You Are Good

       I am recently reminded of how good God is. In our crazy world when it seems like God is no where to be found, He is still with us. He is still holy and righteous and good. Though our circumstances often take our eyes away from Him, He reminds us that He is not far away. This world is not our home, yet man's freewill often gets us in trouble. It makes our own lives and the world around us seem God-forsaken.          
The decisions of imperfect people make us question, "Where is God?" We can rest assured, however, that our perfect God has not forsaken us and that He is indeed good.
       This song by Kari Jobe reminds of the goodness of the Lord. I pray that God will fill you with His presence and remind you of His kindness and goodness not only to you, but to the world.

Many blessings...

Renewed Each Day

I am reminded today of God's kindness and goodness as seen through others. I am thankful today for all of the blessings and well wishes I received on my birthday. Although it was just short birthday wishes, I am thankful for those who took the time to bless my day. So today this thankful heart is thankful for the little things that people still do to show that they are decent and kind.

Father God,
   I am reminded today that one of the fruits of your Holy Spirit is kindness. Thank you today for all the people that still show kindness in this crazy world, and thank you that even when others may not realize it, that Your Spirit is still with us and can be seen in the love, joy, peace, and kindness of others. I love you Father. In Jesus' name,
Amen


Galatians 5:22-23

A Different Perspective

I hate that it's been so long since I've posted anything, but here goes. . .

Psalm 73 reflects the heart of its writer, Asaph, and as I read it I could see how it resembled mine as well.  The psalm begins with Asaph recognizing God's goodness to His children, yet also admitting to his envy of those who seem to prosper, even in wickedness. He discusses how everything just seems to fall in place for them and how their lives appear to be of ease even though their hearts are not right with God. Asaph even wonders if his attempts at living a righteous life are not in vain. He says in verse 13 and 14, "Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence; for I have been stricken all day long and chastened every morning." Asaph's focus was on all of those around him until something happens in verse 17. He says, "Until I came into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end. " Asaph had encounter with God that changed his perspective. He went from seeing the prosperous ways of the wicked to understanding their demise. He went from feeling that his relationship with God was in vain to recognizing his value in the heart of God. He went from desiring the things of the world to desiring the things of God. He says in verses 23-25, "Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand.With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. "

Father God,
   It is sometimes easy to lose sight of the things that are truly important. I sometimes wonder how life seems to go so easily for others and yet when I seek to do what honors you the way is not always clear. I'm thankful though, Father, that you know my heart and even when I stumble, You are there guiding me and cheering me on. Whom have I in heaven but You, Lord? There is nothing I desire more than You. I love you.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Over and Over Again

This morning I was reading in II Samuel about David becoming king over Israel. I read how the Philistines came against him as soon as they heard about his new position as king and how he sought God before going into battle with them. God assured him of the victory and David won over his enemy. Despite this, however, the Philistines chose to come against David once more. As David prayed this time, he was given a different answer. God had a different plan, one perhaps that David was not familiar with, but one that he followed none-the-less. David knew something about his God, indeed, about our God; he knew that our God would not let him down, that our God would fight the battle for him. I love what it says in verses 23 and 24.

When David inquired of the Lord, He said, "You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the Lord will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines"  (II Samuel 5:23-24).

What a picture you get when reading this chapter! I can see David and his men "sneaking up" behind the enemy and then waiting, ever so patiently. Then, all of a sudden, they hear the sound of marching. God has fulfilled His word. He has come. He is fighting for them.

David, no doubt, learned a lot on his journey from shepherd to king, not the least of which was learning to trust God. David knew that God would not let him down. How? He had seen firsthand the faithfulness of God. 

Doubt? Doubt is inevitable, but like David we have only to remember what God has done to know what He can do. 

Father God,

   I thank you for the words that ring out to me over and over again this week. "You are faithful!" I am thankful for the times in my life that I can look back on and see what you have done. I am thankful for how that urges me onward and calls me to continue to put my trust in you. I love you, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.    

  

Every Season

Long ago, God began to teach me to be thankful for every season of life: the ups, the downs, and the in-betweens. I find this lesson to be relevant for today just as much as ever. I have found that sometimes everything in life is just ok, and to tell you the truth, I welcome those moments. I love those moments of sweet contentment and peace, and I am thankful for the times when everything is just as it is supposed to be. I am even more thankful that the God who is with us and cares for us in our lowest valley and who brings us joy and rejoices with us on our highest mountain is the same God who walks with us in our everyday life. He doesn't just show up at the moments that are convenient for Him. He just always is, and for that I am thankful.


Father God, 
   Thank you that you do not change. Thank you that you never leave us to wander aimlessly alone. Thank you for walking with us and guiding our footsteps even when we don't recognize that you are doing so. Thank you for being faithful to us in every season. I love you, Lord. In Jesus' name.
Amen. 

Common Things

Our weather forecast this week has been calling for snow and ice, so our little community has been gearing up for what is to come. The grocery store shelves have been emptied and my pantry shelves filled, flashlights have been placed within easy reach, and my family is here with me to reap the benefits of a warm fireplace should the power go out. We are well prepared. 

As I think about our need to make preparations, I am reminded of two things. First, I am reminded of all I have to be thankful for: a warm home, resources to buy food and other necessities, and a wonderful family with which I get to spend time. I am also reminded that just as we make preparations for our physical needs, we must also make sure that our spiritual needs are met and that we are prepared for the "snow storms" that loom in the distance. We can know the warmth of communion with our heavenly Father through prayer, the satisfaction of spiritual nourishment from time spent reading God's word, and the joy of family as we fellowship with other believers. 

So today, enjoy all that you have to be thankful for and be thankful for opportunities to strengthen your faith.

Father God,

   Thank you for all of your blessings, both physical and spiritual. Thank you for the opportunity to spend time with loved-ones and for the situations that teach us to put our trust in you. Thank you for opportunities to develop our faith and to know the joy of walking with you. I love you, Father.

Love, Your Daughter,

Heather