The Great Turkey Heist and God’s Rescue

The Great Turkey Heist and God’s Rescue

by | Nov 26, 2024 | Blessing, Determination, Gratitude

Knowing God

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve smiled at a memory of Thanksgiving Day two years ago. As my family enjoyed our meal, our youngest dog, Duke, must have wanted in on the family fun. At 10 months old he was very active and determined.

In a split second, Duke jumped up, snatched a turkey leg from the counter and darted into the living room. My son and I quickly chased after him, attempting to take the turkey leg away. Have you ever tried to take a leg of turkey from a dog? He was unstoppable. He growled and ran from us. Before long, he had eaten the entire turkey leg. Not one sliver of fat, tendon or bone left.

The dog needed to be rescued from himself. We worried about the bone splintering and causing damage, but were grateful that didn’t happen. He had been known to eat socks, rope and who knows what else without harm.

God’s rescue

Sometimes we need to be rescued from ourselves, too. We may be on a downward spiral, headed to nowhere fast, but God pursues us. He loves us and he wants only our good.

He rescued Peter from his fear and doubt. When Peter lost focus and began to sink into the water, Jesus reached out His hand. (See Matthew 14:22-33.) When Peter denied Jesus, Jesus gave him a second chance to stand up for Him. (See Luke 22:54-62.) And Peter did, playing a leadership role in the early church.

He rescued Zacchaeus from life as a despised fellow Jew who chose riches over human relationships to a man seen by Jesus. That encounter changed Zacchaeus. He made restitution, sought a relationship with God and found the joy of salvation. (See Luke 19:1-10.)

He rescued the thief on the cross when he sought forgiveness. His story reminds us it’s never too late to trust in Jesus. (See Luke 23:32-33, 39-43.)

Sharing gratitude this Thanksgiving

Do you have a Thanksgiving story? One that brings a smile on your face or a warm feeling in your heart. Let’s be grateful for those memories and the God who orchestrated them.

This Thanksgiving let’s be grateful for the one true God who pursues us. For the God who also provides rescue — when we fight for our way, hold a habit too closely or need a hand to lift us from our failure.

A love without end

His goodness extends to all. Even enemies of God also receive the blessings of the world God created and the kindness He extends. He wants to draw more to Him so they can receive and experience His gift of eternal life.

He remains faithful and His love endures forever. There are no boundaries to His greatness. He is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. To Him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1-4).

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Chasing the Wind: When wants distract from God’s ways

Chasing the Wind: When wants distract from God’s ways

by | Oct 24, 2024 | God, Prayer, Redeemed

Knowing God

I watched our two-year-old dog chase bees buzzing in and around my ginger blooms. Each day he jumps trying to catch one, hyper and excited about the chase.

Little does he know a sting comes with catching that little guy.

Sometimes our wishes come with setbacks too.

When our boys were young, we visited a local park for a family outing. We took our two large dogs with us. The two younger boys begged to hold the dogs’ leashes and walk them. We finally gave in and gave each son a leash. A few moments in, the dogs saw a squirrel and bolted, hauling both boys haphazardly through the woods.

The moment still replays in my mind at times, often in slow motion with a humorous twist — like a scene from an old western of someone being dragged behind a startled horse.

Their obsession with control took them much faster than they wanted to go and down a path they never intended to take.

Slow down

Don’t we do that in life? We get excited about all the worldly things buzzing around us – earthly pleasures, riches, affluence or material possessions. When we achieve them or obtain them, many times a sting or backlash accompanies them.

Could we slow down for a moment and test to see if these wants or desires are from the Lord?

After the Israelites disobeyed God when He told them to go in and conquer the promised land, God issued their punishment: 40 years back in the desert. They quickly retracted and launched into battle to take the land, ignoring God’s direction. They attempted to claim God’s promise without His power or presence and lost the battle because God was not with them (see Deuteronomy 1).

Samson, a warrior and the last of the judges in Israel, lost his eyesight and his strength because he gave in to earthly pressures and pleasures. When Delilah had his hair cut, he didn’t know that the Lord had left him (see Judges 16).

Saul, the chosen leader of God’s people, failed to seek God. He sought after power and prestige, and the counsel of people who were enemies of God. He lost his kingship and his life (see 1 Samuel 15, 1 Samuel 31).

Judas sought wealth and greed. He died remorseful and without hope (see Matthew 26-17).

King David held mostly godly desires. Many times, he inquired of the Lord before going into battle. Or he would ask which direction to take and not move forward until he had received confirmation from the Lord. In a moment of weakness, though, he gave in to human desires. A man died, a woman became a widow, and a child died as a result.

Find hope

These stories prompt me to reflect on how I’ve also given in to my wants and desires and the consequences that resulted.

However, God has been with me through mistakes and shortcomings, through a battle or the fire, through big decisions or daily direction for the next step.

When worldly pursuits leave us feeling empty or unfulfilled, much like King Solomon’s description of “chasing the wind,” Jesus offers redemption. He provides hope. He heals our hearts and invites us into His presence.

We can come to God empty-handed, deeply in need. He meets us with instant and complete forgiveness. His sacrifice makes us worthy. Whether in battle, the test of a lifetime, prideful or power hungry, He is present and He owns the victory.

 

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Don’t know Jesus? You can.
It would be my greatest honor to take your hand, introduce you and walk you through how to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and how to have a personal relationship with Him. Find out more here.
From Grief to Restoration

From Grief to Restoration

by | Oct 7, 2024 | Courage, Prayer, Sorrow

Knowing God

A former pastor smiled and shared an observation with me. “Your face is like an open book. I can read it and know exactly what you’re thinking.” He meant it in fun, but that comment stayed with me.

Have you ever been so moved by an event that it showed? So shaken over a sin that tears flowed like a waterfall? Have you been so deeply affected by unexpected news that you want to do something to help? Nehemiah did.

We meet Nehemiah as an adult serving the Persian royal court as the personal cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. His job was to pour and serve wine to the king and even drink the cup to test it for poison.

Nehemiah had wept aloud when he learned his people, who had survived 70 years of exile in Babylon, were back in Jerusalem and in serious trouble. The city lay in ruins and the gates destroyed. The people likely felt dejected and hopeless. This information stirred something deep inside. He grieved over the condition of his home city.

One day, as Nehemiah performed his duties, the king noticed his sadness. “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart,” (Nehemiah 2:2 NIV).

Upon the king’s request, Nehemiah explained the dire condition of his home. The king asked Nehemiah what he wanted.

Lifting a prayer to God

Before answering, Nehemiah prayed to God. And God put it in his heart to rebuild the city. Nehemiah then boldly asked the king to send him to Jerusalem to rebuild it.

Scripture says that the king not only allowed Nehemiah to go help rebuild the city, but he also granted his request for letters to provide him with safety on his journey.

Nehemiah knew he was being led by God and that God would provide success.

However, receiving the approval and support of the king was only one of the many obstacles he would overcome. He did not let any of them hinder him from helping his people. (See the Book of Nehemiah for all he did while rebuilding the wall.)

Nehemiah grieved but he also championed a path to change their situation. He left the comforts and pleasures of the wealthy Persian empire and took on the mission to go and help his people.

He remained focused, knowing God would complete what He had called him to do.

Leading by example

Nehemiah led by example. He sought the Lord and sought the king’s support. He thought strategically. He used his time and resources. He fostered and modeled courage when facing his enemies. He guided his people with deep compassion. He encouraged them when their strength was declining. He reminded them of how great and awesome their God was, and that God would fight for them.

Because of his encouragement, they began to build the wall. When trials came, they persevered. And in 52 days they accomplished what men before them failed to accomplish in almost a century.

Are we grieved over situations like the devastation brought on by Hurricane Helene or other national disasters? Are we saddened by the attacks on Israel and the many civilians caught in the middle? Are we distressed over the world’s chaos and turmoil or the blatant disregard for God’s word and His standard?

Nehemiah’s visible grief led to restoration. God got the glory. The surrounding nations realized this work had been done with the help of Israel’s God.

Living out God’s calling

What about us? How can we use our skills and resources to bring about restoration and glory to God?

God can use all of us — if we let Him. He uses people in different places in life to do all kinds of work to further his kingdom. From providing restoration to reaching others with the saving grace offered to humankind, He has given us the skills to do what He has called us to do. Our limitations, perceived or otherwise, do not hinder God.

Nehemiah led with passion and a sense of purpose. We can too. Seek His voice amid the chaos. Cultivate a deeper connection with God and serve Him right where you are. Be willing to lead or lend a hand to change things for the better. And while you live out His calling, experience the joy of knowing God’s nearness.

“Do not grieve for the joy of the LORD is your strength,” (Nehemiah 8:10b NIV).

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Don’t know Jesus? You can.

It would be my greatest honor to take your hand, introduce you and walk you through how to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and how to have a personal relationship with Him.

Find out more here.

Tending the Garden

Tending the Garden

by | Sep 11, 2024 | Beauty, Blessing, Encouragement

Knowing God

As our long summer days end, I find myself weeding, trimming and even pulling up plants from my flower beds.

I tried to tend to my garden to keep it healthy by trimming, fertilizing and watering. Many days I found it in a hot mess.

Those potato vines went crazy this year! They grew everywhere, overtaking zinnias and other flowers in the bed, up the porch railing and into the driveway. I cut them back occasionally, but they were a bit overwhelming. Plus, those little flies ate holes in the leaves of my flowering plants!

Some of my garden plants and bushes surprised me. Who knew I had a plum tree that would produce hundreds of plums? And an elderberry bush that I could use for medicinal purposes?

Others brought disappointment. My tomato plants never produced. I blame the potato vines for that. My cucumber plants went wild climbing up a screened-in porch and flowered, to mostly shrivel up later. When I pulled those up, I found four large hidden cucumbers that weren’t edible.

My rose bushes did not disappoint. They were consistent throughout, showing out with bright red, fuchsia and pink blooms. The ginger plants with their big and beautiful white blooms provided a heady aroma on my porch. Both kept my dining room table dressed in color and fragrance.

What a day brings

I think our gardens depict life sometimes. We try to keep healthy by inviting God’s presence into our day, seeking Him and studying His word. Sometimes we still find ourselves in a hot mess.

Some days are just crazy, one setback throwing things off and overwhelming the other areas in our life. Those are the days we need to keep the right perspective . . . and keep ourselves healthy physically, mentally and spiritually.

Sometimes a day takes a surprising turn, and we enjoy the fruits of that, finding joy in the blessings that come our way.

Our personal “life” gardens surprise us and showcase a diversity of people He created to make our lives beautiful and fulfilling.

And let’s just be honest. Some days bring disappointment. What do we do when life seems to spiral out of control? If we are grounded in our faith, we weather those days. When disappointment comes, we can take time with those close to us, investing in others. We can be intentional about our relationships and stop fueling unhealthy relationships – those that bring us down instead of lifting us up and encouraging us.

Thankfully, some days bring about much joy and color to our lives. These serve as a vital part of your life’s garden. What are the activities in your life that give you joy, provide a sense of accomplishment, serve others and make your days fulfilling?

Think of the people in your life — the bright and colorful additions — who can lift your spirits, supporting and encouraging you when you need it. These people are bold enough to speak the truth into your life, who call it like it is.

Preparing for the next season

In the good and bad, the surprising and the steady, we can find joy in our season. Let’s approach this next season with purpose, discipline and endurance.

From the beauty around us to the people God places in our path, be refreshed and let the beautiful garden of our lives refresh others. 

“The LORD will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing,” (Isaiah 51:3 NIV).

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It would be my greatest honor to take your hand, introduce you and walk you through how to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and how to have a personal relationship with Him.

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Knowing God

Knowing God

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Belief, Joy, Mercy

Knowing God

We witnessed the magnificent view from a distance. Experiencing it up close was quite a different story.

After viewing Whitewater Falls in North Carolina from a lookout point, my sons and I took a side trail to the top of the waterfall. Halfway there we stopped to read a sign warning us of the danger going forward.

Pressed for time, we almost turned back but decided to keep moving forward. The treacherous path failed to deter us. We made it to the main plateau, step by step, across mud and wet rocks, and even climbing down through a rock cave. Water danced around smaller rocks upstream, surging over the menacing rock cliff downstream.

We squinted to see the lookout point where we had first stopped.

An awe-inspiring sight

If we had turned back along the way, we would have missed the source of the falls. We would have missed the exhilaration of being that close, of seeing a view of awe and wonder, far better than the one from the manmade viewing deck.

As we hiked back to our car, I voiced my thoughts. “There’s got to be a lesson here.”

Words of wisdom flowed out of my 16-year-old. “It’s like going to church but not really knowing God.”

He was right. Like seeing God from a distance or maybe through someone else’s experience, but missing the overflowing love mercy and grace He offers us individually.

We can attend church weekly and only go through the motions. We can even be in God’s presence and not even know it.

We may sing the songs and hear the teaching, but until we know Him, we won’t experience the joy, the awe of being in the presence of a Holy God.

Think on this

“It cannot but be a major tragedy in the life of any man or woman to live in a church from childhood to old age and know nothing more real than some synthetic god compounded of theology and logic, but having no eyes to see, no ears to hear, and no heart to love!” — A. W. Tozer, American Christian pastor, author, magazine editor and spiritual mentor.

We can experience Him though. The Creator of the universe wants to connect with His creation.

As believers, we have access to God the Spirit. He dwells in all believers, going where we go. He sealed us and promised to stay with us always. Why would we choose not to worship Him as the preeminent giver of life?

Being in church is one thing. Being close to God is quite a different experience.

May we no longer be satisfied to know about God. No longer satisfied to watch someone else’s God story. Let’s move beyond seeing God from a distance and find Him in a living, personal experience.

The Lord is full of awe and wonder. Our lives may be messy along the way, but when we know Jesus, we will experience the powerful, transformative and joy-inspiring presence of God.

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?,” (Psalm 8:3-4 ESV).

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Don’t know Jesus? You can.

It would be my greatest honor to take your hand, introduce you and walk you through how to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and how to have a personal relationship with Him.

Find out more here.

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