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God’s Victory Through Support
I was blessed to be able to pray for a very special group of ladies who serve the Lord in a particular ministry one day. As we were praying, I felt a Word fall into my Spirit. I want to call this God’s Victory Through Support. We know how tiring it can be to serve others in any capacity. There are times we become so weary. There are times we feel so alone. The Word I received that day can be found in Exodus 17 as Amalek (aka the enemy) comes to fight against Israel (aka God’s chosen people/servants). Moses tells them he will station himself on the top of the hill with the staff (rod) of God in his hand during the battle. So Moses and two of his friends go to the top of the hill. When Moses held up his hands – showing his and their dependence and faith in God – they would be winning. As soon as he dropped his hands, the enemy prevailed. Moses was a man who, although one of God’s chosen leaders, got tired and became weary. His hands became too heavy to keep holding them up until the job was done. But God, had provided helpers, supporters who “supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.” Through the support of his friends, his hands remained steady until the job was done. SWEET VICTORY! We all need supporters at times to help us remain steady until our job for the Lord is done. Ask God when you have the need for help in serving Him – when you are fighting a battle – and He will provide support until the job is done and GOD has the victory! Praise God for His Faithfulness!
Snow
“Come now, let us settle the matter, “says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18) The snow sparkles and glistens as it covers the ground in a blanket of white. It appears fresh, pure, beautiful, untouched when it first falls. Within minutes, there are car tracks, footprints, dogs running and playing. The purity seems to fade quickly. Isn’t this similar to the way sin entered into our world? In Genesis chapter one, God creates a perfect world; filled with purity and beauty; perfect. Yet, by chapter three of Genesis, temptation enters, Adam and Eve sin and the Fall of man occurs. The scenery changes from one of purity and beauty to one of darkness and death. Within a short time, innocence is lost. We are told in Genesis 2:25 that Adam and Eve before the fall were naked, and they felt no shame. Once they sinned, “their eyes were opened, and they realized they were naked” (Genesis 3:7). It amazes me how quickly purity is lost when sin comes into the picture. But the story doesn’t end there. It is just the beginning of God showing us his great love and plan for restoration. Redemption. Sin separates. It creates a division between us and God. But God is good. He desires a relationship with us. He loves us more than we can fathom! He wants us to love Him, worship Him; to celebrate and praise Him. God knew that we are sinners and that we cannot do anything to bridge the gap that sin caused. We are, like sheep, helpless creatures in need of a Shepherd. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did no send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17). God sent Jesus to be our Savior, Redeemer, LORD! When we place our trust in Jesus, He takes our sin and washes us clean. He paid the price to free us from the chains of sin; give us a hope and a new life. We are forgiven! Our relationship is restored to Him! We become white as the new fallen snow!
Shut Mouth Grace
In the Bible, James tells us “but no human being can tame the tongue, It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”(James 3:8-10). Last evening with my prayer group, we talked about “shut mouth grace”, again. This has been a hot topic that has come up quite frequently over the past few months. A few years ago, I had a good Christian friend tell me that her pastor had preached a sermon on “Shut Mouth Grace.” So, what is Shut Mouth Grace? It is the ability to “hold your tongue”, be silent and listen, not say a word when someone says something hurtful, harsh or mean-spirited. It is the ability to rise above the circumstance of the present moment and give a person grace by not responding. It is “turning the other cheek” when insulted, persecuted and not seeking to retaliate or take revenge. It is swallowing our pride and not speaking hastily. This is easier said, than done. But I have learned from experience, it is far better to administer Shut Mouth Grace than to try to “eat my words or put out the forest fires that they have caused.” If we are honest, we have all “been there, done that.” We wish we wouldn’t have said something in haste. We wish that we could “take back” the words that flew out with fire and venom. We wish that we could undo the harm caused. But once out, words can never be taken back. Perhaps, this is why in Proverbs 14:3 it says “A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.” We need to be wise protectors of ourselves and others by keeping our words harnessed, or kind, sweet, encouraging for building others up, not tearing them down. How many relationships would be improved by shut mouth grace? If we held our tongues and did not spew painful daggers out of our mouths, could marriages be saved? I don’t claim to have the answers. Proverbs 15:4 provides wisdom and insight “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Let’s seek to be life building encouragers and administer shut mouth grace whenever needed!
God Speaks Through Nature
This morning it is gently snowing outside. The birds at the feeder are numerous and beautiful: 3 sets of cardinals, several blue birds, snowbirds, finches and a variety of woodpeckers. They come faithfully, daily. They bring their friends and forage in and around the feeders. When praying for the name of this website, several ideas were brainstormed. Then, the word “forager” came out of nowhere. Immediately, I went to a dictionary for a definition. The definition given “a person or animal that searches widely for food or provisions.” As I pondered, the name Faithful Forager, kept spiraling around in my head. My first thought, God is faithful. In Hebrews 10:23, we are told “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” We are called to “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). God is faithful and He wants us to be faithful, faithfully seeking, following and obeying Him. So the word faithful seemed to resonate to what God is calling us to be. For some time I have felt called to share my personal thoughts and life journey. However, 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic, seemed to change how we communicate. I kept praying for God to speak to me and share His plans with how this could be accomplished or if this is what His will truly was for me. Then, my friend, Faith suggested we build a website to share with others. My first thought was “Whoa!” I can barely send an email with attachments! Through her expertise and training, I am learning. It seems that God has different plans for how we will move forward sharing than what I had anticipated. Something that I have learned “It is not about me!” I have also learned that “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) Also, Proverbs 3: 5-6 tells us “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Not easy but straight paths. And, the old saying is wrong about not being able to teach “an old dog new tricks.” I am living proof that you can teach a computer illiterate person how to “post” articles on a website. Although, not perfect posts, they are present and I am learning. Thanks to God and Faith! Secondly, the word “forager” seems to have a deeper meaning spiritually when I think about it. Let me explain. I think about my husband and his metal detector that he received as a present. He has trained himself on “how to” use the instruments by watching countless hours of You Tube videos. He knows how to read the gauges and listen to the various tones to know the possible depth and type of a buried treasure. He has found a number of items buried in the ground. They are his “treasures.” He has faithfully followed through on his knowledge and commitment to hunt treasure. He has studied and trained to execute well. I believe that God calls us to do the same spiritually. Read His word daily so He can speak truth to us; we can know Him. He loves us and wants to show us His plans. But how can we know His plans if we don’t spend time getting to know Him? How can we know His voice? We have to spend time reading, pondering on the Word and listening to the Holy Spirit. We have to “ask, seek, knock” (Matthew 7:7). Like, my husband and his metal detector, we will learn to discern His voice, His ways. In John 6:48, Jesus says “I am the bread of life.” I believe that we are to “feast or forage” upon this bread, which is the Word of God. We are to “…train yourself to be godly” (1Timothy 4:7). Training requires commitment, prayer, time, reading, journaling, worshiping, to name a few. The Bible is like a treasure hunt and when we forage through it and feast upon it, we find hidden treasure. This treasure is more precious than gold and has the power to change lives! We share the treasures with others so they can learn, grow and share! So, become a Faithful Forager and journey with Jesus!
Lent Journey
Lent Journey Forty-day journey towards the cross Ask, Seek, Knock, Yearn, Ponder the Sacrifice, ultimate cost. It cost God His only Son To redeem us, pay the price for our sin; render the curse undone. Jesus faithfully knew there would come a day The price of sin with His blood would pay. He did not turn away and run. He knew who He was; God’s own Son. He knew the price. Willingly, laid down His life, became the sacrifice. When the nails pierced his hands and whips tore his flesh, He was “still” and demonstrated holiness. The people spit and yelled; mocked His name. He knew He bore our guilt and our shame. He chose to suffer and die on the cross So, we could live; He knew we could never pay the cost. Will you choose Jesus? Or will you choose to venture on Alone. Doing your own thing; missing your true heart story? Pause. Reflect. Take a minute to see That God is calling to you and to me. One small step each day Building faith along the way God can start Speaking His Word into your heart. It is simply a decision of your will How you will choose; your time to fill. Jesus invites you to “Come follow him.” And become healthy, whole, free from the power of sin
Forty Day Journey To Lent
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent; forty days to journey towards Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. It is a time of introspection, reflection and preparation of our hearts. What does God want us to see, hear, feel, do today, each day? How can we draw closer to Him? How has He prepared us to serve? Will we be faithful to obey what He is asking each of us to do? This morning the words that resonate with me from my daily devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers, is “simple things.” This morning in the Midwest the temperature is -4 F. It is bitterly cold! I find myself grateful for shelter, heat, food, pipes not frozen, driveway clear from snow, good health, friends, family, pets and my computer. These things, normally, I take for granted. Simple Things. Today, I thank God for waking up to a new and fresh morning! His grace and mercies are new. I am blessed! Yet, I am humbled by God’s generosity towards me. Jesus, Thank You for all of your kindness, goodness, grace and mercies! Thank You for loving me and blessing me! Thank you for your patience and never giving up on me! As I journey these 40 days to the Cross, let me see, hear and do all You are telling me to do. As it says in Psalm 51:10, ‘Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. In Jesus name! Amen!