Category: Uncategorized

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” (Psalm 145: 8 NIV)

Slow to anger, rich in love.  Two traits of God we should all emulate.  God’s patience with us is grace.  He doesn’t respond in anger, He responds in grace. My current prayer is simple: grace not anger.  I want to respond to people with grace, not anger.  Having grace for others is something we can only do with God’s help.

Think of a toddler who is constantly falling down.  As you watch them learn how to walk, you don’t get angry.  You smile at their attempts and help them back up when they need it.  We’re the toddlers in God’s eyes.  He watches us take steps of faith.  He watches us when we falter.  He helps us back up when we need it.  He’s rich in love for us because we’re at least trying.  And even if we don’t try, He still loves us.

Grace not anger, love not hate.

In our humanity, responding in grace and love is difficult.  My husband and I went golfing.  Our plan was to walk nine holes.  I have a three-wheel cart I use to push my bag along.  My husband carries his.  He forgot my cart.  I went from a good mood to a bad mood in a matter of seconds.  Anger consumed me.  How could he forget the cart?  My immediate response was not grace.  I wanted to punish him for forgetting.  I made him carry my bag to the pro shop.  None of my actions were grace filled, I’m embarrassed to admit.

But then there’s God.  The Holy Spirit started to nudge me in my anger.  I recognized I was overreacting to the situation.  My anger didn’t subside immediately.  I had to work to control my emotions.  I had to allow reason to enter into my thinking.  I had to pray, “Grace not anger.”  Those three words became my mantra.  And the anger subsided.

I apologized to my husband.  I understand his actions were not intentional.  Even if they were intentional, anger is not the response I want to have.  I want to respond the way God responds to me: slow to anger, rich in love.

When we turn to God in the midst of our sin, He’s not angry.  He rejoices:

“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10 NIV)

God rejoices when we turn to Him.  He is slow to anger, quick to love.  The only way we can respond like God is with God.  For whatever difficult relationship you’re dealing with today, pray “Grace not Anger, Love not Hate.”  Watch how God uses a simple prayer to change your life.

Question of the Day:

Who do you need grace and love for today?

Further Reading:2 Kings 10:32-12:21 NIV, Acts 18:1-22 NIV, Psalm 145:1-21 NIV,  Proverbs 18:1 NIV

“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” (Psalm 144:1 NIV)

God trains you for battle with the mundane.  The daily routines you do every day that keep you going become your weapons in times of duress.  God trained David by making him a shepherd (1 Samuel 17 NIV).  For years, David tended sheep.  He killed lions and bears to protect his herd.  When God needed someone to stand up to Goliath, David was battle ready. God used the daily activities of a shepherd to train David as a warrior.  God trains us the same way.

  God trains you for the battle with the mundane.

Peeling potatoes can train you for battle.  Washing laundry, cleaning house, cooking meals are all ways God trains us.  As we encounter the battles of life, the hard days that never seem to end, we find comfort in the mundane.  

COVID is a good example.  People fought the battle of COVID  by cleaning closets.  They painted rooms, started workout routines and planted gardens.  The mundane tasks fought the fear, the worry, the anxiety of an unseen virus. People prayed as they completed their tasks.  Daily battles won renewed people’s faith.  The mundane tasks of living gave people purpose when they needed purpose.  

Each day when we spend time with God, He trains us.  I know, I’m never the same person after spending time in God’s word, praying and meditating on what He has for me.  I’m amazed at how He grows me, ever so gently.  He prods me in different directions, guiding me where He wants me to go.  Most of the time, I have no idea what He is doing.  But I trust His plan.  I’ve learned understanding isn’t a requirement of faith.  Faith is accepting you’re not going to understand everything.  

One of our favorite movies is The Legend of Bagger Vance.  Set in 1931, the Great Depression was in full swing.  The movie was narrated from the vantage point of the young caddy who loved the game of golf.  The boy’s father became a street sweeper when he lost his job.  He made enough to provide for his family, but his young son was ashamed of him.  One of my favorite scenes is when Junuh, the hero of the story, addresses this with his young caddy.  He looks the young boy in the eyes and says:

“Your daddy stared adversity in the eye, Hardy.  And he beat it back with a broom.”

Each day God trains us.  He equips us with what we already have.  When adversity strikes, we beat it back with the mundane.  God has already trained you for whatever battle you’re facing.  He uses the mundane to win the battle.  Whatever we need, He’s already given us.  Trust His training, win the battle!

Question of the Day:

How has the mundane helped you win the battle?

Further Reading: 2 Kings 9:14-10:31 NIV, Acts 17  NIV, Psalm 144 NIV, Proverbs 17:27-28 NIV

“I remember the days of long ago;  I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” (Psalm 143:5 NIV)

We focus on what we want God to do for us, without spending time thinking about what He has already done.  I have a box full of prayer journals in my guest bedroom closet. My practice of finding a scripture that speaks to me, then writing about  it is not new.  I’ve been writing in journals for years.  But rarely do I go back and read what I wrote.  Rarely do I spend time thinking about what God has already done for me. 

Instead, I’m busy telling God what I want Him to do for me today. The image of a choral director comes to mind.  As I’m praying, I’m directing God’s attention to whatever the current problem is.  Lord, this friend needs this, that friend needs that.  Everyone needs something.  Help them all God.  I’m not remembering, He already has a plan. He’s already written the book:

“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16 NIV)

God has already written your book.

God has already provided everything you will need in this life. He knows what was, what is and what will be in your life. Time and time again, as you face challenges, He’s gotten you through. Situations you thought were impossible, He’s made possible.  He’s answered prayers in ways you couldn’t imagine.  He’s given you hope when you had none.  He’s helped you face your fears. 

One of my biggest fears is the loss of someone I love.  When I hear of tragic deaths, I immediately think of losing a loved one that way.  But then I remember when I did lose a loved one, how God carried me through those moments.  I remember how God gave me my husband at the perfect time.  He gave me a partner to help me through the loss of my mother, my nephew, my sister-in-law and my friend.  On all of those difficult days in my life, God had provided help.  When my husband lost his mom, I was there for him.  God provided for us when we needed help, before we ever needed it.

Now, when the anxiety of losing someone tries to steal my joy, I think of those difficult days.  I think of how God provided for us.  I remember the days of long ago, I consider what God has already done.  When I do, my anxiety lessens, my faith grows.

Remember what God has already done for you.  Let your faith grow, knowing God already has a plan.

Question of the Day:

What has God already done for you in your life?

Further Reading: 2 Kings 8:1-9:13 NIV, Acts 16:16-40 NIV, Psalm 143 NIV, Proverbs 17:26 NIV

“I cry aloud to the Lord;  I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.” (Psalm 142:1 NIV)

God is waiting for you.  He’s waiting for you to turn to Him.  He’s waiting for you to cry out to Him.  He’s waiting.

What keeps us from crying out?  For me, personally, pride.  I want to handle things on my own.  I don’t need anyone’s help.  Plus, I’m helping God if I don’t bother Him with my petty problems.  People are dying of cancer, I don’t need to bother God about a parking space.  But I’ve learned, those thoughts are not true.

We’re the ones who prioritize prayer requests, not God.

The hardest concept I’ve had understanding as a Christ follower is this one:  Everything is small stuff to God.  We’re the ones who prioritize prayer requests, not God.  Jesus says this:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)

No where in the above verse is there a priority list.  We are all weary and burdened.  No one has a perfect life, no matter what it looks like from your perspective.  None of us live this life without pain and struggles.  

“I Still Believe” is a movie based on the life of Melissa Camp.  She died at the age of 21 from ovarian cancer.  Her faith and wisdom is still inspiring others.  Her story didn’t have the perfect ending from the vantage point of earth.  But from God’s view, her story is perfect.

Melissa had a child like faith.  Even in the midst of battling cancer, she didn’t lose her faith.  She believed God’s purpose was special.  She understood she was where God wanted her.  She understood this was her chosen path.  She accepted what God was doing in her life.  She lived in the moment, enjoying the people God gave her to love.  She never stopped seeking God, no matter what.

Jesus tells us to have childlike faith:

“And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 2:3 NIV)

Children’s faith believes God hears their prayers, no matter what they are.  When I was a child I prayed Mom would say yes to letting me spend the night at my friend’s house.  I asked God for a baton or whatever toy had my interest.  I believed He could answer all of those prayers.  And He did.  Mom either said yes or no, I either got the toy or I didn’t.  But I never doubted God had heard me.  I believe God has heard every prayer I’ve said over my lifetime.  Prayers I’ve forgotten I prayed.

God doesn’t prioritize our prayers.  Everything is small stuff to Him.  He’s waiting for you to turn to Him.  He’s waiting.

Question of the Day:

What are you afraid to ask God for in your life?

Further Reading: 2 Kings 6:1-7:20 NIV, Acts 15:36-16:15 NIV, Psalm 142 NIV, Proverbs 17:24-25 NIV

“It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” (Acts 15:19 NIV)

Turning to God isn’t easy.  You can’t touch or see God like you can a person.  Believing in His existence is a huge step of faith for a lot of people.  We want what is tangible.  God is intangible.  I can understand why people have a hard time believing in Him.  For those of us who do believe, we can make believing easier for others.  The best way, accept them just as they are.

The best way, accept them just as they are.

Today’s verse comes from the Jerusalem Council.  The purpose of the council was to debate circumcision of the Gentiles.  The Jewish leaders wanted them circumcised.  After much discussion, the decision was made.  Circumcision is unnecessary for the Gentiles.  Peter argued God hadn’t discriminated when He sent the Holy Spirit.  Peter also pointed out why make them abide by a law that the Jews hadn’t kept.  Peter concluded his summation with this statement:

“No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (Acts 15:11 NIV)

Grace of Jesus is our salvation. God’s grace is available to everyone.  When others turn to God we should make it as easy for them as God made it for us.  Turning to God is as simple as saying, “I give up God.  My way isn’t working.  I want to try your way.”  God makes turning to Him so easy.  We should do the same.

First, when someone tells you they’ve turned to God, believe them.  We are not the judges of someone else’s heart.  Only God knows if they have truly turned their life over to Him.   Their actions will show you their heart change.  I love talking with new believers because they love talking about God.  They have a zest for life that is invigorating.  New Christ followers want to get to know Him better.  They want to understand His counter cultural ways.  Their passion is infectious.

Second, encourage them in their new found faith.  Don’t force the conversation.  Let them talk about whatever they want to talk about.  Engage with them in what is going on in their life at that moment.  Help them see how God is working in their lives.  Help them connect the dots of His presence in their life even before they placed their trust in Him.  Help them see how God has drawn them to Him all along.

Help them find God’s purpose for their life.  Their purpose isn’t the same as your purpose.  Walk with them as God reveals His plans to them.  Remind them, we never stop growing in Christ until God calls us back to Him.

Question of the Day:

How can you make turning to God easy for someone today?

Further Reading: 2 Kings 4:18-5:27 NIV, Acts 15:1-35 NIV, Psalm 141:1-10 NIV, Proverbs 17:23 NIV

“Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet.” (Psalm 140:4 NIV)

Another term for “wicked” is “toxic.”  Wicked people from Biblical times are toxic people in today’s world.  Toxic people drain you of life.  They are unsupportive, self-centered, and difficult.  “7 Types of Toxic People and How to Spot Them,” is an excellent article explaining toxic people.

We all have toxic people in our lives. Some we’ve known a lifetime, others we’ve met through a friend or in the workplace.  However they came into our life, God’s answer to toxic people is always the same: love.

“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV)

God protects us from the wicked with love.

The thing is, we don’t have to love toxic people up close.  When you identify someone in your life as toxic, you are the one who has to set healthy boundaries for the relationship.  Jesus was a master at this because He knew people’s hearts:

“But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.” (John 2:24-25 NIV)

The above verses come right after Jesus has kicked out the craft fair going on in the Temple.  He knows the toxicity in man’s hearts. And He set boundaries: He “did not entrust Himself to them” (v. 24).  Jesus understood He had to set healthy boundaries with man because man is incapable of doing it.

Setting healthy boundaries isn’t easy.  “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend helped me immensely.  I learned how to identify toxic people in my life and set boundaries.  I learned to identify areas in which I was toxic.  I’m still learning.  

The lesson hardest to learn for me: to set healthy boundaries, I have to work on my health.  I have to debunk lies I believe which allows toxic people to treat me as they do.  I have to realize I have self worth.  I have to recognize what my part is in the relationship and take responsibility for my actions.  I learned this from Jesus:

“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5 NIV)

Once I deal with the speck in my eye, I can see clearly.  I can see what boundaries I need to create.  I can love that person from afar by continually praying for them.  I realize, my job isn’t to fix them.  My job is to pray for them.  God is their Savior, not me.

God protects us from the wicked with love.

Question of the Day:

What healthy boundary do you need to make?

Further Reading:2 Kings 3:1-4:17 NIV, Acts 14:8-28 NIV, Psalm 140 NIV, Proverbs 17:22 NIV

“Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” (Psalm 139:4 NIV)

God knows every word on your tongue before you do.  He knows what you say in secret to a friend.  He knows what you say in public for all to hear.  He knows what you posted on social media yesterday.  God knows everything about you:

“Lord, you have examined me and know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I get up.  You know my thoughts before I think them.  You know where I go and where I lie down.  You know everything I do.”  (Psalm 139:1-3 NCV)

God knows everything about you.

When we understand we can’t hide from God, we find freedom.  God loves you just the way you are.  He already knows everything about you.  The one thing you’re terrified someone will find out, God already knows.  He knows and He loves you:

“We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 NIV)

Have you ever thought no one noticed you, only to realize someone is watching you?  I remember when I was in elementary school.  I was sitting in a corner at the back of the school bus.  I was amusing myself by frosting the window with my breath.  I didn’t realize all the kids around me were watching and laughing.  That happened over 40 years ago, the feeling of humiliation I felt has not left me. I remember feeling exposed, vulnerable and stupid.  Realizing God knows everything we do can evoke similar feelings.

I have times in my life I wish God didn’t know about.  I have made stupid decisions.  I have done stupid things.  I’ve harmed myself more than anyone has ever harmed me.  Even now, as hard as I chase after God daily, I still make stupid decisions and do stupid things.  But I no longer feel the way I felt that day on the bus.  I understand God’s deep love for me.  I realize, even in the moments where I think I’m stupid, God uses them to the good:

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

The freedom we find in accepting God knows everything about us is love.  We realize God loves us because He created us.  He created each of us to live the lives we’re living, for a special purpose.  I don’t know what your specific purpose is on earth, but I know you have one.  We all do.  God’s not ashamed of you.  He knows everything about you, and He loves you.

God knows the words you’re going to say before you say them.  And that’s OK.

Question of the Day:

Is accepting God knows everything about you easy or hard for you?

Further Reading:  2 Kings 1:1-2:25 NIV,Acts 13:42-14:7 NIV, Psalm 139:1-24 NIV, Proverbs 17:19-21 NIV

“When I called, you answered me;  you greatly emboldened me.” (Psalm 138:3 NIV)

God always answers when you call.  He always has a solution.  No matter what your need, God can fill it.  The problem is, He hardly ever answers our prayers the way we think He will. 

When we start a conversation with God, more times than not, the conversation is about us.  I know, I always have my own agenda.  I have things going on in my life I want God to address.  I know the actions I would like to see Him take.  I have a timeline in which I would like Him to work.  However, God isn’t the manager, He’s my Creator.

God always answers when you call.

God isn’t the manager.  If you’ve ever had bad customer service, you’ve called the manager.  My husband and I eat out a lot.  Not often, but on occasion, we’ve had a problem with our meal.  Perhaps the waiter delivered the wrong meal, or the meat undercooked.  The first thing the waiter usually does is tell the manager.  Soon, we receive a visit to our table with sincere apologies and an offer to correct the mistake.  Managers fix our problems.  God isn’t our manager.

God isn’t who we take our complaints too.  He’s not in our lives to fix a bad meal.  He’s in our lives because He created us.  We are His.  He gave us life, He gave us purpose.  He isn’t meant to serve us, we’re meant to serve Him.

The bad meals in our lives are what God uses to work out His purpose for us.  When we have difficult situations occur in life, we’re to work through them.  When my nephew passed away unexpectedly from complications with diabetes, I had to work through his death.  I will spend the rest of my life working through losing someone so precious to me.  

If God was the manager, when my nephew was diagnosed with diabetes, He would have healed him.  God didn’t heal him.  For years I prayed for his healing here on earth.  God didn’t do what I asked.  Instead, my nephew lived out his purpose on earth, then God called him home.

God isn’t our manager, He’s our Creator.  He gives us life.  He takes life away.  But our life doesn’t end when we die.  When we place our faith in Jesus, our life is eternal.  We have no beginning, nor end.  Billy Graham describes death best:

“Some day you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.”

God always answers when we call; just not the way we think He will. 

Question of the Day:

Have you called God lately?

Further Reading: 1 Kings 22:1-53 NIV,  Acts 13:16-41 NIV,  Psalm 138:1-8 NIV,  Proverbs 17:17-18 NIV

“The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.” (Acts 13:4 NIV)

Paul and Barnabas are the “two” in this verse.  They are following the Holy Spirit wherever He takes them.  In this case, they are going to Cyprus.  But what does the verse mean, “sent on their way by the Holy Spirit?” 

In order let God’s Spirit lead you, tune into His radio station.  Listen to His podcast.  Watch His YouTube video. Follow His Twitter feed. The more you get to know God, the more His spirit will lead you.  Tuning into God makes us sensitive to Him.  We begin to understand His heart as we follow Him more.  Our hearts will come into alignment with His.  When He wants us to move, we’ll know.  Subtly, we will know what we are to do.  

Align our hearts with God and His Spirit will lead us.

When our heart breaks over the things that break God’s heart, we’re in tune with Him.  We’re sensitive to His presence in our lives.  We recognize the deep love God has for every single person on this planet.  Whether or not they love Him, God loves them.  

God’s love for others will start to pour out of us.  As His Spirit fills us, it will lead us.  We’ll have nudges to do things we wouldn’t otherwise do.  We’ll call someone because for whatever reason, we can’t stop thinking about them.  We’ll send a text at odd times for us, but just the right moment for someone else.  We’ll buy the person lunch who is in line behind us.  

I met a friend for lunch a few years ago.  As I was paying for my meal, I had a nudge to buy the couple’s lunch behind me in line. He was military, I had the opportunity to thank him for his service.  I did not immediately obey.  We were in a cafeteria style line with trays.  I felt the nudge as soon as the young couple lined up behind me.  I felt awkward, especially because they would know I was the person who bought them lunch.  The feeling wouldn’t leave me.  When I got to the register, I paid for mine, still without obeying.  As the cashier handed me the slip, I knew I was about to miss a blessing if I didn’t buy their lunch.  

I turned to the young couple and said, “I would like to buy your lunch.  Thank you for your service to our country.”  The young lady beamed with radiance as she announced, “We just got married!”  I have no idea how much lunch cost that day.  But I do know I had a very special moment that none of us will forget.

Tune into God, You’ll get the nudge.

Question of the Day:

Have you had the nudge lately?

Further Reading: 1 Kings 20:1-21:29 NIV, Acts 12:24-13:15 NIV, Psalm 137:1-9 NIV, Proverbs 17:16 NIV

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU FOLLOW AN ANGEL?

“Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.” (Acts 12:9 NIV)

Following an angel is a surreal experience.  Peter was in prison, chained between two guards.  The church earnestly prayed for him.  The night before his trial, an angel appeared to him.  The chains fell off his body.  The angel told Peter to follow him.  Peter, in a trance like state, followed the angel out of the prison to freedom.  The experience was surreal to Peter.  He didn’t think he was actually walking out of the prison.  Peter thought he was seeing a vision.

Following an angel is a surreal experience.

I have never had an encounter with a heavenly angel, not that I’m aware of at least.  I do believe God places angels here on earth.  People who are at the right place at the right moment.  People who say the right thing at the right time.  We don’t know when an angel is among us:

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 NIV)

We’ve talked about loving your neighbor, this gives a new aspect to people we encounter in our lives.  Angels are amongst us.  The stranger on the street, he might be a heavenly host.  We never know.  I have had experiences that have left me wondering.  One happened thirty years ago that I’ve not forgotten.

I was working my way through college.  I worked at a hotel as a night desk clerk from 3:00 p.m. -11:00 p.m.  I had fallen in love with someone who didn’t love me.  I was in the midst of realizing this ugly truth when God sent an angel.  I was at rock bottom.  My heart broken, I had given up trying.  I can remember so vividly, standing at the front desk.  I was wearing a black and white skirt, with a black straight jacket and white blouse, my uniform.  I was filing away guests room cards, feeling sorry for myself.  A gentleman walked up and placed two ceramic angels in front of me.  They were kneeling in prayer.  He simply said, “God wants you to know, you have 2 angels watching over you.”  Then he walked away.  I never saw that man again.  I still have those angels, they are still watching over me.  Somehow, I broke the wing of one of them, it’s symbolic for me of my imperfections.

You don’t know who you are entertaining.  Any one of them might be an angel.  If they are, you won’t forget the experience.  When you encounter an angel, no matter how, it is a surreal experience.

Question of the Day:

Have you encountered an angel?

Further Reading: 1 Kings 19:1-21NIV,Acts 12:1-23 NIV, Psalm 136:1-26 NIV, Proverbs 17:14-15 NIV