New Mercies

 

My commute was extended by 15 minutes this past week.  As I was leaving the driveway, I could not help but notice the incredible sunrise.  The sun was peaking through high clouds as if it were saying, “Good Morning.”  The more I drove, the more brilliant the salutation was!  God’s paintbrush was out, and He was painting a new masterpiece.  I could not seem to help myself to stop and give thanks for such beauty. 

The verse for today came to mind as I continued to stop and take pictures of this awe-inspiring sunrise.  Our spring focus is newness and growth.  Newness comes in so many forms.  The posts so far have talked about our newness in Christ and a new path.  Today, our thoughts move to the newness that God gives to us.

When I think of the numerous wonderful characteristics of God, I tend to think of constants. 

·       God’s constant love – Psalms 36:5

·       God’s constant presence – Hebrews 13:5

·       God’s constant forgiveness – 1 John 1:9

Yet, it is the newness that He provides to us, each and every day, which can bring us greater peace.  Today’s verse proves that.  If I look at God’s mercy in a vacuum, it would be as if I were looking at my sin in a vacuum.  My sins, so regrettably, are new every day.  My goal is to learn from the old sins and not repeat them.  I cannot claim I have always been good at that.  There are many sins that I, unfortunately, repeat.  There are other sins, also unfortunately, that are new each day.  The most wonderful part of God’s forgiveness is that with EVERY SIN, whether repeated or new, God’s forgiveness is new to me each day.  His mercy and compassion are new to me each day.

God never says to me, “Susan, you committed that sin last week, so this week you are on your own!”  God says to me, “Susan, each day is a new day, and I will walk with you and love you and FORGIVE you for those new sins, just as the sun rises each new day.”  I draw so much comfort from that when I reflect on my sins of the day.  How great that God’s forgiveness is new for each sin I bring to Him!

May we walk into each new day with this blessed assurance from God, His compassions and mercies are new every morning.  Today’s sunrise was blocked by clouds and rain.  It was new and different than the sunrise of a few days ago.  As our sins change from day to day, may God’s mercy on me be new each day as well.  May we all have simple faith in this knowledge!

Almighty Father, I thank you for your new mercy and compassion on me each day.  Amen!

 

New Path

 

We are continuing our focus on the newness of spring, and the newness of faith.  As I reflect on this newness, it is a bit hard for me to see the ‘new’ in things.  I believe as I have aged, I have become set in my ways.  Can you relate?  Whether it is my morning routine, the items I buy at the grocery store, or even what I make for lunches and dinners, it seems as if I have not stepped into anything new.  Sometimes, I can feel as if I am in a rut, nothing new, nothing exciting, just going about each day the same as the day before.  Newness does not seem to be around the corner.

Our faith can seem like that at times as well.  We go about our faith with the same familiar patterns.  Morning devotions, prayers in the evening, the same dinner grace, the routine of worship, all of this can be more of ‘checking the box’ than finding inspiration and newness in Jesus.  Then this special passage crosses my path, and as I reflect on its messaging, there is something exciting about it!  These words are God’s words!

“For I am about to do something new. . ..  Do you not see it?”  I looked at these words, knowing that God is talking to me, to us, about the newness that He has for us.  The verse before this one God says:

                              “Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past.”

God is sharing with us that the past is in the past.  Our old habits, our old ways, our familiar patterns can be changed, and He can change them for us!  In the dry wasteland of familiarity God will make a new pathway for us.  This pathway can help us to see His love and His light in unusual ways.  Forgetting the former things and moving into a new relationship with Christ can be difficult.  Doubts and fears can overtake us.  What if I really share with God all that I am (and am not) – will He still love me?  What if I confess ALL the sins I have committed, not just the ones I can say aloud, but what about the ones deep in my soul – will He still love me? 

My friends, Our Lord knows everything about us.   He is fully aware of what we are and what we are not.  He is aware of all of our sins.  He is aware of our habits and our routines.  He is also aware of what we need – the newness of Jesus in our lives and in our souls.  God has promised that newness; we need to see it.  Look around you and see what path God has provided to you.  Is there an opportunity to serve the church in a different capacity?  Is He preparing a path for you to share the good news with new people?  Look to see the new path that God has provided to you – and live out your faith, your simple faith – in a new way!

Lord, thank you for providing the new path for us!  May we forget the old way of doing things and replace it with the new opportunities and new paths that you have provided for us!  In your guiding name we pray.  Amen!

New Creation

 

Spring has sprung!  It doesn’t quite feel like that in New Hampshire right now.  As I look out the window, there is still snow on the ground.  Yet, as every April comes, we know that eventually we will start feeling the warmth of 50–60-degree temperatures and the sun shining in our faces.  In 2024, my goal was to focus Simple Faith Today on the seasons of faith.  I am happy to say we have moved out of the winter season and have entered spring!  Spring has always focused on newness and growth, which will be our focus during the season or spring.

Being a lifelong Christian, I always struggled with the excitement of finding God for the first time.  Ever since I can remember, I was going to church, Sunday School, youth group, Bible studies, etc.  When I speak with someone who has found Jesus as an adult, there is such an excitement and wonder that, I have to admit, I can get jealous of.  Then this wonderful verse comes to mind and Jesus tugs at my heart in that unique way.

I believe the key word in our Bible verse today is the word ANYONE!  When Paul shared these words, he didn’t say, “Therefore if any new believer is in Christ, the new creation as come.”  Paul said, “. . . ANYONE!”  This restores my soul.  Yes, I have known that Jesus is my savior since I was a toddler.  Yet there are numerous ways by which I can become a new creation in Christ. 

·         Anytime a Bible verse opens my heart and mind to a new viewpoint.

·         Each time a sermon reminds me to follow Jesus.

·         Moments where a worship song helps me to see a part of my faith I may have forgotten.

·         Prayer when my eyes are open to my sin, and my Lord provides me new forgiveness.

In each of those scenarios, and so much more, my faith can become new again.  I can become new again!  Whether you are a brand-new Christian or one that has believed in Christ your entire life, we can always become new creations in Jesus.  The newness of faith isn’t just for those who are new believers.  The newness of faith can be found each day in the wonders, blessings, mercy, and grace God offers us.

Take these moments in spring and ensure you remember you are the ANYONE who has become a new creation.  Live your life in the knowledge of that blessing! Here’s to spring!

Dearest Christ, thank you for opening our hearts and minds to continually becoming a new creation in your sight and love.  Help me to see this every day!  Amen.

Give Up Death

 

Happy Easter!  I pray that our Lenten series focusing on behaviors in our lives that we should consider ‘giving up’ was reflective for you.  As I wrote those words, I certainly reflected on my life and realized the times that I need to ‘give up’ the behaviors I shared and replace them with behaviors God would be proud of:

·       Give up hatred for LOVE.

·       Give up jealousy for CONTENTMENT.

·       Give up malicious words for SUPPORTIVE WORDS.

·       Give up pride for HUMILITY.

·       Give up revenge for FORGIVENESS.

The capitalized words above are definitely the person I want to be!  Today we focus on giving up death!  Many of you may be saying, “That’s impossible, we are all going to die.”  Let us start by focusing on the reason for Easter, Jesus’ death, and resurrection.  The journey to the cross begins in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Jesus is coming closer to the time when he know he will suffer for our sins.  He reaches out to our Heavenly Father, asking for the cup of death to be taken from him, but continues with, “yet not as I will, but as you will.”  God continues the journey to the cross, not providing Jesus an opportunity to leave the Garden unchained.  Jesus was not able to give up death.

Jesus’ love is the reason he needed to walk to Calvary.  His love for us and for his father kept him moving towards his death.  Jesus did this because he knew that his death would bring his life.  He also did this knowing that our death would then have life!  Jesus died for us sinners, so that we may no longer have sin!  That love is still difficult for me to comprehend.  He also died that I may live with him again in paradise.  Today’s verse shares that, “The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”  Our Jesus, our true savior, not only saved us from sin, but saved us from death.  This earthly life will fade away, but we will not die, we will move to our heavenly home, the one where a place is waiting for us!  Halleluiah!  We give up death for eternal life! 

Living in this hope means that our time on earth is truly temporary.  Our life begins when we die – our forever home is in heavenly paradise.  Jesus gave up death for life so that we may give up death for life.  This Easter, as we enter our churches and sit at our tables, may we pause to remember those who have left earth for their place in the heavenly home – and know that one day you will have your life be renewed in paradise as well.  Give up death for life!  Happy Easter.

Dear Risen Lord, thank you for conquering death so that I may also conquer death!  May I always share praise and thanksgiving to you, Jesus, for giving up death for life and preparing a place in heaven so I can continue life with you.  In your name I pray, Amen!

Give Up Revenge

 

Moving through the Lenten Series of Giving Up we come upon giving up revenge.  I will personally share that this can be one of the most difficult areas of behavior to actually execute upon.  There are a multitude of times during a day, week, month or year when we can point to situations where we have been ‘wronged’.  Stolen from, lied to, and cheated on are just a few of the events in life that has us thinking, saying or doing, “I’ll get even for that!”  Being hurt is a very raw emotion and responding to emotion with emotion can be a recipe for disaster.

Our ability to process emotional hurt or anger without responding with a strong level of emotion doesn’t seem to equate.  Similar to the scenario of being punched in the arm – your first reaction may be to punch back the person who did that to you.  The same follows through with revenge.  When we have been lied to, we believe we are justified to lie back.  When we have been cheated on, we may believe the right thing to do is to cheat on the cheater or take other actions.  These immediate emotions are the human side of our lives, that visceral response to hurt.

I’m certain we can all point to at least one time in our lives where we wanted the person that hurt us to ‘see how it feels’.  Yet, that is not what Jesus says we need to focus on.  There are many times throughout the Bible God shares with us to ‘leave the revenge to him’.

·       The Sermon on the Mount where He shares “Do not take an eye for an eye”.

·       In 1 Peter 3:9 it is shared, “Do not repay evil with evil.”

What are we supposed to do when someone hurts us so deeply, just walk away?  The answer is YES!  God doesn’t want us to respond.  When God promises something, He follows through.  His promises are always kept, He never lets us down.  We may not see all of God’s blessings in our lives even in our lifetimes.  After we are long gone, God will bless our descendants.  So, when He says, “It is mine to revenge; I will repay,” we need to believe He will keep that promise too.  By letting go of the hurt and revenge and giving it to God, we free ourselves!  Giving up the need for revenge frees OUR souls, not the person we would revenge upon.  God wants us to give Him our hurt so our hearts can love again.  God wants us to give Him the revenge so our souls can have peace. 

How do we do this?  Through prayer!  Praying and offering our hurt feelings to God frees us from the burden of the hurt.  If you are like me, this can be difficult to do.  I have a tendency to ‘giveth and taketh away’, giving my burdens and worries to God and then taking them back!  Yet, constant prayer brings release, and giving up the revenge you feel only brings what God wants for us, peace and love.

Dearest Lord, thank you for being our avenger!  Thank you for taking the hurt and disappointment that turns to revenge away from me.  I have faith that YOU will take action when and if the time is right.  May I continue to always believe in God’s wrath on my behalf.  Amen!

Give Up Pride

 

Continuing our Lenten Series on areas of our lives where we may want to consider “giving up,” we come upon the topic of pride.  Pride is a slippery slope.  Certainly, it is nice to feel proud about the achievements we may have.  Yet, when those achievements are boasted solely as our own with no reflection on who gave us the gift to achieve, we put ourselves in front of God.   That is where the slippery slope begins.

God created each and every one of us for a purpose.  He put us on earth knowing what we could achieve, knowing who we were going to impact.  Finding our purpose and utilizing it in His name is something many Christians strive for – self included!  When we are able to work towards these achievements, people may take notice and share that goodness with us.  That is great!  It is nice to have your work recognized.  I believe God wants us to have that feeling of accomplishment and joy.  Stepping into the feeling of accomplishment can be rewarding – not just for the moment, but often it spurs us to want to move forward and do more.

Then what is the big deal?  It is when we take those moments and reflect solely on our OWN abilities and our OWN achievements without taking time to thank God for His role in the achievements.  It is when we put God in the rear-view mirror and shine the mirror back on us.  Filling our hearts with thoughts of, “Look what I did” or “I paved that way” or “I made that impact” and stopping our thoughts there, at that moment, can be damaging.  Those thoughts are fine, as long as they are followed with, “Thank you God for paving that way, giving me the ability and words to help to influence goodness.” 

Pride in oneself and one’s achievements, without taking the time to thank the one who provided you the gifts to achieve is like a small snowball at the top of a snowy mountain.  As the ball rolls down the mountain, it gets larger and larger.  The same is true of pride.  As the achievements rack up like the snowball at the top of the mountain, pride gets bigger and bigger and turns to a larger-than-life ego – with a lack of humility.  That takes us to our verse for today.  When Jesus shared those words above, He knew what could come with a pride-filled life, a life that focuses only on oneself.  Jesus humbled himself to come to this earth to show us how to live.  He was humble when He washed the disciples’ feet.  He was humble when He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.  He was humble as He entered this world in a manger.  The greatest gift of humbleness was when Jesus was tortured and crucified on the cross for our sins.

Jesus’ example of humbleness being exalted versus living a pride-filled life is one we should strive for.  Good things happen and we should feel good about them!  Our immediate thought after those times should be a prayer to our Heavenly Father, giving thanks for the gifts He gave us for that achievement.  May all Glory be to our God, humble servant!

Jesus, we thank you for the gift of giving us your humble life.  May your life be an example for us to give up a life where we focus and reward OURSELVES for our earthly achievements and may we quickly turn to YOU for thanksgiving of our earthly gifts we can share with others.  Amen

Give Up Malicious Words

 

As we proceed through our Lenten series, our next step is in the arena of Giving Up Malicious Words.  This is a tall order, especially as we reflect on the definition that is provided in Ephesians.  Our days are filled with not only joy and happiness, but sometimes with frustration and anger.   Typically, it is during those times that we may find words actually leaving the ‘safety’ of our heads and actually coming out of our mouths.  These words fall into many distinct categories.

·       Using God’s name in vain.  Remember the third commandment?  I cannot tell you how many times I hear, “Oh My God,” and trust me, they are not praising our Lord! 

·       Profanity.  Growing up, it was not tolerated in our home, on television, or even on the radio.  Today it is more accepted than ever.  It falls into people’s conversations so quickly.  When I have asked folks why it is so prevalent in their vocabulary, in return I hear, “That’s just the way I talk.”

·       Malicious words.  This is when bad thoughts that are in our head find their way to our mouths, hurting the person with whom we are speaking.  These words run the spectrum from projecting hurt and anger on another person to critical criticism with a tone of judgment.

·       Gossip.  Sharing harsh words about someone, even though it is not to their face, can be destructive as well.

As I reflect on the above, I know I have fallen prey to all of them, and I certainly do not say that with a sense of pride.  Malicious, hurtful, profane words never build up our fellow person.  They are rooted in negativity and evil.  They permeate our society today and can seem ‘acceptable.’

This is not our how Lord wants us to speak with each other.  From using God’s name in vain, to profanity, to malicious/gossiping words, God never wants us to build these words into our vocabulary.  Think about all the times Jesus could have used profanity or malicious words against his enemies!  Yet, even as they were crucifying Him on the cross, He uses words of forgiveness and hope, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” 

As we walk through our time on earth, we meet hundreds if not thousands of people.  Think about how many people your words touch, from family members to the grocery store clerk.  People are listening to us – yes, even your children are listening!  It is important to spend time lifting up words of support, kindness, and compassion.  Even how we provide ‘feedback’ can be given in a way to build people up versus being critical in nature.  Let US be the change the world needs.  Let US be Jesus’ voice on earth!  Give up malicious words and replace them with words of positivity!

Heavenly Father, you have taught us from the time of Adam and Eve that malicious words to others are not how we should behave.  Help us to reflect on what and how we speak to others and may our words always provide an opportunity to build people up!  Amen.

Give Up Jealousy

 

As I continue to move through our Lenten series of characteristics we can give up, the next one we will be focusing on is jealousy.  Jealousy can be an area of our lives that we may not even recognize.  I know I have gone through my days, saying how I admire someone’s clothes, car or home and deep inside may say, ‘How I wish I had those things?’  Initially, I may not think there is anything wrong with that, but as those thoughts of comparison and envy seep into my heart, other areas may take over.  Before I know it, my simple ‘thought’ can turn into a full out desire to get those items.  This can certainly begin to cause chaos.

Jealousy and selfish ambition are in direct conflict to the life that Jesus wants for us.  The life around us, especially today, seems to breed this sense of going to get whatever you want!  Although there is something to be said for having goals, when these goals are fueled by selfish ambition or envy of getting what others have, the goals can lead to a lack of wisdom of what is important.

Often, the goal to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ or ‘getting whatever I want’ can lead to a life filled with distorted views, financial distress, and family discord.  Not only can jealousy fall into materialistic means, but it can also even be more dangerous when it enters the areas of the heart.

·       “Sally has a great marriage. I want a marriage like Sally has.”  The pursuit of finding the ‘perfect marriage’ can leave a person to not focus on their own marriage.

·       “Joe has an exciting time on Friday nights at the clubs, getting drunk and living the wild life.  I want that lifestyle.”  Looking for a fun lifestyle can lead to a number of areas that can destroy a person or a family.   

·       “Mary is so thin.  I want to look like Mary.”  The envy of what Mary looks like can drive a person to pursue areas that can be destructive to their own body.

God taught us early, in the commandments, to not covet.  As we move through James, 3:16, he shares with us the destruction that jealousy and self-ambition can cause.  My friends, let us reflect on our own jealousies.  Compare them to the abundance of blessings God has provided for us.  He gives us all that we need in the time that we have it.  Very rarely do you find someone with the ‘perfect’ life or ‘perfect’ things – unless that person is rooted in the goodness of blessings of our Lord.  Give up jealousy, replace it with joy – joy for what others have and joy for what YOU have.

Dearest Jesus, help us to focus on all the incredible blessings and gifts you have provided for us.  May we turn our thoughts and hearts away from jealousy and focus on the goodness you have given us.  Help us to be genuinely happy for others, knowing the happiness we have in YOU!  Amen!

 

Give Up Hatred

 

Welcome to Lent 2024!  As I explored a variety of options to focus this Lenten season on, I decided to dedicate the next few weeks of Lent to what we should give up.  Many Christians select this time of the year to give up certain things that are important to them, thereby participating in the penance/suffering as Jesus did.  For some, this could be something materialistic, such as a favorite food, drink, or even social media.  I am going to ask us to focus on personal character traits that may need some deep reflection, moving from giving up a negative trait for a positive one.

This week, our goal is to focus on giving up hatred.  From flipping through local television stations to viewing a small town’s social media page, it seems as if the world has moved from one of kindness to one of hatred.  People see those that may have a differing opinion as their enemy and speak to them with such discourse that words move from disagreement to hatred.  We may look at situations such as that with disdain, yet, what is our role in giving up hatred??

Our Lord shares four distinct opportunities for us to turn hatred to something beautiful.

Love – Love your enemies.  Not first on my list of ‘things to do.’  Yet, the Bible provides us more than enough examples of not only is it possible but revered.  Joseph, forgiving the brothers who treated him so poorly and gave them everything they needed.   Jesus, loving His enemies as they persecuted them, ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.’  Love can heal hatred.

Do Good – Do good to those who hate you.  Why would I do that?  Jesus wants us to do good for others, regardless of how they treat us.  Showing those who may be filled with hate what generosity looks like can have a profound effect, not just on ‘them’ but on ‘you.’

Bless – Bless those who curse you.  Showing kindness to those who curse your name can almost feel like ‘giving in’ to hatred.  Once again, it is not about ‘caving’ but ‘mercy.’  Think of the incredible mercy Jesus has for each of us.  Letting go of the negative and providing blessings to others can yield beauty.

Pray – Pray for those who mistreat you.  Praying is the most critical thing we can do for those who hate us, and who we may hate.  Pray for those who mistreat you and pray that your heart may be turned from hatred to compassion.  Jesus hears each and every prayer.  May we pray for those who hate us.  Yet, let us not forget that we should also pray for a heart that is not filled with hatred.

Who is that person, or that situation, that seeps deep into your heart with a burning feeling of hatred?  My friends, let us give up that hatred this Lenten season.  May we move our hearts from hatred to beauty, from harshness to kindness, from withholding to giving.  Give up hatred and let Jesus fill that space with love!

Dearest Jesus, during this Lenten season, may we focus on giving up those parts of ourselves that do not match what you want in our lives.  May we give up hatred and replace it with love!  Amen

Always With Us

 

In New England, the days of winter are some of the darkest we have.  The sun rises later in the morning and goes down sooner in the evening.  Add into the mix that many times it is too cold to step outside or the snow is too dangerous to go anywhere, and a person can find themselves alone in their home for an extended period of time.  The result?  A feeling of loneliness.

The feeling of loneliness can result from the physical elements that are around us, as explained above.  During COVID, this was more pronounced as people were unable to connect with others face to face.  The inability to see people, touch people and be with people was difficult for many.  This was enhanced with our elderly, who may not understand how to “zoom” or “facetime” with others. 

Loneliness can be more pronounced even when we are with a multitude of people.  Have you ever felt alone in a room filled with people?  I know I have.  I have experienced this most when I am with people I have nothing in common with.  I can feel ‘out of place’ and begin questioning why I was invited to that party or to that event.  All of the sudden, with folks gabbing and laughing, I feel like I’m the only person in the room.

Nothing screams loneliness more than a mind racing in the middle of the night.  As others are sleeping, others can be thinking why they are alone in their thoughts or in their lives.  These thoughts can spiral and make us feel like we are the only people going through certain situations and dilemmas.  Add into that scenario that one can feel alone in a relationship or marriage and the boulders on our shoulders get heavier and heavier.

In walks our God, the one who is ALWAYS with us.  We are never alone.  We never walk into a room of strangers alone.  We are never in a relationship alone.  We never sit alone.  There is ALWAYS someone with us.  God is there, my friends, even in the darkest and most lonely moments.  When we believe no one can hear us, God does.  When we believe no one is listening, God is.  When sleep escapes us and the darkness of the night pulls us into loneliness, God is right there beside us. 

The comfort that God is always with me has seen me through many dark and lonely moments.  During those sleepless nights, I turn to this verse, and I know He is at my bedside, holding my hand.  When I walk into that room filled with strangers, I know I always have a friend standing beside me.  When I have felt alone in a relationship, I know that God is beside me, holding me up and strengthening me.  God loves us so much that He never leaves us, never forsakes us.  Knowing that has gotten me through many days, and nights (and Valentine’s Days when life can be lonely).  Nobody will love you more than God.  Nobody knows you better than God.  Nobody is with you always like God.  You are never alone, my friends.  Never feel lonely – for God is there for you always.

My Dear Friend, God, thank you for never leaving me.  When loneliness overtakes me, lead me to this verse and helps me to see that my life is filled with your love, your grace, and your mercy.  Let me know that your love can fill me up when I feel empty and that your goodness surrounds me.  Amen. 

Intercession

 

Anguish, pain, weakness.  Not the most uplifting words to start off a blog post!  In reality, during the winter season of life, these words can become very real for us.  There has been a winter season in my life which all that seemed to be around me, in me, was pain and anguish.   The life I was living seemed to have despair with every waking moment.  I recently read the 88^th chapter of Psalms.  It is one of the few chapters in Psalms where the beginning verses of despair do not end with a word of hope.  As I was reading this chapter, I reflected back in my life when I have felt those words, especially verse five, “I am overwhelmed with troubles.”  Thinking back on that time, anguish was the only emotion.

Life can bring us those moments when we just don’t know what to do anymore.  No matter where we turn, no matter what we do, trouble continues to pile on.  It may start small.  Maybe it was a disagreement with a family member.   Gossip and lies replace truth and understanding.  What becomes a minor disagreement becomes years of silence.  Maybe it was just a small purchase – that great sweater or pair of shoes.  Other small purchases continue, purchases that cannot be afforded.  Lies of “I deserve it” or “Just one more” replace the realization of further debt, yielding financial despair.  Lastly, the anguish that comes from losing a loved one can be overwhelming.  Expected or not, the pain of not having that person by your side can create a dark chasm that is hard to fill.

I have gone to my Lord in prayer during this difficult time in my life.  I prayed for relief, for guidance, for hope.  Day after day it seemed as if God may have forgotten me.   It all culminated into an evening where I just didn’t know what to say to God anymore; I didn’t know what to pray for.  Much like our verse for today, I just groaned in agony. 

The Holy Spirit is our lifeline, my friends.  The Holy Spirit, who lives inside our souls, is not only there as a gentle reminder to our conscious, but also is our lifeline to Jesus when we don’t know what to say.  The Holy Spirit is our intercession and acts on our behalf when we don’t have the strength to do it on our own.  I love the verse for today, for I know I always have the Spirit to continue my connection to Jesus when I don’t know what to do or what to say.  The Holy Spirit brings my soul to God when I don’t have the strength to do it anymore.  Out of the anguish, out of the pain, comes peace.  Feelings of being overwhelmed can lead to direction and guidance.  Despair and loneliness are filled with the joy of knowing that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are always there for me. 

There are times in life when people may intercede on our behalf, to help build relationships back up, to provide financial help, or to have a cup of coffee during a lonely time.  These intercessions are gifts from God to let us know He is with us.  The Holy Spirit has acted on our behalf, brought our prayers that we didn’t have words for, and God has responded.  Live life knowing that the gift of intercession that the Holy Spirit has given to us is for all!

Holy Spirit, thank you for interceding on our behalf.  Finding the words and emotions to share with God that I don’t have anymore gives me hope that God will always know me!  Knowing that you are the lifeline to share my words when I don’t have any words left brings me peace that God will always hear my prayers, even through my groans.

Lighten the Load

 

There are a variety of situations that can take us through the winter season of life.  For some, the winter season is not about what is around us, but what is inside of us.  It is not about what life is doing to us, but what we have done to our lives.  It can be a dark place that is difficult to rise out of.  What drives the dark place from within?  Many circumstances can lead us to this place. 

For me, there have been times when the darkness has come from within.  There have been times when I have deep regrets of the sins I committed.  When I looked at my sinful life, it was hard for me to think that God would still want me – this deep sinner.  Sin is a powerful force.  As a Christian, we know that sin could mean a life of despair and anguish.  When I reflected on my sin and how I let Jesus down, I spiraled into a dark place.  Maybe Jesus would not love me anymore?  Maybe he would not care for me anymore?  The load on my soul seemed unbearable.

Have you experienced this dark place?  Have you had moments when you felt that your sin overwhelmed any goodness God has to offer you?   Getting out of that dark place can be tough!  There are a number of things we can do to lift ourselves out of this dark winter season and lighten the load.  For me, it was delving into the Bible.  I knew Jesus was my eternal forgiver.  I knew that if I laid my sins at the foot of the cross, He would be there to meet me.

Today’s verse is one that I keep close when my load of sins need lifting.  He is faithful, loyal, and committed to ME.  He is just, consistent in his approach and will always provide what is right for ME.  He will forgive – period.  Not sometimes, not conditionally, not when he wants to.  He will forgive – always!  He will purify, my favorite word in this entire passage.  He cleanses me completely.  Jesus does not take away the little sins that may be easier to purify, he purifies ALL of ME!  He deep cleanses me from all my sin. 

Dear friends, if you are living in a winter season that is reflective of the sins you have committed, lighten that heavy load.  Come to Jesus, repent, and your load will be lighter.  Bring yourself out of the darkness of sin.  It is the entire reason we just celebrated Christmas and why we will be celebrating Easter!  It is the ability for us to live a life where Jesus came to earth, to live, to die and to live again!  The glory we share in His life is for us!  For you and me!  We do not have to live in that darkness but can come out in the light of his mercy and forgiveness.  Blessings to all – let us lighten the load!

Dearest Jesus – what a gift you gave to us, the gift of your life.  Through that gift, our sins are forgiven, and our hope of salvation is alive.  May we always remember we do not have to bear the burden of our sin, but to go to you – for you are faithful, you are just, and you will forgive and purify.  In your holy name, Amen.

Live in Light

 

Winter is the season of life when dark moments arise.  In my line of work, Human Resources, we tend to meet people in some of their darkest days.  They could be having relationship difficulties at home, health concerns of themselves or a loved one, a passing of a parent or spouse, and even financial troubles.  Although we are not trained to provide advice and counsel, there is one thing we can do, listen and find resources to assist.

That is the message for today.  Walking through this world, we can find heartache and despair. 

·       A working mom who is stressed with the balance of work and home.

·       A dad who is concerned he will be able to provide for his family.

·       A spouse who is watching their relationship deteriorate.

·       A daughter who is worried about a parent’s health.

·       A coworker who is anxious about their job.

·       A person next to us in line looking distraught.

·       A stranger who is crying.

There are many reasons why those among us may be having a dark moment in their lives.  We, as Christians have a light to go to, a reason for hope.  Jesus gave that to us when he came to earth.  That hope drives us to know that whatever we may face in our days, we have One who will always be there for us, Jesus.  Our ability to go to him in times of trouble lifts us out of the darkness and into the light.

In our passage for today, Jesus tells us to live as his children – children of light.  This is when we can step up to others who may be in darkness.  For those living in dark moments, we can be the light and the hope they need.  We may not be able to solve their worries or take away their problems, but we can be the one who listens.  We can be the one who provides options.  The most powerful thing we can do is pray.  Being the light in someone else’s life doesn’t mean we have to even speak to them.  Our light comes from our relationship with Jesus.  Praying on another’s behalf is the greatest light we can shine.

Jesus guides our darkest paths with the light of hope and salvation.  Providing that light for another, though listening and praying, can help someone through their darkest moments.  Be the light to someone’s darkness.  Look around you.  Look how YOU can make an impact.  Look how YOU can shine your light.  Live as the children of the greatest light – Jesus!

Dearest Jesus, thank you for being our light and our hope in times of despair.  May we be that light for others around us.  Whether they are family, friends, or strangers, may we provide the light that they may need – through our greatest gift to them, prayer.  Amen

 

Light in Darkness

I am an early riser.  I know I got this from my father.  Not that my mother lays around in bed all hours of the morning, but Daddy was up and ready to move by five.  I am not that far behind him.  Part of my early rising is that it gets me to work early, long before the busyness of the day.  I can think, get work done, and breathe before others are at my door.  At home, it was always a time of quiet before the children would get up.  Even now, when it is just my husband and me, it continues to be ‘me’ time. 

In the winter months, at that early hour, we are typically not woken up by the sun peaking into the room.  It is dark – very dark.  This means driving to work in the dark.  Due to this winter season, it also means driving home in the dark.  Seems as if darkness is all we see.   A ‘winter’ season of life can feel the same way.  We may find that from the time we wake up in the morning until our head hits the pillow at night, there is darkness around us.  Dark thoughts can fill our mind.   We may not be able to see the goodness in any situation or anyone. 

We can look at our home surroundings and feel like nothing is right – the wall should be fixed, the furniture is old, there is nothing new in here. We can look at our spouse and think they can do no right – why can’t they do the dishes, why do I always have to do the chores.  We can look at work and think – they do not know how to run this company, why does my coworker always slack?  The toughest dark thinking can be on us – I will never be good enough, I will never be thin enough, I will never be pretty enough.  Our days can be filled with dark and negative thoughts.

Our verse for today is a wonderful reminder that as Christians, our days AND NIGHTS are not dark.  Our lives are full of light, even in the dark moments.  That light comes from the only one that can bring that light to us, Jesus.  He is the one that can move the dark thoughts into lightness.  It is easy to have our thoughts focus on darkness and negativity.  Yet, Jesus will always move us into the light.  When you step into his Word, when you sit in worship, when you pray, you are getting close to the one who brings us the light.  Our circumstances may not change, but our perspective does.  Our minds can move from dark/negative thoughts to light/positive thoughts.  Asking Jesus to enter our lives in a dark period brings the Light of the World into our minds.

Where Jesus is there is no darkness.  Our homes may be old, but they are filled with memories.  Our spouse may not do chores, but we realize they had a long physical week at work.  Our coworker may not be slacking, they could have ten projects of which we are not aware.  The dark thinking of ourselves?  Remember, we are children of God!  “…now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.”  1 John 3:2. Let Jesus remove the dark thinking we can have and replace it with His thinking, that of light and love.

Dearest Jesus, take us from dark to light.  Move our thinking from dark moments to ones filled with light and positivity.  As children of God, may our minds be reminded of the true light in our lives, YOU, and may we fill our lives with your light.  Amen  

 

Joy in Pain

 

2024 is upon us!  This first Sunday of the year finds us waking up to a blanket of white in New Hampshire.  This is the first significant snowfall this season and I LOVE IT!  The first snowfall is still amazing to me.  As a kid, we would wait patiently to be able to go out and play in the snow.  Today, I still enjoy getting out, even if it is to assist my husband in the shoveling (do not be confused, he does the lion’s share of THAT chore).  This is one of the many joys I experience living in New Hampshire – the seasons.  We receive the gift of enjoying each of the seasons – and I take full advantage!

I thought about how we would start 2024 with Simple Faith for Today.  I have decided to go backwards; yes, back to a time when I had the good fortune to engage with a Ladies Bible Study (thank you Mary).  It was my first time speaking in front of women and to say I was nervous was an understatement.  Yet, after much preparation – and even more prayer – Jesus guided the session, and we all had a wonderful time.  The title was “Seasons of Faith.”  We are going to try that in 2024!  Let us get started.

The seasons of life can bring many emotions.  Often, people label their winter season one that is dark, dreary, or difficult.  Winter can feel like.  Dark days, dreary evenings, difficult blizzard conditions, all can lead to a tough season of life.  I believe I can safely say we have all been there.  Have you experienced times in life when it has been difficult?  Have there been times when you did not want to get out of bed because you were not certain that it would not get any worse than it already was?  This winter season of life can be tough to navigate. 

During theses times is when I search God’s word for a lifeline – words of wisdom to guide me.  It is when I came across the verse for today from James 1:2, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”  At first view I remember thinking, “Really God – I am supposed to consider this JOY?  This pain and suffering are a good thing?”  Certainly, God never promised us a ‘rose garden’ life.  Yet finding joy in pain was asking much from this Jesus girl.   Get ready!  As God always does, the next verses are where the question is answered.

James 1:3-4 states, “…because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  There it is - the learning moment!  Consider the winter moments of life JOY because those moments test your faith.  When your faith endures, you become more mature in your faith, leaning on God during these challenging times.  That faith in God will always give you exactly what you need in the right time.  Yes, those winter moments can feel like an eternity, yet we know that season of life will move into a new season.  Relying on Jesus during those times can bring guidance, peace and even JOY.  Go to Jesus during the tough times, the difficult times.  Ask for Him to be there for you.  Feel the power that can seem like Jesus is there Only for You – JOY.

Dearest Jesus, as we begin our winter series, help us to know you are there for me!  During those times, let me feel your presence.  Guide and direct me out of those tough times with a sense that you are there just for me.  Let my simple faith know that persevering through tough times can produce perseverance and joy.  Amen.