Author: Jayne Lawson

John 13:36 “Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.”

My husband and I have a trip coming up soon. We will be traveling to a foreign country to which we have never been before. John has been perusing the travel books for months, and he is feeling confident in the sites he has chosen for us to visit. I have been studying an online language program and now have mastered the common greetings and essential questions, or at least what I consider to be essential. We have even booked an overland rail tour, trusting our tour guide to show even more than we will see on our own. There has been a lot to do in preparation for our trip, but we are ready!

As a Christian, there is another trip that I am anticipating. Once again, I will be traveling to a place I’ve never been before, but I’ve heard so much about it that I can’t wait to see it! It’s heaven! Some of my family and friends are already there, and I am eager to join them to see the sites. I already have the travel guide, my Bible, and I’ve been reading about my destination. With golden streets and a crystal sea, it sounds absolutely wonderful! When I first get there, I’ll be partaking in a fabulous “get acquainted” supper that I think is going to last for about seven years!! I’ll meet my personal tour guide for the first time face-to-face. His name is Jesus, and He has some exciting excursions planned for me! It sounds like it’s going to be the best trip ever!

I’m hoping to take a few friends with me, but the departure date is just around the corner, so you need to book it now. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to show you my travel guide. It explains exactly how you can go on this trip. It starts down the Romans Road and once you’ve walked that path, you’ll be off on the most wonderful adventure you could ever imagine! Oh, the best part about this trip to heaven… it lasts forever! I hope to see you there!

“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

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Are you ready to go?

Luke 12:7 “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

I am chuckling to myself as I write this. I am envisioning God with His arms crossed, a slight tilt to His head, and a faint smile on His face as He looks down at me and simply shakes His head. I can almost hear Him saying, “Really, Jayne, if you’d just quit trying so hard and let me handle it, everything will work out as it should.”

I need to listen to Him.

Lately, my morning devotionals have been spot on for my immediate needs, and through them God has been showing me how vital it is to begin my days with Him. I know, you’re saying, “What? Doesn’t she know this?” Yes, I do, but sometimes the truth has to hit me in the face repeatedly for me to grasp it. I thought I’d share a few of the “Aha!” moments I’ve recently had.

Aha! moment #1 – I have been having a difficult time trying to maintain a healthy regimen to the point that I was constantly thinking about the failures of my efforts. God sent me a message: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Truth – I need to depend on Him for it is through Him that I can do all things (Philippians 4:13).

Aha! moment #2 – I have been trying to figure out what words to use when sharing tracts with people I meet during the day. I play out scenarios in my head, but nothing seems right, so I’ve refrained from handing them out. God sent me a message: ““If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5). Truth – I need to remember that He is the One who will equip me with what I need in order to do that to which He has called me (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Aha! moment #3 – I have been concerned about which road to take in regards to publishing a book. Unable to contact one of my publishers, I have been fretting about what to do. God sent me a message: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). Truth – I need to remember that even the little things in my life are important to God, for He did not say to cast some of my cares upon Him, but rather all of them! (Philippians 4:6)

So, what have I learned? My life will undoubtedly be filled with “Aha!” moments as the Holy Spirit continues His work in me. Thankfully, He never tires, even when it takes me a long time to finally “get it.” The importance of beginning each day with the Scriptures is what will sustain me, guide me, and keep me near to the heart of God. That’s where I want to be… that’s where I need to be.

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” – Psalm 19:7-11

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What “Aha!” moment have you experienced lately?

Proverbs 27:9 “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.”

Last year, with the help of my granddaughters, I planted a small flower garden on the perimeter of my prayer garden. Never having the proverbial green thumb of a proficient gardener, I wondered what would happen to the garden this year. I haven’t tended it with the exception of spreading some mulch around the dormant (I hoped) or dead (probably) plants from last year. For the last few days, I’ve been eyeing a few suspicious buds that seemed to have appeared just recently. Today, I was rewarded with a beautiful little pink rose that had burst forth to greet the morning sun! It was surrounded by a few more promising buds with hints of pink visible between the sepals.

As I oohed and ahhed over my roses, my thoughts meandered to my day at church yesterday, and my heart oohed and ahhed once more over the sweet ladies at my church that I count as friends. I love them! For whatever reason, this past Sunday I was overwhelmed by the friendships that I have made over the years there. Some of these ladies are older than me, some are younger, and I treasure them all. Sometimes they smile at me across the sanctuary (tiny buds of color); sometimes they meet me in the aisle and give me a warm hug (newly opened bloom), and sometimes they share part of their lives with me through an encouraging word or story (full flowered blossom). I truly have a lovely garden of wonderful friends!

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  – Hebrews 10:24-25

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How do you blossom in someone else’s friendship garden?

John 4:14 “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Last night in AWANA, a little boy in my Sparks group came up to me with these flowers in his hand. He said he had kept them in the bottom of his backpack, and now wanted to give them to me. The sweetness of his gift really made my night! Sadly, by the time I had arrived home, they had wilted badly, and I doubted they would survive. However, I put them in a glass of water before I went to bed. This morning, I awakened to this sight! They were as beautiful now as they had been when he had given them to me!

As I gazed at them, I realized that I was just like those flowers. Sometimes I feel wilted and barely able to make it with all the burdens of life, but when I am refreshed with God’s “living water,” I perk up once more, refreshed and ready to continue on for Jesus!

Feeling a bit weary? Dip yourself into God’s Word for a refreshing drink of His living water! You’ll be amazed at the difference in your life!

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”   – Psalm 1:3

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Know someone who’s been drooping lately? Offer them some of the Lord’s living water!

James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Often I say things, which I regret later. Thinking back, I reflect on the stupidity of my words and wonder what could have compelled me to utter them. Maybe I was uncomfortable in a situation. Maybe I was trying to be funny. Maybe I was upset. Most likely, I simply was not thinking at all! Regardless of the reason, I had a tremendous lack of discernment in the moment, which was insensitive and may have hurt someone in the process. Not a very good example of Christian love, and it shames me.

So after a guilt-ridden time of self-examination, I go to God and ask for help. He leads me to James 1:5, and I hear this quiet inner voice prompting, “Why haven’t you asked Me for help?” Once again, I realize I have taken my eyes off Christ, and have foraged ahead on my own. I have forgotten to depend upon God. This awakening takes me to my knees where I ask God for His forgiveness and wisdom to make better choices in what I say and do.

The Bible tells me that the beginning of wisdom starts with “the fear of the Lord.” In the Hebrew language, the words yare and yirah indicate that “to fear, to respect, to reverence” can be positive qualities, indicating that I don’t need to shrink away from God because I am afraid of Him, but rather a deep reverence for God will draw me closer to the source of His unending well of wisdom. When I “fear the Lord,” my mind, heart, and soul are enabled to receive wisdom and understanding from His Word (Proverbs 9:10). God promises to give wisdom to anyone who seeks it, so if I want to be wise in my speech and actions, I must remember that I cannot attain it on my own; I must seek it from God.

Time to start building my house upon the Rock.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” – Psalm 111:10

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Upon what is your spiritual house built?

Psalm 118:6 “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”

I am not a sports person, but I know one thing about sports. No one likes to lose. After seeing how much teams are willing to pay for certain players to join them, I have a pretty good idea of how badly competitors want to win. Even watching high school basketball or football games, it’s clear that no one goes into a game hoping to lose.

The same could be said of life. “Keeping up with the Joneses” is not the goal anymore; people seem to always be striving to get ahead, to be bigger and better than their neighbor. No one wants to come in last in the game of life. Everyone wants to be on the winning team, and when there are only two teams from which to choose, make sure you pick the right one!

The first team is the one in which the Lord Jesus Christ is the Captain. His team members have accepted Him as their leader, and they strive to follow His commands, which are written in His team manual – the Bible. Their goal is to reflect His teachings in their lives, serve Him faithfully, and share His game plan with everyone!

The second team is the one that is led by Satan. Some members on this team embrace sin and wickedness openly, while others are ignorant of the ungodliness that governs this team in which they are a part. Some members on this team are active players, while others are merely benchwarmers; they don’t even realize they are part of this team! The truth is if you’re not on one team, you’re on the other! Make sure you choose the right one! Read more

Psalm 4:8 – “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”

It seems like I hear more and more “doomsday” reports regarding the state of our country and our world. Whether it’s climate change, governmental chaos, terrorism, rumors of wars, unprecedented health concerns, etc., I confess that when I hear these reports, my heart beats a little faster as tendrils of trepidation creep into my consciousness. These thoughts are difficult to dispel on my own, but I find that when I seek refuge in God’s Word, my fears are calmed and replaced by His peace.

As I read the Bible, the reality of who God is returns to my mind, and I remember that He is the sovereign God who controls everything. Nothing happens without His knowledge or by His allowance. It may seem like this world is spiraling downward uncontrollably, but I “know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). No matter what happens in this world, my future is secure in God! Because of this understanding, I do not lay awake at night dwelling on the “what-ifs.” I can sleep peacefully because I know God holds tomorrow in His hand.

“Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.”     (written by Ira Stanphill)

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”   – Isaiah 46:9-10

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In the midst of life’s turmoils, how does God’s Word speak to your heart?

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Get ready for an exciting 40 days that can change your life as you rebuild God’s temple within you!

“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.”                  – 1 Corinthians 3:9

Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

A few years ago, I visited the city of Petra. It is basically a city carved out of rock. If you saw the last Indiana Jones movie, you saw the treasury of Petra in which the knight guarded the Holy Grail. This entire city is accessible only through a very steep-walled mile-long pass carved out of the sandstone. It is also the city to which many Bible scholars believe the Jews will seek refuge during the Tribulation period (ex: Matthew 24, Revelation 12). Because it is constructed out of the rock itself, Petra seems to be nearly impregnable, a natural fortress ideal for protecting its inhabitants.

Like the city of Petra, God is also a “solid rock.” He is omnipotent and immovable. A foundation built upon God’s Word is unshakeable. Not only is He is my rock, but He is my fortress (protective shelter), my deliverer (One who rescues), my strength (source of power), my buckler (shield), and my horn of salvation (powerful Saviour).

Knowing I can trust God to keep me in the palm of His hand no matter what happens (John 10:29) enables me to have comfort and peace in a very troubled world.

“And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; the God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.” – 2 Samuel 22:2-3

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Are you building your life on the Rock or on sinking sand?

Isaiah 55:6 “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:”

Last night, I was able to sit in church for our mid-week service. Usually I am involved in the children’s ministries on Wednesdays, but due to spring break, there were no children’s activities. Our youth pastor spoke on Mark 4:35-5:1, and the message reinforced what I had been hearing the past few Sundays. Here are a few nuggets I gleaned from the message.

As the disciples headed for the far shore of Galilee in a small boat, a fierce storm arose of which the fishermen were very fearful. As I thought about the situation, it occurred to me that these men must have faced many storms in their lives since they were fishermen by trade, and they were always out on the Sea of Galilee. Therefore, this must have been a very violent storm to instill fear in them. As they battled the waves, Jesus slept in the hinder part of the boat, seemingly unaware of the tempest the men were facing. Once awakened, Jesus asked, “Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). They had forgotten the promises of God.

Many times, I am just like the disciples. I am fearful; I have no faith. When hard times come, I question God by asking, “Why me? Why my family? Why am I the one suffering?” I, too, have forgotten the promises of God. In Isaiah 12:2, the Bible records “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” Again in chapter 41, the prophet writes “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.” There are a plethora of verses where God promises to watch over me, care for me, protect me… That is what I need to remember! I may think that God has forgotten me, or that He doesn’t care about me, but nothing could be further from the truth! God sees me, cares about me, and loves me! I need to remember that God always keeps His word. If He said He would take care of me, He will do it! Read more