Two are always better than one. I reminded my good friend of this today. I love that she and I never have to face anything alone. We can call or text each other anytime we need to be more than one. And Scripture verifies this very clearly in Ecclesiastes. Thankfully, we are never alone. God has provided us with the Holy Spirit to minister, comfort and guide us in all we do. We serve an amazingly merciful and comforting God!
Prayer:
Father, You are magnificent and loving. Thank You for reminding us that we are always better with two! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Athletes often play when they are hurt. Mentoring expert Fred Smith recounts how a successful businessman once expanded on that thought, “Amateurs can produce when they feel like it. Pros can produce when they don’t feel like it.” Dings, scrapes, and bruises are part of sports. Great players learn to excel despite them. Who can forget Kerri Strug in the ’96 Summer Olympics? With two torn ligaments in her left ankle and the gold medal on the line, she bravely produced a vault that brought Americans to tears and secured a gold medal for the US women’s gymnastics team.
Similarly, we live in an imperfect world where we invariably experience pain and encounter hurt. Try as we might to avoid the wounds, we often find ourselves aching. A bruised ego. A torn relationship. A broken promise. A painful divorce. A job failure. Yet we must also learn to “play hurt.”
Jesus understood living in an imperfect world–coping with pain and overcoming hurt. He didn’t say to His disciples, “In this world you might have trouble,” or “In this words some people have trouble.” No, He assured them, “In this world you will have trouble.”
Before long, Jesus would no longer be with His followers physically. He wanted them to know that while not seeing Him would cause pain, the hurt would be short-lived. In time they would see Him again, feel His presence, and experience His power.
When we are hurting, what does it take for us to reenter the game? As in sports, playing hurt means recognizing that some of our aches and pains are minor – nothing more than the day-to-day bruises that come from living. Brush aside those twinges as quickly as they arise. At other times, our hurts are far more serious, requiring something more. A forgiving heart. A patient attitude. A humble spirit. Most importantly, when we trot back onto the field of life—banged up and bruised—we need to remember that the powerful presence of Jesus accompanies us, prevailing over any pain we might feel.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Help us to understand that You are always with us. You will stand by us and lift us up not matter our hurt pain. Be with us as we work through it and live the life You have planned for us. Amen.
Whatever has happened — that’s what will happen again; whatever has occurred—that’s what will occur again. There’s nothing new under the sun. People may say about something: “Look at this! It’s new!” But it was already around ages before us. (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10)
A man in the land of Uz was named Job. That man was honest, a person of absolute integrity; he feared God and avoided evil.2 He had seven sons and three daughters, (Job 1:1-2)
21 “But look! My betrayer is with me; his hand is on this table. 22 The Human Onegoes just as it has been determined. But how terrible it is for that person who betrays him.” 23 They began to argue among themselves about which of them it could possibly be who would do this. 24 An argument broke out among the disciples over which one of them should be regarded as the greatest.25 But Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles rule over their subjects, and those in authority over them are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But that’s not the way it will be with you. Instead, the greatest among you must become like a person of lower status and the leader like a servant. 27 So which one is greater, the one who is seated at the table or the one who serves at the table? Isn’t it the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.28 “You are the ones who have continued with me in my trials. 29 And I confer royal power on you just as my Father granted royal power to me.30 Thus you will eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones overseeing the twelve tribes of Israel.31 “Simon, Simon, look! Satan has asserted the right to sift you all like wheat. (Luke 22:21-31)
Why Do Bad Things Happen?
The question has been asked by humans for ages. And when I ponder this question for my life or others, the only true answer I get in praying for knowledge is that which I get from seeking God’s word from the Bible. In Ecclesiastes 1: 9-10 we are told that, “that which will be, there is nothing new under the sun.” In Job 1: 1-12 we learn of a good man’s sufferings, but only with permission of God’s will when Satan asked to sift (tempt) him. Also in the writings of Jesus telling Peter, Satan has a desire for him to sift and tempt him (Luke 22: 31-32). Jesus himself said He was praying for him, making sure the power of God’s word concerning Job was also a covering for Peter. Each man suffered the trials of Satan’s siftings. But by God’s permission for a limit to the sufferings, they escaped the death that was meant to be their end.
In my life, I know of trials and temptations I’ve come through and escaped, not by my might or doings, but by the mighty word of God who commanded, “Take not his life.” Of this I can truly testify, for I know that the grace God has given to Job and Peter was passed on to me and others for a testimony of His love for us, and the power of his love and forgiveness for His children.
Prayer:
“God, keep me ever mindful that I am never alone in the snares of the enemy.”Amen.
“Nevertheless I am continually with you; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. (Psalm 74:23-24)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
(Matthew 11:28-30)
Life Instructions
I have a wonderful coffee maker, a Keurig, and I have been using it for over a year. It was a Christmas gift from my children. I was so excited to use it that I only read about half of the instructions. In the booklet it stated that I could purchase a reusable pod. So I went to Walmart and purchased one.
After using this for a year, my coffee maker starting giving me a message. On the screen it said oops this pod is not designed for use in this model. So off to Walmart I went again, this time purchasing one made for my Keurig. Upon using the new pod I discovered a whole new set of options I could choose from! A whole year had passed, and I was unaware of these other options. If only I would have taken the time to read my instruction manual. Haven’t we all said or done something like this?
I have heard people often say that life doesn’t come with instructions or that babies don’t come with instructions. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were life instructions? Oh wait….we have been given an instruction manual. God has given us His word for all aspects of life.
Need Direction–Psalm 74:23-24: “Nevertheless I am continually with you; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.”
Seeking Peace–Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to ME, all you who labor and are heavy laden…….take my yoke upon you…..For MY yoke is easy and My burden light.”
Take the time to read your life instructions; God never fails us. He can guide you in every situation, for He has many names: Healer, Redeemer, Restorer, Mediator, Counselor, Advocate and Lord of Peace.
Prayer:
Dear God, May we always look to You for our life’s instructions. You have given them to us in Your Word; all we have to do is follow them. Amen.
And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
Corinthians 6:18
The months of September and March have always been special for my family. Our first daughter, Missy, was born in September. Fast forward 10 years later, and we were notified in September of 1984 that we were selected to become adoptive parents to our younger daughter –Deana Marie. Then in March the adoption became final and Deana was a full-fledged family member. Of course, we felt that way from the minute she came home with us.
I know that many couples want to have their “own” biological children because of the fear of what they might get with an adopted child. But in our experience over the years as parents who have biological children and who have been foster and adoptive parents, there are no guarantees. Your children can turn out either good or not so much, regardless of how they are raised. What we can do is raise them with as much love as possible and center their lives around the love of God and PRAY HARD.
We are blessed now, having both biological and adoptive grandchildren. We will continue to instill in them, when we can, the love of God and pray that this tradition will continue for generations to come, knowing that God wants to adopt them into His loving family as well.
Prayer:
Father God, we thank You for adopting us into Your family. Help us to continue to love each other as the Family of God.Amen.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
The Million Dollar Highway
My Dad was a truck driver. He did long hauls mostly, and I remember as a little girl I knew when dad was home because I had to be quiet and play outside. I remember one of the stories he told was about driving the Million Dollar Highway. This highway is in the state of Colorado, it was built in 1880, and it is part of the San Juan Skyway. It is one of the nation’s most spectacular drives. It is also one of the most dangerous, so if you are driving you will want to watch the road. Forget standard driving safety measures like guardrails and shoulders; there aren’t any on this stretch, so swerving off the road is not advised! The weather on this highway is harsh and highly unpredictable, and it does not take much time for the sunshine to change over to moderate to heavy snowfall. Large eighteen wheel trucks often travel in both directions. My dad said it was the most sobering drive of his career with the hairpin curves and dangerous drop-offs and no guardrails or anywhere to go if you found your truck picking up speed and your brakes just weren’t slowing you down enough. On most highways going through mountains, the truckers have places where they can run off the road into barrels of sand and get the truck stopped, but not on The Million Dollar Highway. My dad said it was the one highway where EVERY trucker prayed, even the unbelievers.
While remembering this story and my dad and what he said about what he called “Praying The Million Dollar Highway,” I wonder why it is that it took a dangerous stretch of highway to get my dad and other truck drivers to pray and turn to God. I also wonder why some wait until Easter to bring their families to church or for us to invite our neighbor or friend. Why is it some only come when life’s hairpin turns, lack of guardrails and shoulders are causing them to turn to God for help? But when the highway of life is smooth and the guardrails are up, they leave the church and we don’t see them until next Easter or when life throws them a hairpin turn they need help with. The “weather” on the highway of life can be harsh and highly unpredictable, and it does not take much for the sunshine to change over to stormy weather. Do you know if your neighbor, friend or the person you see at the local diner every morning is facing the most sobering times in his or her life? Is their life full of hairpin curves and dangerous drop-offs with no guardrails or anywhere to go? You wouldn’t know unless you talked to them, sat down and listened, and maybe, just maybe invite them to church. Be the Hands and Feet of Christ this Lenten season by slowing down and noticing who hasn’t been to church that used to come, and call or send a card. Pick up the phone and call someone you know who doesn’t attend church and invite them to come with you. May you always feel God’s love and presence when dealing with life’s hairpin turns!
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Guide us through life’s hairpin turns and dangerous drop-offs so that we always know You are there for us. Lead us through the tough times in life so we may come out stronger and more able to help those who need us to support them in their faith. Amen.
3 Therefore, he left Judea and went back to Galilee. 4 Jesus had to go through Samaria. 5 He came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, which was near the land Jacob had given to his son Joseph.6 Jacob’s well was there. Jesus was tired from his journey, so he sat down at the well. It was about noon.7 A Samaritan woman came to the well to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me some water to drink.” 8 His disciples had gone into the city to buy him some food. 9 The Samaritan woman asked, “Why do you, a Jewish man, ask for something to drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (Jews and Samaritans didn’t associate with each other.) 10 Jesus responded, “If you recognized God’s gift and who is saying to you, ‘Give me some water to drink,’ you would be asking him and he would give you living water.”
John 4:3-10
The story of the woman at the well teaches us that God loves us in spite of our bankrupt lives. God values us enough to actively seek us, to welcome us to intimacy, and to rejoice in our worship. As a result of Jesus’ conversation, only a person like the Samaritan woman, an outcast from her own people, could understand what this means. To be wanted, to be cared for when no one, not even herself, could see anything of value in her–this is GRACE.
Take some time today to think how you personally can share his grace with others as well as your testimony about Jesus and teach others to believe in Him .
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal,
“plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope – never forget that.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (The VOICE)
Today, you are probably wearing something green so you won’t be pinched and watching others to see if they too are wearing green and perhaps pinching them if they are not. Some may be out celebrating at a local pub, and others are preparing corned beef and cabbage for dinner. There may even be someone out there looking for a four-leaf clover.
But who needs that four-leaf clover when you have God on your side and He has plans for you?
Three years ago, my life was slowly falling to pieces, after a 14-year Army career. As my marriage was falling apart, I was inundated with schoolwork and caring for my two toddlers, and I had no clue what I was supposed to be doing with my life.
After not attending church since we joined the Army, my husband suggested that he wanted to return to church and I agreed although I had reservations, as I was raised Catholic and he was raised Methodist. However, we agreed that the Methodist idea was best, so we scheduled a meeting with the pastors to discuss the church and what it could offer to us. The meeting went very well, and we agreed that we would join the church the following weekend. One week later, the strings holding our marriage together broke, and a custody battle ensued, lasting for about six months. It was indeed a trying time for my children and me, but joining this church truly made the stress much lighter.
This church was the four-leaf clover that has eluded me for my entire life — God had a plan, executed in His own time, leading me to this amazing church. I, along with my children, could not be more blessed!
Prayer:
Loving God, please allow us to see You at work in our lives in all situations, good and bad, and to never lose faith in You. Give us the patience and the wherewithal to wait and see what Your plans are for us.Amen.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness”
2 Corinthians 12:8-9
It was a cold winter morning, and she had been home sick for three days. My little girl had been fighting off the flu, and this was to be her first day back to school. I understood this could be a challenge, so I woke her up with happy kisses, soft music, and breakfast already on the table. I said my morning prayers and affirmations, had my cup of coffee; “Today was going to be a good day!” That was, however, until we walked to the bus stop, tears streaming down her face, and an adamant, “I don’t want to go to school! Mommy, please! I don’t want to go to school!” Naturally, the only thing I could do was to beg and plead that it was, in fact, going to be a great day, she could do this! As I explained all the wonderful things that were going to happen, she planted herself on that last step going up the stairs to the bus, sobbing words of resistance to go to school. With the bus driver staring at us, making his passive attempt to coax her, the negative thoughts began to pour into my psyche: “I HAVE to go to work today; I’ve had three days off already. I HAVE to do homework and a few chores before work. I HAVE to take a shower and get myself ready. I don’t have time to get her in the car, calm her down, drive the mile to the school, wrestle the monstrosity that IS the traffic at elementary school morning drop off! I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!” But I can’t just leave her on that step. I can’t have the bus driver sitting there staring at me, hoping I make a decision quickly before he’s late on his route. So I grabbed my child, and we walked back home. The blood began to pool in my face as the negative thoughts and rage began to make my head spin. I was MAD.
What did I do from there? I sat my daughter down, gave her a simple task to keep her busy for five minutes, and I took that shower. Despite it being reduced by a good ten minutes, I said a prayer, and I felt myself begin to calm. I had an option. I had the choice to yell, belittle, maybe even spank my child because of the inconvenience she caused me, or, OR, take a moment of
self-reflection and understand that this was just one of many times my little girl is going to frustrate me. And, most importantly, it wasn’t personal. It was her own struggle. It was her still not feeling 100% healed from her illness. It was fear of going back to school and facing her friends after three days off. I could have been negative, feeding on my own anger, but I made the choice to understand and to take a positive approach. After my shower, I calmly explained that I was frustrated, and told her why. I then gave her the floor to express her own feelings. At the end of it, she made it to school, I made it to work, and our relationship was stronger because I chose to be loving and kind, instead of spewing anger. I showed her grace.
God experiences moments like these, probably on a daily basis with me. He has a plan for us, but because we are human, we fail Him constantly. However, He shows us mercy when we disobey Him. He certainly showed me His grace and mercy both on that morning with my daughter. He forgave me for the anger I felt toward my daughter, and then He gave me the gift of sharing that forgiveness with her. Paul experienced a similar moment of clarity when he asked God to remove a thorn given by Satan. God replied with “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).
Prayer:
God we thank You for Your patience with us. We thank You for your Grace and for Your Mercy on us. We pray that, despite the discomforts we experience in life, we always turn to You. We pray that we can learn to have mercy on others, the same way You do with us. It’s in Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:16)
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff protect me.” (Psalm 23:14)
Alone and Unafraid
Being on a submarine is a lot like being an astronaut. You live in very tight quarters, you’re away from loved ones for months at a time, and the environment around you is constantly trying to kill you. Submarines patrol the world’s oceans alone and unafraid, often times with no nearby friendly ships to help them if something goes wrong. They live and operate every day in one of the most dangerous environments known to man, relying on their equipment and their training to perform their missions and live to the next day.
At times the world feels like it’s full of evil. Vicious political rhetoric. Terrorist attacks. That guy who cut you off in traffic last week. It can feel overwhelming or even hopeless. Even in this dark world, God is always with us. He tells us He will never forsake us, and even in the darkest of times, He is by our side. So when the world starts to get to you, there is no reason to fear because God’s got your back.
Prayer:
Lord, we know that fear is a natural part of being human, but we often need help to move past our fears and be the people
You want us to be. Help us to conquer our fears and place our trust in You.Amen.
