If you have ever witnessed a baby learning to walk, observing such an exercise stirs an array of emotions for both the child and the onlooker. When my children and grandchildren grew brave enough to take that first step, I hovered close by, holding my breath with not a little anxiety mixed with a lot of pride on behalf of my offspring. Ready, steady…YES! And, they were off, and before long, they were running too fast to catch them.

Taking that first step required deep concentration on the part of the child. For a few weeks, each step took a deliberate attention to memory and then, mental, and physical effort to repeat moving one foot in front of the other. After a few months, however, the exercise that had once been difficult, no longer required such mechanical effort. Leaning any new skill, regardless of age, takes concentration. At the moment, I am refreshing the art of hand-quilting, which I learned many years ago but have grown rusty; taking it up again means added attention to the fine details needed to produce a nice finish.

Forty years ago, when I first gave my whole heart to Jesus Christ, I read, studied, and spent almost every waking hour thinking about Jesus. Never had I felt so completely loved and in love than in this relationship with the Savior. My Savior. As I said, forty years have passed. From time to time, I have found myself taking this precious relationship for granted. My attention can easily be distracted by the things of this world. People, life-challenges, demands on my time. Progress in nurturing the sweetest relationship I have ever known, with Jesus, is at a deficit. Oh, He has not left me in these times, rather, I have been lured by “treasures” in other places.

Like the baby learning to walk, or like relearning an old skill, I want my attention to be heart-focused on the most important activity in my life…being with Jesus. I wonder friend, can you identify with my dilemma? If so, begin now. Jesus is cheering you on. Take that first step. He will catch you if you fall.

A bright flash of light woke me from a sound sleep in the early morning hours. Moments later, a loud boom signaled the incoming storm. In Virginia, springtime weather can be just about anything; from eighty-degree days, followed by a rogue snowstorm leaving several inches in its path. I enjoy the predictably unpredictable elements of weather. They keep me on my toes, wondering if I will be wearing sandals or boots tomorrow.

Several times while on earth, Jesus spoke to His disciples about a coming event when the things of this world will drastically change. Jesus was referring to the “End of the Age” (Matthew 24). No exact date is given in the Scriptures of when “the end” will come, but throughout the Bible, Jesus makes clear that one day, the time known only by God, Jesus Christ will return to the earth. Upon His return, every person alive and in heaven will see Him; there will be no mistaking who He is, or why He has come. Some people will be overjoyed to see Jesus, others will be terrified at His coming because they did not believe the truth.

I love the sound of the coming storms in Virginia; they make me think about the return of Jesus. If one of the “storms” happens to reveal the coming of Jesus, I will not be afraid. In fact, I will be one waiting for Him with awe and great expectation. Can you imagine what that day will be like? Will you be happy to receive Him when He arrives? I pray that no one waits until it is too late.

The next time you hear thunder off in the distance, I hope the sound excites you.

Daisy is my fourteen-year-old Golden Retriever. Recently, she had to have surgery on her paw, thus restricting her freedom to roam her large domain at will, something with which she has grown accustom. Walking her on a leash until the paw has had time to heal is imperative to prevent infection. Throughout the day, I attach the leash to her collar and out the door we go for what has proven to be an exercise in resistance and stubbornness. Clearly, dogs, even smart dogs like Daisy’s breed have limited understanding and learn by repetition. Daisy’s life has been one of freedom but now, for her safety, her world has shrunk, causing her and me frustration.

After living in my house for twenty years, I have decided to move into something smaller and more manageable. I found what I believe to be the “perfect” house and location but the competitive environment within the housing industry has caused a “stampede” of interested buyers. Therefore, I do not know if what I think is the perfect plan will happen. My struggle with disappointment in the looming possibility of not getting what I want is challenging. Do I trust God, who sees the future and may be trying to prevent me from making a decision that is not in my best interest, or will I pull, tug, and manipulate circumstances until I finally have my way?

Friend, you, and I face decisions and choices every day. Will we recognize and accept our circumstances with faith in God’s provision, or will we resist His leading? It is okay and human to feel disappointment but fighting against the will of God leads only to frustration and potential disaster. God’s will may not be to say no, rather, there is a better way, walk in it and trust me.

We may not always understand the why, where, what, when, or how, amid our circumstances; what is life-changing is knowing the Who. Jesus Christ wants to be our Savior. I love knowing He loves me so much, and He loves you, too!

Looking for someone in a crowd can be challenging. If you have ever waited in a congested airport to pick up a friend or loved one, finding the familiar face can be difficult in the rushing sea of people. Sometimes, we hold up signs, balloons, or use some other method to stand out in the crowd.

Imagine Mary Magdalene quietly approaching to the tomb of Jesus on the third day after His burial; she did not want to stand out! She was frightened of being seen by those who had crucified her Lord. No signs, no balloons. But the tomb was empty! Where was He? Who had taken His body away? Mary ran to tell Simon, Peter, and another disciple. After searching the tomb and finding no clues, they went back home to hide, more afraid than ever leaving Mary standing outside the empty tomb alone. Of course, anyone familiar with this scene knows it is the resurrection story of Jesus Christ after His crucifixion. Although Mary does not recognize Jesus immediately, He asks her, “Whom are you seeking?”

In the Christian community, we are entering into what is known as Holy Week. As we remember the life of Jesus leading up to His crucifixion, we must first “walk” the way of the cross. As Jesus hung on the cross, many of His followers ran away out of fear for their lives. Who was this man, Jesus? They thought they knew Him, but did they, really?

On Easter Sunday, you may be celebrating with the masses of Christians around the world, but where are you today? Are you afraid of being recognized as a follower of Jesus Christ in a world that is turning more and more hostile toward Christians? Jesus asked Mary, “Whom are you seeking?” He is asking you and me the same question. Are you looking for Jesus? Do you know Him? He sees you; He knows you, and He loves you. He died for you and conquered death and the grave so that you might live in heaven for eternity. Let Him know you are looking for Him, and He will be found.

Chaos manages to weave itself into our world daily. I’m sure, anyone reading this writing can agree, even if only on a small scale. Whether through the news proclaiming unrest among nations, or someone close to us protesting something, peace can be hard to find.

Jesus told His followers and all who were willing to listen that He was giving and leaving His peace for us; “not as the world gives.” In my day-to-day life, the peace I often experience comes when my family members are in good health, in a good place emotionally, and in harmony with those around them. But when any one of these things gets out of whack, my worldly peace flies out the door! Nevertheless, even in times when life is less than perfect, God offers me His peace that has nothing to do with my circumstances or the circumstances in the lives of the people I love most.

The sun rises every morning, even if it is raining, because above the clouds, the sun shines brightly. When my eyes open, I know it is God who sustains me, not my circumstances. I know and believe that if I don’t wake up again in this world, I will be looking into the face of Jesus in heaven. Friend, I hope you are saying to yourself right about now, “well, this is a pretty simplistic approach. She just doesn’t know how difficult my life is,” and you would be right. The peace Jesus promises is rooted entirely in His provision, His love, His salvation gift for you and for me, all we must do is want it and receive it; God’s peace is that simple.

I invite you right now, ask God for His peace and rest, knowing He has an abundant supply for you.

“I had no idea you were such a strong Christian.” Ouch! When I heard these words spoken of me a few days ago, I immediately felt a gentle rebuke from God. Although the statement came from someone, I have known for only a short time and, who I know meant it as a compliment, the truth is, secretly, the sentiment cut deeply. I love Jesus. Talking about Him whenever possible with other people is the highlight of any conversation. So, God’s nudge has resonated as a reminder, that, perhaps the volume of my witness needs turning up a notch or two.

The gospel story was left in the hands of Christians when Jesus ascended into heaven. Christians know God’s contact information; the way to “call on Him.” We must tell the world what we know about Jesus, or how else will they hear the truth? Before recognizing me as a “strong Christian,” did this sweet person see me as a weak or just mediocre Christian? Did she know me as a Christian at all? I will use this experience as an opportunity to ask God to show me when and how to be more obvious about how to express my love for Him with others.

Walking around with our Bible in hand is not always possible; nor do Christians carry a sign around stating, “I am a Christian!” When we invite Jesus into our heart, however, we immediately take on a type of “family resemblance.” Jesus changes us from the inside out. I want those around me to see a strong family resemblance to Jesus, not just a relationship to a distant relative.

Father God, let your light shine brightly in my life, that there is no mistaking to Whom I belong. Amen

For a few days, I am with my family on the North Carolina shore. Peacefulness is all around me. The sun is now rising and the chilly ocean waves breaking on the shore invite the few walkers passing by to dip their toes into its gentle sea salt foam. My thoughts, however, are on another part of the world, where there is no peace.

My heart is so heavy from the images seen on the news of the last week that won’t leave my mind. In the seven decades I have lived, never have I felt the depth of human depravity as profoundly as I do in these early morning hours. “Wars and rumors of war” the pastor said, this is the way life will be in the “last days” before Jesus returns. With the help of technology, the sights and sounds of war are no longer restricted to a geographical region. True, watching is a choice but not watching is almost impossible.

Ephesians 6:11, instructs, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” As easy as it is to look at the current war in Europe, or any war and see human tyrants, the writer of Ephesians says it is not “flesh and blood” perpetrating war. Of course, humans are involved in the carnage, because they are willing pawns of the “principalities…powers…[and] rulers of the darkness of this age…[the] spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” But make no mistake; the deeds of war are courtesy of “the wiles of the devil.”

Friend, whether we are walking on a peaceful beach, or find ourselves on the front lines of war, we must remain alert with preparedness. God’s “armor” is the perfect fit for anyone, anywhere, who puts it on. I invite you to check out God’s armor in Ephesians 6:11-20 and put it on purposefully every day in the name of Jesus Christ.

Have you ever listened to a motivational speaker? Their pitch is almost always a message of self-empowerment. As an old high-school cheerleader myself, (from a long way back, I might add!) motivational leaders are a little like cheerleaders with a message. Whatever the genre, the motivational message is to “take control,” or “be in charge” of your thoughts.

Human beings pay lots of money and spend countless hours flocking to hear the message that for 2000 years has been readily available in the Bible. Maybe you have heard the saying, “you are what you think,” another message touted by motivational cheerleaders? Well, how about turning to Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (NIV).

Friend, I don’t know what challenges or situations you may be experiencing in your life, but I do know, that God has not left us without a solution. In addition to being the Savior of the world, Jesus was the greatest “motivational speaker” ever known! When He spoke to His audiences, He said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and will bring to your remembrance all things that I have said to you” (John 14:26, ESV). Every word Jesus spoke during His earthly existence was to help you and me navigate through this world. For those of us who are not very good notetakers, Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will first, “teach [us].” Then, if we forget the lesson, the Holy Spirit “will bring to [our] remembrance all things.”

For someone like me, who can’t remember what I ate at my last meal, I love having a “Helper” to remind me of all of God’s promises. Call on the Holy Spirit—He wants to help you, too!