Looking Forward in Faith

Looking Forward in Faith

by | Dec 31, 2024 | Courage, Faith, Joy, Prayer

Christmas Joy

I flipped to the first page of my 2024 notebook and read these words.

  • Pray Bold
  • Live Bold
  • Dream Bold!

Hmmm did I do that? In some ways, yes. In other ways, a definite no.

Have you been there? Start with grand plans yet seldom look back to make sure you’re accomplishing that goal or dream.

Then I read the lyrics to the song Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns, another reminder. It inspires me to have the kind of faith that steps out of the boat, stepping out of my comfort zone.

I am tempted to spend my time looking back or just looking within. I am tempted to dwell on past mistakes, missed opportunities or unmet goals. However, I need only lift my eyes to the faithfulness of God.

No other name

How do we do that? Jesus. That is the name by which we conquer. The very name of Jesus lifts us to mountain heights. It brings joy. It rescues. The name of Jesus carries power and brings salvation.

Jesus. Say it often. Claim the power it brings.

God is faithful. He can take care of our past that brought pain, disappointment or sorrow. He can turn it into a life of peace, fulfillment and joy.

Peace in His presence

I encourage you to look forward in faith. To seek His presence and find peace.

I encourage you today to step out in faith. Jesus holds his hand out to take you to the next adventure with Him.

I think I’m going to keep those same words for 2025. Their meaning remains true as much today as the beginning of 2024.

  • Pray Bold
  • Live Bold
  • Dream Bold!

A prayer of encouragement

I pray that you will, too.

I pray that in 2025, we will live intentionally. That we would love well, smile big and laugh more. I pray we will see beauty and seek God’s presence in everything. I pray we will take courage, do what we love and live our life to the full. That we would use our life and words to inspire others to experience a life of joy — a life that comes through faith in Christ. And finally, I hope and pray that we will seek adventure and experience all God has to offer in 2025.

“These things I have spoken to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full,” (John 15:11 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.
Christmas Joy

Christmas Joy

by | Dec 24, 2024 | God, Joy, Praise, Sorrow

Christmas Joy

A sense of contentment overcame me as my son and I walked around an outdoor Christmas event. I had work to do – a deadline to meet — but said ok when he wanted to go. The thought of him wanting to spend time with me warmed my heart. We took our time, met some people and talked with friends we happened upon. Having him near blessed me.

Time is precious. Priceless.

At Christmas, we want time with our loved ones near. We want our family home for Christmas and feel a loss when they are away or have passed on from this world.

Almighty God

The Old Testament books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles tell us that King Solomon built a temple for the Lord. He hired the most skilled craftsmen to create a beautiful and glorious temple that would house the presence of God.

However, it was never meant to be a permanent place for the presence of God, for it cannot be contained.

Prince of Peace

God came near to His creation. The Savior of the world came down wrapped as a baby to live among mankind. His presence stirred hearts and drew people to Him.

Did they realize they were in the very presence of God?

Do we?

The temple built by King Solomon was later destroyed. But God doesn’t dwell in a building. He dwells in His people.

Satan also tried to wipe out God’s presence by destroying Jesus and His influence. But nothing could stop His plan of salvation.

The gift of joy

As we celebrate the season — Jesus’ entrance into the world — let’s remember His nearness. He’s closer than your next breath.

You may have had a challenging year. Or even experienced great loss. Draw near to God. Nothing is better than His nearness. Let His presence wrap you with comfort and peace. 

Aren’t you glad God cannot be contained and we can experience His presence right where we are? In sadness, in sickness, in moments of joy. Through disappointments, trials and moments of encouragement, He is near.

Don’t miss that nearness this Christmas. Reach out to God, who loves you! He settled His love right there on the cross. Jesus came down to live among us, His gift to the world. Let’s give him the gift of our whole heart.

As you celebrate the birth of the King, I pray that His presence will be as near as the air you breathe. I pray He will refresh your soul and you will experience His presence and peace this Christmas.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

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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.
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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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.
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.

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