Jesus said, “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20

For centuries, theologians and philosophers have grappled with the problem of human suffering. Some regard suffering as a consequence of sin — an explanation that cannot be dismissed entirely, for the Bible tells us, “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow” Gal. 6:7. Others believe suffering can come as a test of faith, and the Bible suggests that this can also be true, as in the case of Job. And the Bible tells us that at times suffering may be a learning experience, with God as our benevolent teacher Heb. 5:8 and 12:7-11.

I have had to conclude, however, that often we cannot find an acceptable reason for suffering. Too frequently, suffering just doesn’t make sense and accomplishes no good that we can see: A baby is born seriously deformed. A mother dies of breast cancer. An airplane crashes, killing scores of passengers.

Yet through it all — however heavy our burdens, no matter what our tribulations or anguish — we have the promise that in our times of suffering nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord Rom. 8:35-39. With this assurance, we can find consolation and courage to move forward in faith, knowing that this world is not our home and trusting that someday the mysteries of life will be explained.

In our times of disappointment and despair, O God, may we feel your presence and find strength in your word. Amen.

“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13:43

Some years back, my then five-year-old son and I were waiting for his Mom to get her hair cut. As we sat in the waiting area, we had no choice but to listen to the radio that played in the background. The forecast came on and the announcer said that it was going to be partly cloudy. My son, who was playing with LEGOs on the floor, stopped playing and looked up with an indignant look on his face. “Dad,” he said, “That man said it’s partly cloudy but it’s not. It’s partly sunny.” Then he went back to playing.
Oh, to see the world the way my son did in that moment. He taught me a huge lesson on perspective that day and I have been mulling it over since.  Do I see my days as partly sunny or partly cloudy? Do I marvel at the wonders or get caught up in the mess? Do I consciously choose to alter my “glass half empty” mentality and choose to see it as half full? Do I rejoice in what I have or focus on what’s missing?
Just for today, let’s focus on the good things that happen, so they don’t get lost in the shuffle of life. I hope that you will join me in seeking to see our days as partly sunny. Sure, a few clouds may enter our horizon, but that doesn’t mean our outlook has to be altered.  Partly cloudy or partly sunny? My son taught me it’s all in how I look at it.                                                

Dear Lord, when life starts looking cloudy, help me to remember that the sun is still shining. Help me to take my negative, defeating thoughts captive and shift my perspective. Most of all, help me to remember that as one of Your children, I will someday shine like the sun in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.  Mark 1:40-42 

Being involved with various service projects can be an exciting thing. Yet, often times our involvement becomes just another notation on our “To-Do” list. Serving food at the shelter can become a mundane ritual and helping out with the children’s ministry at the local church can become just another job to do, if we lose our passion for serving.   

Jesus performed miracles and acts of service for countless numbers of needy people. He could have let monotony set in and think of those people as “just another person with just another need.” But Jesus never allowed that to happen. He continually served with passion. 

When you develop a passion for the people around you, it creates a desire in you to make a bigger investment in their life. You begin to personally care whether or not their needs are met. Passion will encourage you to walk in their shoes, go that extra mile and give beyond expectations. Passion will also help you persevere as you stand beside those who are needy, allowing them to lean on your strength. And passion is what allows you to celebrate their victory with a joy that only God can put in your heart.

 

Lord, I know that because I am made in your image I have the ability to be passionate about others. It’s easy to get involved from a distance or to serve without passion. But I want to serve others with the same undying passion as Christ did. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet… seek me daily and delight to know my ways…” Isaiah 58:1-2

When I could I used to take daily walks. They serve as the “required 30 minutes of daily exercise” my doctor advised.  Yet they were much more than that — they are also spiritual exercise for me.

Stepping out of my house, I look up and ask Jesus to come along with me. Then, for 30 minutes I tell Him everything I think He should know.  Sometimes I praise Him for Who He is and what He has done. But other times I would lay out a litany of things gone wrong.

 I reminded Him about my friends who have asked that I pray for them.

 I reminded Him that I still have unanswered prayers.

 I begged Him to answer various requests.

 I talked a lot.

 I prayed for my marriage.

 I discussed my son.

 On and on my feet and mouth went on.

One day in a state of frustration and confusion, I felt that I had no control over a certain situation in my family. I figured I could find the answers, and longed to step in and somehow fix the thing.

Whew – did God get an earful during that walk!

I stepped out my door looked up and said, “Come on Jesus, let’s go. The sooner I solve this, the better I’m going to feel. I have to deal with this now!”  By the time I reached the corner I had laid out the basics of the situation.  The issue?  My 27 year old marriage and it’s ending.  I explained the problem and poured out my heart.

“God, should I…?”

“Do You think if I …?”

 “What if she…?”

 “I think I’ll call. Better yet, I think I’ll go for a visit.”

On and on my feet, mouth and mind went.

I turned over every stone. Detailed each circumstance. Approached the problem from different angles, and suggested a variety of solutions.  Then, after an exhausting tirade, I had nothing more to say!  Opening my mouth to continue, nothing came forth. So I just walked on in silence.  About a block from my house, I felt God speak to my heart: “The two shall become one.” Whoa. I stopped in my tracks.  And then I heard three more words, which were almost identical to something God says in His Word: “Leave and cleave.”

“You’re right; Lord. I need to let her figure this out. And with Your help, she will.” 

Is there a situation you are facing that has made you weary? Are you at a point where you have nothing more to say? If so, you are not alone. Let’s pray today that our words will cease so that we can make room in our hearts and thoughts to hear His.

Father God, forgive me for being so quick to tell You how my life should progress. Forgive me for thinking I should be in charge of others’ lives. Thank You for Your Word that reminds me You are involved in the lives of Your children. Thank You for caring enough to speak to me even when I take so little time to listen. Teach me to trust You, in Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Matthew 19:14

People often ask me at what point in my life I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I am sure my answer is often disappointing because I had no earthshaking or near-death experience that brought me to my faith. Because my parents were Christian, strong in their beliefs, I have known about Jesus and felt close to him as far back as I can recall. I remember sitting in Sunday school, looking up at pictures of Jesus holding a little child and wishing with all my heart that I could be that child sitting on Jesus’ knee.  I guess you could say that my faith was given to me by my parents the day I was born and has evolved over the years. Their gift is definitely a “gift that keeps on giving.” Through my study of God’s word, I have made my faith the foundation for the many decisions I have had to make in my life. Faith is my rock — immovable, unshakable, unchangeable — that one thing I have been able to depend on and trust completely during the dark and tough times inevitable in life. This gift has been a priceless and precious legacy that I have joyfully handed down to our children, who are now handing it down to our grandchildren.  Although I am now in my later years, I know I am still a child of God, one of the little children Jesus still calls to and holds close.

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”   John 10:10

Children have fun blowing the seeds off dandelions and watching them float away in all directions. Sometimes the children are disappointed when the fun is over; they want the heads back in one piece so they can experience it all again. But no amount of glue could put a dandelion together again in the way it was created. This dispersal of the dandelion head occurs for a reason: it maximizes the chances of one of the seeds finding a suitable place to set down roots and continue the life cycle. The simple act of letting go and allowing the forces of life to propel it is an integral part of the life process for dandelions.

When life blows us in new directions or propels us into a new stage, we often become uneasy. We may try to cling to the familiar rather than holding on tightly to life and allowing change to carry us along new paths. Fear of the unknown overwhelms many of us, preventing us from enjoying life in all its abundance. However, God calls us toward new horizons, new adventures, and new paths.  We may feel at times as if we are being blown apart, just like the dandelion head. God, however, already has a place prepared where we can put down roots and bloom afresh.

Lord, as our paths change, help us to seek your guidance. Help us to put our trust in you, wherever we may be. Amen.

Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place.  Exodus 13:3

A few years ago, I began to keep a journal. I had tried before, but finally succeeded once I realized that keeping a journal is not a task for completion but a wonderful opportunity for self-expression, reflection, and release.

Job knew the value of writing. He expresses sorrow and laments that his words have not been written down: “Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!” (Job 19:23)

Keeping a journal has been a life-changing experience for me. I take time to record important events in my life and even the mundane occurrences of my day. I am able to express my deepest feelings and concerns and to link my life to verses of scripture about God’s grace and mercy, which offer deliverance.

As I read over my journals, I recall with great fondness many of the joys of my life. When my writing reflects the sorrows and pain I have experienced, my journal also serves as a reminder of the mighty works of our Lord and Savior and God’s divine love for me. Remembering God’s grace and acts of deliverance strengthens my faith.

Writing is a wonderful gift that we give ourselves.

Gracious God, thank you for grace that brings us through the joys as well as the trials of life. Continue to strengthen our faith each day. Amen.

The king will answer [the righteous], “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40

THE man stood on a street corner at the edge of the city. He sold newspapers to drivers stopped at the light, hobbling from car to car, a crutch under one arm and newspapers under the other. He had only one leg, and some of his front teeth were missing.

At first I shrank in my seat as the man approached each driver to try to sell a paper. Ashamed of my fear, I decided to pray for him. And I began to buy a paper from him every Thursday on my way to visit my elderly friend.  After a few months, I missed three straight Thursdays. Overdue projects at work, a family crisis, and hacking bronchitis kept me from my visits. Finally back to my regular schedule, I reached his corner, where the light stopped me as usual. I gave the newspaper seller my dollar and told him of my recent woes. His face softened. He stuffed his papers under one arm and laid his hand on my arm. Then he said, “I pray you’ll be better soon.” I took in a big breath. I, who have enough teeth to eat a good meal and two whole legs to take me anywhere, received the gift of comfort in his prayer, simply offered before the light changed. Christ had a new face, and I rejoiced to see him on the roadside.

Dear God, open our eyes to your presence in places we least expect to see you. Amen.

All [mortals’] days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest.   Ecclesiastes 2:23

When I awake in the night, my mind sometimes tends to race. That’s when my “problems on parade” prevent me from going back to sleep. Events of the day revisit me, disrupting my slumber and turning me into a tossing, turning, sheet-pulling worry wart.  It’s 2 a.m. and the battle that has been raging in my mind has now switched to a struggle for sleep. After some time, my pleadings for the rest I deserve and need become demands.

But, finally surrendering, I begin to pray. I’ve learned to be specific and direct in praying for each situation that has been tugging at me. One by one, each “float” in the parade of problems is removed from the line with the words: “Thy will be done, not mine.” Instead of clinging to my wisdom and my human solutions, I visualize myself placing each problem in God’s hands. I actively, deliberately “leave all [my] worries with [God] because he cares for [me]” (1 Pet. 5: 7). And sometimes even before I finish the list, I am asleep again.  In the morning some of the same problems may come back to mind. When that happens, I remind myself often and prayerfully that I have turned them over to God.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Matthew 19:14 

If you’ve ever driven for a long period of time, you have probably experienced road hypnosis. It happens when the rhythm of the car and the monotony of your surroundings lull you into a blank state subconsciously. You can still navigate the road, yet you can’t recall what vehicles were around you, what exits you passed, or any of the other essentials to driving. 

Many of us suffer from a similar condition called life hypnosis. This happens when we become so consumed by our busy schedules that we ignore our surroundings, or when our thoughts lull us into a blank state where we walk right past people without ever noticing them or their possible needs.  Jesus had a very busy schedule. He was a carpenter and a ministry leader. He could have easily passed over crowds of people to attend to his own private agenda, yet he made time to interact with the masses. He never let his own agenda keep him from noticing and meeting the needs of the people around him. 

God has specifically placed people in your path so that you could meet their needs. He wants to bless them through you, and then bless you in the process. Don’t let the busyness of life distract you from adding a personal touch to the needs of the people around you. Instead, follow Jesus’ example and exchange your agenda for the agenda of God.

Lord, I have been guilty of allowing the distractions of life to keep me from noticing those who are in need. Please help me stay continually aware of those you have placed my path so that I can meet their needs, as I exchange my agenda for yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.