Wit or witout?

If you are at all familiar with the ordering of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich - in Philly - you know there’s an expression they use. Wit or witout. It actually means your preference to having grilled peppers and onions included on your sandwich.

I recently had a similar experience here in South Carolina at a popular chili dog place. They, too, asked, “Everything? Or without?” The without this time meaning mustard and onions. My answer? Oh, yes! Everything! I want to be adventuresome here in my new surroundings. I want to taste and experience it all! The freshness, the crunch, the chewy, the gooey… and boy, was it good too!

Are you tasting and seeing everything God is offering you? Do you realize there are more blessings available and waiting for you? Or do you step back, sticking with what you know about God, what’s been experienced and tested, and not trying the other things He offers?

Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us… - Ephesians 3:20 NIV

Now to the God Who can do so many awe-inspiring things, immeasurable things, things greater than we ever could ask or imagine through the power at work in us … THE VOICE

God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us. THE MESSAGE

What is holding you back from enjoying more from God? Did you not just read the promises God gives in His Word? 

Are you thinking He won’t fulfill some of His promises to you? But these promises ARE for you! 

Are you living wit or witout?

God is ready to overwhelm you with more blessings than you could ever imagine so that you’ll always be taken care of in every way and you’ll have more than enough to share. - 2 Corinthians 9:8 THE VOICE

So I ask you, “Wit or witout?”

The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” - Numbers 11:23

 

When there are no words...

 When it's not a "get well soon" situation... when life has taken a turn and there

is no turning back... it is so tough to try to think of something good, helpful, and meaningful to write in a card. I'm upset. I'm emotional. I want them to know how much I really care. But nothing I think of sounds right.

One thing you can do is turn to the Master of all words. Scripture has an abundance of appropriate messages. I often start by looking up a favorite verse. Then look at it in different translations. There are a few translations that feel conversational in tone. There are often devotionals that reference that same verse, and so I can use a line or two from that.  Here's one example:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still water; he restores my soul. (NRSV)

The Lord is my Shepherd (to feed, to guide, and to shield me), I shall not want. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. He refreshes and restores my soul (life). (AMP)

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. (MSG)

The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always. He provides me rest in rich, green fields beside streams of refreshing water. He soothes my fears; He makes me whole again. (VOICE)

The next couple are from devotional books:

The Lord is my constant companion. There is no need that He cannot fulfill. Whether His course for me points to the mountaintops of glorious ecstasy or to the valleys of human suffering, He is by my side, He is ever present with me.

or -

The Lord is my peace. I shall not live in anxiety. He puts me under His wing of comfort and calms my spirit within me. He takes all my anxieties on Himself and helps me to focus on Him.

Can you see how helpful any one of these could be of help and comfort? All it takes is a favorite verse and a little research (and some prayer for guidance!) and you will be empowered by God's Word to send just the message at just the right time.

The God of un-troubling

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

We have all turned to the verse: "In this world you will have trouble." (John 16:33) Whenever we have to remind ourselves that this is not heaven but an imperfect, sinning place. Or when we seek consolation because things are going so, so awry. When we are struggling through...troubles. Yes, troubles come. Troubles also go.

On March 2, 2016, I had surgery to remove cancer from my breast. I definitely felt "in trouble" then. It was certainly hard to think of anything else. But I have been cancer-free for five years now. Cancer doesn't bother me, doesn't consume me, like it did back then.

Whenever you cry out to me, I'll answer. I'll be with you in troubling times. (Psalm 91:15)

In fact, there have been numerous times when I badly needed... NEEDED:

a job, a new place to live, "right now" car repair, a new furnace, coast-to-coast traveling mercies, healings of various sizes, and so on. Desperate times. My mind consumed with what to do, how to pay for, how am I ever going to get passed this? But those desperate, intense troubles - are long past. Even forgotten. And I know of others:

• a long awaited pregnancy - now expecting
• college fees - covered
• insurance claims - kicked in
• a pet that wandered off - found
• a strained relationship - revived
• a loved one away so long - home safe and sound
• a new medicine - brings relief

Resolved. Un-troubled. Thanks be to God!

I invite you to - not count your blessings - but to look back at your past troubles. What was on your hand-wringing, worry plate two years ago? Five years ago? That are now un-troubling. Possibly even forgotten. Until now.

Sometimes it feels like troubles are piling up daily. Yet how many do you really remember? Truly - many are done and over with. You can't possibly recall every resolution (un-troubling) the Lord has delivered into your life! But He has. You know He has.

There's more to that verse than just the reminder that there will be troubles.

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Another translation:

"I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order." (VOICE)

God has helped before. God will help again. Even though you have times of trouble, do not fear, the Lord has the final say. He offers peace to those to hold on to these, His, words.

I will answer your cry for help every time you pray, and you will find and feel My presence even in your time of pressure and trouble. (Psalm 91:15 TPT) 

In need of the best prayer

 

There certainly seems to be plenty to be prayed about lately. I feel like I'm drowning in issues and causes to lift up to the Lord. Maybe it feels like there's more than ever before. But in truth, if you thumb through any history book or open your bible to any page, you will see that Jesus' words ring true: In this world you will have trouble... (John 16:33)

But there are many times when I pray just to seek a resting place. My desire to pray over real concerns sometimes needs to take a backseat to my need for a peaceful and secure place. A non-anxious, no-calamity / no-drama oasis. That too is prayer.

Not a running list of all that's wrong. But an even-paced breathing in and breathing out. It's a sacred place. A "set apart" (separate from all that's swirling around in your head) place. Where the worldly does not invade / take over / dominate. In this prayer, with Jesus drawing close by, there is a space where I don't have to be overwhelmed; a place where I can close my eyes and dare to surrender to an Almighty God all that mere man cannot seem to do on its own.

I need to escape into that "set apart" sacred realm. I need to be reminded in that holy space and time that God has been taking care of troubles "His whole life". God continues to carry His children through one mess after another. He does not treat us as our "corporate and individual" sins deserve (Psalm 103:10). Indeed, His love (and care) over the whole world endures (rescuing from scenarios seen and unseen) forever. Until He calls us home.

I would like to encourage you to separate yourself for a time from whatever is bombarding your heart and mind. Take a real rest. Believe in a powerful God that will do something beyond your human imagination. 

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7)

Take a prayer time that offers peace to your weary soul...

I don't understand...

Sitting and enjoying some quiet time. Looking at all God's creation around me. Praising Him. Opening scripture to read how He calms the storm and heals the sick. The word "immediately" is used several times when describing how Jesus responds to a need. But I'm not seeing it lately. This immediate action... why not now? 

I don't understand.

Explain! Explain Yourself! (Forgive me, God, for being so bold in these thoughts of mine. I mean no disrespect. I just wish I knew what was going on and how it will all unfold day by day. Seems like if I only knew, I could tolerate it all better.) I can't be the only one that's ever sought more knowledge; to know God's plans in more detail. And indeed, in the very beginning of time we see:

Genesis 3:4-6

You will not certainly die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom...

And, immediately (!) God led me to other passages in my bible. Take a look at what He said to me:

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and His understanding no one can fathom. (Isaiah 40:12)

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand,

or with the breadth of His hand marked off the heavens?

Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,

or weighed the mountains on the scales

and the hills in a balance?

Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord,

or instruct the Lord as His counselor?

Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten Him,

and who taught Him the right way?

Who was it that taught Him knowledge,

or showed Him the path of understanding? (Isaiah 40:28)

And no, the Lord wasn't finished with me just yet...

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. (John 13:7)

So much for me questioning His immediate actions.

So much for me questioning anything.

Thanking God He doesn't grow tired or weary of me.

Thanking God His understanding of me is full or mercy and grace.

This all leaves me with a real sense of Who God is, what He's capable of, and puts my worries to rest.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-7

 

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.

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.

Church bulletin bloopers

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Not gathering for corporate worship? Here are some bloopers you may be missing to lift your spirit:

Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help.

 

The scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

 

The sermon this morning: Jesus walks on the water. The sermon tonight: Searching for Jesus.

 

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of old, useless things. Bring your husbands.

 

At the evening service, the topic will be "What is hell?" Come early and listen to the choir practice.

 

Potluck supper will be Sunday at 5:00pm. Prayers and medication to follow.

But just as humor can lift the spirit and soul, God's Word also has the power to do the same. If you need your spirits lifted, seek to know Who God is. His characteristics. They are truth and light. Remind yourself over and over, every day, that God HAS been good to me. We've all had challenges in the past. God has never given up on us. God will see us through - again and again. God is present in the highs and the lows of this life. His promise is to carry us through and into heaven. Eternal life with God includes this present life, this very day. Eternal is characterized by abiding fellowship with God; continued without intermissions; seemingly endless and existing at all times. With God! God is forever faithful. Mighty. Strong. Powerful. Wise beyond belief. And loving toward you. Caring about you. At your best. At your worst. God does not change His love or action toward you. You are loved - beyond your understanding. Hold that in your head and heart and know for certain... Almighty, Most High God of all - is holding you in His.

 

 

 

 

 

I stopped praying

I know, I know! I've been a Christian for quite a while now. And I'm a preacher's wife, for crying out loud! Shouldn't prayer be as effortless as breathing by now? Yet I found myself in a place where I just couldn't pray anymore. (Now, to clarify, I mean I drifted from my regular routine of starting each day off with some "only God" time. I was still calling out to Him throughout the day with 15 second popcorn prayers.)

I stopped praying. My list of concerns over others grew and grew. More names added than lined out with a PTL. And I had my own ongoing, personal issues. Seemed like I needed to use up my morning quiet time with less bible reading and more whining / pleading. Who wants to hear that every morning?

I tried gratitude. Really I did. But it felt like some rote script about food, clothing and shelter.

I dreaded mornings. I dreaded feeling like there was so much to be sorry about to God:

• not praying
• not regular bible reading
• not lifting others up
• feeling sorry for myself
• being selfish
• not trusting in God enough

My imaginings of how God would respond got bigger and bigger.

Then a heavy, weighty concern over a friend came - crushing my heart.

And I HAD to pray. NOW. It woke me up. Early, early...

I had to go to the One Who hears prayers and answers them. (Psalm 66:19-20)

To the One Who is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18)

The God I've always known is still faithful, loving, kind and good. Despite my lapses, God is forever faithful in character.

So I did open my bible and prayed the words of hope, life and strength I found  into this friend's situation.

All my worries about guilt and being frantic with concerns - did not come to mind. What I found was a good, good Father with comforting reassuring arms . My heart rate settled. My overactive mind settled. I slid down in my chair and put my feet on the coffee table.

Has it happened to you?

Not reading your bible anymore?

Too guilty or distracted to pray?

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. (Isaiah 44:22)

... I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29)

(Love)... keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13:5)

God of wonders - indeed.

God of love - yes!

Who among the gods is like You, Lord? Who is like You - majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? (Exodus 15:11)

Who is a God like You, Who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. (Micah 7:18)

Taking an "only God" time can be healing, strengthening and assuring.

Now I'm only sorry I stayed away so long.

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)

Thank God for bible stories!

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I've been giving the story of Noah's ark a lot of thought and consideration lately. I mean, really... can you imagine being stuck inside with your family and animals?

Genesis 7:24 The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days.

Oh my!

Chapter 7 verse 4 mentions it raining for forty days and forty nights. Noah was told about that. They were not aware there would be an additional 150 days of everything covered in water and they would have to remain in the ark. They didn't know how long to prepare for this unbelievable circumstance. They couldn't see how this was going to work out. Would anything ever be the same again?

They must have had a million questions for God. Build an ark, herd the animals, gather food? How will I provide for my family? What about education? What about my neighbors? And for how long? How is all this gonna happen? And let's not forget the big question: WHY. It's just too big a challenge! We won't make it! How is all this going to get done? Need a hint?

Pairs of clean and unclean animals, of birds and of all creatures that move along the ground, male and female, CAME TO NOAH and entered the ark. (Genesis 7:8-9)

Whew! One thing off Noah's plate. But what about everything else? Is God going to help - with everything?

Can you imagine the anxiety and stress? Can you imagine the hope and trust in God needed? Will God supply the faith to survive such an event?

The rains came.
The waters rose.
The time of waiting and wondering began. I wonder how they passed their days - on the ark - just the family and animals. 

But then it happened. Chapter 8 says that God remembered Noah. It says the waters receded. They weren't able to jump off the ark right away and start living again. But signs came. They watched the raven fly away and return. They watched the dove go and come back with an olive leaf. Even after the dove flew away and did not return, still they waited for a signal from God. Even though it looked safe. Hmmm... I wonder what they learned, what they realized spending all that time in the ark. What do they now know about God that caused them to wait even though it appeared to be safe to go on land?

There are times in life when all you can do is wait. Wait for God.
And during the waiting, maybe we should seek Him, seek Him with all our heart.
And listen for His voice. His direction.

Maybe there's more to this bible story. A life lesson we could use right now.

Safe and Secure

Lord, I know and trust and believe in Your holy presence and divine power over all the universe, seen and unseen. I believe You are greater than anything we could hope for or imagine. You know we are but dust and like grass under the pressure of the wind. Prone to worry. Prone to wander, even from the steadfast security and love found in You. You are patient, understanding and forgiving of us beyond all reason. It boggles the mind how infinitely loving, gracious, merciful and kind to us You are. If we would give a mere tenth of that back to You - a mere tenth of Your overflowing portion to us - to our neighbor... what a wonderful world it would be. Surely a peace that passes understanding would fall upon us.

Even in these times, as in times past, You beckon me to lay my head upon Your chest, You smooth my hair down and pat my back with Your right hand, You hum a soothing tune. Even now, in my soul, You recreate the rhythmic, steady assurance of being rocked by my momma in the stillness of early morning.

Creak... creak... creak...

You will be secure, because there is hope;
you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
(Job 11:18)

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.

Like little children

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I'm reading a murder mystery novel. A mother wakes up screaming from a bad nightmare and scares her two-year-old daughter half to death. And there just seems to be no way of calming the child. She is in "head down, snuggled into your neck and thumb sucking" mode. Not even the distraction of a favorite breakfast brings her around. But then the mom promises a visit to the carnival that's in town. And the child's face lights up! All the trauma of the night forgotten. Leaning into the day now. The promise of joy has been released into her life. And she grabs onto it.

Oh, that I could so quickly let loose of the traumas that come my way. Troubles. Challenges. Deep concerns over others. If only there was Someone Who could bring joy into my day... despite the circumstances.  Hmmm... If only Someone would tell me some good news, good words, good promises. If only I would listen and believe (grab onto it) ...

But Jesus said, "Let the children come to Me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." (Matthew 9:14 NLT)

"Learn this well: Unless you dramatically change your way of thinking and become teachable, and learn about heaven's kingdom realm with the wide-eyed wonder of a child, you will never be able to enter in. (Matthew 18:3 TPT)

Jesus said over and over again - the kingdom is near. Jesus Himeself. Near. As near as your next breath. As near as you want it to be. The joy of Jesus. Enter into it. His love. His hope. His security. His promises. All - near. Think about THESE things. Receive with wide-eyed wonder and belief. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Receive the joy of Jesus today. Do not dwell in the darkness. Dear child...

Because I'm counting on you...

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I have prayed ...
I have tried to pray...
I've prayed in every which way I can and I've prayed through tears...

I've bowed my head when no words would come.

And that's why I'm counting on you. Sometimes my emotions are so close to the situation, I can't settle down. Can't form words.

(Perhaps this sounds like you at one time or another.)

And yet I know the answer is found in prayer.

So you are important.
It's your little prayer added to my fumbling one and our prayers encapsulated by Jesus' completing one - that's where it all becomes powerful and effective.

I'm counting on you. To somehow pray where my prayer ends. Or your prayer weaving in with mine to make it stronger.

Yes, powerful. Yes, effective.

Someone is counting on you. 

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16 NIV)

...for tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer! (TPT)

... pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. (MSG)

Expected Arrival: Right on time

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago. (Psalm 77:11)

I love running errands in my Bug convertible. But it seems like, more and more, we are ordering things online. For home delivery. We can even track its progress online. With a familiar site, a well-established, often-used site, our worries are minimal. They say three days and based on what we've experienced, it'll be three days.

Now consider the works and wonders of the Lord in your own life. Has God been faithful? Reliable? Has He delivered? How is His track record?

Oh, I remember God delivered Daniel from the lions in the den, parted the Red Sea for Moses, and opened the prison doors for Peter...

But even more so, I remember God delivering me from car troubles in the middle of the night, worries over a son in Afghanistan, carried me though divorce, unemployment, cancer ... and that's just over the last few years. God brought me through all of that and more. He's never failed me.

And here I sit. Sipping coffee.Looking out at a beautiful summer day. Resting in the peace of Christ. When the next trial of life comes, may my heart and mind remember the Lord's track record.

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


How has His track record been for you? Those worries and trials. Those prayers and pleadings from last year, the last ten years - do you even remember all that you asked? Has He delivered you? In His own way. His own timing. Does everything He has done in your past now give you certain hope for today and your future? Have you arrived - to that point where whatever may come at you in this life - you can claim God's faithfulness, steadfast love and power over all?

Expect it from Him.
God is always - right on time.

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He Who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4)

Recipe for success

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7)


I like to know what's next. My day. My week. Or a big event up ahead. Like cooking from a recipe, I like to have things prepared before diving in. I like to know just what to do. And I like to know what comes after that. Yes, it's a control issue. But when it works, I think it gives me a sense of peace. Well, sort of. Because I still find myself worrying that my anticipations might not be accurate. So I should probably think up a plan "B". Just in case.

But, the unexpected does happen. Suddenly, and without warning. Catching me off guard. Gulp! Unprepared! Thoughts race. Do I know what to do? Can I think clearly? Can I even breathe? Panic - setting in. What AM I going to do? I wasn't ready for this! I can't trust my own abilities on such short notice ...

So ...

I toss a prayer up to heaven. A wordless cry really. And God hears me. God is already present. Already guiding me. Helping me. Presiding over. Leading me straight through. Because God is good. He never slumbers nor sleeps. Always aware. Always ready.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Trust in the Lord.
That's my plan for success.

A time to plant

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Who am I, and who is Apollos, that we should be the cause of a quarrel? Why, we’re just God’s servants, each of us with certain special abilities, and with our help you believed.  My work was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos’ work was to water it, but it was God, not we, who made the garden grow in your hearts.  The person who does the planting or watering isn’t very important, but God is important because he is the one who makes things grow. (1 Corinthians 3:5-7 TLB)


With all that's going on in the news lately, I am finding it hard to settle into some "God time". I've been waiting for some amazing message of inspiration and encouragement to write about in the midst of these hard times. I'm joining everyone in prayer for God to step in and do something. Why isn't He doing something? It's gonna take a miracle ...

Asking God for a miracle sometimes makes me think I see Him as a candy machine. Gimme what I want. Or like going to that fast food place where I can get it "my way". A miracle is when I don't have to do anything, right? Just do it, God!

But I think the real miracle is when God takes whatever little bit we offer - and brings about an amazing result.

Somebody donates water.
Somebody donates blood.
Somebody goes to hug and listen.
And real lives of real people receive real help in their time of dire need.

Everywhere you look, along with the bad news, is good news of people pitching in. People helping. Every little thing is turning into a miracle. A God miracle. Got your own set of troubles? Worried over loved ones?  Finances. Relationships. Health concerns. Feeling like God isn't making a miracle happen? Make an effort. Take a step forward in the right direction. Do your homework. Make the best choices you can. Do what you can. Above all, keep the faith. And watch for the miraculous hand of God. Because He is the One Who makes things grow.

Fear and Suffering

© 2014 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

Psalm 27
Of David.
¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?
² When the wicked advance against me
    to devour^[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
    who will stumble and fall.
    to devour^[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
    who will stumble and fall.
 A PRAYER FOR ALL THOSE BATTLING CANCER OR SOME OTHER ON-GOING DEBILITATING CONDITION RIGHT NOW, THAT THE EVIL THAT IS TRYING TO DEVOUR THEIR FLESH. LORD, MAKE THOSE DANGEROUS CELLS STUMBLE AND FALL.


³ Though an army besiege me,
    my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
    even then I will be confident.
LORD, INCREASE THEIR HOPE IN YOU. MAY IT RISE UP WITHIN THEM AND GRANT THEM CONFIDENCE IN THE ALMIGHTY.
⁴ 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,
    this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
MAY THEY INDEED FEEL LIKE THEY ARE IN YOUR HOLY, INCOMPARABLE PRESENCE EVERY DAY.

to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple.
MAY THEY EYES BE OPENED TO JUST HOW BEAUTIFUL YOU ARE.

⁵ For in the day of trouble
    he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
    and set me high upon a rock.
O LORD, PROTECT THEM AS ONLY YOU CAN. MAY THEIR THOUGHTS RISE ABOVE THE CALAMITY THAT SEEMS TO SURROUND THEM.
⁶ Then my head will be exalted
    above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
    I will sing and make music to the Lord.
    above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
    I will sing and make music to the Lord.
MAY THEY TRULY SEE AND ENVISION A LIFE HELD IN YOUR HANDS. AND MAY THEY BE SO GLAD THAT YOU ARE REAL, ALIVE, INVOLVED AND AT WORK, RISEN LORD.
⁷ Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
    be merciful to me and answer me.
⁸ My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
    Your face, Lord, I will seek.
    be merciful to me and answer me.
⁸ My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
    Your face, Lord, I will seek.
LORD, NO ONE ELSE HOLDS SUCH PROMISE.

⁹ Do not hide your face from me,
    do not turn your servant away in anger;
    you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
    God my Savior.
¹⁰ Though my father and mother forsake me,
    the Lord will receive me.
THANK YOU, GRACIOUS GOD, THAT DESPITE WHAT PEOPLE SAY, WHAT DOCTORS SAY, YOU, ALMIGHTY GOD, HAVE THE LAST WORD.

¹¹ Teach me your way, Lord;
    lead me in a straight path
    because of my oppressors.
I PRAY THEY ARE ABLE TO HOLD STEADY IN THE FAITH YOU HAVE GIVEN THEM.


¹² Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
    for false witnesses rise up against me,
    spouting malicious accusations.
THAT THEY WILL REMAIN STRONG AND NOT CAVE IN TO HOPELESSNESS OR NEGATIVE THINKING.

¹³ I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.


MAY THEY WAKE UP EVERY MORNING KNOWING THE LORD HAS A HOLD ON THEM AND SECURE IN YOUR LOVING ARMS.


¹⁴ Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.
WATCHING FOR YOU, LORD, WATCHING AND WAITING FOR YOU – ALL WISE, ALL POWERFUL, ALL WONDERFUL ONE.