Certain Confidence .
Jeremiah 29:11-12

11. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.

I knew immediately this morning what scripture I would be drawn to! Today is the last day of my current job. I have been with the same company for 5 years, serving in two different positions. Five years ago I re-entered the full-time workforce after working for myself and at multiple part-time jobs for quite a few years. I had a lot of “firsts” at my current company. And over the years, especially over the past couple of years, I have learned a great deal about myself.

One of my coworkers has asked me a couple of times if I’m getting scared as “the end” approaches. And I have been a little surprised that I’m not! I’m really not afraid at all! And I really have no idea what my new job will be like! I have become rather fearless in some ways, as God has brought me through some trials and tribulations at work and also in my personal life. He has been refining me and preparing me for the future -- I feel as if I should pretty well polished by now, but I know He’s far from finished with me!

I kept wondering why I wasn’t anxious or worried about what the future holds. And this morning these verses came to mind. I have learned to trust and believe in the God who makes this promise. I really have been propelled, not of my own volition into this future job. And I’m kind of feeling like I’m in a daze! But I have no doubt it is the right thing to do. And I have no doubt that God has plans for my future, for my welfare. No doubt. And I trust that is the case in all areas of my life. Not that I don’t worry! I do! But not for long! Because I have learned the lessons God has taught me.

Trust Him. Obey Him. You may not understand the “why” but as long as you know the “who” you don’t need to worry about what’s ahead! I look back at some of the painful experiences I’ve weathered in the last few years, and I now consider them blessings - every one. Would I want to relive them? Absolutely not! Do I wish for a different outcome? How can I? God used those outcomes to refine me and prepare me for the wonderful future he planned for me long ago!

I’ve shed a few tears, and “reality” will probably set in some time today as I turn in my office keys, receive my last paycheck, and walk out the door for the last time as an employee. But I am not scared. I am excited! God used these last 5 years to prepare me for my new job. And he uses everything in our lives to accomplish His plans for us. I call upon God more and more as I learn more and more of his faithfulness and mercy. I know He hears me -- even when I’m not thrilled with His response.

I have become courageous. Not rash. Courageous. Because of Him. Jesus tells us to “fear not little sheep.” And “do not be anxious about your life.” God is in heaven and He is in charge of the future, just as He was of the past. That courage has allowed me to go into an uncertain future, with a certain confidence. God has gone ahead to make a way for me. That is all I need to know.

I hope today you will call upon the Lord for instruction and courage in all the decisions you must make. And that you will trust that He hears you when you call to him.

Mary  ¶ 7:20 AM

  God's Vantage Point .
Isaiah 1:13-20

13. Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and sabbath and the calling of assemblies -- I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. 14. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them. 15. When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. 16. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17. learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18. "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 19. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20. But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

Romans 12:1-2

1. I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

It is believed that Isaiah was recorded about 700 years before Christ. As soon as I read the verses in Isaiah, I immediately thought of Romans -- the subheading to chapter 12 in my bible is Living Sacrifices. To me, the fact that God allowed us to “get it so wrong” for so long is testament to his patience, his mercy, his love for us. That's because I view his patience from the point of view of a parent, with not so distant memories of completely “losing it” after the 200th time a child did something they knew they were not supposed to do! So God’s patience might seem like the focus of my devotion this morning.

Though God’s patience was and continues to be a marvel to me, the political activist in me reads these verses from another point of view. No, I’m not going to offer a commentary on our involvement in Iraq--though I could go on for several hours! Rather all the “social issues” of the world run through my mind this morning. HIV/AIDS in Africa -- and entire continent at genuine risk of extinction because of that epidemic -- I can’t help but think how the situation would be different if the money our nation spent on the war in Iraq had been diverted toward that crisis. I don’t mean that as a political statement, though I’m sure it’s obvious where I stand on both issues.

One of my “pet peeves” and a source of constant frustration for me is the lack of “big picture” planning. I guess it’s human nature to charge right in to a situation and try to “fix it.” We don’t take the time to see if there’s a different way to solve a problem, a way that might take a little longer, but will not negatively impact another situation by making a decision. It happens in business all the time -- not just in government and politics. And it happens in our daily lives as well. But God wants us to take a step back and view our lives and our world from His vantage point.

He wants us to be part of the solution, and stop contributing to the problem. He wants our hearts and our minds and yes, our bodies. He wants us to get in there and get our hands dirty. He wants us to be like Christ -- an activist. We are to be the voice of the oppressed of this world. We are to do more than vote -- we are to vote responsibly -- and campaign for candidates we believe in -- and write letters to our leaders voicing our support or objection to their actions. We are to go to world and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Feed the hungry, love the unlovable, house the homeless. And work to alleviate the conditions that placed those brothers and sisters in that situation.

Kind of on a bandwagon this morning, I know! But God sent Christ to show us how “it’s” supposed to be done. We are to offer ourselves as a perfect act of worship. That’s what God wants -- us -- you and me -- engaged, involved and active in the world He created for us. It’s our responsibility to care for it and all of it’s inhabitants.

I hope today you take some time to step back and look at your life from God’s vantage point. And make a decision to make one small change that can impact your little piece of the world.

Mary  ¶ 7:13 AM

  Let Your Heart Take Courage .
Psalm 31:1-5, 21-24

1. In thee, O Lord, do I seek refuge; let me never be put to shame; in thy righteousness deliver me! 2. Incline thy ear to me, rescue me speedily! Be thou a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! 3. Yea, thou art my rock and my fortress; for thy name's sake lead me and guide me, 4. take me out of the net which is hidden for me, for thou art my refuge. 5. Into thy hand I commit my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
21. Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was beset as in a besieged city. 22. I had said in my alarm, "I am driven far from thy sight." But thou didst hear my supplications, when I cried to thee for help. 23. Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but abundantly requites him who acts haughtily. 24. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!

I’ve listened to the news accounts of personal tragedies over the past week or so--the shark attack victims, the 3 boys who suffocated in the trunk of the family car, locally, children shot, and some witnessing their own family members dying. And of course the story of Natalee Holloway is on the 24 hour news cycle -- and is just so very sad. My heart breaks for her family and for all of those whose hearts have been broken. Upon hearing stories like these, one might feel overwhelmed and helpless. There really is no way to comfort these families, or to change the outcome of any of these situations.

One might stop to ponder why such horrific things happen. How can people be so evil? How can God allow children to die senselessly? Why do these happen for no apparent reason or purpose? These questions are older than the Psalms -- they are as old Adam and Eve! And we won’t really know the answers until we get to heaven. I am certain in their anguish, those who knew and loved the victims cry out to God, “I am driven far from thy sight.” How do we even begin to make sense out of it all? How do we go on? How do they?

I am, without question, abundantly blessed! I can’t begin to tell you how any of these people feel! Because I have not experienced anything so traumatic in my life! I am blessed! Do I feel guilty about that? No. I just feel grateful. I feel . . . well . . . blessed! Anyone who knows me, realizes that verse 24 is one of my hallmarks. I live by it. It is encouragement for myself, and for others. The translation I first came upon says to “be of good courage, all you who trust in the Lord.” That is the blessing I send out to all the families, to all the victims, to anyone who is struggling to understand, trying to figure out how they will go on.

Our faith cannot change the past or the present. It can, though, fortify us to face the future. God will sustain us when we feel we have no other recourse. We must go on living, God is the answer to “How?” We won’t understand the tragedies of this world until we get to heaven. But I do know that many parents had conversations with their daughters about how to stay safe in the last month. And activists are again raising a voice to make cars safer, and citizens are rising up against gun violence and politicians and government officials are being forced to study the root cause of so many of these tragedies and are being spurred to action.

Nothing I can say will alleviate the pain and grief of those enduring loss and suffering. But my prayers are lifted high for them. And through our prayers, and through God’s healing love and mercy, those tragedies can be turned into a vehicle for a greater good. I hope that someday that is a comfort to all who are suffering.

I hope today, no matter what happens in your life, you will be of good courage. And that you will trust in the Lord to get you through it.

Mary  ¶ 7:47 AM

  A Rock of Stumbling .
Isaiah 8:11-15

11. For the Lord spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: 12. "Do not call conspiracy all that this people call conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 13. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall regard as holy; let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14. And he will become a sanctuary, and a stone of offense, and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15. And many shall stumble thereon; they shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken."

Psalm 118:19-22

19. Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. 20. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. 21. I thank thee that thou hast answered me and hast become my salvation. 22. The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.

To “make it” in this life, we must carefully, prayerfully discern where our loyalties lie; where the source of our greatest good will be; what the sustaining power of our lives will be. Sooner or later, we figure it out, or not -- and if we don’t, then sadly we will die without the certain promise of eternal life in heaven. It seems almost unfair somehow, but when you really think about it, God does all the work -- always has -- and freely offers us the reward. Knowing the alternative, how can we make any choice, but to place our lives in the hands of God?!

We are not to conform ourselves to the ways of this world. We are not to adhere to the same value system the world follows. We are not to use the same criteria upon which the world determines worth and success. It’s not easy to go against the grain. It’s not a lot of fun being the different one. Sometimes it becomes almost unbearable to be “the stone which the builders rejected.” The power brokers of this world will tell you that you must be like everybody else -- look like them, drive the same cars, wear the same clothes, own the same house, send your children to the same schools, worship all the “things” of this world.

At some point, though, we realize that what the world has to offer doesn’t last. All the things we have, all the possessions which define to the world who we are don’t sustain us in difficult times. They don’t provide a firm foundation upon which to base our lives, because jobs can be lost, homes can be burned down, or blown away by the wind, a car can be crashed, and money & fame -- well have you observed the ruined lives of some of the “famous” American icons lately?

Eventually it hits us that Jesus must be the “capstone” the “cornerstone” of our lives. The capstone in an arch is the one that prevents the arch from crumbling. The cornerstone in a wall is used to anchor and align the rest of the wall. Jesus is that leveler in our lives. When we accept and embrace that He is our salvation, we do reject what the world puts forth as worthy. When we believe and desire the Word of God, we do not accept what the world says is true, and real, and important. Jesus is the way. He is our truth. We accept his offer, not out of fear, but rather out of gratitude!

Without a cornerstone to anchor and align our lives, we are swallowed up by the world; tossed about by the winds of change; and forever stumble over our own sin.

I hope today you make Christ your capstone. And that everything you do is guided by Jesus’ word of life.

Mary  ¶ 8:09 AM

  Purses That Do Not Grow Old .
Luke 12:22-34

22. And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat, nor about your body, what you shall put on. 23. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25. And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life? 26. If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27. Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28. But if God so clothes the grass which is alive in the field today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O men of little faith! 29. And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be of anxious mind. 30. For all the nations of the world seek these things; and your Father knows that you need them. 31. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things shall be yours as well. 32. "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33. Sell your possessions, and give alms; provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

On my way home from my walk, I thought that I would seek out scripture about being burdened – or rather how our load is lightened because Jesus walks beside us and helps us. But somehow I think these familiar verses are more what I needed to focus on this morning. Worry is a tremendous burden, isn’t it? I spend a great deal of time worrying! I am really working on giving that worry to God, but it is so difficult. Worrying, though, takes attention off of God and places it upon ourselves. Using that line of logic, worrying is a sin.

So now you know one of my “thorns!” And I do go to God with all the things I’m concerned about in my life – big and small – but I sure grab them back on a regular basis! And I can tell when I’m trying to bear that tremendous burden all by myself, too. I have restless nights, full of dreams and I awaken feeling exhausted. But Jesus tells us that we don’t need to lose sleep! We don’t need to be in charge of everything—in fact, we can’t be! And he wants us to stop trying! Let it go and don’t pick it up again! Stop gritting your teeth and sucking in air, and pacing the floor and furrowing your brow. “I’ve got it covered,” he says. “Been there, done that, don’t need you to take over. But thank you very much.”

If God can make the grass grow, and the birds fly, and the earth spin on its axis, I think he can handle my daily emergencies, and even my big life issues. He loves us so much that he swoops down to comfort us, if we only seek His comfort. He cares about us so deeply that he wipes away our tears, if we only ask for His shoulder to cry on. He admires us so much as the work of his hands, that he wants to join in the parties and the celebrations, if only we’ll invite Him! When the voice on the television asks you, “what’s in your wallet” He wants you to know that it doesn’t matter – because you have a purse that does not grow old, and a treasure that never fails.

Jesus is the only word that needs to be in our life story. He paid the price for us so that we don’t need to worry. He sacrificed everything he had – himself – to show us that nothing else on this earth is of any value in heaven. That itinerant carpenter went to his father God before each decision – in fact that is how he began each day. He didn’t live in a fine house, with servants tending to his every hearts’ desire. He lived what he preached. Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, what clothes you shall put on. All you need is God.

Because of Christ, we know that God understands our every need. Jesus lived among us, as one of us and intercedes on our behalf with our Creator. So give your life to God. Don’t take it back. Don’t rethink it. Don’t second guess it. Just give it to him. He wants to take it – he wants us to be worry-free. “"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

I hope you’ll give all your worries and woes to God today. And that you will fear not, knowing your Father’s good pleasure for your life.

Mary  ¶ 7:06 AM

  Let Your Light So Shine .
Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

1 John 1:5-10

5. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. 6. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth; 7. but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

“Light” is clearly the theme for the week! I didn’t realize that until this morning, but it seems pretty apparent. I had determined the scripture I would reflect on, but had to come into the other computer, as we’re dealing with “network issues.” When I logged on to my e-mail subscription the verse from Matthew was waiting for me – confirmation that I had tuned in correctly! I’ve been a bit fixated on this concept of light and dark because it’s been discussed in several of my readings in the past month or so. I imagine that some of the beautiful sunrises I’ve witnessed have spurred me to dig a little deeper on the topic. Wayne Dyer tells us, in The Power of Intention, that light “absorbs” the dark when we flip the switch to ON. The darkness doesn’t “go anywhere,” it’s just absorbed, so that it changes instantly into light.

Isn’t that what Christ did for us on the cross? He absorbed, dissolved, wiped out all our sin, and in his own transformation from man back into God, he transformed us into new creatures! That’s such a powerful image! We died with him, as creatures living in the darkness of a sin-filled world. When he rose, we rose also, as new creatures, now walking in the light of the resurrection. Thousands of years of being separated from God were erased, eliminated, eradicated through that one act of perfect submission and love. When you watch a sunrise, the night sky fading, stars vanishing, birds chirping, “He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!” it’s like being born anew each day!

In a perfect world, there would be no need for us to “shine our light.” But the world is still full of imperfection, sin and suffering. We must shine the light of Christ to the world by how we live our lives—shattering the darkness of this world and offering the hope of the promise we have received because of Him. How can we help it!? We have been saved, reborn, renewed, and will be one day made perfect in Him! We’re not perfect yet! If we were, our message wouldn’t be the same, would it? Now we can simply say, I am a sinner, I was born a sinner, I live as a sinner, but when I die, I will die as a perfect creation in Christ.

Isn’t that a wonderful promise to offer the world. We’re not perfect! Far from it. But God’s grace, demonstrated by Christ on the Cross is so vast, so amazing, so incredible, that He loves us anyway!

I hope today you’ll let your light shine brightly, giving glory to God! And that everyone you meet will know of the love and grace of our Father in Heaven

Mary  ¶ 7:50 AM

  Very Early in the Morning .
Genesis 1:3-5

3. And God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. 4. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

Mark 1:35

And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed.

Luke 24:1

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.

I am not a morning person! Were it not for coffee, I don’t think I would have the will to rise each day! Sleeping is one of my favorite “hobbies” in fact! So it seems a bit ironic to me that, for the past several weeks, the phrase “very early in the morning” has been running through my mind. I suppose you think that’s not so surprising, since I get up very early in the morning to meet my walking buddy three times a week! But it’s more than that. Something about the pre-dawn world is almost surreal. Each morning that we walk together, God gives us the gift not only of renewing/deepening our friendship, but also a special glimpse of his wonder and majesty that can only be witnessed at that hour – in that place.

And while I am so very tired – beyond tired – literally incoherent – when my alarm goes off, I know that it will be worth it because of what awaits me! This morning the moon was a red glowing orb with gray clouds passing across its face. It seemed to shift shapes as the clouds – invisible until they crossed in front of the moon – traveled across the sky. For a moment or two we simply stood, watching with wonder as if God were telling us, “see, my wonders are new every day!”

When I did a search on the word “morning” I received 24 “hits” from Genesis alone! Of course, God was busy during Genesis, wasn’t he!? Morning is an important time for God, I think. Throughout the first chapter of Genesis, even though God had labored to bring into being a part of creation, the next day offered a chance to begin yet again; to try out something new. And while God “rested” after the evening, he was up and at it bright and early, ready to begin anew – in the beginning there was only darkness. And then he made the light.

We read of Jesus rising early to pray and be alone so often. He had to get in his quiet time with God before he began his work anew each day. The women in Luke went to the grave “very early in the morning” so they could properly dress Jesus’ body before they began their daily chores. And on those mornings when I return from walking with my friend, I am no longer tired, but rather, energized and thankful for the “extra” time before I begin my day. Some mornings I could honestly make “one more circuit” but I am eager to get home and see what scripture I am led to, and just sit quietly with my God. I think very early in the morning is God’s favorite time! And, amazingly, by the time He’s finished sharing his wonders with me on those mornings, it’s mine too!

I hope you’ll carve out some time today, to be alone and sit quietly with your God. And that you’ll believe me when I say that His wonders, just like his mercies, are new each day!

Mary  ¶ 7:26 AM

  Every Good and Perfect Gift James 1:5-8, 16-18

5. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7. For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, 8. unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord. 16. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. 17. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all he created.

The wisdom referred here to is a wisdom of how to live correctly. James is saying that God freely and generously gives us what we need to live -- if we go to Him for direction. Read the bible, pray, seek out a spiritual mentor or a group of friends who are serious about their faith journey. Associate with others who seek God’s wisdom. And then go out into the world, trusting that God will sustain you and give you what you need to hold your own and more . . . to thrive.

Don’t start believing what the media tells you. Don’t watch those ads and begin thinking you really do need and want and just must have everything they’re trying to sell you. Remember? You only need what God provides: perfect wisdom, knowledge, strength, peace, and best of all: eternal life. God doesn’t change from minute to minute, day to day. He’s the one sure, steady, reliable, perfect truth upon which to base your life.

Don’t worry that others view you as “odd” or “different” because of how you act and the way you live -- because, really, you are! If you’re really true to what God has revealed to you, instilled in you, you can’t help it! Because you know the truth! I guess there aren’t too many more ways to say it! God is all you need. All. Nothing else. No one else. God. And He is the only thing that will satisfy. Cars wear out, people leave, food is digested and gone. Drugs, alcohol, money - gone. Houses fall apart, hurricanes destroy country clubs. Floods ruin golf courses, thieves steal your possessions.

At the end of time, God is all that will be left. Isn’t that a comfort and a help in trying to live now? God will be there at the end of the world. Just as he was when it all began. Wow!

I hope today you seek the good and perfect gift of God’s wisdom. And that you rejoice in knowing that no matter happens in this life -- God’s grace surrounds us, uplifts us, sustains us, and is the reason we can hardly wait to get to heaven!

Mary  ¶ 7:29 AM

  Cotton Candy and Burnished Gold .
Genesis 1:1-8, 31; 2:1

1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. 3. And God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. 4. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day. 6. And God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters." 7. And God made the firmament and separated the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament. And it was so. 8. And God called the firmament Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day. 31. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day. Gen 2:1. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.

Had you been up with me and my walking buddy this morning, you would understand why I sought out scripture about the sun and the sky, and well . . . creation! It was still dark when we met this morning at 5:00. By the completion of our first circuit, the eastern sky had turned bright pink--fluorescent pink! As we continued our walk, we watched more and more of the sky changing from bright pink, sunrise expanding to embrace the clouds, the whole sky had changed to almost a cotton candy pink - and finally, on my ride back to my house, one last glimpse of the pre-sunrise sky -- bronze horizon, blue sky above.

Upon arriving home, I got my coffee and sat on the deck for a few minutes (remember my deck?) By that time, the sunrise was “over” and the sky was now a grayish/blue. But the birds made quite a racket! And my faith-filled leaping squirrel was out this morning--along with two friends! When we walk, we hear the birds start chirping--one here, another there, and finally it’s so loud it almost drowns out our conversations! And I can’t forget our rooster--yes, a rooster! From my deck, it was clear that all God’s creatures were calling out to the world, “Wake up! The day’s ‘awastin’!”

My buddy and I talked this morning as we walked about God’s faithfulness. We shared examples from our latest adventures where we so clearly see God had gone before us, making a way for something wonderful to happen for us. “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” God is the source of all good. He made a perfect world for us, perfectly suited to sustain us and support life. As I experienced that sunrise this morning, I had no doubt that God was in charge of the world, and that he had a perfect plan for me today.

If he can speak and light comes into existence, imagine when he really gets going -- does God speak in run-on sentences? No, probably not! He had the good sense to rest on the seventh day, didn’t he? I know I’m a bit silly this morning! I didn’t get much sleep last night, and 5 am came awfully early -- but had I not gotten up -- I would have missed God’s gift of that amazing sunrise -- cotton candy and burnished gold!

My prayer for you today is that you trust in the plans your amazing and mighty God has for you today. And that you rejoice in being the most important part of God’s creation plan!

Mary  ¶ 7:14 AM

  Put Your Trust in Him .
Hebrews 2:9-18

9. But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one. 10. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12. saying, "I will proclaim thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee." 13. And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again, "Here am I, and the children God has given me." 14. Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15. and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. 16. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. 17. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. 18. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Jesus lower than the angels? That is a pretty amazing thought! I cannot imagine his giving up his “God self” to be like us! It’s just inconceivable to me! Can you even comprehend being loved that much? To give up heaven for such as us? Absolutely unimaginable! But God has a point to make, and He knew there was only one way to make it—one indisputable, wonderful, amazing, perfect way to demonstrate his indisputable, wonderful, amazing and perfect love for us! Jesus Christ.

So much emphasis is placed on Jesus’ miracles and his crucifixion, and, of course his resurrection. And I would never want to diminish any those! But what about the times he was tempted? Remember? Before he began his ministry he went to the desert for fasting and prayer – and Satan came to him three different times—when he was famished and tired and his resources depleted. How about in the Garden before he was arrested? He asked God to take away “this cup” from him. And even on the cross, he must have felt like calling down the angels to carry him away and end his suffering.

But he didn’t give in or give up in any of these situations. Why? Some may argue that because of his divinity, he was fortified to resist temptation and to endure suffering in ways that man is not. My contention, though, is that the only thing he had that man does not – is divine faith! If he had any “extra help” his life on earth would not have been as meaningful. His suffering diminished, his temptation, a trifle, his crucifixion, a show and a sham.

He was a man. A human being. Just like us. That’s why we are considered his brothers and sisters. He became like us so that we could know and believe, in no uncertain terms, that he understands our times of temptation, of suffering, of loneliness, and of feeling completely, desolately alone. Because of his humanity, we know that we can now rely upon his divinity to comfort, sustain, encourage and love us through every situation in our lives. Because he knows how it feels. He understands as only one who has experienced it can.

That’s what God wants us to know. That he loved us enough – loves us enough – to become like us. When we pray to be saved from a painful or difficult situation or circumstance – he remembers when He prayed that same prayer. I can think of no greater comfort than to know that God has walked this earth, just like me, and cried and laughed, was tempted and afraid, was lonely and embraced by his friends. So when we go to God in prayer, we can trust that he really does understand what we’re going through. And we can rejoice in the midst of the most difficult circumstances because of the future promise won for us by God himself!

I hope today you turn over all your worries and fears, doubts and misgivings to God, knowing and believing he understands. And that you’ll rejoice in all circumstances, knowing what awaits us at the end of time.

Mary  ¶ 7:19 AM

  Proclaim it Throughout the Whole City .
Luke 8:26-39

26. Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27. And as he stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes, and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. 28. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." 29. For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.) 30. Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. 31. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. 32. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. 33. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 34. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. 35. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. 37. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into the boat and returned. 38. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, 39. "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

A couple of aspects of this story are of particular interest to me this morning. First, we should note that Jesus was in a Gentile town – not among the Jews. So often when Jesus performed a miracle – a healing of an ill (or demon-possessed) person, he beseeched them not to tell anyone. But that is because he was among Jews—his own people. Remember, he had to be careful that “his time” didn’t come before it was intended by exposing himself and being arrested before he had finished his mission. That’s probably why he didn’t mind the residents knowing about this particular miracle.

As he approached this poor, pathetic man, the demons within him called out in agony and dread to Jesus to “leave them alone – not to torment them.” My bible notes point out that Satan probably rallied all his forces to come to earth in order to wage a battle against Jesus. Such power demanded everything the depths of hell could muster – and of course, it was not enough—but they tried mightily! But as wily and powerful as Satan and his forces are, Jesus was able to “trick them” into believing he would show mercy on them by sending them into the pigs. They preferred life as a filthy animal, wallowing in mud over returning to “the abyss.”

Satan still wages war against the followers of Jesus. He roams the earth, looking for victims, looking for those he might use as instruments of his evil work, seeking out means of influence in the world. And he is so skilled, after so many centuries of practice, that sometimes he succeeds—even in us! Even in the faithful, he might win a battle or two in this war! Once we know the good news, Jesus sends us out to spread the word to the world. But Satan steps in when we’re tired, when were stressed, when we’re lonely, sad, frightened. He doesn’t want us to turn to Christ in those times. He doesn’t want us to call upon the forces of heaven to cover us with protection and, in essence, send Satan into that herd of swine.

Knowing how scary the world is, knowing the forces that battle for our minds and hearts and our very souls, we may want to stay safe within our “comfort zone.” We want to go to church, and participate in activities there, but not out “in the world” because there are non-believers there. At our jobs, in the community, we come in contact with dozens of people who haven’t heard the Good News! And they vie for our attention, for our loyalty, for our thoughts and for our deeds. But Jesus doesn’t want us to stay isolated and shut off from the world. He wants us to go – go out into the streets and tell the story! Jesus always wins! His love is too strong and too deep to allow us to suffer eternal wrath. And we are never alone.

I guess this sounds a little “doom and gloom” this morning! But the battle for our souls is real and we need to be armed and at the ready every minute! Study the bible, pray, seek God’s wisdom, practice the love of Jesus. If you can to those things, you will be like this healed man, so amazed and grateful that no one will be able to silence you!

I hope you spend your day proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus has done for you. And that you are ever mindful of the power and love of our Lord and Savior.

Mary  ¶ 7:30 AM

  Every Good and Perfect Thing .
1 Corinthians 13

1. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4. Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; 5. it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6. it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. 7. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8. Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9. For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; 10. but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. 11. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood. 13. So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

You’re probably thinking I’m having another one of those mornings . . . tired . . . running late . . . distracted and preoccupied . . . and so am turning to an old familiar chapter of the bible. Well, for a change, none of those are the case! I read through all of 1 Corinthians this morning and ended here. The verses resonate anew for me today! I find the rhythm of the verses almost like a song. I’m not going to ask the age-old question: “What is love?” So you don’t need to worry about that! But really . . . what is Paul talking about here? “Love” is thrown around pretty loosely isn’t it? I perhaps overuse it in my conversations about things in my life – but not about the people in my life!

When I tell someone I love them, I really mean it! It doesn’t mean I want to run off with them somewhere! It doesn’t mean I have an unhealthy attachment to them! It doesn’t mean I have a romantic love for them! It means that my feelings for them have begun to approach what Paul talks about in this scripture. A love that exists because of my seeing into the heart of someone. To know who they are at their core – to see their intrinsic worth as a child of God. It’s not about the loveable ness of the individual, it’s about their kinship with me as a Christian. It’s about seeing them through the eyes of Christ – as a beloved, valued, unique creation of our Lord and Creator.

I don’t always say, “I love you as a beloved, valued, unique creation of or Lord and Creator!” But that’s what I mean! When we perceive “love” the way Paul defines it, we are able to live differently. Once I have embraced the type of love Paul describes, I rejoice at the successes of my friends and acquaintances—I’m not jealous of their accomplishments—I’m truly happy for them. I don’t envy another’s life or possessions—I’m truly glad they have a good life and are able to afford the luxuries they have acquired. I don’t wish for a marriage like that of another couple, or for someone else’s children—I thank God for my own family and rejoice at the tremendous gift God has given me in them.

Here comes the “but!” But . . .Neither do I judge another because they speak with contempt about another’s accomplishments. I understand that they have not fully experienced and internalized the love Christ shared with us and modeled for us. Nor do I look down on those who live a life full of envy and greed and a need to put others down. They have obviously been hurt and disappointed and hurt by others who have not been saved by the blood of Christ.

Oh, don’t get me wrong – it’s a pretty slippery slope when I talk about how “mature” I am in my faith and how I grasp Paul’s words and embrace them as a lifestyle! These examples Paul provides, are goals—not facts! Sometimes I’m able to live a life of this kind of love – sometimes, I fall short. Sometimes I can remove myself from the equation – but some times I’m smack in the middle of it – or want to be – and don’t deal with things the way I should. But we have an ideal – a model – and a goal to strive for. We need to remember the source of every good thing within us – and the price he paid for us. In light of that, it’s hard to boast about ourselves. We have faith and hope because of God’s love for us and the sacrifice of his son on the cross.

I hope today you’ll remember the source of every good and perfect thing in your life. And that you’ll love all of God’s creatures from the bottom of your heart.

Mary  ¶ 7:28 AM

  Roadmap to Heaven .
1 Corinthians 2:9-16

9. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him," 10. God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11. For what person knows a man's thoughts except the spirit of the man which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. 13. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who possess the Spirit. 14. The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15. The spiritual man judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16. "For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

If you don’t know how to read a map, how do you know the way from Point A to Point B? Well, we do have “Mapquest” today, and AAA, but are you ever 100% certain the directions you printed off don’t have any wrong turns? Do you not watch the signs along the way, and verify each instruction with what you see with your own eyes? Doesn’t your intuition kick in at some point, though? Don’t you have to make adjustments sometimes, when it’s obvious a right turn should be a left, or exit 25A should really be 25B?

No, I’m not planning a road trip, but I do spend a lot of time thinking about the course of my life. And that is what Paul is talking to the Corinthians about in these verses. To properly chart the course of our lives, we must rely upon Christ as our guide, our source of information, our “mapmaker.” We can’t always rely upon man-made, man-conceived, man-produced things. To live rightly, to get where we’re going, to stay on the straight and narrow path, we need to be sure we have charted the proper course. Paul warns us not to rely upon intellectual knowledge. He’s telling us that just because we understand the meaning of the words, doesn’t mean we have “intuitive knowledge.”

The Holy Spirit spoke to the prophets long ago. Before Christ, only a select few were privileged to obtain the deep, unfathomable wisdom and knowledge of God. When Jesus’ time on earth was done, God sent the Holy Spirit, first to the disciples, then to all the world—to anyone who would receive it! And once we receive it, we no longer live life by a man-made, man-conceived, man-produced roadmap. Because our destination changes! We seek heaven now. Nothing on this earth is more important than achieving that destination.

The Holy Spirit reveals the mind of God to us. We are co-heirs with Christ – imagine that! He died on the cross – he paid the price for all of man’s sin – all we are required to do is believe! It is unimaginable! But that’s what grace is: unimaginable! This amazing gift is the reason we now choose to live as spiritual men and women. We no longer conform to the ways of this world. We seek the higher truth, the greater purpose, the godly choice in everything we do. And we are guided by the divinely revealed truth, purpose and choice, through revelation from the Holy Spirit!

God is so amazing, isn’t He? When we look back into history, read these words, written 2000 years ago, and think of all that has happened since, we are able to see more clearly God’s hand in all of creation and in all of history. Our task – quite a bit more challenging, I might add – is to see His hand in our present – and think about the future that He has planned for us. Our final destination is heaven – what will you rely upon to find your way?

I hope you join me today in seeking the wisdom that is not gained from words written by man alone, but only when they come to life for us by the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. And that you always remember your final destination as you chart the course of your life.

Mary  ¶ 7:23 AM

  When You Did Not Know God .
Galatians 4:8-20

8. Formerly, when you did not know God, you were in bondage to beings that by nature are no gods; 9. but now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10. You observe days, and months, and seasons, and years! 11. I am afraid I have labored over you in vain. 12. Brethren, I beseech you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong; 13. you know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first; 14. and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15. What has become of the satisfaction you felt? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16. Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17. They make much of you, but for no good purpose; they want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18. For a good purpose it is always good to be made much of, and not only when I am present with you. 19. My little children, with whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you! 20. I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Paul is quite put out with the Galatians! He preached the gospel to them, he spent time with them, saw them convert as they heard and believed his words. They even cared for his physical needs when he was ill! He felt their love for him personally, but also of the community as a Christian stronghold. And now, he’s received word that they are backsliding. No wonder he’s discouraged.

Galatians 2:16 really sums up what Paul had taught on his visit: "know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.” In Paul’s absence the Galatians had begun to turn back to idol worship and to their rituals. Without a strong voice, spurring them on and reminding them of the truth, they fell back into their old, comfortable, familiar way of life.

They’re not any different than we are today. Sitting in church, hearing an inspirational sermon, it’s easy to walk out of the building and feel “pumped up” in our faith! When we gather together for a small group meeting -- a class or a study -- we feel close to God, and relish knowing his words and their application to our lives. Then we go out into the world. We go to work. We go to the grocery store. We go to a PTA meeting, and a little league game, and on and on and on. Not much sign of Jesus in any of those places!

And so, like the Galatians, we fall back on a former way of life. A life before we fell in love with Jesus Christ. A life without hope, without joy, without grace. We forget that it’s always worth the effort to stay on track with our faith. It’s always worth it to go the extra mile, take the extra time, exert the extra little bit of energy to preach the gospel by how we live our lives. Because we have a promise that will never be broken. And it’s the only promise upon which can rely in this life.

No ritual, no good deeds, no prayer or hymn will get us into heaven. We need to constantly remind ourselves that the world does not save us -- only Jesus on the cross, buried, and risen on Easter morning! Nothing on this earth will save us!

I hope today you will not fall back into a former time when you were in bondage to beings that were not gods. And that you spend your day living as one freed from the slavery of this world, living for the promised reward in eternity.

Mary  ¶ 7:28 AM

  Justice and Grace .
Lamentations 3:1-9, 17-33

1. I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath; 2. he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light; 3. surely against me he turns his hand again and again the whole day long. 4. He has made my flesh and my skin waste away, and broken my bones; 5. he has besieged and enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation; 6. he has made me dwell in darkness like the dead of long ago. 7. He has walled me about so that I cannot escape; he has put heavy chains on me; 8. though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer; 9. he has blocked my ways with hewn stones, he has made my paths crooked. 17. my soul is bereft of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is; 18. so I say, "Gone is my glory, and my expectation from the Lord." 19. Remember my affliction and my bitterness, the wormwood and the gall! 20. My soul continually thinks of it and is bowed down within me. 21. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; 23. they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. 24. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." 25. The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. 26. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. 27. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. 28. Let him sit alone in silence when he has laid it on him; 29. let him put his mouth in the dust -- there may yet be hope; 30. let him give his cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults. 31. For the Lord will not cast off for ever, 32. but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; 33. for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men.

Why is that when things are going well in our lives, we readily and heartily praise God, and when things are not going so well, we blame him for our hardships? It’s human nature, I guess. Notice, I said, “we.” That’s not an editorial we -- its a statement inclusive of yours truly! When its all good, we rejoice -- after all, we deserve all the bounty and wonders this world has to offer! We’re good Christians! We’ve never murdered anyone or robbed a bank. We pay our bills. We take our kids to church.

Oh . . . but . . . wait a minute . . .what about those sins of omission? What about the gossip I spread? What about the words spoken in anger to my spouse? What about the lies I told to someone so I would be regarded more highly by them? And how about the times I drank too much, or passed judgment on someone I didn’t even know because of how they looked? Do I really need to go on? I think I’d rather not!

My pastor, in his sermon last Sunday, presented a whole new perspective (for me!) about God’s wrath. The result of our sin is not that God rains down terror and destruction upon us -- not at all! He loves us--why would he deliberately, intentionally harm us!? Because of that love - manifested in God’s grace, we are not destroyed, without any hope for salvation! Rather, God’s wrath is demonstrated in His justice. He lets us “stew in our own juices” when we get ourselves into a sinful state. In other words, he lets us live with the consequences of our actions.

Parents do that with babies and toddlers. “Don’t touch the stove, it’s hot.” The little hand reaches out a little closer. “Don’t touch the stove, it’s hot and you’ll get burned.” Then a wail and tears begin to stream down the little face. We knew the stove had cooled off a bit and touching it wouldn’t cause permanent damage, but the little red patch of burned skin is a consequence of disobedience.

That is justice -- and that is how as children, we learn the lessons we need to live as adults in this world. That’s how our faith is strengthened and how we come to believe what is true. God tells us over and over again not to sin -- and when we do, he demonstrates his justice. And we keep sinning. And His amazing grace is what saves us from being completely destroyed. He waits for us to figure it out. And then he smiles lovingly as we run into his loving arms.

I hope today you go out into the world rejoicing in God’s restraint, love and grace in dealing with us. And that you share his grace with everyone you meet.

Mary  ¶ 6:46 AM

  Spiritual Junk Food .
2 Timothy 4:1-5 (MSG)

I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit: Just keep it simple. You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.

Spiritual junk food. Somehow that phrase resonates with me! That’s what the advertisers understand about us, though, isn’t it? We want to hear that we should have our every desire satiated and every whim instantly satisfied. They love to tell us that we deserve it! Buy this car, live in this house, go to this church, work for this company, eat whatever you want—24 hours a day. More than that, it’s okay for the big corporate executives to be dishonest – as long as the bottom line on my stock portfolio is strong. And doesn’t everybody in America want to be a member of the Hilton family!?

OK, that last question may demonstrate a bit of editorial license, but maybe not! Paul is urging Timothy not to get caught up in all that! Don’t look to this world—look to the next for your reward! That reward will be so much better, so much more satisfying, so much for fulfilling, and, well . . . eternal! Do don’t get discouraged when it seems as if no one hears you. Keep telling the truth of the risen Christ.

And you know . . . we all must do that. We must do any- and everything we can to counter the lies the world tells us. Shatter the illusions, dispel the false teachings, don’t stop – don’t give up! Be the odd-ball at work and keep your cool in the midst of turmoil. Make pleasant conversation with the people in the check out line – especially when it looks like you’re going to be there a while. Paul tells Timothy to keep it simple. These are examples of “simple” ways to demonstrate your truth. You don’t have to be a “bible-thumper!” Just be grounded in Christ.

Nothing in this world will ever satisfy our deepest desire. Nothing in this life will meet our deepest need. Everything is an illusion – a mirage – except Christ Risen. Nothing will last, nothing will sustain, nothing will give us the assurance of eternal life, except one Truth: Christ died for us. And so we go out into the world – clothed in that full armor of God – resting in the assurance of God’s protection and reveling in the promise of our certain future in heaven with Him.

I hope today you feel God looking over your shoulder when you face a challenge. And that you draw upon His grace to sustain you and guide you.

Mary  ¶ 7:30 AM

  When God Steps In .
Ephesians 6:10-18

10. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15. and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; 16. besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. 17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

You may see the scripture selection this morning and feel like I’ve run out of “inspiration!” Maybe you’ll decide I’ve lost touch with God and so am falling back on an old tried and true, well-known passage. I shared this scripture not too long ago, it’s true. And earlier this morning as I sat in my chair in my "sacred space" I was drawing a big fat zero! Nothing – because too much was running through my mind and I was trying to manage too much information. Then it hit me – I need to give this all to God! (Remember I’m a little slow on the uptake sometimes!). Of course that’s what I needed to do!

And so do we all. I’ve got issues enough to share with 2 or 3 people this morning! And they involve just about every aspect of my life – family, work, church, friends – you name it—it’s on my mind and on my heart this morning. And I felt so overwhelmed and tired and helpless and weighted down when I sat down to read my bible this morning. And then my mind clicked on! Just like that graphic of the light bulb over the stick figure’s head! Give it to God! No that’s not a cop out! It’s actually the smart thing to do! Remember, Mary, He’s in charge?! Oh, that’s right!

These verses remind us that brute force is not the requirement for winning the battle – it is strength of character. When we feel small and helpless, God rushes in, suiting us for the battle, and reminding us that He is the only weapon we need! When we feel burdened with the weight of the world, God fortifies us – he arms us with the Holy Spirit. And Paul reminds us that we’re not just fighting against forces equal to ourselves. No, we’re fighting against the powers of evil—and Satan is so deceptive and so cunning – and so very patient! He waits until a morning such as this to strike!

So we must “keep alert with all perseverance” so that Satan doesn’t take hold of our minds and our hearts. This is the real deal—good against evil. Satan doesn’t like it when we “wake up and smell the coffee!” He likes to use the people and situations in our lives to wear us down, and wear us out – until we get so focused on the issue at hand, that we forget the real issue: God is all we need. Alpha. Omega. Everything. All. Perfectly complete.

I will leave my house today, suited in the full armor of God – checking for kinks as I go. Knowing I am clothed in His perfection, His power, His ability, His wisdom, His strength.

I hope for you today the same comfort and assurance I receive from reading these verses. And that when you begin to feel out of control – you’ll realize you are! – and that’s when God steps in.

Mary  ¶ 7:42 AM

  Bearing Fruit .
Colossians 1:9-14

9. And so, from the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10. to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12. giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13. He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14. in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Paul prays that the Colossians will have a wisdom, a knowing and understanding of God’s word that transcends just reading the words on a page. His prayer is that they will open themselves to divine revelation of the meaning behind the words. That they will have insights granted only to those who seek them--revealed through faith in Christ.

What does it mean to live a life worthy of the Lord? I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately, as I’ve been placed in some situations where I’m expected to compromise my ethics, and my core values. It’s most challenging I think when this occurs in our jobs, because we rely upon our salaries to live! And I think if we are in a corporate environment where “the end justifies the means” it’s natural to slip into what I call “casual Christianity.”

Over time, that “line drawn in the sand” moves farther and farther. Eventually its so far behind you, that you can’t even see it! How do we reconcile ourselves to that fact of living in the world? Don’t we try to minimize the importance of each decision to take that route? “It was a small thing. In the big scheme of things it won’t really matter.” Do we even remember when the “small things” became bigger things, and then every day, in every situation we just did business that way -- with no thought of right or wrong -- just of getting the job done?

I certainly do not intend to pass judgment on a single person! I don’t begrudge anyone doing what they need to do to make a living “in the world.” But I would ask that you join me today in praying for that spiritual wisdom Paul talks about. I know God will strengthen you with all power, for all endurance and patience with joy as you traverse the rocky terrain of living “of the world.”


I hope today you will ask God how you can bear fruit in each situation. And that you rely upon the strength of the risen Christ to stand your ground when you must.

Mary  ¶ 7:14 AM

  For This Purpose .
John 12:23-32

23. And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. 24. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26. If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him. 27. "Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? `Father, save me from this hour'? No, for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28. Father, glorify thy name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." 29. The crowd standing by heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." 30. Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31. Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast out; 32. and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."

I wonder if Rick Warren used this passage as the basis for his book, The Purpose Driven Life? “No, for this purpose I have come to this hour.” I have often wondered at what age Jesus grasped his purpose. I do believe he was divine, of course, but he was also human -- with the human qualities we all have. If he grew as “normal human child” I would imagine he was a full-grown adult before he completely grasped how God’s plan was to be fulfilled. That may not be theologically sound, but that’s where I am with this whole God/man issue!

Anyway, I have realized after reading these verses that I need to get myself back on track. I had been meditating, and spending quite a bit of time in prayer and just sitting quietly, trying to “hear” God’s word. Well, we’ve been in our new house over a month now, and I’m not back where I need to be yet! Time to stop using that as an excuse! Jesus never let it go that long! He immediately drew away from the crowds when he needed to reconnect with His Father. He sought out whatever little chunk of time he could find and took advantage of it. That’s how he stayed connected to his purpose too. By consciously focusing on it and pursuing it.

I have some big decisions to make in the next few weeks and I’m going to need God’s wisdom to feel certain I’m making the right choices. The only way I’ll be able to do that is to practice those disciplines I’ve let slide lately. Beyond that, like Christ, we are to glorify God with our lives. If we look to our options from the point of view of how will this decision allow me to bring glory to my God, we can rest assured we have made the correct choice.

Is your soul troubled? Sometimes even when we are sure we’ve made the right choice, it’s not easy. It may mean that we are required to give up something we very much want, or that we will have more challenges, or that our faith will be tested even more than it is right now. But we must choose the path that leads to our purpose. We must glorify God with our lives. When we compare the choice Christ had to make - over and over again -- we really can’t feel too burdened, can we?

Jesus promised us that if we choose Him, we will be rewarded in Heaven. If we glorify God, we will share in that glory at the end of time. If we discern our purpose and base our lives upon achieving that purpose, we will be true to our call to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

I hope today you answer with a resounding, “Yes,” when you are called to fulfill your purpose. And that you do not let your heart be troubled, because you know that where you are going, Christ has already been.

Mary  ¶ 6:54 AM

  Grace to the Humble .
Psalm 131

1. O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. 2. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother's breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul. 3. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.

Psalm 149:1-5

1. Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful! 2. Let Israel be glad in his Maker, let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King! 3. Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with timbrel and lyre! 4. For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory. 5. Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches.

Romans 12:16

Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited.

James 4:6-8 RSV

But he gives more grace; therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you men of double mind.


Some mornings I’m not sure if I just pick out a verse because I like it, or a theme because it’s applicable to a situation in my life. This morning I read several Psalms and I especially like Psalm 131. One of my spiritual mentors told me long ago that it is one that provides her tremendous comfort when the world just seems too big and she is troubled in her heart. It continues to be one of my favorites. It kind of sums up the only requirement God places on us. Seek him and trust him. It sounds so easy, doesn’t it? OK, not easy – but simple. It’s not easy because we’re human and we humans seem rather prone to pride and arrogance!

I received confirmation of the intended theme for today when I opened up my e-mail subscription for the past couple of days – I’ve gotten a bit behind this week, but obviously was intended to read these two e-mails with the verses from Romans and James this morning as confirmation! God is so good! And hence the reason for our humility! It is a natural response to a God who has perfectly planned every instant of our lives! The mystery of the hundreds of “coincidences” in our lives remains unsolved—unless we believe in a God who stoops down from heaven to touch our lives!

And I do believe in that God! I see him every day in the faces of people I meet. I struggle to see him in all of them, but I do try! God wants us to recognize that He is in charge, in control. And to acknowledge that he does a much better job than we when we run off on our own, saying, “I can do it myself.” I have found that prayer is a great “humbler.” When I go to God in prayer for an answer or a resolution to a problem, it is my acknowledging that I cannot live without Him. That’s all humility is. I will readily admit that I am ever challenged to calm and quiet my soul. I had practiced meditation for several weeks, but have given up the practice since our move—too busy! Now if that’s not an irony, I don’t know what is!

I hope today you submit to God all your cares, concerns, questions, doubts, and hopes! And that you trust that He will answer you when you call to him.

Mary  ¶ 7:29 AM

  Who Told This Long Ago? .
Isaiah 45 (exceprts)

2. "I will go before you and level the mountains, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut asunder the bars of iron, 3. I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. 4. For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I surname you, though you do not know me. 5. I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I gird you, though you do not know me, 6. that men may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. 7. I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe, I am the Lord, who do all these things. 8. "Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation may sprout forth, and let it cause righteousness to spring up also; I the Lord have created it. 12. I made the earth, and created man upon it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host. 18. For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it a chaos, he formed it to be inhabited!): "I am the Lord, and there is no other. 19. I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, `Seek me in chaos.' I the Lord speak the truth, I declare what is right. 20. "Assemble yourselves and come, draw near together, you survivors of the nations! They have no knowledge who carry about their wooden idols, and keep on praying to a god that cannot save. 21. Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. 22. "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 23. By myself I have sworn, from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness a word that shall not return: `To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.' 24. "Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed, all who were incensed against him. 25. In the Lord all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory."

This morning as I prepared to begin my bible reading, I asked God to reveal to me what He wanted me to know today. I opened immediately to Isaiah – one of my very favorite books of the bible. Chapter 45 offers revelations of the future that God has revealed to Isaiah—down to the detail of who will restore Israel—naming him – 150 years before the events will take place! God wanted to be sure people would have a record of Isaiah’s predictions so there would be no doubt who had put into place the events that lead to the city being rebuilt!

My husband and I watched an Eagles concert last night on television and reflected on the last 30 years of our lives (could we possibly have even been alive that long!?). And during the commercials we reflected on the revelation of the identity of Deep Throat in the Watergate case, and talked about some of the other “big headlines” over the past 3 decades. Matt Lauer ended the interview with Woodward and Bernstein this morning with a facetious question, “So where’s Jimmy Hoffa?” Last night my husband indicated now he wanted to know where was D. B. Cooper’s money? (If you are very young, these questions may not resonate with you, but believe me they occupied the headlines for many years and were the topic of conversations at water coolers across the country!) When I shared my scripture selection this morning he asked me why I had used these examples from “the world.” I told him that I can remember during so many of these events focusing only on the headlines – the big story of the day. What I failed to think about was that God had already been there—as he is always in our future!

He already knows, not just what will happen in the next 30 years – but in the next 30,000 years and far beyond—to the end of time! He even knows when the end of time will be! That’s what he is telling Isaiah for his own comfort and reassurance, but also for the people of the time, the people who will be alive 150 years from that day, and even to us—in this day and time—God is in charge. He always was, always will be. Dare we trust in any other power? Dare we go out into the world relying upon the promise of any other being?

I hope today you find tremendous comfort in knowing that you are never alone – because God has already been where you are going. And that when you don’t see that second set of footprints in the sand, you’ll know He is carrying you lovingly and with care.

Mary  ¶ 7:37 AM

  The Kindness and Sternness of God .
Romans 11:11-24

11. So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? By no means! But through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! 13. Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14. in order to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15. For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16. If the dough offered as first fruits is holy, so is the whole lump; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17. But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in their place to share the richness of the olive tree, 18. do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember it is not you that support the root, but the root that supports you. 19. You will say, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." 20. That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only through faith. So do not become proud, but stand in awe. 21. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you too will be cut off. 23. And even the others, if they do not persist in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24. For if you have been cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree.

Verse 22 is what initially jumped out at me this morning. In my NIV translation is states, “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness.” God has this amazing plan for all of us to be “saved!” The Jews were his chosen people -- for centuries! But they just kept distorting and perverting God’s word. They had turned away from the prophets of the Old Testament and created a religion that was full of ritual and rite and taught that salvation came through works. From that point of view, God does seem stern or severe--because we will never do enough to earn salvation--it’s just simply not humanly possible!

To those of us who have heard the Good News, the “non-Jews” who God has welcomed into his fold, God is kind. Kind to afford us the opportunity to be saved--not by our works--but by his grace. Paul is reminding the Romans that God has this amazing, intricate plan for man. Each of us is intricately woven into the plan with care and concern, tenderness and love. But if a thread breaks, or is of the wrong weight or color, it must be cast aside - so the tapestry remains strong and beautiful. I guess I’m really reaching for a visual here!

God chose the Jews a long, long time ago. They continually --even after Christ -- defied the word of God by placing man-made rules and limitations as the means for grace. And we still do that today, don’t we? Paul tells us not to get too cocky, though! Because the grace is not from us - but rather from our loving God, who graciously embraces us into his plan for eternity.

Paul contends that God wants us to become apostles, not only to the “Gentiles” but to the wayward “Jews.” In other words, we are to spread to Good News to everyone--and welcome the wayward back into the fold along with those who are “new Christians,” having heard the Word for the first time. All are a part of God’s perfect plan! He uses one man’s unbelief to prompt another to minister and preach to him. He uses on man’s faith to uplift and encourage one who sees only God’s sternness.

I hope today you find a way to minister to God’s fallen world--those who experience only his sternness. And that you rejoice in his kindness to us his beloved children as you share the Good News with everyone you meet.

Mary  ¶ 7:27 AM