Tag Archives: love

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A Reason to Rejoice

Photo by Christian Roßwag on Unsplash

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Earlier this week, I found myself in a small engine repair shop, hoping for a low repair estimate for my lawnmower. Lawnmowers, generators and other small equipment filled the two bay units of the shop, as well as the outdoor section behind the building. Alas, I discovered my lawnmower was beyond repair. 

During my conversation with the owner, I asked if he had any inexpensive used lawnmowers for sale. One had come in recently, he said, but he wasn’t sure of the condition. He brought it to me, tinkered with it a bit, and said that it appeared to be fine. If I was interested in it, he would give it a complete tune up and have it ready the following day. Throughout our conversation, the owner’s assistant busily went about his tasks, singing and humming as he worked. I left the shop with plans to return the next day.

When I returned the following day, the tune up was complete, but some tires still needed to be replaced. The owner walked me through the shop to the outside area behind the building to see the lawnmower. He gave his assistant instructions regarding the mower, and the man nodded and quickly returned to the job he was working on. I found a spot to wait while he worked.

The assistant was cheerfully working as before, quietly singing and humming in the scorching sun. When he noticed I was standing in the sun, he kindly told me I could wait under the shade tent that was covering some of the equipment if I wanted some shade. I smiled, thanked him, and stood in the shade as he completed the job. 

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

The assistant then walked over to the lawnmower I was purchasing and bent over to examine one of the rear tires. That’s when I noticed his shoes. He was wearing an old pair of tennis shoes, held together with black duct tape. The tops of both shoes had come apart from the soles, and his toes were visible. I stood in wonder as I gazed at this man. Here he was, happily working in the sun, concerned for my comfort, while singing, smiling, and wearing duct taped shoes. 

When he finished, I could barely speak, but I managed to thank him, and asked permission to walk back through the bay to the front of the store so that I could pay. He agreed, after gently cautioning me to be very careful so as not to hurt myself. I paid for the lawnmower and commented to the owner that his assistant was a very cheerful man. He heartily agreed and told me that the man has a big heart—that he feeds and cares for approximately 40 cats in the area between his home and workplace. 

I have been thinking of this unselfish, compassionate man and his shoes ever since. 

I don’t know his story, but I saw his heart. This compassionate man needed shoes, but he did without in order to feed those cats. He considered their needs above his own. That just floors me.

“Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And He said, ‘Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” Luke 21:1-4

Our culture tells us we need the latest technology, new cars, large homes, and designer clothes to be happy. We love our creature comforts. How many of us would give up what we would consider a genuine need to provide for someone else, though? What are we willing to do without, and are we willing to do it when there is no hope of repayment? When there is no one there to see it?

What would Jesus do? It’s not just a phrase on a bracelet or t-shirt, it’s a thought-provoking question. What would Jesus, Yeshua, do?

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:34-40

I don’t think we set out to be self-absorbed, selfish or ungrateful people. I think sometimes life just happens, and we trudge through it, hoping for the best and expecting the worst. We treat ourselves along the way to bring a temporary measure of satisfaction to what can sometimes seem like a very unsatisfying existence. We’re told that this life is all there is, so we might as well get the most out of it that we can, because you only go around once, you know. We’re told that if there’s a God at all, He just wants us to be happy. What happens when your idea of happy conflicts with my idea of happy, though? Whose happy wins?

Throughout my life, I have heard people say that no matter what happens, we should thank God for it. I don’t understand that thinking. Thank You, God, for this sickness? Thank You, God, that I lost my job? Thank You, God, that my family is in disarray? No! Emphatically, NO!

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

We can lose jobs, homes, even people, but that verse doesn’t mean that it’s good, that we should give thanks for it. The meaning of it has been twisted. The verse says to give thanks IN all circumstances, not FOR all circumstances. His will is that we be thankful amid hardship, pain, and suffering. We can be thankful that He is working all things together for our good. All things aren’t good, but all things work together for our good.

“And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

If you are going through a tough time, or find yourself being less than compassionate with those around you, may I encourage you to change your focus? We can choose to focus on the Savior who gives us life. We can choose to focus on others instead of ourselves. We can step out of our comfort zones and be the answer to someone’s prayer. 

“Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name. Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in You.” Psalm 33:20-22

Reasons to be thankful are all around us if we just open our eyes. Sometimes the Lord will even bring people across our path with duct taped shoes to remind us of this. 

God our Father, Jesus our Savior, Holy Spirit our Comforter—they are all the reason we need to rejoice.

“And Mary said, ‘My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed. He has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.’”  Luke 1:46-55

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Where the Wind Blows

Photo by Khamkéo Vilaysing on Unsplash

“Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.  He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; who makes lightnings for the rain, who brings forth the wind from His treasuries.” Psalm 135:6-7

A few days before Veteran’s Day, I was driving in an area where American flags were displayed on utility poles up and down the main street.  The city does this every year for this holiday as well as Independence Day.  It’s a beautiful sight, and always brings a smile to my face.

On this particular day, while stopped at a red light, I was looking at the flags and noticed something interesting.  Some of the flags were waving proudly, while others hung there limp.  Although the flags were all on the same street, some were being moved by the wind, and some were not.  It had nothing to do with the flags, but everything to do with the wind.

“He causes His wind to blow and the waters to flow.”  Psalm 147:18

We are the same way. When we are being filled and led by the Spirit, we move where the wind of the Spirit blows us.  Some will move with fierce intensity, while others will have a slower, gentler motion.  Some may not appear to be moving at all.  The Lord uses just the right amount of wind to move us into different seasons of life, and to new places within a season.  In Him we live and move and have our being.  It won’t look the same for any two of us. As long as we’re willing to be moved, we’re being used by the Lord, and the Kingdom of God advances.

“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”  John 3:8

There have been many times where it felt like I was barely hanging in there.  No visible wind, just hot, stale air.  It’s not something I enjoy, but I believe it is necessary.  Sometimes we are in a time of waiting for the Lord to do in the background what we can’t see with our eyes, and sometimes we simply need to rest.  And then God, at just the right time, breathes on us and sets us in motion again.

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4

Are you feeling stagnant?  Ready for a new season?  I know the Lord hears when we ask Him to breathe new life into us.  I believe He delights in it!

Photo by Johnny McClung on Unsplash

Sometimes a new season can seem scary.  There is so much unknown to us.  We want to see the whole staircase, but the Lord only gives us enough light for the step we’re on.  Then, at the time of His choosing, He shines the light on the next step.

“When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’  Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’  And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’  Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind stopped.  And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘You are certainly God’s Son!’” Matthew 14:26-33

I’m so struck by Peter’s courage to get out of the boat and walk on the water with Jesus, Yeshua. He wanted to be with Yeshua! He wanted to do the miraculous! And he did! Then he took his eyes off of Yeshua, and the next thing he knew, he was sinking. As soon as he called out to the Lord, the Lord took hold of him and brought him to safety. 

Are you afraid? Afraid that if you step out of the boat, you’ll sink? I’ve been there, too. If you call out the Yeshua, though, He will rescue you, just as He rescued Peter. He loves you dearly, and His hands are outstretched toward you. He is so faithful. I have learned that it’s better to walk in the midst of a storm with Yeshua than remain safely in the boat without Him.

I want to be bold like Peter and walk on the water with Yeshua. I want the Spirit to blow so strongly in my life that no one can look at me without seeing Yeshua and His mighty power at work in me. Take a step of faith. Allow the wind of the Spirit to move you out of the boat and onto the path that God planned for you before you were even born. His plans are good, because He is good.

He raised the dead to life. He healed the brokenhearted and set the captives free. He breathed new life into Israel. He will certainly do the same for us.

“The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones.  He caused me to pass among them round about, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley; and lo, they were very dry.  He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ And I answered, ‘O Lord God, You know.’  Again He said to me, ‘Prophesy over these bones and say to them, “O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.”  ‘Thus says the Lord God to these bones, “Behold, I will cause breath to enter you that you may come to life. I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow back on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you that you may come alive; and you will know that I am the Lord.”’ So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone.  And I looked, and behold, sinews were on them, and flesh grew and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them.  Then He said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, “Thus says the Lord God, ‘Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they come to life.’”’  So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army. Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel; behold, they say, “Our bones are dried up and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off.”  ‘Therefore prophesy and say to them, “Thus says the Lord God, ‘Behold, I will open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves, My people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, My people. I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and done it,’ declares the Lord.’”’  Ezekiel 37:1-14

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People of Courage

Photo by Dylan Hunter on Unsplash

Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Fear. It can steal our sleep, health, career satisfaction, family harmony, and make us stagnant. It can prevent us from savoring the life that God has gifted to us. “There’s no thief like fear,” sings Jason Gray, one of my favorite musicians. Did you know you don’t have to let fear control your life? I didn’t.

Growing up, and throughout nearly all of my life, fear was a constant companion. It was all I had ever known, and because it was such a part of me, I didn’t see it for what it was, or know that I could be free from it.

As far as I know, there wasn’t any traumatic experience that caused my fear. I wish it were that way for everyone that experiences it, but sadly, that is not the case. For me, what started as shyness ended up affecting every aspect of my life. 

After going through a painful divorce, I desperately clung to the Lord and tried to make sense of my life. I spent hour upon hour with Him, finding solace in His presence and written Word.

Gradually, the Lord started opening my eyes, through Scripture, sermons, and books, to the truth that many of my thoughts and decisions were rooted in fear. Now that I knew this, what to do about it?

Then one day, while sitting in church, the Lord showed me something:

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

God’s Word commands us countless times to not be fearful. So…if it’s a command, then that means we have a choice, right? We can either choose to be afraid or choose not to be. How had I never seen that before? Then and there, I made a decision that would change the rest of my life. I made the decision to not be afraid.

Daily, we are overwhelmed with messages meant to instill fear in us. Everywhere we turn, we’re being bombarded with these messages – on social media, TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines. The enemy of our souls uses fear to create discord in our homes, cities, and countries. But there is a better way.

The Bible is full of promises made by God. I refuse to be afraid and choose to speak those promises out loud instead.

“Your Word says that You will never leave me nor forsake me, so I will not be afraid.” Or “Your Word says that You are my refuge and my strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble, so I will not be afraid.” You get the picture.

The more I proclaim God’s Word aloud, the less often fear even tries to take over. I no longer live in fear, and you don’t have to, either. The Bible says that perfect love casts out fear. The more we spend time with God and meditate on His Word, the more He fills us with His love, and it weakens fear’s grip.

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

One of the main characters in the movie Courageous said, “Where are you men of courage?” But I also have to ask, where are you women of courage? Although the movie was about fathers accepting their God-given roles and responsibilities, women have vital roles to play as well.

Everything suffers and our priorities get jumbled up when we live in fear. The state of our spiritual lives can have negative effects on our health. It can have devastating consequences on our families. Other things in our lives unravel in the process.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

It is never too late to break the fear cycle. You can do it today. The Lord is faithful. He came to heal the brokenhearted. He can bring good out of all of our past mistakes and transform ugliness into something beautiful.

My favorite words in the song Courageous are, “The only way we’ll ever stand is on our knees with lifted hands.” Amen. Come to Jesus, Yeshua, and let go of your fear. You will find forgiveness, renewal, strength, restoration, and peace. May He make us people of courage.

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6