Second Chances

Published on by Joan Category: Uncategorized

I have been working on a study of Jonah. When I got to this third chapter and read that first verse, my mind thought of all of the second chances God has given me. Maybe you, like me, can think of a lot of times when you wish you could go back and have a do-over. A second chance to make something right. A second chance to do something a little different.

It’s funny the things that come to mind. I remember as a little girl my parents and another couple they were friends with really enjoyed going to gospel singings. One of those singings took place at a big coliseum. For some reason, I vividly remember exiting the coliseum. It was late and it was dark. Lagging behind as we walked as a group back to the car, I remember my mom asking if I wanted to be carried. Trying to be a big girl in front of the children of the other couple, I said no. But by the time we got to the car, I was so tired. I remembered later thinking, if I could do it again, I would have let them carry me!

Then there are all those many times when I made mistakes – said the wrong thing or did the wrong thing – and wishing later I could go back and change it all.

So, it’s wonderful knowing that when we do mess up, God can give us a second chance. When we come to Him in repentance, He willingly forgives and gives us another chance to serve Him.

But there are some other very significant “seconds” I’d like to look at. Without these seconds, we would be hopeless.

God made a covenant with the Children of Israel. Because of sin, that covenant could never be kept. God made a way for a second covenant that can never be broken.  

  • “For if that first covenant had been free of fault, no circumstances would have been sought for a second.” Hebrews 8:7 (Read the whole passage – Hebrews 8:7-13)

God created man in His image, desiring to fellowship with us. Because of sin, God sent a second man to give us a chance for a new nature and life.

  • “The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven.” 1 Corinthians 15:47 (Read the whole passage – 1 Corinthians 15:42-49)

There were two veils in the temple. Behind that second veil was the presence of God. When Jesus died on the cross, that second veil was torn and we have permanent access to the very presence of God!

  • “Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Most Holy Place.” Hebrews 9:3 (Read the whole passage – Hebrews 9:1-28)

There are two births we must experience. The person who experiences only one birth will have to experience two deaths.  

  • “Jesus responded and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3 (Read the whole passage-John 3:3-7)
  • “The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.”  Revelation 2:11 (Also read Revelation 20:14)

I’m glad Jonah was given a second chance. I praise God that He sent a second man to initiate a second covenant. I’m grateful we can go beyond that second veil because of the second birth. I’m in awe of the God who will pick me up and carry me the distance when I’m tired or weary or have made mistakes. And I’m looking for His second coming to carry me home for all eternity. Yes, I thank God for seconds!

Heavenly Father, I thank You for giving us second chances when we mess up. I’m grateful that through my repentance and trust in You, I can serve You again. And oh, Lord, how I praise You for all the seconds revealed in Your Word! Not because Your first plan failed, but because You already knew we would need that second chance, that second Man, that second covenant… and, that second birth, to prepare us for Your second coming. Thank You, Jesus, for coming second! For it is in Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Taste and See

Published on by Joan Category: Uncategorized

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

We don’t realize how much we take our physical senses for granted until we lose them.  Like many others that dealt with Covid, I lost my sense of taste and smell. It was really strange looking at a particular food, knowing exactly how it was supposed to taste, but then putting it in my mouth and tasting absolutely nothing.

Not being able to taste and savor the flavor of what I was eating took the enjoyment out of eating.  I ate because I knew I needed to, but I did not have the craving or desire for any certain food since I knew I wouldn’t be able to taste it anyway. I just went through the motions of eating without the tasting.

But not really tasting our food doesn’t just happen when we have lost that physical sense.  I’ve noticed that sometimes I will go through a meal, and because of being in conversation with someone, or because we are watching television, after the last bite has been eaten, I will realize I had not fully savored the meal because I had been distracted.

At other times (especially if you set a nice piece of cheesecake in front of me!), I will take a bite and really allow the full flavor of that creamy goodness to ignite all my taste buds. I may even close my eyes to fully experience the taste with no other thoughts in my mind except for how good it is. However, as much as I love cheesecake, I had absolutely no desire for it while my sense of taste was gone.

As I was reading through the Psalms and came across the well-known verse of Psalm 34:8, I thought of it in a new way. It made me ask myself: how often do I just go through the motions of being a Christian, without actually tasting, really experiencing, the goodness of God?

The greatest joy of being a child of God, is having that close, loving relationship with Him. Jesus stated it this way:

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3 NKJV

To truly know God means really experiencing Him and His presence. It’s having the hope and peace that comes from Him in spite of what may be going on around us. It’s the assurance that we will spend eternity with Him because of trusting in Christ as our Savior.

But how often do we allow the cares and concerns of life take away that peace? How often do we allow doubts to creep into our minds that cause us to question the assurance of the hope that is within us? Just as truly savoring a bite of food involves us intentionally thinking about what that food tastes like to fully enjoy it, we need to do the same with God. We have to learn to not allow the distractions of life rob us of enjoying the goodness of God.

And for those who have never received the Lord as their Savior, they are like someone who has no sense of taste.  They will have no desire for Him. They will have no knowledge of how good He is. Only when we have repented of our sins, and received Christ into our hearts can we truly experience Him.

Have you truly tasted the goodness of God? Do you find you have lost some sense of His goodness? Be intentional in feeling His presence today. You will be fully blessed for doing so.

Heavenly Father, please forgive me when I allow the distractions of life to cause me to not fully realize the goodness of You. Even when things are going wrong, even in the midst of sickness or trials, Your love and mercy still surrounds me. Help me to be intentional in recognizing Your presence. May I allow You to have full control at all times so that I can fully savor Your goodness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Adoption Story

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions

by Christy Hahn Carter

As a nurse, there are certain moments that stick with you forever. In those moments, there are memories that impact not only your nursing career, but your life as well. As a believer in Christ, I often say a prayer as I am going into work for God to use me and work through me. On one particular night at work, I received the blessing of experiencing a deeper understanding of the unconditional, undeniable love of God through witnessing an adoption story.

I have been a nurse for 12 years. The last four years, I have had the privilege of taking care of mothers and their newborns. It has absolutely been my favorite nursing job thus far. Each newborn is a blessing and a gift from God, and I am able to be a part of His miracles every time I go to work. While those little miracles do grow up and become the hardest job any parent has ever had, they are still God’s creations, uniquely designed and each one with a purpose. Every birth has a story and is nothing short of a miracle.

Becoming a parent brings on a whole new meaning of love. Experiencing the depth of love for your own children makes it difficult to fathom the magnitude of God’s love towards us all. It never gets old to hold one of God’s craftsmanship and to be able to see God in the miracle of the life of a newborn. I’m always amazed by the details of the little fingers, toes, eyes, and hair, and for the unseen inward being woven intricately together by God, with His intention of calling them His own.

Everyone has their own birth story that is significant and special, but when a birth story is also an adoption story, it brings on a whole new meaning for me. We all have probably seen videos of parents waiting to adopt and then seeing them see their child for the first time. Recently, I was able to witness an adoption story, and I walked away truly blessed and amazed by God. He moved through that adoption story and He moved me.

The birth mom and the baby were initially together in the same room but on a different unit from the one I work on. The decision was made to put the baby up for adoption. With that being the case, the baby was moved out of the birth mom’s room and became one of my patients. The nurse taking care of the baby up until that time brought the most beautiful baby girl, with the chunkiest cheeks and a head full of dark hair, to one of my rooms. As we were waiting for the adoptive parents to arrive, God revealed to me the similarities of an earthly adoption story to that of an individual’s heavenly adoption story into God’s family. 

I am not condescending or condemning the birth parents in any way. I don’t know their story. Sometimes adoption is the right and best choice for a child. I applaud those who realize that and make that decision. With that being said, I imagine at some point in that child’s life, she will probably feel like she was let down by her birth parents and wonder why she was “given away” or “not wanted.”

We all face those times. We will all be let down by the people we think should love us the most. We, ourselves, will also let those down we love the most. We’re all humans, all sinners. There are none that are righteous. Jesus is the only perfect human to ever walk the Earth, and that’s because He’s God. God is the only one that will never let us down. He’s always with us and will never forsake us.

The adoptive parents arrived, and it was no easy task for me to hold it all together. The mom’s eyes were wide in amazement and already full of love for her baby girl. Her first reaction was to pick up her baby girl and hold her in her arms. I can’t help but imagine the moment unbelievers surrender to the calling and drawing of our Heavenly Father. His first reaction is to pull us close to Himself and hold us in His arms.

The adoptive parents had been waiting for so long to finally be able to hold their little one. God, our Father, longs for you to be in His arms and to call you His own. These particular parents started the adoption process two years prior to that day. I’m sure once they made the decision to adopt, they couldn’t wait for the moment to hold and call a child their own. I imagine God longs for the moment one of His children finally surrenders their lives to His drawing. He wants you now. No matter your circumstances, how others see you, your background, or even what you think of yourself, He created you, He loves you, and He’s ready for you now.

This baby was born two hours away from the adoptive parents. When the parents got the call, with no hesitation, they jumped in their car and tried to get to their baby as soon as possible. They were willing and ready to meet her right where she was. God will meet you right where you are. You may be drowning in sin and at the point of no return, but He’s there waiting and ready for you.

In all honesty, we all are drowning in sin before meeting Christ. We can’t have hope, peace, or love without Christ. We cannot save ourselves. Like newborns, we all need to be fed, nurtured, and loved. We all need guidance and direction to grow and mature. The question is, who or what are you looking at to fulfill those longings and needs? The only One to deeply satisfy and provide what we truly need, when we need it, is our Heavenly Father. You can fill your life with so many things and so much “stuff,” but it will only pacify your true desires for only a short time. Only Jesus Christ can save you and give you a hope and a future.

A quote from Alisha Illian’s book, Chasing Perfect, came to mind. “We often say the three most powerful words in the English Language are ‘I love you.’ I don’t believe that is the case. I think the three most powerful words are ‘I choose you.’” (Illian 134)

In adoption, you are chosen. Being adopted into God’s family means He has chosen you. That is love. Handpicked, by God, for Himself.

The initial union of the adoptive parents and their baby brought many tears and much excitement. There was a sense of celebration. Can you imagine the celebration in Heaven when a new soul has surrendered and been adopted into God’s family? To watch these parents fall in love in a matter of seconds, doesn’t even come close to the kind of love God provides and freely gives. Even if you aren’t a believer, even before I was a believer in Christ, God’s love has always been there for us. But once you’re adopted into God’s family as a believer in Christ, fully surrendered and repentant, now you get to experience the overwhelming power of His love. And His love far surpasses any earthly love we could ever experience.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, with which He favored us in the Beloved.”   Ephesians 1:3-6 NASB

The Great Divide

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions

Looking back on the year of 2020, one thought keeps coming to mind.  To me, it was the year of the Great Divide. And it wasn’t just in one area, but many.

My mother-in-law was in a nursing home. Each visit we had when the pandemic started was hampered by her being inside her room and us looking through her window. She did not understand the situation so our conversation was one-sided and consisted mainly of us just watching her. It was heart-breaking not being able to cross that divide.

Another area of divide that still exists today is the whole pandemic thing. It has caused division within our lifestyle, our family activities, and the opinions of everyone. One person believes in using masks, another doesn’t. One person believes in gathering in crowds, another doesn’t. And I could go on and on.

The most divisive part of the year was the politics. What had been building for years fully erupted. Even among professing Christians, so many became very upset over all that was taking place. Being forced to choose between conservative views that included a very outspoken, divisive voice and a dignified voice pushing anti-Bible beliefs was polarizing.

How I wish we could agree to disagree. How I long for unity, especially within the body of believers. Unfortunately, many of the things that divided us are still ongoing. So, what are we to do?

The answer to every situation of life can be found in God’s Word. I urge you to study 2 Timothy 2.

Paul is teaching young Timothy great life lessons. He is urged to be strong in the Lord. He is told that he will have to face hardships as he stands strong. He is told to not get caught up in the affairs of life that will distract him from the real battle of the One who enlisted him. He’s told to remember the main thing – Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. And in doing that, he should not dispute with words, but to have a true understanding, expounding the Word of God. To avoid empty chatter, that leads to a spreading gangrene, leading many away from God. To embrace the role God has purposed for him, speaking skillfully and patiently to guide others to truth and repentance.

How does all that apply to living a Christian life in a divided world?

  1. Study God’s Word. Seek His truth and avoid spreading the opinion of humans, including the promotion of our own if it is contrary to God’s Word.
  2. Seek to fight the only battle that really matters – the Lord’s.
  3. Speak words of affirmation, edification, and love that comes from repentance and faith in Christ instead of judgement and condemnation.

The only division we should really be concerned about is the one great divide that lasts for eternity.  My mother-in-law, who was separated from us for so long, crossed into eternity on Christmas day. Because of her trust in Christ Jesus as her Savior, she is now eternally secure in her new home. For those who do not trust in Christ, their eternity will be a division from Christ that can never be mended or crossed.

That division is the one we should be speaking the most about.  We need to be telling everyone about the love of Christ. We need to proclaim the death, burial, and resurrection of a Savior that can forgive and save. Divisions in this life can be mended, or at least tolerated, if we agree to disagree. But the division between eternal life or death can never be dissolved. That great divide lasts forever.

2 Timothy 2:1-26 NASB

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. 5 And if someone likewise competes as an athlete, he is not crowned as victor unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, 9for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 11 The statement is trustworthy: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He will also deny us; 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 men who have gone astray from the truth, claiming that the resurrection has already taken place; and they are jeopardizing the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His;” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.” 20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

Days of Noah

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions

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

As I read my Bible one morning, Jesus was telling His disciples about the signs of the end time.  He stressed to them the importance of being ready. Read the account in Matthew 24.

I have read these verses so often about the end days being like the days of Noah.  This time I took a moment to imagine that time. Noah had received a word from God, instructing him to build an ark. It had never rained before and he was not on the water. So even though this command seemed so strange, Noah obeyed.

I can imagine all of his neighbors calling him crazy.  He was probably ridiculed and maybe even harassed. But He obeyed. When the flood waters came, everyone else then realized that what Noah had been talking about was true. By then, it was too late for them to be saved.

I’ve seen people try to set dates of when the Lord will return. When the calendar was nearing 2000, not only did people think all computers were going to crash and the world would go dark, some said that would be the beginning of the tribulation. Other times through the years have also been marked, just like things seem to be pointing to His return now.

The truth is no one knows when Christ will return.  Not even Christ, Himself.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matthew 24:36 NKJV

I’ve often thought that the world probably rolls their eyes and starts laughing every time they hear Christians talk about the coming of Christ.  But what I worry most about are us Christians who are starting to not believe it either. Sure, we read about it, and may agree with others when they talk about it, but we are not living like we believe.

Look at this verse again.

“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark.” Matthew 24:38 NKJV

In other words, they were going about their daily lives, living how they wanted to live. Aren’t we all doing that? We go about our daily lives, working, planning our next vacation, looking forward to the next big purchase we can make, plan for retirement, etc. But how much time are we spending in God’s Word? How much are we seeking God’s presence?  To who all are we witnessing?

Read the next part of Matthew 24.  Jesus talked about the good servant who was faithfully carrying out his duties as a servant. The bad servant did not carry out his duties.  The Good Master returned suddenly to find one servant faithful and one servant partying.

We could think of these months of social distancing and having to attend church virtually as the period of time when the Good Master in Matthew 24 was away. When He returns, will He find us faithfully studying His Word? Will He find us trying to be the servant who checks on their fellow man, helping where we can? Or will He find us not reading the Word, content to fill our fleshly desires and not thinking about anyone else around us?

Another thing about the Days of Noah. God was working right there in the midst of everyone.  God was instructing Noah how to build a massive structure. It had to have been visible for miles, or at least word of it had to have spread by gossip for miles. But the people still carried on with their daily lives.

We need to open our eyes. Look for the massive way in which God is trying to work in our midst right now. Let’s not miss seeing Him. Let’s be ready for His return.

Heavenly Father, I confess it’s easy to miss seeing You moving in our midst. I get complacent and focus on the things I have to do in my daily life. Forgive me for not focusing on You. Show me, Lord, how I can be that faithful servant working for You. Don’t let me miss seeing the wonders of Your hand.  Thank You, Father, for loving me and sending Your Son to die for me. May You find me busy doing Your work when You return.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Presence

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions

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

So many things in our daily lives have been affected by the coronavirus. We have had to endure quarantines, restricted access to restaurants and shopping, and limited social gatherings. Zoom has become a common occurrence and even considered as a normal form of meeting. Sporting events have been cancelled or played without fans. Even live TV shows have resorted to virtual audiences.

As I watched one sporting event on TV, it was obvious that they were playing crowd noise even though there was no crowd there. It seems that playing crowd noise will help the players perform better. It’s the unseen presence that makes them feel like people are cheering them on.

As a true believer in Christ, we often feel like we are standing alone against this world.  Society often mocks our beliefs and ridicules the stands we take against immoral behavior. God knew and even warned us that we would have trouble and not be accepted by this world.  Which is why Christ promised we would never be alone.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:15-21NKJV

The Holy Spirit living within us is an assurance that we belong to God. And because of that, even if we have to take a stand alone in this life, God is still with us.  He’s that ever-present source of comfort and strength. He’s that peace we feel when there’s chaos all around. He’s the encouragement we need to keep on keeping on in spite of our flesh wanting to give up.  He’s the ultimate cheer leader, giving us that extra surge of adrenaline to face the next play in the game of life. He’s that “crowd noise,” but delivering in a whisper to our spirit, “Don’t give up. You got this!” He’s the unseen Presence we need.

When you start to feel like you are all alone, remember the promise of Christ. He will never leave us or forsake us. And through the presence of the Holy Spirit, He will guide us through every situation we face.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Presence in my life. Thank You for Your promise to never leave me alone or on my own. Help me to live daily allowing Your Presence to fully control my every thought, word and action. Help me to share with others the truth of the love of Christ and how You can be ever present with them.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Practicing Consistently

Published on by Joan Category: Lessons Learned From My Grandchildren, Uncategorized

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

My 7-year old granddaughter is taking gymnastics.  She goes to the gym three days a week for several hours each time.  But even when she is at home, she is constantly practicing flips, just because she loves accomplishing the feats she is being taught. One day as I watched her working on her backflip, I had this thought.  What would happen if believers “practiced” being a Christian as much as my granddaughter practiced gymnastics?

Consider any skill that a person has to work at for a long period of time in order to be good at that skill.  Whether it’s sports, video games, a production line worker, or a grocery clerk.  Everything someone does, they do faster and more efficiently the longer they perform that task.  So why, then, are professing Christians, someone who has been a believer for years, no more like Christ now than they were when they first believed?

This thought really convicted me.

When someone is learning a skill, they first learn the basics.  Once they have the basics down, they begin building on that base, adding new elements, getting those down pat, before adding even more skills. This principle of growth applies to everything from a child learning to walk and talk, to a star athlete in the Olympics. So, it would stand to reason that a Christian should also grow, evolve, mature in the faith. So why don’t we?

I have the following ideas:

1. We don’t fully grasp the basics. When someone receives Christ, it is because they came to the realization that they were lost and needed a Savior. The Bible clearly states that if we come in repentance and faith, confessing and believing in what Christ did on the cross for us, then we shall be saved. But we fail to understand that we have to die to ourselves.  We have to allow Christ to be more than our Savior, He also has to be Lord of our life.

2. We don’t build on our knowledge. We don’t grow as a Christian if we don’t have knowledge of what a Christian is supposed to be.  We have to spend time daily with our Lord in prayer and Bible Study.

3. We don’t practice what we believe. Once we have knowledge of how Christ expects His children to live, we often don’t strive to live according to His Word. We live how our flesh desires to live instead of allowing His Spirit to control us.

We have to choose consistently to die to ourselves and allow the Spirit that resides within us to be in control. It takes discipline. Just as my granddaughter is consistently practicing her gymnastic skills. She does it because she has a strong desire to be better.  She does it because she loves the sport. Do we love Jesus enough? Do we have a strong enough desire to consistently live for Him?

When we find ourselves falling short of what He has asked of us to do, I pray we will recognize the need to draw closer to Him. In and of ourselves, we can do nothing.  But Christ can accomplish anything within the life of a willing believer. May we practice daily walking in the center of His will, growing in the knowledge of His Word, and surrendered to the control of His Spirit.

Heavenly Father, I confess I lack the discipline sometimes to consistently live for You. Lord, give me a fresh hunger and thirst for Your Word. Help me to live in a manner so that my conduct is worthy of the gospel of Christ and to run the race before me with endurance. Thank You, Father, that it is Your strength I live from and not my own, and because of that, I know You will complete in me what You have started. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”   2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NIV

Warming The Bench

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions

I was recently thinking about a time when my daughter played softball.  She played throughout elementary and high school on school teams and community teams, at different positions on the field.  Most often she played second base, right field and she pitched. 

One season she had a coach who very seldom put her on the field. She was frustrated, and as a protective mom, I was frustrated because she was frustrated.  She felt like the coach didn’t like her.  She thought she must be an awful player if he didn’t allow her to play. 

We finally questioned him at one point and he seemed to be taken by surprise.  His answer was he didn’t see her as a second baseman or right fielder.  He saw her as his relief pitcher.  He saw her as valuable.  He said that if he allowed her to play another position until he needed her to fill in for the starting pitcher, he risked her getting hurt and then he would be without his relief pitcher.

Although she didn’t like warming the bench while others seemed to be having all the fun, when she was called upon, she was fresh and eager, and ultimately performed well as a pitcher. She was still part of the team and had a specific task to perform.

Sports teams often have “specialty” players whose task is to perform in one assigned area.  When they are not performing in that one area, they are on the bench.

Think about these facts I had to look up.  In football, only eleven players are on the field at one time, even though a football roster can list fifty-three team players. Basketball has five players on the court at one time with twelve players on the roster. Baseball has nine players on the field, but an active roster of twenty-five players.  The point I am making is that not everyone is a starter. While a limited number of team players are on the field or court, there are even more on the sidelines.  They’re suited up, equipped, prepared to play, but warming the bench, never the less. 

But each member of that team does the same thing.  They practice, practice, and practice some more.  They get coached and taught how to handle various situations.  They get equipped with the proper gear.  They show up prepared to play and wait for the coach to give them directions.  They don’t wait until the coach calls their name to get suited up.  No, they are ready to go the moment they are called.

We are to be that way spiritually.  The Lord could call us at any moment to speak to someone who needs to hear of His love.  He could need us at any moment to be His hands and feet.  Some people serve fulltime in a ministry and may be “starters on the court,” but we all are to be ready at a moment’s notice to serve ever how God leads. Just because we are not in the limelight, doesn’t meant we are not to serve.

I know some young moms who feel like they are not actively serving God because all of their time is devoted to their homes and families. They feel like they are just in the background, warming the bench. We need to remember that God gives us different roles, different spiritual gifts.  Some are teachers, some preachers, some the gift of hospitality, and more. The point is, we are not to compare ourselves with each other. We each need to be suited up, equipped, prepared for whatever comes our way. And if that means we are at times on the bench, we are still to be prepared. We need to stay in His Word, continue to pray without ceasing, and when He has a task for us to do, we will be ready.   

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for comparing myself with others. Sometimes I feel like I am not accomplishing much for You. But then You remind me that You have uniquely equipped me in ways that others are not equipped to serve You. May we be ever ready and prepared to serve in whatever way You lead. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Before God Gets Tired

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions

I’ve come to the point where all I can say is that I am so tired of the way things are in our country right now. Common decency seems to be dead. Respect for anyone or anything is gone. Honestly, I had so many things listed as examples about how things are, but I deleted them. I’ve come to believe that even though people say everyone should have freedom to express their own opinion, if those opinions aren’t favorable to those who don’t adhere to Christian principles, then they are blasted as hateful.

But I will say this. Beliefs this country were founded on are considered archaic and dispensable, even though it was because of those beliefs that God blessed our country. It is because of those beliefs that people have the freedom to live the ungodly lives they are living and calling anyone not believing in their lifestyle intolerant. Getting away from founding principles is leading to censorship of ideas and opinions, unless they adhere to those who are the farthest from the God our forefathers looked to for guidance to establish this nation.

Do people not understand that by not adhering to the principles on which our nation was established, it is moving toward a society in which we will be told what to think (we already are) and what to do (we already are) and how to do it? The very freedom that men and women died for is now being used against the Christians, to tell us our opinions are wrong and intolerant. The freedom that gave people the right to work hard and become whatever their hard work allowed them to achieve, is the same freedom that allows others to expect a handout, taking from those willing to work. Yet the ones who have, are being shamed by those who have not. Those demanding the freedom to riot are taking away the freedom of the very ones whose Christian faith built the nation. If this country loses the Christian principles once held fast, we will lose freedom – period.

I’ve always been drawn to the book of Jeremiah. I don’t really know why since it’s not a very uplifting book. It’s full of God’s plans for His wrath to fall onto His people because they lost what their nation was built upon – their relationship with God. God had brought them to the Promised Land. He fought their enemies.  He allowed them to prosper and grow mightily. Yet, in spite of all of the blessings God had bestowed upon them, their hearts wandered away. They wanted to be like the other nations.  They wanted to worship the gods of other lands. They sacrificed their children through fire to foreign gods in an attempt to receive what that god might could give them. Which was nothing.

Until God finally got tired.

“Who will have pity on you, Jerusalem? Who will mourn for you? Who will stop to ask how you are? You have rejected me,” declares the Lord. “You keep on backsliding. So I will reach out and destroy you; I am tired of holding back.”  Jeremiah 15:5-6 NIV

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God gave the people the warning that He was going to destroy them. Jeremiah faithfully prophesied the warning. I believe this is why I’m so drawn to Jeremiah. He remained faithful and steadfast.  He spoke the words God gave him, even though no one listened. God warned, but the people didn’t listen. So, God poured out His wrath and the nation was destroyed.

But even then, God was faithful. He had told the people that He would preserve a remnant. He would one day gather the nation together again. He would put His covenant, not on a tablet of stone, but on the hearts and in the minds of the people. He would restore them to Himself. And He did that through His Son.

God is warning us. Our nation has turned away.  People are worshipping foreign gods, things made by the hands of men. They are sacrificing their children through abortion. They are seeking after their own ways instead of following the ways of God. And like in the days of Jeremiah, one day God is going to be tired of holding back. He will send Christ to rapture the Church, preserving the remnant of faithful believers. Those left behind will experience the wrath of God unlike anything we can imagine.

I confess I have found myself praying for God to pour out His judgement on those trying to lead our nation away from God. But God said vengeance was His.  It’s not my place to pass judgement. But it is my place to be like Jeremiah and proclaim truth. The Great Commission gives all believers that task.  We are to spread the gospel, the good news of Christ. We are to warn them of the penalties of refusing His Son. And then we look to the faithfulness of God to preserve the souls of those who have trusted in Him. 

So, yes, I’m tired. But we are called to be faithful. And when God finally gets tired of everything Himself, He will send Christ to remove His church from this place. That fact is what keeps me going.  That hope is what keeps me speaking. This world must turn to God and receive Christ as their personal Savior. And it must be done soon – before God gets tired of holding back His judgement.

From the Mouths of Babes

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions

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

My youngest grandson just turned two-years old. He is quite the little talker. If someone speaks to him, he will look them in the eye and begin a conversation with full animation. Sometimes he will pause long enough to give a big laugh before continuing on with his telling of some situation. We are unable to understand most of what he is telling us, but we will go along with him and interject the occasional, “Is that right?!” He loves the attention and conversation, continuing on until his attention is directed to something else.

One day as he was giving me a full description of something, complete with his joyful laughs mixed in, I remembered the phrase, “out of the mouths of babes.” I’ve often wondered about the babblings of infants and toddlers. It brings joy even though the spoken words do not make sense.  And there is nothing like an infant cooing and smiling as you hold them in your arms.

But the verse in Psalm 8 isn’t just referring to nonsensical babblings. It is referring to the fact that from the innocent proclamation of praises from those pure in heart, God can build strongholds for the faithful. It will bring silence to those who are enemies of God.

Many do not understand how to praise God in the midst of trials.  Unbelievers cannot fathom the peace that floods the hearts of the believers in the middle of storms. To those not familiar with the wonders of a relationship with Christ, the words of praise from believers is nothing but nonsensical musings.

However, just like the joy that comes from the innocent ramblings of my grandson, joy can flood the hearts of those who praise God. When we are faithful to lift up our Lord no matter our situation, and even especially during those times of trouble, our words of praise will safeguard our paths.

There is another aspect of this verse I have realized recently as well. My sweet mother-in-law has been in a nursing facility for over a year now.  She has dementia and many times does not make sense when trying to carry on a conversation.  And lately it has been even harder since we cannot visit her in person because of the pandemic. When my husband has had the opportunity to talk to her personally on the phone, there is no telling what she may say.

One day we had her on the phone and he told her he loved her.  She then began to repeat over and over, “That sounds so good! Oh, it’s so good to love. Yes, we need to love each other. That sounds so good.”

It took a while to get her to say goodbye as she kept repeating how good it sounded to have love.  She may not remember most things, and she probably didn’t recall talking with us as soon as she hung up.  But the love of Christ she has hidden in her heart and that she taught and has shown to so many through the years, that love is still there.  It has been her stronghold.  And it will be what leads her home to Jesus one day.

That love of Christ is what leads us to praise.  That love that we see in the eyes of cooing infants, in the laughter of toddlers telling a story, and in the repeated words of a dear saint with dementia, that love is worthy of our praise.

Many in the world will try to silence our praises.  We may be looked upon as foolish.  We may be ridiculed and mocked. But the majesty of our Lord cannot be hidden.  It is revealed in nature.  It is revealed in our steadfast faith. And it is heard from the mouths of babes.

Father, we praise You for Your unfailing love! You are worthy of all praise and honor and glory! May the praise coming forth from our lips be our stronghold in times of trouble, may it sustain us in moments of trials, and may it shelter us from our enemy. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.