Devotions

Children for generations have played a game called blind man’s buff. You may remember, the premise of the game is that one person is blindfolded (that person is labeled it, as in you’re it, versus, not it) while all the other players are not blindfolded. The “blind man” is spun around several times to disorient him, or her, and the other player’s scatter. Once the person who is “it” stops spinning, they must find and tag someone who then becomes the new blind man. The object is not to be tagged. To add a twist to the game, playing at night somewhat levels the playing field and is more fun.

Sometimes, one might think God is playing a heavenly version of blind man’s buff, when we see ourselves as the “it” player and Jesus is trying to avoid being found; just when we think we are close, He weaves and dodges our request. Or, maybe when we pray for something, and the answer is not what we expect or want, we get frustrated or angry and want to quit seeking God altogether. In other words, we don’t want to “play” anymore.

Many years ago, I was navigating a personal crisis. Confident after praying for the most logical solution, you might imagine my disappointment when God did not follow my line of logic. However, more than disappointment, the All-Powerful Creator delivered me into His classroom of His sovereign authority. For months, I searched the Bible and discovered people just like me who had come face to face with one of the mysteries surrounding God’s omnipotence. Many such stories exist, but the one that spoke volumes to me and continues to resonate in my heart and my mind is Job. Job was a godly man, always seeking God’s will, but he was also flesh and blood just like me. He suffered great loss and endured excruciating physical pain, with no explanation as to why; yet without understanding, he remained steadfast to his knowledge of God’s sovereign power.

And then, there is Jesus, God’s only Son. Jesus agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane before He was crucified, praying “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from me; nevertheless, not My will but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42, NKJV). We know God’s answer, and today, on this side of the resurrection, we understand that God’s solution was the greatest, sweetest gift humanity has ever been given.

Friend, if you are wrestling with God in prayer over something, anything, please know He hears you. God’s answer, as it is for all His children is for your good and His glory. (Romans 8:28).

 

“Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6, NKJV

Previously published on Sweet Monday

Forty-two years have passed since my life changed for eternity. In January 1983, our young family moved from the northern side of the Potomac River in Maryland to Richmond Virginia. Moving from one state to another can be difficult, especially when dragging two pre-teenage daughters who exclaim, “I will never be happy in Richmond, and it will never be home!” My husband, Richard had taken a new job, that instigated the move. For a variety of reasons too numerous to list in this writing, I looked forward to returning to Virginia, the state in which I was born and had lived all but the ten years spent in Maryland. For me, Virginia was going home.

Moving in the month of January meant our daughters would begin a new school in the second half of the year to make new friends in a new city, leaving behind the only friends they had known. Even with all the crying and expressed displeasure, we were confident with time, they would adjust and make new friends.

Before continuing with my story, it is important to share something that happened not long before the move. Richard and I had started attending a church not far from our house in Maryland, where I had gotten involved in the choir and our daughters were attending Sunday school. Richard’s attendance was sporadic because he often worked on the weekend. One Sunday morning, I sat on a pew, alone, trying to hold back the tears threatening to expose my sadness. Quietly, I hung my head and prayed, God, please give Richard the desire to come to church with us…please.

Once we settled into the house in Richmond, we joined a tennis club where I met a new friend who invited me to her house for a Bible study. I had never been to a Bible study before, or studied the Bible, but she was so kind, I said yes. We studied the Book of Romans and to my horror, I discovered that I am a sinner!

Well, on this cliffhanger, let me fast-forward to January 2025. As you might imagine, God has been very busy at work in my life. While I would like to “fill in all the blanks,” time and space on this paper will not permit; perhaps you will read it in a later writing. But the “short story” is that for all these years, I have experienced the sweetest, most loving relationship with Jesus that is even sweeter today, forty-two years later. And the prayer I spoke to God on that Sunday trying to hold back tears…several years before Richard died in 2014 from early onset Alzheimer’s disease, my precious husband made his profession of faith in Jesus Christ. After moving across state lines, upending our children’s lives, God had a plan. The adventure of His plan is yet ongoing. And oh, by the way, our children live right down the road from me, having raised their children in the same town they would “never call home.”

Sometimes the “interruptions of manmade plans” are just another opportunity for God to surprise us in the best way.

 

“This God is the One who gives life, breath, and everything else to people. He does not need any help from them; he has everything he needs. God began by making one person, and from him came all the different people who live everywhere in the world. God decided exactly when and where they must live. God wanted them to look for him and perhaps search all around for him and find him, though he is not far from any of us…” Acts 17:25-27, God’s Word Version.

The day was cloudy and dreary. Our plane was taxing to the runway, pilots were revving up the engines for takeoff, while my thoughts and emotions matched the heaviness of the weather surrounding us. December is an emotionally difficult month for me and always has been ever since I was a little girl. Throughout the years (I am now 77 years old), I have tried to understand the weight of dreaded feelings that start to overwhelm me immediately following Thanksgiving. Perhaps December holds too much anticipated excitement. Christmas, Advent, the winter solstice, even my birthday is in the month of December, and on the 31st of the month, we say goodbye to another year, which stings of melancholy. Then, like the plane lifting off the ground and into the sky, we head into another year of the unknown, leaving behind memories, some good, some bad to start all over again.

Although most people probably have a different experience during December, many of my friends reading this devotion understand precisely my experience on a personal level. Regardless of our emotions, how we feel or however the climate of our lives may appear, God has a surprise for us.

After takeoff, our plane made the bumpy lift through the thick clouds. Rain drops rolled into straight lines across the windowpanes. The steep climb began to level off. Suddenly, like mountains of snow, we were gliding across the clouds instead of passing under them, and sunshine so bright permeated the sky. Like the plane and just as suddenly, my countenance lifted from feeling the weight of gloominess to knowing that my present and future circumstances rest in the hands of the One Who not only holds the Sun in place but also allows the rain to fall. God wrapped Himself in the flesh of a human baby to be born into the world, therefore, we have a Savior who understands both our joy and our pain. Jesus came to bring hope as seen through the wonder of His eternal eyes; the One Who from the beginning not only knew your story and mine, but He also wrote it.

And Wonders of His love,
And Wonders of His love,
And Wonders, Wonders of His love.
(Joy To The World, written by Isaac Watts, 1719)

 

“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” Psalms 65:8, NIV.

Previously published on Sweet Monday

So often in the Bible, the human condition looks grim. From “In the beginning…” Genesis 1:1, until “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Revelation 22:21, God works miracle after miracle, even when all seems lost. For example, Adam and Eve, the first two humans created by God on earth chose to disobey their Creator to be their own god. Their act of disobedience, which God calls sin, set in motion the cascading and endless downward spiral that would infect every human being thereafter. While our sin nature has been a part of the human DNA since the beginning of time, our story is one of redemption and brings us to how God always makes a way where there seems to be no way.

“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel (an unexpected messenger) was sent by God to the city of Galilee named Nazareth (an unexpected destination for an angel), to a virgin…[whose] name was Mary…Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:26-31).

Nothing about the story in the Book of Luke, resembles any sensible pathway to the redemption of humankind, but then, almost everything about God’s divine methods of interacting with humans makes little sense. An angel? A virgin giving birth? Jesus, the Son of God?

Perhaps you are going through a difficult situation where you do not see a way forward: a diagnosis, a failing relationship, maybe a family or financial crisis. One promise that is tested and proven reliable is that “throughout all generations, according to God’s power within us, to the glory of Jesus Christ He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph. 3:20-21, paraphrasing mine). During the season of celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus, find comfort knowing that in the world of the “impossible,” we honor the One True and only God Who makes all things possible, to the glory of His Son, Jesus.

Friend, Merry Christmas!

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV.

“Tis the season to be jolly!” Really? Tis the season to shop for everyone on my Christmas list, bake cookies and cakes, cook the expected traditional recipes for family and friends, decorate the house, entertain guests, etc., etc., etc. If I may use a track and field metaphor, Christmas season resembles a sprinting drill; the shot rings out, and from a dead stop, one takes off running as fast as possible for a short distance and then, abruptly stops. Now, the shot was heard and the “sprint” continues for the next few weeks, until everything comes to a screeching halt on January 1, the start of the new year. Phew! Exhausted and with full stomachs, many of us start the cleanup, putting decorations back in boxes, returning them to their assigned places in storage for easy access in time for the next Christmas “sprint” only months away.

Sound familiar?

Well, catch your breath and think about this: Christians all over the world are entering into the second week of the Advent season. Customarily, as followers of Jesus Christ, advent season is the time to thoughtfully ponder what Christmas is all about. Each week leading up to Christmas Day, one aspect of the meaning of faith is highlighted. Week one the emphasis is on hope. What is the hope of the Christian? Our hope is rooted in the blood of Jesus, that provides access to God the Father. Without Jesus, we have no hope beyond life in this world, but in Jesus, we have the hope of eternal life (John 3:16).

Throughout week two, we thank God for His peace. Before Jesus, we were enemies and at war with God, but in Christ, God calls you and me “friend” (Romans 5:10-21).

December can be a time of stress and a distraction from all that is important. Will you carve out of your busy schedule a quiet time to sit with God and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas? The Ultimate Gift that is not dependent upon one’s busy schedule, mood, or circumstances is available to all, but “on one condition;” you must ask for it. Jesus Christ is the Ultimate Gift!

 

“You will keep in perfect peace, all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3, New Living Translation.

Previously published on Sweet Monday

At this time of the year, people around the world begin contemplating their Gift List. Maybe like me, you keep a folder containing a list of names of family and special friends we want to remember with a token of our love. Most of the people on my list need nothing, but I enjoy taking the time to give intentional thought to each person who enriches my life every day. However, the gift needs to be more than just a “filler” so I can cross off a name on my list. I want the contents of the package to reflect the uniqueness of how I see them in my life. But I must say, sometimes I struggle with the “just for you” gift idea. What do you get the person who seemingly needs nothing and has everything? Although shopping is fun for the special people in my life, and as delightful as gift-sharing can be, I am relieved when the folder holding my completed gift list goes back in the file cabinet for another year.

Come with me on a short detour.

A dear friend told me a few years ago that he gave his life to Jesus. He shared with me how he tries to do good things to earn his way into God’s good graces. Oh, my goodness, how I could relate! The first thirty-five years of my life, I wondered if I was good enough for God. What could I do to earn His favor? This led to another dilemma; what could I give God Who needs nothing? How do I show Him how much I love Him and am grateful for Jesus? In March of 1983, at my first Bible study, I learned that I was not and never would or could be good enough to win God’s favor or attention. Instead, I come to my Lord each day with open, empty hands, except for one thing…

In these days of gift giving, find comfort in knowing that our Self-reliant, Great and Almighty God, though He needs nothing from you or me, He does long for the one thing He will never take without our permission, because He is the Ultimate Gentleman. Friend, if you have not already, today, will you do what I did back in 1983? Will you give to God your heart?

One of my favorite hymns is Jesus Paid It All, written by Elvina M. Hall in 1865. I invite you to take a few minutes and listen carefully to the words of the beautiful rendition on YouTube and be blessed.

“The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful heart.” Psalm 51:17, God’s Word Translation.

Previously published on Sweet Monday

Every serious athlete knows that the backend of any sporting event will be more challenging than the frontend. Also, running a sprint versus running a marathon requires different approaches. A sprint is a shorter distance generally with a faster pace, while a marathon is longer with a bit slower pace; however, both race formats demand physical strength and a healthy mindset, through a process of rest and rejuvenation.

In my running days (a long time ago), I ran a five-mile race on the beach. At the time, I was new to the sport of running, so like many “newbies,” when the shot rang out, I took off running as fast as my legs would move. Other participants seemed quizzically to stay just far enough behind me, that I barely knew they were still in the race. I felt very good about my performance, until about mile four, when suddenly, the sand seemed to be sucking my feet into its’ depths. One by one, the other runners started passing me. None of the “self-pep-talk” coming from within could change the certain end of my losing story.

For most of us, I think we find ourselves greeting each morning of our lives with the mindset of tackling our “to do” lists as one “running a sprint.” We see the goal, hear the shot, and take off, forgetting one important factor; we need “Him who is able to keep us from stumbling…” Raw physical or mental strength and sheer determination are no match for the challenges of this world. Without Jesus, we are at the mercy of self-preservation, which inevitably bottoms out. Unlike the human condition, Jesus never requires being rejuvenated. His mood never fluctuates. He “presents [us] faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior…”

Today, will you invite Jesus to lead the way as you tackle the responsibilities that lay ahead? After the five-mile race I ran many years ago, I learned a little secret—the people who I thought were just slower than I, were utilizing a great method called, drafting. You see, with me running in front, my body diminished the wind force for the runners behind me, meaning they were not needing to work as hard. I pray you will allow Jesus to “draft the winds” for you, whether your day is a sprint or a marathon.

 

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25, NKJV

Previously published on Sweet Monday

November 2024 is a major election year in the United States. For many months, millions upon millions of dollars have been spent on media advertisements on behalf of various politicians vying for offices of power, including President, the highest office in the land. Promises, promises, and more promises about how and what each person claims he or she will do for the people if given the opportunity to serve. As most people have learned through experience, promises are much easier to make than to keep. Excuses and blame replace promises unkept. Still, this Constitutional Republic that Benjamin Franklin once wisely stated, “it is what we have if we can keep it.” Franklin made this statement over two hundred years ago, and the experiment, so far, has prevailed.

Every election cycle seems to grow more contentious. The year 2024 may prove to be the most vitriolic election since the inception of the Republic, certainly the most divisive in my lifetime. Friendships, even families have become broken to the point of isolating from each other. Social Media comments have wounded decades-long relationships so deeply that some people may never speak to one another again. Really? Seriously?

Friend, (and I do consider you my friend, though we may never have met) please know that God is the only One Whose “Every word is pure.” Even people who mean well will fail us. Politicians come and go; they will serve, some will fail, but all will die, along with you and me. I pray that in this election, when we cast our vote, we will remember that only God alone is eternal. Whatever transpires in this election, or any election, God, not by human ballot rather by His Sovereignty, is still on His throne.

For further understanding, please read Job 38 through 39.