A Weekly Walk in the Word

John 2:1-10  On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine”.  “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”  His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”   Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”  They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.  He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

This was Jesus’ first miracle. And what a way to start…

I had the privilege of bar tending (OK, I poured glasses of wine) at a friend’s son’s wedding last weekend. I love weddings! The couple glowed with their love for each other. They were very organized with several cases of wine and a delicious meal for their guests. We didn’t run out of either. It was a magical evening with many helping to make the evening run smoothly.

Jesus began his ministry serving others in love. He understood the importance of celebrating love. His focus has never changed. It remains the same today. He loves you!

Acts 20:35  In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.

This week was my husbands birthday. I began planning to make his special day, well, special. I chose his favorite cake (chocolate) and a new recommended restaurant for dinner. But what gift do I buy for a man who has given me so much. Nothing seemed worthy of giving to the one who means the world to me. Everything seemed to fall short in comparison to the love we share.

Giving to God feels much the same to me. What do I have that is worthy of giving to Him who has provided me with all of my needs and a crazy amount of my wants too? I give Him my heart, my life, my time. I try to give back to others so that He may be seen. I heard at an early age that you can never out give God. It is so true!

I decided to give my husband a small gift to represent outings we are going to take together throughout this upcoming year. We enjoy spending time together exploring new places. The trips don’t need to be big or extravagant. As long as we are together, we are happy and content.

What is the best gift you have ever received? What is the best gift you have ever given?

Matthew 9:36  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Have you ever felt bullied and alone? I know I have experienced these feelings before….

Then Jesus, the good shepherd comes beside me to stand between me and the enemy. I am safe!

What are you afraid of? Jesus has had compassion on the people for over 2000 years. Give your fears to the shepherd. He will protect you.

When we focus our eyes on the shepherd, all of the ugliness of the world fade away.

Jeremiah 50:2  Announce and proclaim among the nations, lift up a banner and proclaim it; keep nothing back.

Happy Birthday America

Are you proud to be an American, where you live in one nation under God? It has been a tough few years, filled with division and deceit. God has been removed from buildings, meetings and schools. The only way for America to become great again is for our country to come together again as one nation ruled under God, not man. (enough of my political rant)

Enjoy America’s birthday by taking in all the festivities and fireworks….  But, also remember to pray for our leaders and those serving our country. Proudly lift up the American banner!

Isaiah 33:6  He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

I went junkin’ in Walnut, Iowa last weekend. The streets of the town were lined with vendors selling their wares.  Pickers filled the booths looking for that must have, undiscovered treasure to complete their collection.

It feels like everyone is searching for the next great thing. We live in a do more, have more, fast pace world. We don’t slow down enough to enjoy the things we have. Instead we spend our time and money moving from one indulgence to the next.  Always searching…..

My friend, if you are searching for that must have, undiscovered treasure to complete your life…..  look no further than Jesus. He is the only treasure you need!

Luke 11:11-13  “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 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 the Holy spirit to those who ask him!”

This picture is the background on my husband’s cell phone.

My husband and I have three incredible and fortunate children. They are fortunate because they have been blessed with one of the most amazing fathers! He goes above and beyond and would do anything for his children. Through their dad’s unselfish examples, they have seen God’s unconditional love.

Their dad would give them the world. But, their Father in heaven will give them even more. His desire is to give his children eternal life….. a love that will last throughout eternity.

Take time this Father’s Day to thank your father for the sacrifices he has made, the examples he has set and the love you share!

Matthew 10:29-31  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of you Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

You are valuable. Don’t ever let anyone tell you anything different….

I have recently taken up the hobby of birding. A gentleman from the Bluebird Recovery Program of Minnesota came and installed 2 bluebird houses in our backyard and gave me literature on the best way to attract bluebirds to our yard. In the literature I received was a list of undesirable birds to nest in the newly built houses. The House Sparrow is on that list, yet God knows when one of these “undesirable birds” falls to the ground. How much more will God care for you, his child?!

You are loved. You are important. God, your Father is watching over you!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Congratulations to all of this years graduates! You have reached an important milestone in your life. You did it! All of the late hours and studying paid off…..

So now what? Where do you go from here?

Some will continue on their path to higher education. Some will enter the work force. Some may take a little time off to consider their options.

No matter which road you choose, remember that God is on that road with you. He is walking right beside you. Talk to Him. Tell Him all your fears, anxieties and joys. He will guide you on the road to where you need to be.

2 Timothy 2:1-4  You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer.

To all who have served and those who are serving today – thank you!

Thank you to my dad and father-in-law who served over 50 years ago. Thank you to my brother-in-law who retired on Friday after serving 30 years. Thank you to my nephew who graduated from basic training earlier this month.

Thank you for your sacrifice and commitment to keeping our country safe.

You are my hero!

Proverbs 16:9  The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.

Our daughter flew home from college last week to spend a couple of nights in her bed before we packed her car with only the essentials and drove her to Texas for a summer internship.

A friend once told me “Those who do not travel, have only read the first page of their book”.

Travel is very different today than in Jesus’ days. We jump on a plane and travel around the world in a day. We hop in the car to drive 16 hours to Texas for an internship. Arriving at our destination takes less time, but it still requires commitment.

When you travel to another destination you always leave something behind. But, what will you gain by moving forward while blazing new paths?

Be open to where the Lord is leading you. Do not be afraid to travel, for the LORD establishes your steps!