Honor

 

Many of us have experienced it. A bible verse you have read a hundred times suddenly comes alive with new clarity and understanding. Or a well-known biblical concept jumps off the page of your daily devotional. It happened to me just the other day.

The writer was sharing about Old Testament burnt offerings. Done every morning and every night. Every day and every night. By the priest. And I remembered that it was for the atonement of sins. But the writer went a step further and said it was also to serve as holy worship. Worship... God-honoring. Revering. And it made me pause. Because, yes, I do pray to God. I do ask and give thanks. I sing praise songs. And I try to do things that please Him. But the idea of stopping and dropping everything - and taking a moment to just honor the Lord for Who He is - without the asking. Without even the thanking. 

So this morning I took the pause. When the house got quiet, I lit a candle. I looked into the flame. And I said,  "God, You are important to me." No asking. No pleading. No concerns. Not this time. Not in this moment. Just, "God, You are important to me. I stop and drop everything in this moment. To honor You."

HONOR - to regard with great respect

EXALT - to hold someone in very high regard; to think very highly of

REVERE - to feel deep respect or admiration for

I didn't stay long with my candle. I just tried to breathe and stick with my chosen train of thought. 

I wonder what would happen if I chose to add this one simple little God-honoring moment to my mornings. And to my late afternoons. "God, You are important to me."

I believe I want to find out...

God keeps working things out

 

I have to look back over the past few weeks, even months, to remember this. 

Forever God is faithful.

Forever God is strong.

Forever God is with us. Forever. Forever.

Looking back over the past year, all the worries and concerns I've had - and in that moment, they seemed so stressful and unmanageable. But here I am today with a cup of coffee and sunshine streaming through the window. And able to thank God for those miraculous fixes. Thanking God He got things resolved. Many things that have been long forgotten. And so today as I look at my prayer list and my concerns for this day, it is with blessed assurance in knowing that God keeps working things out. I know He knows the way - God always knows the way. And tomorrow, when I have new and different worries (or picking up the old ones), God will be there again.

So that's my mantra: God keeps working things out.

"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working." (John 5:17)

God never tires, slumbers or sleeps. God doesn't give up. He doesn't turn His back. He doesn't get anxious because He knows the perfect solution. He is always steadily moving forward. To this very day. For our good. It seems for however many problems I can dream up, God has an answer. Eventually. But even in the waiting, God sends little bright spots and shimmering sparkles along the way. Catch them if you can. Troubles come. But with God, troubles go. There is resolution in His heart and hands. He will make the rough path smooth. He will. Ya just gotta let Him do it.

I'm still mad

I know, the bible says not to let the sun go down while you are still angry (Ephesians 4:26), but there are times when frustration and upsetness just seem to take over. On top of that, I kinda relish the feeling. Dog gone it, I am mad! I feel justified in being angry. And whatever it is, whether major or minor, I don't want it to happen anymore. I know you have felt this way too. I want to be mad and pout until everyone knows how I feel about the situation.

So I go to bed mad. Upset. Frustrated. Angry.

And in the morning, when I gather my bible and journal for morning quiet time with God... there it is. All those stirred-up feelings still nagging me. I try to push them aside. I try to praise God. I try to pray for others. But it's just like I learned at a retreat I attended last week. It's hard to figure out dinner when there's a bear chasing you. 

It's true. When there's a problem nagging, it is hard to focus on anything else. And near impossible to focus with the right heart. You have to make peace with what is bothering you. It needs resolution before you can be fully present for anything else.

 So I pour out my heart to God. The God Who understands. The God Who wants me to come to Him with every kind of concern. Even anger and frustrations. God is not upset or disappointed in me. Remember: we know that in all things God works for the good... (Romans 8:28) God can use this. Remember: nothing can separate us from the love of God, nothing in all creation (Romans 8:39). 

Know that God loves and accepts you in your frazzled state.

Know that God will heal and restore.

Know that God will bless you again.

God loves you. His love never wavers.

God will shine a light in the darkness for you.

God forgives.

God knows how to move you forward.

Just do the next right thing and before you know it, you will be able to look back and say, "I know that was You, God!"

An important invitation

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 
It's time to take a stand. Or should I say a sit. Some of the most precious and pleasurable moments in life have been coffee with a friend. Just some one-on-one, face-to-face conversation.

Saturday morning coffee at mom's used to be our weekly thing. I loved how her face lit up when I came through the door; her warm, welcoming hug; our words of greeting tumbling over each other. I really miss how she threw her head back in laughter at something I said... how she patted my arm as she topped off our cups. And, yes, there was usually a sweet treat involved!

I'm thinking God is up to something when He put in the Bible:

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. (Acts 2:46-47)

I'm positive God wants us to spend time together. Whether it's catching up at a favorite coffee shop, enjoying a cold drink out on the deck, or a peaceful seat on a park bench... togetherness is a priority to God and it should be for us as well.

Did you ever think of your one-on-one time with a friend as a holy experience? Isn't it something so special - that unique connection you share? That closeness, bond, acceptance, and comfort... sure can feel like holy ground sometimes. Certainly, such friendship is a gift from God and should be relished time and again for the true gift it is. An emoji doesn't give you all that. But time with Jesus can offer that same sensation and more. A friend is just a taste of what Jesus offers as your Friend.

So my important invitation is two-fold. First, call that friend and make plans to get together as soon as you can. Don't put it off any longer. Look forward to that feeling you get when they walk through the door. Imagine the goodness of that warm, welcoming hug. Tumble over each other's words in greeting.  Throw your head back in laughter. Stay for a second cup. Be ready for something sweet!

And then set aside some time to experience the same with your dear Friend, Jesus.

Who's got the peace?

© 2021 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Needing something else or needing something more?  Keep your mind stayed on God. He alone has the peace in the midst of not enough. You chased after all the "right" this and thats - and just made yourself crazy in all the grasping and still felt insufficient. God wants to give you rest and peace. Now. Without everything being worked out perfectly first. Don't wait for some perfection before you go to God. Receive peace and rest in Him and stay there no matter what the world or your mind/self-talk says. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always (Psalm 105:4). There is peace, rest, acceptance and enough - right there. And you can get there.

Believe that God is handling your circumstances.

Believe that God is taking care of your woes. 

Distrust in God equals anxiety.

Disbelief that He really cares or that He will really act on your behalf equals fear and hopelessness.

God DOES desire to help you. God DOES have the wisdom and ability to help you. With your mind stayed on God, with determination to believe and to trust, you can have peace in the waiting and confidence in the stepping out as He leads you by the hand. Coming or going, God is with you and assurance of His power and love over you will get you through anything with a peace that passes understanding.

Believe God is handling your circumstances.

Rest in Him as He peels back the layers of the worries on your mind. Your breath becoming steady and more relaxed as you realize His work unfolding before your very eyes.

Watch. Look. Listen.

You must convince yourselves of these truths:

(Philippians 4:5-7) The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(1 Peter 5:7) Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

(Proverbs 3:5-6) Trust in the Lord... He will make your paths straight.

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

You will never have peace if you're waiting for earthly things to become perfect. The world is in constant change... changing it's mind on what good enough is. God is stable, steadfast, and unchanging. Those promises of 2,000 years ago are true and absolute for your present circumstance and all your tomorrows.

No matter what. Turn and return to the arms of Jesus. He alone has the peace you are seeking. 

 

The Power of Ten

Too many of us have gotten good at beating ourselves up because we aren't walking the perfect Christian walk. We all too often focus on where we have fallen short or missed an opportunity - disappointed in ourselves - for not mastering the Christian lifestyle after so... many... years.

How do we ever move pass this need to get it ALL right ALL the time? 

I invite you to the Power of Ten. When you struggle with remembering how God's grace covers it all, maybe it's time to embrace the good you often overlook. Ten things. And anything more would be called outstanding.

1. Ate a healthy breakfast
2. Brushed all the loose hair off of the cats
3. Took a few moments for thoughts and prayers
4. Mailed a get well card
5. Took a short walk just to breathe and enjoy the spring weather
6. Knitted on a baby blanket that will be donated to a pregnancy center
7. Bought an extra box of cereal for the food pantry
8. Belly laughed over a funny movie with a friend
9. Prayed as I heard an ambulance go by
10. Treated someone to an ice cream cone

There's 10. And I can already feel the peace of Christ settling over me. I can picture His smiling face. I didn't need an all-perfect day to feel this. I just needed to acknowledge His loving, giving nature and presence.

Each and every day is a mixture of highs and lows. It's time to believe in Christ living in and through you. 

• Got laundry started.
• Prepped meat and vegetables for the crockpot.
• Gassed up your spouse's car.
• Brought daffodils in from the garden.
• Hid a "love you" note for someone to find.

Look. Name them. Take notice, even if no one else does. I am reminded in Matthew 6 which says - when you give to the needy, when you pray, whatever you do - the Lord sees what is done in secret. The Lord will reward you. Doing the mundane is still good works. Little things can be big blessings. Why? Because Christ lives. His power and love is alive! Open your eyes. Stop and consider - is that from Jesus? 

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

See Jesus our Lord at work in your life today! Receive the peace and endearing smile of Christ.

Litter box prayers

© 2021 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 Now hang with me.

I promise there is a message of hope by the end of this post.

I'm in my morning chair with my morning coffee and my morning devotional. As I get ready to start prayer journaling, I see my cat heading over to the litter box. Not big news - unless she decided three weeks ago to not use the litter box but to poop near it instead. (*) So the first prayer in my journal was: "Lord, make her poop in the box." Then I went on to other prayer-like thoughts, which somehow evolved into baring my soul about some deep emotional issue I've been trying to ignore. I poured my heart out to God (Psalm 6:28) wondering if there would ever be a real resolution to what I perceived as a longstanding, unanswered prayer problem. As words like faith, hope, trust and believe rose up in my mind, so did the scratch, scratch sound of litter being pawed to cover its intended purpose.

And immediately this passage came to mind:

Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say "Get up, take up your mat and walk'? (Mark 2:9)

Which is easier - Jesus asks - in red ink.

Forgive you your sins?

Make a paralyzed man walk?

Return a cat to the litter box?

Heal your impossible need?

As He says which is easier, isn't He also saying, "Is one of these harder, more difficult, even impossible for Me?" You know the answer. You've quoted it to others many a time: Matthew 19:26... with God all things are possible. 

Are you thinking you have something so minor that God won't want to be bothered? You are wrong.

Do you think God handles other peoples "more important" problems but doesn't have the time or energy to spend on the unending prayer request you've been struggling with? Of course not. Or do you have something too stinking ugly - even for God? Something you just want to bury? Wrong and wrong again.

When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen (Isaiah 60:22). And while you're wondering about His "when", you need to look for His "why".

Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say "Get up, take up your mat and walk'? (Mark 2:9)

"But I want you to know...

... that the Son of Man has authority... (Mark 2:10)

The God of all wisdom and strength, the God of all love and concern, THAT God - is your God. He wants you to wait, to watch, and to know.

I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him" (Lamentations 3:24) Portion means enough. The Lord is enough, sufficient, and all I need. Even in the waiting.

What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. (John 2:11)

When He heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." (John 11:4)

Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)

Whatever it is - pray about it. And may you also see the glory of God, as you put your hope in Him.

(*) Yes, she was taken to the vet and checked out just fine. Appears she was constipated and related the discomfort of that to the litter box. She is fine now.

My casting net is full of holes

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Cast, I looked up, means to throw or fling, one definition said forcefully. As in, take ALL my anxieties and throw them with great aim and determination away from me and into the capable arms of Jesus. Oh, doesn't that sound wonderful?

But there must be something wrong with my net. I toss it out, full of worries and concerns - but some of them come back to me when I pull the net back in.

Maybe that's why we find our fishermen mending their nets in Mark 1:19. Maybe my net needs some tending to as well.

I have some holes in my net of faith and believing. Some doubts. Some impatience. I've certainly practiced throwing my net of concerns up to God. But then I pull them back and worry some more. How tiring; weary I am of them. Doing this same thing day after day. I need to remember that alone I can do nothing (John 15:5)

But in Luke 5, we see Jesus, present and involved and caring - telling them to let their nets down yet again (With Jesus. Right there. With them. With a net made of rope and holes.) And we see Simon say how we might respond as well: "Master, we have worked all night long..." How often have I endlessly tried to surrender my worries! 

"Yet if You say so, I will let down the nets." (v.5) Then Jesus' miracle.

Even with a hole-ier than hole-y net,  with Jesus, all things are possible. Worries and concerns can be cast off, despite doubts and fears and unknowns. Even in my imperfections of faith, with Jesus on the scene, nets can be flung and Jesus can make the big catch.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Another version says, Pour out all your worries and stress upon Him and leave them there, for He always tenderly cares for you.

I don't know the condition of your net. Or how well (or poorly) you are able to cast your burdens and cares unto the Lord. But know this: when you call on Jesus, all things are possible. Whatever is beyond your ability, He is able. Don't depend solely on yourself. You have a Helper and Friend Who can bring all things to completion.

Cast that hole-y net. Do it again. This time with Jesus. Simon and his fellow fishermen received a boatload of goodness from trusting Jesus. You can too.

Really finished?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 
Christmas shopping got done early this year. Made a list. Checked it twice. Gifts purchased online with a few handmade. Food for dinner tucked away in the freezer. Even cookies baked. Everything is wrapped. Delivered. And its still a week until Christmas Day! Maybe I should buy one more gift for... no! Maybe I should bake up some... no! I made the list. I checked it twice. I'm done. The time has come to relax and say all is ready. There is no more to be done. It's time to rest in the peace that knowledge brings. Fuzzy slippers. Hot cocoa. Crackling fireplace.

Jesus came to save. His blood covers every sin. God made "a list" and "checked it twice". All is complete in Christ. There is no more to be done. Stop running, thinking, trying to do more for the love, acceptance and salvation found in God's heart and hands. It's time to rest in the peace He brings.

Got Jesus in your heart? Then believe in the good news: Your salvation, freedom and peace has been won by His sacrificial love. God - always fully your Supplier, Provider and Perfecter. It is complete and perfect. It is finished. Really finished. Just as He said. (John 19:30)

Christ our Savior is born.

Be at peace. His love for you is complete, full, abundant and beyond measure. Most beloved child...

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. - Galatians 4:4-5

Oh, what a beauty!

 

Oh, how we love our decorated trees! Taking time to place the lights just so. Holding an ornament a moment longer - remembering a special person or place in time. Covering bare spots; realigning to cover dark areas... until at last you step back and sigh at the beauty of it all.

Once a brown, rough wood with sharp, spikey needles - now sawn off at the bottom, cut off, removed from its former environment and now in the process of dying...

But wait! In the adding of ornaments new and old; adding color and lights and shine, and a couple kindergarten so-much-glitter! spots - now new life, a new beauty has been created. Even in its state of dying. It is beautiful, heart-warming, full of love, light, with great memories.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We are new creations in Christ! Gone are the days of standing out in the deep, dark woods. We are now covered in light and love, laughter and smiles, and warm memories.

Covered... covered... covered...

from head to toe.

With a bright shiny star up above.

Imagine: this is what you must look like to God, clothed in Christ. No wonder He delights in you and rejoices over you with singing! (Zephaniah 3:17)

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." (Isaiah 60:1)

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light... (Ephesians 5:8)

The old is gone.

Look! You are a new creation!

Rise and shine!

Oh, what a beauty!

Thanks times ten

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

"Teaching" Sunday School via snail mail has had its challenges - and its rewards. As I contemplated a lesson for Thanksgiving week, and the myriad of scriptures regarding thanks, I "stumbled" (God-led) to the account of the ten lepers (Luke 17). You know the one: someone got sick with leprosy and other people could easily get sick if they got near, so they had to live apart. They missed their family and friends so much! BUT THEN - Jesus stopped - He stopped what He was doing and where He was going. And with a touch and a word...

as the ten walked along on a seemingly ordinary path on a seemingly ordinary day - it happened. They found themselves made better. So of course they rushed towards home, eager to embrace loved ones.

But one of them...

one of them turned back. Back to Jesus. Full of thanks and praise! "Thank You for making me better!" He couldn't hold back; couldn't hold his appreciation in. And he couldn't wait to then go and tell what the Lord had done.

Where are the other nine? Jesus asked. Were not all made better?

As I sit here writing, I can't help but think of reasons to join the one in thanks and praise. From new days dawning and sun rises, walks outdoors and fresh air chilly on my cheeks, laughter and giggles over hot cocoa, thick socks, casseroles warm from the oven, a phone call with a loved one - oh, and worship songs to hum! Yes, I think on these things - these love-gifts from God, and I am made better.

"Thank You, Jesus!"

Who will run back with me? Will you join me, running to Jesus and giving thanks?

Jesus and Rom-Coms

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Now hear me out. I know you've seen, or at least heard, about these movies. There are several networks dedicated to them. They go like this:

Boy meets girl. They fall in love. There are some ups and downs and misunderstandings that lead to a break-up. Then, predictably, at the end, they are back together - forever!

I started thinking of my walk with Jesus in this context. We were introduced and it took some time before I decided that, yes, I would start a relationship with Him. At first, we had some great times. A honeymoon phase of "I love the Lord!" But then there were some ups and downs... and misunderstandings. There were times when I kind of gave up on Him. I tried walking along without Him. But, like in the movies, I couldn't stop thinking about Him. And eventually, things became cleared up between us and we were in love again. Forever.

And just like on the movie channel that shows one rom-com after another, so my life seems to cycle through these events with Jesus as well. I'm gonna love Him forever! Then something happens I don't understand and I get doubtful and confused. Wanting things my way... then we "talk" and I love Him and trust Him again. 

But the ending is just as predictable. We will always end up in love! The intensity of my love and trust in Him might get shaken up from time to time, but He is forever faithful; He is forever loving and kind. His love never waivers. Never decreases. I can know for certain that in the end, we will be together forever.(1 Thessalonians 4:17)

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.(Jeremiah 31:3)

My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. (John14:2-3)

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, Who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)

Meet me for coffee

 

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

How easily, how so easily tempting it is to bypass morning prayer time. When I think of all the concerns of the day... such distractions! - to what should be a special time, a peaceful, re-energizing time. But instead I start to stew over confession. Shame. Guilt. Judgment. Reviewing wrongs, and my lengthy prayer list for others and pleading for seemingly impossible "fixings".

Shouldn't it be like having coffee with a friend? My friend and I, we meet at some little out of the way coffee shop. A quiet place away from the hub-bub and noise. We laugh and tell stories, encouraging each other in hope and in love. Getting together - just two friends - sitting in God's sunshine with no set time limit. No rushing. Just lingering ... unhurried... We talk. We sip. We enjoy companionable silence. More talking. More sipping. We don't solve all the world's problems, but we do gain reassurances in the One Who does. We grow closer and more dear to one another. We've relished the time and eagerly make plans to meet again.

Right now I hear a pretty good rain coming down. You know the kind - used in calming recordings. A purring cat curled up by my side. And yes, a fresh mug of coffee! But no one is up yet. It's early. But what a friend I have in Jesus. Who's presence is always near. He Who loves me like a dear friend, even more so! And in this time and place there is no rushing off, but can sit peacefully among the God-sounds. Sip. Think. Share. Relish. Aware of each other's presence - this wonderful Jesus Friend... and me. Listening to the rain. Conscious of the day before us but also being reassured we will navigate it together. THIS coffee time does not need to end but just shift and change and adapt as the day unfolds. (I may just leave my mug on the counter to remind me of that.) Just as I take another sip and smile at the friend across the table at that out of the way coffee shop, so also, I take another 'sip" with my companion Jesus and smile.

May I keep my mind on the Friend Jesus and the freedom from shame, guilt and judgement He has given. Like having coffee and a chat with a dear friend, may I welcome and relish Him. And eagerly make plans to be with Him again and again.

A friend loves at all times... (Proverbs 17:17)

"Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31)

Did you get lost?

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Confession. I've been wanting to write some powerful, meaningful, encouraging words. I usually wait on the Lord to fill my head with some message to share. You would guess that a blog about trusting in God would be something I would be writing daily, especially in these days and times. What can I say but I got lost in the turmoil, like so many others. That I was grasping at straws. Bits and pieces of scripture or song - to comfort me. Losing interest in praying (pleading) altogether. The current events of today are so loud and "in my face". So mind-numbing. My prayers came in fits and starts. Scraps and tatters. A phrase here. A whimper there. And I few "I still believe".  I struggled to settle (quiet) my mind long enough to hear a clear and concise message from God.

But still: I WILL NOT DOUBT. God is overseeing it all. God is still the Anchor in our lives.. God is still the Stronghold. God still  blesses us in the midst of dark days. In a world that wants us to desire (unendingly) more and more of everything we think we still need, scripture points to one thing:

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. (Psalm 27:4)

We CAN have that - that one thing - in any and every kind of circumstance. The very presence of God. God is in our midst. We can sit at His feet anytime. We can gaze into His face anytime. We can leave every concern at the door and enter in... You can rest and breathe and be unconcerned at Jesus' feet. Jesus said to Martha and Mary, and He says to us as well:

... few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her. (Luke 10:42)

Did you get lost?

Good news!

God is here and calling you to -

Come!

It will not be taken from you.

What momma said

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 I recall when I heard it first as a teenager. The too tall, gawky, frizzy (not curly) hair, never measuring up teenager. And what she said then has come back to me time and time again. Those words still ring clear and true:

"Don't wish your life away."

You see, as a teenager, an awkward teenager, I was always hoping for things to be different. Now, I realize, that many teenagers get to a stage where they want things to be different. Somehow better than what they've already got.

What was mom really saying? As I think back, I don't remember it as a Pollyanna, happy go lucky, silver lining, count your blessings kind of advice. I don't think she was saying everything is beautiful and forgot / dismiss all the bad stuff. Her nature didn't reflect an overzealous enthusiasm but more of a quiet and patient acceptance of what is. And what is doesn't have to tear you down. Tend to your spirit / attitude inside no matter what is going on outside. There is a peace beyond mere survival.

I pause now to think about this. What did I want? A body, hair, and lifestyle acceptable to others. The  same as others. On the same page as all others.

But God says:

My grace is sufficient for you." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Grace - divine assistance

Sufficient - meeting the need

And maybe the word "godly" should precede "need". For God is concerned more about our insides than what the world thinks of our outsides.

 

You are supplied with everything you need to lead a godly life. If you focus on that, you will realize you DO have all that is needed. If you focus on the world around you, the circumstances around you - well, yes, as a Christian, you may find yourself lacking in the demands and commands of the world. You may certainly lack the peace Jesus offers.

So, here we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic. And many of us are wishing, wishing, wishing for a different (better) life. I'm going to fall back on these thoughts about mom's character - quiet and patient acceptance. Not because I am a head-in-the-sand kind of gal, but because I know and trust in the Creator, Ruler, Handler of it all. I can rest in Him. I can. You can. We can sit in His holy presence. We don't have to wish our life away for eternal life (safekeeping, assurance, peace) with Him to begin. We have His full attention and extravagant love right now. Is that not the real desire of our hearts? All that is needed, His hand has provided, IS providing. Right? Great, great, GREAT is His faithfulness...

Wishing your life away?

Or immersing yourself in the loving presence of Jesus day and night?

Jesus gives it all - all that is needed.

Have a good day!

 

A new creation

I grew up in a small town. Stuck close to home. Didn't travel much at all - certainly not out of state. So it was quite a leap for me when I joined the Navy. Not only being far from home, leaving everything that was safe, secure and familiar, but being on my own.

I soon realized that all these new people around me didn't know me; my background, my experiences - who I was. The friends I grew up with always knew me as "too tall", kinda clumsy, awkward and shy. I basically had a clean slate with these new people. I could be anything and that's what they would know me as.

I soon met a girl also from Michigan. Oh boy! Someone from "home"! She came from an even smaller town. And she was spreading her wings. Heavy makeup, tight pants, dancing and clinging to very kind of sailor. Her "new creation" was becoming quite scandalous.

Joining the Navy, a new beginning had indeed begun. The challenges of boot camp clearly defined my old life as gone. A new way of life had begun. What I now knew changed me - there was no going back to small town Julie. I couldn't un-know the things I learned. I became stronger, more confident, and more self-controlled. The old Julie was gone, and the new Julie is here!

Can the same be said of our Christian walk? Of our joining with Jesus?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Though we may struggle from time to time, our hearts are now set on following Jesus and God's ways.

Yes. If anyone is in Christ.

From that day forward.

Your old way of thinking and doing and living is no longer as comfortable.

The new is here, now and forever. The Holy Spirit has entered in, constantly leading and guiding how we should think and do and live.

Insert your name into the verse below like I did and feel empowered:

Therefore, if _____________ is in Christ, __________ is a new creation. The old __________ is gone, and the new ___________ is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The following line is:

All this is from God. (verse 18)

Learning to do old things in a new way while I was in the Navy, and doing them afraid at first because it was so unfamiliar, made me a stronger person. Establishing new thought patterns made me a better person. Absolutely the same can be said for following Christ.

And it's all from God.

This is too much...

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Yikes! Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. (2 Corinthians 11: 24-28)

Who among us is not feeling a litany of pains ourselves right now? Bullied in school, barren as a not so newly married, unexpected death of a loved one, divorce, car wrecks, joblessness, cancer... and now a pandemic and cruelty between those who should be brothers and sisters.

 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Yes. The burden many are facing of how to reopen the church building. How to live daily as Christians without "normal" Sunday morning worship as a guidepost, a launching pad for the week ahead.

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh... (2 Corinthians 12:7)

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  (2 Corinthians 12:8)

(Jesus in Gethsemane) When He came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So He left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing (Matthew 26:43-44) "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will. (Matthew 26:39)

Have you prayed and prayed over your situation (maybe more than three times)? Jesus, please release me? 

Jesus knew and accepted. And then Paul:

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Sufficient defined - enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end.

Both Jesus and Paul prayed three times, and then surrendered to God's will. They moved on. They chose to walk the walk despite the difficulties.

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you...? (2 Corinthians 13:5)

While it all feels like too much... you are promised by an Almighty God that you will be provided strength to power through whatever it is. He is the God of sufficiency. A God that provides. A God that meets every need. The God that will sufficiently carry you through. The same bible account God that Paul trusted in - is the God of your today and tomorrows as well.

And now: may the grace (that all sufficient grace) of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love (the abundant, unending, all sufficient to meet every need love) of God, and the fellowship (you are not left weak and all alone but have sufficient power provided to you by the indwelling fellowship) of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Knit 2 Together

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 I've been knitting alone all through this  pandemic. Now granted, it is a hobby that can easily be done alone. It can be a quieting, comforting and peaceful way to pass the time. But oh, how I miss knitting with a group of friends! There is such affirmation, support, encouragement, cheerleading - joy and love and laughter - just by spending time together. Sometimes it's good to quietly knit. And other times it's wonderful to just bubble up in joy with everything and everyone you see when together and sharing. Living it out together.

It got me to thinking about my approach to God. Is it always in quiet prayer? Solemn. Respectful. Alone in a prayer closet. That too, can be comforting and peaceful. But do you think God time can also be spent - joyfully?

Kicking the waves on the shoreline. And when was the last time you lifted your face and your arms to the sun and turned around and around (think the Sound of Music!) 

Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. (Job 22:26)

Roll the windows down and let the wind blow through your hair. Oo, oo.... swing high in a swing at the school yard! Crank up the music. Spending time with God doesn't have to be so solemn, serious to be reverent.  The Lord longs to be gracious to you (Isaiah 30:18) He wants you to experience joy, love, and laughter - with Him.

Picture yourself standing next to a giant waterfall, waters crashing, splashing...

a peacock spreading out its amazing feathers in full array (perhaps strutting to the tune "Oh Happy Day!"), birds happily calling (to God?), singing (with God?) as loud as they can. Even a big field of flowers seem to scream joy in a riot of color, bobbing their heads in time with God's song.

God is not always quiet and reserved.

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior Who saves. He will take great delight in you... will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. (Psalm 16:6)

He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me. (Psalm 18:19)

He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of His birth... (Luke 1:14)

Can you stretch yourself beyond just thoughts of gratefulness and take delight in being with the Lord?

Will there be joy in the Lord in your life today?

I haven't been myself lately

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Unsteady. Wobbly. Uncertain. I sure miss my normal, comfortable routine. That basic structure I had to my days and weeks, while allowing flexibility as I deemed necessary.

But now for the benefit of all - I am living under much different circumstances. Much of it out-of-my-control circumstances. For the sake of others, I am limiting my own free will, participating in a greater good.

For the greater good.

I know many of us have been spending whole days with messy hair, no makeup and switching from our nighttime pajamas to our daytime pajamas. In this we have transitioned quite well. And yet the bible calls us to:

clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14)

clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12)

clothe yourselves with humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5)

For the greater good as well.

We've been finding new and different ways to show love during this pandemic. It may indeed feel like we've been clothed in something else. How else would we be able to exhibit such patience and kindness beyond what we could have ever imagined before? Where does that strength come from?

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who has given me strength, that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service. (1 Timothy 1:12)

As I long for my old comfortable routine, I am reminded once again:

You are not your own; you were bought at a price. (1 Corinthians 6:20)

I haven't been myself lately.

Maybe it's time to realize I am a part of a whole. Not just say it sincerely, but to be more consciously aware that I have a God-purpose for being in the here and now. A real and divine purpose. (But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you My power and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth. (Exodus 9:16). It's not all about me and my comfort zone and ordering my life as I see fit.

Ouch. Those are some painful words to write out. Even as I write, I'm trying to think of a more comfortable and appealing way to share them.

But those are God's words and not my own.

One minute I'm joking about daytime pajamas and the next it's some very sober thoughts about living under God's rule. Loving all others, despite the circumstances. Spreading the love of Christ around as we ought and not just when we feel like it or when it's convenient. That His name might be proclaimed...)

I haven't been myself lately.
I am not my own.
I am God's.
And Christ's ambassador.
As though God were making His appeal through us. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

I am a servant.
I am an instrument.
I am clay.
And I have a calling. God-assigned things to do.

Perhaps I am learning that my selfish self needs to take a back seat for it is also written as a reminder to us:

He must become greater; I must become less. (John 3:30)

Lord, help me to NOT be myself today.
Clothe me with compassion of Christ, the kindness of Christ, the humility of Christ, the gentleness and patience... of Christ.
Day time. Night time.
Ordinary times. Inconceivable times.

Clothe me with Christ.
What a humbling thought...

I had cancer

Four years ago, I was on a cancer journey. I'll never forget it. But the memories of comments I made during that time keep popping up on one of my social media accounts.

I do remember considering the fact that I just might die from it. Yes, I cried. Yes, I was angry. Fearful too. But I resolved right then to pay attention to the kind of legacy I would be leaving. I wanted faith, trust and hope in God; peace and love - to be my banner. I would rest in the Lord. Be confident in Him. In reviewing my memory posts, I hope I conveyed that to my family and friends. The picture you see above is of a garland made of all the love, support and encouragement messages people sent me when I first found out. Those thoughts and prayers carried a lot of the burden I felt at the time.

Back in 2003, I went through the bumps and bruises of a divorce, at the same time as caring for my mom dying of cancer, at the same time as my only son was preparing for a tour of duty in Iraq. Numerous other problems piled up on top of all that regarding my health, home and car. Yes, I cried. Yes, I was angry. Fearful too.

Yet a dear friend kept telling me to say aloud and repeat as often as necessary, "Even so, I will trust in the Lord and praise His holy name." I spoke those words over and over - every time a new dilemma arose. My mantra to seeing myself through. Once again, letting Christ rise and shine in this life of mine despite all the problems.

And now we find ourselves in the midst of a world wide pandemic. Yes, I cry. Yes, I am angry. Fearful too.But my thoughts return once again to - what will my legacy be? How will people remember how I journeyed? Did I forever rant and rave the whole time? Panic. Fearful. The whole time?

Or will I again speak the words given by that dear friend:
Even so - I will trust in the Lord and praise His holy name.

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 2:15)