Good Plans

I have a situation at my house with my neighbor's cat.  He is the sweetest boy.  My neighbor does not let the cat in her house.  He has a little food and water set up in her garage, but is not allowed to come in her home at all.  The cat decided about four or five months ago to start hanging out on my deck.  I have five cats (indoor only) of my own and I guess he figured it was a cool place to be.  

Problem is he wants in.  I believe he is lonely and done with being an outdoor only kitty.  If he was a stray I would have adopted him into the family by now. But since he belongs to my nextdoor neighbor, I can't do that.  And he cries to come in with us.  It absolutely breaks my heart.  We sit with him, love on him and even share a few treats with him, but we cannot bring him in without my neighbors okay.  

Yesterday, he was especially vocal and I just wanted to cry.  I cried out to the Lord, "Why are You allowing this!  I just want to die, I feel so bad for this cat!"  (Yes, we humans can be very dramatic).  But my heart was breaking for this cat and the situation was overwhelmingly sad.  Instantly, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind, "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11  

The cat was just the icing on the cake yesterday.  We finally had the bathroom repaired and it was okay, but it would never be completely right.  I had spent hours cleaning and trying to get rid of any excess grout and sealer that was left in the wrong places.  I was tired and feeling sorry for myself.  And yet, our sweet heavenly Father took the time to comfort and reassure me.  Wow.

This morning I went into my "31 Days of Praise" devotional by Ruth Meyers.  And it just kept the God visit going.  "Thank You for giving us priceless promises, great beyond measure--promises that apply to Your work in me, in my loved ones, in my situation, in my service,and in the whole world...and not one single word of Your good promises has ever failed.  I glorify You because no human problem, however hopeless or impossible, is too hard for You.  You are able to give life to the dead and call into being that which does not exist.  So I need not stagger at Your promises or waver in unbelief.  What You have promised You are able to perform"  What a mighty God we serve.  Promise keeper!  

No matter what our situation is, small or great...He is faithful.   And He will complete the good work in us and in our lives.  He loves us with an everlasting love and has drawn us to Himself with unfailing love.  (Jeremiah 31:3)  And with that kind of love holding us, we can be at peace and rest in the knowledge that God is for us and not against us.  (Romans 8:31)

This was such a reassuring visit from the Lord.  I so needed the uplift yesterday.  I am praying that these words will be the uplift for someone else that help encourage them through their day and situation and discouragement.  

2 Peter 1:4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

1 Kings 8:56 Praise the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses.

Jeremiah 32:17 O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!

Jeremiah 32:27 I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard
 for me?

Romans 4:17-21 17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. 18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” 19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.  20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.

Lord, thank You for this beautiful God visit.  Thank You for reminding me, and through me, the readers of this, that Your love for us never fails and Your plans for each of us is good and filled with hope.  I pray that You will encourage those who read this words today, just as You encouraged me yesterday and this morning.  I am so blessed by being Your child.  It's in the saving Name of Jesus that I come to You today.  Amen. 

God is faithful.  Ask God to show you some promises that apply to you and stand on them.  

Do Kindness

Do you ever feel like the Holy Spirit is urging you to reach out in some way to somebody?  Maybe it's send a card, say hello, make a meal, shoot off a quick "How ya doing?" text or even pick up the phone and call.  Maybe mow a lawn or stop by for a short visit.  Whatever it is...just something that kindly connects and lets another know you are thinking about them and care.  

Now, here's the harder question:  Do you ever "poo poo" that idea, thinking, "Nnah, that person doesn't need or want anything.  I don't want to intrude." or even, "They won't really want that or appreciate it."  Maybe you think it's not God talking to you.  Maybe you think, "I'm too busy or I'll do it later."  I've been there!  I've thought maybe someone didn't want an intrusion into their lives.  Maybe they would think I was being too forward or pushy.  Maybe my act (whatever that may be) would not really be welcome or they would think I'm being nosy.  We sang a song in church on Sunday and one line jumped out to me that put this question into a perspective that I hadn't thought about.  

"Show me who You are and fill me with Your heart, and lead me in Your love to those around me"

"Lead me in Your love to those around me."  What a profound concept in these few little words.  Wow.  Who was Jesus?  What did He do?  How did He act towards those around Him?  Son of God, Savior, God Himself.  Helped people.  With love and kindness.  Right there, right then, I had the answer to all of the above excuses and nay sayings.  When an act of kindness, small or large, hard or easy, comes to our minds, do it.  Be obedient.  It will never be wasted or unnoticed.  Even if it is only seen by the Lord.  

Jesus gave us an example in the way He lived.  He also told us in Matthew 25:34-40  “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

Galatians 6:10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.   I like the way the Amplified Bible puts it.   So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).

One can never go wrong with kindness.  Whether it's from the Lord or not (and I don't believe the NOT at all lol) it's always a good thing.  And if you are rejected?  Well remember that Jesus Himself was rejected.  When He blessed people with healing there were always the complainers, and criticizers.  Look at Mark 6:1-6  Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. 2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” 3 Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.  4 Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” 5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.  

Your kindnes may not be accepted, especially by those closest to you.  But we build our lives on the love of Jesus and live our lives for Him.  What people say or don't say, appreciate or don't even acknowledge is of no concern for us.  We follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and let God handle the rest.  For the most part, I believe people will accept and appreciate our kindnesses,  And it will be a blessing for them.  And we can never go wrong when we are following the example of Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit and should characterize our lives. 

Lord, let us not fear to be kind.  Let us not let any excuse give us by the enemy cause us to not follow Your design for us.  We are meant to be a blessing.  We desire to be a blessing.  Let Your light and love shine through us each day in all different ways.  Help us to not worry about how we look, or whether we are appreciated or how others think about us.  We get caught up in that trap far to often.  We want to bring smiles to hearts and Your love to the lives around us. Lord, show us and fill us with Your heart for others, lead us in Your love to those around us.   In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Just do it!

Peace

Oh the peace offered to us by the Lord.  John 14:27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.   Jesus declared He was leaving us with HIS peace.  What a beautiful gift. 

But how often do we live in that place of calm?  Many times we give it away or allow it to be clouded out and buried under the cares of this world.  My morning was very much like that.  

We have some new people coming to fix the problems left by the last contractor who did the work in our bathrooms.  What a mess.  So I  had multiple decisions to make before I had barely gulped down my coffee.  Multiple texts to multiple people and groups needed addressing regarding decisions for the church lunch on Sunday.  A friend called wanting to chat for a little bit.  My animals needed to be put away before the construction guys came.  Another friend texted needed some paperwork info from me.  And I had to call the tile store to place an order for some replacement tile.  The one bathroom needed to be cleaned and somewhat put back together (still does) so we could use it for showering.  This is in the first hour and a half of my day.  I just felt like things were coming at me from every direction.  I am not a morning person and prefer to wake up slowly and quietly!  LOL  And I need my God time!!  Neither of these things was happening.  

Finally, I sat down to have time with the Lord.  I've been starting my time with "31 Days of Praise" by Ruth Myers.  I love this little book, and have for many years.  Today's reading starts out with "Thank You that You have me in the place You want me just now...."   And while Ruth was addressing some of the darker, harder life places we find ourselves in, as I read through the passage I just felt God's peace flowing through me, calming my heart and putting an end to my fretting and disquiet.  Later in the reading she says, "So I rest in the fact that You have me in this place for this day, and I praise You that You will faithfully guide me throughout life to just where You want me to be, as I seek to do Your will....How delighted I am to have You as my dwelling place where I can settle down, feel secure and be content anywhere on earth...You are my blessed home."  

What soul soothing words.  All over the Scripture we are told that God is our shelter, our refuge, our place of rest.  Psalm 91:1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!  Matthew 11:28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

So what are you facing today?  Big, life shaking, soul rending troubles?  Or maybe it's just a bunch of small, confusing, anxiety producing darts quickly firing at your day.  God has You right where You need to be, for His purposes and for Your good no matter what is going on.  I pray that His peace would pour over you as you grab hold of this truth and bury it deep in your heart.  

Lord, we so often get our eyes off of You and onto the trying circumstances around us.  Sometimes all we need is to take a breath in Your Presence and allow You to melt away the anxiety and frustration.  Sometimes we need to hide ourselves away in You, clinging for dear life.  Either way You are our resting place, our refuge, our high tower both now and in eternity.  Help us to not get outside Your walls.  Whatever is going on, You have a beautiful and good plan for us.  As the rainbow reminds us, You are a faithful promise keeper, and You are keeping us safe in Your care.  And we are right where we are supposed to be in that moment.  Help us to remember that You don't forget us.  Bring us peace that only comes from You.  We love You.  And thank You for this morning, this wonderful flowing of Your Spirit into my soul today.  Thank You for the reminder to rest in You.  All praise and glory and honor and power are Yours, now and forever.  Amen!

Practice peace today.  Meditate on the above Scriptures.  

GOD IS OUR BLESSED HOME!

Guarding Our Time

I love Soduko.  I play it often.  The harder the better.  I may make a few (or more than a few lol) mistakes, but I still enjoy the challenge.  And I think as we get older it is good to exercise our brains and challenge ourselves.  One of the ladies in our Bible Study Fellowship told us about how we make new neural pathways in our brains.  There is a whole science behind it called Neuroplasticity.  Stimulating our brain by doing new things, helps us with being adaptable and aging.  Our brains can be exercised just like our bodies!  And as I get older I realize that is a very good thing.  

Ok, so onward I go to explain my title.  In the morning I have a sort of set routine.  I get up, empty the dishwasher and feed the furkids (five cats).  I make my coffee and maybe do a couple of simple, quick household chores while the coffee brews.  I then sit down to sip my warm brew and play some soduko.  Lately though, the I sense the Lord calling me to spend that "coffee time" with Him.  To come away from the morning game routine and be with Him instead.  

Well, I love my little game time. It's peaceful (although a couple of cats walking back and forth over the game can be a small impediment) and I feel like it helps wake me up.  In a half-hearted attempt at obedience I've been slowly trying to give it a time limit in order to obey the call I feel on my heart.  But that is not real obedience.  And the more I ignore the Lord's voice, the harder it is for me to develop the new habit of having coffee with Him.  I get sucked in by the game playing.

The more we do something, the more routine it becomes, and the  more our brain is comfortable with it.  And that is not a good thing when it causes us to disobey the Lord.  Yes, I enjoy playing Soduko.  I enjoy the sweet "break" before the day begins in earnest with all it's to dos, activities and attention grabbers.  God is calling me to a new routine and if I don't guard that time with Him, I will lose the desire all together.  I will be sucked into worldly pursuits instead of enjoying beautiful fellowship with my Father and Savior.  

Think about this: What would be a more beneficial way to spend some time in the morning?  Would it be playing a game or being in the Presence of the sovereign Creator of the Universe?  Seems like a no brainer, huh?  I know this may be extreme but Jesus said in Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.  But there's a principle there...we need to serve, obey, and spend time with the Lord first, give Him the best of our day and ourselves.  Guarding our time jealousy against anything that causes us to lose fervor for Him.  

Obedience carries so much blessing.  And listening to the call of the Lord will bless us with intimacy, peace and a deeper relationship with Him.  Don't allow the call of the world drown out the desire of our Father to spend time with you.  

Lord, I've been disobedient.  Half baked obedience is no obedience at all.  Forgive me.  Help me to let go of the things of this world that clamor for my attention and focus my heart on You.  Yes, we can do puzzles, and other things we enjoy...but it has to be You first and "yes, Lord" when You call to our hearts.  You give us so many good things to enjoy...thank You.  But the first desire of my heart needs to be You alone.  And the more time we spend with You the more our hearts (and our neural pathways) will cling to that precious time with You.  Give us the desire and the determination to obey.  It's in our Savior's Name we pray.  Amen.

Guard your time.