The Value of a Coin

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!

My husband and I recently visited a small park in which there is a pond.  There is a walking trail around the pond and a couple small piers that extend out over the water.  There are ducks, turtles and fish that call the pond their home.  On one of the piers, there was a small coin operated machine in which a quarter can be placed, and in return, out comes a handful of pellets on which the ducks could snack.

My husband invested a quarter and the ducks who were near the pier were the happy recipients of that snack tossed into the pond. I even noticed that as he was turning the knob on the machine, the ducks must have heard the sound and started gathering close to the pier.  They were shaking their little tail feathers excitedly and quacking, as if they were telling their friends. 

It caused me to remember the value of a few coins in my hand as a child when my brother and I would stay with my grandmother.  My aunt, my grandmother’s youngest child, is just a couple years older than my big brother, so the three of us enjoyed time spent together.

My grandmother would place a couple coins in each of our hands.  A dime and a nickel, maybe a few pennies, and off we would walk to the corner store.  That was the era when children could roam the neighborhood out of sight of their parents with nothing to worry about. When we got to the store, it was amazing how much those few coins could buy.  One penny could buy three to five pieces of bubblegum.  Suckers and candy bars could also be bought with that small budget.  We would each leave the store with a small poke full of various kinds of candy. (If you don’t know what a poke is, it was a brown paper bag. Another memory of days gone by.)  To us, those few coins allowed us to be the recipients of wonderful treats.

My husband also recalled the value of a single coin.  When he was young, he said he could buy twenty-five cents worth of gas and have enough to mow several yards. That one quarter would allow him to become the recipient of three to five dollars per yard.

There was also some other coins whose value allows us all to become recipients of this world’s greatest gift.  Thirty pieces of silver.  That was the cost for the Lord Jesus to be delivered into the hands of Roman soldiers by His betrayer.

Jesus came into the world to become our sacrifice on the cross so that salvation could be ours.  So even though the plan of salvation was in place before the foundation of the world, those coins began the end of Jesus’ life on earth.  They were the value that Judas found worth turning away from his relationship with Christ; but to us, those coins were invaluable. It set in motion the events that had to take place so that Christ could fulfill His purpose.

We may not be selling Christ out for a few coins, but what are we willing to accept in place of Him?  Do we really place great value on our relationship with our Lord? Do we give Him our time, our talents and our treasures?  Or do we allow things to keep us from giving Him our all?

When we become the recipient of His forgiveness and grace, then we will realize that nothing else is more valuable than a relationship with Him. All the silver and gold this world can offer will mean nothing. And when we spend time with Him in prayer and through the reading of His Word, it will bring more excitement than a bunch of ducks shaking their tail feathers. May we all share the Word and tell others about the great treasure Christ has to offer.

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing Your Son to become our sacrifice on the cross so that we could be saved. Help us to not allow things in this world to come before our relationship with You.  When we look at our coins, may it cause us to think of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Help us to share with everyone the eternal value of receiving Christ as our Savior.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Empty Shelves

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!

It was shocking to me the first time I walked into the grocery store and saw so many of the shelves empty.  I had heard about certain items, like toilet paper, being sold out, but canned peaches?  Treet meat?  Why?  To look at it humorously, I guess we can tell what most of our neighbors are eating by seeing what is sold out in the stores. 

One morning when I got up, for whatever reason, the image of those bare shelves was on my mind.  Then I began thinking about the bare shelves in my heart.  If I were to do an inventory of my life, which areas of my life would be fully stocked with the attributes a believer in Christ should possess, and which would be empty?  Wow!  That thought made me stop and think.

This one familiar verse informs us of the virtues with which Christians should be filled:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB)

I have puzzled over that last phrase, “against such things there is no law.”  In the Old Testament, when God instituted all of the sacrifices and offerings that the people had to make, God said the people were not to come empty handed.

“Three times a year all your men must appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the Lord empty-handed.”  Deuteronomy 16:16 (NIV)

 And the New Testament also refers to a point in which we will be judged:

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” Matthew 12:36 (NIV)

So how do we avoid coming before God empty handed?  How do we avoid receiving judgement against empty words?  By recognizing that without Christ, we are empty.  It is only through Christ and what He did for us that we can be filled.

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” 1 Peter 1:18-21 (NIV)

The Fruits of the Spirit, which we are to daily exhibit, have no laws against them or for them.  So, what does that mean? It means if we are filled with the Spirit of God, which we should be if we proclaim we are Christians, then those virtues should automatically be exhibited by us. We don’t have to be told not to come before our Lord empty handed, because we will be filled.  It means we won’t be speaking empty words to be judged against, because our speech will be controlled by the Spirit.  Whatever we are filled with, that is what will come out or our mouths, our actions and our hearts. And if we are filled with those virtues, no law can be held against us, and everything that we do will be glorifying to God and not unlawful in any way.

So, check out the shelves of your heart.  Are they full or do you need some restocking?

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing Your Son to come into this world so we can be saved.  Help us to be aware of the areas in our lives that need to look more like Christ.  May we allow You to have full control through the filling of the Spirit.  May the shelves of our heart be fully stocked with Your attributes so that others can easily see You in all we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Forget Not His Benefits

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!

I love reading the Psalms of David.  He knew well how to praise the Lord, even when being pursued by those who wanted to kill him.  It would do us good to follow his example and learn how to praise God, no matter our circumstances.

I have often felt like the reason David was able to be so close to the Lord was because He learned early how to praise God in every circumstance.  As a young shepherd boy, he spent time alone in the fields watching the sheep.  David said there were times he had to fight the lion and bear to protect the sheep.  There must surely have been long, dark nights when the only company he had, other than the sheep, was God.  He must have felt lonely, or even scared, at times.

Then when he began serving King Saul, David had to run for his life when Saul became jealous of David’s popularity with the people.  So again, he had only the Lord to look to for comfort and protection. 

Psalm 103 is one of many that I love.  This Psalm reveals one reason David was able to always praise the Lord.  He did not allow himself to forget what all God had done for him. 

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits.”  Psalm 103:2

David goes on to list the things God had done for him.  That list included these continual blessings: God forgives; He heals; He redeems; He offers love and compassion; He satisfies your desires, and renews your strength. 

The Psalm goes on to say that God does not treat us as our sin deserves.  If we are honest with ourselves, we could all say we do not deserve God’s forgiveness.  Yet He offers it anyway. And the reason God offers that forgiveness is because of His love for us.  We need to remember that David understood that even before the death of Christ on the cross.  We have even more reason today to proclaim to everyone God’s love for us.  He allowed His only Son to be sacrificed for our sin so we could be saved.

Psalm 103 also points out how our life is so brief, but the Lord’s love is everlasting.  And His love and righteousness are promised not only to us, but also to our descendants, if we will but keep our covenant with the Lord.

We haven’t had to fight off lions or bears, or hide in caves from an enemy.  But during an official order to stay home, we feel threatened by an unseen enemy.  We feel that we are in a fight.  So, we should also remember the things God has done for us. We need to know and remember that God has always been faithful to take care of our every need.  We need to remember that our life is too brief to complain about our struggles, but instead, praise the Lord for His love.

Read Psalm 103 and do as David did.  Make a list of all the things the Lord has done for you.  Take time to praise Him for Who He is. 

Heavenly Father, I do praise Your holy name.  You have always taken care of my every need, both spiritual and physical.  Help me to remember and recall those benefits when I feel threatened by life’s enemies.  I praise You for the offer of forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus.  Praise the Lord, my soul!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Enduring Captivity

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!

During the time of the corona virus, I was reminded of other times in my life when I felt stuck.  Have you ever had times in your life before when you felt stuck?  Maybe feeling like there was no way out of the circumstances you found yourself in?  I would dare say that most everyone, at some time or other in their lives, have felt this way, even before we were told to stay home because of a pandemic. 

In Jeremiah, Chapter 29, God is speaking to a remnant of His people who had been exiled into Babylon.  They had been warned over and over that God would scatter them and send them into captivity if they would not repent of their sins.  The people refused to heed the warning and continued living in sin until God made good on His promise.

God spoke to Jeremiah and told him to take the people a message.  God told the people that even though they were being held as captives, they were to build houses, plant crops, allow their children to marry and have families.  They were even told to pray for their captors and to live peaceably among them, and to help the city to prosper.  I would think that this message wasn’t exactly what they wanted to hear.  The people would be longing to return to their homes, their own land.  But God told them it wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.

I can think of a couple present day sayings that someone could have said to them, like, “Bloom where you’re planted,” or, “You got yourself into this situation, now just make the best of it.”  Not exactly the encouraging or supportive things you want to hear when the place you’re in is unfamiliar and binding.

But God didn’t say those things.   In Jeremiah 29:10, God tells the people that at the end of 70 years He would bring them out of exile and back into their homeland.  That was a long time, but at least they knew there would be an end of their exile.  They had a hope, an assurance that things would be better.  In fact, not only would things be better at the end of their period of exile, but God told them in verse 7, that if they did what He told them to do, to settle down and to seek the prosperity of Babylon, then they would also prosper as the city prospered.  So even in the middle of their situation, God was still planning to bless them.

Sometimes we do find ourselves in hard situations.  It could be because we are reaping the consequences of sin like the Israelites.  At other times, those hard places are not because of sin in our lives, but because God is allowing those things to happen in order to teach us something.  Whatever the case may be, if we will look to God, strive to be faithful to Him and do the things He has asked us to do in spite of our time of trouble, then He will bring us through that situation.

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love! Thank You for the forgiveness You offer when we come to You in repentance.  I praise You for promising that even when things are hard, You are still with us and desire to bless us.  May we always seek after You!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The New Normal

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!

I have to admit that I have never liked hearing the term, “new normal.”  Maybe it’s because I associate it with bad things that have happened.  The death of a loved one, an unwelcome health diagnosis, adjusting to the effects of chemo, adjusting to health constraints after chemo, etc.  After coming face to face with those life altering occurrences, life changes.  Everything that had been part of a routine day and life, is suddenly different.

Most recently the term has been connected to the chaos caused by the health pandemic.  Kids are suddenly schooling at home as parents have become unemployed or are juggling work schedules.  Effort is being put into establishing some kind of routine, to set in place a new normal.

Yes, I understand the need for routine.  Both kids and adults handle structure and a routine much better than the lack of one.  People also like the feeling of being in control.  And when we are faced instead with the unknown, a sense of helplessness and fear can take root.

But I still don’t like the phrase. 

After pondering over the reason why I feel this way, I realized it’s not the word “new” in that simple two-word phrase that bothers me.  It’s the word “normal” that causes me to have a twinge of sadness that won’t go away.  Because I do not want normal. 

I am not content to be just a status quo Christian.  I don’t want to go through each day having a form of religion without accessing the power embedded within.  You see, I have tasted and seen the Lord IS Good.  How can I go back to not knowing?  I have been made a new creation; I cannot go back to the old.  I receive new mercies each morning – why should I want to pass that by?  I have personally experienced the Lord rejoicing over me.  Why in the world would I want normal after experiencing the extraordinary blessing and presence of my living Savior?

I do not believe we, as born-again children of God, were filled with the Holy Spirit just to live a normal life.  Do you? So why do we settle?

There are a few things we can do to prevent settling for the “normal.”

  1. Read God’s Word consistently.  I’ve realized in my life that during the times when I’ve felt stuck in a routine, it’s because I haven’t been reading my Bible.  God’s Word is living and active.  It is how we hear from God. 
  2. Pray always.  Praying is how we communicate with God.  Being closed in because of the virus reminded me just how much I miss speaking face to face with family and friends.  God must feel the same about us when we close ourselves off from Him.  Praying takes us to His throne room where we can tell Him how we feel, where we can praise Him for who He is, and where we can intercede for others.
  3. Be thankful for everything.  The Bible tells us to not be anxious but to bring our prayers and petitions to God with thanksgiving.  When we are thankful to the Lord, even in times of trials, God somehow turns our thanksgiving into blessing and peace that He showers abundantly back upon us. 

How can we settle for normal when we have access to the Living Savior?  Friends, I challenge you to let your new normal be to not settle for normal at all.  Seek the Lord and allow Him to change your routine life into a God honoring life filled with an abundance that comes from Him alone.

Heavenly Father, thank You for all the blessings You have given to us.  But more than anything, Lord, I thank You for Your very presence that You allow us to feel.  May we not take our relationship with You for granted.  Fill us with the desire to know You more completely each day.  May we not settle for the bare minimum of the Christian life, but help us to make it part of a normal day to hunger and thirst for an above normal relationship with You.  In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Shelter In Place

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions, Uncategorized

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

So often when big news events occur, certain catch phrases become common.  With the spreading of COVID-19, a common phrase is, “shelter in place.”  It is meant to convey the need to go to your place of residence and remain there.  The intent is to stop the spread of a communicable disease.  If people aren’t around each other, they can’t spread the disease.  But this phrase offers Biblically sound advice, as well.

When we receive Christ as our Savior, we receive the actual Presence of God, the Person of the Holy Spirit, deposited within us.  So, the Living God is in us, and we are in Him.  Therefore, the Lord is our shelter, our place.  We can shelter in place with Him, and He can shelter in place within us.

The problem is we sometimes forget.  We sometimes neglect staying under the shelter of the Lord.  We leave the protection of His dwelling place. When we do that, we can get infected by the evil of the world.  We become sick with unconfessed sin.  We then need to return to the Lord in repentance and faith.  He will cleanse us, forgive us, and once again we can enter into the shelter of His grace.

The advantages of sheltering in place in the world is that the spread of the disease will slow and hopefully, cease altogether.  When we shelter in place with the Lord, the more we are in His presence and allow Him to control our lives, the less the sinfulness of the world can influence us.  We allow the Spirit that lives within us to determine our comings and goings, our thoughts and emotions.  Sin is still present in our world, but we will be protected from it.

Another catch phrase as a result to the pandemic is, “social distancing.”  The focus is to put distance between ourselves and others so that the transmission of any germs from person to person can be avoided.  Likewise, in our Christian life we are to practice social distancing. 

We are told in 2 Corinthians 6, that we are not to be bound together with unbelievers.  We are told to come out of the world and to be separate from it.  As a result, God will make His dwelling place among us.

As Christians, we are called to be different.  People should be able to tell by the way we live our daily lives, that we belong to God.  That may mean staying away from those who want us to practice a lifestyle that is contrary to the teachings of Christ.  

While dealing with the pandemic, sheltering in place and social distancing are meant to be positive things in a negative situation.  It’s causing people to have to make big changes in their daily lives.  Again, it’s the same spiritually.  When we receive Christ, we have to allow God to make big changes in our lives.  Some of those changes, some of the molding and shaping God has to do to us, may be uncomfortable at times.  But very necessary for our good. 

Allow the Lord to be your shelter, your place of refuge.  Allow Him to draw you away from the things the world tries to offer that are ungodly.  Seek after Him and the ultimate reward will be a permanent shelter forever with Him.

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”  John 14:1-3 (NASB)

Heavenly Father, thank you for being our shelter and place of refuge.  Help us to remain within the protection of that shelter and distance ourselves from the ways of the world.  May we allow You to make whatever changes You need to make within us to get us fit for Your Kingdom.  And Lord, we thank You that we have that hope and assurance that You are even now preparing a permanent dwelling place for us to spend eternity with You!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

It Is Finished!

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions

I enjoy sewing and quilting.  After putting hours and hours into a sewing project, I sigh with relief when I can say, “it’s finished!”  Recently, while staying in place at home, my husband and I worked for a couple of days on a puzzle.  When we finally completed it, I took a picture to send to my daughter and told her it was finished.

Whether it’s a sewing project, a construction project, or some other event taking place, being able to say something is finished can give ourselves a feeling of accomplishment and joy.

But that phrase is also associated with the most important event to have ever taken place in all of history.  When the long expected Messiah, hung on a wooden cross, His body bruised and bloody, made this one last statement, He accomplished something we could never possibly do for ourselves.  He made a way for us to receive forgiveness from our sins.  He made a way for us to have a personal relationship with Himself, and He made a way for us to spend an eternity in heaven with God.

At that moment when Christ willingly gave up His life, the darkened earth shook and the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom.  That veil that kept people from having personal access to God is no longer there.  Now as believers in Christ, we can come boldly before the throne of God to receive mercy and grace.

When you read about the account of the crucifixion of Jesus, it is a horrible thing.  The beatings He endured, the mocking and humiliation inflicted upon Him, was awful.  To think that the Son of God, the Creator and the great Light of the World, willingly endured that for me is both humbling and heartbreaking.  I cannot imagine standing there watching all He was going through as His earthly mom and a few others did.

But those three words changed everything.  Because His death was not the end.  His death was the beginning of a new covenant between God and man.  The plan of salvation was completely in place and ready to begin the ushering of souls, otherwise eternally lost, into the Kingdom of God.  That phrase was the ultimate words of accomplishment that brings eternal joy to all who will believe and receive.

On this Good Friday, as we reflect on the death of Christ, may we with humble hearts thank Him for finishing the plan put in place from the foundation of the world.  And knowing that just as sure as He arose on Easter morning, one day He will call our name to come to Him.  It may be in our death or it may be when God decides to send His Son to gather His children home.  Either way, I long for the day when He declares about the numbered days of my life, “It is finished!  Welcome home!”

Balcony View

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 granddaughter takes gymnastics twice a week. The gym has a balcony area where spectators can sit and watch.  The floor is full of participates who are grouped according to their skill level.  There is a variety of events going on at the same time, and the groups will spend a set amount of time at each event before rotating to the next.

I love watching my granddaughter attempting to perform each skill.  I can tell she is trying to do her very best.  She is concentrating on what the coach is telling her to do and pushes herself to follow those directions. 

Most of the time all the children seem oblivious to the onlookers.  But sometimes they will glance up to the balcony to catch a glimpse of a loved one, to see if that person caught them successfully completing a task. Then a smile or a thumbs up is exchanged between the onlooker and the participant.

As I was watching from the balcony one day, the thought came to me of how our Heavenly Father is also watching us.

 “From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.”  Psalm 33:13-15 NIV

There are times when going through my day, I am simply concentrating on my tasks at hand and doing what I need to do.  Then there are moments when I will glance to my Father, whisper a pray that came to my mind and I look for His recognition of me as a beloved child.  It’s comforting to know He’s watching over me.

But it’s not just the being watched part that’s comforting.  It’s the Who that is watching that’s important.  You see, when my granddaughter glances up to the balcony, she isn’t concerned with all the people up there.  She isn’t wanting the recognition of just anyone.  She is looking specifically for the ones she knows loves her. 

It’s the same with us.  There are a lot of people watching us every day.  It can be unsettling, even nerve-wracking at times.  But I’ve learned, or I should say, am learning more each day, that I don’t need the approval of just anyone.  I’m looking only for the approval of One.  If I can see my Father smiling and giving me that nod of approval, my heart is fuller than if I had received all the applause of man.

My granddaughter seems to learn new things each week and improves on tasks already learned.  Sometimes she has fallen flat on her face when attempting something new.  But she gets up and tries again.  She’s growing stronger and has received words of affirmation from her instructors.  But she still longs and wants to hear that approval from her family.  When we tell her how well she did, her face glows.

Again, we are the same.  We should be working each day to perform tasks given to us by our Lord.  It’s not always easy.  Sometimes we fall flat on our faces, too.  As we grow in our faith, we will be given more to do.  And yes, it is nice to receive encouraging words and even praise from those around us.  However, the words I most want to hear, the very reason I keep working hard at the tasks assigned to me, is so that I can hear my Savior say one day, “Well done.” 

So, look to the “balcony,” the heights of heaven, my friend.  Our Savior is watching and is so ready to give you that smile and encouragement to keep going.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for watching over us.  May we live in that knowledge of Your presence each moment.  Help us to live for You consistently, and not worry about what others may think of us.  Your approval of us is all we need!  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Getting What We Prayed For

Published on by Joan Category: Devotions

We recently studied the Book of Habakkuk at our church.  It’s a short book, but just like all the scriptures, it teaches a powerful lesson.  It starts with Habakkuk questioning God and asking Him why He is allowing the enemy to come so powerfully against God’s people. 

The basic truth is that God can allow whatever He wants.  He can use the wicked to fulfill His will. And although we often don’t understand, God knows exactly how to use bad things to accomplish His ultimate purpose.  The Book ends with Habakkuk vowing that come what may, God is worthy to be praised and deserves our whole-hearted devotion and trust.

We, as a church and as individuals, prayed for that same type of submissive attitude. We prayed that we may humbly, and even gratefully, accept whatever God sovereignly ordains or allows to occur, and to always continue praising Him. No matter what.

So, I boldly make the statement that we are getting what we prayed for. 

Please don’t misunderstand what I mean.  I am not saying we prayed for a pandemic.  I am not being sarcastic or mean.  I am saying we have the awesome opportunity to trust God in this uncertain time.  We have the privilege to praise Him openly for His faithfulness to provide.  And we have the time to focus on how He is moving in the midst of trial to bring us to a place of complete trust in Him.  My one question is, are we doing these things?

No one knows what the next couple of months holds for our country.  Our daily lives have been interrupted and may become even more so before things return to whatever was considered normal.  Fear is running rampant, fueled by the readily accessible news, 24/7.  Most have more time on their hands at home, without all of the busyness our packed schedules contained.  No after school activities, no casual meals out at restaurants, no leisurely shopping, no church services. 

How are we using that time?  Are we spending more time in prayer?  More time in God’s Word?

I miss our church services, but it also needs to teach us this truth.  As much as I love the worship music when we gather together, we don’t have to be in a group to worship.  In fact, I think that as much as we often desire to have one on one attention from someone we love, our Heavenly Father desires our individual attention and praise as well.  We can worship Him fully, uninhibited, not worrying what others are thinking, when we are worshipping Him all alone.

Our Pastor if full of the Holy Spirit and rightly divides God’s Word to us.  But aren’t we all, as believers, filled with the Holy Spirit?  We need to remember and learn that it’s so very important for us to study God’s Word, allowing the Spirit to teach us individually.  Yes, we should hunger for God’s Word to be preached and taught to us. But if the only time we are getting fed is when we are listening to someone else share what God is leading them to say, then we will be malnourished.  We are to read the Word for ourselves.

The same goes for praying.  The Bible says we are to pray without ceasing.  Again, there is something wonderful about God’s people gathering together and corporately praying.  But we also, as individuals, have the right to go boldly before the throne of God.  We shouldn’t solely depend on someone praying for us; we can pray fervently on our own, for ourselves and on the behalf of others.

So, during this time when we actually have more time on our hands, are we worshipping God?  Are we being taught God’s Word through the Holy Spirit?  Are we fully engaging in private conversation with the Lord?

I believe the reason Habakkuk was able to put aside the fears of the possibilities of being overcome by the enemy was because He was speaking to the Lord personally.  He was engaging in worship and receiving a Word from the Lord.  It didn’t change what was going on in the nation, but it changed him.

As awesome as our church services are when we get together, think about this.  If we take advantage of this time to grow in our individual worship and praise of the Savior; if we dig into His Word and allow the Holy Spirit to teach and grow us; if we spend all day talking with our Savior personally, how amazing it will be when we come together again as a body.  We will come together full and overflowing instead of empty and needing to be filled. We will come already worshipping before the first song is sung. We will come eager to listen to the Word being spoken because it will echo what the Lord has told us privately.

Things are uncertain, but they don’t have to be scary.  The Lord is still on His throne.  In the world’s point of view, things may get worse before they get better.  But I will say with Habakkuk:

“Though… (fill in the blank), Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places.”  Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NASB)

Standing Tall and Proud

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!

They rise straight up.  Only wavering slightly, even in the fiercest wind.  They will not be forced, pried, persuaded or coerced into doing anything other than standing tall and proud.  It’s almost like they are standing guard, watching silently over the others lying complacently around them.  If I were speaking of soldiers or some other such heroes, this description would be aptly fitting.  Alas, I am referring to my gray hairs.  The ones that seem to grow just where my hair naturally parts and so nothing hinders them from growing upward and outward. Or the ones that frame my face and when I absent-mindedly push my hair behind my ears, there they are, springing forth.

The Bible refers to gray hair like this: 

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.”  Proverbs 16:31 NIV

“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.”  Proverbs 20:29 NIV

I do think a head full of white hair is beautiful.  But to have a few here and there, and for them to not lay down and play nice with my other brown strands, it can be aggravating. Plus, it means I have to admit that, yes, I am getting older.

But there is something to be said about standing steadfast and firm. 

When we first receive Christ as our Savior, we are considered babes in Christ.  We have to learn what it means to walk, talk and grow in Christ.  We strive to live that Godly life, but are still immature and are prone to fall.  There may be times we still try to fit in with others, especially if we consider them friends.  We may play nice and go along with the crowd, afraid of taking a firm stand for Christ. 

We ultimately come to the point when we realize it is better to seek the approval of God, as opposed to seeking the approval of those around us.  We learn that standing for Christ may mean standing alone.  With that truth, though, also comes the knowledge that we truly are never alone, because the Holy Spirit within us is giving us the strength we need to make that stand. 

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is the Lord is not in vain.”  1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

Growing and maturing in Christ certainly doesn’t happen overnight.  It takes time.  Becoming righteous happens through the ongoing process of Christ working in us and through us in sanctification.  It often takes trials and moments of intense battle to mature in our faith.  But as we persevere and grow spiritually, it gets a little easier to be steadfast. It becomes natural to turn to God first.  It becomes normal to praise God, no matter the struggle.  It’s then that we can’t be forced, pried, persuaded or coerced to turn away from the One who died for us.  We can then stand tall and proud, not in an arrogant or boastful way, but with complete confidence in what our Savior is doing in our life, even if we don’t understand it.

So yes, there’s advantages to this aging thing.  Even the gray hairs that show up can teach us lessons of standing firm in our faith.  And we have this promise to look forward to:

“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”  James 5:8 NIV

Heavenly Father, thank You for working in us, sanctifying us daily. Help us to continue to mature in our faith so that we may stand firm and tall in the face of struggles and trials which we shall surely face.  May we bring You glory and honor, obediently following wherever You may lead.  In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.