Trust in the Lord

Thoughts for the Day, June 30, 2020

 Yes, we are living in difficult days but God’s word calls us to trust in Him, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart” (Proverbs 3: 5a).  These are words we so want to follow but few fully do. We struggle with trusting  God and entirely turning our worries over to Him.  Trust is the channel through which God’s peace flows into us. Sunday we looked  at the lives of three young Jewish men Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who lived in tumultuous days. Yet, when faced with death they trusted God and they were saved. God does His greatest works through people  with trusting hearts. Rather than planning and evaluating, let’s practice trusting God continually. This shift can be life changing.

         “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).

Let's Count Other's More Significant than Ourselves

Thoughts for  the day, June 29, 2020

We lost my precious mother-in-law Dolores almost three years ago. Yesterday would  have been her 88^th birthday. Throughout the day I couldn’t help but think of her and how she influenced my life. She was a precious southern lady who was kind, patient and humble, loving everyone she met.

She was slow moving, savoring every part of life. It was a total culture shock when I first went to the Statkewicz home for Sunday dinner when I was fourteen years old.  My mom, cooked, put the food on the table and as soon as you took the very last bite, she was grabbing your plate and washing it before dessert was served. She had all the food in the refrigerator within minutes of serving it in an effort to avoid salmonella. But the Statkewicz family saw eating as an all-day affair. The food was put out and stayed out all day long with no worries of food poisoning. Steve’s mom wanted to ensure that no one left with an empty stomach and her preference was that you left miserable because you couldn’t stop eating her famous fried  chicken, okra or four-layer delight.

 One  thing I learned was that God is prevalent in all denominations.  I was raised Baptist and Steve Catholic. Dolores loved God and her Catholic faith, but it was her deep love of other’s that affected all she met.  You need not be in a hurry if you went somewhere with her because you were likely going to be the last to leave. In her later years, I picked her up and we went to church together. There wasn’t a time that our car was not one of the last in the parking lot. She’d say, “Chele I’ll be right back I am just going to go check on the Edwards, or see how Debbie and Cindy are doing.” If we went together to Grandparent’s Day, she talked with every student, teacher, and the entire faculty until she found a connection with their family.  If we went together to a funeral, we were always the last to leave—as she was making friends with the funeral staff on our way out. She saw value in everyone she met. She truly lived the words that Paul shared with the Philippians, “Do nothing for rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves”(2:3). Today, let’s take these words to heart and let other’s we meet know their importance and value. Have a blessed day!

Be of Good Cheer

Thoughts for the Day, June 27, 2020

Even as crazy as the world seems right now,  we have every reason to live above our circumstances. Why? Because our Lord has overcome the world. Listen to His words from John 16:33:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Be brave, have courage, be of good cheer—for He has conquered the world. Christ’s spirit within  us empowers us to face this endless flow of problems with “good cheer.”  As we  spend time in prayer and in His word, peace will shine in our troubled mind and heart. Little by little we will feel His peace and find ourselves being lifted above our circumstances. We  will gain God’s perspective on our life and have the wisdom to distinguish between what is important and what is not. Today,  live with confidence knowing our Lord has won victory over the world! 

Thoughts for the Day, June 23, 2020

Today, we are back to some words of wisdom from our friend James. With all the changes the world is bringing right now…James says put your faith in God and the gift of his word. 

James 1: 17-18 tells us:

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true word.” (NLT)

If we want a stress release—the word of God is the answer. James tells us several important things in this short passage. First, God’s word is good and perfect. It is infallible. Second, His word is true and unchanging. It is dependable and right. Third,  God’s word can change your life. When I read the Bible cover to cover in a one-year period my life changed drastically. In the midst of  these trying days, I find God’s word calming and reassuring. It can be food for your soul and transforming to the heart. Have a blessed day!

The Way, Truth and the Life

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY JUNE 19, 2020

In Jesus time there were many skeptics, probably due to the fact that there were various figures with followings claiming to be of God.  But in every case it became evident that they were just humans with limited abilities and their followers each fell by the wayside.  After  Pentecost, many signs and wonders were being done among the people of Christ through the apostles, and believers were being added in great numbers. The Sadducees  saw the enormous number of followers and became jealous and concerned and arrested the apostles. The Jewish council met to  consider killing them  But a particular Pharisee named Gamaliel who was well respected by his peers, reminded the council of other’s with followings who died and each time their followers disbanded. He tells them in Acts 5:35-39:

5 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

The Apostles were released and “rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name”(41).  They could not stop and were found sharing Christ story every day after this. It was clearly of God as 2,000 years later the faith continues. The story endured with each generation and now it is our turn to be a part of this incredible story and to pass  it along to  a world filled with chaos and confusion. For we have the solution to all of life’s troubles. We personally know a Savior who died for our sins…yet He lives at the right hand of the Father and because He lives…we too will live. Share this story today to those who feel lost and afraid, lonely and scared—for He is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14: 6). Have a blessed day. 

Steadfastness

Thoughts for the Day June 18, 2020

 Trials and tribulations have the ability to make us miserable or create in us a character that produces the abundant life. We make the choice. Will our faith be steadfast or will we fold in the face of troubles?  In James 1: 2-4 we are  told:

“Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds, for You know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

What trials stand before you today? What emotion are you feeling as you approach your troubles? James tells us to count it all joy. Some of us want to run at the first sign of trouble.  But the scripture tells us to greet our trials head-on, not trying to get out of anything premature. 

 We hear the word steadfastness twice in this passage. Steadfastness—means to let your faithfulness grow and mature so you will lack nothing. This is key for experiencing the abundant life. According to James, we are to meet our trials very differently than the world around us suggests…for these trials can be transforming.  Have a blessed day! 

Prayer Can Be Transforming

Thoughts for the Day June 17, 2020

It is a funny thing how prayer can change our day—how it can transform us. Yesterday, I was at a restaurant waiting on my order. There were some 10 people or so ordering and waiting as well. They were different ages, races, and sex. As I stood there waiting, it was as if God said, “use this time wisely and pray for all of these strangers.” As I intently looked at each one I  wondered what their life story was and if they had  ever been introduced to the gospel story. As I glanced at each, one more time,  I was reminded that each and everyone of us is  special to God…we are  created in His image: 

         “So God created mankind in his own image,

         In the image of God he created them;

         Male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

When my number was called and I received my food and it was time to depart, instead of impatiently gasping in relief at finally receiving my order, I was refreshed and renewed as my time with God enabled me to see others in a new light.  It is a funny thing how prayer can change our life—how it can transform us!

Hope Anchors the Soul

Thoughts for the Day June 16, 2020

Where are you placing your hope? Times are tough and many of the structures we have always trusted are now questionable.  The future of the coronavirus is unsteady, governmental leaders are in conflict, and  people are in turmoil, confused, and discouraged. But as Christians we have an unfailing, unwavering hope in Christ Jesus. For our God is omnipresent and with us right now on our journey, understanding everything that is going on. In Hebrews, we are reminded of this hope:

          

“This certain hope of being saved is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, connecting us with God himself… “ (6:9)

What a source of hope He left us with. God offered us a plan of redemption, a plan for a future, and  life everlasting. This hope is not to be hidden but rather revealed to those who live hopeless. Let’s  share God’s story of faith today. Have a blessed day filled with hope and love for humankind!

Growing in Christ

Thoughts for the Day

Yesterday, a couple of my children were going through some old family albums. Sometimes I forget how each of them has changed through the years. I was amazed as I viewed the stages of life from little babies, to children learning how to walk, talk, read, ride bikes, to teens driving cars and graduating from school. We saw pictures of birthday after birthday. Now before my very eyes each has been transformed into adulthood. 

Maturity and transformation are a part of life and key elements in our Spiritual life as well. The Message version of  Hebrews 6: 1-3 says this:

         “So come on, let’s leave the preschool finger-painting exercises on 

         Christ and get with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The

 basic foundational truths are in place; turning your back on ‘salvation by self-help’ and turning in trust toward God…”

When we become Christians, we enter into relationship with God that 

will cause us to grow. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to become more like Jesus as each day passes. It is this spiritual growth that becomes  the birthmark of our faith! Have a blessed day!

He is There

Thoughts for the Day, June 13, 2020

There is much in our future that can appear unclear or even difficult to understand. Often, we  must wait  and accept the things we cannot make sense of.  God will reveal the treasures of the unknown in due time. So, do not be afraid to enter what appears as a dark cloud descending upon you. In 1 Peter 4: 12-13, we are told, “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening  to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ.”  When you feel you are forsaken and lonely, God is near.  On the other side is His radiant glory. Like Moses, move forward into the darkness without flinching under the cloud, God is waiting for you just as he was our great prophet….“Moses approached the darkness where God was” (Exodus 20: 21). Have faith and wait patiently as God will reveal the riches of his mystery. Have a blessed day in the arms of Christ!

Thoughts for the Day June 11, 2020

Good morning,

In our most desperate times, we are called to trust in God—even rejoice. The Psalmist says:

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” (Psalm 13:5)

When many things are going wrong, trust God and when your life feels increasingly out of control, thank him:

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20)

Complaining and wallowing in self-pity leads downward, darkening your mind-set. Instead let’s choose the supernatural responses of thankfulness and rejoicing. These responses seem unnatural in bad situations, but enable a positive recovery that only God can provide where peace passes all understanding. Have a blessed day!

In Everything We Do

Thoughts for  the Day June 10, 2020

God is with us in all we do, even in the most menial task. He is always aware of what we are doing—every detail of our lives. Nothing escapes His notice:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So, don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

 God is concerned with everything we do. But we often compartmentalize our works from our faith. Brother Lawrence, who lived and worked as a layperson in a Carmelite monastery  in the seventeenth century learned to see God in the midst of every task in life. 

His attitude about his daily activities shaped his character. Peeling potatoes was more essential for Brother Lawrence’s spiritual growth than attending the evening prayer service because Brother Lawrence recognized that God was there in the kitchen as much as he was in the chapel. Let’s also learn to look steadily at God in all our moments and in all our circumstances. Though the world is unstable and in flux, you can experience continuity through your uninterrupted awareness of God’s presence in all places at all times. Have a blessed day!

Thoughts for the Day June 9, 2020

We can’t escape the world we live in right now, but peace is within our reach. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Instead of rehashing the happenings of our times, lets focus on the presence of our sovereign God and rejoice! Let’s see these uncertain times as opportunities to share the gospel. Ponder the story of Paul today and remember how he rejoiced in prison. His  joyful response in difficult times enabled him the opportunity to share the gospel to those around him. “The things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ” (Philippians 1: 12-13). Today, rejoice in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Light of God

Thoughts for the Day June 8, 2020

C.S. Lewis says, “The Christian is in a different position from other people who are trying to be good. They hope, by being good, to please God if there is one; or—if they think there is not—at least they hope to deserve approval from good men. But the Christian thinks any good he does comes from the Christ-like inside him. He does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us; just as the roof of a greenhouse does not attract the sun because it is bright,  but becomes bright because the sun shines on it.”

As Christians we know that all the good we do and say is a result of God’s presence within us. His love is constantly transforming us to be more like Him. May we shine bright so others yearn for the same. 

“Because the God who said, Out of darkness light shall 

shine, is the One who shined in our hearts to illuminate

 the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of

 Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen

 vessels that the excellency of the power may be of 

God and not out of us.”

Have a blessed day!

Our Rock

Thoughts for the Day, June 3, 2020

Psalm 18:30-36 New International Version (NIV)

³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect:

    The Lord’s word is flawless;

    he shields all who take refuge in him.

³¹ For who is God besides the Lord?

    And who is the Rock except our God?

³² It is God who arms me with strength

    and keeps my way secure.

³³ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;

    he causes me to stand on the heights.

³⁴ He trains my hands for battle;

    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

³⁵ You make your saving help my shield,

    and your right hand sustains me;

    your help has made me great.

³⁶ You provide a broad path for my feet,

    so that my ankles do not give way.

The Psalmist reminds us that God’s ways are perfect. His word is without flaw and he is our Rock especially in difficult days. While we don’t fully understand some of the challenges we face, we must know that God can use our hard times today to prepare us for what He wants us to do tomorrow. Somehow He will work everything for the good. So how are we to respond when our heart feels like breaking? Let God  envelop you and be your strength and security. He trains us during these challenging times and sustains us with His power. Lean on Him, He is our Rock!

Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

Thoughts for the day, June 2, 2020

Many of us are struggling with the current events surrounding our nation that were spurred on by the troubling happenings in Minnesota. People are hurting and need to see and feel the presence of God in these troubled times. If you are unsure of what you can do—prayer and discernment are  always places to start. Our bishop has asked for 24-hour prayer starting June 7^th for 24 days. Let’s be a part of these efforts and then let’s ask ourselves how we can make a difference in our  own community to help be the face of God to others during this time of crisis. As we pray for the turmoil that surrounds us, may we keep focused on these words from Mark:

          You, O Lord, teach us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Let’s pray, “Lord, help us mirror your kingdom.” 

Come Holy Spirit Come

Thoughts for the Day June 1, 2020

Good morning,

Yesterday we celebrated Pentecost which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles  and other followers of Jesus some fifty days after Easter. Sometimes I think we fail to see the  power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Though the Holy Spirit is  infinite, He is our promised helper. He is always ready to offer assistance—all we need to do is call on Him. In John 14: 16-17 it says: 

And  I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

When the path before us looks easy, we are often tempted to go at  it alone instead of relying on the Holy Spirit. This is when we are at the greatest danger of faltering. Ask The Holy Spirit to help you as you go along each step of your journey. Never overlook this beautiful Source of strength within you! Have a blessed day.