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

Peek-a-boo God

 Like many people, I have a prayer list next to my chair. And in the morning, I lift those folks up in prayer to an almighty God. I pray in confidence and trust that this almighty God is already fully engaged in each person's life. I pray, watching and waiting, to see what almighty God will reveal to us.

Songs, phrases, and circumstances can all trigger additional thoughts (and prayers!) about a person throughout the day. Another reminder to trust and believe in our Lord and Savior, Healer, Helper, Comforter, and Friend.

I do send a card once in a while, to let someone know they are remembered and prayed over. But not every time - can you imagine? There seems to be a constant flow of what many call a "popcorn" prayer - a one-sentence prayer that just pops up - with that person's life in mind. But no one ever really knows how many prayers are said over them because God called them to mind.

The same is true for God's involvement in our lives. There are times when we feel an answered prayer. But innumerable times when God blesses, protects, intervenes... without our realizing it. But we know, we can trust that God is forever faithful. There is a constant flow of His caring, loving attentiveness over each one of us. 

Whatever circumstance you find yourself in, know that God has called someone to pray.

Jesus, Himself intercedes.

I pray for them. (John 17:9)

God, Whom I serve... is my witness how constantly I remember you. (Romans 1:9)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (Romans 8:26)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Ephesians 6:18)

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. (Philippians 1:4)

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. (Colossians 1:9)

So watch. Wait. Trust. Believe. With a certain hope - what goodness God will reveal in His time.

If you need some notecards to let someone know you care, visit my card shop:

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

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.

At all times, in all places

 

When you are traveling, away from home, or even just at home during the summer break - your daily routine changes up. You may sleep in instead of doing your morning quiet time with God. Or fall into bed exhausted from a full day of vacation adventures, foregoing your usual nighttime prayer. But there are all kinds of new and different times and places to experience God. New surroundings. New rest periods that you didn’t have before. Something new can actually be… wonderful. It can be delicious to taste and see God from a new angle. But one thing is sure:

It is indeed right, It is our duty and our joy, At all times and in all places to give You thanks and praise, holy Father, heavenly King, almighty and eternal God, through Jesus Christ Your only Son our Lord. (Communion script)

Your prayers during this time may sound like a song. Your quiet time with God may be taking in the sights of beauty all around you. In thanks, adoration and praise.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

Just like I can’t forget about my gluten sensitivity while on vacation, I should not forget to be aware of God while away from my normal routine. Just as menus offer new and different choices from what I would normally fix at home, different surroundings can offer up some new eye opening blessings from God. Look. See. What is new and exciting to embrace - relish - from God in these summer days? There is always something, some God-gift blessing, waiting to be discovered whether you are home or away.

So enjoy your summer - to the fullest!

And keep enjoying time with God too!

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.

Good gifts!

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 I've been celebrating my birthday all week long. And with every single birthday wish I received, every text, call, message, and even real hold-in-your-hand card (my passion) - I took a moment to relish the goodness of my relationship with that person. Honestly, it's been one good gift on top of another!

Gift: something given willingly; freely. Gifts communicate how we feel about another person. A good gift builds the connection you have with someone. It also means the giver values the recipient.  With a good gift, the giver really knows you, right? They "get" you. Don't you just love finding that perfect gift? Aren't you just giddy with anticipation waiting to give that gift?

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father... (James 1:17) Every. Think about that for a moment... (pause here)

So, when I read that passage from Scripture, I can know that God loves me. I can know that God knows me, He "gets" me. And I can know that God is a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giddy with excitement, just like I would be with a perfect gift.

Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine... (Ephesians 3:20)

God loves to give. Abundantly. I hope you can see this in your own life.

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:11)

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.

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!

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)