God is in the Details

God is in the Details

by | Mar 10, 2023 | Blessing, God, Worry

The GPS left out some important details.

Driving to Memphis last weekend reminded me of the time the boys and I were driving home from North Mississippi. My GPS took me through a “shortcut,” putting us right in the middle of farm fields.

We ended up on a maze of dirt roads in the Mississippi delta. By the time we got out, we were at least 15 minutes behind our schedule. 

Aren’t you glad our God is a God of details?

In the book of Exodus, He gives very specific information on how to build the tabernacle, among other instructions.

God knows you by name

In Exodus 33:17, God tells Moses, “I know you by name.” That might not surprise you since God called him to deliver Israel out of slavery in Egypt. However, Exodus also tells us that God not only knew Bezalel by name, but He also filled him with the Spirit of God.

and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. (Exodus 35:31-33)

The chapter goes on to say God inspired him to teach others.

God provided the detail for the build, plus He also gave the craftsmen the skills and intelligence to do the work.

God provides the roadmap

My friend, when God calls us to do something, He also gives the roadmap AND the abilities necessary to complete the assignment, the task or project. Let’s consider what He did for the Israelite craftsmen.

  • God stirred the hearts of every craftsman He wanted to do the work.
  • He put skill and intelligence into the craftsmen to know how to build the sanctuary exactly like He wanted it.
  • And he provided the resources – over-provided — for them through the contributions of the people of Israel. The material was sufficient to do all the work and more.

Every detail is laid out. Every pillar, molding and curtain. Every ring, pole and vessel.

We need not worry about how we will accomplish the work God has called us to.

I so needed to be reminded of that today. I tend to rely on myself too much, get overwhelmed and end up in a maze of uncertainty.

When what I really need to remember, He will give me exactly what it takes to get to the end of the path He has laid before me. And he’ll do the same for you.

He is in the details.

Celebrating a Promise Fulfilled

Celebrating a Promise Fulfilled

by | Dec 23, 2022 | Belief, Blessing, Gratitude

After returning an item at a local store, I began to wander around – not knowing what I was looking for. Then my mind also began to wander, thinking about Matthew and how I miss him this Christmas.

Next, I headed to Sam’s to buy supplies for Christmas day, and I remembered how we used to go together to shop for Christmas. Our boys were much younger, and we enjoyed finding gifts that would surprise and delight them. Matthew was such a big kid himself.

How do we survive the holidays when our hearts are longing for more time with our loved one? There seems to have been so much loss and heartbreak this year. That alone is distressing.

Then I stumbled on this verse in a journal a friend gave me recently and God spoke to my heart.

Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you. Psalm 55:22

It was just the reminder I needed.

Make room for blessings

When we lay our worries and stresses at Jesus’ feet, there’s room to think about the gifts – the blessings – God has already provided. So that’s what I decided to do.

I thought about my boys giving me an early Christmas gift – both thoughtful and touching. Parker made an ornament on a piece of wood, painting the cover of my book on it. I think he got as much joy from giving it as I did from receiving it.

I thought about impromptu lunches with two friends this week — two days in a row — and how each one blessed and encouraged me.

I thought about our Christmas party and how I enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

And I thought about the gift of God’s word (like Psalm 55:22) that tells me I can release my burdens and focus on blessings because of a promise fulfilled.

A promise fulfilled

God made a promise. Then he fulfilled it when he gave the gift of joy by sending His son to live among humankind. 

The shepherds experienced it that beautiful and magnificent night when they were visited by a host of angels.

Mary and Joseph experienced it as they sat in awe and held their baby in their arms — the new King who had come to save the world.

The wise men experienced it when they visited the small family and kneeled before the Christ.

And we can experience it too.

  • As we face dark days. Lonely days.
  • When we trust even though we cannot see ahead.
  • As we sense the secret workings of God in our hearts.
  • As we receive the gift of salvation Christ offers.

While some celebrate Christmas with family, others miss the family member who’s gone. Some celebrate by attending events and parties. Others endure the days alone.

One thing is sure. No matter our circumstances, Jesus will do what he says. God spoke to the prophets about the coming Messiah and His miraculous birth. And it happened exactly as it was written.

And because of that, we can celebrate a promise fulfilled — whether with a large group of people or with only Jesus as our companion. Let’s celebrate Jesus. Let’s worship Him.

Is the spirit of God tugging at your heart today? Give thanks that he gave Himself for us. Give thanks for the gifts He has given us personally. 

  • A time of laughter with a friend
  • A bittersweet memory
  • A thoughtful gesture
  • A scripture of encouragement
  • A moment in the presence of the King.

As the shepherds rejoiced when they heard the angels’ proclamation, then searched for the Christ child, let us also rejoice and be on the lookout for precious everyday gifts.

     

    Used for good

    Used for good

    by | Oct 27, 2022 | Blessing, Encouragement, Support

    My books fell off the delivery truck. 

    I could write a complete page of issues, problems and just strange things that have come up as I have prepared to launch Grief Unwrapped: Discovering Joy in a Season of Sorrow.

    I ordered books for my Kickstarter backers and to have on hand for the upcoming launch party. 

    But I had a call one day from a friend to tell me someone from a few streets over found my book in the road. One lone book.

    I had already received a box that was partially open on one end with books missing, so I can only assume that box’s contents somehow fell from the truck.

    As issues have surfaced, I have felt battered — like someone was trying to discourage and hinder me in my goal to complete this book process.

    Satan himself is the father of lies and has a multitude of ways to influence our thought processes. Words of discouragement. Words to stop us from doing what God has called us to do. From the beginning of my book-writing adventure, I have stopped and started many times, questioning what I believe God was asking me to do.

    And now, two weeks before the book release date, my books fell off the truck. Not one, but a second box arrived a couple of days later – repackaged. All the contents inside were battered, smudged and swollen from water damage.

    I believe what was meant to discourage, God used for good.

    Stand strong and press on

    That neighbor who found my book researched and found me, too. Before she did, she read the book. And then she hand-delivered it to my door with words of encouragement that blessed me and gave me new strength to stand strong and press on.

    So . . . should you find my book somewhere, remember this story. And let it encourage you to keep moving forward in whatever God has called you to do.

    And while you’re at it, thank Jesus for the people he places in your life to encourage you and when needed, even to hold you up.

    Let God use for good what Satan wants to use for evil.

    You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20 

     

    When Jesus calls

    When Jesus calls

    by | Oct 21, 2022 | Belief, Blessing, Faith

    The blind man’s shout for mercy stopped Jesus in his tracks. Then Jesus told his disciples to call the man.

    I love what the disciples said next.

    “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”

    The blind man jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

    Jesus knew what was on the man’s mind, but he asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”

    “I want to see,” he answered.

    The blind man was bold. He didn’t want to miss his opportunity so when others tried to silence him, he shouted even more.

     “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:52 (NIV)

    Jesus by my side

    This story reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend who is now with Jesus. It was years ago, but it has always stuck with me.

    As she was driving alone, she envisioned Jesus sitting beside her. He asked her these same words. “What can I do for you today?”

    My friend, stop for a moment and call out to Him. I assure you; He’s calling for you and that fact alone can lighten your load and cheer you up.

    When Jesus calls . . .

    • We can rest assured He knows what’s on our mind. He knows the longing of our soul.
    • We can cheer up because the King of the world wants to do something for us.
    • Our faith plays a role in the outcome.
      • We need to believe He is who He says he is.
      • We need to know that He will do what He says He will do.
      • We need to believe he can heal.
    • When we really encounter Jesus, we want to follow Him.

    Oh, how I needed these words today. It has been a week. I’m sure you can relate.

    But I am resolved to put my focus on Him – not my environment or my circumstances.

    The Bible tells us we have not because we ask not, and we have because we ask. Our next move should be to pray until the answer comes. He welcomes our communication with Him.

    Romans 3:20 supports this same message.

    Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

    I want my faith to strengthen as I follow Him. I want that for you too. Today, let’s call out boldly, listen and be encouraged as He calls us and receive the blessings He wants to give us.

    Life is an adventure

    Life is an adventure

    by | Oct 14, 2022 | Blessing, Support

    It was not quite the adventure I had in mind when we left a rainy Branson, Missouri morning.

    On our way to visit the first town mom and dad lived in after they married, we stopped in Joplin, Missouri. There we visited Grand Falls, The Route 66 Mural Park and the Precious Moments Chapel with plans to stay over in Wichita, Kansas. We envisioned eating a nice steak dinner in Wichita, (well except for the one vegan member of our party), and resting before our two-hour trek north to Concordia, Kansas the next day.

    About an hour from Wichita, we stopped for gas and a rest break. As soon as I turned off the car, I got a message that my car remote was missing. I didn’t worry immediately, as I thought it had just slipped off the console and I’d just need to find it and get it close enough to the ignition as I had done before.

    That didn’t happen. We found only loose change and trash scattered from our four days on the road.

    I remembered unlocking the car from a distance at our last stop. But that was as far as my memory went. Evidently, the car will start once without a remote, but you’d better find it because that’s the only chance you get without a remote nearby.

    After an hour-long wait at the gas station, OnStar was still unable to locate an Uber or Lyft driver to come to our location and take us to Wichita. We did get a tow truck for the car. And Richard was nice enough to offer us a ride with him; however, dad definitely couldn’t make it up into the truck. And he certainly couldn’t carry all six of us, much less the scooter and a week’s worth of luggage. He suggested a better drop-off location and a closer hotel.

    Desperate to get my parents settled into a hotel for the night, I called the local county Sherriff’s office at the suggestion of the nice ladies working at Pete’s convenience store. At first, they turned me down, but at the suggestion of Deputy Taylor Cordell, the Sergeant agreed to let her drive to pick us up in the inmate transport van and take us 40 miles to the next town. Four hours from our initial stop, we gratefully walked into the hotel lobby.

    Why did Taylor do it? She said she had been stranded recently and knew how it felt. I believe God sent her our way. She made conversation the entire way, making us feel at ease as well as teasing my boys about the ankle cuffs in the back seat. We even have pictures to prove it.

    A lesson in blessing

    So why am I sharing this? I kept thinking God must have a lesson from our predicament. Taylor knew how it felt so she wanted to help us.

    Can we also stop for a moment to think of situations we’ve been through and how, because we know how that experience feels, we can be a blessing to someone else?

    That’s what I wanted to do by writing Grief Unwrapped: Discovering Joy in a Season of Sorrow (launching November 5). And I won’t think twice about being the hands (or wheels) to someone else in need.

    I know you’ve been in desperate situations too. You know how it feels to depend completely on someone else to help you get through it.

    Take some time today to think of how God has rescued you, and how He’s put people in your life to get you where you need to go.

    Do you know someone going through a trial? Think about how you can stand in the gap for that person. It could be through a prayer lifted. It could mean making a visit. It could be providing a meal or even a much-needed ride with a smile on your face and kindness in your heart.

    My stubborn heart

    My stubborn heart

    by | 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.

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