A Weekly Walk in the Word

John 15:1  “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”

Oh, how I love springtime when everything comes to life again! I was able to spend a few hours in my yard this past week digging in the dirt.  There is nothing like the smell of dirt, and it is hard to explain the calming, soothing effect gardening has on me.

My gardens flourish when I spend the prep time in the spring as well as daily tending to the flower beds. It is the summers that I become sidetracked and leave the gardens to themselves for weeks on end that they become unmanageable. Isn’t it crazy how fast those weeds pop up to overtake the beautiful blooms?

My faith life is very much the same. When I spend time connected to the true vine, being pruned by the gardener, I have the strength to conquer any obstacle. But, those weeks when I venture out on my own, the weeds pop up and I struggle to breathe.

Only through the gardener’s pruning can we bloom into someone beautiful!

How will you spend your springtime?

Acts 10:1-2&9  At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. (9)About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.

Prayer! My word for 2017.

Prayer! Both men – Cornelius and Paul, a Jew and a Gentile – knew the importance of time spent in daily prayer. Not only did they take time out of their day to talk to the Lord, but they took time to listen and obey when Jesus talked to them.

This week I had the privilege to visit a home and safe haven for women in rural Minnesota, Whispers of Hope. It is truly a special place where you can not only feel, but see the hand of God at work. When the women who built this special  home began their work they were excited to begin, they were told to wait. PRAY for a year before starting going forward. Wow, a year is a long time when  you are excited about a project.  But they were faithful with their prayer and commitment. Today they help so many women as well as the blessing they have been to the volunteers who used their gifts to make the dream of Whispers of Hope a reality.  whispersofhopemn.org

Have you ever heard Jesus during your prayer time with Him? Slow down to listen as part of your quiet time today…. and then obey!

John 4:44   Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.

Jesus did not feel welcome as he traveled the dusty path’s to share salvation with the world. You may experience the same feelings. It seems that every direction I turn these days I am met with division and arguing and protest. Not only on the news, but in my daily life. It seems life is spinning out of control….

But then, Jesus quietly whispers “I have been there. I have walked the same paths. I have dealt with conflict in the past. Come to me. Let me be God.”

When you are feeling uneasy, find comfort in Jesus and knowing that you are safe in God’s Country!

Proverbs 27:17  As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

I thank God for the people who have walked through my life. My family and friends, my coworkers and  classmates, my pastors and Sunday school teachers. They have all made their mark on me.

We are not made to live this life alone, but in community with one another. We learn from each other and lean on each other when times get tough. During those times, sparks may fly, even between friends. God is using those sparks to shape us into the person we are meant to be.

Thank God for the sparks as you forge through life. You are being sharpened!

Isaiah 52:7  How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation , who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

No wonder Jesus wore sandals….. He had the most beautiful feet!

It is that time of year, to take off the boots and wool socks. Uncover your beautiful feet. Treat yourself to a spiritual pedicure so that your feet are ready to move down a path to share good news, proclaim peace, bring good tidings and proclaim salvation. Those will be some busy and productive feet!

Ecclesiastes 3:20  All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.

DUST – worthless particles of matter into which something disintegrates.

On Ash Wednesday, I was reminded once again that we are made from dust, and when we die, we become dust again…..

God took worthless matter and created me and you and all of his children. There is nothing our God can not do. His miracles are unfathomable. During this season of Lent, between Ash Wednesday and Easter, Jesus is on his journey to the cross. His body will return to dust in just six short weeks. Through Jesus’ dust, God’s greatest miracle is seen!

During this season of Lent, how will you draw near to Jesus as he journeys to the cross? How will you incorporate the disciplines of Lent – repentance, fasting, prayer and works of love – into your life? Whatever you choose, choose to take the 40 day journey with Jesus.

Luke 10:27 – 29  He answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and Love your neighbor as yourself.”  “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But, he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Who is your neighbor?

Is she the person living next door to you? Is he the person living in your town? Are they the people in your church, work or school?

Yes, they are. But, they are so much more….

My neighbor is the lady moving into town who knows no one. My neighbor is the boy in the classroom being bullied. My neighbor is the elderly man in the nursing home unable to make decisions for himself. My neighbor is the woman with darker skin than mine struggling to make ends meet.

Celebrate your neighbor! How can you show love to your neighbor this week?

Isaiah 6:3  And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

My husband and I took a road trip this weekend. It was a great opportunity for the two of us to reconnect. We didn’t go far, but I was amazed at the beauty we discover down every new road.

We drove up and down 2 lane roads along the Mississippi River. We saw cattle grazing in pastures and eagles soaring above the cliffs. The small towns we drove through were full of bustling citizens. It has been an incredible weekend!

Around every corner was another beauty to behold. The whole earth is full of God’s glory!

What is the best road trip you have taken? Where in the world do you see God’s glory?

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

It is Valentines Day this week. Are you hoping to open your mailbox to receive  love letters from someone special this year? If you do, great! If you do not, that is OK too. Because, the greatest love letter ever written is right in front of you waiting to be read…..

Did you realize that the word “love” appears in the NIV Bible 551 times! God longs for an intimate relationship with you. A relationship that will last forever and will satisfy your deepest needs. Allow yourself to fall into God’s loving embrace. Take time this Valentines Day to read a portion of God’s love letter to you – his someone special.

Happy Love Day

Ephesians 2:10 – For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.

What makes your heart dance? God created you specially. Each one of us has been given unique talents. My children grew up spending hours with their livestock, while other children spend hours on a sports field. I enjoy writing while others become frustrated by the process. Some can sing like angels, while I can not carry a tune to save my life.

We all know our strengths and the areas we devote our time. The key to a meaningful life is where  God’s will for the world and our passion meet. So, how can you use the skill you enjoy to help others? You will find great joy in that place!