Back to Life

Some Old Testament readings are, well, hard to read. Yet today I persevered and a light dawned on one particular verse.

In Numbers 17, the Lord orders Moses to collect a staff from each tribe and place them in the tabernacle in front of the ark of the covenant.

Then verse 8:

The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron’s staff - had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.

The next day! From a severed stick! When placed at the feet of God; close to God. An undeniable sign of God’s power for them. Here we see God at work, the very next day, within hours! - a branch separated from the life-giving trunk of a tree, by God, has produced and behaving as though life is within it once again. We see something that was once away from God’s presence, brought into His presence - and given restored value by being returned to God. Could the same happen for us?

I don’t know how long those sticks pictured above were laying in the woods. Separated. Dead. Useless. But one day when my husband and I were walking, we sure needed something for support. Some help up a steep hill. And there they were. Useful once again.

Let me assure you, if you’re in a season of feeling lifeless or without a sense of usefulness, you haven’t strayed so far that God can’t reach you; it hasn’t been too long since you’ve been close to the Lord that He won’t welcome you right back in.

God is near. And He is smiling. And He is excited about you turning towards Him once again.

Just return to Me.

Joel 2:13 Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love…

Draw near to Me again

Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings…

Zephaniah 3: 17 He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.

All you really need to know is that He is able…

He has experience in this life after death thing…

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

 

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...

Love comes down

 So many of us want that mountaintop experience... and to stay there. Because that's where we feel God is closest. And we feel the safest and most loved and secure. Maybe that's because we picture God being up high somewhere instead of always down here by us. Yes, we certainly want to be "up where God is" - where it's comfortable and everything is good and feels good and feels close to God.

You would think God would want to stay "up there" too. Up with the heavenly hosts. Where everything is good and perfect and beautiful. But in His great mercy and love, He is not only "up there". God comes down. He comes down to where we are. Curled up in a ball on our bed. In deep waters of confusion, frustration... despair. All those dark, scary places. There you will find God too. He is not only found on the mountaintops. He is not only found in the heavenly realms. God comes down to be with us - wherever we are. 

We find this truth in Philippians 2:6 -

Who, being in the very nature of God, He chose not to cling to equality with God...

Jesus did not stay in the heavens. He humbled Himself and came down. For us.

And there is a song that is also a good reminder:

Come ye weary heavy laden

Bruised and mangled by the Fall

If you tarry till you're better

You will never come at all

God is with you - whether curled up in the fetal position, unmoving from the recliner, and under a blanket.  All messy. God is right there loving you. God will not leave you alone. No matter how deep your mess feels. So don't wait to seek the Lord. Don't wait for a mountaintop experience to feel God's presence. He is everywhere - all the time. 

Know and accept this truth. Wherever you are today.

Side note: Christmas card designs and Christmas messages being released October 6!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

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!"

May the Lord infuse you with strength

 

On my cancer journey, infusion meant sitting there with an IV in my arm. Hoping and praying the drug flowing in will have the desired outcome.

One dictionary defines infusion as this: the act of adding one thing to another to make it stronger or better; or an inward flow that helps to fill something. That certainly sounds like what we were looking for in the chemo treatments. Stronger. Better. 

I came across the "infusion" term when studying Ephesians 6:10. You might already be familiar with:

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. (NIV)

But let's look at other translations.

(AMP) be strong in the Lord (draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him) and in the power of His (boundless) might.

(GW) receive your power from the Lord and from His mighty strength.

(TPT) stand victorious with the force of His explosive power flowing in and through you.

All these verses call you to draw from, receive, indeed - infuse yourselves with the strength and power that the Lord is extending to you. Let God add to you so you are stronger and better. Let that inward flow fill you. It's a gift of God.

Is there someone you know who could use a word or two to strengthen them? A reminder that God is on their side - ready to infuse, strengthen... make better? 

Does it matter?

 Are handwritten notes even "a thing" anymore? Isn't texting so much quicker and time-efficient? 

Research shows that a special closeness happens in receiving a letter and knowing it was handwritten by someone you love. And just like fingerprints, your personal handwriting is unique to you. Texting all looks the same, it all "sounds" the same. But with a handwritten note, you can almost hear the sender's voice as you read each word. You are holding the same card they had in their hands. And whatever was written - poor spelling, poor penmanship and all - make what you are now holding in your hand all that more memorable and worth savoring. I know this first hand. This card is from my son when he was stationed in Iraq. 2003. His sweet little lettering brought tears to my eyes. Of course, I still have it after all these years!

Handwritten notes all send a very important message besides what is actually written. Sending a personal note in this way communicates that you value this relationship, that you want to continue in this relationship. The receiver is important to you - enough so that you will take the time and effort to stop everything else and focus on creating a special message just for them. Writing and mailing a note plays a significant role in letting someone feel accepted, worthy, appreciated... and loved. You can actually make someone's day by sending a simple note. Notes can uplift, encourage and in general make someone feel seen, heard, and gain a sense of belonging. Yes, handwritten notes are powerful!

Below are photos of my birth announcement! In my mom's own handwriting. (Yes, my mom's nickname was Bill. Long story...) The note was to her mom. What a wonderful keepsake! And again, her handwriting I had seen a million times while I was away from home during my Navy days. There is just no replacement for having received her handwritten notes during that time in my life. I was able to enjoy funny cards and funny stories over and over again. 

Handwritten notes are warm and wonderful for both the sender and the recipient. They can really pack a punch! I'll bet you have some favored notes stashed away somewhere. Maybe it's time for a revisit of those saved cards and consider what you can do today to make an impact. 

Isaiah 55: 11 -

...so is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

O Lord, hear my prayer

Resting on the promises of God

 Praises for someone landing a new job!

The face of precious babies.

Thank You for words of encouragement.

Thank You for shared prayers.

Continued blessings on a marriage.

Praise for another birthday!

Thanks and praise for laughter!

Prayers and support for those taking on a challenge.

Prayers for small businesses.

Thank You for Your Word.

Thanks for the reminders to trust in You.

Yummy recipes.

Thank You for music videos.

Prayers for those going through cancer.

I just scrolled through Facebook and prayed one-liners over every post I read. Surprised? First, it made me think of Matthew 6:

Your prayers need not be labored or lengthy or grandiose - for your Father knows what you need before you ever ask Him. (Matthew 7:8 VOICE) That makes one-line prayers still powerful and effective.

I admit I've struggled with social media. Sometimes it's so good, and other times it's hurtful and depressing. Then I recalled this verse that in some ways applies:

Even though you intended to harm me, God intended it only for good, and through me, He preserved the lives of countless people, as He is still doing today. (Genesis 50:20 VOICE) This verse comes from the infamous account of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. But he ends up saving the country from a severe famine. And using Facebook posts as a launchpad for prayers kind of feels like using social media (that can sometimes be bad), into something good and glorifying God. God always welcomes trust in Him.

So go on! You know you want to try it!

O Lord, hear my prayer...

How's your gardening skills?

 

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Why do seeds come with so many in the packet? I don't want or need dozens of the same plant. But planting is not a one-and-done kind of deal. You can't just bury one seed. You plant one, and another, and even more - hoping that SOME will sprout into the goodness and beauty you seek. But if nothing comes up, do you throw your hands in the air and say, "Oh well, I tried." No. You automatically know it's going to need sunlight and water. Probably some kind of fertilizer too. You need to return again and again to...  caring. You might invest some time in reading up on it to know the best tips on how to nurture and grow this kind of plant. You learn that some types of plants need to be held up with a string to guide the way. Some need an even stronger framework to help carry the load. And don't forget to pray over them!

If you're not familiar with the Parable of the Sower in the bible, you can read it below at the end of the post. It teaches us much about seeds and soils, planting, and caring.

The same principles apply to living in a Christlike way. Are you nice to someone once? Do you help someone once? And if you see no immediate fruit from your effort, do you throw up your hands and say, "Oh well, I tried."?

The "goodness" you plant in someone's life needs love and attention too, just like those seeds. You may need to be a little more invested, and need to return again and again to extend this "goodness" - if you want it to prosper into something beautiful and good. You might want to read up on it to find the best tips for helping in a situation. Find out what kind of support they need. And don't forget to pray over them!

So, how are your gardening skills?

Matthew 13:1-8

New International Version

The Parable of the Sower

13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

I'm working on it

 

Many enjoy a good mystery/crime drama in book form or on the TV. They like trying to puzzle out the "whodunit" before the end. They become so engrossed in the details. What's happening now and how it relates to what has already happened. Involved. What fun sharing your guesses. Pooling your ideas together. Much like working on a jigsaw puzzle, who doesn't squeal with delight when fitting a piece in its exact spot? Making that connection.

God calls us on to walk together, and work together - without knowing the end result right away. God reveals clues  - step by step clues. God wants us engrossed and involved in His work in and around us. Watching. Trying. Sharing. Working on it all, piece by piece. 

Now if everything came together in one fell swoop, there would be only one blessing to celebrate in the end. But by doing it in bits and pieces, and enjoying each and every little victory (squeal with delight), we gain blessing upon blessing... we get to enjoy God's goodness over and over again!

Are you in a rush to accomplish something, or finish something? Ready to arrive at the final product? So you can taste that final victory? Think again. Don't miss the blessings all along the way. Relish. Relish it all!

Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor... (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

Entertaining

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts...", declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)

This bible verse can bring some comfort when a trusting believer lacks understanding of what's going on in their life. God is huge and does immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). So, yes, His thoughts and ways are far greater. And we know God to be all-wise, all-knowing, and all-powerful too. God is certainly perfect in thought, word, and deed.

Yet, even though I've committed my life to Christ, some of my thoughts are not so Christlike. Some pretty ugly, mean thoughts seem to suddenly appear inside my head. Could it be - those kinds of thoughts are from the father of all lies, deceptions, and distraction? 

These mean, ugly thoughts are NOT mine. I agree with God in saying:

THIS DOES NOT FIT WITH WHO I AM.

Do not invite these kinds of thoughts to dinner. Do not let them spend the night. 

The temptation he is offering in our thoughts is not a sin. Choosing to act upon them is. I can choose not to yield. I can call out to Jesus and He has promised to supply proper words and actions. These are "Get behind me, Satan!" moments. I will say it again and again:

THIS DOES NOT FIT WITH WHO I AM.

So, what kind of thoughts are you entertaining? Spending time with? Know that Jesus will supply whatever you need.

Background Noise?

 

© 2008 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I know many people who leave the TV on even though they aren't actively watching it. They like the company or the sound of "someone" in the house instead of feeling alone. And occasionally, something said on the TV catches their attention and they "tune in".

I like to listen to Christian music on the radio while driving. I'm not actively listening to it all the time either. But I do like the company! As well as paying attention to the road, my mind wanders and I'm thinking about other things. But when there are pauses in my thoughts, I do catch a phrase or a chorus that speaks to me. And it usually lifts my spirit or comforts me. Encourages me. You see, wherever you go, whatever you do - God's Word is playing in the background. As believers, as followers, it is in our hearts and minds. At any time, you can tune in and hear from God.

You are never alone. You do have a constant Companion.

"Someone" IS always with you.

God is always available. Tune in. A verse or a song will start playing in your head. Grab onto it. Believe it is sent by God to you.

And may your background noise become background blessings.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)

"Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.'" (1 Samuel 3:9)

What mom taught me about Jesus' miracles

 

I don't know how she stretched one dollar into ten. I don't know how she turned scraps of meat into a hearty meal. How she kept eight kids in clothes and shoes. Or how she found time to crochet wedding afghans and baby blankets beyond number. And something for every single grandchild under the Christmas tree. Making a way where there seems to be no way...

But I also see her on the ground planting petunias. Waltzing behind the ironing board to Ray Price. And pans of yeasty cinnamon rolls on Saturday mornings.

Despite any challenges, she also knew how to find joy in the life she was given.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied... (Matthew 14:18-20)

I want to be like my mom. Because she was so much like Jesus.

And the rain came down...

 

I don't need an achy joint to tell me it's about to rain. My cat, Max, lifts his head and listens - then goes under the rocking chair. It's one of those glider ones with the skirt around the bottom. A minute later, and you can hear the rain hitting the window. He finds safety and security there. He does this every time it rains, whether a gentle rain or a full-blown storm. Oh, that we would do likewise into the Lord's protective arms! Shouldn't the storms of life have us going to God?

Not even calm, soothing words from me change Max's mind. He KNOWS where his true comfort and safekeeping are found. So that's where he goes. And that's where he stays until the upsetting circumstance passes. And it does pass.

Thank You, Lord, for being the goodness we can go to for comfort and safekeeping.

Thank You, Lord, for being the goodness while it is storming.

Thank You, Lord, for the goodness of knowing You will be there for the next storm.

When the rain is coming and Max can sense it, he doesn't stand there frozen in fear and anxiety. There is no wailing, whining or crying out. He doesn't run here and there frantically seeking someplace that brings a sense of safekeeping. Every time, every time it rains, a little or a lot, he just lifts the rocker skirt with his nose and enters in. Enters into a place of peace and rest. It's just another storm in life approaching, so he goes where he knows he will be protected and find comfort. Until it passes.

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

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. (Psalm 27:5) The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. (Matthew 7:25)

Any size storm. Where do you go?

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. (Psalm 57:1)

Any size storm. Where do you stay?

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.

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) 

It's Greek to me... at first

 

Seems like I'm using so many knitting references lately. But we're in a pandemic, so I'm home knitting a lot. And as the old song says, " He speaks to me everywhere."

A first look at the pattern/chart shown here and you can agree how daunting it all looks. It's only in reading and re-reading, breaking it down, paying close attention, studying and attempting - that it becomes understandable. Doable.

Reading something once doesn't always impart full and complete knowledge or understanding. Some patterns are easier than others. Some patterns can be tricky but with some repetition, can be memorized. Some are even more complex and turning again and again to the printed instruction becomes a necessity (I thought I remembered... but I didn't!) . It also doesn't hurt to throw out a plea: "Please, don't make me rip this section out yet again and start over!"

There are often times when I don't understand a bible passage either. Not the first time around. It helps to break it down. It helps to read different translations*. It helps to look into study guides and commentaries*. And to talk to others you know who also read and are trying to glean something from the bible. And to pray for enlightenment!

But sticking with it promises amazing results:

Great satisfaction. Rewarding. Something that will last and certainly keep you comforted and warm when you feel cold.

Do you sometimes struggle with understanding the bible too? Don't give up. Taking the steps I mentioned made me a better knitter. A more adventurous knitter; excited to see what more I can learn, know and apply to future endeavors.

Are you ready for your next "a-ha", lightbulb moment? Become a "knitter" and start putting the time, parts, and pieces of a bible study together. 

I'm praying God will reveal more of Himself to you as you seek to know Him more. And expect some amazing results!

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better return than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. (Proverbs 3:13-18) 

And we know that the Son of God has made our understanding come alive so that we can know by experience the One Who is true. And we are in Him Who is true, God's Son, Jesus Christ - the true God and eternal life! (1 John 5:20)

*

biblegateway for other translations

biblegateway for the Matthew Henry commentary 

youtube - look up the bible project for great explanations 

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.