A Weekly Walk in the Word

Psalm 119:130  The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 

Walking into a lighting store to choose an exterior light to update our home, is no easy task. The options were a little overwhelming! We wandered aimlessly, looking upward with our mouths open, until a sales person came to lend some assistance. She directed us to the exterior section, where she left us to evaluate our options. By the time she circled around to check on us, we had our choices narrowed down, but had several questions. Now that she was a little clearer on our desires, she took us to the counter where she paged through a thick lighting catalog. She helped us to design a custom light, with all the right elements to be perfect for our home and taste.

When we walk into a church, it too can be a little overwhelming. But, keep moving forward. God has placed people in your life that will direct you to where you need to go. They will help you as you navigate through God’s word, and that is where you will find the light! Take time to unfold God’s word this week.

Psalms 5:3  In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

For the past two years, I have been in the routine of waking early in the morning to dig into God’s word and write……  two of my favorite things! Earlier this summer, I made it through Revelation 22 and finished the rough draft of my second book. As a “reward” for completing this phase of the book, I decided to sleep in every morning.

Big mistake! BIG mistake! (as Julia Roberts would say in Pretty Women) I fell into a funk. The pleasures of summer, and life had disappeared. I desperately needed to get back into the Word. So, this week I set my alarm clock to the earlier hour. I woke up and started reading the Psalms. Tears filled my eyes on the second day as I read Psalms 5:3.

How do you stay connected to Jesus? What time of the day works best for you? If you are interested in a guide to help you read through the New Testament, let me know. I would love to share my book Walking in the Word, A Daily Journey Through the New Testament with you.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12  Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

My daughter was home earlier this month for a family wedding. When she was here, she asked if I could teach her needlework. It warmed my heart for her to ask for my instruction. So, I found a pattern, thread and needles to spend a sweltering summer afternoon indoors creating bunny needle holders. I taught my daughter the running, stem and blanket stitches along with securing a snap and button.

God smiles when he sees his children working with their hands. God is the original creator, and it warms his heart to see his children interested in doing the same. Draw close to God to listen for his creative teachings. You have so many opportunities to be work with your hands.

The best part of stitching our bunny needle holders was the time we spent together! Learning, talking and laughing. My challenge to you this week is to learn a new craft, or dust off an old one. What could you create with your hands?

Psalm 119:9-10  How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Did you all watch the World Cup last Sunday? We hosted a little “Cup” party at our house, which included family, friends, berets, brunch and of course…. cheering. GOAL!! Every time the persistent striker was able to get the ball past the goalie. It didn’t matter if it was France or Croatia, I was in awe as we watched the footwork and teamwork of the players throughout the tournament. These athletes are talented, athletic individuals. But, they don’t just run onto the field without years of training and preparation.

This week on my way to work, I saw a teenage boy practicing his soccer techniques. He was on a municipal soccer field by himself at 7:00 a.m., in the rain, running through footwork drills. That is dedication! He may never be a famous soccer player in the World Cup, but he is learning the discipline of working toward a goal.

How much time are you investing in your goal? As a brother or sister in Christ, you are called to ministry. Maybe your call doesn’t include speaking from a stage, or writing a book or weekly blog, but you have been called by your Father. I pray that you are dedicated to reach the individual goal he has especially for you!

Psalms 84:3  Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young – a place near your alter, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.

Last weekend, we traveled home to Wisconsin for a family wedding. Wisconsin is beautiful, and where my husband and I grew up, so we call Wisconsin home. But, truth be told, I am not home until I am in the company of my parents and sisters and cousins. When I am with my family, I am home!

This weekend, our three children traveled home to Minnesota to celebrate their dad’s birthday. Our kids grew up in Wisconsin and Iowa. But, truth be told, they were at home this weekend, because they were in the company of their parents and each other!

Times have changed. Families don’t live just down the street anymore. They are spread out throughout the country and even the world. If you find yourself feeling alone and distant from family. I encourage you expand your family to find a strong church family. You are not alone. God your father is with you always and everywhere you travel.

God bless you, your families and your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Matthew 13:31-32  He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.” 

As you plant the seed of faith in the lives of others, it will be watered by the Holy Spirit and harvested by God.

One of my favorite quotes is from Tom Ziglar. “God doesn’t call us to be successful; He calls us to be significant.” And the best way to be significant is to sow the seeds of faith through sharing the story of Jesus and his love.

Plant the seed of faith today and watch it grow in your life and the lives you touch!

Romans 8:19-21  The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

I found an opened robin’s egg in our yard this week. If you look closely, you can see where the newly hatched robin began pecking its way out of its protective shell. The shell is so fragile, yet it provides everything needed for the bird to survive until it is developed enough to survive on its own. At just the right time, that baby robin is freed from its shell to become a nestling. In just a few short weeks the young robin is ready to fledge (or begin to fly). Although some people think a fledgling is a fully trained flier, this is not the case. Fledglings are merely old enough to attempt flight; it usually takes them a bit of a practice period to become proficient. During this time, fledgling birds will leave the nest but mostly stay within view of their nearby parents.

You were a fledgling at one point in your life. Leaving the nest for only short periods of time until you were strong enough to fly longer distances to find food and shelter.

Under God’s close supervision, you have matured and been given the freedom to fly. As an adult Christian, you are encouraged to take a fledgling under your wing to help them grow.

May you continue to soar to new heights in your faith.

Philippians 4:4-7  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.

How do you rejoice when your world is falling apart? When you receive one piece of bad news after another?

I have had one of those weeks….  God’s ways are not the ways of this world. When I want to scream, God tells me not to worry, and remain calm. WHAT?!  This is so much easier to say than to live. So, I will move forward with gentleness as I draw near to God in prayer. Because I am not strong enough to carry the weight of the world, but God is!

This week and always, may God grant you peace which transcends all understanding as we rejoice in His love for us.

Ephesians 6:1-4  Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor our father and mother” -which is the first commandment with a promise- “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. You all have an incredibly important job. Thank you for all you do for your families and for God’s family.

At one of my first jobs, a coworker’s oven had quit working. She asked me who I would call for repair work. I remember thinking that was the silliest question ever. Of course I would call my dad. He can fix anything. Doesn’t everyone call their dad when things go wrong?

I have been blessed with the most amazing dad. Not only is he handy, but there is nothing he wouldn’t do for me or my three sisters. He has always been there for me.

I have also been blessed with the most amazing heavenly father. He is there for me when things go wrong, and cheering me on when things go right. He will never leave me.

Take time today to thank your dad and your heavenly father for all the love and support they give you.

Happy Father’s Day Dad – you truly are the best!

John 21:5-11 Jesus called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. then the disciples who Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.

The men in the boat listened to Jesus. Not only did they listen to Jesus, they acted on what Jesus instructed them to do. As crazy as it was, they dropped their nets to the other side of the boat. Their small act of obedience landed them a net overflowing with fish.

In her book The Magnolia Story Joanna Gaines heard God say, “If you trust me with your dreams, I will take them further than you could have ever imagined.”

What is God asking of you? There is no need to fear. When you step out in obedience, God will provide more than you could have ever imagined.