A Weekly Walk in the Word

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!

Psalm 113:9 – He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.

In ancient Jewish society, being infertile and childless was the ultimate disgrace and tragedy for a woman. The Old Testament includes several stories of desperate women like Rachel who went from barren to motherhood. My story could be included with these women’s.

I was one of these desperate barren women. We struggled with infertility for 3 years. Every month hoping that this would be the one. Begging and pleading with God. The most difficult day of the year was mother’s day. I sat in the pew at church while other women, wearing handmade macaroni jewelry,  received flowers from their children.

There was nothing I wanted more than to be a mom. After years of praying, we were blessed with our first son who was married this past year. Then with a second son, and finally a daughter. They bring me such joy. I have been blessed beyond measure!

Today as we celebrate our mothers and the gift of being a mom, pray for those women struggling with infertility. Pray that God grant them peace, patience and the promise that He is with us always.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27: Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

How many of you watched the Kentucky Derby yesterday? I did! It was incredible to see the strength, muscle and determination of the horses, trainers and jockeys. They are racing with one goal in mind…. to make it to the winners circle where they will be draped in roses.  Always Dreaming accomplished his goal yesterday.

We are all running life’s race. Many around us are running the race of career, good works or religiosity, but few are running the race of faith. They are not running with aim or determination. Our race lasts longer than Always Dreaming’s 2 minutes 3.59 seconds. It lasts a lifetime.

Look at Jesus as you run your life’s race. When you’re looking at Jesus, you will not stumble or become discouraged or distracted. You will find the energy and example you need to run this race of faith. He will become your sole goal.

Revelation 3:20  Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Tomorrow is May 1st, and with it comes the tradition of hanging May baskets on the doors of those you love. I look forward to listening for the giggles of two special little people before they find the courage to hang their May Day basket and ring the doorbell as they dart into the back yard. I rush out the door behind them trying to catch them as I cover them in kisses. And so the tradition continues…..

Jesus celebrates May Day differently. Jesus STANDS at the door. Jesus does not run when the door is open for me to chase until I can catch him. No, instead Jesus comes in to eat and live with me all the days of my life!

Jesus STANDS with arms open waiting for you to open the door. Will you let Him in?

John 10:27-28  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

My oldest son raised and showed sheep when he was growing up. It was his passion. He spent many hours with his sheep. Every day he would sit with his sheep, feed his sheep just the right amounts of feed, exercise his sheep to develop muscle, and talk to his sheep to encourage them to be the best they could be on show day.

When the lambs were young, they ran away from my son. The first time on a walk with a halter, they resisted by falling to the ground, rolling their eyes in the back of their heads and making an awful noise. Through persistence and patience, those sheep came around and began to trust their shepherd.

By the end of the summer, when my son drove on the yard with his loud pickup, those sheep went running to the fence to see him.

Jesus is your shepherd. Do you resist his leading, or do you run to the fence anxious to spend time with him when you hear him approaching? Your shepherd wants only the best for you. Allow Him to guide you and protect you.