Category: Uncategorized

4 minute read

“But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.” (Psalm 106:13 NIV)

We forget God’s works too quickly.

We wouldn’t worry if we had a better memory.  Every time a crisis arises, instead of panicking, we would have faith.  Recalling what God did in the past gives us hope for the future.  Instead of trying to handle the situation in our power, we’d wait for God’s plan.  Remembering is essential in the life of a Christ-Follower.

“Remember His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations.” (Psalm 105:8 NIV)

Not only do we forget what God did for us, we forget what He did for others.  We forget He parted the Red Sea for Moses (Exodus 14:21-31 NIV).  Or that the walls of Jericho tumbled for Joshua (Joshua 6:1-27 NIV).  God’s provision for Ruth through Boaz, Esther’s position that saved the Jews, all forgotten quickly (Ruth 1-4 NIV, Esther 4:14 NIV).  Even having written accounts of God’s goodness penned by different authors over centuries, doesn’t help us recollect all He has done.

Daily discipline helps remember.

Each morning when you open God’s word, it’s a reminder of His power.  Through the pages of the Bible, story after story affirms God’s sovereignty.  His love is apparent as He patiently forgives time, and again the Israelites follies.  Jesus’s entrance into the world ushered in a revolutionary way of life none can deny.  Resurrection gives way to eternal life for all who believe in its power.  But if we don’t open the book, we forget the power found in it.

When Joshua and the Israelites passed through the Jordan river, God told them to set up 12 stones to remember the event (Joshua 4 NIV).  Joshua told the Israelites when people ask them what the stones mean, tell them how God stopped the flow of the Jordan river for the Ark of the Covenant to pass.  The visual reminder not only helped the Israelites remember but also was an opportunity to share God’s goodness with others. Making memory markers for your life helps you not only remember but also talk about God.

“Looking for Lovely” by Annie F. Downs is a Bible study I did years ago.  The premise of the book is to save momentos from God moments in your life.  When I did the study, I created a “Looking for Lovely” mason jar, pictured here.  Inside the wide-mouthed jar are a variety of things that remind me of moments with God.  One is a score card from a special round of golf.  A napkin from a momentous wedding, and party favor from a wonderful birthday celebration.  All reminders of ways God moves in my life.  Whenever I need reminding of God’s goodness, I look in the jar.

Find a way to remember what God does for you. Grow closer to Him as you recall His glorious ways.

Question of the Day:

How are you remembering what God has done for you in your life?

Further Reading:Ezekiel 16:42-17:24 NIV, Hebrews 8:1-13 NIV, Psalm 106:13-31 NIV, Proverbs 27:7-9 NIV

4 minute read

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” (Proverbs 27:5 NIV)

What you don’t say, people don’t know.

When people see you going down the wrong path, those that love you will try to stop you.  Just like a mother protects her toddler from toppling, real friends do the same for us.  Last year, when I was mad at my husband, I said things I shouldn’t.  My sister-in-law, who heard me say them, corrected my behavior.  In no uncertain terms, she told me no matter how mad I get at my husband; I cannot talk to him the way I had that night.  She was right; she’s a true friend.  Open rebuke is better “than approval that’s never expressed” (Proverbs 27:5 MSG).

People have blind spots.  Every single one of us does things we are unaware we do.  To become aware of our poor behavior, we need someone to tell us.  Marriage quickly identifies blind spots in a person’s life.  For instance, I tend to over-schedule myself and have a hard time relaxing.  My husband helps me learn to relax because he made me aware of my issue.  In love, he points out the areas I need to refine.  Because of his insight, I’m a better person.  Feedback is critical to growth.

Consider the Source.

Not all feedback is positive.  When someone is “rebuking” you for something in your life, consider the source.  Many things motivate someone to offer an opinion.  Hatred, jealousy, and meanness can guide someone’s words; don’t listen to them.  Instead, look for the love behind the words.  

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.   Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV)

When someone rebukes you with love, you know it.  Their kind eyes, gentle touch,  selfless speech tell love’s story.   Correcting someone you deeply care for isn’t easy.  Helping the person understand you’re only telling them to help them is a challenge.  But love never fails; when the hearts motive is right, you’ll know.

After my nephew died, I was struggling.  However, I was unaware of how I was affecting the people around me.  My husband gave me an open rebuke.  He recognized how deeply I was hurting; he knew I needed time to heal.  What I couldn’t see in myself, he saw in me.  We need people who will tell us what we don’t know.

In love, speak the truth.

Question of the Day:

Who can you trust to tell you the truth?

Further Reading:Ezekiel 14:12-16:41 NIV, Hebrews 7:18-28 NIV, Psalm 106:1-12 NIV, Proverbs 27:4-6 NIV

4 minute read

“He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert.” (Psalm 105:41 NIV)

God makes the impossible possible.

When in crisis, panic can take control.  We can lose focus in the face of the mountain before us.  But nothing panics God.  He’s not taken off guard when the accident happens or the virus spreads.  No matter what the situation, God is in control. His sovereignty knows the answer to the dilemma before it ever occurs.  No matter what impossible situation you’re facing, God creates a way.  How do you know?  He brought water from a rock. 

I recently had the opportunity to see the production of Esther at the Sights and Sound Theater in Lancaster.  If God ever opens a door for you to see a show at this venue, go.   Esther is the story of a young Jewish girl who becomes Queen.  God strategically places her in a position where she can save her people.  However, when she first arrives at the palace, she didn’t know what God had in store for her.  Her uncle Mordecai is trying to find a way to get her a message.  He finds a scribe who works for the king and asks him to deliver a note to her.  The scribe, trying to describe how impossible this task is, replied.  “Getting a note to her is like parting the Red Sea.”  Without blinking, Mordecai responded, “So it is possible.”

Believe in the unbelievable.

For God to make the impossible possible, you have to believe.  When Moses parted the Red Sea, he first had faith:

“And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:13-14 NKJV)

In the face of the impossible, Moses didn’t doubt God’s ability.  He did not know what God would do, but He knew God would do something.  In his humanness, he didn’t think of parting the sea.  In God’s holiness, the sea parted.

“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided.” (Exodus 14:21 NKJV)

Moses believed God had an answer for the Israelites situation.  When God told him to lift his staff, he raised his staff.  God did the rest.  Can you imagine how weird God’s instruction was to Moses?  But he didn’t doubt, he trusted.

Believe God has an answer for your situation.  Do what He prompts you to do.  Watch Him part the Red Sea for you.

Question of the Day:

What sea do you need God to part in your life?

Further Reading: Ezekiel 12:1-14:11 NIV, Hebrews 7:1-17 NIV, Psalm 105:37-45 NIV, Proverbs 27:3 NIV

4 minute read

“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.” (Proverbs 27:2 NIV)

Unsolicited praise from someone is the best praise.

Last week, my husband came home from his weekly tennis match with the guys.  This particular week was the 10th anniversary of the day I met my husband.  As I do, on our page, I wrote an adoring post or two about my man.  One of the guys, teasing him, said, “She’s a good writer, but she loves her some, Ron.”  When my husband told me this, my response was, “He said I was a good writer?”  My husband was astonished, “That’s what you got out of that story?”  Of course, I focused on the praise; who wouldn’t?  Unintentional complements carry weight.

Praise people regularly.

When someone does something good, acknowledge it.  Don’t hold back; use your words to lift them.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)

Encouraging words start with a name.  As a coach, I meet people every day.  Remembering names is my biggest challenge and my highest priority.  Nothing praises a person more than remembering their name.  If you’ve ever had someone forget your name, you know what I mean.  An instant hurt occurs. Forgetting your name implies you aren’t significant enough to remember.  God taught me this lesson in a unique way.

While at a coach’s training in Greensborough, NC, I had the privilege to learn from Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) CEO, Dan Santorum.  When I walked into check-in, he was at the table.  I showed him my I.D. as requested.  Our conversation was brief and to the point, highly forgettable.  A few minutes later, when the training started, he began with his introductory speech.  As he spoke, he would mention someone’s name, mine included, outlining our day.  At the end of his talk, he said these words:

“While I was talking, I used your names.  What most of you don’t know,  one person’s name I did not use.  Who was it?”

I’ll never forget this group of 30-some coach’s looking around to see whose name he didn’t use.  From the back, a hand raised, Dan identified him as John.  Dan made his point.  When you forget someone’s name, they know it.  Make remembering names a priority in your coaching career.  Not knowing their name implies they don’t have value.  Everyone is important.  Because of Dan, when you listen to me on the courts, you hear names, not just instruction.

Start with a name.  Then look for ways to give unsolicited praise to the people God brings in your life.  Lift them.  Encourage them.  Let them know; they matter too.

Question of the Day:

Who can you praise today by remembering their name?

Further Reading: Ezekiel 10-11 NIV, Hebrews 6:1-20 NIV, Psalm 105:16-36 NIV, Proverbs 27:1-2 NIV

4 minute read

“Anyone who lives on milk…is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14 NIV)

No matter how much you’ve grown, you still have more to learn.

When babies are born, they are incapable of feeding themselves.  The newborn bodies depend entirely on the mother’s milk.  As they begin to grow, they start to eat solid foods.  From pureed peas to steak, the food keeps getting better the older you get.  Every child progresses at their own pace.  Some babies move to solid food faster than others, but they all get there eventually.  Whether fast or slow, both are growing.  

Pace is personal.

In ways, we are all still transitioning from milk to solid food.  Living life to the fullest means allowing God to teach you how to live.  Without a teachable spirit, growth doesn’t happen.  Everyone learns at a different pace.  And no one ever arrives, no matter what some people might think.  Just like babies don’t start eating steak, Christ-followers don’t start out knowing much about Jesus.  Most new believers only know He forgives sin and gives eternal life.  Salvation is the most important thing for people to know about Jesus, but it’s not the only thing people should know.  

Transitioning from milk to solid food means helping others know Jesus.  Once you’ve accepted His love and mercy, share it with others.  Spend time reading the scriptures.  Get to know who Jesus was and how He handled life’s situations.  As you do, you will share your new knowledge with others without even realizing it.  Don’t worry about the pace; just keep going.

Accepting isn’t giving up.  When we face the reality of a situation, it tells us where to start.  If a child can’t catch a ball, work on catching.  If a new Christ-follower has a question, answer it.   Answering questions deepen faith.  Thoughts you never had lead you to discoveries you’d never find.  Don’t let fear of the unknown keep you from talking and growing together as you search for answers.

God designed us to live in community.  All of us are on a journey of self-exploration, whether we realize it or not.  We all have questions only God can answer.  Accepting our limitations allows us to explore God’s infinity.  Discovering His divine power happens one revelation at a time:

“He reveals mysteries from the darkness and brings the deep darkness into the light.” (Job 12:22 NIV)

Move from milk to solid food as God reveals the mysteries in your life.  Trust His ways, find His answers.  Get to know Jesus better.  Share what you learn with others.

Question of the Day:

What mystery do you want God to reveal to you?

Further Reading:Ezekiel 7:1-9:11 NIV, Hebrews 5:1-14 NIV, Psalm 105:1-15 NIV, Proverbs 26:28 NIV

4 minute read

“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.” (Proverbs 26:27 NIV)

When you dig a pit, you fall into it.

Credit card debt is a pit, I know because I fell into it.  Like many others, my first credit card came when I was a freshman in college with no job.  Today, using plastic to pay for things is a way of life.  When I was in college, people used cash more than credit cards for purchases. Not having any money because I was a broke college student, I used credit to buy groceries.  I will never forget one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.  In line at the store, I handed the cashier my credit card.  The lady behind me was astonished.  She says, “Don’t you feel guilty eating food you haven’t paid for yet?”  She humiliated me.  I have never forgotten the moment.  Those were the first few shovels of the debt pit I dug for myself.

Pits take time to develop.

Pits don’t happen overnight.  Digging holes happen one shovel at a time.  My credit card debt accumulated over several years.  I didn’t max out the limit the first month; it took me time to get that to that point.  Maxed out credit was my rock bottom; I couldn’t get anymore.  None of that happened quickly, which is why you don’t know you’re digging a pit.  The slow pace doesn’t allow us to see the depth.

I dug that pit on my own, without Jesus.  During the time I was shoveling up loans, I wasn’t following Jesus.  My life centered on me, no one else, certainly not God.  To say I’m still recovering from the things I did to myself then is an understatement.  My most immense heartache is the people I hurt during that time, no one more than myself.  But thank God I hit rock bottom because the only place I had to look was up.

We may fall into the pits we dig for ourselves, but God pulls us out.  The moment we focus our eyes on Him, He starts lifting.  In my situation, He used my little brother.  Single at the time; I needed accountability.  Asking my brother for help was humbling for me, very hard to do.   He went through my finances, set up automatic payments, and devised a plan to get me out of debt.  His plan worked, along with Dave Ramsey’s financial course, I learned how to manage money.

Humility is the first step out of the pit.  Humbling ourselves before God, admitting our failures, is the first rung of the ladder.  With daily submission to God, He’ll lift us out of our pits.

Question of the Day:

What pit have you dug for yourself?

Further Reading: Ezekiel 3:16-6:14 NIV, Hebrews 4:1-16 NIV, Psalm 104:24-35 NIV, Proverbs 26:27 NIV

4 minute read

“For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.” (Hebrews 3:4 NIV)

God has a master plan for your life.  When we submit to Him, we discover what He has in store for us.  But when we try to do life on our own, we’re building a house He never intended us to create.

As I’ve aged, I’ve learned a new appreciation for the saying, “She (or he) is her (his) own worst enemy.”   I can see my mom saying the phrase about different people in our lives, but I didn’t understand what she meant.  Now I have a better idea.  Some people can’t help themselves; every decision they make is a bad one.  I have discovered that people who make bad decisions don’t stop and think, nor do they ask for advice.  Instead, they assume they know everything and act as if they do, in the end, hurting themselves more than anyone else.

Build your house out of brick.

My brother’s are brick mason’s and contractors.  They have spent their lives building beautiful homes for people.  As a bricklayer, the going is slow because you lay one brick at a time.  After years of practice, the pace quickens, but the process doesn’t change.  Plans made, lines laid, mortar mixed, bricks placed precisely, one at a time.  Eventually, over time, the house takes shape, creating a fortress that is hard to destroy.  Each day is a brick, the decisions we make, building our home.

Just like bricklayers have a process they use to build a sturdy house, we can develop a decision-making process.  Solomon tells us how:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)

First, acknowledge God in all things.  Admit you don’t know everything; instead, turn to the One who does.  Then submit your will to His will, even if you don’t understand what He is doing.  Choose to trust Him, then watch as He makes your paths straight.  Let the Master Bricklayer help you build a fortress no one can penetrate.

As houses get taller, bricklayers use scaffolding.  The metal bars connect, creating a platform for my brothers to stand on as they work.  Without the support of the connected ladders, they couldn’t finish their work.  We’re the same; when life gets too complicated, we need help.  As we reach higher and higher, God lifts us.   Through Him, we can do things we couldn’t do alone.

Don’t cause yourself harm with the decisions you make.  Instead, admit you don’t know everything.  Turn to the One who does, submit to God.  Let the builder of everything build your life.

Question of the Day:

Are you your own worst enemy?

Further Reading:Ezekiel 1:1-3:15 NIV, Hebrews 3 NIV, Psalm 104:1-23 NIV, Proverbs 26:24-26 NIV

4 minute read

“Smooth talk from an evil heart is like glaze on cracked pottery.” (Provers 26:23 NIV)

Evil hearts produce smooth talk.

Halloween dates back 2,000 years; its roots are the Celtic festival of Samhain.  On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther changed the Christian religion’s face when he posted his 95 Theses in Wittenburg, known as Reformation Day.  He wrote a list of 95 questions for debate, what resulted was the Protestant Reformation. Luther fought for the Bible’s translation and distribution to the common man, not just priests.  For Christ-followers, Luther paved the way for people to follow Jesus with their thoughts.  Rather than depending on the priest’s interpretation of the scriptures, Luther opened the door for people to read and interpret scripture themselves.  But when we think of Oct. 31st, we think of Halloween.  

Smooth talk’s evilness is subtle, misdirecting our attention.  Halloween’s appeal to our human nature diverts our attention from one of the most significant historical events for a Christ-follower.  Because of Martin Luther, we can discover Jesus on our own, through the sacred words of those who knew Him personally.  But that isn’t what October 31st is known for today.  Amazing how things change yet don’t change at the same time.  Evil versus good is a battle that never ends.

Good always wins.

Evil hearts never get far.  Whether words or actions, good always prevails.  Smooth talkers are easy to identify.  Typically, they won’t let you get a word in edgewise and have an answer for everything.  Working for New York, I met a lot of smooth talkers.  Things happen fast in the city, making life easier for smooth talkers to thrive, less accountability.  But even in the city, good always wins.

When I first started working for Nautica, I remember my first trip alone to the city.  Many smooth talkers in my life had convinced me I wouldn’t survive the journey.  My fears verbalized in their warnings.  A doctor’s visit provided valium for the trip; my nerves were so shot.  But I will never forget the moment I knew God was with me.  Standing in the aisle of the plane after landing in NY,  my cell phone buzzed.  Frank, the associate pastor of the church I was attending, was the caller.  When I answered, I’ll never forget what he said to me.  “I just called to tell you; God is in New York too.”  He knew of my anxiety, was praying for me, and felt compelled to call and say those words to me.  God always wins.

Smooth talk may come from an evil heart, but God will always prevail.  We might remember Halloween more than the Reformation, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.  Scripture stands the test of time; smooth talk doesn’t.

Question of the Day:

What battle has God won for you lately?

Further Reading: Lamentations 4-5 NIV, Hebrews 2:1-18 NIV, Psalm 103 NIV, Proverbs 26:23 NIV

4 minute read

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;  therefore I will wait for him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV)

When life is overwhelming, cry out to Jesus.

Lamentation’s author is unknown, a collection of five poems.  He’s writing about the fall of Jerusalem and the Exile, a world tragedy.  The words are out of suffering and pain.  As the chapter begins, the writer cries out to God; then, he changes his tune.  He remembers God can and will save them from their circumstances in His time.  

“Lament, prayer and grief are a crucial part of the journey of faith for God’s people in a broken world.  That is what the book of Lamentations is about.”  The Bible Project, ‘Lamentations’

Lamenting is allowed.

Lamenting is a passionate expression of grief or sorrow.  What I classify as “dark nights of the soul” is lamenting to me.  Wrestling with God about the pain you’re in, looking for hope when all seems lost.  We are allowed to grieve and grieve well; we need to let out the emotion. 

Recently, an event I attended reminded me of my mother, who passed away six years ago.  The emotions overwhelmed me.  Minutes after my husband pulled out of the parking lot; the tears started rolling down my cheeks.  For the next 48 hours, I grieved my mother’s loss deeply—something I hadn’t done in a while.  My heart physically hurt from missing her, realizing I won’t see her again until I get to heaven.  In my pain, I cried out to Jesus, asking Him for relief.

Relief came in the form of a butt dial.

My phone rang just as I was about to start my day.  The name on the screen was one I didn’t expect, a co-worker from over 20 years ago.  Without hesitation, I answered the phone.  We hadn’t spoken to each other in a decade.  We spent the next three and a half hours catching up with each other, sharing our hearts.   Before the call ended, we scheduled lunch.  God knew I needed my friend.  And the call began because the phone butt dialed in her pocket as she was out for her morning walk.  God’s divine intervention and answer to my lamenting.

Lament to God, let your heart’s sorrows out.  Whatever you feel, release it to Him.  Give Him your burdens, in return, take on His yoke:

“Take my yoke upon you…for I am gentle and humble in heart…you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)

Allow yourself to lament, unloading your burdens to Jesus. Then put on His yoke and find rest.

Question of the Day:

What lament have you not expressed to God?

Further Reading:Lamentations 3 NIV, Hebrews 1 NIV, Psalm 102 NIV, Proverbs 26:21-22 NIV

4 minute read

“Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—  no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.” (Philemon 1:15-16 NIV)

Separated for now so you will be together forever.

Breaks in relationships are complicated.  When a conflict happens that separates friends; we don’t always know why.  But in some cases, temporary separation is necessary to have them back forever.

Paul’s letter to Philemon is his shortest.  Philemon is a church leader, Onesimus, his slave who wronged him.  Paul meets Onesimus in prison.  After Onesimus becomes a Christ-follower, Paul sends him back to Philemon.  The letter is paving the way for Philemon to forgive Onesimus and embrace him as part of the family.  Culturally, Philemon had the right to exact penance from his former slave.  What he did, we don’t know.  But what Paul did was exemplify what Jesus would do.

Actions speak louder than words.

Paul’s letter to Philemon is the only one he doesn’t talk about Jesus’s death and resurrection.  He doesn’t have to because Philemon already understands the meaning of what Jesus did.  And because Paul is acting like Jesus, he expects Philemon to do the same.  Paul has forgiven and embraced Onesimus.  He met him when he was in prison, at one of the lowest points of both of their lives.  Paul loves Onesimus right where he is.  When we love people amid their bondage, we are showing them God’s grace and mercy.  Lives change when we love like Jesus.

Forgiving someone who hurt you isn’t a one-time occurrence. Each time the offense comes to mind, we must forgive again.  Philemon could only forgive Onesimus with the help of Jesus.  We have the same need if we’re to forgive those who hurt us.  When we decide to let go of the offense, we take a step towards reconciliation.  God’s forgiveness of us reconciled us to Him.  Our forgiveness of others shines Jesus light into a dark world, drawing people to Him.

But the separation was necessary for Philemon and Onesimus to have eternal friendship.  If Onesimus hadn’t wronged Philemon and run away, he would never have met Paul.  If he didn’t meet Paul, he would never have met Jesus.  For whatever reason, Onesimus had to go through what he went through to see Jesus’s truth finally.  We are the same as Onesimus.

God uses the circumstances in our lives to draw us to Him.  Whatever heartache you’re facing, God won’t waste.  He works all things to the good for those who believe and trust in Him (Romans 8:28 NIV).  

Today’s separation is tomorrow’s reconciliation.

Question of the Day:

Who do you need to forgive in your life to start the process of reconciliation?

Further Reading:Lamentations 1:1-2:22 NIV, Philemon 1 NIV, Psalm 101 NIV, Proverbs 26:20 NIV