Week Thirty - The Spiral Staircase

God's Word holds the idea of rising higher and higher, like climbing a spiral staircase, always returning to the same standpoint but from a higher position on the circling circle. This is especially true when we consider our position in Christ and the growth of understanding that comes to the Christian.

The first step is salvation, the blessedness of knowing we belong to an invisible, heavenly family. Psalm 32:1 reads, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."

Another step leads us to recognize the blessedness of being comforted with the comfort only God can give. Assurance and peace become our companions as we continue to climb."

The steps of understanding our privileged position in Christ, that we are complete in Him, and that we serve the Lord Christ compels us to strive for greater heights. 

The higher we climb, the more we appreciate the blessed work of the Spirit. His guidance, conviction, and instruction help us make steady progress. 

Humbled, we rejoice in the blessed knowledge that we are recipients of mercy, undeserved yet dearly beloved. 

And as we behold the vision of God - His majesty, power, and great love with which He has loved us - we are compelled to hold on more tightly as we breathe heavenly air. 

This cycle continues as we grasp more of the spiritual blessings bestowed upon us and begin to see ourselves as saints and children of God whose sins are forgiven.

Note the rising circle pattern of Ephesians 2:6-10

Step One: Salvation - But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 

Step Two: Learning our Position in Christ - "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" 

Step Three: Learning more of Grace -  "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. "

Step Four: Humble Understanding - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." 

Step Five: Heartfelt Service - "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

As we grow in Christ, we learn more about grace and begin serving with a pure and genuine heart. God repeatedly assures us of His love, and we grow in confidence and humility each time we consider His grace applied to our lives. 

Where are you on this learning curve? Are you growing in Christ? 

If you don't know Him, it's time to get on the ladder! The first step is to believe in Jesus, trust Him, and accept His gift of salvation.

Why not join me on the staircase, and let's learn more about what it means to "sit together in heavenly places in Christ."

Week Twenty-Nine - Finding Your Feet!

This past year, we enjoyed spending time with our grandkids. Several of them are at the point where they are ready to leave home. They are testing out their wings, learning to drive, finding jobs, heading to college, and looking to see where life will take them as they try to find their feet. We've had some long conversations and shared stories about ourselves and their parents launching into life.

Finding their feet can take some time. Unless they know their goal, they may wander around for a while, making parents and grandparents nervous. However, finding our feet is not a challenge reserved for teenagers. Even adults can find it difficult. Why? 

Maybe you are standing on slippery rocks. Like those moss-covered ones by the riverbank, you slip before noticing the danger. Slippery rocks are those where we are taking risks. Risks that involve lies or cheating. Risks of being found out or getting caught. Slippery rocks will trip us up every time. 

Or maybe you are afraid to put your feet in the water. You've been hurt, failed before, or don't know if you have what it takes. You'll never know what God has for you until you wade out into the deep.  Faith calls for us to get our feet wet; to walk on water, you must get out of the boat!

If you are standing on the shore with only your toes in the stream, you'll never know the thrill of the ride. You might enjoy a measure of refreshing, but you'll never reach your full potential. 

Are you afraid you can't stand against the current? That might be a concern, especially if your faith is only in yourself. Getting into the river of life with God will hurl you down fantastic plunges, but you'll never regret taking the opportunity to know His power. 

Finding your feet in a stream requires getting onto solid rock, anchoring deep, and adjusting to the current. It is similar in life. You need to be on that solid rock. 1 Samuel 2:2 reads, "There is none holy as the Lord; for there is none beside thee; neither is there any rock like our God." He is solid. When we place our faith in God, He gives us footing.

1 Corinthians 10:4 gives us a couple more assurances about the Rock. It speaks of the children of Israel and the great exodus: "And did all drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them; and that Rock was Christ."

Let's focus on two words. The first one is drank. When we drink the water of life, we never thirst again. He becomes our source; that spiritual water gives us the power to stand and adjust to the current of life. And the second word is followed. The spiritual Rock followed them in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. They were never outside His view or out of reach. You, too, are never out of His view or reach. You can launch yourself into life because you are covered! You will find your feet because He is leading, He is following your every step, and He is in control.

As I pray for my grandchildren to find their feet in life, I'm excited to see where God will take them. They may hit some slippery spots and face fears and disappointments, but I know they are cared for by the Rock because they are His.

The same is true for you if you are in Christ. So, get out there and find your feet!

Week Twenty-Eight - When I Remember

Praying always. That's what the Bible says. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Eph 6:18). 

Does that mean we walk around with our eyes closed and hands folded? Are we to be like the Pharisees, lifting our hands and praying aloud in public? Are we to always be in our prayer closet? Hardly. The instruction is about an inner sanctum, an attitude, and readiness for prayer.

So, the question today is, "Are you praying always?" 

I drew this little poem from Spurgeon's devotion, Restraining Prayer.

When I remember God is omnipotent,
I pray for larger things.

When I remember God is tender and full of compassion,
I pray for the little things.

When I remember God is great,
I pray boldly.

When I remember God is faithful,
I pray confidently.

When I remember God is full of majesty,
I pray with awe and delight.

When I remember God is forgiving,
I pray in humble confession.

When I remember God is my Father,
I pray with love.

When I remember God is my Provider,
I pray with earnestness.

When I remember God is my Protector,
I pray with expectation.

When I pray,
Let me always remember.

And how important it is to remember to Whom we are praying. No gimmicks, luck charms, or magic words are necessary, just a humble recognition of who He is. He remains faithful, loves to bless, knows and cares, never leaves nor forsakes. We pray to Him, and He answers our prayers based on His attributes.

Friend, we can pray always because He is always there! Not one moment of your life goes unrecognized or undesigned by Him. Surely, when you remember His greatness, constant prayer and praise will be your response.

Week Twenty-Seven - Hard-hearted

For my Bible reading this year, I am taking a chapter at a time and asking the Lord to reveal a little truth or fresh insight. I wanted to share a sample with you that significantly spoke to my heart.

In Exodus 8, Moses stands before Pharoah as the plagues of frogs, lice, and flies occur. Verse 15 reads, "But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said."

The only thing Moses knew as he obeyed God was what God had said - Pharoah would be stubborn, yet God would bring Israel out with a strong hand. "Then the Lord said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharoah: for with a strong hand shall he let them (the Children of Israel) go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land" (Exodus 6:1). Moses didn't know how long this would take.

As God increases the severity of the plagues, he must have wondered what it would take to break Pharoah's stubborn resolve. He didn't know all God had planned; he simply did his part by obeying God's direction as he brought God's word to Pharoah.

As I read, I began to think of the hard-hearted around us. Maybe they are our shopkeepers, co-workers, or even members of our family. They staunchly reject the gospel and resist all our pleas. I've even known God to shake the hard-hearted through tragedy, but like Pharoah, they refuse to yield. We, like Moses, may feel we can only watch as they move further and further away from God.

Do you have a stubborn loved one resisting the gospel? Have you witnessed repeatedly but to no reception? Don't give up! You can rest knowing you have done your part by sharing the light and will continue sharing. You have obeyed, as Moses did, by doing what the Lord has directed. If they refuse, that is their decision  - a sad decision but one you cannot make for them. 

He is not willing that any perish. Do you doubt that? Look at all the opportunities God gave Pharoah to repent and yield. And yet, he wasted God's grace. God is not willing for your loved one to perish either, so keep shining your light. Keep offering God's grace and mercy, and at the same time, rest yourself in the sovereign knowledge of God. You don't know what God has planned, but you can remain faithful and obedient in giving them the gospel.

Week Twenty-Six - Don't Get So Hung Up

Often, we read statements and accept them without thinking of their meaning. For example, we looked at trust your heart several weeks ago. It sounds good, but it contradicts the Bible's truth. Another phrase we accept, but Jesus never commended, is You deserve to be happy. You won't find that in the Bible, either. We all prefer to feel happy, but happiness is not a Bible quality. The Bible gives us joy, which is considerably different and much deeper than any fleeting happiness. 

I read an interesting quote by Michael Marshall highlighting another of these well-intended statements: "You need to find your identity."

According to Psychology Today, finding one's identity involves discovering and developing one's potential, choosing one's life's purpose, and finding opportunities to exercise that potential and purpose. 

That sounds good, and doing those things is wise, but we miss a significant component of life if we only use what we do or accomplish to define our identity. What I do is not who I am. I am more than a writer, more than a Christian worker, more than my job description, aren't you?

When you go home at night, do you continue thinking of yourself in terms of your job? Do you carry on with the same motivation and attitude as at work? Or do you relax and return to being yourself- the self outside your job description?

Another definition of identity states that it is not static. It is a dynamic concept that changes throughout life, with time, and through your struggles. I'd agree. I'm not the same person I was in my teen years or even in my 30s. But I'm still me, with all my insecurities, fears, and personality traits. How about you?

So, that definition doesn't help much, either.

Here's the thing: we can search to find our identity, but we still struggle to define it because it differs for each of us. We have a variety of sides because we are complex creatures with moral qualities, spiritual needs, varying levels of intellect, and social strata. Yet we desire to understand ourselves, define who we are, why we are here, and where we are going.

It may be time for you to read the quote that prompted my thoughts. Michael Marshal writes, 

"Modern man is hung up on his identity. The Christian realizes that his true identity is a mystery known only to God and that any attempt at this stage on the road of discipleship to define himself is bound to be blasphemous and destructive of that mysterious work of God forming Christ in him by the power of the Holy Spirit. Certainly, the Christian does not define his identity by his actions; that is the very ultimate in anti-Christ, for it is in effort saying that I am my own creator."

Let's unpack that a bit.

We are a mystery known only to God. How true. We cannot discover our hearts. As Paul puts it in Romans, we try to do good but fail miserably. But God knows our hearts, and He is at work in our lives to bring us to Christlikeness. We step outside our authority and ability when we try to unravel this mystery or define ourselves through actions. We have been bought with a price. We no longer define ourselves by ourselves, but our identity is intrinsically bound in Christ. He becomes our identity. We belong to Him.

I don't know about you, but this takes loads of pressure off my life. I don't have to "become" anything or "be" anyone because I am already a child of God. No need to figure anything else out because I now live by faith in Christ, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 

So, let's not get so hung up on who we are that we overlook the beauty of who He is and what He is doing in us. Let's rest ourselves in the Bible's definition of identity and keep moving forward into Christlikeness.

Galatians 2:20 reads, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." That sounds like a healthy place to start.

Week Twenty Five - Delightfully

One of the first verses that meant anything to me was Psalm 37:4, "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thy heart." I took this promise to heart, and I can tell you that God keeps His promises. He has given me more than my heart could have ever imagined because I chose to take Him at His word. I set Him to be my delight.

Spurgeon took this verse as a subject of one of his devotions, writing, "The life of the believer is here described as a delight in God, and we are thus certified of the great fact that true religion overflows with happiness and joy. Ungodly persons and those who merely profess faith never look upon religion as a joyful thing; to them it is service, duty, or necessity but never pleasure or delight."

When I read his devotion, I had to stop and think about this. Are there people who think it is a waste of time to serve the Lord? Yes. Are there people who believe you have lost your mind when you speak of all God has done for you? Yes. Are there people who see the church as demeaning, demanding, or brainwashing? Yes. Are there Christians who begrudge service, withhold, and resist the leading of the Lord? Yes.

To them, Spurgeon says, "The thought of delight in religion is so strange that no two words in their language stand further apart than "holiness" and "delight." They do not equate the two together.

And yet, those who know the Lord and choose to accept the promise of Psalm 37:4 understand the blessed unity. Those who love God with all their hearts find His ways pleasant and His paths peaceful. For all the joys, delights, and blessings the saints discover in their Lord, Spurgeon says, "that so far from serving Him from custom, they would follow Him though all the world cast out His name as evil."

To the child of God, there is no coercion. Our faith is not a fetter, bondage, or duty. It is a joy. There is joy in serving Jesus, delightful joy. Spurgeon says, "Our piety is our pleasure, our hope is our happiness, our duty is our delight."

Dear friend, how do you view Christianity? Do you know joy? Do you delight yourself in the Lord? Do you serve Him willingly? Is He your source of contentment and purpose? That is the only way you can claim the promise of this verse. "He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." It's like a blank cheque, an golden opportunity, or a limitless blessing for those who love God and delightfully serve Him. 

Where is your delight?

Week Twenty-Four - Dad in the Shadows

Clint Clifton wrote, The man who draws the curtain for a theater performance "hides away in the dark so he doesn't distract your attention from the stage. If he has done his job properly, he presents the stage while standing out of the spotlight. Likewise, if your ministry is fruitful, Jesus will stand center stage while you are hidden in the shadows."

He's talking about the minister, but today, let's think about this in relation to the father. One of the major components of good fathering is the ability to bestow power on the children, enabling them to succeed. This is not so much done by the father succeeding as by his ability to equip and encourage his children to find their path. 

Think for a moment of all the great people you know from history. For how many of them can you name their fathers? 

For example, take George Washington. Do you think he learned truth and perseverance on his own? What about Benjamin Franklin? Who was his father? Have you ever heard of him? His name was Josiah Franklin, a British candle and soap maker with 17 children. But he did such a good job raising Benjamin that we have the privilege of his wisdom leading in establishing the USA and forming our constitution.

What about Billy Graham's father? He was a North Carolina dairy farmer who almost lost everything in the Great Depression but managed to slowly recover and leave his son a legacy of faith, hard work, and determination. God used Billy Graham's father's behind-the-scenes prayers and wisdom to raise a young man fit for the Master's use.

As we approach Father's Day, it is a good time for us to consider what our fathers have done to help us, teach us good work ethics and honesty, and pave the way for our success.

Dads in the shadows are to be honored and valued. Very few of us will become historical characters, but our histories are intrinsically linked to a good father's faithfulness, love, and parenting. Maybe you'd like to take him out of the shadows this Father's Day and put him on the stage! Tell him how much you appreciate him, recognize his personal sacrifice, and his continued love and encouragement. A good dad in the shadows is a treasure.

Week Twenty-Three - One

Dr. Ken Liles lent me David Platt's book Something Needs to Change. In it, Platt challenges our complacent Christianity by sharing his trip to the Himalayas. He addresses what it means to follow Jesus in a world filled with urgent and heartbreaking physical and spiritual needs. 

When I read, I often copy good quotes or things that speak to my heart. One such quote was a phrase: "turning tears into tactics." Platt was challenged not simply to feel sad about the situations he saw but to turn those tears into ways or tactics to meet the needs of the people who so touched his heart.

The situations he experienced were heart-rendering. Children tied in barns because they were disabled, young girls sold into sexual slavery, people martyred for coming to Christ, inadequate medical care, and poverty beyond description. All of these are so far outside our Western everyday reality that we can barely imagine the darkness in which these people live.

But the one thing I took from the books was a discussion on Luke 15, the importance of one. As you read Luke 15, you find three stories: The lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost or wayward son. In the case of the first two stories, someone went looking. The shepherd left the ninety-and-nine to search for and find the one lost sheep. In the case of the lost coin, the woman diligently searches and cleans her house until the coin is found.

In the final story, we read about the prodigal son, who left his father to lead a life full of sin. And while we don't see the father going out to retrieve him, we see the father waiting with great anticipation for the day his son would return. This one son meant the world to him.

David Platt wrote, "God is passionate about finding the one." And how beautiful is that thought? God will search for us and wait for us with passionate anticipation.

But then, Platt wrote, "There's really only one thing worse than being lost. What's worse is being lost when no one is trying to find you."

Oh, dear friend, do you understand that statement? What if you were the one living high in the Himalayan mountains, with no access to the Gospel, never having heard of the man Jesus, and dying without ever knowing God loved you? And no one. No one was coming to tell you. No one even thought about you being there. They were not trying to bring you the Gospel.

Millions of people worldwide are in this same situation. They may not all be living in such dire situations, but they are all lost, and few—very few—are out searching for them. And that, David Platt says, needs to change. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. Surely, our lives would be best spent doing the same.

Do you know someone who needs to hear the Gospel and experience God's love? Will you be the one to tell them?

What if God called you to leave your comfortable Western life to take the story of God's love to those who have never heard? Would you go?

What if you were the one no one was looking for? Does that not motivate you to share your faith? It does me!

Week Twenty-Two - Together

Over this year, Tom has preached on two verses that contain the word together. Philippians 1:27 speaks of striving together, and John 4:36 talks about rejoicing together. Every time he preaches these verses, my heart rejoices, and my imagination takes off. Let me tell you why.

The verse in Philippians paints a picture of what is happening to us now. We aim to live a Christian life, stand alongside each other, and "strive together for the faith of the gospel." 

Oh, how we need to continue in this manner. The days are evil, and the time is growing short. We want to be found faithful and prepared for our Lord's return, so we encourage each other and set a loving example for those around us—striving together.

The idea is to strive simultaneously with one another or seek something jointly. It even means wrestling in company with others. You can't miss the instruction. As the children of God and Christ's body, our mandate on earth is to spread the Word, be light and salt, and stand for the Gospel. That takes actual labor and a joint effort to do it properly.

As missionaries, we see this striving together through churches supporting us financially and prayerfully as we aid in the church's fulfillment of the Great Commission. But even in every individual church, the members must strive together to keep the church alive and growing. We are all striving together to fulfill the Lord's commands.

With this picture of striving together toward a goal or a joint outcome, we see the future rejoicing together, as mentioned in John. The verse describes those who sow and those who reap jointly rejoicing when the harvest is complete.

For example, when a soul is saved, those who witnessed, those who watered, and those who joined in prayer all rejoice at the new birth. They labored together and rejoiced together.

When a church pays off its mortgage, those who gave, those who prayed, and those who directed the finances rejoice. They labored together, and now they rejoice together.

When we all get to heaven, those who served, those who prayed, and those who gave will rejoice. They strived together for the sake of the Gospel, and now they will rejoice together.

I find these two verses so encouraging and motivating. As we serve, pray, and give to further the Gospel, we know we are striving together. And when we once stand before our King, there will be no regret. We will rejoice that our laboring together has brought us great reward.

So, dear Christian friend, keep up the work. Stay faithful. Stay true. 1 Corinthians 2:19 reads, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him."  Or, indeed, them that labor together!

Week Twenty-One - What's on the Menu?

I wish I could remember who said this, but his idea has stuck in my head, and I'd like to explore it with you a bit today. Here's what he said. "God is not a buffet. He's a menu with only one entree." 

The speaker indicated that we can't pick and choose when it comes to our eternal salvation. Jesus is the only way to God. He is the once for all, the only name under heaven given for salvation. If we go around tasting and trying other ways, we risk missing the true way. 

I agree. Jesus is the only way to salvation. And, reader, if you haven't yet tasted His love and forgiveness through repentance, I adjure you to taste and see that the Lord is good and gracious. He is ready and willing to forgive. Our part is to believe. 

But here's the thing with the Lord. Once we become a child of God through salvation, we step through into a most miraculous banquet room. No good thing will He withhold from those who love Him. We are now complete in Him, and all that is His is ours. 

Spurgeon put it this way, "When Jesus is the host, no guest goes empty from the table. Our head is satisfied with the precious truth which Christ reveals; our heart is content with Jesus, as the altogether lovely object of affection; our hope is satisfied for whom have we in heaven but Jesus? and our desire is satiated, for what more can we wish for than "to know Christ and to be found in Him"? Jesus fills our conscience until it is at perfect peace; our judgment with persuasion of the certainty of His teachings; our memory with recollection of what He has done, and our imagination with the prospects of what He is yet to do."

These truths are a variable banquet for our souls. We feed upon the Word through the aid of His Spirit. We desire the sincere milk and the meat of the Word. No one ever goes away from the banquet table empty. And the table is always full, always varied, and always fresh as we feed upon the Word.

So what's on the menu? Christ - who passes all understanding, fills our longings, and is sweeter than honey. Come and enjoy!

Psalm 19:7-10

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul:
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart:
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever:
the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:
sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Week Twenty - You Needn't Do Without

"Nobody loves me. Everybody hates me. I may as well go out and eat worms." Do you remember hearing or saying this when you were a child? Or maybe you catch yourself repeating this to yourself as an adult. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not everyone hates you. Eating worms won't actually change anything. And even if you feel no one on this earth loves you, God is watching over you with eyes of love, more love than you can imagine.

Just as God loves His Son, Jesus loves His people in the same manner. John 17:26 reads, "That the love wherewith thou (God) hast loved me (Jesus) may be in them, and I in them." We are recipients of God's love through Jesus, a love without beginning and without end. We need never fear losing His love because it will never cease. It is called everlasting love, for God is love. Spurgeon says, "You can easily find the beginning of your love to Christ, but His love to us is a stream whose source is hidden in eternity."

Do you have a marked beginning of your love for Christ? Have you understood your need for a Savior and placed your faith in His sacrificial gift of Calvary? If so, you can securely rest your soul in this love.

Because God's love is without any change. 

When things are going great and you feel like you're on top of the world, His love is there. When you're in the pits, and things seem dark and uncertain, there is still the comfort of His abiding love. He is steadfast and true. His loving heart remains faithful. He doesn't blow hot and cold like we do. 

God's love is without any measure and wholly dedicated to His children. He loves us and gave Himself for us. It is a love that is unbreakable, unshakable, and unwavering. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from His immense love. "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, Nor height nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

Dear Christian friend, if you are feeling down and out today, grab hold of the truth of God's eternal love. He is there beside you. Rest yourself in this love, and let Him lift your spirits.

But, if you do not know this love, today is a great day to turn to the Saviour and accept His love poured out for you on Calvary. Ephesians 2 describes us as children of wrath, disobedient, and lustful. But then comes the blessed hope of verse 4, "But God, who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith he loved us."

And that makes all the difference. It makes John 3:16 come alive. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."

God's love is always there for you. Your part is to believe in and accept His love. You needn't do without it!

Week Nineteen - The Fruitful Vine

My friend lived in an ancient stone house down by the river Wye in South Wales. Over the front door and all along the upper windows grew this beautiful wisteria, producing gorgeous purple flowers that drew the eye and created the perfect adornment for the old stone cottage. 

At my home, I had English ivy that grew and covered the neighbor's wall beside my back deck. I enjoyed the beauty of this hearty vine, even without purpling flowers like my friend's wisteria.

Did you know that the Bible describes the wife as a vine? Psalm 128 says she is a "fruitful vine by the sides of thine house."

As we begin thinking of Mother's Day, let's take that description and consider two qualities of the mother: beauty and fruitfulness.

Our homes reflect who we are. Some mothers love to decorate their homes for each season, while others prefer consistency. Some love a variety of colors, while others maintain a defined palette. Some homes are known for the smells from the kitchen, while others are full of crafting materials. Every home is different because it reflects the preference and personality of the occupants, most certainly the mother.

My husband likes to tease me about nesting. Since we often travel and stay in different places, I find myself trying to make a little home in each place. Even when living out of a suitcase, I tend to nest. This is how a woman reveals her heart, by decorating her home and creating a loving atmosphere. 

The mother often leads in this nesting, which is precisely what Titus 2 instructs for the younger women: that they love their husbands and children and be keepers at home. 1 Timothy uses the word guide; they are to guide their house, make it beautiful and fruitful.

When we look at the woman in Proverbs 31, we see her beauty and fruitfulness encircling her home like my friend's wisteria. She was known in the gates for the beautiful fruit she produced. Her fruitfulness, and ours, stemmed from how she managed her home and cared for her family. She was indeed a fruitful vine to her husband, producing not only children and a side income but also a good testimony, an example of wisdom, and a reputation of godliness. She was a living testament to the power of beauty and fruitfulness. Her impact on her family and community was profound, inspiring us all to strive for the same.

When I reflect on the qualities of the woman in Proverbs 31, and I compare them to the beauty and fruitfulness of a wisteria enveloping a home, I am challenged. Am I, like her, an attractive and loving adornment to my husband and children? Am I producing excellent and beautiful fruit in my life? Do others see the fruit of my home and life as a blessing? These are the questions that resonate with me as I consider the impact of my role as a mother and homemaker.

The family and community's reaction to the woman in Proverbs 31 was praise, and I love that final verse: "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."

Let's be mothers and grandmothers whose lives create beauty and bring praise not only from our family but also to the Lord.

Happy Mother's Day.

Week Eighteen - F.A.T

Fat. Is that a dirty word to you? Does it make you feel uncomfortable? For me, it is a constant battle. I'm not wildly overweight, but I carry more pounds than the charts say I should. It always amazes me that I can gain five pounds in two or three days, yet it takes over a month of hard work to get rid of them. 

But today, I want us to take a different view of this word.  Psalm 92:14 says, "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing." 

Fat and flourishing—that sounds a bit more positive! The word fat here doesn't refer to the weight we carry. I think you'll like the Bible definitions.

It means full of sap, juicy, rich, or wealthy. It also has the idea of being vigorous.

Flourishing means to be green with growth, productive, and prosperous. 

So, let's combine those two definitions. Even in old age, we can still be active and productive, full of energy and growth.

I had a little thing recorded in my journal from a book by Clint Clifton defining fat this way.

F - Faithful
A - Available
T - Teachable

What an excellent way to look at what we should be as Christians, both young and old, because these three things will make us active, productive, full of energy, and growth. We have a purpose, even in our old age!

Verse 15 gives us that purpose, "To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him." When the young ones see us, they should see the life of Christ shining through our lives. Even if we aren't up chasing little ones in the nursery or playing volleyball with the teens, our attitude should be one of positive flourishing that shows the Lord's goodness and righteousness. The young ones need us to show them Christ and the joy of serving Him.

I don't know about you, but I want to remain fat and flourishing in my old age. I want to keep my little light shining for the next generation and the ones the Lord brings into my life for spiritual influence.

So the next time I think of myself as fat, I want to say, "Yes! I am faithful, available, and teachable. Use me, Lord, for Your glory."

Week Seventeen - What in the World Can We Do?

Sometimes, we feel like giving up when we listen to the news. We may feel powerless to guide our communities or positively influence what is happening around us. We witness things changing before our eyes that we never imagined would be accepted by society. 

We may think that the world is becoming worse than it has ever been, but if we read our Bible, we will find that the world has always been as evil as it is now. The flood is an example of that, and so is Israel's history, as well as the rise and fall of different cultures documented in our history books. The availability of today's media means that we are more aware of the global problem of evil. 

So, what did the faithful do when faced with blatant evil in the Old Testament, the Roman Empire, the Reformation, and other eras? They remained faithful and did five things continuously, which we can still do in our era.

1) They continually sought the Lord. 1 Chronicles 16:11 reads, "Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually."It is important to remain faithful to God and stay connected with His church. Always keep yourself engaged with the Bible and make sure that you are surrounded by God's love (Jude 21). The more we seek Him, the more we will be able to see Him. Therefore, it is essential to keep our eyes focused on the Lord and not let fear take over.

2) They continued to praise God. Psalm 34:1 says, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 40:10 reads, "Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified."

There is such a supernatural power in praise. According to Isaiah 6:13, we should put on the garment of praise to combat the spirit of heaviness. Praise lifts us to hope. As we seek the Lord, praise brings us thankfulness and comfort. It allows us to look beyond today's problems to the future, a future securely in God's hands. He has already won the battle over evil, so praise Him for this truth.

3) They continued to pray. Scripture teaches us to pray in faith, to come boldly before the throne, and without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). When you examine the prayers of the Bible, you find many recorded during times of great evil, as the faithful knelt before the Lord, pleading for protection and deliverance, and God heard and answered their prayers. The book of Revelation tells us that the prayers of God's people are a sweet incense rising to heaven. These prayers act as a catalyst for final justice, and that's why our prayers are so powerful.

4) They continued to wait. And here is the clincher. We might seek the Lord, find praise in our hearts, and keep ourselves before Him in prayer, but do we understand the instruction to wait? Hosea 12:6 says, "Turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually." We don't know the future, but we do know our God. His promise is, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faith (Isaiah 40:31). Waiting indicates trust and the blessings of waiting are apparent. Waiting indicates we believe God will answer. It gives us time to pray and allows the Spirit to do His work in our hearts. It shows our reliance upon God and demonstrates spiritual wisdom that keeps us from undue trouble or running ahead of god. Waiting reveals our faith in God and shows we look to Him and no one else.

5) They continued to hope. Psalm 71:14 reads, "I will hope continually and will yet praise thee more and more." We serve a God of the impossible. He knows everything and has everything under His control. We can never go wrong placing our hope in Him, for with Him, all things are possible. Instead of trying to figure things out ourselves, we will find greater joy and more praise by placing our hope solely in His wisdom and everlasting love.

This old world is tumbling to its end. We know that to be true. So, what in the world can we do? We can remain faithful, keep ourselves before the Lord with praise and prayer, and wait upon Him to do all things according to the purpose of His will (Ephesians 1:11). We needn't feel desperate or forsaken, for we are not! We have hope. When you read the end of the story, you see that the prayers of the saints are answered. God will make all things right. 

Week Sixteen - Forever Gracious

As we navigate life's storms, I want to share some beautiful truths about God's eternal ways. These truths, which have comforted me in my own journey, remind us that we are not alone. They are like a compass, guiding us toward His wisdom and graciousness.

Spurgeon writes with such eloquence that I may quote directly at times. He is commenting on Habakkuk 3:6, which reads, "His ways are everlasting." 

God is the same yesterday as He is today. He never changes. While we vary and shift, God is eternal, everlasting, and always true. His steadfastness brings us great comfort. When we face scary times, we can rest ourselves in these truths. They are anchors in the storms of life. 

When I faced cancer a few years ago, God placed 2 Timothy 4:17 on my heart, and it sustained me. "Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me and strengthened me." Keeping my eyes on His perfection, eternal love, and graciousness enabled me to walk that path in greater comfort and deep assurance. If you are in a storm today or looking for hope, take time to consider today's thoughts.

We can rest ourselves in the gracious consistency of God:

1. Because the Lord's ways are the result of wise deliberation. I love Ephesians 1:11. It has become a stalworth for me. He, God, "worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." Nothing takes Him by surprise or happens that He has not foreseen. He factors our every moment into His ways. Just meditate on that and see if that doesn't amaze you. All things, everything, nothing is outside His awareness, but it is used within His will to accomplish His plan.

2. His ways are the outgrowth of an immutable character. God's attributes are fixed and settled. He is the Eternal One, gracious, faithful, and wise. He acts according to His nature. He knows no shadow of turning. So when you read His Word, you can believe His promises are true. He will not change. He does not lie. He is faithful and consistent to the nth degree. He always loves you. He is always faithful to you. He is always watching over you. These things do not change because God does not change.

3. His ways are the embodiment of irresistible might. Spurgeon writes, "The earth is said, by the prophet, to be cleft with rivers, mountains tremble, the deep lifts up its hands, and sun and moon stand still, when Jehovah marches forth for the salvation of His people. Who can stop His hand, or say to Him, 'What are You doing?' " God has irresistible might. Beyond our comprehension. What does that mean for you? It means God is your defender. No weapon fashioned against us can stand. (Isaiah 54:17) And I love Proverbs 21:30 & 31, "There is no wisdom nor understanding or counsel against the Lord. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord." Our forever gracious Lord is strong in might and wisdom. He is our unconquerable deliverer; nothing can withstand Him. Proverbs 18:10 reads, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." Oh, how safe we are in the mighty hand of God! 

4. His ways are the manifestation of the eternal principles of right. His Word will stand. His Word is truth, eternal truth. While "evil breeds decay and involves ruin, the true and the good have about them a vitality which ages cannot diminish." We are eternally secure because we have placed our faith in the eternal principles of God. He will never act outside these principles. We might not understand what He is doing, but that does not change the truth that God is always right and works by wise, unchanging, powerful, and eternal principles. His plan is for final justice. He will make all things right in the end.

These truths are of great comfort in a world spinning to its end. They bolster the souls of the saints in times of storm and uncertainty. Those who know Christ as Saviour can rest solidly in God's forever gracious ways.

So today, if you are facing a storm or deep in the midst of one, grab hold of the anchor of these truths and let Him be your eternal shield. He is forever gracious.

Week Fifteen - Leave a Well in the Valley

A dear friend, Dale Peterson, wrote a book called Leave a Well in the Valley. In it, he recounts God's path through ups and downs, lessons learned, and faith that carried him through. 

A few years ago, my friend Becki and I began reading books written in the 40s by a woman named Marjorie Wilkinson. She wrote in a simple and homespun way to encourage others to follow Christ. 

And in the 1600s, a man named Jeremiah Burroughs wrote two works that have blessed my heart: The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment and An Exposition of the Beatitudes. Comfort and instruction from others often prove serviceable to our spiritual growth. 

These writers, and many others, left a well in the valley for our encouragement. When we read of their journey, we know they have been there before us and dug a well for our supply. These road signs of pilgrims gone before help us see the footprints of faith. How thankful can we be for those who took the time to log their journey?

Proverbs 13:22 reminds us, "A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children." This verse isn't just about material wealth but the legacy of faith we leave behind. Money and lands may pass away, but a spiritual inheritance is eternal. We may not all write books, but we can all share our testimonies of the Lord's faithfulness with our children and grandchildren. This is how we leave a well in the valley for them, a source of spiritual nourishment that will never run dry. 

In Deuteronomy 6, we are not just encouraged but urged to speak of the Lord freely and frequently in our homes. Our conversations about God should flow as naturally as water from a well. I can still hear the words of my grandparents as they shared their salvation stories, the times when the Lord intervened in their lives, and the prayers they fervently offered and answered. These memories I now pass on to my children and grandchildren, creating a legacy of faith and leaving a well in the valley for them to draw from.

What are you leaving for others? A well full of faith and encouragement or a dry valley? 

Psalm 78:6 reads, "That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children." Do you see the idea? Each generation is responsible for leaving a well in the valley for the next.

Today is a good time to start digging!