Saturday, June 29, 2013

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 “May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.”

Yesterday there was a pushing match between my four year old and a neighbor’s daughter.  My son pushed and then when the seven year old pushed back the mom got very angry at her.  She explained that it was not okay for anyone to push but a bigger kid should not push a little kid no matter what.  There were tears and time out and apologies given and by evening time all was forgiven.  How often do I lose control like my four year old or the neighborhood seven year old?  When do I know better and I lash out anyway?  When I came to this passage I read these verses several times to allow them to soak into my soul.  They reminded me that I need to come to the Lord over and over to be cleansed and sanctified.  I am only free from sin through his sacrifice for me.  It is His faithfulness that redeems me.  Let us all go out rejoicing in the faithfulness of our Lord and renewed in our sanctification.  Rejoice in the Lord always!

Lord,
Thank you for your faithfulness and your forgiveness.  Help us forgive ourselves and each other so we can truly lift our hearts and voices in praise to you, our Lord.  Amen.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Psalm 42:1 “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.”

Tomorrow the kids and my husband head to the western slope of Colorado and I get four days of alone time.  With all the busy days I have had lately and the busy days yet to come I cannot express the longing I have held in my heart for these four days of solitude.  As I read this verse a picture forms in my mind.  A deer must always be watchful and wary of danger.  They are ready to run at the slightest hint of trouble in order to stay safe.  It is a calm, relaxed moment when they can take time for a long drink in a flowing stream.  Lately it has been even harder to be still and listen for the voice of God.  I am not distressed over this because I know God speaks in many different ways and will get through to me somehow.  However, like the deer in this verse, I long for a quiet peaceful time of sitting in the presence of the Lord.  I long for distraction and chaos to stop pulling at me so I can relax and enjoy the calm sweet presence of peace in the Lord.  I can almost taste it now...

Lord,
Thank you for being here even in the busy times; even in the chaos and distractions.  Help me make time to sit and relax in your presence, help me relish the solitude when I have it.  I ask you for refreshment for my soul, peace for my spirit.  Amen.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Psalm 55:16 “But I call upon God, and the Lord will save me.” 

When I look at the little kids in my neighborhood and the little ones who are coming to Vacation Bible School, I wonder where their paths will lead them.  What will they learn and keep deep in their hearts as they grow into adults?  I read a story once of a person who attended church as a very small child but then denounced the teachings of the bible as a farce.  He lived his life mocking Christians and their silly beliefs for years.  When it came time for his death, fear and darkness overtook him and in a desperate plea he sang the song we learn as children: “Jesus loves me”.  The story tells me that he received an overwhelming peace and light consumed the darkness that was lurking around him.  He was filled with love and did not die.  In his redeemed life on earth, he wrote his story and is now a pastor of a Christian church somewhere in the United States.  When the voices of darkness lurk in my heart and I feel them trying to drag me down, I remember this story.  There is always hope.  When we call upon God in truth and honesty, the Lord will save us.

 Lord,
Thank you for the stories of redemption that lift my heart and give me a new song to sing in praise to you.  As I teach these children more about you, open my heart to learn about you from them as well.  Thank you for saving us all.  Amen.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

2 Corinthians 5:1 “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  In this country, people strive to stay “beautiful” all of their lives.  There are wrinkle creams, hair dye and tanning lotions... the list goes on and on.  About a year and a half ago, on a whim, I colored my hair.  I suspected, and I was right, that I would be stuck coloring my hair until I was willing to pay a lot of money to someone else to get me out of this mess.  We strive to be beautiful on the outside, decorating our earthy tent.  The list of names in my prayer journal grows and grows.  There are some that become praise for healing but it is never ending prayers for people battling something internally.  This “internal” battle of our bodies is still the earthy tent.  On the day that I pass from this earth into heaven I know without a doubt that I will be blown away by the beauty of our heavenly bodies.  I simply need to look at the beauty of his creation here for a small glimpse of it.

Lord,

You created us in your image.  Help us see beyond the skin deep into our souls.  We are eternal souls designed to reside with you; these earthy shells left behind.  Help us love each other so one day we can all rejoice in the beauty of heaven.  Amen.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Hebrews 16:7 “Endure trials for the sake of discipline.  God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline?”

We have all seen them; the children who we think lack discipline.  They run rampant over whatever is in their path.  I have seen kids talk back to their parents, and kids that totally disregard any warning their parents give.  Sometimes I think these are my kids although I have been reassured many times by my friends that my children are very good.  I think we all have a child within us that occasionally runs rampant and disregards the voice of warning we receive.  Just as my young daughter does, I think I know better than that parental voice that tries to guide me in discipline.  I get so frustrated with my kids when they choose to disobey.  It is beyond my understanding that they think they know more than I do.  As I turn the mirror around I realize they do not think they know more than I do, they simply choose to learn by experiencing the trial rather than listening to the voice of reason.  I see this clearly, because I do it too.

Lord,
Forgive my deaf ears and hard heart.  Open my eyes to see myself more clearly in my children so they may teach me to be a better child and through you I may teach them to be better children.  Thank you for trials and discipline.  Amen.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Proverbs 3:13-14 “Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, for her income is better than silver, and her revenue is better than gold.”

The church is dressed to the nines, the stations are almost completely set up and at about 5:45 kids will start showing up for four evenings of music, crafts, games, experiments and snacks.  Oh, don’t get me wrong, we have a bible story time with a verse for the day too.  I just don’t think that is why the kids really come.  I do not bemoan that we have the games, music and experiments to go along with the lesson.  All of these things work together to instill a little bit of knowledge; to have a bite of the word of the Lord to take home.  As they see the rafts they built in the weeks to come, maybe they will remember the story of Noah and how he depended on God.  When they shake their homemade “lava” lamps maybe they will remember to go deep with God.  I hope we all find wisdom and understanding while we have fun this week, those gifts are, indeed, precious.  I hope we all find happiness in the Lord.

Lord,
Please guide the leaders in VBS this week.  Fill us with your light love to share with the kids.  We cannot see the changes in their hearts but you can and so I pray that we can be messengers of change in your name.  Amen.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Luke 11:2 “He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name.  Your kingdom come.’”

I know people, myself included, who struggle with praying in front of others.  It is a common worry that we don't know what to say or we don’t say it very well.  We struggle with words; we are not eloquently spoken.  A disciple asks Jesus to teach them how to pray.  Jesus’ response is the Lord’s Prayer.  As I read this passage it became clear very quickly that along the lines words and phrases have been added to the prayer I know.  Even in this first phrase I know it as: Our Father, whom art in heaven... it goes on with added phrases all through the prayer.  Does that matter?  Do our words make the prayer?  If I come to the Lord with words of beauty but a heart of selfishness, do my words still hold beauty in His eyes?  Regardless of words, our hearts are seeking union with God in prayer.  This is why I believe Jesus taught us to say this phrase first.  Father, Your name is holy.  Your kingdom comes above all else.  This prayer leads us to focus on the Lord and His purposes; then it moves on from there.

Lord,
Help me remember to keep you and your kingdom first and foremost in my heart.  With my priorities straight, the path become clearer to me each day.  Thank you for your teachings and your continued guidance.  Amen.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Exodus 14:13 “But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today...”

The Israelites were being chased by Pharaoh’s army and quickly coming to the Red Sea with no place to go.  All through their journey to the Promised Land they complained to Moses about being released into the unknown.  Many times they wished they could just go back to Egypt.  It seems kind of crazy to think that someone released and free would wish to go back into slavery or captivity but they did; and often so do I.  There times that I pray to the Lord in fear of the unknown.  I feel him drawing me away from captivity into a new freedom; out of my comfort zone.  There is a part of each of us that prefers to stay where we are.  A part of us does not want to stretch beyond where we are into the great unknown.  The Israelites were taking a big risk trusting Moses to lead them out of Egypt and into the desert; that was a big step of faith in him and in their Lord.  He calls us to step out in faith today.  We are freed from slavery and we need to trust in him to lead us forward on the journey of faith.  It feels like a big risk, but we can trust him to deliver us.

Lord,
Help me remember the Israelites when I begin to dig my heels in.  Give me courage to trust in you with all my heart, soul and might, knowing you will deliver me from captivity into freedom.  Thank you for your faithfulness.  Amen.

Friday, June 21, 2013

John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

It is moth season in Colorado.  About this time every year, we have a few weeks filled with birds diving through traffic intersections catching a bounty of moth snacks and young children squealing in fear at the sight of a moth.  We have one in our house now; we have not been able to catch it.  They seem to hide during the day and only come out when the lights are on.  It is strange to me that they don't come out during the day since they are drawn to the lights when it is dark outside.  If they like light and warmth I would think they would be out when the real light and warmth from the sun is out.  I guess they do not recognize or appreciate the true light from the sun.  As the sun rises this morning there are many reminders that I can use during the day to remind me of God’s true light dispelling darkness.  The sun chases away the darkness of the night.  During the evening we flip a switch and a light comes on in our home so we can see, the light dispels the darkness.  The stars and the moon dispel darkness in the night sky.  If we look around, we will see light shining and clearing away darkness all around us.  Take a moment to praise the Lord for his light because the darkness will not overcome it!

Lord,
Thank you for your light!  Thank you for shining it eternally so we can see it and come to it.  Help us receive and share your light around the world in whatever way you call us to.  Amen.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Proverbs 27:19 “Just as water reflects the face, so one human heart reflects another.”  

We have all seen pictures of still waters reflecting some beautiful scene so clearly it is a mirrored image.  The water can only reflect whatever it “sees’ directly above it.  This verse caused me to think more about what my heart sees and reflects.  When I am around a negative person or someone who is having a hard day it can easily drag me down to that same level.  I see it in my kids and in other people too.  We are drawn into whatever they are feeling.  If someone is celebrating and filled with joy, that can pick me up and bring me into that feeling too.  We are all connected and if our hearts “look” at each other we will reflect each other’s hearts.  Deeper still, if my heart is looking at God’s heart, will it reflect that?  I believe it will.  We are made to reflect him.  When we do not focus on him, we reflect what we are focused on.  If we remain focused on him, we will reflect him in our own hearts.  As I am my team prepare to lead Vacation Bible School, I am on the edge of anxiety.  I want it to go well; I want it to be a great success.  If I can remain focused on the true purpose and the true goal it will go well.  I pray for each of us today; I pray we will remain focused on the Lord so that we can be a true reflection of him in this world.

Lord,
Forgive my anxiety; I know you have it all under control.  Guide me and my team, guide all who are preparing to teach others in your word.  Help us stay focused on you, so we can be a true reflection of you to others.  Amen.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Ephesians 6:13 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” 

I do not have the personality of a warrior.  The passages that speak about God being my fortress and my protection speak much more easily to my heart.  I have always shied away from conflict and continue to do my best to keep peace.  There are times, though, that we are called up to the front lines.  The battle Paul writes about is not a physical fight with other humans, per se.  We need the armor of God to protect us from spiritual warfare.  As we prepare for battle we do not know when or where it will be but we must be ready.  Paul encourages spiritual discipline with this passage.  The gospel of peace, belt of truth, sword of the Spirit; these defenses will be strengthened and available through discipline.  Just as our soldiers learn and practice to use the defenses they are given for battle we also need diligent practice to keep our defenses at the ready.  I will stay in the fortress and protection of my Lord and God for as long as I can but when he calls me to battle, I will go out for him knowing he has given me the weapons and defenses I need to overcome the enemy.

Lord,
I do not like war; you have given me a spirit of peace.  Help me learn what I need to in order to serve you in peace and in battles.  You are my protection and my comfort.  Help me trust that you will lead me where I need to go.  Amen.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Proverbs 4:20-21 “My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.  Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart.”

I need to write these verses on a sticky note and post them to my bathroom mirror.  There are times I am going along in my day and just when I need it most, the words of the Lord sneak into my mind and bring me strength, comfort or healing.  His words help me fight the thoughts that threaten to drag me down and they help me guide my own heart to safety and the hearts of my children.  Words are powerful; they can build up and they can tear down.  Do the words I use with my children build up or tear down?  I hate to admit that, at times, my words tear down.  My emotions get the best of me and I say things without thinking through them first.  I am not one to fly off the handle, as they say, but I need to be more attentive to His words and I need to be more attentive to my words.  As I learn to keep more of His words in my heart and do not allow them to escape from my sight I hope I will have better words for my children. 

Lord,
Help me keep my tongue in check.  Your words bring instruction, correction, help and healing.  Help me use my words for the same purposes.  Protect my heart from painful words said to me and keep me from using words to inflict pain on anyone else.  I ask you to write these words on my heart so that I always remember them and live by them.  Amen.

Monday, June 17, 2013

James 5:7 “Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord.  The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.”

It is so neat to watch the plants in my garden grow from seed to fruit in a season.  We have strawberry plants that came back this spring in spite of the birds and other creatures trying to destroy them last year.  The beans have sprouted and will soon begin to wrap themselves around whatever they can reach.  I have an empty spot in the garden though.  It looks like nothing is planted there but I know I must wait and be patient.  Carrots take a long time to germinate and I know from last year that if I water and wait, they will grow.  Just as I cannot expect to plant seeds and have a mature plant and fruit the next day, so it is with my soul.  Each day I receive the nutrition I need from the Lord and I grow a little more.  I am not the only plant in the garden.  He waits for his precious crop to mature and the harvest will be soon enough.  He is patient with each of us, so I must be patient with myself and others.  Today I will thank Him for the growth he has provided and the growth yet to come.

Lord,
Your words seep into my heart like the gentle rain seeps into the roots of a little seedling.  Help this food nourish our souls so we continue to grow in you.  Thank you for nurturing us.   May the fruit I produce glorify and praise you.  Amen.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Jonah 1:3 “But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.  He went down to Joppa and found a  ship going to Tarshish; so he paid his fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.” 

What in the world was Jonah thinking?  If he was thinking clearly he would know there is no place to run from the Lord.  He was born and raised a Hebrew, worshiping the “God of Heaven” according to verse 9 of this story.  Of course as we read on, a storm causes all sorts of trouble for the sailors and after doing all they can to save the ship, per Jonah’s request, they throw him overboard.  Jonah ends up saved from drowning by being swallowed by a great fish.  Even in the belly of that fish, Jonah knows God is there.  He prays to the Lord from the belly of the fish with no doubt that he would be heard.  As the story continues Jonah continues to battle wills with God and, of course, loses.  In my life, it is often in retrospect that I can see the will of God is a better choice than mine.  How often have I tried to run away or argue with the Lord about what I should do?  In the end, after near drowning, more arguing and a bit of humble pie, I come to my senses again and realize God is Lord of all, even me.

Lord,
Please forgive my disobedience and arrogance.  Thank you for the reminder of Jonah and the strife he subjected himself to out of disobedience.  Help me follow you in truth and humility this day and tomorrow too.  Amen.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Genesis 9:11, 13 “I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth. 13 I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.”

It seems we have a fascination with rainbows.  My kids always get excited when I water the garden in the morning because the sun shines right through the spray of water drops and they see a little rainbow.  I used to love seeing “rainbows” when I ran through the sprinklers as a kid.  Kids aren't the only ones who look to the skies for this sign of beauty.  Recently there was a double rainbow nearby my home and I only know this because pictures were plastered all over social media and local news channel webpages.  I catch myself searching the skies whenever I see clouds and the sun shining at the same time.  Why are we so enthralled with rainbows?  Maybe it is simply because they are so pretty and peaceful.  Maybe it is because they do not come frequently so they are special when we do see them; we do not take them for granted.  Maybe it is the small seed of promise and covenant we still hold in our hearts that we seek to remember in gazing at the beauty of a rainbow.

Lord,
Thank you for the beauty on this earth and thank you for your promises to us.  Open our eyes to see the beautiful signs of love and mercy you send us each day.  Help us see the “rainbows” you give us today.  Amen.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Ephesians 1:20 “God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,”

We live in a world of power.  With the push of a button we have access to the world through our televisions and our computers.  With the invention of batteries we can even take our tools for connection with us.  There are laptop computers and smart phones that fit in our purses and pockets; the world truly is at our fingertips.  Some of us get so used to having access to these things that when they are gone we are lost without them.  We come to rely on them too much.  We are certain to plug in our cell phones and computers so they do not run out of power but how often do we remember to plug ourselves in for a recharge from the Divine power source?  We cannot truly live simply by fueling our bodies and minds.  We need to receive power for our spirits as well.  I encourage you to take time each day to plug in to the Lord.  Recharge your spirit and soul with his power of truth and love.  There will never be a power outage in God’s world regardless of the shortages we experience in our world.

Lord,


Thank you for electricity and batteries.  These inventions make our lives so much more convenient that they used to be.  Use these common everyday tools to remind us to plug in to you for spiritual strength and renewal, nothing is more important.  Thank you for always being there, providing and renews us when we ask in your name.  Amen.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

1 John 4:21 “The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.”

Our hearts and souls are made for love.  We seek love from the moment we are born until the moment we leave this earth whether we recognize that search or not.  I thought about all of the songs that have been written throughout time that speak about love and I suspect that there is no subject that has been written about more.  This call to find love, to share love is put into our souls by God.  He is love and he created us in his image.  This world is fractured and broken so our love is not perfect either but his command is to love.  Do something kind for your neighbor; give your kids or friend a hug.  Make or buy a little gift for someone you know, spend some time visiting a lonely person.  Pray for your friends and family; pray for your antagonists and enemies.  I have found as I work on this specific discipline it is much easier to love them even if I do not really like them.  Take some time to soak in the love of God this morning and then find a way to spread that love to someone else.  All we need is love...

Lord,

You fill us up whenever we come ready to be filled.  Help us prepare our hearts for you so we can fully receive the love you have for us each day.  Open our hands and hearts to receive and then again to share the blessing of love you give for all.  Amen.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Hebrews 3:6 “Christ, however, was faithful over God’s house as a son, and we are his house if we hold firm the confidence and the pride that belong to hope.”

The reference to us being his house caused a little research on my part today.  I know the common belief that his spirit lives in us and we are his temple but this verse felt different.  The verse made me think of nobility and I know very little about that.  Most little girls like to dress up and play princess and mine is no exception.  She often tells me she is a princess, my son is the prince, I am the queen and my husband is the king.  I tease her and remind her that the princess is not in charge so she needs to remember to listen and obey the queen.  A short time ago, Prince William of England married Kate bringing her into the house of Windsor.  I think about her being molded and formed into royalty as it is expected.  We too have been brought into a house of royalty.  We are being molded and formed into royalty as it should truly be.  We are his house because he is our ruler; we are his heirs and subjects.  Go into your day feeling blessed to be a part of the house of Christ.  Live as heirs of his kingdom and we will serve him well.

Lord,

Thank you for making us a part of your royal kingdom.  We are blessed to be in the house of Christ and I pray that we will live bringing honor and glory to your holy kingdom, the one true kingdom that reigns forever.  You are my king; I bow to you and you alone.  Amen.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Ezekiel 36:26-27 “A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put my spirit within you, and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances.”

The bible is filled with stories of Israel being disobedient, turning from their sins and coming back to the Lord.  In this passage, the Israelites have not turned back to the Lord.  He brings renewal and blessings to them despite their wandering ways in order to bring honor to His name.  God desires nothing more than our devotion.  He longs for us to listen and follow him; to honor and praise him with all we do and say.  We are no different than the Israelites of long ago.  We are often wayward and deceived people.  We are self-oriented and self-serving most of the time.  I long for the day when I will wake up each morning acknowledging the presence of the Lord, and continue each moment of the day honoring and living for Him.  I long for the day when this nation I live in will turn to Him for guidance in all we do and seek to serve Him in every way.  I know this is coming...someday.

Lord,

We need you but we do not seek you.  We seek you only to turn the other way when we do not want to follow.  Forgive our sins and give us new hearts and spirits for you.  Open our hearts and spirits to be led only by you, all for your glory.  Amen.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Psalm 8:3-4 “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?

I just got back from an annual trek to star gaze with my Dad and my kids.  Each year we meet up with a group of amateur astronomers in the mountains where there are dark skies, away from city lights.  In the middle of Colorado wilderness we could not miss the work of God’s fingers on this small planet.  My four year old son asked “what is over there?” I responded “trees, dirt, animals.”  He asked “what is passed that?”  My response was “more trees, dirt and animals.”  We saw the splendor of his creation here on the many walks we took around the area where we camped.  We saw the splendor of his work when we gazed through the many telescopes that were there to see galaxies, nebulae, planets and stars that are never ending.  When I see these things I am humbled.  This awesome most powerful creator of the heavens and earth loves each and every human being he has created.  He loves and cares about you and me.  He wants our love back.  Wow!  Our God is an awesome God!

Lord,
Thank you for the creation of the telescope and the ability to see things beyond our small world.  The splendor of the heavens reminds me of your awesome power and the tender flower in the field reminds me of your gentle care for each of us.  Thank you for these reminders Lord.  Amen.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Blessings and peace to anyone who is reading this blog!  I will return to posting in a few short days but for now I am off to the remote places of Colorado to gaze at the stars and planets that God placed in the heavens so long ago.  They are beautiful to me and I often find the awesome power and grace of God more deeply there than in the city...
until then, God's grace and peace be with you all.
Ecclesiastes 3:6 “a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away;”

If you haven’t done your spring cleaning yet (yea, me either!) spring has just about finished and summer is just around the corner!   For the last few days constructions crews have been in my neighborhood replacing sidewalk.  They came and surveyed (a time to seek) and then the cement saw cut nice clean break lines in the cement to be replaced.  As my kids and I have watched the men and their big machines work, I thought they would be kind of rough and not so precise.  I am amazed at how a jackhammer can pound into cement and yet the result is a clean edge.  The new cement is poured by a huge mixer truck and then the next thing I know there is smooth precise sidewalk hardening where the broken sidewalk used to be.  As I search my soul, finding or losing; keeping or throwing away, I will remember this construction crew.  The paving crew that is coming soon will be another reminder to me: spiritual growth may seem rough at times, but it is precise and careful work of the Spirit.  Before we know it the old is replaced something new and beautiful.

Lord,
You speak to us in so many different ways.  Help us listen and hear you however we can.  Thank you for each new day.  Each one is a new day to praise and worship you.  Lift our hearts and our eyes so we can stay focused on you, our God.  Amen.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Psalm 27:11 “Teach me your way, O lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.”

It has been quite an experience to see all this construction out my front window.  Yesterday there were even more trucks and workers, there was more noise and restoration work.  I found a note on my door that today they begin work on the asphalt.  I already have to walk my kids across the street just to be safe and now I wonder how much trouble it will be to get anywhere in my neighborhood while they tear up the street.  When we go get the mail around the corner, will I have to step around even more wet concrete, avoid the flying debris of torn up asphalt?  Will I be able to get my car out to run the errands I need and to pack for camping?  Worry and anxiety are two of my biggest enemies.  They have left me alone for quite some time but they are back again.  As I look out my window and watch the path and road being torn up and then restored I will hold hope in that vision.  I know the Lord makes my path level and he holds my hand through the rubble I encounter.  He will not let me be run over with anxiety or worry but will lead me in love and peace.  That is His way.

Lord,

Thank you for this message today.  Post in on my forehead and on my arm; write in on my heart and soul so I can feel it at every moment.  Thank you for the rest and restoration we all received during the night.  Hold our hands and keep us all on level ground today.  Praise to you, O God.  Amen.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Galatians 5:13-14 “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.  For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment,’ You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Have you ever sat in church and listened to the sermon thinking the pastor must have written this just for you?  Occasionally, I have this experience.  It is like the pastor has been reading my mind and heart and knows exactly what I have been grappling with for the week.  Paul’s letter to the Galatians calls them back to the basics.  I do not know exactly what they were doing or how they were changing their ways, but whatever it was, it was not following the simple gospel message Paul had brought to them.  As I seek a deeper relationship with God, I can see how easy it is to fall into the traps of doing rather than being.  Works are not what keep us in relationship with the Divine; it is our spirit and His Spirit that are in relationship.  We are freed from works and called to spiritual, soul work instead.  We are called to love.

Lord,

Thank you for pastors who are messengers and interpreters of your word.  Thank you for freedom through your grace and the life of Jesus Christ.  Guide me in the steps of your son so that I may learn to love and be loved as he did.  Help me show my love for you by loving others.  Amen.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Luke 1:46-47 “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,’”

Magnifying glasses are cool.  I remember playing with the one my grandparents had when I was a child.  My sisters and I would take turns and it was fun to see how far away we could get and still see clearly.  I liked to see if I could find that perfect distance of clarity and enlargement.  Boys on my street would use a magnifying glass to concentrate the sunlight in a certain spot, increasing the brightness and warmth of the sun.  When I read this passage the word magnifying practically jumped of the page at me.  It begged me to answer the question:  Does my soul magnify the Lord?  When people gaze through me, do they see the Lord more clearly and larger than they did before?  What do I see when I gaze into my soul?  I cannot comprehend Mary’s situation but the trust and faith she had in the Lord is clear.  I hope that as I continue on my faith journey, I will continue to grow so that my soul will magnify the Lord clearly and my spirit will rejoice ever more in my God and my Savior.

Lord,

We have many tools to help us focus on things more clearly.  As I gaze into the mirror and as I look through my eyeglasses, let these simple tools remind me that my soul needs to magnify you.  Guide my words and deeds in rejoicing so that when others gaze into me, they see you more clearly.  Amen.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Ecclesiastes 3:6 “a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away;”

If you haven’t done your spring cleaning yet (yea, me either!) spring has just about finished and summer is just around the corner!   For the last few days constructions crews have been in my neighborhood replacing sidewalk.  They came and surveyed (a time to seek) and then the cement saw cut nice clean break lines in the cement to be replaced.  As my kids and I have watched the men and their big machines work, I thought they would be kind of rough and not so precise.  I am amazed at how a jackhammer can pound into cement and yet the result is a clean edge.  The new cement is poured by a huge mixer truck and then the next thing I know there is smooth precise sidewalk hardening where the broken sidewalk used to be.  As I search my soul, finding or losing; keeping or throwing away, I will remember this construction crew.  The paving crew that is coming soon will be another reminder to me: spiritual growth may seem rough at times, but it is precise and careful work of the Spirit.  Before we know it the old is replaced something new and beautiful.

Lord,

You speak to us in so many different ways.  Help us listen and hear you however we can.  Thank you for each new day.  Each one is a new day to praise and worship you.  Lift our hearts and our eyes so we can stay focused on you, our God.  Amen.