I struggle with this verse

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I hate to admit it. But this verse comes and visits me more often than I can sometimes stand. One of those in-your-face verses. Makes you think as well as be challenged to examine your motives, attitude, and heart. I also hate to admit that I often quote this verse when someone is telling me their ministry isn't growing, or they would rather be in a different ministry. A bigger one. A more visible results one. Or "I'm doing the same things as her and I'm not getting blessed like her."

But here's the truth. From Jesus.

When Peter saw Him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." (John 21:21-22)

What's it to ya?
You must follow Me.

And not compare what you've been called to do, or where you've been called to minister. You've been called to do My bidding. 

I admit I've fallen victim to some of these lies. The comparison lie. The "why aren't You blessing me equally?" lie. And Jesus is having none of it. You obey Me. You follow Me. Never mind what everybody else is doing. What everybody else is getting. Ouch.

Jesus has a calling and a purpose designed exclusively for you - and one for me. You can't do someone else's. And no one can do yours. We gotta all work together - each doing their part.  There is no "ME" in Jesus - only an "US". And in whatever way He calls us, we are to reflect this Jesus to the world. Whether your calling is big or small, God has a purpose for having you, yes, you - there. This time. This place. And He promises to equip everybody.

You've heard it said: If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, start watering your own.

In other words, there is plenty on your own plate as you listen to and obey God daily. Keep your mind and energies steadfast on that.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. (Isaiah 26:3)

How thirsty are you?

I've been watching these plants. Hard to believe that just 10 days ago it was just a pot of black dirt. Look at 'em now!

You can't see from this angle of the picture, but there are roots reaching, stretching towards the water. Fascinating. They had to plow through inches of dirt to get to the water. They must have been so thirsty!

I don't know how one plant got so much taller and greener and stronger than the others. Maybe he was just so much more thirsty. Maybe the others had to navigate past stones. Or the sun was stronger at the back of the pot. But they all decided they were indeed thirsty. Thirsty enough to stretch, reach out, take this free gift.

Are you thirsty? For Jesus? How thirsty? Enough to reach out for it? Enough to believe He is there? Just as the water is in the bowl beneath the pot, surely our Lord is present and able to meet your need.

Luke 5:4,6: "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

The Lord is able to meet your need - abundantly. Receive!

John 5:7-9: "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

The Lord is able to meet your need - believe. Receive!

1 Corinthians 3:7: So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, Who makes things grow.

The Lord is able to meet your need - stay aware of His power. Receive!

Revelation 22:17: Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

The Lord is able to meet your need - freely! To any one who wishes to take the free gift - of the water of life. Receive!

Are you ready to stretch your hand out to Jesus? Do you have a need that thirsts? Are you having to dig your way through blackness? Are you having to work your way around stones? Peter whined a little - after all, they'd already been fishing all night and caught nothing. And the invalid had his excuses too. Still, the remarkable happened.

Read these scripture verses again. And there are many more accounts in the bible of the provision of water by the hand of God.The Lord was able then. The Lord is able now. 

Wha'cha been up to lately?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

My first response is usually "nothing much". And what I probably mean is nothing profoundly exciting or interesting. Just regular day-after-day stuff that tend to fill my time. Cooking, cleaning, etc. Although when I feel the need to impress, to look like I've got some purpose and value in taking up space here on earth, I will lead with, "I'm still working on illustrating a children's book that I wrote". And that gets the desired, pleasing response.

I have to say I struggle with this concept of having to look, to be, interesting.

 I knit during the day. While I knit, people come to mind. Some I know have definite prayer concerns. Some I'm not sure why they came to mind, or what they need. But it is definitely a purposeful time laid on me by the One Who knows.

I read during the day. Yes, sometimes it is the Bible. And I do try to connect with God over some verse or phrase. Other times I am reading for enjoyment. And it helps me connect with who I am, what I like, what makes me laugh or cry. Fictional books also cause me to think of others. And reminds me of good times past.

I walk around during the day. Sometimes with music playing. Lifts my spirit. Makes me sing and dance. Sometimes I just walk in silence. And the most profound thoughts come to me in that silence. In the stillness, God-thoughts come. Thoughts about growing in faith. Thoughts about helping others. Or just how much He loves me. The Lord definitely feels present and connecting with me when all external distractions are eliminated.

Wha'cha been up to lately?
I knit. I read. I walk.

What have I been doing lately?
I pray. I connect with God. I gain insight into how to help others.

Appearances can be deceiving. While it may sound like a mundane, lazy life - in truth I have made myself available and open to the whisper of a Holy God. Kudos to all of you out there doing the Lord's work with your hands and feet. But know that I've got your back. In these silent, behind the scenes behaviors of mine, I lend support and encouragement to those who actively work tirelessly in their calling. 


Ever feel that way? Like you're not doing enough for God? Maybe you're just unaware of all that's going on inside you. Like me. God doesn't waste anything, or any of our time spent here on earth. All our up time and down time - being used by God. Listen to Him and not the voice in your own head.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)

Here am I, Lord.

Selfie 2020

It's funny what catches your eye and makes you think thoughts.

This is me. Part snow white. Part dried brown. Once lovely to look at when younger, now there's beauty in a different way.

The white snow reminds me of the Spirit working steadily to make me look more like Jesus.

You see some snow (Jesus) in me. And you see some dried flower (the carnal me) there as well.

As with this nature scene, it doesn't happen all at once. But make no mistake, it is surely happening - to you and to me.

We are changing.

And as long as we stay exposed to the Source, the Power...

we will be changing.

But bring that dried brown flower inside (draw yourself in - in to yourself) and the progress will diminish, even fade. Not opening your heart and mind to the Spirit's movement limits all the Spirit can do for you.

Now you can see from the picture that not every flower is covered the same. Some have very little snow. Some are almost totally covered and bending down to the ground. Another reminder that we receive the Spirit's gift at a different pace, depending on our willingness to receive.

Think about the parable of the four soils (Matthew 13:1-6).
Hard ground, rocky ground and good soil. Do you have your head up like these dried, brown flowers? Still seeking, still wanting to receive? Still wanting to be... Be more like Jesus?

So let the snow fall on you.
Appreciate the slow and steady progress; the undeterred faithfulness the Lord has for you.

Receive Him.
Let Him cover you.
Enfold you.

What happened to the light?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I was looking in the fridge this morning. The light seemed dimmer. Was it going out? Do we have another refrigerator bulb in the house? I started moving things around to get a better look. It was then that it dawned on me. I had just gotten groceries yesterday. Every shelf was filled with good things. Milk, cheese, meats, fruits, veggies... this "horn" of plenty was actually blocking the light.

And I have to wonder how often we look at the "goodies" from God and forget the goodness of God. His abundance, over abundance - extended to us. Because He loves us so...

Are "goodies" in life blocking your view of the love-light that shines from God's heart?

Take a look, a good look around. Move some stuff over. See the Light?

Be filled with gratefulness.
Be filled with awe at God's abundant provision.

Many, Lord, are asking, "Who will bring us prosperity?" Let the light of Your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. (Psalm 4:6-7)

Early in the morning

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house... (Mark 1:35)

Very early in the morning... today... my pastor-husband was up. You see, we had ice and snow overnight. And so now, a decision needs to be made whether to hold church services or not.

While it was still dark...

He got up, left the house... to test drive the roads around town. To help in making this decision. And HE LEFT WITHOUT HIS PHONE. So there was no way for me to contact him if I thought he was gone too long. No way for him to contact anyone should he slide off into a ditch. And I couldn't track him using the Find Friends feature on our synced phones, because his phone was here at home! Worrisome thoughts started niggling my brain.

So I could choose to worry...
Or I could choose to believe things would be all right.
Why?
Because -

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, JESUS got up, left the house...

I resisted worry. I believed God was present. I believed God was involved. I believed God was already there - before I even had a chance to pray.

How about you?

Are we walking?

 No, this isn't about a new year's resolution about walking. But as I've been reading in Genesis the past few days, I have discovered a distinction between living with God and walking with God.

Now  we know in the bible there are plenty of people who have lived for the Lord. But a couple passages caught my eye and got me to wondering:

(Genesis 5:24) Enoch walked faithfully with God, then he was no more, because God took him away.
And Enoch walk in habitual fellowship with God. (AMPC)
  Enoch walked steadily with God. (MSG)

Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9)
Noah walked in habitual fellowship with God.

So I looked up the word "walk" and what I found was so interesting.

WALK - to move at a regular pace by lifting up and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once.

Is that packed with some thought provoking stuff, or what?

I hope you ponder this.

Is your walk with God -

•    at a regular pace?
•    does it involve lifting up?
•    and setting down?
•    and in its own turn (time and place)
•    and how about never having both feet off the ground at once!

In every season of life, in every season, may we be ever walking - walking with the Lord.

Isn't this the carpenter?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Indeed. What help could a carpenter really be? Especially in a dire situation, like:

... a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet Him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. (Mark 5:2-4)

No one. Could help him. He was beyond help...

And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. (Mark 5:25-26)

No one it seems. Could help her. She, too, was beyond help...

Has life ever dragged you through a chapter like that? Are you in one now? Miserable for years. Sought help here and there and everywhere. Exhausted. Sick of it. Seems like no one can help. Feels like torture.

Or maybe you haven't fit in for so long, that... you feel like a cast-off. Living estranged and apart. No energy. Given up even.

They had their doubts. We have our doubts too -

... the people were astonished at His wisdom and His miracles because He was just a local man like themselves. "He's no better than we are," they said. "He's just a carpenter, Mary's boy... (Mark 6:3 TLB)

Isn't this Jesus, the little boy we used to see in Joseph's carpenter shop? Didn't He grow up to be a carpenter just like His father? Isn't He the son of Mary over there and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, Simon, and their sisters? Who does He think He is? And when they had thought about it that way, they became indignant and closed themselves to His message. (Mark 6:3 VOICE)

And yet Jesus calls the legion of demons out of the man. 
They saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind - (Mark 5:15)

The woman touches His robe and -
"Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." (Mark 5:34)



"But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I AM?" (Matthew 16:15)

Local carpenter who fixes some things - for certain people? Or...
The Messiah. The Christ. Helper and Healer of all.
He did it before.
He can do it again.
Believe it can happen for you.

Daily Stretches

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

It's a play on words so I better start with what I was reading in my bible.

First off, I didn't want to read my bible. I was frustrated and upset over something, a little angry with myself, and I didn't want to pray about it. I wanted to be angry about it. But it got me nowhere. And eventually I heeded His call to sit with my bible and rest from my own thoughts.

Mark 3:4-6: Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill? But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.


Stretch out your hand. So I did a little research on stretching, reaching and touching.

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. (Exodus 14:21)

Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. (Acts 4:30)

When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands... (Psalm 77:2)

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the edge of His cloak. She said to herself, "If I only touch His cloak, I will be healed." (Matthew 9:20-21)

... and the people all tried to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all. (Luke 6:19)

Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe."

In all my distress, I didn't stretch out my hand to Jesus. Did not think about the power that comes from Him.

But Jesus said, "Someone touched Me; I know that power has gone out from Me. (Luke 8:46) 

There is no limit to what Jesus can do - WILL do.

A man with leprosy came and knelt before Him and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. "I am willing," He said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.  (Matthew 8:2-3)

Endless power. Endless compassion and love for you.
So do your daily stretches. Reach out to Jesus.
Stop doubting and believe.

As a side note, after I read my bible and pondered the words, I did some walking to relieve some stress and a Christian song came on the radio with words that addressed my situation exactly. Exactly. The verse was word for word. And the chorus? Cry out to Jesus.

Dark and Stormy

Winter. When there is more darkness to the day than light. And storms. Snow storms. Ice storms. And all the gray, cloudy days may leave your soul a little dark and stormy as well.

I AM the light of the world. (John 9:5)

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place... (Mark 1:35) Some translations say, desolate or lonely or far off place...

While it was still night, way before dawn, He got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed. Simon and those with him went looking for Him. They found Him... (Mark 1:35 MSG)

Even in far off lonely places, even in darkness, Jesus can be found.

God made two great lights - the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth. (Genesis 1:16-17)

Whether its day or night, it doesn't matter. Jesus, the light of the world, is among us. Just look.

I AM the light that shines through the cosmos; if you walk with Me, you will thrive in the nourishing light that gives life and will not know darkness. (John 8:12 VOICE)

... even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You. (Psalm 139:12)

Jesus brings light wherever He goes. And He goes everywhere and anywhere you are.

And everything I've taught you is so that the peace which is in Me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in Me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world! (John 16:33 TPT)

Got darkness? Got stormy?

I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm. (Psalm 55:8)

Jesus.
I AM the light of the world. (John 9:5)
Jesus is the Light.
Jesus is our Light.
Jesus is your Light.
Early morning before the dawn. Dark and stormy nights.
Even the darkness is not dark...