All in God's Word
As we stood at the sink washing Thanksgiving dishes, the family secret was revealed. My mom casually mentioned how sad she was when they “put Dudley down.” My hands stopped scrubbing as I turned to her in unbelief. More than 30 years ago, I had believed my parents’ story about our dear German Shepherd they would take to live “on a farm with lots of kids and dogs.”
Sleep is the most precious commodity to a new mother. She will do just about anything to ensure her baby rests for as long as possible. Note on the door? Check. White noise machine? Purchased. Whisper and tiptoe. Obviously.
My friend has an interesting testimony of how she became a believer in Jesus. No one in her family was a Christian. A man began coming to their home once a week and reading his Bible to the family. He did nothing more than read, but the power of God’s Word transformed every person in that family. One by one they came to believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
My friend came to me asking for help. Her son’s illness and resulting difficulty had continued for years. She prayed repeatedly for his healing, but his condition remained the same. She was looking for answers to her questions and words of encouragement.
God calls people in every generation to proclaim His truth. Noah preached righteousness. Moses proclaimed God’s laws. Paul carried the gospel to the Gentiles. Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, and Billy Graham have boldly proclaimed the truth of Jesus to recent generations.
God’s Word to us is to be read, studied, applied, obeyed, and prayed.
Isn’t it wonderful when life is chugging along without a crisis? These seasons are pleasant, but what happens for a believer when life falls apart, or someone tears us down, or seeks to harm us? Have you ever seen God do the most amazing things in the middle of a crisis? Did your faith grow?
I know looking at your small child going through those great big doors of school can be scary! Having them walk away from you as they face the journey ahead and not even look back can be challenging.
Can you hear the confidence in Micah’s voice? I hope…I wait…my God will hear me! I sometimes long to have more confidence in the Lord. It is easy to get caught up in the pity party of life and forget that we serve a God who never lets His people down. His truth reminds us, “that all things work for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
When I was approaching my teen years, I was able to attend modeling school at a local
department store. I was guided on how to sit properly, walk gracefully, and properly care
for my face and hair. The most exciting part of the training was that on the final day, we
would model down the runway in an outfit of our choice from the upcoming clothesline
of the season. I would proudly parade my beautiful dress while displaying all the
knowledge I had gained at modeling school.
“I am devoted to You”. Can you say these words to God? Are you devoted to God?
Truly devoted? Not just in the good times but also during the challenging times?
The other day I took my daughter to dance class and watched her through the glass window. She was leading a conversation with her classmates just before class started. As I watched her facial expressions, I could tell she was getting to a good part of the story when she began to smile and laugh. The reaction from the girls around her was priceless, as they all started belting out in laughter over this most interesting story.
The filing cabinet housed an extensive collection of Bible story pictures for teaching children. My fingers touched then gently, encouraging my childhood memories to slowly resurface. I could almost hear the words of my teachers who held them while telling those amazing stories.
How many of us would love to write a book? It would have a clever title and then right below it would appear our very own name. We could then identify ourselves as authors. How prestigious does that sound?
“There’s McDonalds! I just LOVE McDonalds! I see Chick Fil A! I just LOVE Chick Fil A! Whataburger! I LOVE Whataburger!”
Why is it hard to tell others the truth? We might be mocked and minimized. Maybe we don’t want to hurt others’ feelings. Maybe they will reject us. Maybe they will be angry. Maybe relationships will change.
Have you ever pulled out a Bible verse to use because it fits what you want it to say? Then later, as you studied that passage more in depth, you realized it didn’t fit at all?
Offers for ways to live an abundant life are everywhere. If you just have this or do that, you will be fulfilled. Really?
Is speaking God’s truth to strangers easier or harder than speaking to the people you know? If those you are with desire God’s truth, are you bolder in talking about it?
Downsizing required sorting multiple boxes of yellowed childhood treasures. The task felt daunting. One item, though, made the experience worth the effort—a folded piece of manila paper with a title scribed by a child. “Prays and Verses.”
