Author: Jayne Lawson

“Seek the Lord when he can still be found; call him while he is yet near.” Isaiah 55:6

I have some regrets in my life. Things I wish I had done differently. These are my “if onlys.”

Some are whimsical.

• If only I had seen that mud puddle…
• If only I had not eaten that second doughnut…
• If only I had used sunblock…
• If only I had not put a pink shirt in with the whites…

Some are more serious.

• If only I would have listened…
• If only I had made that phone call…
• If only I had watched where I was going…
• If only I had kept my mouth shut…
• If only I had taken the time…
• If only I had chosen differently…

I suppose we all have our own personal list of “if onlys,” but there is one “if only” that no one should ever experience. It is “If only I had called upon the Lord…”

The Bible tell us there will be a time when calling upon the Lord will be finished. Fortunately, that time has not arrived yet. God is still patiently waiting, giving everyone a chance to call upon Him for salvation. 2 Peter 5:9 reminds us that God “…is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Today, God is very near. He is waiting for each of us to call upon Him. While salvation is the greatest need of mankind, God also wants His children to continually be “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:8) We can call upon Him for help, for comfort, for hope. No care is too small. Jesus waits to hear them all. He tells us in Jeremiah 29:12, “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” If we call, He will hear us. And if He hears us, He will respond. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” (1 John 5:14)

Take time today to call upon the Lord. He’s waiting to hear from you.

The Savior is waiting to enter your heart,
Why don’t you let Him come in?
There’s nothing in this world to keep you apart,
What is your answer to Him?

Time after time He has waited before,
And now He is waiting again,
To see if you’re willing to open the door,
Oh, how he wants to come in.

(from “The Saviour Is Waiting” by Ralph Carmichael)

“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18

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Calling upon Jesus for forgiveness of your sins and saving you is the first step. After that, He wants to hear from you about everything! Won’t you call upon Him today?

 

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3

Yesterday, my husband planted fruit trees with my daughter and granddaughter. Later, my daughter worked out with her girls. My son-in-law took time off from work to have lunch with his family. I helped another granddaughter dissect turkey hearts for a science lab. My husband and son-in-law worked to livestream our church’s midweek service. Just another day in our self-isolation!

There are six people in my immediate family, and we cover three generations in my house. We have two young teens, two adults, and two seniors living together under one roof. My family has practiced self-isolated now for two weeks, and honestly, it’s been fine. How do we do it? Well, we all have the same Father, and one way we honor Him is to co-exist as a family in harmony. God is the center of each of our lives, and we try to “do what Jesus would do” in our relationships with one another every day.

It’s not always an easy task by any means, but it’s doable when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. It is He that keeps us in the bond of peace. Do we ever get cross with one another? Sometimes, but we have learned to “forebear one another in love, endeavoring to keep unity,” all through the power of God’s Holy Spirit. We respect one another; we listen to one another, and we try to be kind to one another. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

We have chosen to make this time profitable for all of us. One day, this pandemic will just be a fading memory, but until then, we will continue to make the best of it and enjoy our time together. There is no other group of people with whom I would rather be self-isolated than my family. I am truly blessed!

There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.

Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

(from “There Shall Be Showers of Blessings” by Daniel W. Whittle)

“And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;” – Isaiah 32:18

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We all can survive this virus. All we need to do is stay close to Jesus!

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” – Romans 10:17

Have you ever wanted something that required effort to obtain? Maybe it was a new car for which you had to save money over a period of time. Perhaps a new career to which you had to go back to school. Maybe you wanted a new outfit that would take hours to create from fabric and thread. Whatever it was, when you finally were able to have it, it was so precious to you because you had waited so long and worked so hard for it.

Faith is like that. I find myself sometimes wishing I had more faith. But faith doesn’t just happen. I had read a verse in the Bible a long time ago, Romans 12:3, which ends, “…according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith,” and I assumed faith did just happen. I assumed that God doled out faith in portions to each of us, and that was that. I had my share, and that was it. No more, no less. Today, I am realizing I completely misunderstood that verse!

So, here is my takeaway. My faith began as a tiny seed. “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it…” (Matthew 13:23). For me, it was planted long ago in a little country church, and the portion was very small. It was limited by my age and ability to understand the things of God. As I grew, the seed of my faith was watered and began to grow until I understood my need for a Saviour. “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). I realize now that the measure of my faith had increased! How? Through God’s Word! His Holy Spirit was opening my eyes to a deeper understanding of the Bible, and as He did, my faith grew. I just didn’t realize it at the time.

As an adult, I have been blessed with two godly pastors in my life who taught me more about God and helped me grow as a Christian. Has my faith grown? Absolutely. Both men taught from the Bible as empowered by the Holy Spirit, and as a result, I continue to grow in my knowledge of God, and my faith has increased. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught…” (Colossians 2:6-7). It is so clear to me that the instruction I have received from the Word of God has been the catalyst for the increase in my faith over the years. I did not receive a designated portion of faith that would be a set amount for my entire life. Instead, I see that God has been measuring out my faith in increments that I can understand and then build upon. My “measure of faith” has not been static, but rather it has been  dynamic, divinely changing over the years!

I think about the wise man who built his house upon a solid foundation. “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” (Matthew 7:24). My solid foundation is Jesus Christ, my Saviour. From there, God has been helping me build my house of faith. He has provided the tools for me, and He dispenses the materials little by little… that’s the measure He gives to me. It’s an on-going process whereby my house is built. Sometimes I build a lot, sometimes I build just a little, but the foundation is solid! It’s not easy, either. Building my house of faith requires effort. But if I want it bad enough, I will work for it through personal Bible study, going to church and listening to godly messages, and paying attention to the Spirit of the Lord. Why? Because the more I understand the Word of God, the more “materials” God gives me to reinforce and grow my faith.

Quite amazing what can happen with one tiny seed, isn’t it?

More about Jesus would I know, more of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me.

More about Jesus let me learn, more of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be, showing the things of Christ to me.

More, more about Jesus, more, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me.

(from “More About Jesus” by Eliza E. Hewitt)

“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Psalm 86:11

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My mansion in heaven… when faith becomes sight!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” Isaiah 44:22

I’m a sinner. I know it, and Romans 3:23 confirms it. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” When it comes to my sins, I remember a lot of them. Some I could write about, but others, I would never dare to put into print. I suppose you could say those are my secret sins. They are the sins that shame me. The ones I wish never happened; the ones that I can’t seem to forget; the ones I’ve hidden from everyone.

Except God.

I can’t hide my sins from God. He knows about them all. Every single one of them. And in His sight, the “little” ones are just as heinous as the “big” ones. Any one of them is enough to keep me from God and His heaven. When perfect holiness is the standard, even a little white lie is enough to condemn me or anyone else. Seems hopeless, doesn’t it? But it’s not. Why? Because the Bible tells me that God loves me and you! (Jeremiah 31:3)

Romans 5:8 states, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” I love this verse! It tells me that no matter how vile a sinner I am, God still loves me with that everlasting love of which the prophet Jeremiah wrote. God still found value in us, and that’s the reason He chose to sacrifice His only Son, so that we might have eternal life with Him! “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

The Bible tells me, “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” (John 3:16). When I think about my life and the sins that I so easily embraced, it overwhelms me to think that the all-knowing God of heaven loves me so much that He allowed His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment for my sins on the chance that I would one day understand my need for a Saviour and bow before Him begging for forgiveness. But I did understand, and I did beg for His forgiveness. And He gave it!

Today, I still remember some of my past sins, but I know God doesn’t remember them anymore (Hebrews 10:17). In God’s mind, my sins have been completely eradicated from my life’s history.  I believe that when I’m in heaven, I, too, will remember them no more because I have chosen to accept Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, acknowledging Him as Lord and Saviour of my life, and He has forgiven me of every single sin – past, present, and future! Since I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, I know when I’m with Jesus in heaven, there will be no more sadness or tears for me!

If you’ve never experienced God’s forgiveness of sin, all you need to do is believe that Jesus, God’s Son, died on the cross, taking upon Himself the punishment for your sins, and ask Him to forgive you for those sins, and save you! The Bible states in Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” You can call upon Him today, and He will save you!

One future day, I know I’ll see Jesus in heaven, and I will also see His scars from when He was on the cross. Only then will I be able to grasp in full what He did for me so long ago. I am, and will forever be, grateful to be a sinner saved by grace.

Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you o’er evil a victory win?
There’s wonderful power in the blood.

There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the blood of the Lamb.
There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb.

(from “There is Power in the Blood” by Lewis E. Jones)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

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“No child of God sins to that degree as to make himself incapable of forgiveness.” – John Bunyan

 

 

Just Hanging Around

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:” – Proverbs 6:6

I married an ant. I birthed two ants. I have a couple of grandchildren that are ants. It’s tough living in a household of ants, especially when you aren’t one! An ant represents a person who is always on the move, busy doing anything, but always busy. In fact, they enjoy being busy.

I don’t really think of myself as a sluggard, but this verse did make me stop and take a look at myself. I am definitely not an ant, but I sure hope I’m not a sloth! A sloth is a very slow animal known for just “hanging around” – literally! A sloth hangs on a branch and seemingly does nothing for days on end. I sure I’m not a sloth!

I had to wonder about that though because my family often teases me about being on the computer a lot and not being as active as they are. (Mind you, my son-in-law is on his computer all day for his job, but he never gets in trouble for it!) My excuse is that sitting at a computer is what a writer does, right? I can’t write when mowing the lawn or tending a garden, but am I being a sloth? Proverbs has a few verses about being slothful, and they are not complimentary! Proverbs 19:15 states, “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger,” and Proverbs 18:9 tells us “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.” No, I definitely don’t want to be a sloth. So what am I?

I made the mistake of asking my family what type of animal I might be. I got four different answers, so I thought I’d do a little research. My results? I think I’m more like a donkey. After all, donkeys spend their days resting during the hottest part of the day (yep, that’s me!), and they are voracious eaters (definitely a yes!). My husband sweetly pointed out that donkeys are also a bit stubborn! (Me?)

All kidding aside, it really doesn’t matter what type of animal compares to me, what is important is that I am not slothful when it comes to serving the Lord. He has given me a job to do while I am here on earth, and it’s my Christian responsibility to keep busy doing His work. It could be by teaching Sunday school, handing out tracts, visiting the sick and elderly, or even sitting at a computer writing a Christian blog! The Bible says in Colossians 3:23, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

Even in times of social-isolation, we can keep busy for God. Write someone a “just thinking about you” note; call someone and have an “encouragement chat,” send a missionary a “keeping in touch” email. There’s so much we can do for God even within the confines of our homes.

I may not be an ant, but I can be as busy as a bee for the Lord!

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be, swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.

(from “Take My Life and Let It Be” by Frances Ridley Havergal)

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:10,11

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Not sure what to do? Ask Jesus. Then quietly listen for His response. He’ll tell you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“… Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17

Today is Sunday. Normally, I’d be getting ready for church, but covid-19 still has me at home. There are a lot of things about being isolated that don’t really bother me personally. I can keep busy writing, which is, for the most part, an “isolated” activity. I like to read, so that is another activity that doesn’t require socialization. But there is one thing that I struggle with during these times.

I miss church! I miss worshipping with my church family! While I can listen to my pastor via livestream, which is a way to watch a church service over the Internet, it cannot replace the physical fellowship with other believers. One thing that is helping me through all this is music. I love church music. It blesses my heart to no end, so I love it when Bree, my granddaughter, and I play hymns together. She plays her violin; I play the piano, and it’s such a joy for me! This morning I was really touched by the song, “Til the Storm Passes By” by Mosie Lister. (I posted a link to the video on my Facebook page.)

Currently, many of us are in the midst of a great storm that is testing not only our physical, emotional, and mental lives, but our Christian life as well. We are isolated from our church families. Being with my church family helps me face the storms in my life, but right now, I am unable to be with them, and that is very difficult for me. I miss those hugs from Sandra and Joanie and others. Those hugs are like an exchange of love between us! I miss those cheery “Good mornings!” from Ann and Lois as we work on getting our Sunday school rooms ready for the children.

I miss hearing others pray. I miss hearing the quiet “amens” as Pastor shares his messages. I miss the smiles on the faces of my friends when we see one another in the sanctuary. I miss the sparkle in the eyes of the children when they see me and run over to share something that happened to them during the week. I miss hearing what God has done in the lives of my church family. And I especially miss hearing all the voices joined together in song! Congregational singing, choir songs, special music… I miss it all! My list could go on and on…

Oh, how I miss church!

But like every other storm in my life, God has always seen me through. Sometimes the storms were small, like when I couldn’t find a necklace that meant so much to me (I eventually found it a few months later!); sometimes the storms were big, like when I was diagnosed with breast cancer (I am a 19-year survivor!). Through each and every one, God was with me. He guided me, comforted me, supported me, carried me, and loved me. And guess what? I got through them all… even the ones where I could see no earthly way for the storm to subside. Even when my faith was wavering. Even when I felt it was all so hopeless. Even when I felt utterly defeated, God was faithful

He always was; He always is; He always will be. So hang on, He’s got you. The storm’s almost over.

In the dark of the midnight, have I oft hid my face;
While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place;
‘Mid the crash of the thunder, precious Lord, hear my cry;
“Keep me safe ’til the storm passes by.”

Many times Satan whispers, “There is no need to try;
For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by”;
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I’ll rise;
Where the storms never darken the skies.

‘Til the storm passes over, ‘Til the thunder sounds no more;
‘Til the clouds roll forever from the sky,
Hold me fast, let me stand, in the hollow of Thy hand;
Keep me safe ’til the storm passes by.

(from “Til the Storm Passes By” by Mosie Lister)

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39

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Share a little “Sonshine” today! Send someone a virtual hug!

 

 

 

 

“Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” – John 11:40

These are the words that Jesus spoke to Mary at the tomb of Lazarus. Apparently, Martha had some idea that Jesus was going to do something when He commanded the stone be rolled away from the sepulchre opening because she reminded Him that Lazarus had been dead for four days. Jesus then responded by telling her all she needed to do was believe. In that split second, Martha made a decision to simply believe, and she told the men to remove the stone.

How many times do we have opportunities to simply believe? Our minds try so hard to rationalize why God cannot do something, and sometimes, we even offer excuses for Him. Those excuses are demonstrations of our unbelief.

We need to remember that God can do anything! Absolutely, anything! There is nothing too big that God cannot handle. There is nothing too trivial to which God will not respond. That means that if we would just choose to believe God, we would see Him act in ways that would amaze us, reminding us of who He truly is!

I have a challenge for you (and me)! When times are tough or frightening; when heartaches threaten to overwhelm you; when despair is all you see, turn your head away from those things and focus on Jesus. Choose to believe in what you know is true.

Here is my weekly list of chosen beliefs.

SUNDAY – I believe that God is worthy to be praised!

• “I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” – Psalm 22:4

MONDAY – I believe God loves me!

• “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for” – Romans 5:8

TUESDAY – I believe Jesus will come for me one day!

• “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” – John 14:3

WEDNESDAY – I believe God will meet my every need!

• “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

THURSDAY – I believe my prayers are heard by God!

• “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” – 1 John 5:14

FRIDAY – I believe that God cares about me!

• “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

SATURDAY – I believe that God can do anything!

• “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” – Luke 1:37

Fear not, little flock, from the cross to the throne,
From death into life He went for His own;
All power in earth, all power above,
Is given to Him for the flock of His love.

Fear not, little flock, whatever your lot,
He enters all rooms, “the doors being shut,”
He never forsakes; He never is gone,
So count on His presence in darkness and dawn.

Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe;
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe.

(from “Only Believe” by Paul Rader)

“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:6

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Remember, seven days without believing in God will make one weak!

What’s on your list?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”  Psalm 119:105

Fake news. I’ve heard so much about this in recent times. It doesn’t matter if it’s on the television news, radio broadcasts, or newspapers. I don’t know what is truth and what are lies. What I once thought was dependable, at least in part, has now demonstrated itself to be completely unreliable.

I am so glad that the Bible will never be able to be labeled as “fake news.” Everything written in its original works has been inspired by God and preserved by Him for us today. With all the turmoil in the world today, here is some “true news” for me and you!

God’s promises in times of…

Fear – “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.” Isaiah 35:4

Anxiety – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Financial Troubles – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Weariness – “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

Loneliness – “And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Sadness – “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

Depression – “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” Psalm 42:11

Feeling Unloved – “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3

Feeling Worthless – “Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.” Isaiah 43:4

Hopelessness – “Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” Psalm 119:114

These are just a few of the truthful promises in God’s Word. When I am struggling, I know I can go to the Bible and find the encouragement and strength I need to get through my troubles. There is no “fake news” to be found in the holy Word of God!

Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life,
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.

Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.

(from “Wonderful Words of Life” by Philip Bliss)

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13

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Trust His Word; it’s never fake!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” Luke 6:45

When I was a teenager, my mom gave me a hope chest. This was for me to put in all the things that I might want to have when I married. I added things through the years, and when I married John, I finally was able to take out all the wonderful things that I had saved. Among the many treasures I had stored were cute kitchen towels, a beautiful shawl passed down from my grandmother, several items from Japan, and a quilt that my friend had made for me. Everything that I withdrew from my hope chest had been lovingly chosen to be in there. I did not expect to find anything I had not placed inside of it.

That is just like my heart. Everything that is in it has been placed there by me! There is nothing within it that I did not allow to enter. Therefore, the only things that I can bring out from my heart are the things that I put in. That means that songs from my youth are there as well as hymns that I sing in church. Images from long ago are side-by-side with the vivid pictures from yesterday’s morning walk. Unfortunately, along with the wonderful Bible verses I’ve memorized over the years, there are a few coarse jokes that I shudder at when I recollect them.

Why is it so important to guard what I put into my heart? Today’s verse reminds me that what is in my heart is what will come out of my mouth! Sadly, some of those things that I never should have put into my heart in the first place manage to come out when I least expect it. Those things can damage my testimony for Jesus! Oh, how I wish I would have kept the garbage out of my heart!

I cannot change my past, but I can control my future, especially when it comes to what I allow into my heart. I need to fill my heart with the good things of God! Therefore, I should do exactly as Philippians 4:8 instructs me. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence, O Lord,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of your salvation,
and renew a right spirit within me.

(from “Create in Me a Clean Heart”- author unknown)

“My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.” Proverbs 23:15

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What are the “Philippian 4:8 things” you can put into your heart today?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” Isaiah 26:9

I remember 9-11. It was an unthinkable tragedy that impacted our entire country. There was intense fear of what might be on the horizon for America, and people trembled wondering if another attack was imminent. I remember a lot of horrible things about that day, but I also remember something wonderful rising from the ashes. Churches across our country were experiencing record attendances; American flags were flying on every city street and country road; strangers were being kind to one another; families were drawing closer to one another, and hope became a sweet fragrance wafting in the air.

I wonder what I will remember from our current situation. How has the coronavirus impacted us today? Will I remember the toilet paper frenzy? Maybe I will think back on the request for “social-isolation” in the attempt to stop covid-19 from spreading. Perhaps I will remember how the churches closed, but the bars stayed open. Maybe I will see the Florida beaches packed with spring break vacationers, or how Congress couldn’t even agree on how to help the American people. No, I don’t think those are the things I will choose to remember.

In future years when I look back on this global pandemic, I will remember how my family rallied together to support one another in our voluntary social-isolation. I will remember how grateful I was that we were all together, living under one roof.

I will remember how my husband and son-in-law went to an empty church building to arrange an online church service, and I will remember sitting with my daughter and granddaughters as we worshipped the Lord with our pastor via livestream in our living room.

I will remember my daughter shouldering the responsibility to keep our household running, and being the protective “mother hen” to my husband and me as she reminded us that we were in the high-risk group and should stay home. I will remember the love I felt (and the tears that fell) when she took that first trip to the grocery store for me.

I will remember all the negativity of social media falling to the wayside as I saw pictures and read anecdotes of how my extended family and friends were doing during their own social-isolations. I will remember how I added my own quips and photos, and how exciting it was to see those “likes” when someone had read or seen my posts.

And I will remember that even in tough times, God continues to bless. Being retired, my life hasn’t been as disrupted as many others. I am still very busy. I still homeschool the girls. I still do laundry, and I still cook and clean. But something is definitely different. My perspective has changed. I realize that when I look at things from a heavenly point of view, I see blessings where before I might have missed them.

Yes, the coronavirus is awful. Yes, social-isolation is difficult to endure. Yes, the future is uncertain. But God continues to bless, and He continues to be God. When I become fearful and life seems overwhelming, I will choose to focus on who God is, how good He has been to me, and the innumerable blessings He has bestowed upon me and my family.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

(from “Count Your Blessings: by Johnson Oatman, Jr.)

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.” Psalm 138:7

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What gifts has God given you today?