Knowing God

Whekl-come to God’s Word

Faith, Knowing God, the Bible God's Word, wonder of creation / By / April 22, 2022 / , , , , , , ,

Do you see what I see?

Strolling through warm sand, I hear the lull of waves splashing against the shore and the trilling of gulls as they scavenge for food. But I fix my eyes on the sand as I scan the beach for treasure—clamshells, limpets, sand dollars, any lovely shell I might collect. The best souvenirs from the beach are free, as our salvation in Christ.

Then I see it, a crown of whelk spikes partially exposed. I prize such a find. The intricate spiral twists up its slender stem. Beautiful. Perfect. Yet, more extraordinary are the truths this sea creature displays.

Whelks hatch from their eggs already wrapped in a shell. Their shells start as a thin, flimsy covering. The babies must eat to grow and build sturdier covers. As Christ-followers, we are born again by the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). We continue to grow strong on the calcium of Scripture. “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,” 1 Peter 2:2. Wrapped in the continuing calcification of God’s Word, He protects and shelters us. “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock,” Matthew 7:24.

The more we study the Bible, we appreciate the intricate story of redemption. Truth upon truth twists into a wonderous spiral.

As our understanding of how each story echoes the same truth, we hear the voice of God Himself, like hearing the ocean as we hold a shell to our ear. At each twist and turn in life’s trials, we grow. We gain a more significant appreciation for His faithfulness. Our shelter through the storms grows. And a crown forms.

A crown of life (James 1:12 )—all for the King of Kings—crowns to cast at His feet (Revelation 4:10), as whelk shells scattered on the shore. He finds His treasure in us.

God creates many beautiful trinkets for beach-combers to gather. Blessed is the beach bum who grasps the great truths demonstrated by these tiny delights.

“I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.” Psalm 119:162

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Father, as we wander in Your world this summer, please, open our eyes to the beautiful lessons all around us. Amen

Three questions to ask when you’re drowning in responsibilities

Faith, Knowing God, prayer, Trials / By / March 17, 2022 / , , , ,
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Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!

Two days ago, we flipped a page on the calendar. The ancients celebrated May first, or May Day, as the first day of summer. Today, May Day, signals the start of graduation and wedding season. School will soon be out. We plan vacations and other ways to keep children occupied. Yard work is in full swing. The spring we longed for now slips through our grasp. Soon, the summer heat will beat down, and there is so much left to do. It’s a busy time of year. Sometimes too busy.

 When a springtime celebration sinks into overwhelming responsibilities how do we get everything done? Like a sea captain whose boat is taking on water, it’s time to issue a distress call, “Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!” 

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice,” Psalm 18:6a

As a young woman, the fatigue of pregnancy took me by surprise. I’d sleep ten hours and still feel the need for a two-hour nap. Suddenly my regular commitments swamped me. I couldn’t keep up with everything. “Help, Lord,” I cried, and He did.

He counseled me from Titus 2:4-5 “that they (older women) admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” God’s priorities for young women became a filter for my activities. If I was not taking care of these things, nothing else I did was His will for me. God showed me what He wanted me to be doing in that phase of my life. But seasons change so it’s important to keep asking.

Question #1: What does God want me to do?

Now well beyond my childbearing years, I’ve walked through many busy seasons. I’ve discovered sometimes God does put more on our plates than we can handle. He’s waiting for us to ask for His help. The Apostle Paul shares a brilliant insight in the book of Ephesians. “For we are His (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

God planned our perfect to-do lists, and He’s glad to direct our steps. Are we taking the time to ask Him each day what work He wants us to do? As the director of women’s ministries in my church, I often recruit women for various tasks. Whenever I approach someone about a ministry opportunity, I ask them to pray before committing. I may think they’re a perfect fit for a job, but I’m not the Holy Spirit. I want God to direct His daughters to do His will, not mine. If you’re sinking under too many to-dos, ask God what He wants to cross off your list. If His answer is nothing, then the next question becomes vital.

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Question #2: How does He want me to do it all?

When poor Martha felt overwhelmed, Jesus taught her the secret of simplicity. “And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:41-42). First, do not, I repeat, do not worry. Anxiety robs us of the peace and rest God intends for us. We need to learn the gentle rhythms of grace. God wants us to depend on His grace and embrace His peace (2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:7-8).

Next, we need the power of Mary’s one thing—time spent with Jesus. Nothing simplifies my workload more than bringing my to-do list before God each day. As more tasks come to mind and distract me from the Word, I jot them down. When my time with Jesus comes to a close, I lift my list in prayer and ask, “What do You want me to do today, Lord?” Sometimes He adds things. Sometimes He crosses them off. When I start my day with His input, things go much smoother. I know this sounds like I’m repeating question one, but we discover the how in this repetition. How does He want me to work? With Him, in His power, under His leadership. His lordship simplifies life.

Question 3: Who gets the credit for the completed work?

Accomplishment feels great. I love crossing things off my list and changing the “To-Do” to “Ta-da!” When we serve well and accolades come our way, it’s easy to forget Who accomplished what. Jesus reminds us in no uncertain terms, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Failing to give God credit for how He chooses to use us robs Him of glory. It’s a violation of the eighth commandment, “You shall not steal.” Let’s give God credit when He turns our impossible tasks into beautiful realities.

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Four Main Functions of Blood and How these Point to Good Friday

Faith, Knowing God, wonder of creation / By / February 28, 2022 / , ,
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Good Friday?!

Blood splattered across the screen; I cringed at the gratuitous violence. Then I clicked the remote and turned the television off. Unfortunately, many react similarly to Christianity, calling it “a bloody religion.” And it is.

Recently, I finished reading the bloodiest book of the Bible, Leviticus. The sixty-six books of the Bible contain 357 verses that speak of blood. Sixty-six of those (almost one-fifth) are in Leviticus. What about blood makes it a central theme of both the Old and New Testaments?

We find the answer smack dab in the middle of the Pentateuch, the first five books known as the Law of Moses.

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls,” Leviticus 17:11a

Did the ancient patriarchs understand the biological functions of blood? It’s hard to know. Blood sacrifices began at the first incident of disobedience when God Himself slaughtered an animal to cover the shame of Adam and Eve. We see these animal sacrifices continue through Abel and Noah. Even Job, who was not a son of Abraham, offered atoning sacrifices for his children.

My friend, John Olson (PhD in biochemistry), reminds me, “Science is just discovering how God does stuff.” Scientific research provides us with an understanding of blood’s functions in the body. Within this life-giving elixir, God painted pictures of atonement’s mysteries.

Four significant blood functions and what each reveals about atonement

  1. Supplying oxygen to cells and tissues

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7

          God breathed into man the first breath; Adam’s blood carried that sacred air to every cell in his body. The name of God, translated in the Old Testament as Lord (Adonai), is how the Jewish scribes honored His most holy name YHWH (the breath). He created blood to carry His life into ours; He is indeed the Lord of Life. And the life is in the blood.

  • Providing essential nutrients to cells, such as amino acids, fatty acids, and glucose

“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” Genesis 3:6

Adam and Eve bit off more than their blood could chew. They ate the one fruit in the garden that could not nourish them. They ingested the poison of disobedience. The forbidden fruit introduced the fatal awareness of evil to their minds and the toxin of death into their circulatory system.

  • Removing waste materials, such as carbon dioxide, urea, and lactic acid

“And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22

Tainted blood travels through veins to organs that filter out the waste. Inside our lungs, an exchange occurs; unclean carbon dioxide is replaced with clean oxygen. But these purifying organs cannot extract sin. The removal of sin’s penalty requires another exchange; the life of a clean animal poured out to amend for the debt incurred by the guilty. Atonement became a necessary reparation for wrongdoing.

  • Protecting the body from diseases, infections, and foreign bodies through the action of white blood cells
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“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

The white blood cells that fight disease illustrate the Lamb of God. White blood cells attack disease, so Messiah slew sin and the death it brings. He is Adonai Rapha—the Lord Who Heals.

Our blood testifies God is life, forbidden fruit poisoned us, an exchange is necessary, and healing is made possible. As Michael Card puts it, “By His blood, He bought a violent grace.”

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In ten days, we will commemorate the blood sacrifice of Jesus. We call it Good Friday. I’m mindful of the words Jesus spoke to a rich, young ruler, “Why do you call me good? Only God is good.” Yes, God is good. He was good to provide a ram for Abraham to sacrifice in his son Isaac’s place. What God asked Abraham to do, God, in His goodness, has done. He offered His only Son. Let’s reflect on the miracle of blood—His blood—for His life is in His blood!

Three Ways to Love in the Fourth-Dimension

Community, Faith, Family Life, Knowing God, Maturity, prayer / By / December 14, 2021 /

For God so Loved!

Sparkling, paper hearts sprang up as I opened a Valentine. Pop-up cards delight me. I love to shop for them, make them, and send them to my friends and family. These whimsical treasures express a three-D love in a material world. Yet, pop-ups hint at the kind of love the apostle Paul describes in Ephesians, “that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:17b-19a). Four dimensions! The cover of a pop-up card hides a central aspect of the message. Today I want to open up a hidden face of love—the unseen work it does for others.

The Bible opens our understanding of the unseen ways Jesus loves us right now, today. Here are three demonstrations of Christ loving us in the fourth dimension.

  • Offensively

In the book of Romans chapter eight, Paul explains that Christ sits at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Jesus prays for us! He sees our hearts, our struggles, the ways Satan tries to block our goal of Christ-likeness. Then He lifts His hands to the Father, showing His the scars that ensure our victory.

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So, what does our prayer life reveal about our love? Do we intercede for others? Are we mindful of their struggles, circumstances, and needs? I fear too often our prayers tend to be selfish, focused on what affects us. How often do we pray for the homeless we pass on the streets or our brothers and sisters who face severe persecution for their faith? Do we pray for our enemies? The Lord expects us to (Matthew 5:44)

  • Defensively

The book of Job provides a peek into the battle going on around us, exposing Satan’s ugly heart as he maligns both God’s and Job’s character (Job 1:9-11). To this day, the vile, jealous creature constantly accuses God’s saints (Revelation 12:10; “day and night,” according to this passage. But God (two of my favorite words in the Bible) preserves His saints. He defends our righteous standing before Him. The dignity He bestowed on us by grace can never be defamed. The world slings mud at us in vain.  

If God so loves us when we aren’t looking, how well do we love one another? My favorite line from the song They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love” states, “We will guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride.” Do we? Or do we have dirty hands from belittling others behind their backs?

  • Immensely

In the first scene of Job, we also hear God brag about His “servant Job.” Did you know God brags about His children.? What good parent doesn’t? The apostle John sums it up well, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 1:14. If it makes John happy, how much greater must our Abba’s joy be.

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Do we brag about the good things other people do? I tend to brag about my accomplishments. I bait the hook, fishing for praise. I’m working on practicing the wisdom of, “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth, “ Proverbs 27:2. Next time we’re tempted to show off, let’s secretly love another and talk about the beauty they bring to the world.

The most significant love test is anonymity; how do I love when no one looks? Yet, if we only love by unseen methods, we love one-dimensionally—flatter than flat. All dimensions need to be present, our words, our actions, our presence, along with our anonymous contributions to the wellbeing of others. All four-dimension complete a perfect love.

I want to celebrate this Valentine’s Day, not just in tangible ways, but by committing to loving others offensively, defensively, and immensely behind their backs. Will you join me in displaying the fourth dimension of God’s great love for us?

When Believing Is Not Receiving: God’s denials and delays teach us three important lessons

Faith, Knowing God, prayer, Trials / By / October 15, 2021 / , , , ,

“How long, oh Lord?”

Jesus promised if we ask in His name, He would answer us. “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13 He Promised if we believe, we will receive.“Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24

So, when we don’t get what we asked for, has He broken His word?

Saints from all generations struggled with the tension of unanswered prayer. The disciples failed to exorcise a demon and left the poor boy’s father devasted and desperate. The Apostal Paul pleaded for healing—God refused his request. Abraham asked God to spare the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of his nephew who lived there. Then watched as the Lord demolished both cities with fire and brimstone. What can we learn from these accounts when our prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling and never get to God’s ear.

In the Gospel of Luke 9: 14-29, we witness a desperate dad at the end of his hope. This man’s voice cries in despair as he explains to Jesus his son’s severe condition. He has prayed, paid, and plotted, but no one—not even one of the twelve—can cast the violent tormentor from his son’s soul. After hearing his saga, Jesus tells him a simple truth, “All things are possible for him who believes.”
This man’s candid response confronts me with the reality of genuine faith. “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!” Faith prays honestly.

Lesson 1: Delays and denials teach us humility and dependence.

Life-giving, soul-saving, mountain-moving faith is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). As long as I delude my heart with self-sufficiency, “I just need to trust more, believe harder,” I fail to humble myself before God, who grants faith. Jesus later explains privately to his disciples why they couldn’t cast out the demon. “This kind comes out only by prayer and fasting.”

Christ’s call to fast and pray isn’t an encouragement to work up to more faith. He’s reminding them (and us), their effort isn’t enough. Just like the boy’s dad, they need to confess their self-reliance. Fasting communicates complete dependency on God. It reveals Jesus is our bread of life—and we should desire nothing less. When we thrust ourselves upon the mercy of God, He always shows up—but not necessarily in the way we think He should.

Consider the conversation the Lord had with Paul concerning “ a thorn in the flesh.”

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

If you read this chapter, you’ll see Pual knew why he had this affliction. The Lord intended to keep him humble. Paul felt he had learned the lesson; so, he asked God to relieve him. God flat-out rejects the request and gives him something better, grace.

Lesson 2: God’s grace working through our weaknesses accomplishes more than miraculous healing.

We rejoice to see miraculous healing, but the world denies that type of miracle. What unbelievers can not deny is the joy and graciousness of suffering saints. That shouts the reality of good news—God with us—like nothing else can.

Lesson 3: True wealth is contentment to wait on the Judge of the earth to do right.

Abraham, by earthly standards, possessed wealth. That’s what caused his nephew Lot to move away. They both owned fortunes, and one region could not sustain their grazing herds and flocks (the measure of wealth in ancient times) So, a gracious Abraham let Lot pick first which way to go. Lot coveted the fertile valley.

Unfortunately, that plain produced some nasty fruit. Sin abounded in Lot’s new neighborhood. But before judging the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, God let His friend, Abraham, in on the plan.

Abraham did what all godly men do—he interceded for his family. He pleaded with God to spare his nephew. God agrees to the terms of Abraham’s request; if there are ten righteous, he will not destroy the cities.

Abraham waits in the mountains. Later we watch him gaze upon the destruction of these cities. There is no evidence he ever saw Lot again.

God let Abraham wonder and wait. Abraham developed contentment even though he never saw the answer to his prayer for Lot’s safety. He found satisfaction by trusting the Judge of all the earth—Who does do right.

More than needing more, we need contentment with our lot.

“people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” 1 Timothy 6:5b-7

Some believers reduce God to a sugar daddy. That covetous spirit propels the false teaching of the prosperity gospel. “Name it and claim it” Christians miss out on the true wealth of dependency, grace, and contentment—these gifts God often provides through denial and delay. Take heart, Sister, when God answers no or not yet, it’s because He’s giving you more than you bargained for. He’s giving you exceedingly abundantly above all, you can ask or think!

Stuck in a Devotional Rut? Two Ideas That Will Give You Traction

1 Comment / Faith, Knowing God / By / May 18, 2021 / , , , ,

Relief for Bible Boredom

Routines dig ruts in our lives. Sometimes sticking to our way gets us stuck, and we don’t try new things. This lack of variation leads to boredom and inflexibility—especially in relationships. Relational monotony stunts our growth. We fail to discover new avenues to deepen friendships.

Mature Christians often encourage new believers to have a daily quiet time (a time to read Scripture and pray). A healthy spiritual life depends on these two essential elements. Unfortunately, we can turn these things into another to-do on our list; we cease to view our daily devotions as a time devoted to our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Variety sparks new interest; switching things up leads to discoveries of delight. Does your fellowship with Jesus feel stale at times? Does He seem distant? Here are a few ideas to spark new vibrancy in your intimacy with God.

First, New Perspective

The Bible speaks the very words of God (1Timothy 3:16). It’s living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). Don’t focus on the pages; focus on the Person. The Lord calls us into an intimate conversation when He instructs us to pray. When we pray, we need to focus on our Bridegroom—the Lover of our souls—not our honey-do list. Keep in mind this is not a time to read your Bible like an ordinary book and recite a list of your needs. A devotional time should be an intimate conversation with the One who knows you better than you know yourself. Listen. Ask good questions. Be honest. Be vulnerable.

Second, Vary Your Habits

Here are a few suggestions. Of these ten variations, try one that’s new to you and get out of your rut.

  1. Read in a different translation for a time

Reading a diversity of translations develops a fuller understanding of the text.

  1. Read the sixty-six books chronologically

The books are not listed that way. However, there are chronological reading plans online and chronological Bibles in print. Watch the story of redemption unfold from beginning to end.

  1. Intentional Rereading

Imagine you received a letter from a loved one who lived hundreds of miles away. Would one quick reading be enough? It wasn’t in the days before texting and the internet. People would read those letters over and over to treasure every thought. Do this with the Epistles. Read the whole book in one sitting. Then repeat until you see: the book’s theme, main ideas, and flow. This method applies well to short stories in the Gospels or Old Testament narratives, too.Spend a week with Sarah or the woman at the well. Put yourself in their place. Can you feel, hear, and see what they did?

  1. Speed Read

This practice requires ambition; it’s not for the faint of heart or slow readers. Read large passages in one sitting (10-12 chapters at a time). Speed Reading will take you through the whole Bible up to three times in a year. This approach brings the panoramic scope of redemption into view. You’ll see how each book of the Bible fits into God’s story. If you only get through one and a half times, don’t be discouraged. Speed reading is not an easy discipline.

  1. Read a Messianic Jewish version (Living Tree Version is one example)

Doing this will teach you some Hebrew words and expose you to a different Old Testament arrangement. Most importantly, it will remind you Jesus is Jewish, and our spiritual genealogy came through these chosen people. Their law, holidays, and worship foreshadow the wonders of our Messiah.

  1. Do Different Styles of Bible Study

Try inductive studies like those produced by Precept Ministries. Try lessons without video teachers.

  1. Do Topical Word Studies

For example, how many times is the word “love” used in the Bible? What kind of love does each passage talk about (there are two different Greek words and an interesting Hebrew word translated “lovingkindness” in the Old Testament). Are your ideas consistent with God’s definition?

  1. Journal

Reinforce your discoveries by writing love letters to God. Write out prayers, observations from Scripture reading, even your confessions of sin, and don’t forget to record your praise and thanksgiving. Try the S.O.A.P. method of journaling that Love God Deeply publishes.

  1. Pray as you read

Communicate your thoughts and questions as you read. You’ll be amazed at how personally God interacts with you through His Word. Inquire, and He may answer in the next sentence. Are you reminded of a friend? Pray for them from the text. This approach turns reading and praying into a divine conversation, a unique discussion.

  1. Pray Scripture

When we pray the prayers in the Bible or promises and principles from God’s word, we know we are praying according to His will. For example, try praying James 1:2-4 for a hurting friend, “Lord, please help my friend learn the patience You want to develop in them. Give them joy through this difficulty.”

Keep in mind; no particular method is exclusively the best or the only way to get closer to Jesus. The only wrong routine is the one that got us stuck. Each approach provides different benefits to Spiritual growth. Change stretches us; it expands our capacity to know Him. The Lord is, after all, a God of the infinite, creative variety. So, reflect His image by being creative in relating to Him. And enjoy the spark it brings to your fellowship with Him.

(If you want more ideas for enjoying time with the Lord, I recommend Oxygen By Keri Wyatt Kent and Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas. You can find reviews of these books on my books page under Library, and  affiliated Amazon links to help you acquire a copy.)

The Assurance and Evidence of God’s Good Hand Upon Us

Faith, Knowing God / By / May 18, 2021 / , , ,

Lord, will you give me a hand?!

“Help!” I cried from the top of the ladder. I balanced precariously, arms ladened with heavy boxes of Christmas decorations, some of them quite fragile. I had thought I could handle this chore on my own, but at that point, I knew one of us was going down.

My husband rushed out just in time to catch the boxes.

Life often feels like a dangerous balancing act. How can we know for certain God will catch us when we cry for help or lead us when we’re unsure about what to do? The Bible provides us with the testimony of Ezra, an Old Testament saint who teaches us a lot about the good hand of our God.

Assurance

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,  . . . ; But his delight is in the law of the Lord,” Psalm 1:1-2. When you read through the book of Ezra, you discover how well this Paslm describes him. Ezra delighted in God’s law, obey God’s word, and diligently sought the Lord, trusting God to supply all his needs. Ezra hated sin and humbly confessed his need for God’s intervention.

Do we delight in God’s word? Are we quick to confess our sin? Do we lean on Him and not our understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)? Then Ezra’s promise applies to us, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” Ezra 8:22b.

If we humbly, honestly seek the Lord’s help—He guarantees we will have it. But how does God’s hand on our life look? In other words, how do we know when we have His help?

Evidence of God Good Hand

Ezra reveals the evidence of God’s good hand. I found three elements of God’s intervention.

  • First, God gave Ezra the favor of the king (Ezra 7:6). When we receive the permission of those in authority over us to proceed with a plan, that is evidence of God’s favor.

When I celebrated my third twentieth (you do the math) birthday, I took a trip to Savannah. I went with my husband’s blessing. He provided me with an allowance for the journey. I also have my husband’s permission to pursue a writing career that currently runs on red ink. We have been a single-income family for most of our married life. I appreciate that my Sweet William affords me these opportunities. It’s a joy to submit to a generous man. God designed authority for our good, and He does not bless rebellion. So, the first thing to do in seeking God’s direction is to ask for permission from those He puts over us.

  • Second, Ezra arrived at his destination unscathed (Ezra 7:8-10; 8:31). Journey’s mercies and success in an endeavor are more evidence of God’s blessing.

As Christians, many of us pray for God’s safety when we travel. We’re in good company. So did Ezra. The Bible reminds us that we don’t have because we don’t ask (James 4:2). Dependent, humble believers ask their Father for everything (1Thesselonians 5:17). If you arrive safely or succeed at a goal after you asked for God’s help, His good hand is upon you.

I have yet to get a book published, but I trust, in His time, God will bring it to pass. When I planned my trip to Savannah, I struggled with wondering if I was selfish. I wanted to see sprawling oaks draped in Spanish moss and witness the spectacle of giant Magnolia trees in bloom. I wanted to celebrate the life God gave me by traveling back to a childhood home. I made it there and back safely. God showed me all I desired and provided perfect weather: sunny in the low 80’s with next to no humidity. My friend Cindy, who’s from there, said, “We get two days a year like this, and these are the two!”

We must remember when we pray; our Father is the God who provides exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

  • Third, the joy of the Lord strengthens Ezra, and he sought community with other believers (Ezra 7:28b; 8:18). When we face a challenging endeavor, it’s easy to get discouraged—but if God is in it, we can depend on Him to give us the strength and people we need to complete the job.

Noah may have been the only man who found grace in the eyes of the Lord, but he didn’t build the arc alone. Instead, God provided Noah the help of a community—his family. My life isn’t about me, and your life isn’t about you. Together we are God’s people.

So I planned my celebration in Savannah as a girls-get-away with three of my closest friends. The four of us had babies and raised them together. These sisters discipled me. We’ve laughed, cried, worshipped, and prayed for each other for over thirty years. Maintaining a relationship with these women is a vital part of my spiritual welfare.

God made us communal creatures. If your flying solo, going through life alone, trust me—the good hand of God is not upon you. I should never have tried to get those Christmas ornaments down alone. God uses other people to encourage us and brings others to join us in a work we can never accomplish by ourselves.

When I finally publish a book, there will be a long list of acknowledgments. Communities write books. Friends celebrate together. I know writing and celebrating don’t compare to Ezra’s call to rebuild the temple. But I also know God cares about every detail of creation, including what we do. So when we benefit from the fellowship of other Christians, let’s remember it’s because the good hand of our God is upon us.

With Ezra’s account in mind, how do you know God’s hand is on you today?

Tranquili*Tea

2 Comments / Knowing God, Teatime Qualities, Trials / By / February 4, 2022 / , , ,

Welcome to Teatime

Tea Time is a quarterly (February, May, August, and November) reflection on various qualties.

Tran*quil*li*Tea \tran-ˈkwi-lə-tē, traŋ-\ – n A steady state of peaceful calm. The quality of being unflappable while enjoying the aroma and flavor of earl grey.

Draped in a drafty hospital gown, sitting on the hard, cold x-ray table, I waited for the technician to return with my second mammogram and breast ultrasound results. A few weeks before, the previous imaging had revealed something that seemed amiss, and the Doctor wanted a closer look. Oddly enough—I felt tranquil.

“Whatever it takes, Lord, to bring You glory in my life—I’m game for it. If you allow me to have cancer, You’ll give me the grace to endure; I’ll either survive or go home to Heaven fighting the good fight.” I silently prayed as I sat.

I know this sounds absurd, but I almost hoped it was cancer because I felt the need for new growth in my faith: I desired the Vine Dresser to prune me. I longed to be conformed to Christ’s image regardless of the cost.

“You (Lord) keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

The technician returned, happy to tell me there was nothing to cause worry. I had dense breast tissue. So, I changed back into my street clothes and went on my merry way; there were no new storms to face that day. Yet, that strange feeling of peace seemed to lift me. I praised God, not for the clear mammogram, for His calming presence.

I can assure you it is not something I’ve always had. My heart is prone to anxiety and fear, just like yours maybe, but that day, I enjoyed the presence of the God of Peace because I focused on His goodness—His glory. And there, on that cold x-ray table, I enjoyed the aroma of His presence like my first cup of Earl Grey in the morning. The one I sipped at breakfast with Jesus, reading my Bible and pouring out prayer.

These quiet breakfast conversations strengthen and sustain me more than tea and toast. I pursue tranquility first; The Lord fills my soul with inner peace. Seeking the peace of God before it storms provides an umbrella of stability in case a downpour arrives. Forgetting about His presence and power produces anxietea, a bitter brew that leads to fear and depression.

God tells us to cast our troubles on Him because He cares for us. We see His care in creation.  Consider, for instance, bergamot, the delightful citrus fruit used to flavor black tea and create Earl Grey. Bergamot is a natural anti depressant. Its fragrance is bright, calming, and joyful. Just smelling it produces a calming effect.

It is possible to have a stormy heart in a tranquil setting. It is not circumstances that create anxiety in our hearts; it’s unbelief.

 After a cup of Earl Grey and a conversation with God, I’m good to go, unhurried and unflappable, tranquil inside.

How do you find tranquility in the hustle and bustle of life? What are some ways you enjoy fellowship with God? When is a time you enjoyed His peace through a trial?

Dear Father, may we enjoy Your calming presence daily. May we experience the peace You offer, the peace that passes all understanding, as we relinquish our futile attempts to control what we cannot. Amen

Three Benefits of Spiritual Retreats

Faith, Knowing God / By / July 29, 2021 / , , , ,

Come apart before you come apart.

A battle rages around us. We forget at times because we don’t hear the explosion of munitions. Yet, the Bible tells us to put on armor, fight a good fight. Paul reminds us that we wrestle not with flesh and blood—but with evil forces of wickedness. This war exhausts even the most skilled soldiers. We all need r and r. We need to heed the voice of our Commander and retreat at times.

  • Retreating refreshes us. When we check out of our daily routine, the freedom from those demands allows us breathing room. We gain an opportunity to relax, rest, and feed our souls. Most Christian retreats offer speakers who share the Word of God intending to encourage those in attendance. A retreat provides busy moms time and space to process what she’s heard. On most Sundays, those young mamas either train children to be quiet or rush to relieve the nursery staff from caring for their child and then dash home to feed their hungry brood. Young moms aren’t the only ones who benefit from this opportunity. Let’s be honest how often do we take time to consider what our Pastor preaches? I fear many believers rush through daily Bible reading and never let the message sink in. Intentionally coming apart for Spiritual formation allows all of us the time to process truth.

Another invigorating factor for women with families is coming home to a husband and children who appreciate you more. One of my favorite memories occurred after returning from a women’s retreat. “My husband must have seen me pull up in the drive because he stepped out to greet me. With an exhausted look on his face, he said, “I tried to get the kids to pick up. It’s like nailing jello to the wall!”

“Thanks, Honey. I appreciate the effort. Welcome to my world.” I replied with a contented smile.

  • Retreating connects us. Even if you take a personal retreat or a silent prayer retreat, retreats build relationships. God created us for—and calls us into community. He also calls us to a relationship with Him—and His people. A group retreat accommodates the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships and meet people we may not get to meet otherwise.

One of my most special mentors I only knew because of an annual retreat. That was also the only time I could spend time with her. God used her to teach me the power of praying Scripture, along with several other lessons I’ll never forget. Fellowship, laughter, tears, praying[tg1] , and sharing with others—retreating makes these possible in a way that a Sunday service cannot.

  • Retreating helps us refocus. One main reason armies retreat is to minimize losses by creating a better strategy. Retreats supply vital reflection time. What am I not doing well? How can I do better? Critical decisions that shaped my life and ministry resulted from attending different retreats through the years.

Rallying the troops also happens in retreats. We don’t fight Spiritual battles alone, and we may be hurting. Retreating provides a safer environment for tending the wounded. It rallies us together to be mindful of the needs present.

Many churches offer both men’s and women’s retreats. Some denominations and fellowships of churches provide various types of retreats, including Christian worker’s retreats. Several family ministries host couple’s retreats to help couples strengthen their marriages.

I attend both a women’s retreat and a Christian workers’ retreat on an annual basis. I also take personal retreats throughout the year as I sense my need to refresh, connect (with God), and refocus. If your church and denomination don’t offer retreats, I bet another local church near you does.
And He (Jesus) said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Mark 6:31

Don’t suffer from battle fatigue, Sister. Retreat!

 [tg1]

Simplici*Tea

Knowing God, prayer, Teatime Qualities / By / February 4, 2022 / , ,

Welcome to Teatime

Tea Time is a quarterly (February, May, August, and November) reflection on various qualties.

Sim*plic*i*Tea \sim-ˈpli-sə-tē, -ˈplis-tē\  n- 1. The lack of complexity or difficulty, plain, uncomplicated like a bag of Lipton.

Taking my Bible, tea, and toast to the patio for my usual breakfast meeting with God, I plopped it all down and sighed over my to-do list that lacked margins.

“Simplicity, Lord, I long for simplicity. What do I quit? What should I quit doing? How long can I keep spinning all these plates before they crash on my head? Help!”

I paused to listen.

          Silence. I didn’t hear the still, small voice I had hoped would whisper in my heart. No impressions or verses popped in my head, nothing.

 So, I opened my Bible to read, seeking a solution to my problematic business. A familiar buzz distracted me from reading. I looked toward the sound; sparkling ruby throat feathers caught my gaze. Then God’s gentle voice whispered to my soul, “You asked Me for simplicity. Watch this hummingbird. Let Me show you something better.”

          I watched intently. The first thing I noticed was how still the body of the bird was. It just hung there fixed in mid-air. Then I studied its wings or at least the blurred traces of them. Hummingbird wings move with such rapid motion that it produces that loud buzz, but the movement is not frantic. It’s controlled and rhythmic. Is it any wonder these tiny creatures eat pure sugar? That led to my next observation; the bird had its long beak buried in a flower sipping long and deep of the nectar within.

          “I AM your sustenance. Feed on Me. Keep your heart still and focus on Me. Then I will strengthen you and sustain you in the constant activities I give you to do for My glory.”

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, but one thing is needful. Mary has chosen that good part which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42.

          I wanted less. God wanted to give me more—Himself, His power, His grace, His peace. I wanted plain. He gave me something extravagant—the “one thing.” Jesus is that One thing; His Word, His presence. Going out to my patio that morning was like going into a fine tea shop and asking the retailer for a bag of Lipton. Instead, the retailer poured me a fine cup of Ceylon steeped from loose leaf. I asked for simplicity; God served me singularity instead.

Sisters, when we feel squeezed by the demands and responsibilities of life, when we crave simplicity, let’s choose “that good part which will not be taken away”; let’s focus on the One who holds it all together.