God Archives - Page 5 of 8 - Patricia Cameron Writes

Stand Tall

by Patricia Cameron | Jan 20, 2023 | God, Redeemed, Victory

Last weekend we celebrated a late Christmas with the Cameron family. It was the first time we could all get together. I had every intention of taking down the Christmas decorations before then, but the closer it got to our getting together, I just decided to leave it all up.

Now . . . the tree had been dead long before Christmas, so it was really dead at this point. As soon as everyone left, we hauled the boxes from the attic and took down the tree and decorations. Then, my 17-year-old son headed to the tree recycling pile in the city.

Once back home, he told me how that dried-up tree took flight and soared out the back of the truck, landing in the middle of the road and stopping traffic several cars deep. In case he had missed the spectacle, someone stood in the road waving his hands to let him know.

He said the worst part was he knew about four people who yelled out their windows, teasing him. He picked up the tree and re-loaded it into the truck.

I’m sure it was quite a sight . . . and was probably on social the next day.

We laughed until we were in tears.

Stand tall through the winds of change

Sometimes our lives can be like that dried-up Christmas tree. When that tree, once carrying the pleasant scent of pine and Christmas, gets cut off from its source of life, it becomes dry and empty.

Like that tree, we can become dried up and no longer of any use, at risk of being tossed by the challenges of the day.

But with Jesus, our lives can be full and bear much fruit, able to stand tall through the winds of change.

Let’s stand tall, my friend, and stay connected to our source of life — Jesus Christ — and point others to Him and the salvation He offers.

Now this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3

God of Possible

by Patricia Cameron | Dec 9, 2022 | Faith, God, Miracles

“What a fool,” I thought as I read Zechariah’s response to the angel Gabriel’s news. An angel of the Lord appeared in front of him, and he asked this question – How can I be sure of this?

In his mind, he and his wife Elizabeth were too old. (He wasn’t really a fool, but in that moment, he focused on his earthly limitations over what God said he would do. In his defense, the Bible says that he and his wife Elizabeth were righteous before God. Luke 1:5-7)

However, I can just imagine Gabriel’s indignation when he said “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.”

Speechless

The result? Zechariah was not able to speak again until that very child was born.

God put an angel in front of Zechariah. An angel who had just stood in the presence of Almighty God.

Oh, how many times have I questioned God’s word to me? I may not have seen an angel standing before me, but God’s word is clear.

In contrast, what did Elizabeth do? She didn’t hear from the angel. But she gave God the credit. Luke 1:25 says “The Lord has done this for me. In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Blessed

Six months later and about 100 miles north in Nazareth, Gabriel shows up on another mission. This time to a young virgin named Mary who was Elizabeth’s relative.

Mary’s response? Not “how can this be,” but “how will this be?” A few moments later, she demonstrates her faith when she says “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” No human reasoning. No asking for a sign. Just, let it be done.

When Mary later visited Elizabeth, she summed it up perfectly.

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)

Wow. These two stories teach us what it’s like to just trust—no questioning what God said. No assumptions. It will be what the Lord says it will be. And know that the good that comes to us is the Lord’s doing.

So, the next time I question something God says to me, I’m going to think of Zechariah and Mary.

One old. One young.
One mature. One inexperienced.
One who’d likely seen God work many times.
Both knew the scriptures.
One led by human reasoning. One spirit led.
One who saw through a “how CAN this be” lens. One who saw through as a “let it be as you say” lens.

Let us, too, see from Mary’s lens and respond accordingly. Because nothing — not age or physical condition — is impossible with God.

Let the miracle of the Christmas season lift your spirit today.

Surrounded by Joy

by Patricia Cameron | Nov 24, 2022 | Beauty, God, Joy

Not long after we got a new puppy, Parker sat on the floor beside our two dogs. One old. One young. From an overflowing of his heart, he declared “I feel surrounded by joy!”

Such simple words, but impactful. What would it take to feel surrounded by joy? To have an overflowing of “wonder?” A heart bursting with gratitude?

I felt the same way this week when returning Parker to scout camp after soccer practice. I stood by the campfire and looked at the stars in awe. Seeing the night sky from the quietness of the woods does that to me. I could have watched for hours, reflecting on our incredible God, the creator of the universe.

How can someone see the expanse of the sky or witness the birth of a child and not believe in a creator God?

Misguided beliefs produce a lack of hope

There are many who do not. This week, a Facebook headline drew me in. I’m not one to click on links on the platform, but this one gave a list of famous people who are known to be atheists. My curiosity got the better of me. Soon after, my heart broke because of their lack of hope for a future beyond this life and missing heaven because of misguided beliefs.

The assurance that one day I will spend eternity in the presence of Jesus tops my gratitude list. That alone gives me peace and joy.

This Thanksgiving let’s allow ourselves to be surrounded by joy. There are plenty of things to focus on – the beauty and innocence of our children, an encouraging word, a visit from a loved one, a surprise phone call with good news, a meal, a beautiful sunset, a good checkup, a new beginning, an opportunity presented, a restored relationship, the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and many more.

Truth is, giving thanks in all circumstances is the will of God.

Today, take the time to rest and reflect . . . and fill in the “many more” on your own gratitude list.

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Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28

Cayenne pepper chaos

by Patricia Cameron | Nov 11, 2022 | God, Hope, Support

Attempting to discourage our puppy from digging small crater-sized holes in the backyard, I bought more cayenne pepper. Unfortunately, as the wind blew, I got more on me than the holes in my flower bed. Sitting at my computer later, I began to rub my eye. Boy, did that ever backfire.

I can also recall a time shortly after Matthew passed away when I needed to discipline our oldest son. He was probably 13 or 14 and at the time, our mode of discipline was the spanking spoon. A long-handled wooden spoon from the kitchen was always handy. About 6’ tall at the time, much bigger than me, he was obviously too big for the spanking spoon.

However, I was determined to get the upper hand. He was determined to get away and ran. What did I do? I chased him around the room until, eventually laughter set in. That plan didn’t work. Even the younger brothers were laughing. Talk about a plan going awry!

Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever been going about your day, thinking you’re doing the right thing, then surprise! The result was not what you expected. As a matter of fact, it was the opposite of what you were expecting.

God’s not surprised

It’s a good thing that nothing takes God by surprise. Jesus was not surprised when . . .

Satan showed up to tempt Him in the desert. (Matthew 4:1-11)
Judas showed up with a kiss, starting a chain of events that led Jesus to the cross. (Matthew 26:47-49)
Demons begged Jesus to allow them to enter a herd of pigs. That certainly backfired when the pigs ran down a steep bank and drowned. (Luke 8: 26-37)
Mary showed up and anointed Jesus’ feet with oil. (John 12:1-8)

Jesus knows all about our pain, too, my friend. I have talked with many people this past week – people sharing stories of heartbreak, people looking for hope and comfort, people searching for answers and desperate for peace.

We are not alone

Jesus knows we will go through hard times, but he doesn’t want us to go through them alone. He’s here for us. He’s not surprised by our situation and wants to be the one we run to.

He brings order out of our chaos, too. God took the earth that was without form and void, a dark empty mess — chaos — and turned it into light and life.

Our lives may seem a picture of chaos at times. But God’s word brings life and peace, undoing the chaos and bringing beauty and order.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33)

I know why birds sing

by Patricia Cameron | Oct 7, 2022 | Beauty, God, Moments

God is an artist.

And he must love music.

He created the birds to sing and praise him
His angels sing praises to Him.
People worship and sing praises to Him.

I know, I know — scientists say birds sing to sound an alert of a predator, or to snag a mate. But God wanted them to sing for His enjoyment — and ours.

We create things for enjoyment too.

A favorite dish or entre’
A painting or other work of art
A song played
A poem written

Creativity. Some people have an overabundance of it. Matthew did. Parker is following in his footsteps with that talent. Garrett’s creativity comes out in his relationships. Connor’s is released through his favorite sport.

Me? I’m still trying to figure that out.

Recognize the wonders of the earth

How can someone recognize the wonders of the earth, yet not believe in the God who created them? We can find God’s beauty no matter where we are. Author Sue Monk Kidd writes it excellently. “Something deep in all of us longs for God’s beauty, and we can find it no matter where we are.”

God’s creation is beautiful. Creation’s beauty points us to Him.

So, where God is Almighty and worthy of our reverence and worship, He also delights in creativity — the tiny bird’s song, the things that are awe-inspiring, things that are beautiful, things that give us pause or make us laugh.

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For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20 (NIV)

My stubborn heart

by Patricia Cameron | Sep 29, 2022 | Blessing, God, Trust

He wouldn’t budge!

At 18 months, I could not get my son Parker buckled in his car seat one night after church.

Problem #1

He didn’t want in the car seat.

Problem #2

Evidently, he was stronger than me.

As I tried to buckle the 5-point harness, he stiffened his body and stretched so I could not get him in. I must have tried for five minutes. In tears and frustration, I finally forced him down into the seat and quickly buckled him in.

Stubborn hardly describes that moment. He did not want to be constrained so he revolted.

I’m a little headstrong too. He just might have gotten that from me.

Stretch out your hand

Jesus had a run-in with a bunch of stubborn people as well. His mission was to bring people to God and offer them life to the fullest, no matter the day of the week.

The Pharisees had a real hang-up with Jesus doing good on the Sabbath. They were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus so they watched him in the synagogue to see if he would heal on the Sabbath.

On one occasion, Jesus encountered a man with a shriveled hand. Knowing he was being watched, Jesus instructed the man to stand up in front of the people. Upon questioning the Pharisees whether it was lawful to do good or evil, to save a life or kill on the Sabbath, the Pharisees stubbornly remained silent.

Here’s how Jesus responded.

He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Mark 3:5 (NIV)

If the Pharisees had only looked beyond their rules and regulations, maybe they would have seen the glory of God.

The injured man did.

The people did.

But the Pharisees missed it and left with a mission to kill.

What’s your story?

Are you holding on to something that’s not healthy for you?

Maybe it’s a

Habit that needs to go
A sin or injustice that needs to be forgiven
An unwarranted fear or criticism
A way of thinking
A worry that you just can’t let go
Bitterness you’re holding on to

Wouldn’t you rather release it and see the Lord perform a work in your life? In theory, I know I would. In action, however, I struggle.

Let’s be like the man with the shriveled hand. Let’s stretch out our hands and allow Jesus to restore and heal.