Week Five - Time for a Remodel

This past week or so, we've been undergoing a major bathroom remodel. It didn't start out that way. It was supposed to be just changing out a tub for a nice-sized shower, but one thing led to another, and now it includes new cabinetry, extra tiling, and even a new toilet. Our home is nearly 100 years old, and old houses do have a way of resisting change. 

My Bible reading was in Exodus 25-27, where God gives exact instructions on how He wants His home decorated. I love decorating. I just don't have much money to spend on it. Sometimes I have to settle for what I can afford. How about you?

Paul Tripp writes, Whether we are conscious of it or not, we are all very particular about how we want our home to look. Some of us take the look of our houses seriously and invest time and money to make them look like our dreams. Others are more casual about our surroundings. Some of us place a high value on neat and clean; others find a bit of a mess more comfortable. But all of us somehow, someway express our personalities and our values by the way we design and keep our surroundings. That's why, when you are in someone else's home, it doesn't quite feel like home to you."

I'd have to agree with Mr Tripp. I like to keep my home a certain way; a way that makes me feel relaxed and comfortable. When I visit other people's homes, I see their personalities and interests revealed in the things they decorate with. Our homes are an expression of who we are, our interests, and what we hold dear.

God's home, the tabernacle at the time of my reading, was elaborately decorated with scarlet, blue, and purple, fine linen, needlework, fragrant oils, onyx, animal fur, gold, silver, and brass, huge handmade ornate draperies, specific woods, hand-carved decorative bowls, and fancy candlesticks. Sounds a bit over the top to me, but who am I to question God's decorating choices? This was where He would dwell among his people - a sinful, complaining, and rebellious lot, wandering in the desert. Maybe He needed His "creature comforts." 

Paul Tripp says, God "wanted his house to communicate who He was and what He valued." It is to "communicate two things: his unapproachable holiness and the mercy of His forgiveness." When you read on to the actual construction and layout of the tabernacle, you will discover that underneath that covering of animal skins was a holy place, an elaborate inner sanctum where God dwelt and met His people - at the mercy seat. 

Is your home a sanctum, a place of holy retreat, mercy, and forgiveness? What does your home communicate? Does God dwell there? Would He be comfortable? Might it be time for a remodel?

Week Four - It Ain't Easy

The pastor was preaching on the troubles of life this past Sunday. No one likes them, but they are a part of life, aren't they? We all wish we could float through life without trouble, but it seems to come from unexpected directions and without much warning. 

A friend posted this a few weeks ago: "There isn't a woman (or man) in the Bible used by God who had it easy. Ruth didn't have it easy. Esther didn't have it easy. Sarah didn't have it easy. Hannah didn't have it easy. Mary didn't have it easy. Y'all better stop falling for that feel-good gospel and recognize that God's daughters (and sons) don't have it easy. They have it anointed. They have it appointed. They have it highly favored. They have victory."

Maybe that's why the Bible says to not think it strange when bad things happen or hard times come. These things have a God-ordained purpose. I love the way the Bible puts it. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (1 Peter 4:12-13).

When we look at life through rose-colored glasses, we get a distorted view. Even Jesus didn't have it easy. So when we come to a hard time, we don't need to flay about crying and demanding immediate attention. It isn't some strange thing that has happened to us; it is an opportunity to be a "partaker of Christ's sufferings." 

Since every moment is filtered by the hands of a purposeful and loving God, we can rest in His sovereignty and look beyond the present suffering to the glory to come. We can find ways to look for joy and thankfulness in the middle of the trial.

When we entrust ourselves to the Lord, the Holy Spirit has a way of helping us "float" above the suffering and leading us to higher places in Christ and a deeper love and understanding of our Father. He is our comfort and strength in every trial, and He has an amazing way of using them to teach us more of Himself.

So today, if life isn't easy, put away your feel-good expectations and step into what God has appointed for you. He is there. You are not alone. He knows what's happening and will put His loving arms around you and carry you through when it ain't easy.

Week Three - Finishing Well

Finishing well might seem an inappropriate topic for this early in the New Year, but to finish well, you must begin well. 

A few years ago, my daughter recommended a book that has completely transformed how I go about life. The book is The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran. His basic premise is to divide your year into quarters and plan goals and projects accordingly. You accomplish more, projects move forward at a more consistent pace, and you can better judge your progress. Even today, I look at my list of things to accomplish in the first quarter of this year, and it motivates me.

But last fall, I was given Bob Buford's book Finishing Well. I had read his book Halftime a couple of years ago and drew much from it. I have to say, Finishing Well is helping me think forward with greater certainty and enthusiasm. Buford states, "Finishing well is a continuous process of becoming a better vessel for God's purpose."

I don't know about you, but I like to finish things well. I don't like to leave things undone or hanging. Life has a purpose, and I want to fulfill it.

He says, "My advice is to make sure you die in battle. It's good to know what your desired outcomes and objectives are, but you never know what's going to happen in your life. The key is to live intentionally, with passion, for a cause that's worthy of your life. And then die bloody. I plan to go down swinging. I want to die in battle."

I'm not sure I want to die in a battle, but I certainly don't want to die without having fulfilled God's will for my life. I want to serve and be counted faithful to the end. 

So to finish well, I must remain focused on the task at hand. That task, and the ones associated with it, will change over the years. I'm no longer a mother with small children, I no longer have teenagers in the house, and I'm not even a pastor's wife anymore. Things have changed, but my purpose - to fulfill God's will in my life and live for His glory - has not changed. It is the overriding priority of every desire and all of my service.

I'm challenged this year to look for God's will. I know I am where God wants me to be, and He is keeping plenty of work and challenges before me. I'm finding great peace and comfort in the words He gave me to govern this year - Just Be Thankful. But that doesn't mean sitting on my laurels. If I want to finish well, I must remain active in following, consistent in obeying, and hopeful in believing. God's purpose in my life is His glory, and that will only be seen as He is seen in my life. 

We can make all the plans we want. We can lay them out in a beautiful plan on a meticulous spreadsheet, but it is God who directs our steps. And those steps must be taken. So if you want to finish 2026 well, then start out with the goal of walking with Him, pleasing Him, and seeking His will above all else. Then, do your part in obedience and faith. 

To finish well, you must start well. How's your January going?

Week Two - In the Same Spot

Last week, I shared my phrase for 2026: Just be Thankful. I can't begin to tell you how many times this little phrase has already lifted me away from fear, anger, and frustration. When I feel those negative feelings creeping into my thoughts and tempting me to react, I hear the Lord say, "Gail, just be thankful," and I turn my thoughts to changing the negatives of the scenario into positives. 

Let me give you one example from last week. We were still in Spain, enjoying time with our son and his family, but Spain was very cold last week. It was too cold to go to the beach. We stayed bundled up, didn't drift far from the small heater in the living area, and, due to a broken-down boiler, had no hot water. It was like survival tactics in full swing, cold showers and all. But instead of feeling the discomfort, complaining, or allowing my mind to create too many "fix-it" ideas. I listened to the Lord and just thanked Him for the time with our precious family, the memories we were making,  and the safety and hospitality of their home. We lovingly enjoyed our time.

This simple tactic leads to a much happier life, helping us see the goodness and lovingkindness of the Lord in every situation.

Dick Brogden wrote a devotion on a better life, using Psalm 63:3: "Thy loving kindness is better than life." 

He wrote, "We enter the better life not by trying to be good but by accepting what Jesus has done for us and using our energy to seek Him. It is impossible to run in two different directions at the same time. Those who run hardest after Jesus need not concentrate on running away from sin - you cannot run after Jesus and run after sin at the same time."

How true! This idea of single-mindedness, of running after Jesus, and choosing thankfulness as your mindset, produces the better life we so desire. It follows along with the Bible word "blessed."  Happy or blessed is the man who follows God's Word.

Brogden listed three qualities that arise from a better life.

1. Lips that praise. Letting your world know you trust in a holy and all-powerful God worthy of praise. And oh, how praise lifts your heart into a better place.

2. Blessing God by how you live, choosing to obey and do all as unto Him so as not to damage His reputation. It's a matter of respecting the Lord - fearing Him. Pleasing Him becomes the soul's primary desire. It produces confidence and a deep, abiding happiness. 1 John 2:28 comes to my mind. "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming."

3. Soul Satisfaction - Knowing Jesus is enough. He can meet every need. "Living without temporal clutter," is how Brogden put it. I like that imagery. How often are our minds and desires cluttered with temporary things that leave us disappointed or unsatisfied, looking for the next kick? When our seeking is confined to His pleasure, we know satisfaction and contentment through the godliness growing in our spiritual lives. We are satisfied with Jesus, where He has us, and what He is doing in our lives.

And as I made notes on his devotion in my journal, I added one more quality, thankfulness. This must naturally rise from a heart that recognizes God's blessing and hand. 

Let me challenge you to examine your words. Are they words of praise or words of complaining? And what about how you are living your life? Are you being a blessing to God or a little stinker? And what temporal clutter keeps you away from that deep abiding in Christ? Can you honestly say you have an attitude of thankfulness, or are you more often than not, discontent and judgmental?

It really does matter, for if you are going to fulfill the command of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In everything give thanks," it can't be an on-again, off-again proposition. Thankfulness needs to be the prevailing attitude in all circumstances. Thankfulness that causes you to yield to Him, praise His name, live according to His word, and rest your soul's desires in His desires.

So, for another week, and hopefully throughout all of 2026, I will still be in the same spot, thanking Him, for "this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1Thessalonians 5:18). I hope you'll join me.

Week One - Just Be Thankful

When things grew heavy or uncertain in 2025, delight and rejoice were the words God used to carry me through. He pointed me to His gracious and generous care. He reminded me that a happier outlook was my choice and His desire for me. 

This year, He is whispering  the phrase, “Just be thankful.” Thankful for each day given as a gift from Him, for each day I spend with Tom, for each day I have to serve Him in England, and for each day as the Lord walks with me into and through 2026. Just be thankful.

It’s not a matter of counting my blessings and it’s not about looking at what I have around me but choosing an attitude of thankfulness in the face of the future, the current day, and yes, every moment. For He waters every moment (Isaiah 27:3). 

What a thought!  Every moment has His hand written all over it.  Every moment has His intimate attention. It makes my heart burst into song.

Every moment of the day

My father cares for me 

Every moment of the day 

He’s watching over me

He who sees the sparrow fall

Will hear my call

My Heavenly Father watches over me!

So I can just be thankful!

None of us know what God has designed for 2026 but an attitude of thankful places us in a much healthier position and creates opportunity for joy and spiritual growth.

To walk into the New Year with negativity, apprehension, or resentment only breeds darkness and disappointment. It inhibits the beauty of seeing Gods hand. 

Psalm 27:13 speaks to my heart when I think about this choice. The verse begins, “I had fainted.” I would have given up, fallen away, dropped out discouraged, “unless I had believed,” trusted His Word and promises, “to see the goodness of the Lord!” 

Just be thankful!  

God’s goodness is always there. He remains faithful no matter what the future holds. He has His plan in full swing and I have no power or right to change or inhibit it. My part is to participate in what He has for me and be thankful.

We, as His children, are most privileged. He meets our every needs, protects us along the way, has good plans for us, and His goodness means He guides us by the skilfulness of His hand.

Let’s just be thankful and trust Him with 2026.

Week Fifty-One - Weep or Rejoice

Sometimes life is hard and disappointing. Our best hopes can fail, and we face a choice about how to respond. Will we weep or rejoice?

After seventy years of captivity, the Jews returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, and as the temple's foundation is completed, the people rejoice, "praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel" (Ezra 3:11). 

Yet while they are rejoicing, the older men are weeping; maybe because the new temple isn't as large and glorious as the first, or maybe because they are humbled to see God's promise fulfilled.

Mary and Joseph had big plans for their life together. The traditions of marriage were being followed to the T, and they and their parents had expectations of a beautiful new family. But one visit from an angel and that vision perished. It was gone, never to return again. Fear and hurt spread across their hearts as they came to understand their position. Yet both of these young people surrendered to God's vision for their lives, knowing He was in control.

Sometimes life doesn't turn out as expected. Our visions of glory are marred and dimmed, but God's vision is not. This second temple, though not as grand and glorious as the first, was still a reminder of His mercy and ability to keep His Word. This juncture with God brought the young couple much heartache, but also the fulfillment of God's promise.

I'm reminded of the word, nevertheless. Jesus said, "Nevertheless, not my will but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42). The disciples said, "Nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net" (Luke 5:5). The Bible also says, "Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure" (2 Timothy 2:19). This word is used over 100 times in the Bible. It means not to regard the situation but to proceed. It is a word of choice.

Our reaction is our choice. 

We can sit crying or put our hands to the work.
We can hold on to a hurt or surrender it to God.
We can wish things were different or graciously accept them as they are.
We can pine away in melancholy or seek to be a blessing.
We can weep at what is lost or rejoice in what is given. 

When life grows hard, what will be your choice?

Week Fifty - The Tired Pastor

Today I want to share some Scriptures that caught my attention during my daily Bible reading. In 2 Chronicles 29:34, we read, "But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings; wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests."

I made a little note next to this verse: "Interesting." These priests seemed lazy in their work and ill-prepared when Hezekiah called for the passover. I wondered why and dismissed them as lazy souls.

I moved on with my reading and came to 30:18-20 reading, "A multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, the good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary. And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people."

That is interesting, too. Even though the people weren't ready to do the passover as God had prescribed, He granted them mercy and acceptance.

Reading on, I came to 31:4. Here I had to stop and think for a while. It reads, "Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord."

Why did these priest needs encouragement? As I thought about what had been taking place, I remembered they had been under Ahaz, a wicked king, and hardly anybody was going to "church." The house of God was not cared for, full of evil and idolatry, and now Hezekiah was trying to put things right. These men of God were discouraged, probably wondering why God even bothered to have a tribe dedicated to a temple that wasn't loved and appreciated. They needed encouragement to pick up the banner and get back on board with the task.

Before I share a few thoughts, the Bible speaks of encouragement again in 2 Chronicles 35:2 when Josiah calls for the passover. "And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the Lord."

This idea of encouraging spiritual leaders and servants has carried through several chapters, reminding us of the need to uplift and encourage those who serve us in spiritual matters.

Theirs is a different weight of responsibility than ours in the pew. Theirs is a calling, and we should not be neglectful in remembering them in prayer, showing appreciation, and helping and giving where we can. These small acts of kindness and thought, and our faithful attendance and participation, are a source of encouragement for them.

Does your pastor seem weary? Is the light in his eyes dim? He may need encouragement and some appreciation. This is a good season to express love. How will you encourage him in his work?