Coping With Change

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; 

do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

Last August, after I finished writing my 84th hymn study, I decided to take a break. I was wondering if God was leading me in a different direction. I loved writing the hymn studies and spent many hours researching and creating the studies. 

Through the fall I continued to write two short columns each week. Yet I felt like I wasn't doing anything. My time had been freed up so much when I stopped writing the hymn studies it felt strange.

Then in December I was led to write two new series on God's Names and Hymn Lines. I had recently purchased the book, "100 Names of God" by Christopher D. Hudson and was enjoying the study. And last year I had purchased a book titled, "Hymn Lines" which included 75 devotional thoughts based on lines and phrases from great hymns and songs of the Christian faith. I've been highlighting hymn lines in my hymnal for years and I thought this would be a good series.

Neither of these new series took up the amount of time I spent writing hymn studies. It left me with a lot of free time. This allowed me to become less selfish with my time. Since retiring, soon to be 14 years this year, I kept strict control of my time for my own creative outlets. Even though I write for God, I knew I was filling my time with what I wanted to do and what filled me with pleasure. To put it bluntly, I was very selfish with my time at home.

It's been six months since I stopped writing hymn studies, and my life has changed dramatically. With my husband and I now in the sunset of our years, God is showing me I need to be available to deal with both of our increasing needs. My time needs to be equally divided between what I believe God called me to do and what our needs are in this stage of life.

I can feel the change in my mind; the difference between the strict schedule and the slower and more open schedule I'm living today. But it hasn't been easy. I like to produce.

Change is inevitable. Each season of life causes you to adjust and change. Am I going to accept the change or fight against it. Right now, I'm adjusting. I'm trying to accept doing less and being thankful for what I can still do.

I'm thankful that the One I live for and serve never changes. He is the same God I knew when I first became a Christian, as He is now that I'm a seasoned believer a lot closer to reaching my eternal home. I'm so glad He continues to walk beside me in this season of my life as He has through all the seasons of my life.

It's a little scary this last season. But I remember God's command to Joshua: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Chapter 1, verse 9.

I believe God prompted me last August to prepare me for slowing down. I believe His Hand has guided me these last six months. And although I faced uncertainty in what was happening, I know He has led me through each step I took.

When you know a change is coming your way, be strong and courageous, no matter how hard it is. Yes, I'm coping with change. My doubts and fears are becoming less and less. Thank you, Jesus.

By His Grace . . . 

Valentine Thoughts

One of my favorite graphics from my friend, Karla Dornacher. 

This year, instead of wondering if anyone will remember you on Valentine's Day, why don't you remember a friend.

The well-known verse in the Bible, Proverbs 17:17a, states it plainly. "A friend loves at all times . . ."

If you're fortunate to have friends, love them. Care about them. Encourage them. Thank them. Honor them. Tell them you love them!

Wise words to consider . . .

"The happiest miser on earth is the man who saves up every friend he can make." Robert Emmet Sherwood (1896-1955)

"A friend is one who makes me do my best."  Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)

"A friend is one who knows all about you and likes you just the same." (Elbert Green Hubbard (1856-1915)

"Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your love and tenderness sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them and while their hearts can be thrilled by them." Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

"Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend."  Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)

"We can never replace a friend. When a man is fortunate enough to have several, he finds they are all different. No one has a double in friendship." Johann Friedrich Von Schiller (1759-1805)

So where are those friends of yours? Let them hear from you as we celebrate Valentine's day this week.  Heart's are needy. Fill them with your joy!

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."

John 15:13

You can find Karla at: Karla Dornacher Designs – Creatively Sharing the Love of God

By His Grace . . .

Always There

My very own snow heart made many years ago.

Every morning upon my first conscious thought I thank God for being with me. I know He was with me through the night, and He is with me when I first wake up.

Always being there is a gracious gift from God to remind us that we are never alone. We are often surrounded by family, friends, co-workers and strangers, and yet we feel alone. We often need someone, but they are not there.

Matthew 28:20b: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." 

Studylight.org, Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible:  "'And lo, I am with you always . . .' This teaches the providence of God. God has not wound up His universe, or His church, and left them to run of their own accord. He 'upholdeth all things by the Word of His Power' (Hebrews 1:3). Christ promised to be with His disciples always."

Isn't that what we want? Someone to always be there for us.

On Studylight.com, Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible it says: "Lo, I am with you: That is, by my Spirit, my providence, my attending counsel and guidance. I will strength, assist, and direct you."

On Contending for the Faith: "Whether in life or in death, Jesus promises to be by our side until the end--even to the 'consummation of the age.' The period that Jesus' birth introduces and will someday close with His second coming is now one of hope, for those who dare to launch out on the sea of life with Christ as their Captain, there is peace, joy, and serenity. Though storms of life batter, though waves of persecution roll, though winds of false doctrine blow, Jesus will not abandon ship. With Him at the helm, we are assured safe passage from this world to the shining portals of heaven."

Most all of us are aware of and have heard these words many times: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5). They are words for us to grasp inside of us and never let go. They are true words by our very true and righteous God.

Yes, every morning when my consciousness brings You to mind, I will thank You for always being with me.

By His Grace . . .

Wholeheartedly

I recently listened to a message where the word "wholeheartedly" was emphasized. The message was on Caleb and how in the Scriptures God said Caleb would enter the promise land because he "wholeheartedly" followed God.

I think that’s a message we all can consider. When God says something twice, that’s something we should pay attention to. Three times definitely. Following are four verses where God used the word "wholeheartedly" about Caleb:

Numbers 14:24

“But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me 'wholeheartedly', I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.”

Numbers 32:12

“Not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, for they followed the Lord 'wholeheartedly'.”

Deuteronomy 1:36

"Except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land he set his feet on, because he followed the Lord 'wholeheartedly'.”

Joshua 14:14

“So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, 'wholeheartedly'.”

Numbers 14:30 doesn’t mention the word "wholeheartedly" but God promotes Caleb here to: "Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun."  

Wholeheartedly.  What is wholeheartedly? Completely and sincerely devoted, determined, or enthusiastic; marked by complete earnest commitment: free from all reserve or hesitation.

That’s a good word to achieve in your own life. God thought it good enough in Caleb that Caleb experienced God’s best. I want God's best too!

Let's love Him "wholeheartedly" and live for Him "wholeheartedly." 

By His Grace . . .

Even There

Anybody home? Nope. We all flew south! Winter in Mount Airy, MD

"If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

If I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there your hand will guide me,

Your right hand will hold me fast."

Psalm 139:9-10

I recently read a devotion that included the words “even there” from Psalm 139:9-10. It reminded me that no matter where I am or what I am doing, God is with me.

What comforting words. From the time I get up until I lay my head back down, I can be assured that God is with me; He knows exactly where I am and what I am thinking.

Have you ever been somewhere and wished God was there with you? We can get ourselves in difficult situations and can’t see anywhere to turn to escape. If we only remember to whisper God’s Name, we will feel His presence inside of us. Don’t you get the same feeling when you whisper the name of Jesus?

There’s just something that comes over you when you say Jesus’ name. Calm begins growing inside you. Your heart slows down to accept His presence.

Bridgeway Bible Commentary: "God knows all about the psalmist [David]- what he does, what he thinks, where he goes and what he says (139:1-4). Because of the realization that God is all around him, the psalmist sometimes feels helpless (5-6). A person may be tempted to look for some escape from such an overpowering presence, but no escape is possible. This may bring fear to rebels but it brings comfort to believers (7-8). Wherever they travel, God is with them (9-10). In darkness or in light, God sees them constantly (11-12).

"Being the Creator, God has perfect knowledge of those He created. He knows their innermost thoughts as well as their physical characteristics, and has a detailed knowledge of their lives that are yet to be (13-16). As the psalmist meditates on the mysterious purposes and wonderful works of God, he finds they are too vast to understand and too numerous to count. When he awakes after his meditation he knows that God is still with him (17-18)."

We can take comfort in knowing that the same God who could see David wherever he roamed watches over us today. His right hand holds us close. Yes, even there.

By His Grace . . .

Higher Than I

 

"Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,

I call as my heart grows faint;

lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

Psalm 61:1-2

This Scripture verse is one of the first ones I was directed to as a new Christian. I called my sister for emotional support, and her husband said to read Psalm 61

"The Rock. The psalm conveys a desire for elevation, asking God to "lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Here, the metaphor of the rock signifies divine stability, safety, and strength—elements that are essential for overcoming life's challenges. The rock represents God Himself, who provides refuge and protection." TheBibleSays.com

I've turned this Psalm countless times through the trials and seasons of my life. I know when I cry, He hears. When I am at my lowest, He listens. I know He is the One who can overcome anything and everything and will help me get through my troubles.

David Guzik, on Enduringword.com, said:  "David knew there would be times when his heart was overwhelmed. In those moments he needed at least three things.

· He needed the rock, a place of stability and security, something strong enough to stand against crashing waves or quaking earth.

· He needed a rock that is higher than I, a place above himself, above his wisdom, above his abilities.

· He needed God to lead him to that rock. David was unable to get to the firm-footed place above his crisis on his own."

Biblehub.com, Matthew Poole’s Commentary: "Thou only art a sure defense and refuge to all that flee to thee, and trust in thee, as I have found by my experience." I have found this to be true. It's amazing how God penetrates your heart and brings peace and calm when you call to Him.

 Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: "Christ is the Rock on which the Christian church is built; and of the streams that issue therefrom, all believers drink, and are refreshed. It typified the sacred influences of the Holy Spirit, as given to believers through Christ."

I'm so thankful I had someone to call to lead me to the Scripture I needed to read. That's what brothers and sister in Christ are able to do. They direct you to Scripture that will help you overcome and handle the strains of life. Reach out to someone when you need help. 

Higher Than I. And He's willing and wants to help me. Our Rock. Jesus Christ.

By His Grace . . . 

Your Best Thought for the New Year and Forever

 "Thou my best thought, by day or by night."

Mary E. Byrne

I've posted these words before because I believe they guide you to the very best thought you can have.

What do you think about? What keeps your mind occupied? There is a world of possibilities. Thousands if not millions of thoughts go through our minds. Anything and everything. But I like the words in this line from the hymn “Be Thou My Vision:” "Thou my best thought, by day or by night." 

The hymn was translated from an ancient Irish poem by Mary E. Byrne, 1880-1931. Eleanor H. Hull, 1860-1935, took Byrne's translation and crafted it into verses with rhyme and meter. It is said to be inspired from St. Patrick, missionary to Ireland, whom we celebrate with a holiday each March.

God IS our best thought, the very best thought our mind can have. God’s love comes through to fill us and help us in our daily walk.

Colossians 3:1-2: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Enduringword.com: The best Christian living comes from minds that are fixed on heaven. They realize that their lives are now hidden with Christ in God, and since Jesus is enthroned in heaven, their thoughts and hearts are connected to heaven also . . . The words “set your mind” marks aspiration, desire, and passion . . . In order to seek these things, the mind must be set on them.

 Is God my best thought? Do I spend time with Him, rejoicing in His love and worshiping Him for His grace and mercy? Does He enter my mind during the day?

What about at night when I'm trying to fall asleep? Do I fulfill David’s Words in Psalm 63:6: “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible provides these words: Nothing can be more proper than that our last thoughts, as we sink into quiet slumber, should be of God; of his being, his character, his mercy, his loving-kindness; of the dealings of his providence, and the manifestations of his grace toward us, during the day; and nothing is better suited to compose the mind to rest, and to induce quiet and gentle slumber, than the calmness of soul which arises from the idea of an Infinite God, and from confidence in him.

There is no question. You can’t think about anything as great as our God and Savior, Jesus. The more we think about Him, the closer we become to Him. Make Him your best thought always!

By His Grace . . .