloped our hearts, the Son is still there.  We can trust in His presence and know the cloud of trials will eventually disperse.

Which sunrise are you experiencing?  Are things bright and beautiful right now?  If so, allow God’s light of love reflect off of you into this dark world.

Perhaps your days are cloudy.  Trust in the fact that God is still near.  You may not be able to fully feel the warmth of His presence, but stay faithful.   You may not be radiant with vivid color, but His Light is still shining and the soft pinks mingled with gray are just as beautiful when reflected with His love.

 Heavenly Father, thank you for each sunrise!  Thank you for the times when I can fully see and feel your Presence.  Help me to live a life that reflects Your love and light to others.  But in those times of cloudy days, help me to remember You are still with me.  Give me strength to stay faithful at sharing the light of Your love no matter the brightness of my day.  Thank you, Father.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Again, Lord? Really?

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!

Again, Lord- Really

Depression is not easily explained to someone who has never experienced it.  The best description I can offer is to say it feels like a very dark cloud without boundaries engulfing my very soul.  It’s like a black hole, a bottomless pit.  It has no beginning or end, yet I’m inside it, all alone.  I can’t get out and no one can get near enough to step within the invisible barrier to offer the needed comfort.  Not that I even want anyone near at the time.  Thankfully, the cloud is not a constant presence any longer in my life as it once was.

But there are days…

From the very moment right before I open my eyes in the morning, I can usually sense if the cloud is hanging over me.  On the mornings when it’s there, I inwardly groan and think, “Again, Lord?  Really?”

I have learned things that help me cope with the depression.  I’ve learned prayer and Bible reading is essential.  I’ve learned the truth in this verse about my thoughts:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

But there are still times when it’s not as easily handled.  I have often wondered what God’s purpose is in my struggle.  Why does He allow it?

I haven’t received an answer yet, but I cling to the promise that it’s for my good, somehow.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28 (NIV)

I have to say that the last several years have brought things into my life on which I know God had His hand.  I’ve had glimpses of things for which the phrase, “only God,” was the answer.  Miracles and healings have taken place.  Conversations and moments shared with God have given me a deeper understanding of some things that I would not otherwise have understood.

In those moments when I realized God had moved, I was overwhelmed.  Overwhelmed that He loved me that much!  Could it be I would not realize the depth of His love as deeply had I not experienced the depth of sorrow I’ve known?  Perhaps, I would not be as eagerly looking for glimpses of Him in every circumstance had I not felt the many times that He was no where around?  Maybe my prayers of wanting to experience a deeper fellowship with Him were answered by me having to cry to Him in desperation for my next breath when I was suffocating in darkness?  What I once felt was a huge weakness of mine was the very thing that strengthened me.

All I know is that now I do search for His fingerprints on everything.  Things that some people say are only a coincidence, I know it is God.  When prayers are answered, I know it is God.  When something bad happens, yet I see someone turning to Christ out of the rubble, I know it is God.  I’ve experienced moments where the movement of God was unmistakable and undeniable.  It’s become thrilling looking for Him and finding that He’s done something amazing.  I’ve gotten to the point when I see His hand, I excitedly say, “Again, Lord? Really?”

If you are dealing with depression, or know someone that is, please talk about it.  Know that you are not alone!  Don’t feel ashamed to seek help from a professional, but above all, draw strength from our Father through meditating on His Word and in prayer.  You are stronger than you think!

May we all keep looking for glimpses of Him and say, “Yes, Lord!  Please, do it again!”

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me!  Help me when I feel the cloud of depression settling down, to keep my focus on You.  Allow me to have glimpses of Your glory, Lord!  May I draw nearer to You each day as I spend time in prayer and in Your Word.  Please strengthen me as only You can.  Thank You, Father!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lessons From The Journey

Published on by Joan

Lessons-Journey

My husband and I went on a group motorcycle ride one Saturday.  It was sponsored by the Brother’s Keepers Motorcycle Club and all proceeds went to assist children who were burn victims to go to camp.  Registration started at 8:30.  Everyone that registered and paid their fee was given a ticket for door prizes to be given away at the end of the ride.

There were close to 40 bikes when we first left the parking lot at 10:00.  As often happens when we ride, my mind began to ponder to so many things.  It’s easy when we ride to think about things because of the lack of distractions.  There’s no radio to listen to.  I don’t have my phone out.  There’s no conversation.  Just God and me, my thoughts and His creation.

As we left the parking lot, two law enforcement officers and one representative from the fire department blocked the two north bound lanes of the highway so that we could all pull out as a group.  After we were all on the highway, the law enforcement officers then went around us to block three more signals before their escort ended.  Before riding in a couple of motorcycle runs, I often wondered why a group like that was allowed to go through intersections unimpeded while others had to wait.  Safety is the biggest issue.   Other vehicles are more aware of a large group of motorcycles traveling close together and hopefully they won’t risk pulling out in front of the group as they might would if there were gaps in between the bikes.

We got off the primary routes and onto some back country roads.  We went through several different counties and on roads I had never travelled before. I noticed people outside in their yards going about their Saturday morning tasks.  Yards were being mowed.  Fields of corn were being cut.  A load of chickens were being delivered to some chicken houses.  Sometimes people continued with their work and sometimes I would see people stop to look at the group as we went by.

We also saw some of the lingering results of the Hurricane Florence that had come through the area.  There was dirt and debris still along the edge of the roads.  Gravel was across the road in some places.  And of course, there was some not so pleasant smelling road kill we passed by.  Another part about riding in a group is that one rider will try to alert the riders behind him about debris in the road that can be hazardous for a motorcycle to ride over.  As a result, a wave of hand motions pointing at the obstacle flows through the pack, starting from the ones in the front and continues with each rider, until the last one is aware of any danger.

When we came to an intersection, the leader would stop at the stop sign and when it was clear, he would make the turn.  Two bikes would pull into the travel lane and block any oncoming traffic and allow the rest of the group to pull out.  The two riders would then pull into the rear, their service to the group appreciated.  Time and again, the riders directly behind the leader would pull over at a new road and allow safe passage for the rest.  When we started out, my husband and I were in the middle of the group.  By the time we stopped, we were very close to being directly behind the leader.

We got to the end of the ride a couple hours later.  Food was available for lunch and people just hung out for a while, talking about the ride.  Then finally the door prizes were given out.  There were different gifts awarded worth varying amounts.  Once that was done, people began saying their goodbyes and going their way.

As I previously said, so many thoughts went through my mind as we rode.  The main topic that kept coming to mind was the lesson Christ taught His disciples that to be first, one has to be last.

Scripture-first last

We had one main leader that knew the route.  He maintained that position the whole time.  As a believer, Christ is our Leader.  When we faithfully follow Him, we won’t get lost.  We won’t get left behind.  We will arrive at our ultimate destination someday.  And when we do, we will enjoy the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.  We will enjoy endless fellowship with other believers and with our Lord.  We will be given our rewards that we earned because of having our names registered into the Book of Life.

I don’t know if the ones who started out right behind the leader knew that they would be expected to sacrifice their position to be of a service to others.  But I know that after being close to the leader, they willingly humbled themselves to help the rest.  When we follow the leadership of Christ, we will be led to humble ourselves before others in service.  But the wondrous thing is, it doesn’t feel like a sacrifice at all.  Each time we humble ourselves and put ourselves last, God will start raising us back up, just as we ended up being close to the front when we ended the trip.

The lesson of staying close together was also exhibited.  At one point in the ride, it became evident that part of the back of the group had dropped out of sight.  The leader pulled over to a safe location and we followed him.  We waited for just a couple minutes before it was decided someone needed to turn back from where we just came from to find those who were not with us.  A short time later, the group that had gotten left behind showed up.  We learned that a couple bikers had experienced a slight mishap and the riders behind them all stopped until they could once again get started back on their journey.  The group was safely back together and the one who had fallen was taken care of.  Were we not all part of a group, some would have fallen by the wayside and would have struggled alone.

So it is in our daily Christian walk.  Christ is the Great Shepherd.  He will leave the flock to go fetch one lost sheep.  But the body also is instructed to care for one another.  As brothers and sisters in Christ, we can encourage, edify, care for and lift each other up in prayer.  A hard life is made easier with Godly friends.

Scripture-encourage one another

I thought about all the people we passed by.  Many were going about their life doing their own things.  Some never gave the roar of motors passing a single glance.  Others would turn and look at us, a few giving friendly waves of their hands.  It made me wonder.  Am I living the type of life that just makes noise, but fail to get the message of Christ out to others?  Or am I living in a way that hopefully is getting the positive attention of those who are open to hearing the message of salvation?  I long to have folks see me that want to throw up their hand and ask to join along on my journey toward heaven.

Then concerning the wave of hand motions that start at the front of the group and travels from biker to biker until all are warned of danger.  This journey we are traveling is full of dangers and pitfalls. Life is hard.  As believers in Christ, we have words of warning to offer.  Yes, we are to share the marvelous message of Christ and share the way for people to be saved.  But we also need to warn them if they are traveling in the wrong direction and try to assist them in getting on the right path.  Even after getting saved and getting on the path to heaven, we need to share the warning that there will be obstacles in our path from time to time.  The road to Heaven is not always smooth and even, but when we continue to faithfully follow our Leader and stay close to our brothers and sisters in Christ, the road can be navigated successfully.

What about you?  Have you registered for this journey to Heaven?  Are you trying to travel this journey alone?  Are you heeding the warning signs along the way?

Christ died on a cross for the sins of each one of us.  Then He resurrected from the dead, ascended to heaven and lives to make intercession for us.  When we receive the salvation He offers, He will be our Leader on this journey of life.  He will faithfully guide us around pitfalls, warn us of the dangers to stay away from, and place us in His family of believers to travel alongside us.  It’s not always easy, but the reward that is waiting for us at our destination will be out of this world!

Spiritual Dementia

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!​​

 

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

Dementia is an awful condition to watch someone go through.  I’ve seen someone with a very sharp mind get to the point where she can’t tell you what she just finished eating as she looks at the empty plate in front of her.  She often says the same thing or asks the same question over and over in a short amount of time.  She’s lost the freedom to drive or cook the wonderful dishes she was known for.  She doesn’t remember who she has talked to or what was said within a few minutes of the person leaving.   So many things that she could once do, she can no longer do.  Every now and then, when she realizes that she can’t think clearly, she breaks down crying.  It’s heart breaking.

Forgetfulness is awful at times but can also be a good thing.  Many times when I am struggling with depression, it is the negative memories I find myself dwelling on.  I recall all of the things I failed to do right.  I remember all of the things I did wrong.  I focus on all of the bad and stop remembering the good.  Satan knows if he can keep our thoughts on things other than the glory of God, we can and will be ineffective witnesses for Christ.  God knows that too.  That is why we are told in His word to forget the past when it comes to our sinfulness and shortcomings.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

Not only does God instruct us to forget our sinful past, He says He will forget our sins, as well.

“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”  Isaiah 43:25 NIV

If God, Himself, says that He will forgive and forget my sins when I come to Him in repentance, who do I think I am to keep bringing it up?

The Apostle Paul was the greatest Christian ever.  But even he said he often found himself doing the things he did not want to do, and not doing the very things he did want to do.  So he also said to forget the past and to focus on moving forward.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

I believe when it comes to our past mistakes, the best thing we can do is to have spiritual dementia.  We need to realize that the forgiveness of God will release us not just from the sin, but from the guilt and condemnation we try to hold onto.  We need to allow God to restore us to Himself.  And through justification (just as if I had never sinned), we can look forward to the future of living for Him by allowing Him to live within us and through us.  Don’t just let go of the sinful past – forget about it.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sins.  Thank you for saving me and forgiving me for my sins.  Too often, Lord, I have allowed negative memories of my past to keep me from fully serving you in the present.  Help me to understand that even as You remember my sins no more, I need to forget too, so that I can be used by You.  Thank You, Father.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

 

Take Inventory

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!

Give Thanks 1 Thess518

Jesus feeding the 5000 is a well-known miracle recorded in the Gospels.  One Sunday our Pastor was reviewing the miracle within a sermon.  The disciples thought Jesus should send the people away into the nearby towns to eat.  Jesus told them they shouldn’t send the people away when they could feed the crowd themselves.

“When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”  But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.””  Luke 9:12-13a (NKJV)

Our Pastor said it’s as if Jesus told the disciples, “Take an inventory.  You’ve got more than you think.”

That comment stuck with me.  Why is it that in this Land of Plenty, so many people seem to feel like they don’t have enough?  We are considered the richest nation in the world, yet people are in debt trying to afford things they don’t really need and longing for things they don’t have.

The disciples had their eyes on the magnitude of the situation.  The Bible tells us there were 5000 men, a number that didn’t include the women and children.  All they could see were the numbers of mouths needing to be fed.  They didn’t seem to even consider any option other than telling Jesus that He should send them away into the surrounding towns for them to find food.

But they had all they needed right there in front of them all the time.

I remember back when my children were young and I was feeling frazzled handling all the craziness of marriage, kids, job, home and all the responsibilities of each.  Someone told me to turn every chore into a prayer of thanksgiving.  When I was doing laundry, I thanked God for clothing my family.  When I was washing dishes, I thanked God for food to eat and my growing, healthy children.  When cleaning the floors, I thanked God for our home.  When I got up early to prepare my kids and myself for the day, I thanked God for my job and the strength to perform it.  Everything my hand touched was a gift provided by God.

When we get caught up in the struggles of life, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the worry and frustration that comes along with the problems.  Like the disciples focusing on the magnitude of the crowd, we focus on the size of our struggle.  We forget that as a Child of God, He is right there with us.  We may cry out to Him asking Him to take care of the problem.  But we have to understand that He may not solve the problem the way we think that He should.  He may tell us to take a look at what we already have.

We have Him and the strength, peace and comfort that only He can provide.  When we turn our focus back to praising Him for what He has already done and trusting for what He will do, we will experience the miracle of Him giving us just what we need exactly when we need it.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for all that I have.  Thank You most of all for Your Son and my Savior, Jesus Christ.  May I ever be mindful that during good times or during times of struggle, You are all that I need.  Help me to focus on You more than on my wants and needs, because You have always provided everything I need right when I need it.  May I not take that miracle for granted.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Parade

Published on by Joan

1 Chron 16

My pastor recently preached a Thanks Living sermon.  The scripture was from 1 Chronicles 16.  It was the account of David bringing the Ark of the Covenant back into the tabernacle he had erected.  He offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord.  David gave to all the people of Israel a loaf of bread, some meat and a cake of raisins.  Then he broke out into a song of praise of Thanksgiving before the Lord.

“Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.   Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.  Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.  Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.  Remember his marvelous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.”   1 Chronicles 16: 8-12 (KJV)

Whoever said that the pilgrims and Indians celebrated the first Thanksgiving meal obviously didn’t know about this story!

But I also got to thinking about the parade that took place before the meal.  If you read in 1 Chronicles Chapter 15, it tells the story of the procession.  It was very organized and consisted of musicians that played and sang along the way.  They also wore their best linen garments and had sanctified themselves.  The reason for the celebration?  They were returning the Ark of the Covenant, the visible representation of the presence of the Lord, back to the place of worship.

When the procession entered into the City of David, King David was leaping and whirling around, dancing before the Lord.  When David’s wife saw David from her window, the Bible said she despised David.  From the account of this same occasion in 2 Samuel 6, she confronts David and tries to shame him for his un-kingly behavior.

“David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord.  I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.”  2 Samuel 6:21-22 (NIV)

As I thought about this story, the Thanksgiving meal, the Thanksgiving song and parade, David joyfully dancing along, this verse really hit me.

When we focus on Thanksgiving about all the things we are thankful for, we thank God for all of His blessings.  It’s natural to do that.  At Christmas, we thank God for the birth of Christ and celebrate that.  At Easter, we remember the sacrifice that Christ made for us, giving His life as payment for our sins.  We celebrate the resurrection and the hope of living with Christ for all eternity.

But this parade, this celebration of David and the people of Israel, wasn’t on a designated holiday.  It didn’t take place during one of the designated feasts.  This celebration was all about God’s presence being back among the people.

After thinking about these verses, I had to ask myself.  How often do I praise the Lord, not because of a special day, but just because of who my Lord is?  How often do I truly come with real humility before the Lord?  Yes, I’m truly blessed.  But am I willing to be humiliated, willing to lose my dignity when it comes to openly, joyfully, expressing my praise just because I can feel His presence?

I’ve always been quiet and shy.  I cry easily, but often feel embarrassed by it.  You know how sometimes older people say exactly what they want, embarrassing or not, and people laugh and say they have earned the right to be that way because they are old?  Well, I think I’ve reached that age.  (I did just have a birthday.)  I think it’s time to lose a little dignity.  It’s time to be humiliated before the Lord and celebrate!  I can’t say you might see me dancing, because I’m not very coordinated, but I pray God will be pleased by the uplifting of my hands, the song in my heart and on my lips!

I invite you to join this parade with me.  May the people of God become more vocal at praising our Lord all year long simply because of His presence!

 

 

Can I Call You Right Back?

Published on by Joan

Hear My Voice

One day as I was just leaving work, my daughter called me.  She had not gotten but a couple of sentences out of her mouth when I heard my phone beep.  I looked at the screen and noticed it was a coworker and I knew I needed to take the call.  So I told Martha that I would call her back and I took the incoming phone call.

When I did call my daughter back, I apologized for hanging up on her.  She said that it was only the third time that it had happened to her that same day.  Two earlier times during the day when she had been on the phone with someone, they had asked her the same thing, “Can I call you right back?”

She told me the thought had come to her when I hung up that she was so glad that when she went to God in prayer, He didn’t say, “Can I call you right back?”

That is one of the amazing assurances we have with our Lord.  We don’t have to wait for Him to pick up the phone.  We never get a busy signal or a dropped call.  And He never says, “Can I call you right back?”

David often cried out in his Psalms for God to hear him.  David knew without a doubt that God not only heard him, but would act on his behalf.  Here are two verses I like:

“Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God.  Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.”  Psalm 4:1 NIV

“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.”  Psalm 17:6  (NIV)

 

And this verse in the New Testament also gives us assurance:

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”  1 John 5:14 NIV

But what about us?

How often does God try to speak to us and we hang up on Him?  How often do we simply ignore His call?  How often is the connection really bad due to sin in our lives we refuse to let go of?  David also knew that if he had sin in his heart that God would not hear. (Psalm 66:18)

The Prophet Isaiah stated it this way to the wayward Children of Israel:

“Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”  Isaiah 59:1-2 (NIV)

And from the words of Christ Himself:

“Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”  John 8:47 NIV

I agree totally with Martha.  It’s wonderful knowing that because we have accepted Christ as our Savior, there is never a moment when Christ will not hear us calling out to Him.  And just like David, may we be faithful to praise Him for hearing us and may we be faithful to tell everyone about it.

Heavenly Father, I want to praise Your name and thank You for hearing my prayer.  It’s an awesome thought knowing that whenever I cry out to You, my cries don’t fall on deaf ears, and that You are never too busy for me!  May I be faithful like David in proclaiming this wondrous truth:

“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.  I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue.  If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.  Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!”  Psalm 66:16-20 (NIV)

Thank You, Father!  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Living Obituary

Published on by Joan

I recently went to a service to honor the passing of the father of my friend Dawn.  I never had the opportunity to meet the man I heard so much about during the service.  But when the service was over, I left feeling humbled to have gotten a glimpse into his life.  If ever a man preached his own obituary, it would have been Gary Lee Fisher.

From the time the first pastor shared memories of his friendship with Mr. Fisher, I knew he was not just an average man.  He was a devout prayer warrior.  A man who stood in the gap, ever interceding for those he met.  He would give people cards and ask them to write down specific things he could pray for.  He wouldn’t accept a general answer.  He wanted details.

From his close friend that served alongside him in the military, I learned that in the 23 years of service he gave his country, he was also a servant leader to the men he served with.  He counseled, taught, preached and prayed, fulfilling his commitment to serve both God and country.  The friend shared that when Gary decided to retire, his friend asked who would be able to continue the ministry among the men like he had.  Gary responded that it was up to him to carry it on.  He had left an example to follow.

From memories shared by his daughters, I learned he was a loving father.  He was an earthly father that gave a perfect representation of the love of our Heavenly Father.  A man that valued education and learning.  A man who loved laughter and who disciplined by loving unconditionally.

Gary lived a full life.  But the last years were hard.  He had ALS.  Dawn shared that someone asked her father why he thought God would have allowed him to suffer with that devastating disease.  His reply was that he believed God was just removing all of the distractions of life, so that he could devote himself to prayer.  I can only imagine the hours upon hours of sweet communion he had with his Lord as he laid motionless in his bed.  How many countless prayers of protection and blessings he prayed over his loved ones.  It cannot be known this side of heaven the trials and heartaches people he knew were spared because of his petitions to the Father.

When he was asked if he were bitter about his disease, he said that he could choose to be bitter or to be better.  He chose to be better.  And now better is what he has fully obtained.

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.  For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”  Philippians 1:21-23 (NKJV)

Lest you think I’m making too much of just a man, please understand my heart.  From what I gathered listening to those who knew him well, I don’t think Gary would want us to lift him up.  But I believe his sentiment would be that of these two verses:

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”  Hebrews 6:12 (NIV)

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”  Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

Gary lived to point others to Christ.  By his family and friends revealing so many attributes and relating stories of his life, it convicts me to strive to imitate the lifestyle he displayed.  To commit myself to praying, not just ritualistic and generic prayers, but to pray specifics.  To strive to learn all that God wants to teach me.

Gary has now inherited what he was promised.  We can now consider the outcome of his faith.  He is in the presence of the Father, no longer constrained by a paralyzed body.  (Probably competing against Samson, doing one handed push-ups!)

And just as Dawn concluded speaking about her father, I will too.  Whatever we are facing in life, we have a choice.  We can choose to be bitter or to be better.  I choose better.  How about you?

 

To my friend Dawn and all the family and friends of Gary Lee Fisher, may God grant you peace and bring to mind an abundance of wonderful memories of your loved one. Thank you for sharing his life of faith!  God bless you all!

Cut and Shove

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!​​

Cut and shove

I work for the Department of Transportation.  In the days before Hurricane Florence approached, the decision was made to let some contracts to hire people to clear away the expected downed trees blocking the roadways as a result of the storm.  The contracts were known simply as “Cut and Shove.”  The one line item or task on the contract was for trees that were blocking the roads to be cut and then shoved out of the roadway.  The debris would be cleared up later after the storm was over and roads were cleared as much as possible.

The phrase stuck in my head.  I started thinking about how often we have to cut and shove our way through the storms we have in our lives.  Depending on the type of storm we are in, we may feel like we are concentrating on doing only what is absolutely necessary to survive.  A lot of things are sidelined and left to be handled at a later time.

I remember when my Dad was so sick and in the hospital, every day was spent with him.  Many other responsibilities were set aside.  As my husband and I assist his Mom who has dementia with her daily needs, our plans often get put aside at the last minute.  When I was struggling in the depths of depression, I went through the motions of living, but many issues needing addressing were pushed aside.

But eventually, all of those responsibilities, all of those undone tasks, all of those suppressed issues, have to be dealt with like a large pile of debris.  And it can feel overwhelming.

So what to do?  Start cleaning.

All of the piled up trees, mud and trash left behind from the storm has to be cleaned up.  And it starts by picking up one limb at a time.

All of the undone tasks gets resolved by completing one at a time.  All of the suppressed issues get handled one at a time.

And all of the sin-trash in our lives gets forgiveness with one prayer of confession and repentance at a time.

But there is also a positive side to cut and shove.  When a tree is lying across a roadway, the road is impassable.  Obviously, cutting the tree and shoving it to the side opens the road for travel.

Sometimes we need to cut away things in our lives that are hindering us on our path of righteousness.  Christ even said that if our hand or eye was causing us to stumble, to cut it off or pluck it out.  In other words, if we are in a situation where we are vulnerable to temptation, get out of that situation.  Remove the temptation, shove it to the side and continue forward.

Storms are unavoidable.  Sometimes temptations come along when we least expect it.  So whether we are having to cut our way through storms or shove aside opportunities to sin, there’s hope.  The storm will end and we can move freely forward again.

Did I mention the payment process?

The people being hired by DOT receive payment for the hours they work.  When their job is complete and an inspector verifies they fulfilled their contract, they receive what they earned.

As believers, when our work here is done, Christ’s verifies our name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and we will receive our reward.  We’ll be cut free from this world and not shoved, but ushered into heaven.  I like that phrase better.  Cut Free and Ushered In!

Heavenly Father, I love You.  And although I know storms are going to come, I trust you to guide me.  Please cut away the things in my life that are keeping me from moving forward with You.  Help me to stay close to You when the road before me is clear and even closer when it’s not.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.