Riding a bike used to be my favorite thing to do as a kid. All the kids around us had bikes and we went everywhere on them. When I thought was ready for a bike with gears, I asked, but didn’t get one, but my older brother did. I tried once, without his permission, to ride it. Big mistake, taking it down the street. I didn’t get very far before I fell off the bike; I had jammed something up and the bike was un-rideable. As I walked back home dragging the bike, I asked myself, “Now why did you do that? He’s gonna kill you.” He didn’t surprisingly! He was so happy the bike wasn’t broken. He fixed the gears easily.

There are times I have stepped outside God’s will (gotten out-of-gear ) because I thought I knew best. Like any plans that are selfish or built without God, they fell…just like me on that bike. Just as I was afraid my brother would say “no” so I took the bike anyway, I ran ahead without God’s okay. Like I did with my brother, I asked for His forgiveness.

When we ask God to “okay” our plans, He has different ways of answering. For one, He may not answer right away, for His own reasons. He may purposely make us wait for His own timing. He may tell us “No,” for His own will to occur.

But we do know this!

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV

And this!

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9. NKJV

There’s no way we could comprehend God’s plan, even if He explained it. He is just eons and eons ahead of us in years and wisdom. He is God! It sure beats the alternative, running off on our own and making a mess of things. Plus, we want to do HIS will, not ours, so we need to pray about it and take a step in the direction we think He approves us. If we get it wrong, He will shut the door:)

Dear Father,

You have seen me “mess up” a few times too many because my pride or impatience got in the way of sound judgement. Thank You for never giving up on me and always encouraging me that every day is a fresh new day to live for You. Please guide me as I aim each day to please You in all that I do. I love You! Amen

GROWwork:

Think of three things you can do to get “in-gear” with God.

Love and prayers to all of you,

Tina

Many of us believe that the end times are near, because the world is experiencing so many events foretold in the Bible. The world is changing; people are changing and not always for the better. There is still much positive about our world, but there are serious concerns in the areas of peace, warfare, societal relations and international relations, to name a few. People’s attitudes have become irreverent and selfish, even my own at times, if I am not careful. Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, warned us of these exact things.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV

That is a pretty specific list! The good news…God’s Word gives us the best possible chance of following His Son’s teachings. The choice is ours to make. Who will we follow? The wise choice is Jesus.

Here are some things to consider:

1. The world is not going to save us; Jesus is.

2. The enemy in the world hinders and hurts us; Jesus heals and helps us.

3. The world offers finite happiness. Jesus offers a deep down everlasting joy.

4. The world cannot forgive sins; only Jesus can do that.

5. The enemy in the world offers eternal death without God; Jesus offers eternal life with Him and God!

There really is no comparison! Even so, living in the world can offer serious temptation for Christians. and non-Christians alike. That’s why our minds, as well as our hearts, need to be transformed daily.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2-3

Dear Father:

Please forgive us for any wrong attitudes or habits we took on from the world. We don’t want to look like the world, but like You. Thank You for giving us Your guidance and instruction every day.You always encourage us too. We love You! Amen

GROWwork:

1. List some of the world’s bad habits or attitudes that you have been tempted to take on before.
2. What can Jesus do to keep you from these desires of the world? What is YOUR part in it? Thank Him for His transforming power.

Love and prayers to all. Stay safe:)

Tina

I am in the office and it feels like just me and God. My husband and dog are oblivious that I am even awake yet. My open Bible on the desk, I am excited to read in the quiet. But first, I am gifted a beautiful scene just outside my window. The crepe myrtle boasts a new birdhouse and some eager visitors. Three little birds are in the bird feeder tray, pecking for food, but as they peck they are spilling more seed than they eat. All that seed on the ground is wasted.

Are we not like those birds sometimes? Do we hungrily run to our Bibles for spiritual food but just peck here and there to get a small snack, and leave the rest of the Bible lying there? For sure, I have been guilty of that. Oh, I loved God and His Word, but I thought just a little bit would hold me. Finding a verse that pertained to my current problem, I would feel satisfied. Later, I would feel depleted again. I didn’t appreciate what being full of His Word felt like. The Lord showed me it is literally is life-giving and life-sustaining. Jesus says so:

But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. John 60: 50-51

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26 NIV

Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. Isaiah 55:2 NIV

These verses tell us: God provides for us. We are His birds that are provided spiritual and physical food. God is good, so feeding on His words is good! The word “abundance” stands out. Because there is no limit to God’s love and power, it makes sense that He would want the most and best for us and want us to have it abundantly, not just for a snack.

Dear Father,

Thank You for being our abundant source of spiritual food. Like little birds, feed us what we need for each day through Your Word. Create in us a hunger for Your Word that fills us to overflowing with your love so it spills out on others. We love You! Amen

GROWwork: (for your journal or to consider doing)

1. Look up how many times abundant, or abundance, abounding are used in the Bible. Write three things God has given You an abundance of.
2. Leave your Bible open on a table or bedside where you will read it. That open Bible will remind us that God’s food is there for those hungry for Him.

Love and prayers to you all. Please be safe:)

Tina

As we return to our Thanksgiving traditions this year, the ones we can practice despite Covid-19, I feel extremely grateful and it surprises me. Funny thing about trials; they can make us more appreciative. It’s as if the Lord changes our wide angle lens to a focusing lens so we see what we still have that is precious. We have serious heartbreak over this pandemic and lives that have been lost; we do. It’s tragic. Tragedy makes us seek relief and the best relief comes from God. Knowing He is in control, we can still thank Him for our blessings.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

I give thanks for family coming over today. I have told them to “come hungry.” My husband, and I have longed for this day. We will enjoy good food and just be together, six feet apart!

My daughter, Jessie, coming with her fiance, Evan, for this family holiday is a treasure. Our daughter, Kellie is bringing a couple special friends, for which we are thankful. Maggie cannot come until exams are over, so we will miss her but see her soon! This love and longing we feel for being with them is not unlike the love and longing God has for us and we have for Him. What we love, we will naturally long for. David is “coming hungry” to God.

My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times. Psalm 119:20 ESV

There is a longing for God’s spiritual food when we love Him:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 ESV

Dear Father,

Thank You for loving us and adopting us into Your family. Thank You for spotlighting our blessings that we sometimes take for granted. Please be with our sisters and brothers that are fighting Covid. Draw near to their families and let them feel You hold their hands and comfort them. Give us opportunity to comfort them as well. You see the love and longing in our souls. Use us to love others with grace like You do. Keep us hungry and dependent on You. We love You! Amen

GROWwork:

1.In the book of Psalms, David is extremely thankful and hungers for God’s word. Read through a couple chapters and circle or write in your journal the words that He uses to express his longing for God. It is constant and strong!

Wherever you are and however you celebrate, or not, this year, may God bless you with His love and longing. You are in my prayers, brothers and sisters:)

Tina

Unfortunately, some of us have been told we are not good enough, that we don’t measure up. That can be really hurtful. Some of us harshly judge ourselves. That hurts as well. The truth is… others are not the judge of our good-ness, and we are not the judge of how “good” we are either. God is the only judge. And guess what? He loves us unconditionally!

That does not give us license to sin, just because He will love us no matter what. Rather, it is a treasure for us to grasp that He loves us as we are and a motivation for us to worship His goodness and love that gifts us with part of Himself.

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4 :9-10 NKJV

God demonstrated His love even while we did not love Him. That’s huge! The terms, “good” and “love” as used in this verse are all about God’s huge goodness and love, that we did nothing to earn. Even Jesus did not consider Himself good! (and I would say He earned it!)

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. Mark 10:18 NKJV

Jesus didn’t respond to the man’s very important question first, but to an adjective he used! It is like He said, “Wait, hold everything. Please don’t call me good.” This tells me that humility, as part of Jesus’ character, is immensely important for us to have also. It’s important that we allow the hand of God to exalt us. Peter says just that…

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 NIV

Some thoughts for our focus today:

1. God’s love for us is not proportional or connected to how “good” we are, but how good He is.
2. Being judged by the world will happen, but it’s God’s judgement we should be more concerned about.

Dear Father,

The world’s definitions of “good” are so far removed from what You embody. Your goodness and love are wrapped up in each other and given to us. Thank You for the gift of Jesus! He was so humble even though He saved the whole world. That thought alone gives us reason to leave any judging of our “good” to You. Humility does not come natural to us, so please help us in that area. You are good and perfect for that job. It is all about You and Your goodness. We love You! Amen

GROWWork:

1. List some good things about God. Thank Him for His goodness. There’s plenty to think on today! The simplest thoughts about Him are worth much of our time and singular focus. Aren’t you glad He’s a loving God?.

Love and prayers to all. Stay safe!

Tina

November 19, 2020

When I was young, my mother always cut my hair. My bangs needed constant trimming. Momma would get to work, as I sat very still in the vinyl kitchen chair while the pointy scissors swept past my eyes. You may have similar memories. In my case, she held my chin still with one hand while cutting my bangs using the other. One day, I decided to move her chin-holding hand away and I held my chin myself. I was sure I could do a good job, but I didn’t. I shook too much. She told me she will do the holding because she does a better job when she does it herself. I trusted her, so I let go.

Isn’t that just like God? And isn’t that just like us? I admit to trying to do God’s job sometimes, but I eventually realize it and He forgives my error. He says to me, “Sit still, daughter.” Just like with Momma, I trust Him, so I let go of control and sit still. He sees the big picture. He sees and knows all. All I see are the scissors!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

Dear Father,

You are a good Father and You know how to take good care of us. Forgive us for trying to do Your job. Help us to sit still with our hands empty of our own plans. Also help us to wait and listen for Your guidance. You are perfect and we are not. Thank You for Your plan for us. Amen.

GROWwork:

1. Write down three things, or more, that help you trust God. They could be verses, experiences, or a list of His attributes that we can lean on.
2. List advantages of us resting more on His promises than overly planning outcomes. He likes it when we trust Him:)

Love and prayers to all,

Tina

November 18, 2020

As a child, when my family went on long car trips, we would play “I Spy.” If you don’t know the game, it’s where you “spy” something of a certain color nearby. Everyone else tries to guess what you see. We all took turns trying to choose the smallest, hardest-to-see things. I once “spied” a blue car that was passing us. I kind of cheated because what I saw was no longer visible to the others. That didn’t sit well with them:)

I just now read in Matthew about the guards doing some spying of their own. Shortly after Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to Mary Magdalene and another Mary, who ran to tell the disciples, the temple guards ran off too; they went to tell the chief priests all that had happened. This is how the chief priests and elders handled the information.

When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples cane at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” Matthew 28:12-14 NKJV

As Christians, we know something that the counsel either didn’t consider or care about. God sees all. He saw the elders, chief priests and the bribed guards. He heard the lies they were going to to spread to others. If you played, “I Spy” with God, He would win every time.

Things that have passed, He already saw. Things in the future, He already sees. Things we do and say now, He knows and hears. There’s nothing you can hide from God. This thought has corrected my attitude many times.

God can also see our heart. Motives and incentives are not lost on Him. He is the Invisible God that sees the invisible. This verse assures me that we can hide nothing from God.

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 NKJV

Does it seem sometimes that God isn’t punishing the evil in our world? Maybe so, but we must remember He has a plan we can’t see. One thing that we can bank on, is that God does sees it all and eventually, everyone will have to account for their actions. We do not have to judge or worry. Nothing will go unpunished or unrewarded. Our job is to be careful what we treasure, because it determines what actions we take. This verse explains it well:

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 NKJV

Dear Father,

You are our greatest treasure. Thank You for Your Word that guides us to stay in the way of truth. Thank you for giving us the best chance of showing holy actions, by living abundantly in our hearts. You see us when we have wrong actions or attitudes. Thank You for Your grace that forgives. You are amazing and we love You! Amen.

GROWwork: (I am doing this too.)

1. In a very quiet place, pray and ask God to help You inventory your heart. What things do you hold dear? What actions come from valuing those things?( If you like, make a list in your journal.)
2. What things does God see, that you wish He didn’t? Is there anything you/I can change? This is not meant to be judgmental but kind of an offering to God, a “taking stock” measure. Ask God to help with any issues.

Love and prayers to you all,

Tina

November 15, 2020

I am excited right now! My puppy is with my husband so I can have peace and quiet in my office. That doesn’t happen a whole lot. My first thought… “Yes! I can dig into the Word!” As the world gets crazier and crazier, and fake news is everywhere, I seem to crave God’s truth.

I grabbed my favorite Bible and opened to:

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, In His holy mountain. Psalm 48:1 NJKV

I would like to stop right there. This one verse is enough to think on all day long. It reminds me of the simple prayer below. As a child, you may have prayed this before a meal. I could not determine the author of this prayer. Thank you to learnreligions.com for the image.

The verse and that prayer have two things in common:

1. They both start with establishing God’s greatness.
2. They both paint a portrait of a right relationship with God.

Acknowledging God’s greatness is a great way to start every meal, every day, every prayer, time of worship or devotion. Calling Him great before asking for anything speaks of our submission to Him and realization of our weakness without Him. We know that, in His love, He will answer in the way that is best. In the relationship between us and God, our part is to acknowledge we are flawed and He is not.

This song will bless you! Dwell with the Lord as you listen or sing of His greatness! Personal note…Together, my husband and I and all of our guests, sang this as the last part of our wedding ceremony. It was the most joyous sound and experience ever! It is like our joy is greater when we praise God with others of the same desire. God truly is so great and so, so good!

Dear Father,

You are great and the greatest thing that ever happened to me. Your love knows no bounds in loving and forgiving us, guiding, teaching and protecting us. You do so much!! Please guide my heart to become more like yours, where I love and praise You and I love and forgive others easily. Thank You for my daily food and my spiritual nourishment I receive from Your Word. I love You! Amen

Love and prayers to all,

Tina