Beautiful In Its Time

These delicate little flowers grow on a shamrock plant. There are purple shamrocks with light purple flowers and green ones with white flowers.

They are very active plants - each day the leaves open in the morning and close when it gets dark. My green shamrock became overgrown, so I cut it back and as you can see, it is already blooming and baby leaves are quickly growing back! 

The leaves will last awhile, but the flowers bloom delicately then wither quite soon. Grass and flowers of the field are often used in the Bible to remind us of the brevity of life. For example:

 ^"13As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust.
¹⁵ The life of mortals is like grass,
    they flourish like a flower of the field;
¹⁶ the wind blows over it and it is gone,
    and its place remembers it no more.
¹⁷ But from everlasting to everlasting
    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
    and his righteousness with their children’s children—
¹⁸ with those who keep his covenant
    and remember to obey his precepts."  (Psalm 103:13-18)

 and again here:

²³ "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. ²⁴ For,

“All people are like grass,
    and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
²⁵     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

And this is the word that was preached to you."  (1 Peter 1:23-25)

Like grass, people seem to flourish without effort for a time. It's quite hardy - grass regrows when mowed or chewed down, and springs back when stepped on. And flowers of the field are plentiful and beautiful:

“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." (Luke 12:27)

 

It's humbling to be compared to grass, yet in our hearts we sense the truth. As time goes by we notice that people pass on, but the world continues. 

 

However the word of the Lord is not temporary, like our lives. It endures forever, and so does His love. We can take hold of something more powerful and lasting that makes part of us imperishable. We can read God's word and seek His love, taking within ourselves something that endures and is everlasting.

 

We each have our own beauty in our time - just like the flowers of the field, just like my shamrocks.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Eternity is set in our hearts for a reason, so that we will reach for and take hold of that which lasts.

 

* References are from the NIV
 

 

 

The Sure Foundation For Your Times

I studied Isaiah 33 for awhile, but there was a section I couldn't understand. Since the pandemic (Covid 19) started, it suggests new meaning to me which I would like to share. Here it is (Isaiah 33:10-14 NIV):

10 “Now will I arise,” says the Lord.
    “Now will I be exalted;
    now will I be lifted up.
11 You conceive chaff,
    you give birth to straw;
    your breath is a fire that consumes you.
12 The peoples will be burned to ashes;
    like cut thornbushes they will be set ablaze.”

13 You who are far away, hear what I have done;
    you who are near, acknowledge my power!
14 The sinners in Zion are terrified;
    trembling grips the godless:
“Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire?

    Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?”

The phrase "your breath is a fire that consumes you" makes me think of this pandemic, the virus is like a fire that takes our breath away.

Is it perhaps a judgement on our global condition, that humans have of late conceived and birthed so many ideas that are not of substance - but worthless and "flammable" the way chaff and straw are flammable shells with no nutrition? I don't mean it's a judgement on individuals who are ill, because it refers to "the peoples" being set ablaze like cut thornbushes (eg. high contagion among everyone) and being "burned to ashes" (eg. many consumed, many cremations). The virus seems indifferent to who it infects.

I imagine everyone across the world will hear of what is happening (see Isaiah 33:13). Those in places more affected will notice changes that seem surreal in their countries. A short time ago, I could not have imagined anything that could cause such profound changes as these in such a short time:

• Vast economies throughout the world slowed and shutdown. 
• Huge cities quickly locked down and halted, except for essential services.
• Massive retailers and industries indefinietly closed.
• Sporting empires worldwide with delayed and cancelled events.
• The entertainment industry unable to film programs and movies, and theatres closed.
• The hospitality industry with empty rooms and vacant buildings.
• Weddings, funerals, conferences, concerts, churches, families - gatherings of all types put on hold.
• Restaurants and bars closed (except for drive throughs and delivery).
• Schools and universities closed, students learning online or at home.
• Airlines and transportation curtailed, highways empty.
• Cruises and travel - formerly a privilege, now a potential source of infection and stranding.
• Places renowned for longevity suddenly dangerous places for the aged to be.
• Powerful people equally as vulnerable as others to this disease.
• Stock markets and oil prices plummeting and erratic.

In short, the most popular - and populous - places and businesses suddenly became places to avoid. And in a world where the "outgoing" are often celebrated, people are suddenly encouraged to "stay home"!

Nothing I have ever witnessed has had such rapid and widespread influence over all the nations of the world, and all the institutions of power within it.

And as a result, people are reaching out to the Lord. It's good news in Isaiah 33:10 that the Lord says He will arise, be exalted and lifted up. I imagine there are many who, in their fear due to sickness or circumstance, will look to the Lord like never before. Perhaps some in their final hours,  but also I hope many who will recover and move forward with new respect for the Lord. I hope it changes this generation in a lasting and positive way by generating renewed interest in and respect for Him. By reaching out to God in this troubling time, people are acknowledging His power (see Isaiah 33:13)

I also hope we will recognize how the Lord works this for good in the lives of us believers. Ways he guides us, strengthens us, restores us, comforts us, changes us, and cares for us through this time and beyond. Isaiah 33:6 says:

6 

6 6       He will be the sure foundation for your times,
          a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
          the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

This is in the same chapter (Isaiah 33) as the other verses, so it is referring to these times, our times. The chapter is titled "Distress and Help" in the NIV Bible, and also mentions a time beyond this. So take heart, the Lord is with us, is drawing many to Himself, and is a sure foundation for us in these present times. 

Are All God's Gifts To Us Spiritual?

I have long had a penchant for school and office supplies. Gel pens, journals, calendars, computers, calculators, cute sticky notes - I regularly scan these aisles to see what new designs there are. 

It's true that most of this can be done digitally now, but the manual items still intrigue me. Maybe the "nouns" in our lives tell us something about ourselves, (besides how materialistic we are)!

From a young age preferences can often be seen toward certain objects, and also a disinterest in others. For example, I always loved toy animals but rarely played with dolls. Loved nature, was bored with kitchen utensils. So do these interests suggest our future jobs?

They could, but how the item is used is not always what attracts us. It may be more abstract, such as it's beauty, complexity, sleekness, orderliness, simplicity or newness. Does this mean we're materialistic if we like "things" so much?

Like an eager dog with a meaty bone, we can become possessive of our possessions. "Stuff" can trigger sins in us such as envy, greed, hoarding, overspending, debt, idolatry, theft, or selfishness. Should we then avoid the very things that excite us?

At times perhaps, but merely liking or enjoying something is part of life - it's a matter of degree. And also sometimes a matter of timing if our abilities change in the future.

Personally, I think we can learn about who God designed each of us to be by allowing ourselves to enjoy the material gifts He provides during our lives. All good things are from God, but when an item really touches your heart or shows up at a special time when it is especially appreciated - if you feel in your spirit it was sent to bless you, it probably was:

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:9-12)

Disaster, With a Chance Of Rain.

One night I watched the news for a few minutes before bed, and felt so troubled afterward I wasn't sure I could sleep! Then I changed channels to check the weather forecast, and saw disasters happening around the world. Even when I avoid the news for awhile, I still hear heart wrenching stories from people around me, which add to my own worries. Yet I know the Lord wants me to love others, so how can I maintain faith and hope in the face of risks, disasters, and tragedies like we hear about each day? And how can I stop worrying when there is so much that can go wrong?

One way I interrupt troubled thoughts is to use this verse:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8 NIV. 

It helps to choose each word and think about something that fits that description. For example, can I think of something "admirable"?

Also I consider these 2 scriptures, and what they mean to me when read together:

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6 NIV

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NIV

So I remind myself that God rewards those who earnestly seek him, and works in all things for the good of those who love him. When facing a bad situation, I say to myself "God will bring good out of this." Granted, thinking it does not always make me 'feel' the certainty I would like to! But as I begin to align my thinking with the scriptures I will see examples of it happen, then more faith will grow.

Why Some People Stop Believing

I recently watched a documentary about clergy people who are apostate, who formerly had faith but no longer believe in the supernatural aspect of Christianity - which of course means they no longer believe in God. Some continued to perform their clergy jobs in secret or defiance, others joined humanist or atheist movements, and some missed the fellowship of church life and started Sunday gatherings like church services without reference to God or the Bible. I watched this wary of deception, but curious about what caused their loss of faith.
One idea expressed was this: "If there is a loving God, why would He allow this ________________  (fill in blank with something awful witnessed or experienced) to happen? Since [awful things] happen, I don't believe in God." Their thinking had led them to judge God, rather than the other way around. Some chose a humanist view, believing in the value of fallible but visible humans, while God was blamed or dismissed for not stopping evil as if this were an evil in itself, or proof of non-existence.
I admit that when fears and horrors arise, it can be hard to sense that God is present or responding to prayer. And yet, I've never read a scripture that says "everything will be perfect on earth all the time, and by the good fortune of everyone there, you will know God exists." This is not heaven, it is earth! Rather than disproving God's existence, these actually prove EXACTLY what the Bible talks about - that sin exists. We are warned that man is sinful, and that other unseen evil forces are also at work here encouraging this.
I believe that God has the power to stop whatever He wants to. He created it all, and it is within His ability to end or control it all, or parts of it. Many times, for example, God intervenes and people are guided to safety*, or obstacles stop sinful acts from being carried out.
Other times He does not intervene, and far be it from me to presume to answer why. It could be that a greater good we don't know or appreciate will result from the event, or perhaps that God has built in certain bodily responses during trauma or dying that prevent it from being unbearable and unending, despite being frightening to witness.
I hope fear and disappointment never derail my faith (or yours). I hope that we pray often enough in good times that God's blessings strengthen our faith, so that when challenging times come the gratitude in our spirit does not give up to the doubts in our mind.

* Matthew 2:13 NIV [ The Escape to Egypt ] "When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Psalm 14:1 NIV [ For the director of music. Of David. ] "The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good."

A Quiet, Vivid Dream

I awoke from an interesting dream one morning. I dreamt I was sitting in a library to write an exam for which I had not studied - a common theme of my dreams when I feel unprepared for what life involves at the time. The test had 4 small photos per row, which I was supposed to classify as showing N (nouns), V (verbs), or 2 other categories WW or EE.

I thought to myself "To finish faster, I will go through the whole page and identify the nouns first”. 

There seemed to be quite a few, and I decided before long that I should check what the other categories meant first. I discovered in the chapter before the test that WW meant "things that seem to be bad at first, then turn out to be good". EE represented "things that appear good, but then turn out to be bad". I now wished I had read the examples in the chapter to understand the pictures, but it was too late - the test was now, and time was limited.

At this point there was an interruption by someone in the dream whose comment reminded me it was recently the anniversary of my mother's passing, and implied that I was too old to have a mom anymore. I disliked both the interruption and the remark, so I decided not to call him later as I had been asked to do.

Returning to the exam, 4 pictures on the bottom row were now brief video clips of rain. One showed rain dripping on romaine lettuce leaves, and another rain falling into a puddle with brown leaves off a tree. I reasoned that rain might enable romaine leaves to stay fresh, which could be good. But what did rain falling on brown leaves mean? And with rain in all 4 frames, when was it a noun vs a verb? It became quite confusing, and I started to think this test could take more time than I had! So to work faster, I decided to think of examples, and then look for pictures of them on the test. 

I thought of peony plants: how ants that crawl on them may appear to be bad, yet are helpful for the flowers to open. I began to search for an image of a peony, then I awoke. Was there an interpretation to the dream?

Ecclesiastes 5:7 NIV tells us that "Much dreaming and many words are meaningless" so not every dream holds wisdom, but sometimes we do glean from them. The Bible verse I thought of was: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 NIV)

So like a riddle, the answer to the question in the dream "Will this turn out neutral, good or bad?" may lie in the answer to this: "It depends who is asking". If it is someone who loves God then all things, no matter how they seem, will be used for our good.

It Happens In Thousands of Livingrooms!

"If you only had one week to live, and could write something guaranteed to impact 1000 people, what would you write?" This question was posed at a writers' workshop I attended, and this was my response: "I would write about Bible Study groups, and why I like them so much". As an introvert they really suit my style, and here is why:

• I like to learn, and as the name implies these studies focus in-depth on topics or sections of the Bible. Excellent study guides and videos are also available for leaders and members which encourage participation and consistency.
• Study groups are often small, which makes it comfortable to interact and share. It's fun to hear spiritual insights from others.
• It's encouraging to hear others pray aloud and pray with them. I learn from this too.
• Often groups meet in homes, which can strengthen friendships.
• Whether a collection is taken is up to the group, and many do not.
• There's always something new to study regardless how long a group meets, whether for a season or years.
• I find it easier to invite a friend to a small group than to a large church service. 
• For a change of pace, invite someone to share their testimony as a speaker.
• Bible studies are a way to find wisdom, solve problems, gain insight, and feel loved by God and others.

I don't know whether this will impact 1000 people - and sadly not everyone is free to gather this way - but I would love it if blessings I've received from such groups would be multiplied to others. Plus, these small gatherings greatly resemble the way Jesus' followers met with Him and continued to spread the word.

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 NIV

What Everyone Knows About, But Nobody Can Do.

Have Christians got exclusive knowledge about right and wrong? I think even a quick look at other religions and philosophies (even atheism) would suggest that we all share many beliefs about moral behaviour. Studies show that even babies react when they witness unfair or hurtful actions. So if all people have a knowledge of right and wrong, what difference does Christianity make? There are many answers to that, but here is just one.

Despite their knowledge about right and wrong, people often act unethically in order to get by, or to gain an advantage. No one except Jesus avoided this. However, Christian faith can improve the ability to carry out moral decisions. How does this happen? Well, "...faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). We grow to believe that God will take care of our needs, safety, and purpose, which enables us to live with less fear*. And each time we experience God's provision of these things, our faith is reinforced. This enables Christians to rely more on God and less on themselves over time, and as a result to act with less fear and selfishness than they did before. 

*So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

If It Could Happen For This Tomato, Why Not Us?

 It didn't look like much at first, just a little tomato plant supported by a chopstick! I wasn't even sure whether to plant it because I'd had dismal results trying to grow one two years ago. The pot kept tipping over, and when the tomatoes began to grow they developed a blight and rotted. Sigh.

So I researched this time, and this is what I learned: apparently you can either use stakes or cages to support tomatoes, or let them sprawl if there is room. Caging helps the whole plant hold itself up, while staking helps keep individual tomatoes off the ground while they grow. Left to itself the tomato can still grow fruit, but may face more challenges touching the ground such as insects or wet soil.

Suddenly I thought "Can you imagine being able to make so much happen, or having an idea so huge that you couldn't easily support it alone?" Sure, I have participated on teams and group projects before, but I never thought about anything large originating from me.
However, if God grows tomatoes from a scrawny plant like the one shown, imagine what he plans for each of us? Or maybe we'd rather be the stakes or supports for someone else's big idea. Either way, the fact remains that great things can grow from small beginnings, when given the right support.

Tomatoes are coming!

" I will look on you with favour and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you." Leviticus 26:9

Postscript: When we finally harvested, this single plant produced over 70 tomatoes! Amazing :)

Has A Prayer Been Answered If A Miracle Doesn't Occur?

A person who rated a Christian movie wrote that, in their opinion, it did not contain enough supernatural events for a movie about God, that the things shown "could have happened anyway". Another thought the movie "brilliant". This challenged me to consider how I would explain to someone why I believe God is involved in everyday events that are not miraculous in the literal sense, but rather unfold in ordinary ways. When I first heard Christians refer to coincidental events as "God-incidences," I thought it a quaint way to explain how answers to prayer often seem. But occasionally I felt confused by the way prayers were answered; such as when events were underway before the prayer was even spoken, or when they clearly granted a long held - but unspoken - 'heart's desire*'. Were they still answers to prayer?
My understanding later broadened to accept that while we are within time and space, God - the Creator of it all - is not constrained by those same limitations. He entered our world and lives within us, but also exists outside of time to arrange when things unfold, and can use any channels at His disposal (eg. all of creation and more**) to answer a prayer or need. Viewed this way, it seems odd that we would expect Him to be uninvolved with what we experience as everyday life. Miracles, then - when the laws of nature related to time and space are momentarily suspended - are more likely to be the exception.

*"You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." Psalm 145:16

**"But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation." Hebrews 9:11 NIV

An excellent book on the topic is "Miracles" by C.S. Lewis.

Too Little to Love?

Perched high in a tree, it's nose and feet are pinkish as though made to look like a child's stuffed toy. But the eyes of the opossum are not like a domestic animal, they have the determination of a creature that must always be vigilant, - for food, for predators, and even to maintain balance climbing trees.
I notice life does not always favour the tiny and cute, they can be stricken by the same ills that befall others. One might think because of their small stature and appeal that the Lord would spare them trials. The world, on the other hand, preaches survival of the fittest.  But if that were entirely true only large, brutish creatures would remain and our delicate species would have vanished. So while the small may not be favoured, neither are they ignored, but are given their needs just as all are provided for by God.

Luke 12:6

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

Ride On

Strong, sturdy horses of various sizes stand near the stable and wait for a ride. Ears perked forward, some are saddled English, some Western, with small shadows at their feet from the afternoon sun. A blissful day of riding awaits - for the horses as well as riders, for they were not unwillingly harnessed to work but freely invited to the procession. And no one, not horse or human, wanted to miss the opportunity.

This is the picture I discovered on a decorative tin. It captured my imagination, transported me to a world my heart longs for - a place of perfection I imagine briefly before reality calls me back. For "He [God] has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 4:11

Living in the "Later"

One of my personality traits is that I look ahead: I like to plan and look forward to things. In fact, I am happiest looking forward, and seem to forget recent events almost as soon as they happen. I remember them if reminded, but don't spend much time reflecting unless something is wrong that I want to figure out.

It's not that I don't enjoy the present, but the mental activity of planning is like solving a puzzle, or painting a picture. It involves a creativity that I enjoy.

Truth be told, it is often based on past experiences that I imagine future possibilities. But also it is based on scriptures and promises in the Bible of things I may not yet have experienced. One of my favorite books is Ecclesiastes because it contains so much information about what is worth planning for, and what ambitions lead to meaningless results.

^{Ecclesiastes 2:26} To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.

Energy: A Word Widely Misused

Energy is appealing for many reasons: it is invisible but we understand how it feels, it relates to strength and power, and it is desirable to have it. People use the word "energy" in many contexts, such as the way 'it' flows around a room, or the way someone makes them feel when they are nearby. Sometimes people use this concept as a substitute for God. Like God, energy is powerful, invisible but present, felt more at certain times than others, and desirable to have within us. But it lacks personality, unlike God who exercises choice, feels emotion, and wants a relationship with us*. God is never described merely as energy in the Bible.


*Psalm 4:3a (CEB) "Know this: the Lord takes personal care of the faithful."

Not Feeling Good Enough to Pray?

Sometimes life leads us down roads we never expected. Have you ever started something you felt bad about, but didn't want to stop? When I was younger, I was surprised to discover that some of the things people warned me about were ... well, fun. How could this be - if sin is bad, shouldn't it hurt? The simple answer is, it can feel good and hurt you (or others) at the same time. That is why it is so hard to stop, and why people warn us not to begin.


When I find myself on the 'wrong side' of this dilemma, I still maintain my relationship with God. People may judge me, and I need not convince anyone I am right or wrong. I pray about what I have done, or am about to do. Why kid myself, God knows my intentions? And I invite him to intervene, and confess my inability to stop. We don't have to be perfect to come before God, or no one would qualify. But thanks to Jesus' work on the cross, we still have access to communicate with God.


Romans 7:19 NIV "For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing."

The Word

Communication is so important. One means of oppression is to limit communication with others. This occurs when abusers alienate individuals from their friends and families, or authorities isolate nations from the rest of the world, restricting access to media and controlling what is published and broadcast *. Conversely, when people freely communicate they can solve problems and share knowledge, information, wisdom and truth.


* The following verse reminds me of the situation in Cuba (2012): Job 20:19 NIV "For he [the wicked] has oppressed the poor and left them destitute; he has seized houses he did not build."
Per Wikipedia "Cuba had the second-highest number of imprisoned journalists of any nation in 2008 (the People's Republic of China had the highest) according to various sources, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an international NGO, and Human Rights Watch."

Freedom 55 ( or 45...35...25)

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33 NIV). The things referred to are those needed for your life and your body, such as food, water, and clothing. Many pursue and worry about these things, and I confess to having little faith about provision at times. It was unclear to me how physical needs could be met if I turned my attention elsewhere. 
Then, I considered my garden. I choose seedlings, plant them with fertilizer and water, then wait. Apart from my efforts the sun, soil, rain and air help them grow. The grass and trees in my yard were even planted before me by someone else. Likewise, in response to our small efforts, the Lord can abundantly provide growth and harvest in our life to provide for us.

I Do

The bible speaks favourably about marriage, using this intimate relationship to illustrate the love between the Lord and His church. "...as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you" (Isaiah 62:5 b). The early stages of love can be exhilarating, but marriage vows are meant to be for life. Many problems and temptations cannot be overcome unless the Lord enables us. Circumstances can test anyone, so marriages can break down without the grace of God. Consequently, I think the taking of such vows should consider "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that" (James 4:15 CEB) just as we submit other plans to God - not as an excuse for failure, but as acknowledgement of our own limitations.

Work It!

Years ago a friend told me a priority guideline was: self, family (those under your roof), work, other people, other activities - and I struggled for a long time on the work area. What I defined as work was that which requires effort, or earns money. I identified my strengths and interests to seek a good way to earn a living. I also learned that relationships are key on every level, especially our relationship with God.  But work success eluded me.
What if work, as God defines it, is broader than work as I defined it? Jesus' disciples left their regular jobs to follow Him, and later again to spread the gospel. Paul earned his keep along the way, but his main priority was to carry the message. Learning and sharing about God, in whatever way we do it (singing, writing, speaking, acting, etc.) may be the 'work' focus the Lord ultimately wants for us.


*All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. (Colossians 1:6 b)

Walking Through Fire

"When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."* Sometimes losses, homelessness, financial crisis, illness or serious injury happen or are imminent. These events seem like walking through fire because dangers abound, and outcomes are unclear. When in the midst of a difficult time, I pray (if I can), sometimes cry, take care of myself, and wait as things unfold. Afterward, I find that God has not let me down. Help was provided, and many of the possibilities did not come to pass. And those that did, have not consumed me.


* Isaiah 43:2 b NIV