Never and Always

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 NIV

Never. It's said in counseling that one should not say definitive words such as never and always. Those words, they say, do not accurately reflect the human condition as we cannot truly say we never do something or we always say a certain word. But that's because we are human and fallible.

God is infallible therefore he can use words such as never and always. He will never let the righteous be shaken. Never. Not by anything here on earth. That alone gives me such peace that no matter how crazy it gets in this world, I know that God is in control.

He will always be with you.

Pray and Believe

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 NIV

I've heard many people say that if you believe something truly in your heart and act as though it were real, it will somehow magically appear. This verse is quoted as proof. But as much as the Bible is clear on things, sometimes you can't take verses out of context. The very next verse says that when you pray, make sure you hold nothing against anyone.

Woah. That right there says so much. Are we truly not harboring any unforgiveness? Are our hearts really seeking God's will when we pray? Jesus was pure of heart and spirit so when he spoke, those words had power. So it is with our words and prayers. But if we hold ill will against anyone or unconfessed sin, it can hold us back from fulfilling God's will in our life.

Lay it all out before God and seek Him first.

Social Capital

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord , the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:1‭-‬8 NIV

Where does your help come from? I'm sure you have, like I do, help from people around you. Help for all kinds of things, because it really does take a village. Social capital is a key factor in determining your social skills and knowledge as you age. It's important to know and be secure in the fact you are not without help.

But I'm sure you know like I do that people can fail you. They may do it on purpose, or they may not. It's bound to happen at some point. So what happens Then? Who will you rely on? This verse aptly tells you where your true source of help comes from. Look to the hills, to the mountains. Look up to the solid foundation on which you have built your faith. There you will find unfailing help. For anything. Anytime. Any reason.

3 Easy Steps

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9‭-‬10 NIV

There's many days when I read the daily verse that I know I cannot add to it. It says everything that needs to be said. It's crystal clear in its intent. There's no question about it. This is one of those verses. If you thought accepting Jesus and becoming a Christian was hard, read this again. You confess your sins, believe in your heart, then profess with your mouth. This is one of those "make this delicious eternal insurance plan in 3 easy steps" recipes that could show up on Etsy or Tasty.

There's so much in life that can go wrong and is difficult. Even those 3 easy step recipes are not that easy. But this, God made it so incredibly simple because he wants everyone to be successful. So relax and know this is the easiest decision you'll make...ever.

'Make this, not that.'

Protection

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV

Oh yes he will. He is faithful. He has done this for me in a very real way lately, not so much protect but strengthen. Every day I give my day to him. I give my path, my spirit, my mind to him. As I do this I feel him in a real way. My spirit is in peace even when chaos reigns all around. It's not hocus pocus...it's real because God is real and so are his promises.

There may be much going on that you are fearful of and feel you don't have the strength. It could be a job, a relationship, daily struggles like kids and car repairs and dirty laundry and piles of dishes. No matter where you need strength, he will give it. All you need do is ask.

He loves you. He will protect you. And with that promise your spirit may be at peace.

Sweet Words

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 NIV

It's fitting that this was my verse today. Last night I was watching Steel Magnolias, and my favorite line is by Clairee at the party.."if you don't have anything nice to say come sit by me." She says it so sweetly too! But in that soothing voice she gossips about her family. It's funny, we can use that sweet voice on animals but still say the cruelest things. We're just lucky they can't understand the words.

But people will not hear your sweet voice. They'll hear the biting words behind it. And let me tell you, it ain't easy watching my words. I'm a "tell it like it is" kind of gal. You won't hurt my feelings so just say what you gotta say. So I tend to do the same to others, not meaning to hurt them. I'm not worried about offending, but hurting someone on purpose just won't cut it. But one kind word can do so much, especially if it's said in honesty and love. Love as in agape love.

So be truthful and loving in all you say....and stay away from Clairee!

Pray First

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9 NIV

There is a popular saying that you can't control people's actions, but you can control your reaction. We all have days when things happen that make us fly off the handle. And when we have, we are quickly agitated at small things. When we are in stressful situations it's even harder to not let your spirit get provoked.

It's important to pray first. Breathe. Count to ten. Understand how you need to react rather than reacting without thinking. It's almost like you need to physically give your mind and soul over to God. He promises to give you peace in your soul. Allow him to do that for you.

And remember to pray before you react.

Look Again!

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:8 NIV

My dad used this verse on me my whole life. He would say, "Jean, you can't find it if you're not looking. You gotta look first." I find myself using it on my own kids...you need to look! You know how it is..."Mom! I can't find my school book!", "Mom! Where's my good pair of jeans?" My answer? Look! They usually find it, or better still, I find it..right where they said they looked. Silly isn't it? So why do we still do it?

Jesus knew we would wander aimlessly not finding him because weren't really looking. We just kind of hope he bumps into us. But following up on the post about what you really want, if you really want something, you'll look for it. You'll ask for it. You'll work for it. If you really want Jesus, you need to actively seek him. He'll be there, right where you last looked.

Learn at His Feet

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8 NIV

We've all had good and bad instructors, teachers, mentors...after all, they're only human. In that role I know I have failed at least once and probably more. I do try to be a good role model and teacher...some are better at this than others.

But here the psalmist is saying he will be taught by the great teacher himself. Imagine learning at the feet of Jesus. That's what spending time in God's word allows us to do. And when we do we discover secrets and wonders, we open our hearts to want more than just our selfish ambitions.  We want to learn and understand what God wants.

And this is the key to having a heart for God.

What do you Really Want?

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 NIV

I'm reminded of the scene in Bruce Almighty towards the end where Bruce finally realizes what it's all about. He's talking to God and God asks him to pray. Bruce prays for world peace. Then God asks him what does he really want. Bruce wants his girlfriend to be happy even if it means not being with him. He realizes there's more to life than just what we want.

So when we pray, when we ask God for something, what do we really want? As I thought, it too knew about a second to realize I want his will in my life, even if it means  it having exactly all of my wish list in earth fulfilled. It's not self serving to want this...it's wanting what God wants. To see others as he does. To walk in his word everyday. To know he has it all under control.

So yes, I could ask for quite a bit of what I want, but I choose to ask for God. Amen. Hallelujah.

Why Worry

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Matthew 6:25 NIV

Like some of the other daily verses, I like to read the chapter to get a good reference point. Matthew 6 is many of Jesus' answer to questions posed to him by the pharisees. Jesus was asking them why worry? If he clothes the fields and feeds the birds wouldn't God take just as good, if not better, care of you, his beloved?

I still find it hard not to worry. Obviously we have responsibilities and must work and labor for what we need physically. I am blessed as although we are far from afluent we've never really had to choose between eating or paying a bill. So in that way, yes God has provided...always. And I know he always will. We should praise him for what he will do and what he has done.

And try not to worry.

Have Courage and be Kind

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37 NIV

This was Jesus' answer to the question about what the greatest commandment is. This is the first and greatest, he said. And the second is just like it...love your neighbor as yourself. Let this sink in. We are to love God, our neighbor and ourselves as much as we love God...with all our heart and soul. Imagine! If we truly loved God with everything we have, there is not one soul on earth you could not love, including yourself.

This doesn't mean we won't disagree or that we won't have differences. But if we wait on God and love like he does, the patience, humility, and kindness will flow. You will know peace beyond anything else.

Have courage and be kind.

Fools and Fear

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 NIV

Ever get aggravated because someone kept telling you how to do something and you just didn't want to listen? You already knew how and you didn't need help. That's only scratching the surface of what it means to despise wisdom and instruction. According to my Bible app, the word 'fools' here means those who are morally bankrupt! I'm thinking it meant being a fool...foolhardy, maybe coming a little late to the party....but not morally bankrupt! That's pretty bad.

It is hard to take instruction, especially constructive criticism when we think we know what we are doing. But don't go the way of fools. Fear God and look for his wisdom. Some days it smarts, but he's always right and he always has your best interest at heart.

The Peacekeeper

Humble yourselves, therefore, under Godʼs mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 NIV

One of the most valuable lessons I've ever learned is that I am not irreplaceable in some aspects of life. I am also not the best or brightest at any one given thing. We all have talents, things we're great at and we should celebrate those. And knowing we may have the upper hand in a situation makes having humility a deliberate act on our part.

Sometimes in order to be the gentle peacekeeper like Jesus was means to let others be haughty and conceited. Don't join in their gossip or self inflation, but be humble, quiet, knowing who you are. No accomplishment on earth could ever overshadow who we are...children of the King.

Be that person who does not seek men's approval.

Be About God's Business

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord , and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1:1‭-‬2 NIV

So as I was pondering this verse today I had to really think about what this means. Does it mean we are not to associate at all with sinners and mockers? If so, we Christians may never be able to leave our homes again. But taken in context, I believe this means do not waste time with them or partake in their conversations.  Gossip and idle chatter are sure fire ways to waste time and serve no purpose.

And on another point, if we are busy meditating on God's word and doing his will we have no time for idle hands. We have work to do. We have God's words to study. We have prayers to say.  We have no time for gossip.

Be about God's business.

God Never Fails

For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37 NIV

I've failed to do things I've said I would. I bet you have too. We all have. We know people who are generally trustworthy and reliable, but even they fall short sometimes. So other than the sun rising and setting each day we don't have a physical showing of true infallibility. 

But God. I love those two words. But God. He never fails. His words will never fail. He is more reliable than the sun rising and setting. He is more infallible than time itself. His words never fail. We can count on them. We can hold onto the very truth of them.

Period.

Jobs with Benefits

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 NIV

We've all worked for someone less than ideal. If you've ever been a supervisor you've probably been that person. We are only human after all. Plus we have all been unmotivated to do our work at one time or another. That's why the apostle says here to not work as though you are working for men. You are serving Jesus!

And the pay and benefits cannot be beat. What earthly job offers you eternal life as a reward? None that I've run across. But no matter what your job is or how mundane it feels like some days, we are there for a purpose. God has placed you there as a witness. Be the best version of you every day.

And remember, God has dental!

New Every Morning

Because of the Lord ʼs great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22‭-‬23 NIV

New every morning. It makes me think of the movie, "50 First Dates" with Drew Barrymore. She's in an accident that damages a part of her brain. Every night as she sleeps, her mind reverts to the same day. So everything is new to her every time she meets someone new or sees something she hadn't before. It it happened after the accident it didn't stay in her memory past one day.

This is God's grace. His love for us is new every morning as if we had never done anything to disappoint him. As if we had never sinned. Wow. I can be new in his eyes every day.

Let him love you like that. He will not fail you.

Do what's Right

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 NIV

So I won't lie...about 2 seconds into my day after reading this verse I wasn't very careful about following the advice. You too? Probably. So I can't say my day was very prosperous or successful. But it wasn't wasted either. That's what grace is.

We are human. We will fail. We will fall short of the glory of God. It's the very reason we are given grace and forgiveness. But I do like the recipe for success written in these words. Do what we should...all of it..and we will be successful. It won't be easy but the rewards will be worth it.

Do the Right Thing

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 1 Peter 3:12‭-‬13 NIV

I read the chapter from where these verses are from because I wasn't so sure about that last sentence. It's true that if we do good our actions will speak for themselves, but that doesn't mean we won't be harmed. There is a saying that no good deed goes unpunished. And some days it seems that Christians particularly are put down and run over for doing good.

Then I read the verse that follows. If we are persecuted for doing good, it will come to no good end for the person doing it. Why? Because we are walking with God and living in faith. We can sleep with a clear conscious. Our actions will show what is true and right. This is how I want to live. I certainly don't want God's face turned away from me.

Do the right thing even when it's not popular.

Be Kind

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31‭-‬32 NIV

I shared just this verse on Twitter this morning because it is so relevant to what we need today. We need love for each other, not hate. We need to get rid of bitterness and anger. Those things are not of God. And if they are not of God we need to ward them off. But we can't do it alone. We need God's grace and love every day to guard our hearts, minds and mouths.

I have made a conscious decision to wake every morning and physically give my day to God along with all of its ups and downs. It's the only way I feel strong enough to face what the day might hold. I also make the decision to enjoy everything that comes my way. And it's not as easy as it sounds. But with God it is possible and it really does lift your spirit.

Forgive often. Speak kindly. Love greatly. For in these things, there is God.

His Own Purpose

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 2 Timothy 1:9 NIV

He saved us..not because of what we've done. This reminds me of a favorite song of mine, "Mercy Saw Me". It says that Jesus saw not what we were but what we could be. God saved us not because of what we could do but what we could be. And for His own purpose! God has a purpose for you no matter where you came from or how bad you think things are.

Our job is to love God, live his word, and give his love to others so that they also may be molded for his purpose. Some days this is easy; most it's not. But we must not let Satan derail us and steal our joy that God has given us so that we can be used for his purpose.

Think about this: before time began, God chose you.

Have Faith, then Ask

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7 NIV

Haven't you ever thought, if I ask and they say no, at least I tried? That's having faith! Faith the size of a mustard seed. I read this verse this morning knowing full well we were about to take our truck to the shop because of a leak 9 days into our well laid plan...well, you know what they say about those....and I was refusing to let the devil sidetrack it. But how? Then I see this verse and it says just ask! But the caveat is that God's word must live in me.

That's what I focused on. Not the ask, but God's word living in me. For today what will that look like? What must I do? I thought about that and then the ask....that the truck repair would be reasonable.  And then I made sure to follow thru on being the living word. God answered my prayer with a yes. In fact, he had already provided because of how we found the leak, when we found it, and our work and school schedules working out so that being down a vehicle would not be that bad. He needed to show me how to have a little faith.

Today was a victory. Tomorrow may not be. But we always have victory as long as God lives in us.

In the Light

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, Godʼs special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

One of the wonderful things my mom passed to me was her horrible eyesight. It's all good. That's what glasses are for. But as I get older obviously my eyesight gets worse. Just last year I graduated to progressive lenses and readers when I wear contacts. Lucky me! One of the things I notice most is lighting. I crave light.  I get anxious and a little nervous when there is not adequate light to see. I feel like I miss a lot when things aren't clear.

Which is why I love this verse. God doesn't want us living in darkness. When we can't see we get anxious and nervous. But God has given us his wonderful light. The light that illuminates everything and makes us see all things clearly. We don't have to be worried or afraid. There's power in the light. Power to triumph over darkness.

Feel safe and secure as one of God's precious possessions.

Blooms and Fruit

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV

Each day God shows me a reason I can do nothing without him. He also shows me why I need to have a little bit of faith. This verse is a reminder that we really can do nothing without him. The example of being the vine and branches is a simple analogy that we can relate to.

We all know what happens as soon as the branch is cut off the tree or bush. It begins to die. It will bear no fruit. It will never bloom. I like that God uses this simple lesson. I also like that he has a sense of humor. I can't grow anything, we'll maybe weeds. If weeds count as bering fruit I'm good. If not, I hope God doesn't lose patience with a late bloomer.

Sacrifice

Follow Godʼs example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1‭-‬2 NIV

The ultimate sacrifice....giving of one's self for another. Most of us will never know that kind of sacrifice. Yet we can still model God's behavior and in love offer ourselves to others in love every day. Even that small task isn't easy. There are many people in our lives who are unlovable. They take advantage of any kindness we show them, sometimes manipulating others against us.

And that is our sacrifice to bear. We must continue to walk in love, love the unlovable.  God didn't say we had a choice. We must do all things through love.

What are you willing to sacrifice to show God's love to others?

Greatest Love

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:11‭-‬12 NIV

I read today a blog written by Chip Gaines from HGTVs show, Fixer Upper. He was responding to articles and tweets that were less than flattering. He echoed these words saying that we must love one another even if we don't agree with each other. The apostle says here that if we love each other God then loves in us. That means we can truly have heaven on earth.

Love is the greatest commandment. God's love saved us. God's love has redeemed us. God's love has restored us. If we show that love to others there's not much we couldn't accomplish.

Let's live this commandment and let God's love live in us.

Be Restored

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 NIV

Earlier in this chapter, the writer is talking about standing firm in the faith and resisting the devil. He is letting his brothers and sisters in Christ know that they are not immune to suffering here on earth. But God promises to restore us and make us strong and steadfast.

We know this to be true. When we are tested we feel weak and vulnerable. But once we overcome our trials we can see how strong we really are. He made us steadfast.  What a wonderful promise. Not only do we know he will bring us through, but we will be restored. Praise God for his faithfulness!

Indispensable

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NIV

Of the many roles we have in life, most of them are not exclusive only to us. We each have skills, talents and knowledge that make us valuable to our jobs or place in life. But if we are honest, others could do the job just as well. Maybe differently, but still get it done. We like to think we are indispensable and in some cases we are, but not all.

Jesus knew he was the only way man could have redemption. He wasn't being conceited or thinking highly of himself. He was and is indespensible to us. There is no other who can do what Jesus can do...provide a way for us to be with the father. No matter how hard we try, we can never get there of our own doing. We must have faith. We must believe. We must accept Jesus as God's only son.

He is the one true way.

God's Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV

My heart is heavy tonight as I pray for a friend who's husband is losing his battle with cancer. This verse is one quoted often at the end of life. They are the words spoken by Jesus as he ascended. His earthly life was over but he didn't want to leave his disciples lonely and hurting and afraid. He has told us that he gives peace no one can understand. Fear leads to hate and hate leads to suffering. We are not to be afraid.

But human emotions run deep and we are but human. We feel fear, we have anxiety about what the future holds. But if we lean on God we know he holds our future. Nothing happens to us that he has not already made a plan for us to get through. It will be hard, yet we can trust him.

Fear not. 

A New Thing

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 NIV

Even God likes to help us start fresh and new. In fact, he's probably the best New Year's resolution one could make. No matter where you are or where you think you are, God can find you and make you new again. He promises in this verse that he's already making a new way. You just have to believe it.

So as you look to this new year with all its hope and promises, put your faith not in yourself but in the One who is faithful to the ends of the earth. The one who has promised to make you new and is already taking you there.

Happy new year.