Author: Jayne Lawson

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” – Matthew 7:12

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That’s the Golden Rule. I remember hearing that as a young girl from my parents and teachers. What they were telling me was to act toward other people as I wanted them to act toward me. This tenet comes from the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus spoke those words to the multitude gathered around Him. He stated that this directive was found in the law of God and the teachings of the prophets, and that it was meant for those in His presence then as well as for us today.

The world could use a little more of the Golden Rule these days. It’s easy to point a finger at the insane situations and the actions of those who seem anything but charitable, but in actuality, this philosophy needs to begin with each of us. I need to practice more of the Golden Rule. For example, when someone cuts me off on the freeway, how do I react? How would I want the other driver to react if I had been the one cutting him off? What about when I have an opinion that differs from my husband? Do I want him to be unyielding and abrupt with me as I have found myself doing in the past? Or should I listen to his side and then discuss our options together? What about moments when I speak about someone else behind their back? Would I want myself to be the target of someone else’s gossip?

I can even apply the Golden Rule to my spiritual life. How do I respond when someone hurts my feelings? Am I quick to forgive or do I harbor anger and bitterness. Would I want someone to be that way toward me? I know I want God to forgive me each time I sin, but am I willing to readily forgive others when they sin against me?

What about my relationship with God? I wonder how I would feel if He only paid attention to me for a few minutes at mealtime or just before bed. If I desire His presence with me all day long, shouldn’t I also do my part to cultivate a continuous communion with Him throughout the day? Thankfully, I can see where God constantly employs the Golden Rule with me. He loves me with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). I know He wants me to love Him and make Him a priority in  my life for His Word says in Matthew 22:37, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Have I? God has blessed me time and time again. Do I reciprocate? What do I give to God that blesses Him or His holy name?

There are a lot of ways to apply the Golden Rule to my life. I just need to look for them, and then remember Jesus’ words. If I strive to be a little kinder and considerate to others, it’ll help make this world a better place. After all, every journey begins with one small step.  So today, I am going to try to apply Matthew 7:12 to my life on a more regular basis. Maybe it is just a small step, but if each one of us takes a tiny step forward, imagine what could happen! We could all reflect Jesus to a world that so desperately needs it. Isn’t that what we’ve been called to do?

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That’s how it is with God’s Love,
Once you’ve experienced it,
Your spread His love to everyone
You want to pass it on.

(from “Pass It On” by Kurt Kaiser)

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32

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It’s so much easier to love than to hate…

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2

Who is Jesus? He is known as the Son of God, Emmanuel, and the Blessed Redeemer. He has been called the Good Shepherd, the Lion of Judah, the Prince of Peace, and the Bread of Life. Most of His names are easy to understand the reason behind them, but sometimes there is much more to the name than meets the eye.

Author and Finisher – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

• The Word of God begins with Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” It ends with Revelation 22:21, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” The author of the Bible is Jesus Christ, which is stated in John 1:1 and 1:14. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” This makes Jesus the writer, or author, of the Scriptures, who began the Word of God, then finished it with His work on the cross, providing salvation for all mankind. Thus, He is the author and finisher of our faith.

Alpha and Omega – “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

• Jewish writers often used the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet to denote something that was wholly complete. Here the words Alpha and the Omega respectively are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and refer to the same. These words refer to the completeness of God, who is the Alpha and Omega, and everything that is in between. Jesus is God over all.

Beginning and the End – “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” (Revelation 21:6)

• God knows no beginning or ending for He is from everlasting to everlasting. However, He is our beginning… our Creator, who made man in His own image, and thus mankind’s relationship with Him began on the 6^th day of Creation. When Adam and Eve severed their connection with God through their sin, God chose to restore it. He ended that separation by providing redemption through the blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus ended the power of sin and death forever. Thus, He is the beginning and the end.

First and the Last – “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:” (Revelation 1:17)

• Jesus is the first and the last. He is the fulfillment law (the first), which was given to Moses, and He is the manifestation of the “good news,” the gospel (the last). Jesus gave us the law to make us aware of our sin, which separated us from God, and then Jesus became the Saviour who would sacrifice Himself to reconcile humanity with God. He was first the Judge, then lastly, He became the Saviour.

When Jesus calls me to heaven, I will finally see Him as He is. He will be all of these names and so much more. Perhaps for me, the most precious name by which I will call Him will be “my Saviour,” and I will spend eternity praising His name…

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there’s just something about that name
Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain;
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away
But there’s something about that name

(from “There’s Something About That Name” by Bill and Gloria Gaither)

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

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Praise the name of Jesus!

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” – John 6:63

The Bible is often referred to as the “living” Word. One reason is because its words are just as relevant today as when they were first penned under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God. The Bible has not become antiquated because it was written thousands of years ago, instead it can be applied to us today just as it was applied to the lives of Moses, Daniel, David, Peter, Paul and others who lived before us.

Its intent is to show us God and how we can have a personal relationship with Him. The need has always been the same; the solution has always been the same. To know Christ is to know God. The way to the Father is through the Son. The way to the Son is clearly stated in the Bible for He is the Word of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1,14)

A personal relationship with Jesus, the Son of God, results in everlasting life for the believer. John 3:16 affirms this. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The Bible repeatedly teaches that  Jesus came to become the Saviour of the world. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1:3,7)

It is only through the verses of Scripture that the souls of men can find eternal life, and eternal life is received from Christ only upon receiving His forgiveness of sins and accepting Him as one’s own Saviour. The carnal views of immortality and how to attain it are empty, deceitful, and offer no hope for humanity. It is only the truth of God’s words recorded in the Bible that provide spiritual redemption and everlasting life for the believer.

Jesus said there was no other way to heaven except through Him. John 14:6 records His words; “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There is no “act of the flesh” that can provide what Jesus made available by His death, burial, and resurrection. There is no specific church, no type of service performed, no amount of money given, no prescribed words to say to earn salvation. It is completely unattainable except when given as a gift from God. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8) That free gift is given when a person accepts Jesus’ forgiveness for their sins and receives Him as their Saviour. It’s a simple act of faith, and God responds by giving His gift of life with Him forever in heaven.

In the Bible, it also speaks of a time when Jesus will return to gather God’s children and take them back to heaven to live with Him forever. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) There are indicators in Scripture that point to that time as coming soon (2 Timothy 3, 2 Peter 3). When Jesus does appear, it will not matter what you’ve done in your life, it will matter whom you have chosen to trust with your soul… God or the world. Only one will lead to eternal life in heaven.

If you’ve never asked Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Saviour, you can do that today. Simply bow your head where you are and pray. He longs to hear your voice calling out to Him, and He will not refuse you (John 6:37). He will welcome you with open arms, forgiving every sin, and making you a child of God. It is only God’s plan of salvation that gives eternal life to a sinful soul. Jesus gave His life that you might live forever with Him because He loves you. Why not pray and receive Him as your Saviour today?

I was once a sinner, but I came
Pardon to receive from my Lord:
This was freely given, and I found
That He always kept His word.

There’s a new name written down in glory,
And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine!
And the white robed angels sing the story,
“A sinner has come home.”
For there’s a new name written down in glory,
And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine!
With my sins forgiven I am bound for Heaven,
Never more to roam.

(From “There’s a New Name in Glory” by C. Austin Miles)

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13

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Where will you spend eternity?

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

I cannot believe that it has been 71 days since I began my journey to optimal health. If you have been following my travels, you may remember there were two major components upon which I have been focusing.

The physical aspect targets weight loss and developing healthier habits of life. 27 pounds is a great amount of weight, but there have been times when the scale has been reluctant to move. I have had my moments of frustration in waiting for the pounds to come off. My health coach has cautioned me about weighing myself so often, but I confess I still check the scale daily. This has made me quite aware that I am not very patient. (Not really a surprise to me!) My life verse is Isaiah 40:31 for a reason. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” I need to be reminded of the importance of waiting. I know that if I follow my food plan and apply the habits of healthy living that I am learning, I will see the results for which I so desire. So… I am learning how to wait.

The spiritual aspect is the second part of my journey. While I have been saved since I was a young girl, there are areas in my life that need to be healthier spiritually. One area has been my Bible reading. It has been a long time since I have read through the Bible, and I made that my goal for this year when I began this health journey. I am learning to wait upon the Lord’s Holy Spirit to open my eyes to what I am reading, thus making His Word much more meaningful to me. This means that sometimes I am off schedule for my Bible reading. The wonderful thing about this is that it no longer bothers me!! I have learned to read for quality, not quantity, and my time in the Scriptures has become rich beyond measure! Again, I see the wisdom in my life verse. I am waiting on the Lord to teach me, which means I am learning to LISTEN to the Lord through His Word! This is so exciting for me! I am growing in my Christian walk, and it is the best journey I could ever be on! It has been so profitable for me spiritually to wait upon the Lord, and it just gets better and better!

So, what have I really learned? Perhaps the greatest thing I have learned is that biblical principles can definitely be applied to the everyday things of life. I have learned that God cares not only about my spiritual being, but He cares about every other aspect of my being as well, be it physical, mental, emotional, financial, etc. Everything I glean from Scripture is applicable to each one of these other areas of my life. All I need to do is read His Word and commune with Him, listen to what He has to say to me, and then wait on Him to do His good work in me.

No matter what you call it… patience, longsuffering, or waiting… it is something that does not come easy, but is a necessary part of me growing in my faith. I will commit my way unto the Lord, both physically and spiritually, and I will trust Him. God shall bring it to pass! (Psalm 37:5)

Master, speak! Thy servant heareth,
Waiting for Thy gracious word,
Longing for Thy voice that cheereth
Master, let it now be heard.
I am list’ning, Lord, for Thee;
What hast Thou to say to me?

Master, speak! and make me ready,
When Thy voice is truly heard,
With obedience glad and steady,
Still to follow every word
I am listening, Lord, for Thee:
Master, speak, oh, speak to me!

(from “Master, Speak! Thy Servant Heareth” by Frances Ridley Havergal)

“The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.” – Lamentations 3:25

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Good things may come to those that wait, but good GODLY things come to those who wait on the Lord!

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” – Psalm 56:3

• Spiders
• Cancer
• Noises in the night
• Late night phone calls
• Surgery
• Violent storms

These are all things that frighten me. Some bother me more than the others, but every one of them can make my heart beat a little faster as my adrenal glands prepare me for my “fight or flight” response. Recently, more serious things tend to scare me. They are things I really have no control over. One is the current political situation in our nation. I am fearful of America’s future. I have also had some fears about the coronavirus. This fear is not overwhelming, but I continue to be cautious about where I go, and I always take my mask with me.

I don’t like being afraid, and when fears threaten to engulf me, I go to the only One I know who can alleviate my fears. God. He is my refuge and my strength, and my very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). When I remember that God is with me always, protects me always, and cares for me always, my fears subside. From that tiny little spider that scares me to death to the chaotic culture in which I find myself living, nothing is too difficult for God to handle. I can truly trust God in every frightening situation, no matter how trivial.

I find that the Word of God is so soothing when I am afraid. Verses that I have learned over time are brought to the forefront of my mind by the Holy Spirit, and it settles my nerves and calms my troubled soul.

Verses like…

• Joshua 1:9 – “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
• Psalm 23:4 – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
• Psalm 118:6 – “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”
• Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
• Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

The next time you find yourself drowning in your fears, remember that God is just a prayer away. He is ready to save all who call on His name!

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

(from “Amazing Grace” by John Newton)

“For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” – Isaiah 41:13

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There truly is power in prayer! The next time you are afraid, pray your fears away!

“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” – Psalm 150:6

The other morning,  I was sitting outside listening to the songbirds as a gentle breeze blew through the trees. From one direction, the cardinals chirped, while in another I heard the nuthatches and robins. It occurred to me that these birds were praising the Lord! I couldn’t help but join in, so as I listened, I quietly sang my own song of praise to God. It was a moment that will stay with me for a long time.

There are so many things for which we can praise God. Here is a partial list of my reasons to praise Him.

• God is merciful!
  1. “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34
• God created everything!
  1. “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” – Colossians 1:16
• God is good!
  1. “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” – Psalm 34:8
• God is faithful!
  1. “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 1:9
• God is gracious!
  1. “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” – Psalm 86:15
• God is unchanging!
  1. “For I am the LORD, I change not…” – Malachi 3:6
• God is love!
  1. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” – 1 John 4:8

There is so much for which we can praise the Lord, and we should praise Him! If we don’t, Jesus said, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:40) Why not take time to praise Him today!

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest archangels in glory;
Strength and honor give to His holy Name!
Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,
In His arms He carries them all day long.

Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness;
Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring!
Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever;
Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King!
Christ is coming! over the world victorious,
Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong.

Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness;
Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!

(from “Praise Him, Praise Him” by Fanny Crosby)

“Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.” – Psalm 147:1

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If we don’t praise the Lord as He deserves, who will?

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57

Nobody likes to lose. Someone once said, “It’s not the winning that’s important, it’s how you play the game.” While it would be nice if everyone played simply for the joy of playing, we live in a culture where winning is important. In fact, there are multi-million-dollar industries that are built upon winning. I don’t know of any major or minor league sports team that plays their game simply because they like the game. They play to win! Their seasons all culminate in games where spectators pay lots of money to watch and see which team will be the best of the best – the ultimate champion.

While life is not a game, there is a ongoing competition composed of two teams. There are no spectators; everyone is a player. If you’re not on one team, you are on the other. In fact, as strange as it may seem, everyone starts out on the same team. All of humanity begins as members of the team “Sinners,” whose captain is Satan. This team plays dirty. All Satan wants his team to do is win by destroying anyone and anything that is good and pure and holy. Once I realized what being on this team was all about, I exercised my right to leave this team and join the second team.

The second team, the “Redeemed,” is led by its captain, the Lord Jesus Christ. When I asked Him to forgive me for being part of the other team, He did, and immediately He accepted me on His team! I became once of the “Redeemed.” This team chooses to play by “the Book.” Unlike the “Sinners,” those who are part of the “Redeemed” follow the guidelines that have been established throughout eternity, and they always lead to victory. The “Redeemed” play to win because the stakes are very high. If this team were to have a “losing season,” the cost would be devastating because it would impact the souls of every man, woman, and child.

The good news is that our Captain, the Lord Jesus Christ, has never lost, and He never will lose. He can never be defeated! Even when Satan thought his team had won at Calvary, they were mistaken. Our Captain rose from the grave three days later, and He was proclaimed the victor over sin and death.  I guess you could say that our team won the playoffs that day! One day soon, there will be a final confrontation between these two teams. It will be the ultimate contest between Jesus and Satan, and it will take happen at a place called Armageddon.

Guess who wins?

I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood’s atoning,
Then I repented of my sins and won the victory.

O victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory, beneath the cleansing flood.

(from “Victory in Jesus” by E. M. Bartlett)

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”- 2 Corinthians 2:14

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I’m on the winning side. Are you?

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” – Psalm 33:12

Today is America’s birthday.  On July 4, 1776, a group of men put their signatures on a piece of paper that would seal their fate. Signing this declaration of colonial independence from tyrannical England was an act of treason, and anyone who signed that document knew they would be considered a traitor against the British monarchy. As they put pen to paper, these men knew they would either become the founders of a new nation, or they would be executed as enemies of the state. It was at the moment that the War for Independence began.

Inexperienced in wielding muskets against a hostile enemy, a hodgepodge of farmers, merchants, and young boys stood up against the greatest military force on the globe. Led by General George Washington, it seemed like a hopeless attempt at breaking free of the strangulating hold of the British monarchy, yet these patriots never gave up. The odds were stacked heavily against them, yet the war for independence was won by these courageous men whose vision and valor enabled thirteen separate colonies to come together to become the greatest nation on earth, the United States of America.

I have traveled to more than 45 countries, and I have enjoyed learning about different cultures, meeting new people, and visiting unique points of interest all around the globe. However, no matter where I’ve gone or what I’ve seen, my heart belongs to America. Despite the turmoil within its borders, the international challenges it has faced, and the uncertainty of the times, I still believe it is the greatest country in the world.

I will always stand in respect for our flag, and I will always unashamedly sing our national anthem when it is played. I will continue to pray for this nation and the men and women who so selflessly protect and defend it. I will always ask God’s blessings upon the US Army, the US Navy, the US Marine Corps, the US Air Force, the US Coast Guard, and their Commander-in-Chief, the President of the United States. Because I believe in the Biblical principles upon which this country was founded, I will always support the United States Constitution and the spirit in which it was written by the founding fathers. I love this country. I am proud to be an American, and today, I proudly celebrate the birth of the greatest nation on earth.

Happy birthday, America!

My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing:
Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims’ pride,
from every mountainside let freedom ring!

Our fathers’ God to Thee, Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King.

(from “My Country, Tis of Thee” by Samuel F. Smith)

“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17

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“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” – Declaration of Independence

“In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” – Ephesians 3:12

I remember as a youngster that approaching my dad was not always easy for me. Not because he was unapproachable or distant, but he was my dad! To me, he was invincible. He was the ultimate decision-maker. He was my dad, and I was in awe of his “Dad Power”! I knew he loved me, and I knew he would always make decisions based upon what was best for me, but still I sometimes hesitated before going to him. The problem was that I often wanted things that weren’t necessarily the best for me. Still, I would usually ask many things of him, hoping for his favor in whatever it was I sought.

As I got older, approaching my dad was not easier, but the reasons for that changed. I didn’t want to disappoint him. I wanted him to be proud of me, so I didn’t bring trivial things to him. I wanted to do them on my own. I wanted to show him that I was a capable young woman, and I wanted his approval. Sometimes acting on my own, without his wisdom and guidance, brought me heartache and avoidable troubles, and then I would sheepishly go to him for his advice.

No matter what the reasons that I came to my dad, he always welcomed me with open arms, and after we had talked about whatever I came for, permission or forgiveness, he always hugged me and told me he loved me. This was my dad. In my own mind, I sometimes believed he was difficult to approach, but he never really was. The reality is that my father was always waiting for me to come to him. He never forced me to do so, instead in his wisdom, he simply waited for me.

That’s how it is with my heavenly Father. When I accepted Jesus as my Saviour, His Father in heaven became my Father in heaven. John 1:12 states, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” There have been times when I struggled to go to Him because of some sin in my life. At other times, I wanted my way, so I resisted seeking His advice, yet there were many occasions when I ran to Him as fast as I could, especially when I was afraid or overwhelmed. No matter the reason, my heavenly Father was always waiting for me with open arms, welcoming me in His embrace. In fact, He wants me to come to Him with anything that is on my heart. He longs to take care of His children. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

There is no need for me to be hesitant in approaching Him even if He is the Creator of the universe and the almighty God because I am His child. His scepter is always held out for me to approach Him without fear or trembling (Esther 4:11) because while He is my God, He is also my beloved Father. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…” (1 John 3:1)

And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness Divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

(from “And Can It Be?” by Charles Wesley)

“He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.” – Psalm 89:26

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It’s good to know that I am held firmly in the hand of my Father!

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.” – James 3:3

Today I watched my granddaughter, Ryanna, as she rode her horse, Riddle. This multicolored animal is quite an impressive creature with startling blue eyes and thick muscular legs that only give a hint of the power they possess. When he stands by Ryanna, he seems so huge to me. It’s quite an impressive feat to see her control such a majestic animal. Riddle dwarfs Ryanna, yet with just a gentle tug on the reins or nudge in the side, he goes wherever she wants him to go.

I wish I was more like Riddle when it comes to my relationship with God. It frequently takes a lot more than a small nudge or tug to get me to do what He wants. Many times, I desire my own way, and I ignore the gently prodding of the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 tells me, “Quench not the Spirit.” Instead, I am to yield myself to the Spirit of God, and allow Him to lead me along life’s paths. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)

When God holds the reins of my life, I can “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established” (Proverbs 4:26), all the while trusting God to direct my steps to walk on His paths of righteousness. Psalm 23:3 reminds me that God “… leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” When I fight against the Holy Spirit and insist upon my own way, I stand a good chance of encountering trouble. Proverbs 4:27 warns, “Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil,” but on my own, with no one to guide me, it becomes too easy to veer off in the wrong direction, stumble, or even fall prey to the temptations of the world and its sin.

In order to walk according to the ways of the Lord, I must “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” I learn His ways through His Word and the illumination of it by His Spirit. When a horse trusts its rider, it will follow instructions even if it is something it has never done before. When Ryanna leads Riddle on an unfamiliar trail, he trusts her to lead him safely along. I must do the same with God. When I am in situations that are foreign to me and I am unsure of what to do, I must allow the Holy Spirit to lead me. I know He will not lead me astray, and I can trust Him completely.

Today, I watched Riddle amble over to Ryanna when he saw her by the pasture fence. This was another demonstration of trust. A horse will readily approach its rider when trust has been established. As a child of God, I desire to be in His presence because I know He cares for me and only wants the best for me. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37) I know when I seek God, I will find Him! “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” (Isaiah 55:6)

Additionally, when Riddle is agitated, it is Ryanna’s soothing voice that relaxes the horse. The voice of the one in whom the horse trusts settles the animal. That is the same for me. When I am fearful or anxious, I long to hear God’s peaceful voice, calming my soul. Sometimes He speaks to me through His Word; sometimes it’s through a song; sometimes it’s just His still small voice that quiets my heart. When God speaks, I must be sure to listen for this is when I will experience His divine comfort, joy, and peace. “I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.” (Psalm 85:8)

As a child of God, I must allow Him to lead me through life. “Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:10) With His hands firmly on the reins of my life, I am assured that my steps will be ordered by Him and kept on the paths of righteousness. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

(from “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” by Thomas Dorsey)

“Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.” – Psalm 32:9

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It’s good to be held in the palm of God’s hand.