For many years, early morning has been my devotion time. I think better in the mornings, and the house is quiet. Then I have all day to think about what I’ve learned or what God has shared with me.
One morning this week, God sent me to Psalm 38:15, “I wait for you, O Lord. You will answer me.”
I am indeed waiting on God – waiting for the full-time job, waiting for Jesus to return, waiting for instruction on how to live and pray and be. Only God knows the type of work I should do and when that job opening will occur. All I can do is wait for him and trust that he will answer.
The next day, God sent another verse from the Psalms. “You uphold me and set me in your presence forever” (Ps. 41:12).
That day, I had an interview and needed God to uphold me. Before the interview, I had the usual butterflies, but when I went into the room – God’s peace upheld me. I knew whatever the outcome, He would set me in His presence forever.
As I wait for the answer, He fills me with His Holy Spirit and gives me the grace to accept whatever decision comes. He will hold me up – now and always.
Two days. Two verses. One incredible God.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
God's Rewrites
At my temp job, I’m rewriting a church’s website. One of the things I’m doing is checking the readability stats for their current website, then rewriting each page to make it more readable. Unfortunately, the American public now reads at a 3rd-4th grade level. So anything on this website above those levels would be almost a foreign language. I’m working to change this website from 9th-10th grade levels so that visitors to the site can understand it.
God often rewrites the lessons of life. When I don’t understand why it’s taking so long to find that permanent job, God turns my questions into truth. This morning, he reminded me from Psalm 37 to commit it to him and he would bring it to pass.
When my car’s brakes started squeaking again, even though I’ve had both sets replaced – God sent me back to Psalm 37 to underline the verse, “Do not fret.”
As I sat in my old club chair this evening and wished for the thousandth time that I had a new recliner, God whispered Psalm 37:4, “I will give you the desires of your heart.”
I think I need to go read Psalm 37 and thank God for the rewrites of my life.
God often rewrites the lessons of life. When I don’t understand why it’s taking so long to find that permanent job, God turns my questions into truth. This morning, he reminded me from Psalm 37 to commit it to him and he would bring it to pass.
When my car’s brakes started squeaking again, even though I’ve had both sets replaced – God sent me back to Psalm 37 to underline the verse, “Do not fret.”
As I sat in my old club chair this evening and wished for the thousandth time that I had a new recliner, God whispered Psalm 37:4, “I will give you the desires of your heart.”
I think I need to go read Psalm 37 and thank God for the rewrites of my life.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Reunion
Several weeks ago, I attended a wedding reception for the children of a dear friend. It was in Lawrence, the town where my son and I used to live.
The reception was held in a beautifully decorated church fellowship hall. It was a joy to celebrate the marriage of this young couple and to praise God for bringing them together.
But the best part was seeing all the friends and colleagues of my past. As we hugged and chatted, we talked about what we’re doing now – where we are in life and in our spiritual journeys – how our kids have grown. We also mentioned a few of the aches and pains we’re going through, things we never thought we would talk about.
As I munched on chips and salsa, I looked around at the dear, familiar faces. So many men and women that shared ministry with me, prayed together, worshipped in the same church, walked the same trails. I could almost see some of the tapestries God had woven together to merge our lives, to make a difference in this particular time of history. I was proud of the great work my friends have done through the years, glad that my name is associated with theirs in God’s book, confident that so many of them will receive great rewards.
It was a piece of eternity – of that incredible time when we will be finished with this world and we will gather around Jesus, reminiscing about all the ways He let us do his work.
Well done, good friends of Lawrence. I look forward to our next meeting on earth and to that bountiful reunion in heaven.
The reception was held in a beautifully decorated church fellowship hall. It was a joy to celebrate the marriage of this young couple and to praise God for bringing them together.
But the best part was seeing all the friends and colleagues of my past. As we hugged and chatted, we talked about what we’re doing now – where we are in life and in our spiritual journeys – how our kids have grown. We also mentioned a few of the aches and pains we’re going through, things we never thought we would talk about.
As I munched on chips and salsa, I looked around at the dear, familiar faces. So many men and women that shared ministry with me, prayed together, worshipped in the same church, walked the same trails. I could almost see some of the tapestries God had woven together to merge our lives, to make a difference in this particular time of history. I was proud of the great work my friends have done through the years, glad that my name is associated with theirs in God’s book, confident that so many of them will receive great rewards.
It was a piece of eternity – of that incredible time when we will be finished with this world and we will gather around Jesus, reminiscing about all the ways He let us do his work.
Well done, good friends of Lawrence. I look forward to our next meeting on earth and to that bountiful reunion in heaven.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
No Regrets
Next week, I will celebrate one of those decade birthdays – the kind that seems a lot older than it really is. I’m not worried about marking another year on the calendar. This birthday just makes me that much closer to heaven where I’ll kiss the feet of Jesus.
But the decade birthdays tend to make us ponder the passage of time. So, I have thought about some of the decisions I’ve made in the past, both positive and negative.
I’m so glad I had the opportunity to be a mother. My son is a delight every day. I’m glad I have a college degree, but wish I had earned a Master’s or even a PhD when I was younger. I would have enjoyed teaching creative writing on the college level. I still wish I could have attended seminary, but I’m glad for the Bible training in my Christian high school and college. I wish I could have saved more money, but I’m glad God was faithful even when I was financially stupid. I’m grateful for all the different ministries where I’ve served, but wish I could have discipled more young people. Maybe that will happen in this next decade.
But there is one decision I made that I’ve never regretted. One glorious day, I fell in love with Jesus and gave him my heart. Through all the decades since, even through all my mistakes – He has been faithful. He’s loved me on bad hair days and when my freckles turned into age spots. He’s filled me with His lovely Spirit and allowed me to live in peace. He’s never rejected me; never disappointed me; never hurt me.
We can’t, of course, relive the past. That’s why it’s so important that every day be filled with life and love. We have only this moment, so we need to make the most of it. The best of all my moments involve Jesus.
I have no regrets.
But the decade birthdays tend to make us ponder the passage of time. So, I have thought about some of the decisions I’ve made in the past, both positive and negative.
I’m so glad I had the opportunity to be a mother. My son is a delight every day. I’m glad I have a college degree, but wish I had earned a Master’s or even a PhD when I was younger. I would have enjoyed teaching creative writing on the college level. I still wish I could have attended seminary, but I’m glad for the Bible training in my Christian high school and college. I wish I could have saved more money, but I’m glad God was faithful even when I was financially stupid. I’m grateful for all the different ministries where I’ve served, but wish I could have discipled more young people. Maybe that will happen in this next decade.
But there is one decision I made that I’ve never regretted. One glorious day, I fell in love with Jesus and gave him my heart. Through all the decades since, even through all my mistakes – He has been faithful. He’s loved me on bad hair days and when my freckles turned into age spots. He’s filled me with His lovely Spirit and allowed me to live in peace. He’s never rejected me; never disappointed me; never hurt me.
We can’t, of course, relive the past. That’s why it’s so important that every day be filled with life and love. We have only this moment, so we need to make the most of it. The best of all my moments involve Jesus.
I have no regrets.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Living Forward
About 15 years ago, I interviewed for a position at my church. Another applicant was a single mom, who really needed the job. Although I was offered the job, I didn’t feel right about accepting it. I knew that young mother needed to support her two daughters, and the position was perfect for her. So I turned it down and asked the elders to give it to the other applicant.
I forgot about that moment until a few weeks ago.
One of my friends, who is an incredible communicator, heard about the temp job I’m doing. She would have been perfect for the position, but she also knew how badly I needed work. So she didn’t apply for it; she didn’t even tell anyone she was interested. She just kept praying for me and then cheered me when I started the job – an example of a holy moment, hidden so that no one but God sees.
Years ago, I showed kindness to a single mom who needed a job. I had no idea then that I would someday be a single mom who would need a job. I had no clue that an experience 15 years ago would plant a seed that would be harvested in my own life. And I had no inkling that my good friend would return the favor.
God is so good to be faithful yesterday, today and tomorrow.
I forgot about that moment until a few weeks ago.
One of my friends, who is an incredible communicator, heard about the temp job I’m doing. She would have been perfect for the position, but she also knew how badly I needed work. So she didn’t apply for it; she didn’t even tell anyone she was interested. She just kept praying for me and then cheered me when I started the job – an example of a holy moment, hidden so that no one but God sees.
Years ago, I showed kindness to a single mom who needed a job. I had no idea then that I would someday be a single mom who would need a job. I had no clue that an experience 15 years ago would plant a seed that would be harvested in my own life. And I had no inkling that my good friend would return the favor.
God is so good to be faithful yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Faith Is
Faith is… believing that God did what you trusted Him to do even though you cannot see the results.
Faith is…painting the nursery before you get pregnant.
Faith is…buying a Christmas present when the doctor says you won’t be here December 25th.
Faith is…walking down the aisle and trusting that your groom will keep his covenant vows.
Faith is…sending your novel to the seventh publisher, believing it will get published.
Faith is…buying a pen for book signings the day you send your novel to the seventh publisher.
Faith is…planning to go swimming before you’ve tried on last year’s swimsuit.
Faith is…tithing 10% when you only have 10% left.
Faith is…driving your car with its cracked block for an entire year and believing God will keep it going.
Faith is…watching them wheel your only child into surgery and believing that God will bring him out alive.
Faith is…rescuing a dog and believing he won’t pee all over your new carpet.
Faith is…making a meal out of scraps and believing there will be enough.
Faith is…taking a job for less than adequate pay, believing that God will make up the difference.
Faith is…putting your soul on the line and knowing that Jesus will carry you into eternity.
Faith is…painting the nursery before you get pregnant.
Faith is…buying a Christmas present when the doctor says you won’t be here December 25th.
Faith is…walking down the aisle and trusting that your groom will keep his covenant vows.
Faith is…sending your novel to the seventh publisher, believing it will get published.
Faith is…buying a pen for book signings the day you send your novel to the seventh publisher.
Faith is…planning to go swimming before you’ve tried on last year’s swimsuit.
Faith is…tithing 10% when you only have 10% left.
Faith is…driving your car with its cracked block for an entire year and believing God will keep it going.
Faith is…watching them wheel your only child into surgery and believing that God will bring him out alive.
Faith is…rescuing a dog and believing he won’t pee all over your new carpet.
Faith is…making a meal out of scraps and believing there will be enough.
Faith is…taking a job for less than adequate pay, believing that God will make up the difference.
Faith is…putting your soul on the line and knowing that Jesus will carry you into eternity.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
When
My son said the nicest thing.
I asked him if he thought I was a “glass half-empty person or a glass half-full.”
“Are you kidding, Mom? You’re not just a glass half-full. You’re a case full.”
After we both laughed, I said, “I’m glad you think so, but how did you reach that conclusion? What makes you think I have a positive outlook on life?”
“Because nobody else I know could lose their job and keep saying ‘When’.”
I’m so grateful that my son realized the importance of looking forward as we trust God. The question isn’t “What if something happens?” or “If God gives me a new job.” The correct description of trust is “When.”
God will answer our prayers when the timing is right. He will show us a new direction to take when we have learned everything we’ll need for the change. Jesus will come back when his Father tells him to go and get His children.
The way to stay in hope is to keep thinking, “When.”
I asked him if he thought I was a “glass half-empty person or a glass half-full.”
“Are you kidding, Mom? You’re not just a glass half-full. You’re a case full.”
After we both laughed, I said, “I’m glad you think so, but how did you reach that conclusion? What makes you think I have a positive outlook on life?”
“Because nobody else I know could lose their job and keep saying ‘When’.”
I’m so grateful that my son realized the importance of looking forward as we trust God. The question isn’t “What if something happens?” or “If God gives me a new job.” The correct description of trust is “When.”
God will answer our prayers when the timing is right. He will show us a new direction to take when we have learned everything we’ll need for the change. Jesus will come back when his Father tells him to go and get His children.
The way to stay in hope is to keep thinking, “When.”
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